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Unlucky in Love #3
Whiskers and Wiles
Whoever marries last will inherit a cursed castle.
Lord Waldorf Godwin has only loved once in his life, and that ended in ruin…
Since his long-ago affair with Lady Katherine Balmor, Waldorf has sworn off love altogether and focused on his duty toward his country instead. His entire country, since Waldorf is firmly on the side of uniting Britannia. He has been charged with one of the most important undercover missions the New Heptarchy has ever seen, but he cannot accomplish the mission alone.
Instead, he is asked to form a team with his arch nemesis, Kat…
Kat has remained furious with Waldorf for almost twenty years after the way he callously tossed her aside. If only her heart would agree with her head when it comes to Waldorf. And now, with the fate of Britannia entrusted to the two of them, her heart seems determined to ruin everything for everyone in Britannia.
When she and Waldorf are forced to pretend to be betrothed for the sake of the mission, anything could happen. And when the very man from the past who came between her and Waldorf shows up again to wreak more havoc, they could be torn apart once more if they cannot learn to let the past go and trust each other.
Don’t miss this silver fox romance set in Regency England, but not the Regency England you know….
Lord Waldorf Godwin has only loved once in his life, and that ended in ruin…
Since his long-ago affair with Lady Katherine Balmor, Waldorf has sworn off love altogether and focused on his duty toward his country instead. His entire country, since Waldorf is firmly on the side of uniting Britannia. He has been charged with one of the most important undercover missions the New Heptarchy has ever seen, but he cannot accomplish the mission alone.
Instead, he is asked to form a team with his arch nemesis, Kat…
Kat has remained furious with Waldorf for almost twenty years after the way he callously tossed her aside. If only her heart would agree with her head when it comes to Waldorf. And now, with the fate of Britannia entrusted to the two of them, her heart seems determined to ruin everything for everyone in Britannia.
When she and Waldorf are forced to pretend to be betrothed for the sake of the mission, anything could happen. And when the very man from the past who came between her and Waldorf shows up again to wreak more havoc, they could be torn apart once more if they cannot learn to let the past go and trust each other.
Don’t miss this silver fox romance set in Regency England, but not the Regency England you know….
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
50 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
292 books1,138 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 15, 2024
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
I am really getting into this series with the alternative world perspective, mature couples, and the family curse aspect.
In this one, Lady Katherine and Lord Waldorf have a fraught history. They were lovers when she was a young woman in school at Oxford, deeply and passionately in love, with expectations of spending a future together when that was torn apart by the mechanisms of a manipulative, conniving rejected suitor. Waldorf, in the heat of the moment, believed false evidence and witnesses that painted Katherine as a cheat, rather than trust in her.
After having her heart broken, Katherine dedicated her life to working for the Queen of Mercia as a secret operative, and trusting her heart only to cats. Waldorf has likewise been working in support of his king, but also for a secret cabal that is working for unity in Brittania, and with the belief that it would do so best under the Mercian Plan. Thier paths cross again as they each work towards their respective objectives and while each suspect the other of being secret operatives, neither are aware that they each share similar goals.
Because of their angst about the past, and continued hostility towards each other, and inconvenient attraction, there is some clouded judgement and poor decisions. Unfortunately Katherine and Waldorf are publicly outed, and fail in their respective missions. But they are given a second chance, but one where they are forced to work together. Even more uncomfortably, in the guise of a couple who have renewed their love for each other, and are newly engaged. At a house party of an influential peer who has radical ideas on how to foster intimacy and closeness for couples.
Here, Katherine and Waldorf must not only work together, but are forced to face their past together and forced to confront their unresolved feelings about their past and the misunderstandings, and mistrust.
This story was written with the couple having a lot of unresolved anger about the past, but there was humour and comedic touches in the situations they were in. I am enjoying the alternative political and social world they are in.
3.75 stars out of 5
I am really getting into this series with the alternative world perspective, mature couples, and the family curse aspect.
In this one, Lady Katherine and Lord Waldorf have a fraught history. They were lovers when she was a young woman in school at Oxford, deeply and passionately in love, with expectations of spending a future together when that was torn apart by the mechanisms of a manipulative, conniving rejected suitor. Waldorf, in the heat of the moment, believed false evidence and witnesses that painted Katherine as a cheat, rather than trust in her.
After having her heart broken, Katherine dedicated her life to working for the Queen of Mercia as a secret operative, and trusting her heart only to cats. Waldorf has likewise been working in support of his king, but also for a secret cabal that is working for unity in Brittania, and with the belief that it would do so best under the Mercian Plan. Thier paths cross again as they each work towards their respective objectives and while each suspect the other of being secret operatives, neither are aware that they each share similar goals.
Because of their angst about the past, and continued hostility towards each other, and inconvenient attraction, there is some clouded judgement and poor decisions. Unfortunately Katherine and Waldorf are publicly outed, and fail in their respective missions. But they are given a second chance, but one where they are forced to work together. Even more uncomfortably, in the guise of a couple who have renewed their love for each other, and are newly engaged. At a house party of an influential peer who has radical ideas on how to foster intimacy and closeness for couples.
Here, Katherine and Waldorf must not only work together, but are forced to face their past together and forced to confront their unresolved feelings about their past and the misunderstandings, and mistrust.
This story was written with the couple having a lot of unresolved anger about the past, but there was humour and comedic touches in the situations they were in. I am enjoying the alternative political and social world they are in.
3.75 stars out of 5
June 13, 2025
[Rezensionsexemplar]
Whiskers and wiles took an eternity for me to get into. While the setting and the political background of it is not only relevant for the plot but also interestingly constructed, the book only gained traction in the second haft. This second half, however, proved to be humorous and exactly what I’d hoped it to be. From the retreat Kat and Waldorf are went to, to the political developments in the story, the second half works well!
Generally, I enjoy the background story and the history between the two lovers but I do think it’s been a little overdone on the Headland part/character.
All in all enjoyable in the end but unfortunately not very engaging in the beginning.
Whiskers and wiles took an eternity for me to get into. While the setting and the political background of it is not only relevant for the plot but also interestingly constructed, the book only gained traction in the second haft. This second half, however, proved to be humorous and exactly what I’d hoped it to be. From the retreat Kat and Waldorf are went to, to the political developments in the story, the second half works well!
Generally, I enjoy the background story and the history between the two lovers but I do think it’s been a little overdone on the Headland part/character.
All in all enjoyable in the end but unfortunately not very engaging in the beginning.
June 28, 2024
Kat & Waldorf were lovers whilst students but just one contrived event shattered both their dreams now twenty years later they are thrown together whilst working to help bring a bill to Parliament which will unite Britannia.
The third book in the series & whilst Gideon doesn’t want to inherit his family’s cursed castle he’s more interested in trying to bring about unification. Oh this was such a fun read. The banter between Waldorf & Kat was priceless, the chemistry sizzled & the situations they found themselves in had me laughing out loud. Every time Badger whiskers were mentioned I had a giggle as the mental picture this threw up was hilarious. I love that this series takes place in a fictional Britannia which is divided into seven kingdoms, this gives the author plenty of leeway to change things. There are misunderstandings, mishaps & wrong assumptions in this delightful romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third book in the series & whilst Gideon doesn’t want to inherit his family’s cursed castle he’s more interested in trying to bring about unification. Oh this was such a fun read. The banter between Waldorf & Kat was priceless, the chemistry sizzled & the situations they found themselves in had me laughing out loud. Every time Badger whiskers were mentioned I had a giggle as the mental picture this threw up was hilarious. I love that this series takes place in a fictional Britannia which is divided into seven kingdoms, this gives the author plenty of leeway to change things. There are misunderstandings, mishaps & wrong assumptions in this delightful romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 14, 2024
Second chances are my Kryptonite, but that ending nearly derailed all my thoughts about everything in the book that came before it. In the previous books we’d seen all the sparks and spite between Waldorf and Kat, and now that I know what was behind all those high emotions, I’m more excited than ever to have seen them unpack the misunderstandings and hurt feelings that kept them apart for decades. The sudden detour this story took at the end has left me more anxious than ever to get my hands on the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
June 21, 2024
I enjoyed the story and was glad to see that Waldorf and Kat have a second chance at happiness. The story is well written with some interesting secondary characters. The recipient of the castle has not been determined yet and it should be interesting to see who the winner or loser is, depending on your point of view.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2024
THE WOLF IS AT THE DOOR
The story is the third in the Unlucky in Love series. As you read, you need to remember that this romance is set in Regency England. Still, not the Regency England you know—this is where the author has used her artistic liberties to veer off of actual History and give it an entirely different spin—so to speak. Changing up different kingdoms, customs, laws, and traditions.
The story will have Gerald Godwin, Duke of Amesbury, gathering his sons and nephews to his castle with an announcement—they must marry and the last of them to marry will inherit Godwin Castle—which is claimed to be cursed.
Katherine ‘Kat’ Balmor was removed from her family when she attended Oxford University. She makes several good friends, and for a couple of years, has been involved with Lord Waldorf Godwin. Now that school is ending, she anticipates that he will ask for her hand in marriage—but that goes terribly wrong due to Lord Anthony Headland. Now, that their relationship is over, she is devastated and leaves heading to see Queen Matilda of Mercia where she will join her employ as a spy.
Fast forward twenty years and the Queen has her on an assignment to encourage the wives of many of the men of parliament to bring the Mercian Plan to the floor—making women have rights, and in uniting the various kingdoms into one. While Kat and Waldorf will cross paths over the years, they will now be in contact more than before.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. With lies, deceit, and regrets all playing their roles. Kat and Waldorf will both be working at an important ball but miscommunications will destroy years of work with assumptions—incorrect assumptions at that. Now, Queen Matilda is angry, and she gives them one last chance—posing as an engaged couple and send to Oxwick Park, the Walsinghams’ estate in East Anglia. They will be taxed with trying to play the role of two people in love, participate in outrageous scenarios, and plant the message to Lord and Lady Walsingham. Kat and Waldorf must subject themselves to couples training in Trials of Affection, Initiations of Trust, and Delusions of Grandeur. While they question the entire concept, they do learn more about what ruined their past and how to move forward with the future.
Will their service to Queen Matilda be successful? Or will they fail her? The one thing that did get resolved is that Kat and Waldorf know where they made mistakes twenty years ago, and discover that no matter how much time has passed, they still love one another—enough to get married.
Gerald Godwin: Ah, Waldorf there you are at last. Come forward so that we might complete the official striking off of your name from the Scroll of Destiny.
Waldorf: Oh, god. He’s given it a name.
I liked Kat and Waldorf together—they have fire and passion. Sadly they had allowed others to lie and deceive them and tear them apart for twenty years.
While the story does not end on a cliffhanger, it does end where it will segue into the next book, Black and Silver, featuring Lawrence Godwin and Minerva.
The story is the third in the Unlucky in Love series. As you read, you need to remember that this romance is set in Regency England. Still, not the Regency England you know—this is where the author has used her artistic liberties to veer off of actual History and give it an entirely different spin—so to speak. Changing up different kingdoms, customs, laws, and traditions.
The story will have Gerald Godwin, Duke of Amesbury, gathering his sons and nephews to his castle with an announcement—they must marry and the last of them to marry will inherit Godwin Castle—which is claimed to be cursed.
Katherine ‘Kat’ Balmor was removed from her family when she attended Oxford University. She makes several good friends, and for a couple of years, has been involved with Lord Waldorf Godwin. Now that school is ending, she anticipates that he will ask for her hand in marriage—but that goes terribly wrong due to Lord Anthony Headland. Now, that their relationship is over, she is devastated and leaves heading to see Queen Matilda of Mercia where she will join her employ as a spy.
Fast forward twenty years and the Queen has her on an assignment to encourage the wives of many of the men of parliament to bring the Mercian Plan to the floor—making women have rights, and in uniting the various kingdoms into one. While Kat and Waldorf will cross paths over the years, they will now be in contact more than before.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. With lies, deceit, and regrets all playing their roles. Kat and Waldorf will both be working at an important ball but miscommunications will destroy years of work with assumptions—incorrect assumptions at that. Now, Queen Matilda is angry, and she gives them one last chance—posing as an engaged couple and send to Oxwick Park, the Walsinghams’ estate in East Anglia. They will be taxed with trying to play the role of two people in love, participate in outrageous scenarios, and plant the message to Lord and Lady Walsingham. Kat and Waldorf must subject themselves to couples training in Trials of Affection, Initiations of Trust, and Delusions of Grandeur. While they question the entire concept, they do learn more about what ruined their past and how to move forward with the future.
Will their service to Queen Matilda be successful? Or will they fail her? The one thing that did get resolved is that Kat and Waldorf know where they made mistakes twenty years ago, and discover that no matter how much time has passed, they still love one another—enough to get married.
Gerald Godwin: Ah, Waldorf there you are at last. Come forward so that we might complete the official striking off of your name from the Scroll of Destiny.
Waldorf: Oh, god. He’s given it a name.
I liked Kat and Waldorf together—they have fire and passion. Sadly they had allowed others to lie and deceive them and tear them apart for twenty years.
While the story does not end on a cliffhanger, it does end where it will segue into the next book, Black and Silver, featuring Lawrence Godwin and Minerva.
July 13, 2024
A Lady, a Badger, and a Cat
“Whiskers and Wiles” is book three in the Merry Farmer series Unlucky in Love. Katherine “Kat” Balmor is a smart outgoing lead. She left home and was censured by her family because she wanted to attend Oxford University. Opposite her is Waldorf Godwin the youngest son of a noble. He’s not really sure of the Godwin family curse, but two family members have already married to avoid inheriting the cursed family castle that no one really wants. Waldorf’s father, the family patriarch is threatening his sons and nephews who fail to marry with inheriting the castle or the last man standing single gets it by default. Twenty years prior, Kat and Waldorf had a messy breakup. Now, each of them has built a life as a spy for their respective royals. If you’ve read the other two books you will recall that Ms. Farmer has set this series in an alternate reality Regency England where the country never united but exists as a Heptarchy. In most of the regions, women are repressed, in Mercia, they are elevated and allowed freedoms to live and to work as they will. Separately, Kat and Waldorf are working to unite the British regions under what is known as the Mercian Plan. This is an interesting and well thought out plot that connects the series. Kat and Waldorf are carrying around twenty years of unresolved emotional baggage. Theses unresolved feelings are interfering with their spy games. Prodding the flames is Lord Anthony Headland, who played a part in the couple’s initial breakup and is still obsessed with Kat. As a widower, Headland has renewed his efforts to wed Kat, whereas Kat still wants nothing to do with him. Kat and Waldorf’s road to forgiveness and happiness is a long and bumpy one. The love between them never died giving them a chance at reconciliation. This is a book of second chances. I appreciate that Waldorf respects Kat and sees her as an equal, he also lets her take the lead in intimate moments and does not try do dominate at every turn. They were well suited for each other, they just needed to figure out a way to get over the past and live for a future. Too bad twenty years had to go by before they faced their issues. I enjoyed these two characters and how they were presented on the page. They fit perfectly into the alternate world they were living in. This is an open door romance with scenes that sizzle. Waldorf’s father twinkled with humor and pomp and circumstance. And last but not least, Napoleon the cat is a scene stealer with his antics. Kat took him everywhere in a basket slung over her arm. When he escaped, watch out! I recommend this story for historical Regency fans, fans of second chances no matter how long it takes, and fans of Merry Farmer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
“Whiskers and Wiles” is book three in the Merry Farmer series Unlucky in Love. Katherine “Kat” Balmor is a smart outgoing lead. She left home and was censured by her family because she wanted to attend Oxford University. Opposite her is Waldorf Godwin the youngest son of a noble. He’s not really sure of the Godwin family curse, but two family members have already married to avoid inheriting the cursed family castle that no one really wants. Waldorf’s father, the family patriarch is threatening his sons and nephews who fail to marry with inheriting the castle or the last man standing single gets it by default. Twenty years prior, Kat and Waldorf had a messy breakup. Now, each of them has built a life as a spy for their respective royals. If you’ve read the other two books you will recall that Ms. Farmer has set this series in an alternate reality Regency England where the country never united but exists as a Heptarchy. In most of the regions, women are repressed, in Mercia, they are elevated and allowed freedoms to live and to work as they will. Separately, Kat and Waldorf are working to unite the British regions under what is known as the Mercian Plan. This is an interesting and well thought out plot that connects the series. Kat and Waldorf are carrying around twenty years of unresolved emotional baggage. Theses unresolved feelings are interfering with their spy games. Prodding the flames is Lord Anthony Headland, who played a part in the couple’s initial breakup and is still obsessed with Kat. As a widower, Headland has renewed his efforts to wed Kat, whereas Kat still wants nothing to do with him. Kat and Waldorf’s road to forgiveness and happiness is a long and bumpy one. The love between them never died giving them a chance at reconciliation. This is a book of second chances. I appreciate that Waldorf respects Kat and sees her as an equal, he also lets her take the lead in intimate moments and does not try do dominate at every turn. They were well suited for each other, they just needed to figure out a way to get over the past and live for a future. Too bad twenty years had to go by before they faced their issues. I enjoyed these two characters and how they were presented on the page. They fit perfectly into the alternate world they were living in. This is an open door romance with scenes that sizzle. Waldorf’s father twinkled with humor and pomp and circumstance. And last but not least, Napoleon the cat is a scene stealer with his antics. Kat took him everywhere in a basket slung over her arm. When he escaped, watch out! I recommend this story for historical Regency fans, fans of second chances no matter how long it takes, and fans of Merry Farmer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
July 11, 2024
Whiskers and Wiles is book 3 in Merry Farmer's unique series. Unlucky in Love.
It is set in a parallel world where Britain consists of separate kingdoms with varying types of governments and societal beliefs. The story plot is driven by the upcoming Joint Parliamentary Meeting where issues concerning the kingdom are put forth for discussion and adoption. This year's most pressing topic is the Unification of Britain using the Mercian Plan. Spies scramble to gently influence positive votes for the plan in what ever way they can without revealing themselves.
Kat serves Queen Matilda of Mercia and is tasked with influencing the wives of Parliament members and Waldorf is assigned to influencing Parliament members as part of a secret society where the members don't know each other or the head of the society. Lord Waldorf Godwin and Katherine Balmor are unaware that they are working for the same cause and this sets them on a collision course steered by their distrust and hatred for one another. They were couple looking forward to the future 20 years ago but it ended horribly with deeply hurt feelings on both sides that still festers.
Whiskers and Wiles is a true second chance trope filled with anger, humor and frustrations. They both make mistakes that lead to dire consequences. There is also forced proximity situation resulting in old feelings and desires rising to the surface. Waldorf and Kat are both stubborn and headstrong and I wanted them to just stop arguing, listen to each other and think logically. Merry Farmer take her readers to the edge and back again with these two!
I always enjoy Merry Farmer's writing and I am eager to read more in the Unlucky in Love Series!
I received a advanced reader copy of Whiskers and Wiles and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience.
It is set in a parallel world where Britain consists of separate kingdoms with varying types of governments and societal beliefs. The story plot is driven by the upcoming Joint Parliamentary Meeting where issues concerning the kingdom are put forth for discussion and adoption. This year's most pressing topic is the Unification of Britain using the Mercian Plan. Spies scramble to gently influence positive votes for the plan in what ever way they can without revealing themselves.
Kat serves Queen Matilda of Mercia and is tasked with influencing the wives of Parliament members and Waldorf is assigned to influencing Parliament members as part of a secret society where the members don't know each other or the head of the society. Lord Waldorf Godwin and Katherine Balmor are unaware that they are working for the same cause and this sets them on a collision course steered by their distrust and hatred for one another. They were couple looking forward to the future 20 years ago but it ended horribly with deeply hurt feelings on both sides that still festers.
Whiskers and Wiles is a true second chance trope filled with anger, humor and frustrations. They both make mistakes that lead to dire consequences. There is also forced proximity situation resulting in old feelings and desires rising to the surface. Waldorf and Kat are both stubborn and headstrong and I wanted them to just stop arguing, listen to each other and think logically. Merry Farmer take her readers to the edge and back again with these two!
I always enjoy Merry Farmer's writing and I am eager to read more in the Unlucky in Love Series!
I received a advanced reader copy of Whiskers and Wiles and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my reading experience.
July 14, 2024
Years Of Enmity
I really enjoyed this second chance, enemies to lovers and forced proximity story which is once again set in the alternate historical Regency period of the New Heptarchy. The plot is well written and entertaining with a spy story and full of political intrigue, enmity and rivalry, humor, hurt feelings, distrust and romance.
Both characters are very likable and were already introduced in the previous books of the series.
The chemistry was right from the start with lots of bickering, banter and steam.
I really liked how the two of them had to work through their feelings and finally found their way back to each other.
Years ago, during her time at Oxford University, Lady Katherine „Kat“ Balmor and Lord Waldorf Godwin were lovers and even planned to marry, but a vicious plot by another suitor destroyed their relationship. Kat became a spy for the liberal Queen of Mercia and Waldorf a spy for his cousin, the King of Wessex and member of the secret Badger Society which wants a United Britannia.
This is the beginning of years of rivalry and enmity between the two. However, independently of each other and without realising it, Kat and Waldorf have the same goal, namely to make sure that the Mercian Plan to reunite Britannia is finally on the agenda of the Joint Parliament of the Heptarchy.
Due to a short-sighted act by Kat that could jeopardise their missions the two must now work together more closely than they would like and also face up to their emotions and shared past...
Overall, an very entertaining read with lots of banter and some steam that I am happy to recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this second chance, enemies to lovers and forced proximity story which is once again set in the alternate historical Regency period of the New Heptarchy. The plot is well written and entertaining with a spy story and full of political intrigue, enmity and rivalry, humor, hurt feelings, distrust and romance.
Both characters are very likable and were already introduced in the previous books of the series.
The chemistry was right from the start with lots of bickering, banter and steam.
I really liked how the two of them had to work through their feelings and finally found their way back to each other.
Years ago, during her time at Oxford University, Lady Katherine „Kat“ Balmor and Lord Waldorf Godwin were lovers and even planned to marry, but a vicious plot by another suitor destroyed their relationship. Kat became a spy for the liberal Queen of Mercia and Waldorf a spy for his cousin, the King of Wessex and member of the secret Badger Society which wants a United Britannia.
This is the beginning of years of rivalry and enmity between the two. However, independently of each other and without realising it, Kat and Waldorf have the same goal, namely to make sure that the Mercian Plan to reunite Britannia is finally on the agenda of the Joint Parliament of the Heptarchy.
Due to a short-sighted act by Kat that could jeopardise their missions the two must now work together more closely than they would like and also face up to their emotions and shared past...
Overall, an very entertaining read with lots of banter and some steam that I am happy to recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 25, 2024
3.5* rounded up
This book follows the next couple in the quest to avoid a cursed castle.
It's a second chance romance in a very fictive regency world.
While I enjoyed it, I found it less good than the previous two books. The fact that I am not too keen on second chance romances is on me but I felt the wit and funny writing from especially the second book was nearly totally missing here.
Waldorf was a twat when he was far too easily convinced that Kat was up to no good and broke off with her 20 years ago.
In a way the idea of two spies trying to turn others to support a plan but not working together or even aware of each other sounded good but these two are the most bumbling spies I ever read about.
For me Kat and Waldorf lacked chemistry and their enemies-to-lovers development too far to long for me.
The "retreat" they had to attend sounded so bonkers for Regency, it actually was the most fun bit of the book.
The villian was quite stereotype and I had hoped for a bit more suspense here.
But the general idea of the curse and also the fictive England the author built is a really good concept and I look forward to book no. 4.
This book follows the next couple in the quest to avoid a cursed castle.
It's a second chance romance in a very fictive regency world.
While I enjoyed it, I found it less good than the previous two books. The fact that I am not too keen on second chance romances is on me but I felt the wit and funny writing from especially the second book was nearly totally missing here.
Waldorf was a twat when he was far too easily convinced that Kat was up to no good and broke off with her 20 years ago.
In a way the idea of two spies trying to turn others to support a plan but not working together or even aware of each other sounded good but these two are the most bumbling spies I ever read about.
For me Kat and Waldorf lacked chemistry and their enemies-to-lovers development too far to long for me.
The "retreat" they had to attend sounded so bonkers for Regency, it actually was the most fun bit of the book.
The villian was quite stereotype and I had hoped for a bit more suspense here.
But the general idea of the curse and also the fictive England the author built is a really good concept and I look forward to book no. 4.
July 13, 2024
Extremely well written story of Katherine and Waldorf for this series. Full of love, drama, villains, action, curses, steam, family friends, intrigue, laughs, society and of course the cat, Napoleon. Katherine and Waldorf's story started twenty years ago when they were in love and another man tries to come between them. Pride before the fall is what Waldorf had instead of believing in Katherine, he walks away. Now both are spies working for the same reason but by different people. They bump heads and get in the way of the other causing issues with their bosses. Now they are forced to work together , they have to spend time together at a house party for married or engaged couples. Feelings come back with a bang that are still very much hidden for both. Has lots of action and steam and best of all her cat to the rescue. Don't forget the curse and the Scroll of Destiny. Can't wait for the next story in this series. Absolutely loved this story. Would strongly recommend this story and the rest of the series to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
This is such a good story, but oh the price they paid for distrust, anger and pride! Twenty years ago Kat and Waldorf were in love. On the day that he was to propose, Waldorf found evidence that she was unfaithful to him. She protested her innocence, but he was so shocked and hurt that he did not believe her. For the past two decades, whenever they saw each other, anger ruled and venom spewed. Both are spies working for different monarchs, and unbeknownst to them, they were both working toward the same goal, the unification of Britannia. The appearance of an old foe heightens their volatile relationship, and a serious blunder puts both of their jobs and lives in jeopardy. A visit ordered by the queen to a noblewoman’s love clinic puts Kat and Waldorf back on the right path. This story is filled with intrigue, danger, political maneuvering, strong emotions, crazy games, love theories, and steamy encounters. It is well written, easily imaginable and quite satisfying. Once again, the ending tees up the next book in the series, and I anxiously look forward to its release.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 28, 2024
Again set in a parallel timeline to ours in a Regency period Lady Katherine and Waldorf are both spies, but for different masters. To complicate things they have history, having been lovers 20 years previously but having an acrimonious split. Due to circumstances beyond both their control they are forced to work together on a highly important mission.
As normal I always look forward to a book by Merry, they are great fun and I can forgive the spicy moments that I'm not always a fan of as they fit in the story. It's also a fascinating look at an alternative history of what could have happened in England in the past. The will they / won't they romance runs all the way through the story, with both highs and lows occurring with misunderstandings on both sides. The party that they attend certainly sounds wild, but with a certain truth in it. In summary a fun read and I'm again looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book.
As normal I always look forward to a book by Merry, they are great fun and I can forgive the spicy moments that I'm not always a fan of as they fit in the story. It's also a fascinating look at an alternative history of what could have happened in England in the past. The will they / won't they romance runs all the way through the story, with both highs and lows occurring with misunderstandings on both sides. The party that they attend certainly sounds wild, but with a certain truth in it. In summary a fun read and I'm again looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book.
July 7, 2024
Oh, my what to say about this book. This series really must be read in order. Each book is about who will inherit a family castle that has a curse attached to it. This is Lord Waldorf and Lady Katherine Balmor story. Lord Waldorf had the love of his life and was looking forward to a rich life with her as his wife till it all ended badly. Lady Katherine has never for got or for given Waldorf for tossing her away with out even giving her a chance to explain. That was twenty years ago!! Wow, talk about holding a gunge! As these two are forced to work together for the good of the county they start to wonder about the past and what if? With tons of secrets, misunderstanding and some just plain dumb things they do to each other will this couple get a second chance or is it too late. The villain in this story is a horrible person and will have you yelling out loud at him, he just made me so mad. All in all this is a fast paced story that will keep you reading. I love the cat too. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
July 15, 2024
Twenty years ago, Waldorf and Katherine were in love and thought they were headed for a future together. Then, lies, bribes, and a misunderstood incident tore them apart. Now they are both spies unknowingly working for the same cause. When their open animosity creates a problem for their employer, they are forced to work together to set things straight and accomplish the mission. At a house party filled with hilarity, but purpose, they find what they lost twenty years ago. Do they accomplish their mission? This is wonderful well-written second chance story with a lot of extras. There is drama, intrigue, action, humor, romance (and attempted romance), a bit of steam, a happy ending. Katherine and Waldorf are intelligent, stubborn, and ultimately likable. Napoleon, the cat, is an adorable scene stealer. Waldorf’s name is scratched from the Scroll of Destiny. Who’s next? Enjoyable romp and great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 29, 2024
This was the story of Waldorf and Catherine, who let misunderstandings and pride ruin their plans for a happy life together. Twenty years later they are drawn back into one another’s lives, and it forces them to discuss all their anger and misunderstandings leading them to their HEA.
The book was a bit drawn out because I felt like Catherine was too difficult for too long. Her desire to hold on to her anger became tedious. Then he would get defensive and respond so it was just a vicious cycle of arguing for most of the book. Catherine made a huge mistake that could potentially hurt a lot of people, but she still seemed to find reasons to blame Waldorf. She wasn’t a very likable heroine because of her prolonged anger, especially since some of the anger felt unreasonable so I could only give this book 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was a bit drawn out because I felt like Catherine was too difficult for too long. Her desire to hold on to her anger became tedious. Then he would get defensive and respond so it was just a vicious cycle of arguing for most of the book. Catherine made a huge mistake that could potentially hurt a lot of people, but she still seemed to find reasons to blame Waldorf. She wasn’t a very likable heroine because of her prolonged anger, especially since some of the anger felt unreasonable so I could only give this book 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
What do you do when you have multiple degrees in English history? Well if you are Merry Farmer you re-write history of course. Ms Farmer takes the regency romance trope and flips it around with a Britain that has not been unified, adds in a cursed castle that no one wants to inherit and in this volume of the series has two spies who have a PAST. Capitals are needed because it’s quite the past. We get lots of hints of Taming of the Shrew with the aptly named Kate and her love/nemesis Waldorf except that Ms Farmer is much more sympathetic to Kate’s dilemma than Mr Shakespeare was. It might sound like it could be a total disaster but in the marvelous writing hands of Ms Farmer there is no chance of that. It’s delicious, funny, sad, charming, and everything that is best about historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
I wanted to enjoy this book so much more than I actually did. I loved the first two in this series, but this one just ran too far into the politics and for far too long for me. The first half of the book dragged on for me and I thought several times that I was going to give up on it. The second half of the book picked up, slightly, but still lacked something that the first two excelled in. I just didn't feel as connected to these characters as I'd have liked. It was a slow burn, fake engagement, second chance, and enemies to lovers. In other words it should have been right up my alley, but sadly it failed for me. I can only hope that the next book brings back some of the joy that was set up in the first two stories of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2024
This was a fantastic story that just had me hanging by my nails sometimes and chewing them on others. The twists and turns of the story and the deceit and the truth coming out will have you pulling out your hair in frustration that these two just get on with it and except that they have feelings for each other. With Katherine or Kat as she is known and Waldorf being a the pompous man that he is, will this couple finally work things out and find their happily ever after? We know they do, but it’s getting to the end that is part of the journey. I can’t wait till the next book comes out with Miniver and Lawrence.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
Waldorf and Kat were a couple, although not flaunting it, when she was at Oxford. He was a bit older than her but they got along excellently until someone interfered and caused a huge problem. Waldorf didn't believe Kat and that broke her, she never fell in love again and never trusted men completely.
Now years later they need to work together, neither has married as they won't admit that there was only one love for them. They get sent off on a mission, what fun! The lady of the house has some unusual ideas for the times!
Who is going to break the curse of the house? Is there really a curse?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great romantic suspense from Merry
Now years later they need to work together, neither has married as they won't admit that there was only one love for them. They get sent off on a mission, what fun! The lady of the house has some unusual ideas for the times!
Who is going to break the curse of the house? Is there really a curse?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great romantic suspense from Merry
June 25, 2024
Absolutely Splendid!
Twenty years after having her dreams crushed, Kat has a second chance to her ideal happy ever after, but life would not be life if it could all be easy sailing, would it?
And so Kat and Waldorf have an amazing adventure and get to know each other all over again - the loves and the hates too and this time .... nope, I'm not telling!
There is just one character whom I would dearly love to do something horrid to because he is just so evil, but the others are totally complimentary and really aid in making this story very easy to read and enjoy.
I loved this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review having just read an early copy of it.
Twenty years after having her dreams crushed, Kat has a second chance to her ideal happy ever after, but life would not be life if it could all be easy sailing, would it?
And so Kat and Waldorf have an amazing adventure and get to know each other all over again - the loves and the hates too and this time .... nope, I'm not telling!
There is just one character whom I would dearly love to do something horrid to because he is just so evil, but the others are totally complimentary and really aid in making this story very easy to read and enjoy.
I loved this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review having just read an early copy of it.
June 29, 2024
Whiskers and Wiles , Unlucky In Love book #3
Waldorf cleared his throat. “And if we fail, Your Majesty?” The queen’s face grew stony. “Then, Lord Waldorf, the Curse of Godwin Castle will become the least of your worries.”
Kat and Waldorf share a past relationship that didn’t end well. And now, unbeknownst to each other, they each have been fighting for the same cause for years.
It "only" took them twenty years to reach their HEA.
I loved this second chance at love story, especially their assignment at Oxwick Park. It seemed silly but proved to be so valuable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Waldorf cleared his throat. “And if we fail, Your Majesty?” The queen’s face grew stony. “Then, Lord Waldorf, the Curse of Godwin Castle will become the least of your worries.”
Kat and Waldorf share a past relationship that didn’t end well. And now, unbeknownst to each other, they each have been fighting for the same cause for years.
It "only" took them twenty years to reach their HEA.
I loved this second chance at love story, especially their assignment at Oxwick Park. It seemed silly but proved to be so valuable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2024
Second chance is not my favourite trope and given the circumstances of Waldorf and Kat’s separation, with Waldorf believing the lies of the sleazy Lord Headland and not listening to Kat’s truth, I was not sure I’d even want their second chance. Their jousting, bickering, and banter though are amusing and the underlying love that they still have for each other brought me onside. There was too much of the political storyline perhaps, and not enough steam and Napoleon, and I could have done with something even worse to happen to Lord Headland but overall, an enjoyable instalment to this series. 3.5 stars
July 16, 2024
Holding a grudge
The enmity between Kat and Waldorf dates to the time that Kat was in Oxford. They were actually dating but Waldorf severed all ties after seeing Kat being kissed by another man, never believing that it happened against her will. Hurt and outraged by his defection, Kat swore off men and marriage. Both are stubborn and do everything to thwart the other’s spying activities, not knowing that they are in fact working for the same monarch.
Will they ever talk about the past and realise that they still care for each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The enmity between Kat and Waldorf dates to the time that Kat was in Oxford. They were actually dating but Waldorf severed all ties after seeing Kat being kissed by another man, never believing that it happened against her will. Hurt and outraged by his defection, Kat swore off men and marriage. Both are stubborn and do everything to thwart the other’s spying activities, not knowing that they are in fact working for the same monarch.
Will they ever talk about the past and realise that they still care for each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2024
This isn’t a true regency as the historical data isn’t correct and the language used sometimes is a bit modern. The love story is nice as the two main characters were torn apart by a lie the hero believed from another who was perusing the heroine. It took twenty years for them to reconcile. I didn’t like how the younger hero was so quick to believe the worst without really giving her a chance to explain. The heroine was very hurt and developed trust issues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 13, 2024
The third book in a series in which a duke insists that his relatives marry so that one can be awarded a castle. Thus this is Waldorf's story.
Waldorf was in love with the beautiful Kate and lost her. Twenty years later, they are both given an assignment together. A fasted paced story filled with lies, deceit, regrets, angrier and a villain. Creatively written as a second chance story. Can stand alone yet it's better if read as part of the series to fully appreciate the deeper plot line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Waldorf was in love with the beautiful Kate and lost her. Twenty years later, they are both given an assignment together. A fasted paced story filled with lies, deceit, regrets, angrier and a villain. Creatively written as a second chance story. Can stand alone yet it's better if read as part of the series to fully appreciate the deeper plot line.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
Lord Waldorf Godwin and Lady Katherine Balmor had an affair 20 years ago that ended badly. But when forced to work together years later, can they agree to work together even with his distrust of the innocent Kat? This storyline is well-developed and fast-paced and has compelling characters. Full of action, drama, sizzle, steam, and more, this book is a solid addition to the Unlucky in Love series by Merry Farmer.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2024
Second chance is a favorite trope. This story of mistaken ideas and non-forgiveness, for a good portion of the story, was well written. In this alternate history of Regency England I found the political debates intriguing. One thing though, I thought the descriptions of the debates and thoughts went on a little too long. I wanted more of Waldorf and Kat. Overall, it is a nice addition to the Unlucky in Love series.
July 14, 2024
This was a fantastic historical romance. It was the third book in the series and it just gets better and better. I absolutely love the alternative history part of the series, it creates such a unique storyline. This was a second chance story and I was hooked from the beginning. Waldorf and Katherine had such great chemistry and I just loved them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2024
The storyline and characters are realistic. Unfortunately, I had to skip several pages in several different spots because I don't need or like reading the intimate descriptions of things better left behind closed doors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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