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The Shackleford Legacies #2
Mercedes
From the highly acclaimed author of The Shackleford Sisters, Beverley Watts, comes an exciting new series featuring the next generation. The Shackleford Legacies are a delightful dance of romance, humor, mystery and fun...
As the eldest daughter of the Earl of Cottesmore, Lady Mercedes Stanhope didn't expect to be still without a husband at the start of her third season. And neither did she expect to be the target of a kidnapping attempt on her journey home from Scotland. But most of all, she didn't expect to experience such an emotional connection to the man who came to her rescue…
Horrifically scarred after a bayonet wound nearly cost him his life, Nathaniel Harding lived for fifteen years in the shadows. He didn't expect to be cast into the role of hero in the attempted kidnap of a young gentlewoman. And neither did he expect to be offered the role of her protector to prevent it happening again.
But most of all, he didn't expect feelings he’d long believed dead and buried to come bubbling to the surface with her unexpected intrusion into his life…
When Mercy and Nate are thrown together to help defeat the kidnapper, neither of them expected to be facing their deepest, darkest fears in confronting the very essence of evil. But most of all, neither expected that love might be found in the midst of such darkness…
And then, of course, the one thing that no one expected, was the crucial role Reverend Augustus Shackleford would end up playing in the whole proceedings…
Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam...
As the eldest daughter of the Earl of Cottesmore, Lady Mercedes Stanhope didn't expect to be still without a husband at the start of her third season. And neither did she expect to be the target of a kidnapping attempt on her journey home from Scotland. But most of all, she didn't expect to experience such an emotional connection to the man who came to her rescue…
Horrifically scarred after a bayonet wound nearly cost him his life, Nathaniel Harding lived for fifteen years in the shadows. He didn't expect to be cast into the role of hero in the attempted kidnap of a young gentlewoman. And neither did he expect to be offered the role of her protector to prevent it happening again.
But most of all, he didn't expect feelings he’d long believed dead and buried to come bubbling to the surface with her unexpected intrusion into his life…
When Mercy and Nate are thrown together to help defeat the kidnapper, neither of them expected to be facing their deepest, darkest fears in confronting the very essence of evil. But most of all, neither expected that love might be found in the midst of such darkness…
And then, of course, the one thing that no one expected, was the crucial role Reverend Augustus Shackleford would end up playing in the whole proceedings…
Perfect for fans of Regency Romances with wit and humor and a little bit of steam...
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2024
939 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Watts
50 books258 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 17, 2025
I enjoyed this one, just like the rest!
The only things that irritated me was the description of Mercedes eyes. When she was first introduced she had her father’s blue eyes and now she has brown eyes. That’s how her father knew she was his!
The other thing was that I felt the author had left characteristics out for Nate; like age and hair color. It was hard for me to visualize him completely (my opinion of course).
The only things that irritated me was the description of Mercedes eyes. When she was first introduced she had her father’s blue eyes and now she has brown eyes. That’s how her father knew she was his!
The other thing was that I felt the author had left characteristics out for Nate; like age and hair color. It was hard for me to visualize him completely (my opinion of course).
July 23, 2025
Chastity and Christian Stanhope, the Earl of Cottesmore, were a favourite of mine in the Shackleford series. Christian had an exciting journey to find his Shackleford wife. Mercedes is the Earl's eight-year-old daughter, who Chastity loves as her own. The females in this wild family exert a significant influence on one another, which lends to their independence and resilience. No swooning milk toast in this bunch. Mercedes will require their willfulness if she is to survive this story.
Returning from Scotland, after visiting Jennifer and her new husband, Mercedes is slowed by a freak April snowstorm. Their last overnight stop is where the excitement begins.
When a totally stranger burst into their private parlour, Mercedes and her chaperones, (surprise), the Reverend and his wife Agnes, are understandably startled. The man's appearance, having barely survived Waterloo, is disarming enough, but the tale he shares is even more outrageous. He has overheard a desperate and ruthless threat to kidnap Mercedes, intending to force her into wedlock, soon after they depart the inn the following morning. Mercedes, though shocked at first, is intrigued by the man and his sincerity. He offers to help, but the Reverend declines, believing he has enough protection with his outriders.
Unable to sleep, Mercedes decides that the man is her safest bet and takes him up on his offer. The kidnapping is averted, for the moment, but where is Mercedes? And who is the man who has helped?
When the clues, including the kidnapper's identity, are presented to the Earl, he has no doubt she is indeed in peril, but doesn't yet understand why.
After finding Mercedes safe. They proceed with their plans to flush out the antagonist and head to London for the season. The Earl calls in for backup from his brothers-in-law, who all have powerful positions, including Jamie, Prue's husband, who is the magistrate.
Attempting to force the kidnapper's hand, they try to pressure him into a risky attempt, knowing they will be prepared. This is where the story (unusual for Ms. Watts) falters a bit. Mercedes is kidnapped, and the circumstances are somewhat weak, considering everyone is expecting it. However, you soon get caught up in the plan to rescue our fair maiden and soon forget how it occurred.
The Reverend, accompanied by his sidekick Percy, causes a diversion to thwart the villain from escaping. A new player joins the Reverend and Percy in their antics, a small Scottish Foundling we came to adore in Jennifer, whom Percy and Lizzie have adopted. You'd best brush up on your Scottish burr. I have a feeling we will see this wise little rascal again.
The story moves quickly, and all the pieces fall into place at the end. The only disappointment was that the Duke of Blackmore arrived too late to be involved. I always enjoy seeing Nick throw his weight around. He is, after all, the head of this crazy band of misfit daughters, and the Legacies series looks to be just as fun and exciting as the original.
Returning from Scotland, after visiting Jennifer and her new husband, Mercedes is slowed by a freak April snowstorm. Their last overnight stop is where the excitement begins.
When a totally stranger burst into their private parlour, Mercedes and her chaperones, (surprise), the Reverend and his wife Agnes, are understandably startled. The man's appearance, having barely survived Waterloo, is disarming enough, but the tale he shares is even more outrageous. He has overheard a desperate and ruthless threat to kidnap Mercedes, intending to force her into wedlock, soon after they depart the inn the following morning. Mercedes, though shocked at first, is intrigued by the man and his sincerity. He offers to help, but the Reverend declines, believing he has enough protection with his outriders.
Unable to sleep, Mercedes decides that the man is her safest bet and takes him up on his offer. The kidnapping is averted, for the moment, but where is Mercedes? And who is the man who has helped?
When the clues, including the kidnapper's identity, are presented to the Earl, he has no doubt she is indeed in peril, but doesn't yet understand why.
After finding Mercedes safe. They proceed with their plans to flush out the antagonist and head to London for the season. The Earl calls in for backup from his brothers-in-law, who all have powerful positions, including Jamie, Prue's husband, who is the magistrate.
Attempting to force the kidnapper's hand, they try to pressure him into a risky attempt, knowing they will be prepared. This is where the story (unusual for Ms. Watts) falters a bit. Mercedes is kidnapped, and the circumstances are somewhat weak, considering everyone is expecting it. However, you soon get caught up in the plan to rescue our fair maiden and soon forget how it occurred.
The Reverend, accompanied by his sidekick Percy, causes a diversion to thwart the villain from escaping. A new player joins the Reverend and Percy in their antics, a small Scottish Foundling we came to adore in Jennifer, whom Percy and Lizzie have adopted. You'd best brush up on your Scottish burr. I have a feeling we will see this wise little rascal again.
The story moves quickly, and all the pieces fall into place at the end. The only disappointment was that the Duke of Blackmore arrived too late to be involved. I always enjoy seeing Nick throw his weight around. He is, after all, the head of this crazy band of misfit daughters, and the Legacies series looks to be just as fun and exciting as the original.
February 3, 2025
Mercedes chance at love
I absolutely loved Nate and Mercy’s story. She the oldest daughter of an Earl and Nate a wounded solider from Waterloo. Nate came home wounded years ago and lived a solitary life with his dog and horse.
Nate overhears 2 men in a stable yard concocting a scheme to kidnap a young lady. When he abruptly interrupts the young lady in question with her grandparents and tells them what he overheard.
When Nate tells them they can hide at his place they turn him down. But during the night Mercedes believes she can trust him and in order to keep her grandparents safe she decides to go with him. She knows it will be only a matter of time before her father shows up.
A wonderful written story with Mercedes finally finding out where her mother’s side of the family is.
I absolutely loved Nate and Mercy’s story. She the oldest daughter of an Earl and Nate a wounded solider from Waterloo. Nate came home wounded years ago and lived a solitary life with his dog and horse.
Nate overhears 2 men in a stable yard concocting a scheme to kidnap a young lady. When he abruptly interrupts the young lady in question with her grandparents and tells them what he overheard.
When Nate tells them they can hide at his place they turn him down. But during the night Mercedes believes she can trust him and in order to keep her grandparents safe she decides to go with him. She knows it will be only a matter of time before her father shows up.
A wonderful written story with Mercedes finally finding out where her mother’s side of the family is.
November 3, 2024
Mercedes and Nate
Beautiful characters, faulted, real almost, truly relatable and so interesting. A beautiful, funny love story between a wonderful young woman who apparently comes from out of wedlock from a courtesan and a noble so she has the title but also the baggage of inappropriate surrounding her birth. He is a bastard, let not to starve, but despised and humiliated for how he came into the world, despite being it out of his control. On top of that he is desfigured from the war, poor and depressed. Somehow together they work, they are totally attracted to each other and they complete each other perfectly. However, there are secrets and unexpected revenge quest Which complicate things severely.
Beautiful characters, faulted, real almost, truly relatable and so interesting. A beautiful, funny love story between a wonderful young woman who apparently comes from out of wedlock from a courtesan and a noble so she has the title but also the baggage of inappropriate surrounding her birth. He is a bastard, let not to starve, but despised and humiliated for how he came into the world, despite being it out of his control. On top of that he is desfigured from the war, poor and depressed. Somehow together they work, they are totally attracted to each other and they complete each other perfectly. However, there are secrets and unexpected revenge quest Which complicate things severely.
February 26, 2025
5 STARS, A DELIGHTFUL HISTORICAL
Book 2 gets 5 STARS & proves that this exciting Series: The Shackleford Legacies is going to be as entertaining & enjoyable as the original series.
Mercy is the step granddaughter of the Reverend but he will fight for her as if she was his own. They don't know why this man has followed the Earl from Boston, in America & plans to kidnap & marry Mercy. However, they know he wad a mean man who was a gambler who caused her mother's death, or helped it happen faster.
Mercy has other ideas she wants her Viscount, who was barometer across his face at Waterloo & came forward to strangers offering help.
Another exhilarating Beverley Watts' read about the Shackleford Sisters & their families.
RECOMMENDED
Book 2 gets 5 STARS & proves that this exciting Series: The Shackleford Legacies is going to be as entertaining & enjoyable as the original series.
Mercy is the step granddaughter of the Reverend but he will fight for her as if she was his own. They don't know why this man has followed the Earl from Boston, in America & plans to kidnap & marry Mercy. However, they know he wad a mean man who was a gambler who caused her mother's death, or helped it happen faster.
Mercy has other ideas she wants her Viscount, who was barometer across his face at Waterloo & came forward to strangers offering help.
Another exhilarating Beverley Watts' read about the Shackleford Sisters & their families.
RECOMMENDED
September 19, 2024
Once I'd started this book I couldn't put it down. An untimely snow in April results in a kidnap plot being revealed. The victim to be is the Beauty of the tale, the hero is the Beast, an impoverished war damaged Viscount. There's a part for almost all the Shackleford sisters, their husbands, and of course their father and his sidekick Percy. Maybe fewer laughs in this than normal, instead an intense battle to save our heroine, Mercedes, from an American madman! Supporting cast includes two dogs, a horse and a adopted Scottish orphan. I'm now in recovery and looking forward to a second read! Well deserving of its 5 stars. The next book in the series already on order!
August 19, 2025
Love this series
This is the 2nd book in the Shackleford legacies series. I have read all the Shackleford sisters books and the prior book to this and love them all. I suggest you read all the prior books in order since even though they are read alone books there is a world building and character building that makes each book even more enjoyable. Plus they are aging and evolving, and growing larger as a family. Each story is unique although the family is the same. There are lol moments and scary moments. This particular story had a crazy villain who was American. If you can get the audiobook for these stories. The narrations are perfect.
This is the 2nd book in the Shackleford legacies series. I have read all the Shackleford sisters books and the prior book to this and love them all. I suggest you read all the prior books in order since even though they are read alone books there is a world building and character building that makes each book even more enjoyable. Plus they are aging and evolving, and growing larger as a family. Each story is unique although the family is the same. There are lol moments and scary moments. This particular story had a crazy villain who was American. If you can get the audiobook for these stories. The narrations are perfect.
July 21, 2025
Shacklefords never disappoint with their crazy antics and this time Reverend Grandpapa has lots to do with the whole havycavy business!!!
Mercedes and her soon to be "fake" fiancé are joining forces to defeat a plan of abduction and forced marriage! His scars mean nothing to her and her outspoken, Shackleford feminine charms are just what he needs to start living again... So long as he could save her!!! Book two in the Shackleford Legacies is as brilliant as all of the ladies - and uncle Anthony - before her!!
Mercedes and her soon to be "fake" fiancé are joining forces to defeat a plan of abduction and forced marriage! His scars mean nothing to her and her outspoken, Shackleford feminine charms are just what he needs to start living again... So long as he could save her!!! Book two in the Shackleford Legacies is as brilliant as all of the ladies - and uncle Anthony - before her!!
October 6, 2024
Good but ?
After reading Jennifer, I almost did not read Mercedes. Sadly, Mercedes was missing much of the romance. She and Nate only kissed once. Very little development of the romance and ending seemed rushed. As happy as I was with the first series of Shackelfords, I am disappointed in this series. Probably will not continue.
After reading Jennifer, I almost did not read Mercedes. Sadly, Mercedes was missing much of the romance. She and Nate only kissed once. Very little development of the romance and ending seemed rushed. As happy as I was with the first series of Shackelfords, I am disappointed in this series. Probably will not continue.
July 13, 2025
This follows the path of an adventure for s strong minded young lady. We have the usual humour and developing romance, this time with a disfigured hero.
The plot twists that develop along with a fair number of quite fantastic coincidences stretch the plot very thin but it is still highly enjoyable.
The plot twists that develop along with a fair number of quite fantastic coincidences stretch the plot very thin but it is still highly enjoyable.
January 2, 2026
I found these books simple and light, at times funny, they are very suited to a younger audience. By the end of the series...so far... and all 10 or 12 books under my belt, I was left feeling that I wanted to know the characters more. I hadn't moved on, I loved the interaction of the the brothers in law. A bit rushed in some places. So much more could be done with them.
September 21, 2024
another beautiful read
I loved how most of the family Percy and even Finn were involved this time in helping Mercy and Nate’s happy ending. It was well worth the wait and now can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend
I loved how most of the family Percy and even Finn were involved this time in helping Mercy and Nate’s happy ending. It was well worth the wait and now can’t wait for the next book. Highly recommend
September 21, 2024
like it
Another brilliant continuation of the Shackleford series, involving the grand daughters. Lots of humorous scenes involving the bumbling Reverend Shackleford and his sidekick Percy, his curate. Finished reading it in one day. Just brilliant.
Another brilliant continuation of the Shackleford series, involving the grand daughters. Lots of humorous scenes involving the bumbling Reverend Shackleford and his sidekick Percy, his curate. Finished reading it in one day. Just brilliant.
September 22, 2024
Mercedes
Exceptional as always, lots of fun and adventure that involves a lot of the family, so if you have read previous books, although not necessary, it's lovely to see old characters popping back up, I cannot recommend this Author enough, always a great read Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Exceptional as always, lots of fun and adventure that involves a lot of the family, so if you have read previous books, although not necessary, it's lovely to see old characters popping back up, I cannot recommend this Author enough, always a great read Xxxxxxxxxxxx
September 22, 2024
invisible scars
A beautiful story of family, loving someone others were afraid of and finding the goodness within their heart ❤️ I want a big shout out to Flossy and Finn because they both had a hand in the mystery!
A beautiful story of family, loving someone others were afraid of and finding the goodness within their heart ❤️ I want a big shout out to Flossy and Finn because they both had a hand in the mystery!
September 23, 2024
The Mercedes saga
Another gripping page turning tale by Beverley Watts cannot wait when the next Shackleford
marriage will take place. These tales are entertaining and amusing as well as keeping
the reader in suspense.
Another gripping page turning tale by Beverley Watts cannot wait when the next Shackleford
marriage will take place. These tales are entertaining and amusing as well as keeping
the reader in suspense.
October 5, 2024
intriguing and funny
At the end of these shackleford family sagas. These have kept me busy for quite a few weeks. Now I’m going to have to wait until the next one comes out. Every book an adventure and every book has humour. Perfectly written! Loved Every book
At the end of these shackleford family sagas. These have kept me busy for quite a few weeks. Now I’m going to have to wait until the next one comes out. Every book an adventure and every book has humour. Perfectly written! Loved Every book
October 6, 2024
Another great read from Beverley Watts
I love the Shackleford stories, and this one did not disappoint. There’s so much story to them, and so many great characters, it was lovely to have all the family from previous books in this one. Another great read from Beverley Watts!
I love the Shackleford stories, and this one did not disappoint. There’s so much story to them, and so many great characters, it was lovely to have all the family from previous books in this one. Another great read from Beverley Watts!
October 22, 2024
The only complaint I have is that I can read any Shackleford book by Beverly Watts in one day (or night, so what if I am a bit sleepy at work), but I have to wait for half a year for another one... Well you can't rush a masterpiece, and that is what we are getting!
October 28, 2024
Hilarious!
The author has created a incredible series of hilarious characters and adventure in the Shake ford Legacies where the family get into trouble again while solving mystery and finding romance, this amazing series is the best series I've read in a while!
The author has created a incredible series of hilarious characters and adventure in the Shake ford Legacies where the family get into trouble again while solving mystery and finding romance, this amazing series is the best series I've read in a while!
November 14, 2024
Another fun caper with the Shackelfords
Sweet romantic adventure with the next generation of Shackelfords offspring. The same fun and frollicks. Most enjoyable , I look forward to the next.
Sweet romantic adventure with the next generation of Shackelfords offspring. The same fun and frollicks. Most enjoyable , I look forward to the next.
April 6, 2025
Mercedes
Lol I love a good book that can make you laugh out loud. The Reverend with his outrageous banter would make anyone laugh. Add in the fact that he leads his Curate into dangerous situations. Looking forward to the next book.
Lol I love a good book that can make you laugh out loud. The Reverend with his outrageous banter would make anyone laugh. Add in the fact that he leads his Curate into dangerous situations. Looking forward to the next book.
April 8, 2025
oh what a great story!
The legacies just get better, with each one I read, I love this family more and more. I’ve read all of the Shackleford series and they have just enough comedy with the serious gripping parts that have me sitting on the edge of my seat. Roll on Roseanna 😍☺️
The legacies just get better, with each one I read, I love this family more and more. I’ve read all of the Shackleford series and they have just enough comedy with the serious gripping parts that have me sitting on the edge of my seat. Roll on Roseanna 😍☺️
April 29, 2025
Thrilling!
Mercedes is an exciting regency romance. The Reverend Shackleford is still saving family, creating a ruckus and making us belly laugh! Action, Adventure & Thrills! Loved it!
Mercedes is an exciting regency romance. The Reverend Shackleford is still saving family, creating a ruckus and making us belly laugh! Action, Adventure & Thrills! Loved it!
June 18, 2025
good quick read
Enjoyable, Reverend Shackleford and Percy now supported by Finn can be counted on to provide comic relief. The main characters spend too little time together which seems to be a running issue with the legacy books. Their attachment is barely believable
Enjoyable, Reverend Shackleford and Percy now supported by Finn can be counted on to provide comic relief. The main characters spend too little time together which seems to be a running issue with the legacy books. Their attachment is barely believable
September 20, 2024
Another great read
Another great read. From start to finish a great book, continuing the mayhem the Shacklefords get in too. Couldn't put it down.
Another great read. From start to finish a great book, continuing the mayhem the Shacklefords get in too. Couldn't put it down.
September 21, 2024
Well deserved 5 stars
Beverley Watts does it again cracking good read would give it 10 stars if I could once started could not put it down
Beverley Watts does it again cracking good read would give it 10 stars if I could once started could not put it down
September 21, 2024
As brilliant as the others.
September 25, 2024
Shackleford shenanigans continue
Now I want to go back to re-read the series again. These people just make me laugh out loud! Even the animals are heroes!
Now I want to go back to re-read the series again. These people just make me laugh out loud! Even the animals are heroes!
September 26, 2024
Could be the best of the series.
Once again the Shacklefords do not disappoint. It is the most I have laughed while reading a book. I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
Once again the Shacklefords do not disappoint. It is the most I have laughed while reading a book. I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews