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The Beaumonts #1
Exit, Pursued by a Baron
She will break his heart even at the cost of her own.Lydia Alcott left London beneath a cloud of shame and ignominy five years ago, when her affair with Marcus Beaumont, Baron Newhaven, came to a disastrous end. Now she has built a successful career as an actress, but her return to London places her once more within Marcus’ notice—and the reach of his wrath.Marcus ordered Lydia away from London when the revelation of her infidelity left him devastated and heartbroken, warning her that to return would be to invite her own destruction. Now, seeing her upon the stage, the desire for revenge consumes him—he will hold her heart in the palm of his hand and crush it as she once did his own.But Lydia has resentments of her own to satisfy. Unjustly accused of infidelity, she now intends to bring Marcus to his knees in truth. Thus begins a dangerous game of retribution and seduction neither intends to lose. But when old passions surface once more, each must make the choice whether to surrender their antipathy. She will never again be his mistress, and he will not make her his wife…unless the truth, long buried, can set them free from the past.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
November 18, 2023
4.5 stars. This was SO good. Not surprising since this author never really disappoints.
I loved that both MCs were celibate during the 5 year separation. It made them saying “I’ve always loved you” so much more potent. They didn’t just leave each other behind and move on with others. Maybe this reads less real-life realistic to some, but imo it’s much more romantic.
I also really loved that the hero had to grovel for about 30% of the book!!!!! There were times when I felt like the groveling was almost too much - he was really beat down in an effort to make up for his mistakes. But I won’t complain, because it’s just soooo rare to find a truly good grovel. This book def pulled all the feelings out me, and I was a sobbing and emotional mess a few times while reading.
Safe
Second chance romance
Both celibate
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
I loved that both MCs were celibate during the 5 year separation. It made them saying “I’ve always loved you” so much more potent. They didn’t just leave each other behind and move on with others. Maybe this reads less real-life realistic to some, but imo it’s much more romantic.
I also really loved that the hero had to grovel for about 30% of the book!!!!! There were times when I felt like the groveling was almost too much - he was really beat down in an effort to make up for his mistakes. But I won’t complain, because it’s just soooo rare to find a truly good grovel. This book def pulled all the feelings out me, and I was a sobbing and emotional mess a few times while reading.
Safe
Second chance romance
Both celibate
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
This is okay. I already knew there would be a grovel from the hero, so I hoped for a good one, and I was surprised that I enjoyed how he did it. It was satisfying to see him do everything to make up for his mistake, and I ate up every minute of it. 🤭
While I did enjoy that part, I can't help but feel that the MCs are either hurting, angry, remorseful, or skeptical most of the time. I think there's only a handful of times for the sweet moments, and to be honest, I kind of wish there were more.
I didn't expect the hero to start his grovel in the second half of the story. I thought he would realize his mistake sooner, like in the first half. Idk, but I would've loved this even more if he started his grovel early on, to see the heroine give him another chance, and to finally see them happy together, not just in the last two chapters of the book.
A huge part of the story was about them being hurt by what happened five years ago, and in this book, there's no flashback of how they got together in the first place. Now, in the present, I hoped for more tender moments and to see them happy and in love without the past holding them back. 🤷♀️ But I only got so little of that and it didn't satisfy me at all. 🫣
Anyway, I still enjoyed it, but it could've been better, imo, if the focus were more on the rekindling of their romance and seeing them as a loving couple than reminiscing too much about their broken past and pain it caused. 🙃
Book info:
- Second chance (5 yrs)
- Historical romance
- Accusation of infidelity
- Grovel
- Class difference
- No cheating, OPD
- Both celibate during separation
- HEA (married and pregnant)
While I did enjoy that part, I can't help but feel that the MCs are either hurting, angry, remorseful, or skeptical most of the time. I think there's only a handful of times for the sweet moments, and to be honest, I kind of wish there were more.
I didn't expect the hero to start his grovel in the second half of the story. I thought he would realize his mistake sooner, like in the first half. Idk, but I would've loved this even more if he started his grovel early on, to see the heroine give him another chance, and to finally see them happy together, not just in the last two chapters of the book.
A huge part of the story was about them being hurt by what happened five years ago, and in this book, there's no flashback of how they got together in the first place. Now, in the present, I hoped for more tender moments and to see them happy and in love without the past holding them back. 🤷♀️ But I only got so little of that and it didn't satisfy me at all. 🫣
Anyway, I still enjoyed it, but it could've been better, imo, if the focus were more on the rekindling of their romance and seeing them as a loving couple than reminiscing too much about their broken past and pain it caused. 🙃
Book info:
- Second chance (5 yrs)
- Historical romance
- Accusation of infidelity
- Grovel
- Class difference
- No cheating, OPD
- Both celibate during separation
- HEA (married and pregnant)
October 22, 2024
Spoilers ahead
“All I want—all I have ever wanted—is you.” #swoon
Five years previously Marcus and Lydia were in love and happy. Though a baron and a former seamstress were not a societal match, Marcus fully intended Lydia to be his wife.....until he came home and found a lover waiting for her. Enraged Marcus cast Lydia out with the barest of her things and left London betrayed and engulfed in scandal as the scene was witnessed.
Present day is five years later
Lydia is now an actress with a touring company that's made a stop in London...the place Marcus warned her never to return too. Marcus is back and learning that Lydia had the gall to return gives him the opportunity to ruin her for her betrayal.
********
Whew this was damn good! I haven't read a historical in ages but this was exactly what I needed.
Lydia was the type of heroine I rarely get in Romances, fierce and strong even in her hurt, even with a touch of BBS she took Marcus on her terms.
When the truth is finally revealed Marcus had to WORK for her forgiveness.....and boy did he!
This was so well written I felt every emotion of the MCs
I'd love to read a book about Marcus' sister but all for now I'm very well pleased with this one
Second chance
No cheating
H/h were previously involved and have been broken up for 5 years
Both celibate during the separation
Thoughts while reading
“How very like a man to make a woman his mistress and then to hold her in contempt for it. I am what you made me.”
He already thought her faithless; there was no reason she ought not throw mercenary into the mix and let him think what he will, provided she benefitted from it.
“You are prideful,” he said slowly. “I thought surely you would snap at me again.”
“There is pride, and then there is stupidity.”
This is the attitude I hope for when a down on her luck h is taken by the rich man!! Not the constant refusal of help but the willingness to take him for everything you can!!!!
Lydia Lydia Lydia I love you I swear
Go Lydia!!!!!!!!!!!!
#currentlyreading
“All I want—all I have ever wanted—is you.” #swoon
Five years previously Marcus and Lydia were in love and happy. Though a baron and a former seamstress were not a societal match, Marcus fully intended Lydia to be his wife.....until he came home and found a lover waiting for her. Enraged Marcus cast Lydia out with the barest of her things and left London betrayed and engulfed in scandal as the scene was witnessed.
Present day is five years later
Lydia is now an actress with a touring company that's made a stop in London...the place Marcus warned her never to return too. Marcus is back and learning that Lydia had the gall to return gives him the opportunity to ruin her for her betrayal.
********
Whew this was damn good! I haven't read a historical in ages but this was exactly what I needed.
Lydia was the type of heroine I rarely get in Romances, fierce and strong even in her hurt, even with a touch of BBS she took Marcus on her terms.
When the truth is finally revealed Marcus had to WORK for her forgiveness.....and boy did he!
This was so well written I felt every emotion of the MCs
I'd love to read a book about Marcus' sister but all for now I'm very well pleased with this one
Second chance
No cheating
H/h were previously involved and have been broken up for 5 years
Both celibate during the separation
Thoughts while reading
“How very like a man to make a woman his mistress and then to hold her in contempt for it. I am what you made me.”
He already thought her faithless; there was no reason she ought not throw mercenary into the mix and let him think what he will, provided she benefitted from it.
“You are prideful,” he said slowly. “I thought surely you would snap at me again.”
“There is pride, and then there is stupidity.”
This is the attitude I hope for when a down on her luck h is taken by the rich man!! Not the constant refusal of help but the willingness to take him for everything you can!!!!
Lydia Lydia Lydia I love you I swear
Go Lydia!!!!!!!!!!!!
#currentlyreading
September 7, 2025
Four stars, what a relief. I've been on a negatron roll so this was a nice change of pace.
Regency with your typical, entitled jackass that is head over heels for the heroine, but is an idiot for believing evidence of a betrayal. I'll admit, the evidence was strong but still. He ruthlessly kicks her out of his house and she is utterly destitute. The author via the H's sister helps the H understand what damage he has done to the heroine. The fact that she is still alive or not trapped in a brothel is a miracle. Heroine is resourceful as she becomes an actress which in Regency England is not much different than being a prostitute.
The H had warned her never darken this town again. She does, and leads the broody jerk a merry path to redemption. He has all the cruelty and cluelessness of a Harlequin HP Greek tycoon, but in this case it's very clear he adores the heroine. The h, not so much. She's a pretty tough nut, thank goodness, and makes him work, literally work, for his redemption.
Happy to say that the villain gets a beatdown AND a shaming.
The author did an excellent job of showing how limited a woman's life was in the time period. Everything you had from possessions to any little freedom was a gift from the man in your life whether it was a father or a husband.
Regency with your typical, entitled jackass that is head over heels for the heroine, but is an idiot for believing evidence of a betrayal. I'll admit, the evidence was strong but still. He ruthlessly kicks her out of his house and she is utterly destitute. The author via the H's sister helps the H understand what damage he has done to the heroine. The fact that she is still alive or not trapped in a brothel is a miracle. Heroine is resourceful as she becomes an actress which in Regency England is not much different than being a prostitute.
The H had warned her never darken this town again. She does, and leads the broody jerk a merry path to redemption. He has all the cruelty and cluelessness of a Harlequin HP Greek tycoon, but in this case it's very clear he adores the heroine. The h, not so much. She's a pretty tough nut, thank goodness, and makes him work, literally work, for his redemption.
Happy to say that the villain gets a beatdown AND a shaming.
The author did an excellent job of showing how limited a woman's life was in the time period. Everything you had from possessions to any little freedom was a gift from the man in your life whether it was a father or a husband.
November 6, 2023
4.3 stars
With this newest offering, I find that Aydra Richards is the opposite of good wine: she gets better and better with each newest creation. Her prose in this one was fabulous to read, full of wit, charm, and words with deep, searing meaning. And while I have always been in admiration with the complexity of Shakespeare's genius plots, I am not buff enough to know all his works, namely the a propos The Winter's Tale. I did puzzle out the book title, until AR explained it (and yes, more woe for me for definitely not being a Shakespeare buff enough!), and I then cried at her genius in subverting so successfully the themes of that classical tragicomedy to fit her own plot to such a perfect T!!! And on top of that, having the pen to exactly bind smoothly together the classic play with her own story! Yet again, if it was needed, a sign of AR's great intelligence in building such an original HR plot! Additionally, all her research she always invests in before she sets out writing her books really shined in this book. While I have no particular affinity with the theatre world, AR convincingly wrote it and totally drew me into it. She really deserves all the praise for bringing such refreshing outlooks to the genre!!
The plot was very rich in feelings and emotions. AR did not shy in this one to explore all the dire consequences and heartbreak left over from the "betrayal" that tore apart the characters years ago. It was torturous angst to witness the fall out of what and who they had become and just as much uplifting to see them rebuild their way back to each other. There is much to be admired in the way AR aptly infused appreciable sense (though modernish but I don't care for the anachronicity!) into the mindset to her H, Marcus - I loved how I loved the grovel in this book. Half the book was devoted to it! And Marcus suffered physically and emotionally throughout it, and he was man enough to withstand her lashing out against him will all her might. He even ugly teared up, many times 😍!! In a successful grovel imho, I always need sincere actions, lots of it, but I also need the words, honest words that detail out each and every sin suffered and that acknowledge both the hurt inflicted and the regrets felt by the betrayer. And I had it in spades in this book 🥰!!! Thank you AR ❤! And I loved how AR, by her own admission in her author's note, sought to avenge the injustice she noted from the original play by making her characters get amply the healing and redemption they needed.
Where could the plot have been really perfect? For a grovel to work, it has to match the intensity of the sins that was conducive to it. The sins of Marcus in this book were great fodder for the grovel that unraveled. His foolish lack of trust in Lydia, the utterly too easy way he fell into his father's trap, held big time angst that was well translated by who Lydia had been hardened into. However, I regret that we were not made to feel in real time the actual betrayal. In the fashion of so many other books nowadays, the original betrayal was recounted disjointedly over many chapters so that it lost some of its momentum for angst unfortunately. It was all well done and powerful, and it did wrench some tears from me, but I feel it could have been really epic if instead we had been privy to the live, chronological version of the drama. The initial betrayal reminded me a lot of the scene that happened in Heartless - that scene really packed a punch because we got to see live the moment of the betrayal, the devastation that the h had to go through, the shock and regrets of the H when the truth came out and of course, how he scurried to make amends to the broken h. If Exit, Pursued by a Baron had chosen to take the same path, Mamma Mia! that would have been an epic level read!!
For AR's defense, she also offered a second betrayal, this time in real time, however while still backed by powerful, excellent prose, it was somehow too short and too obscure in heavy wordings to really pack a huge emotional punch in the stomach. It was an intellectual angst, well done, but it could have been so much more. Nevertheless, the angst still felt very real and deep and the grovel was definitely gold. I am confident that AR will be upping her game in her next novels in that quarter!
I am so glad that AR mentioned that Diana and Rafe (Marcus' siblings) would have their own books. I can't wait!
P.S. Trivial things but I will mention them for the record: AR still has some issues with the value of money in the time period and also the American English in the prose!!! Nothing to really detract from the romance though 😅😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2023
My second book by this author, who continues to impress me with the quality of her prose: it’s effortlessly elegant, smooth, and expressive. She writes emotion so well this reader can’t help but get caught up in it. Unfortunately once the book is put down and thinking cells kick into gear, it becomes clear that all that beautiful prose is supporting a house of cards.
The basic premise is a rehash of The Marquess Wins a Wife, my first book by this author. Man acts horrendously badly toward a woman, for the thinnest of reasons, and spends rest of book groveling and being punished. About those reasons:
On top of all that, the author has a horrible habit of having a character say something, then explaining all the psychological nuances associated with what the character just said, like each character’s brain comes equipped with a therapist.
If anyone reading this review can recommend a book by this author which doesn’t feature a man destroying a woman then groveling his way back into her good graces while she punishes him, I’m willing to try it. Otherwise, I’m out.
The basic premise is a rehash of The Marquess Wins a Wife, my first book by this author. Man acts horrendously badly toward a woman, for the thinnest of reasons, and spends rest of book groveling and being punished. About those reasons:
On top of all that, the author has a horrible habit of having a character say something, then explaining all the psychological nuances associated with what the character just said, like each character’s brain comes equipped with a therapist.
If anyone reading this review can recommend a book by this author which doesn’t feature a man destroying a woman then groveling his way back into her good graces while she punishes him, I’m willing to try it. Otherwise, I’m out.
January 6, 2024
I loved this book. Loved. It. I knew there would be a good grovel because it's by Aydra Richards, but I was blown away by how much I loved both main characters and the intensity of their emotions.
Lydia is an actress in a struggling company that has a three-week engagement in London, putting on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Marcus is a baron who, five years previous, had loved Lydia and wanted to marry her, until he became convinced of her infidelity and cruelly cast her out, warning her never to return to London. The Winter's Tale is centered around a king who falsely accuses his wife of infidelity, so we've got a whole "The play's the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" situation goin' on.
Marcus attends the play because... look, I'm gonna just say it: dude is effin' obsessed. Like, more obsessed than an alpha werewolf who just smelled his fated mate. More obsessed than a giant blue alien whose khui just started rumbling like a muscle car in his chest. More obsessed than a mafia don who just spotted his mortal enemy's beautiful sister. This baron is Ob. Sessed. He hates her. Hates her so much that he thinks about her all the time. Hates her so much that he's spent five years celibate, unable to even think of another woman. Hates her so much he frets about her safety constantly. Hates her so much he needs to ensure she's not engaging in sex work (a very common at the time method for actresses to supplement their income), even though multiple people on multiple occasions point out that she lives far too frugally for that to be the case.
Lydia has spent five years with the theater company, sending small amounts of her pay to her family who she hasn't seen since. It's only through luck that Lydia met Giles, the owner of the theater company, not long after being cast out. If she hadn't, her life might have been far more rough and tragic. Her love for Marcus has become crusted over with an infected boil of hatred, fear, and righteous fury. It definitely takes more than a simple "I'm sorry" to lance her festering wound.
The grovel is top shelf. Words, actions, confronting baked-in toxic masculinity and the privilege granted by his wealth, his position in society, and his gender, Marcus goes through it. Their HEA is earned.
I just loved it a lot, guys.
Lydia is an actress in a struggling company that has a three-week engagement in London, putting on Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale. Marcus is a baron who, five years previous, had loved Lydia and wanted to marry her, until he became convinced of her infidelity and cruelly cast her out, warning her never to return to London. The Winter's Tale is centered around a king who falsely accuses his wife of infidelity, so we've got a whole "The play's the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king" situation goin' on.
Marcus attends the play because... look, I'm gonna just say it: dude is effin' obsessed. Like, more obsessed than an alpha werewolf who just smelled his fated mate. More obsessed than a giant blue alien whose khui just started rumbling like a muscle car in his chest. More obsessed than a mafia don who just spotted his mortal enemy's beautiful sister. This baron is Ob. Sessed. He hates her. Hates her so much that he thinks about her all the time. Hates her so much that he's spent five years celibate, unable to even think of another woman. Hates her so much he frets about her safety constantly. Hates her so much he needs to ensure she's not engaging in sex work (a very common at the time method for actresses to supplement their income), even though multiple people on multiple occasions point out that she lives far too frugally for that to be the case.
Lydia has spent five years with the theater company, sending small amounts of her pay to her family who she hasn't seen since. It's only through luck that Lydia met Giles, the owner of the theater company, not long after being cast out. If she hadn't, her life might have been far more rough and tragic. Her love for Marcus has become crusted over with an infected boil of hatred, fear, and righteous fury. It definitely takes more than a simple "I'm sorry" to lance her festering wound.
The grovel is top shelf. Words, actions, confronting baked-in toxic masculinity and the privilege granted by his wealth, his position in society, and his gender, Marcus goes through it. Their HEA is earned.
I just loved it a lot, guys.
November 17, 2023
I was not a fan of this book. I felt like the two main characters were Giles and the play rather than Marcus and Lydia. If I wanted to read about Leontes, Hermione, Paulina, Perdita and Florizel, I would have read “The Winter’s Tale” instead.
January 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this one. If you’re looking for a book where the hero actually has to grovel and isn’t just forgiven in one chapter, this is for you!
I knew about the grovel before reading so I was surprised that it actually isn’t until halfway, because for the first half Marcus still thinks Lydia betrayed him in the past. So the first half is him wanting her despite her “betrayal” and the next part is him groveling for saying he can’t love her and then learning her innocence- basically crushing her twice now.
Soo I love a long grovel but I felt like because of this setup there’s not enough happy moments. I like the angst but I think it could’ve been balanced by some flashbacks of them falling in love so I could see and feel the connection between them a little more. Or maybe have the grovel end a little sooner so we could see them as a couple for longer.
I do love that they’re both celibate during the separation.
The theater aspect was unique too! It’s often said that’s what saved Lydia after her heartbreak and scandal and it’s basically her new “family”, but we don’t really see her friendship with anyone except Giles - so I thought that part was a little odd. But it was an interesting setup and I liked how she kept involved even after marrying.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I think there could’ve been a few tweaks to let me feel their connection deeper, but I liked the grovel and am glad everyone was happy at end!
I knew about the grovel before reading so I was surprised that it actually isn’t until halfway, because for the first half Marcus still thinks Lydia betrayed him in the past. So the first half is him wanting her despite her “betrayal” and the next part is him groveling for saying he can’t love her and then learning her innocence- basically crushing her twice now.
Soo I love a long grovel but I felt like because of this setup there’s not enough happy moments. I like the angst but I think it could’ve been balanced by some flashbacks of them falling in love so I could see and feel the connection between them a little more. Or maybe have the grovel end a little sooner so we could see them as a couple for longer.
I do love that they’re both celibate during the separation.
The theater aspect was unique too! It’s often said that’s what saved Lydia after her heartbreak and scandal and it’s basically her new “family”, but we don’t really see her friendship with anyone except Giles - so I thought that part was a little odd. But it was an interesting setup and I liked how she kept involved even after marrying.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I think there could’ve been a few tweaks to let me feel their connection deeper, but I liked the grovel and am glad everyone was happy at end!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
This book gives the middle-finger to toxic masculinity by having a MMC who cries.
And I friggin' LOVED it.
In AydraLand, she tears me down to the emotional foundation and then brings me back up in the end. I loved Marcus' grovel, the theatre backdrop, the subtle homage to homosexuality in the 1830s (and acceptance - WIN!) and the 3rd act conflict.
As always, Aydra does it and does it well :) LOVE. HER.
And I friggin' LOVED it.
In AydraLand, she tears me down to the emotional foundation and then brings me back up in the end. I loved Marcus' grovel, the theatre backdrop, the subtle homage to homosexuality in the 1830s (and acceptance - WIN!) and the 3rd act conflict.
As always, Aydra does it and does it well :) LOVE. HER.
November 5, 2025
Historical romance where the h was wrongly accused and thrown out on the street with nothing by her lover. The book opens with them reuniting years later (5 I think) when her theatre company travels to London to perform Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.
The story takes place in 1824 London, so the atmosphere/tone is going to be different than a modern romance. Lydia was a seamstress when she fell in love with Marcus, a Baron. Unconventionally, she moved into a home with him while he planned to work on his father to approve their marriage. That is until Humiliated and furious, Marcus publicly threw Lydia out with only what she could grab, shamed and ruined. Rejected by everyone she left and was eventually picked up by her friend for his acting company because she looked so tragic.
That is all laid out in the first couple chapters and the rest is them going from hating each other, to learning the truth, to Marcus WORKING for Lydia’s forgiveness.
The Good
🟩 Solid writing
🟩
🟩 Comeuppance where needed
🟩 Plenty of groveling
The Not-so Good-
⚫ The couple were at odds almost the entire book. There were no flashbacks, and it started after the break with them both angry, then she was hostile until the end, so there were hardly any tender moments. It made it difficult to feel any chemistry.
⚫ The plot skipped over the conflict (kicking her out scene), so we were missing all those details. We only received small general tidbits sprinkled throughout and I wanted every last fact.
⚫ This goes along with ⬆️ and contradicts my last good point, but I also disliked some of the groveling. I don’t enjoy groveling where the h is hateful and figuratively has him lick her boots. Not because he doesn’t deserve it, although I did have to remind myself that this was taking place in 1824 not 2025, but because it feels immature and it's just not fun for me to read. Also, the INSTANT turnaround from her acting like she despised him (purposely making his life hell, tearing shit up just so he had to fix it, sending him all over the place because she wanted him miserable and tired) to agreeing to marry him was so fast it felt a bit insincere.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it but got bored while stuck in the "you suck" holding pattern. I like my MCs to be happy at least part of the time. I would have preferred an earlier groveling and reconciliation, rather than waiting until 90% of the story. As an impatient reader, I quickly lose interest in plot devices that drag on, and having the characters at odds for nearly nine-tenths of the book felt excessive. But many of my friends loved this one, so I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a strong h with loads of grovel.
The story takes place in 1824 London, so the atmosphere/tone is going to be different than a modern romance. Lydia was a seamstress when she fell in love with Marcus, a Baron. Unconventionally, she moved into a home with him while he planned to work on his father to approve their marriage. That is until Humiliated and furious, Marcus publicly threw Lydia out with only what she could grab, shamed and ruined. Rejected by everyone she left and was eventually picked up by her friend for his acting company because she looked so tragic.
That is all laid out in the first couple chapters and the rest is them going from hating each other, to learning the truth, to Marcus WORKING for Lydia’s forgiveness.
The Good
🟩 Solid writing
🟩
🟩 Comeuppance where needed
🟩 Plenty of groveling
The Not-so Good-
⚫ The couple were at odds almost the entire book. There were no flashbacks, and it started after the break with them both angry, then she was hostile until the end, so there were hardly any tender moments. It made it difficult to feel any chemistry.
⚫ The plot skipped over the conflict (kicking her out scene), so we were missing all those details. We only received small general tidbits sprinkled throughout and I wanted every last fact.
⚫ This goes along with ⬆️ and contradicts my last good point, but I also disliked some of the groveling. I don’t enjoy groveling where the h is hateful and figuratively has him lick her boots. Not because he doesn’t deserve it, although I did have to remind myself that this was taking place in 1824 not 2025, but because it feels immature and it's just not fun for me to read. Also, the INSTANT turnaround from her acting like she despised him (purposely making his life hell, tearing shit up just so he had to fix it, sending him all over the place because she wanted him miserable and tired) to agreeing to marry him was so fast it felt a bit insincere.
Bottom Line- I enjoyed it but got bored while stuck in the "you suck" holding pattern. I like my MCs to be happy at least part of the time. I would have preferred an earlier groveling and reconciliation, rather than waiting until 90% of the story. As an impatient reader, I quickly lose interest in plot devices that drag on, and having the characters at odds for nearly nine-tenths of the book felt excessive. But many of my friends loved this one, so I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys a strong h with loads of grovel.
November 16, 2023
second chances are something a rarely enjoy, unless done right and this one hit all my favorite spots 😏😏😏
not only is Marcus celibate for five years (which tbh is rare in itself) but he would have been trampled over by a carriage if it pleased Lydia and i love that.
even during the time he says he hates her and wants to ruin her life and make her regret ever returning to London, he was OBSESSED WITH HERRRRRR. now i love mean H’s….idk something about them being cruel really gets me going 🫣 and for how much he loathed her for her “betrayal” he was never as mean as i thought he could be 😂 and his grovel??? i loved it. he would have given up everything for her and i’m happy he cried…..he deserved worse.
his father was terrible, his brother and sister were amazing (i can’t wait to read the sister’s book) AND GILES. i loved him so much for everything he did for Lydia 🥹
10/10 5 stars it was perfect
not only is Marcus celibate for five years (which tbh is rare in itself) but he would have been trampled over by a carriage if it pleased Lydia and i love that.
even during the time he says he hates her and wants to ruin her life and make her regret ever returning to London, he was OBSESSED WITH HERRRRRR. now i love mean H’s….idk something about them being cruel really gets me going 🫣 and for how much he loathed her for her “betrayal” he was never as mean as i thought he could be 😂 and his grovel??? i loved it. he would have given up everything for her and i’m happy he cried…..he deserved worse.
his father was terrible, his brother and sister were amazing (i can’t wait to read the sister’s book) AND GILES. i loved him so much for everything he did for Lydia 🥹
10/10 5 stars it was perfect
February 26, 2024
I loved it until...
Around 60%. I didn't like it when they went to Southampton and he grovelled more and she ordered him around and it almost ruined the book for me. I quite liked their angst and his trying to fight his love for her. I loved Rafe and he caught on rather quickly to what had actually happened five years ago. He was a good man and brother. It just pulsed with their desire for each other and their anger. Both of them felt they were the wronged party but the couldn't trust each other again. She went through worse circumstances, but his hell was a lonely bitter place. I hated his Father very much. I really liked Giles and the whole Winters Tale similarity in the story and the play. But that second half was just a miserable bunch of drama that almost took me out of the book. I didn't like the heroine at all during that part. It just seemed superfluous to the story. I know it had symbolism but it just wasn't for me. The scene on the stage didn't ring true for me. it just seemed corny but the epilogue was delightful. I love this author very much and I am glad she wrote the lovers as celibate through their time apart. that to me is a greater and truer love.
Around 60%. I didn't like it when they went to Southampton and he grovelled more and she ordered him around and it almost ruined the book for me. I quite liked their angst and his trying to fight his love for her. I loved Rafe and he caught on rather quickly to what had actually happened five years ago. He was a good man and brother. It just pulsed with their desire for each other and their anger. Both of them felt they were the wronged party but the couldn't trust each other again. She went through worse circumstances, but his hell was a lonely bitter place. I hated his Father very much. I really liked Giles and the whole Winters Tale similarity in the story and the play. But that second half was just a miserable bunch of drama that almost took me out of the book. I didn't like the heroine at all during that part. It just seemed superfluous to the story. I know it had symbolism but it just wasn't for me. The scene on the stage didn't ring true for me. it just seemed corny but the epilogue was delightful. I love this author very much and I am glad she wrote the lovers as celibate through their time apart. that to me is a greater and truer love.
January 20, 2024
Too long but at least he groveled!
February 2, 2024
Spent 20 minutes writing a review only to have this app force close on me. I loved the book. Maybe I’ll rewrite the review eventually. Lots of groveling, good angst, great parallels between the play’s characters and book’s MC’s, awesome title.
dnf
January 13, 2025DNF at 7%
So much vitriol from the hero. Reviews promise a lot of grovel, but tbh I’m not much interested in either.
1.12.25
So much vitriol from the hero. Reviews promise a lot of grovel, but tbh I’m not much interested in either.
1.12.25
June 11, 2024
This ended up being really great. A bit of a chaotic start, and there is at least 60% more theater/play talk than I wanted. But!
— She is awesome. I love a heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn’t give in at the first sign of the H wanting her/wanting her back.
— Secondary characters are great. His siblings and her friend/boss/partner in particular.
— Historical romance done right with a modern eye. The author did her research, and it shows, but it doesn’t feel like a woke 21st century couple dropped into a period drama.
— The theater backdrop is interesting and different, there’s just too damned much of it. These are the parts I got tired of most and I started skimming lot of that after awhile. I get the parallels with Shakespeare’s “Winter’s Tale” to their story, but the constant hammering was annoying. I did like his tinkering with props, how it played into his making amends, and the melodramatic but satisfying comeuppance of the villain.
— Such gratifying angst porn. Deep remorse and suitable taking of responsibility for the consequences of his behavior towards her, as well as sincere dedication to making things right to the best of his ability.
My only other quibble, aside from it being maybe a bit long (easily solved by editing down those theater parts!!), is that I wish there had been a touch more about their earlier relationship. I don’t need flashbacks, mind, but just a bit more foundation on why they were attracted to each other, their history together, etc. What’s there is nice, but it would have been good to see more of it.
But what a nice surprise from a Kindle freebie, especially one I almost didn’t get because of the cheesy cover. New to me author, but I’ll definitely be seeking out her other books.
— She is awesome. I love a heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn’t give in at the first sign of the H wanting her/wanting her back.
— Secondary characters are great. His siblings and her friend/boss/partner in particular.
— Historical romance done right with a modern eye. The author did her research, and it shows, but it doesn’t feel like a woke 21st century couple dropped into a period drama.
— The theater backdrop is interesting and different, there’s just too damned much of it. These are the parts I got tired of most and I started skimming lot of that after awhile. I get the parallels with Shakespeare’s “Winter’s Tale” to their story, but the constant hammering was annoying. I did like his tinkering with props, how it played into his making amends, and the melodramatic but satisfying comeuppance of the villain.
— Such gratifying angst porn. Deep remorse and suitable taking of responsibility for the consequences of his behavior towards her, as well as sincere dedication to making things right to the best of his ability.
My only other quibble, aside from it being maybe a bit long (easily solved by editing down those theater parts!!), is that I wish there had been a touch more about their earlier relationship. I don’t need flashbacks, mind, but just a bit more foundation on why they were attracted to each other, their history together, etc. What’s there is nice, but it would have been good to see more of it.
But what a nice surprise from a Kindle freebie, especially one I almost didn’t get because of the cheesy cover. New to me author, but I’ll definitely be seeking out her other books.
November 9, 2023
Aydra Richards = Queen of the Grovel.
June 3, 2024
DNF after nearly 200 pages. I just CAN'T. The hero comes to his senses and realizes everything he got wrong at about 60%. Am I really supposed to read all of these additional pages where the heroine tortures him for torturing sake? Even though at the same time she claims to love him? No thank you.
Also, GET AN EDITOR. Sooooooo many extra words or missing letters.
This is the second book I have read (or almost read) by this author. I am loathe to try another book, but she is raved about by so many people. Maybe one more try to see if the author and I can salvage our relationship.
Also, GET AN EDITOR. Sooooooo many extra words or missing letters.
This is the second book I have read (or almost read) by this author. I am loathe to try another book, but she is raved about by so many people. Maybe one more try to see if the author and I can salvage our relationship.
December 11, 2024
This is one of the best, if not THE best, grovel novel I've ever read. Marcus is a total shithead for the first half of the book (and for many years preceding the book) and spends the entire second half coming to terms with the fact that he's a shithead and trying to atone for his behavior. It is very very well done and I will immediately be adding this author to my must read list.
March 4, 2025
Most incredible title for this book, found myself giggling every time I locked my kindle
April 9, 2024
I really like this trope, a hero who casts his heroine out on the street (literally in this book) because he thinks she did something, betrayed or cheated or whatever and instead of listening to her he breaks it off and runs her out of town.
She is ruined (because he made her his mistress) and now she is cast out and poor and has no one. Five years later she returns. He hates her, she hates him, etc.
It was great until the halfway mark (but a bit improbable? A hero who works in a theatre, a hero who thinks it’s a good idea to set up a virgin as a mistress before he lets his family know that he intends to marry her? Of course a disappointed father will meddle), and then it slowed down and it was all a long grovel so if you like that you’ll like this but I lost interest.
I really really liked the Shakespeare play reference and set up!
She is ruined (because he made her his mistress) and now she is cast out and poor and has no one. Five years later she returns. He hates her, she hates him, etc.
It was great until the halfway mark (but a bit improbable? A hero who works in a theatre, a hero who thinks it’s a good idea to set up a virgin as a mistress before he lets his family know that he intends to marry her? Of course a disappointed father will meddle), and then it slowed down and it was all a long grovel so if you like that you’ll like this but I lost interest.
I really really liked the Shakespeare play reference and set up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed this one immensely and it was the first and only book by date I've read that it had groveling done right.
I'd really like to read about Diana and Rafe and, perhaps, even a novella about Giles - I really loved him most of all.
Great book.
I'd really like to read about Diana and Rafe and, perhaps, even a novella about Giles - I really loved him most of all.
Great book.
May 24, 2025
So much to enjoy in my first Aydra Richards historical romance!
Second chance romance between a baron and his ex-mistress. Great bones here, but I had pacing issues, and I could have use more depth of characterization for the MMC. But the FMC was wonderful. 4 stars.
Second chance romance between a baron and his ex-mistress. Great bones here, but I had pacing issues, and I could have use more depth of characterization for the MMC. But the FMC was wonderful. 4 stars.
November 6, 2023
The way I GLEEFULLY ate up this MMC making terrible decisions the entire first half of this book knowing he’d redeem himself. Will literally read anything Aydra writes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
DNF @ 42%
Dear GOD this MMC is a horrible despicable person. I came to this book looking for a good grovel and got the worst MMC I’ve read in so long. I get that he’s supposed to have done something wrong to grovel for, but OH MY GOD you are a DOUCHENOZZLE BEYOND REPAIR
- kidnapping the FMC bc “she wouldn’t see sense”
- locking her in a room in your house and “treating her as a prisoner” (HIS WORDS)
- accusing her of cheating, throwing her out on street, leaving her with NOTHING (money, home, tarnished reputation) and then saying “why is she back in London she ruined me” BITCH YOURE STILL RICH AND A BARON I HATE YOU FR
- calling her a harlot and deceiver and liar and then like “she can’t make this choice, I have to be the one to control her” HUH??
- he had zero proof she cheated he just thought she did and she said she didn’t and he was like “bye” and threw her out never letting her explain
- “so now that she’s here she’s your mistress again” “no” “so you’ll marry her” “of course not” I HATE YOU LEAVE HER ALONE
And the thing is a lot of this would be fine if it was framed the way I think the author intended it to be framed— that the MMC is wrong for this and truly has to repent and grovel — BUT HE DOESNT AND SHE STILL LOVES HIM AND I WAS WAITING FOR HIM TO TRULY APOLOGIZE BUT BITCH IM NOT WAITING FOR HALF THE BOOK FOR YOU TO STOP BEING A DICKBASKET I HATE YOU anyway the prose was good
Dear GOD this MMC is a horrible despicable person. I came to this book looking for a good grovel and got the worst MMC I’ve read in so long. I get that he’s supposed to have done something wrong to grovel for, but OH MY GOD you are a DOUCHENOZZLE BEYOND REPAIR
- kidnapping the FMC bc “she wouldn’t see sense”
- locking her in a room in your house and “treating her as a prisoner” (HIS WORDS)
- accusing her of cheating, throwing her out on street, leaving her with NOTHING (money, home, tarnished reputation) and then saying “why is she back in London she ruined me” BITCH YOURE STILL RICH AND A BARON I HATE YOU FR
- calling her a harlot and deceiver and liar and then like “she can’t make this choice, I have to be the one to control her” HUH??
- he had zero proof she cheated he just thought she did and she said she didn’t and he was like “bye” and threw her out never letting her explain
- “so now that she’s here she’s your mistress again” “no” “so you’ll marry her” “of course not” I HATE YOU LEAVE HER ALONE
And the thing is a lot of this would be fine if it was framed the way I think the author intended it to be framed— that the MMC is wrong for this and truly has to repent and grovel — BUT HE DOESNT AND SHE STILL LOVES HIM AND I WAS WAITING FOR HIM TO TRULY APOLOGIZE BUT BITCH IM NOT WAITING FOR HALF THE BOOK FOR YOU TO STOP BEING A DICKBASKET I HATE YOU anyway the prose was good
Read
April 25, 2024DNF
The lovers to enemies trope is one of my favorites. Although this one could be said it’s more the H being cruel towards the h because he was led to believe she cheated on him. But alas, enjoyable nonetheless.
It wasn’t until the H finds out the truth and the h wants nothing to do with him. Understandable. But, when the H insists to stay near the h (by going to work at the theater for free), the h lets the owner take revenge on her behalf. I wouldn’t have minded if she did because he ‘deserved’ it. But to let someone else…? It bothered me. So it stopped being a romance for me. Lost interest, started skipping pages, etc.
The lovers to enemies trope is one of my favorites. Although this one could be said it’s more the H being cruel towards the h because he was led to believe she cheated on him. But alas, enjoyable nonetheless.
It wasn’t until the H finds out the truth and the h wants nothing to do with him. Understandable. But, when the H insists to stay near the h (by going to work at the theater for free), the h lets the owner take revenge on her behalf. I wouldn’t have minded if she did because he ‘deserved’ it. But to let someone else…? It bothered me. So it stopped being a romance for me. Lost interest, started skipping pages, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
- this was a solid 5/5 for me, maybe even a 6. Major book hangover, I don’t even want to start a new book.
- Going to try reading this HR because I just finished a book I felt needed grovel, and also I’m soooo burnt out on my usual CF/PNR/SFR circuit.
- 17% oh shit, this is intense. Marcus is completely obsessed and not over her after five years. And Lydia has just accepted her new life and tried her best to make do. I can’t wait to find out where he got his information from and why he was so convinced she did it. Was it his father who orchestrated it? Since his father seems so incredibly controlling and hates commoners. Getting a small Draco vibe here, I like it. Writing is good, I’m very much enjoying this. I completely forgot I gave another one of Richards’ books a 5 star rating.
- 25% oh my god, the ANGST. He can’t stay away, he wants to protect her, but he still hates her because he believes she betrayed him.
- 28% wait what is his angle???? He moved her into his house???? So he wants to own/ruin her? He’s just going to ruin his own reputation. Two graves and all, as Rafe said.
- 46% yep, it was the dad.
- 51% man, thank god for Rafe.
- Grovel list: joining the company, riding topside in the rain, sitting on the floor for dinner, mending, sleeping in the stables, made her a partner at the company, setup and alllll the theatre tasks and repairs
- 80% oh my goddddd the apology, the accountability…. This is the best god damn grovel I have EVER read
- 93% mm the intimacy during the consummation of their marriage was so great to read. FINALLY THESE TWO ARE MARRIED.
- Oh man…. What a book! What a grovel! I honestly actually thought that the grovel was going to be over around the 80% mark, but then she STILL made him grovel more lol. It was almost too much grovel, like so punitive at some points lol. Dang, that was so satisfying.
- First half of the book was sooo much angst. The feelings of longing from Marcus when he was still in the wrong…. wow… like when he was upset she wouldn’t repeat back that she would miss him. It was so heartbreaking. I teared up.
- Loved the side characters, too. Does Rafe have his own book? Mm yes please. Montgomery Giles forced so much punitive groveling on Marcus. And I really did like Diana, too.
- I actually stunned… just cannot believe what a good grovel this was. Haha.
- ✅ feels
- Going to try reading this HR because I just finished a book I felt needed grovel, and also I’m soooo burnt out on my usual CF/PNR/SFR circuit.
- 17% oh shit, this is intense. Marcus is completely obsessed and not over her after five years. And Lydia has just accepted her new life and tried her best to make do. I can’t wait to find out where he got his information from and why he was so convinced she did it. Was it his father who orchestrated it? Since his father seems so incredibly controlling and hates commoners. Getting a small Draco vibe here, I like it. Writing is good, I’m very much enjoying this. I completely forgot I gave another one of Richards’ books a 5 star rating.
- 25% oh my god, the ANGST. He can’t stay away, he wants to protect her, but he still hates her because he believes she betrayed him.
- 28% wait what is his angle???? He moved her into his house???? So he wants to own/ruin her? He’s just going to ruin his own reputation. Two graves and all, as Rafe said.
- 46% yep, it was the dad.
- 51% man, thank god for Rafe.
- Grovel list: joining the company, riding topside in the rain, sitting on the floor for dinner, mending, sleeping in the stables, made her a partner at the company, setup and alllll the theatre tasks and repairs
- 80% oh my goddddd the apology, the accountability…. This is the best god damn grovel I have EVER read
- 93% mm the intimacy during the consummation of their marriage was so great to read. FINALLY THESE TWO ARE MARRIED.
- Oh man…. What a book! What a grovel! I honestly actually thought that the grovel was going to be over around the 80% mark, but then she STILL made him grovel more lol. It was almost too much grovel, like so punitive at some points lol. Dang, that was so satisfying.
- First half of the book was sooo much angst. The feelings of longing from Marcus when he was still in the wrong…. wow… like when he was upset she wouldn’t repeat back that she would miss him. It was so heartbreaking. I teared up.
- Loved the side characters, too. Does Rafe have his own book? Mm yes please. Montgomery Giles forced so much punitive groveling on Marcus. And I really did like Diana, too.
- I actually stunned… just cannot believe what a good grovel this was. Haha.
- ✅ feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
I've been thinking about what I will write for my review so I will highlights my likes and dislikes below:
1. LOVED the angst at the start. Nothing gets me more interested in a book than when the heroine is DEEPLY hurt and the hero has to figure out that he's actually wrong and how to fix it. Our heroine was absolutely ruined by the very public "break-up" five years ago when the hero accused her of cheating. He pretty much took everything away from her and she had to find a way to survive. So she found a job as an actress.
2. The setting and atmosphere was great. This was mainly centered around the theater that the heroine works at and definitely introduced us to some fun characters (like the theater manager). There is some dressing room scenes that you will not want to miss.
3. The villain is a great villain. We reallyyyyy hate him and he deserved a lot more than just slinking away but nonetheless he ends up a loser.
4. There is a really strong connection between our hero and heroine and it is sooo painful to watch them trying to learn how to trust each other.
5. One thing I felt was way too easy was how the hero "groveled". He came to the conclusion about what to do way too easily and there was more reflection on his part.
Once again, a great emotion packed book by Aydra Richards. If this is the tone we are setting for modern historical romances...I'm not upset at all, it's packed with heat, a good foundational romance, heroines with agency, and characters that are sometimes flawed who you want an HEA for.
1. LOVED the angst at the start. Nothing gets me more interested in a book than when the heroine is DEEPLY hurt and the hero has to figure out that he's actually wrong and how to fix it. Our heroine was absolutely ruined by the very public "break-up" five years ago when the hero accused her of cheating. He pretty much took everything away from her and she had to find a way to survive. So she found a job as an actress.
2. The setting and atmosphere was great. This was mainly centered around the theater that the heroine works at and definitely introduced us to some fun characters (like the theater manager). There is some dressing room scenes that you will not want to miss.
3. The villain is a great villain. We reallyyyyy hate him and he deserved a lot more than just slinking away but nonetheless he ends up a loser.
4. There is a really strong connection between our hero and heroine and it is sooo painful to watch them trying to learn how to trust each other.
5. One thing I felt was way too easy was how the hero "groveled". He came to the conclusion about what to do way too easily and there was more reflection on his part.
Once again, a great emotion packed book by Aydra Richards. If this is the tone we are setting for modern historical romances...I'm not upset at all, it's packed with heat, a good foundational romance, heroines with agency, and characters that are sometimes flawed who you want an HEA for.
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February 22, 2025I would be more on board for the reconciliation if he had suffered for years like she had, and if he hadn't wormed his way back into her life by making her safe space into his. The author tried to reconcile the imbalance with him giving her money "without strings" but there can be no such thing. He still endeavored to arrange her life in the way he thought was best, going over her head to conspire with her employer. Everything she had up to that point she had earned, and from that point on he bought it for her. He didn't spend enough time being miserable. What, less than a day before he turned it around? I wanted her to leave him again.
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