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He keeps his reputation spotless. She fights her reputation daily.

Trouble seemed to find her.

Lady Henrietta Carhart didn’t care what anyone thought about her. Unfortunately, the rest of society did. Stargazing? Building her own telescope? Dressing as a man to gain access to the King’s Observatory? Well, maybe the scandalmongers were onto something. Still, she hadn’t exactly planned on marriage. Even if it was the simplest and easiest path in life.

She hadn’t meant to escape out the balcony—rather, she hadn’t meant to be caught.

Aidan Ronalds, Viscount Wingate, promised his sister a proper season. He was, after all, the epitome of properness. He had no intention of meeting the most improper Henrietta Carhart—that was an accident he didn’t intend to repeat. And she wasn’t the role model anyone needed. Yet, in a world where duty overrode everything else in his life, Aidan found his attraction to Henrietta difficult to ignore.

Aidan knows his duty to king, country, and family. But what of himself?

Their first meeting might’ve been out of the ordinary, and far from what society deemed acceptable, but their second might send ordinary spinning on its ear. Because of course the proper thing was to offer marriage. But his thoughts about the lovely Henrietta were anything but proper.

Can Henrietta set aside her need for freedom and become the wife Aidan wants? Or will they both realize their need for each other far outweighs what anyone else thinks?

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2024

2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read

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C.K. Mackenzie

27 books20 followers

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
June 1, 2024
Lady Henrietta is unconventional in every possible way while Aiden Ronalds is a viscount who abhors scandal. Can these two discover a love that’s written in the stars? The Viscount’s Lady is book one in a spin-off series by CK MacKenzie. I started reading and was so taken by the characters, I finished it in one day. The descriptive narration is immersive. The world-building is overflowing with historical accuracy. But it’s the opposites attract romance which makes this such a wonderful Regency romance.

Let's start with the descriptive narration. The setting is Regency England, an era I'm very familiar with. The author grabs the reader's attention from the first page and holds it to the last. She details every scene with historical accuracy. The Viscount’s Lady transports you to the Regency era in a very relatable way. Think Bridgerton, only better.

Then, there's the main characters. Aiden's a wonderful hero and I enjoyed reading his story. Henrietta is a delightful young lady with a passion for stargazing. The characters are well-written and easy to relate to.

The romance is Regency with a creative twist. There's a fair bit of drama but the ending will make your heart swell. An entertaining Regency romance and a fine start to a new series.

CK Mackenzie is a gifted writer and she’s a one-click author for me. Her gift for writing historical romance makes me yearn for more. The writing is impressive as each book she writes is better than the last. I look forward to the next book.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Bonnie.
1,141 reviews19 followers
May 11, 2024
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a shorter story that is adjacent to the Conrad Legacy series as this story is about the family of Landon Carhart, Marquess of Strachan. This story features one of his sisters, Lady Henrietta. She and her sisters have tainted reputations as it is because of her father's scandals in the past, and her mother's behaviours now. But of course, it does not help things when Henrietta herself is caught doing things such as dressing as a man to sneak into a royal observatory at night, to indulge in her passion for astronomy.

Despite this behaviour, Henrietta does not wish to be scandalous, or sneered at by Society. She just wants to be able to live a quiet independent life, free to indulge in her love of astronomy, and escape the mechanisms of her poisonous mother. None of these plans come to fruition when she runs off from a ball to escape to the observatory, and ends up falling at the feet of a reclusive viscount. Aiden, Viscount Wingate, has been too busy for many years recovering his family fortunes, and repairing their reputation and standing, no thanks to the malicious and spiteful behaviour of his uncle who was in control until Aiden reached his majority. His estates were neglected while the coffers were plundered, because said uncle was jealous not to inherit the title. But because of his focus on their fortunes, Aiden has neglected those remaining close family relationships that remain, such as with his sister. This season, he has promised her that he would be more engaged and participate in her season.

But suddenly the shy recluse is pulled into a tidal wave of scandal, when Lady Henrietta literally falls at his feet. He does the honourable thing and offers marriage. Despite being strangers, they have a sweet connection and attraction and a spark of something that they are hopeful could lead to
a lasting happiness. But their road to happiness is challenged by their misconceptions and miscommunications with each other, worsened by the interference of Society and some of the more toxic personalities in their family.

This is a two strangers thrust into scandal and marriage, grumpy/sunshine love story with a meet-cute with a bang. We revisit the toxic personality of the Dowager Marchioness of Strachan, and add a few more toxic characters from Aiden's side of the family. As well as some of the characters from the Conrad Legacy series make appearances - namely Esme and Landon.

This story does not have the darker drama of the other series, but there is definitely family and relationship angst, but an overall lighter feel.

4 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Alexandra G.
712 reviews30 followers
May 10, 2024
Sometimes the best things in life are the ones you didn’t see coming…
Like slippery steps and your best friend’s taciturn brother!

Aidan, a viscount, is mister diligent and proper - stern, humourless and your basic stick-in-the-mud - with a squeaky clean reputation, and Henrietta is a walking scandal - not on purpose, trouble just follows her like a shadow - and who would assume otherwise with her family’s scandalous past?
She ends up compromising him not once, but twice!
The first time was an accident, and the second time she should just have remained in bed… The poor man was only trying to do the gentlemanly thing - except… he might have been a little distracted by her vivacious sparkle. Now, there’s but one thing left to do: they must marry!

An unlikely pairing at the best of times, this isn’t the smoothest start for an uncertain happily ever after… but it’s not like they’re complete strangers either and he’s so smitten-at-first-sight, he actually pays attention for once.

Theirs is an unplanned, unexpected and bumpy road to travel, but they get there - albeit with a few bruises and a trip to Gretna Green (not their elopement!) and back. It’s a most compelling journey full of curiosity, doubts and big feelings. A tale in which family is both a blessing and a curse.
Their initially hesitant connection feels realistic, and there’s some beautiful growth on both sides. Somehow they’re different attitudes towards life fit - he hides behind rigid discipline and she bravely faces the music with a smile on her face - they balance each other out. They both come from slightly disturbed families, but are still open to the possibility of more, maybe even love, and care a great deal about their siblings - and I couldn’t help but feel and fall for the both of them.

If you’ve read ‘The Conrad Legacy’ series, this is the perfect transition into a new series. If you haven’t, this is a fun short read with just enough drama to make them both see the light, and realise they really can’t live without the other. I really enjoyed it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
1,586 reviews22 followers
May 7, 2024
Absolutely loved this story. Very well written, full of steam, laughter, action,romance, society, family , Mars and Stars. Henrietta wants a better view to look at Mars so she decides during a ball to go outside even if it is lightly raining. Once outside she slips and falls hurting herself right in front of Aiden. He helps her up at the cost of the gossips in society. Can it be love at first Mars sighting. The next day , he shows up at his sister's picnic and sees Henrietta there. She is sitting, not moving much as she was hurt from the fall. As they talk, both enjoy the peace between them. Then it's time to get up and walk but she is not able to do so he carries her and again society and it's gossips take notice of it. He offers marriage and she accepts. Lots of things happen between and their family members. Would offer more then 5 stars if possible. Applause to this author for a fantastic story. Would recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
171 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
Henrietta is the perfect match for Aidan.
He’s stoic, respectable and abhors scandal whilst she’s bubbly and scandal is her middle name. They were forced into a marriage of convenience but quickly found that they cared for each other. An enticing story which has left me hanging for the next book of this new series. Highly recommended.
1,491 reviews19 followers
May 14, 2024
freedom or boredom
I just loved Henrieatta´s unconventinal approach at life, of course her behaviour is scandalous but she is just the breath of fresh air Aidan needs: spending the rest of his life with such an adventurous character will surely bring many turbulences but on the other hand things will never get boring…
Profile Image for Denise Taylor.
135 reviews
May 8, 2024
Loved the story of scandal and love! What a great story from start to finish. I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed the journey along with Henrietta and Aiden as they go from strangers to husband and wife in short order as well as how they managed to navigate their new life together despite not really knowing each other. Also despite their horrible family members who try to ruin them and they manage to rise above it in an admirable way.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
450 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2024
Intriguing romance about two nonconformists that fate brought together in one life changing moment. I love books about strong women who pursued their own interests at a time when many thought it counter productive to educate women beyond the social graces. I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Carolina CHC.
315 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2024
The Viscount’s Lady, is surprisingly a very cute romantic story!

Henrietta Carhart is a sassy, intelligent girl accustomed to scandal. Aidan Ronalds, Viscount Wingate has always worked to avoid scandal. When Henrietta literally falls at his feet in a funny incident, the ton assumes something illicit happened between them and later on when they are caught in another compromising situation, Aidan decides to offer for her hand in order to save both their reputations. Their short courtship and family incidents are the whole plot in this cute story.

I read this book in one day. It was the perfect reading for a day of leisure.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) .
602 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2024
This is a sweet story about Henrietta, a girl who is interested in astronomy and Aidan, a starchy, buttoned-up guy who is a Viscount. It's opposites attract and a marriage of convenience. After Henrietta is compromised after Aidan assists her after a fall, they are speedily married. At first they wonder how are they ever going to find any common interests between them. Have no fear, Henrietta's bubbly, inquisitive nature wins over Aidan and she realizes he has a thoughtful tender side. Both are what each other need.

I enjoyed this romantic story and the author did a great job of fleshing out the characters even though it's a shorter story. Open door.
Thank you to booksirens for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
108 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2024
In a world where it’s unheard of for a woman to even think for herself talk more of having an opinion, come Henrietta , free willed, determined to not be boxed into the womenfolk build and a prim and proper gentleman. Be ready to be entertained and to have a smile on your face while reading this book.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,504 reviews47 followers
Read
May 26, 2024
Henrietta and Aiden are meant to be together. But as far as either of them are concerned that is unquestionably the wrong choice. This is a good romance.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
652 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters. It was a fun easy quick read. It does have a few sex scenes with a married couple.
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
669 reviews
May 3, 2024
This is the first story in the Lady’s Marquess Companion Series by C.K. Mackenzie. I enjoyed this opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine trope-story and look forward to seeing what is in store for us in the next book.

Lady Henrietta Carhart would definitely have been someone that I’d have enjoyed hanging out with, I loved her character she didn’t fit into any category, built her own telescope, loves stargazing, dressing in men’s clothing, and didn’t care what anyone thought about her. Trouble seems to find her and she has no plans to marry. But, as is most things in life, things do not go as planned.

Aidan Ronalds, Viscount Wingate is the perfect embodiment of properness. He knows his duty to king, country, and family, wants a wife that is similarly proper. So why can’t he forget the most improper, Lady Henrietta?

He plans to avoid her after their first meeting, but when they are found in a compromising position, he offers her marriage, and they quickly marry. The courtship and marriage has its share of ups and downs, misunderstandings, and mishaps but somehow they overcome their differences and actually complement each other. Aidan’s character had a lot of depth he seemed like he’d be all proper but he had a saucy playful side that was unexpected but delightful!

A very witty, sweet, and charming story about how we sometimes think we know how we need to behave, and what will make us happy, when in fact we are misguided in our assumptions. The love these two shared was believable, sweet, and cute, everything works out perfectly for Aidan and Henrietta, and I couldn’t be happier that they found their HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Marion Löw.
812 reviews14 followers
May 12, 2024
A Sweet Grumpy-Sunshine Story

This book is related to book 1 „The Lady’s Marquess“ from the from „The Conrad Legacy“ and Landon's sister Henrietta is at the centre of the story. It has a nice grumpy-sunshine, marriage of convenience storyline with very likable characters and some spice.

The book can be read as standalone but if you want to know more about the Carhart scandals, I advise reading „The Lady‘s Marquess“ first.

Lady Henrietta (Rett) Carhart comes from a scandalous family and although she has come to terms with the fact that society gossips about her, she would prefer not to be the centre of attention all the time and instead pursue her passion, astronomy. After she is seen twice in the arms of Aidan after a mishap, her reputation is gone.
Lord Aidan Ronalds, Viscount Wingate prefers a secluded life and devotes his time to his business, managing his estate, which his uncle has run down, and politics. He hates scandals, but when he is discovered carrying his sister's friend because of her injury, as a man of honor he has no choice but to offer her marriage. The reserved man would never admit that he is fascinated by her sunny disposition and her passion for the stars...

All in all, an enjoyable read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Charmaine Fernando.
428 reviews7 followers
June 8, 2024
Lady Henrietta ("Rett") Carhart loves stargazing and was caught breaking into the king's conservatory, dressed in a man's trousers to view the stars through his telescope. She has plans to build her own telescope.

During a ball, Rett, trying to escape her mother, runs down some slippery steps outside and takes a bad tumble which has her on her back, unable to move!

Aidan Ronalds, Viscount Wingate the brother of Rett's good friend Kitty, is strolling along by himself when he sees Rett take a tumble and runs to her aid. He helps her up and due to their proximity, there is a "scandal".

Rett and her family, well known and aware of what a scandal can bring on the family name, are prepared to ignore it.

Unfortunately, when Rett visits Aidan and his sister Kitty the next day to thank Aidan for coming to her rescue, another scandal ensues when Aidan carries Rett back to the group after she is unable to walk without experiencing extreme pain. This leaves them no choice but to marry.

Aidan is attracted to Rett's sunshine personality and sparkling eyes and finds himself listening to everything she has to say. The marriage starts off on a positive note.

Nice story and will keep you engaged from start to finish.

I received an ARC from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
4,201 reviews22 followers
June 21, 2024
This is the first book in the series The Lady's Marquess Companion Stories. Henrietta already has the burden of scandal to deal with because of her father's past actions. But it also doesn't help matters when she herself engages in scandalous behaviors such as dressing as a man to gain access to the King's observatory. But she is the perfect match for Aidan, who is the complete opposite from her. He is the portrait of all that us proper and stays as far away from scandal as he can. He is trying to arrange a proper season for his sister and Henrietta is a detriment to that, but his attraction to her is too great and he can't seem to get her out of his mind. Henrietta values her independence, but she is also drawn to Aidan. Is she willing to give up her freedom for what she might gain with Aidan?
This was a well-written story with an unlikely pairing and was full of romance, steam, and humor. The characters were well-developed and I was immediately drawn to them. This is a wonderful start to what looks to be a delightful series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
May 12, 2024
The Viscount's Lady is a standalone historical romance set in regency England by CK Mackenzie. It is also the first book of the Lady's Marquess Companion stories.

This is a story of a lady from a scandalous family and a viscount who is rather stoic and set in his ways, despite being barely thirty. Lady Henrietta Carhart and Lord Aidan Ronalds, the Viscount Wingate, are basically two sides of the same coin. They are both fiercely independent and protective of those they love, but where Aidan is more reticent, Henrietta is a little more impulsive. Henrietta does give the misunderstood bluestocking vibes and I liked that.

For those that love the best friend's brother trope, this is also a good part of the story. The connection doesn't help to make the road to romance smoother, but it's fun with the chaos of the Carhart family. It's a little quirky, because the lady is quirky but fierce. There is an element of instalove, but makes total sense when you get to know the two characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,352 reviews15 followers
May 12, 2024
Such a delightful read! Henrietta and her family were scandal magnates. Through the years, she and her sister Tish had learned to hold their heads high and do their best to ignore the gossip. Aiden, Viscount Wingate, did everything in his power to keep his reputation, as well as his sister Kitty’s pristine. A slip on wet stairs, a walk in the garden, an injured woman in his arms and he soonfound himself marrying Henrietta. This is a story that revolves around family dynamics (some good, some bad), rumors, scandal and truly hearing that which is said and that which is not. You will find humor and heartache, as well as compassion and steam, as Henrietta and Aiden find their way to their happy ending……or perhaps their happy beginning!
Profile Image for Dominique Englebert.
576 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2024
Trapped in marriage?
Henrietta’s family has known its share of scandals: first her father’s demise, then her brother’s elopement to Upper Canada, and her own escapade in men’s clothes to the Royal Observatory. She would do anything to escape her horrid mother, so after falling down some stairs at a ball and being assisted by Aidan, Viscount Wingate, she decides, accompanied by her sister and lady’s maid, to go and thank him for his assistance. However, she has underestimated her pain and Aidan has to carry her back to her carriage. The ensuing gossip is enough to force a marriage neither really want. What now? They are essentially strangers. How will they get along?
595 reviews6 followers
May 2, 2024
This was a sweet novella about two people finding one another in unexpected ways. They both endured scandals at the hands of the people that should protect them, family. They were found in a compromising position and were quickly married, but they managed to find the love they never thought they would. If you enjoy a short love story with a HEA, then this is the story for you. There is a little steam but nothing too descriptive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jill.
536 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2024
Men can be so stubborn. They say they are listening, but often they are not. Aidan is just such a man, and it drives his sister crazy! she wants him to truly live, not be so wrapped up in building wealth. And then Henrietta literally falls at his feet. The characters are very believable, and the love that shines through will warm the reader. It made me believe there might be hope for my husband too...
Profile Image for Carole.
2,051 reviews15 followers
May 10, 2024
The Viscount’s Lady is a short and charming historical romance with a Lady and a Viscount who fate brings together after the Lady Henrietta takes a tumble down stairs and Viscount Aidan comes to her rescue. Neither thought it would lead to marriage!
Nicely written with a little drama, spice, romance, and family dynamics their story was a very engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vicki.
74 reviews
May 12, 2024
This such a cute romantic story! I enjoyed this expansion of the Conrad Legacy series. I love a good opposites-attract story and this was no different. Two nonconformists who are unexpectedly brought together and find love, including a woman who is not afraid to further her mind during a time when it was certainly not commonplace.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
411 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
Delightful!

I liked this short story. I found it charming and romantic. Henrietta is strong and vivacious. She is always so sweet and hopeful. Aidan, the hero, is more serious and proper. A marriage of convenience draws them together. They'll find that they complement each other just right. This novella is both delightful and funny.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,954 reviews48 followers
May 23, 2024
Enjoy a strong woman lead character that doesn't care what people think of her. Throw in a strong man and you have a budding romance with plenty of drama! Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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