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The Countess Chronicles #3
The Husband Plot
What could go wrong when you marry a perfect stranger?
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
14 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Grant
20 books447 followersKatherine Grant writes Regency Romance novels for the modern reader. Her writing has been recognized by Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, the Romance Slam Jam Emma Awards, and Shelf Unbound Indie Book Awards. If you love ballgowns, secret kisses, and social commentary, a book hangover is coming your way.
Katherine also hosts the weekly Historical Romance Sampler podcast! Find out more at www.katherinegrantromance.com
Katherine also hosts the weekly Historical Romance Sampler podcast! Find out more at www.katherinegrantromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 23, 2021
We really enjoyed the third entry in the Countess Chronicles. This one focuses on Lisbeth, who has chosen to marry a man she's never met. She knows he'll be leaving for Jamaica soon, while she plans on staying in London, spending his money, and generally enjoying life. Adrian's motives are slightly less self-interested: he wants to ensure that he can inherit his father's Jamaican estate so that he can liberate all of the slaves he owns, and marrying a white woman will help him achieve the respectability he needs to do so.
In Regency romance, the reality of slavery and how the nobility benefited from it is largely absent. We loved that the topic was not only brought up, but formed a major part of the plot. As a mixed-race man, Adrian faces prejudice - not only on a personal level, as when debutantes pointedly ignore him at a ball, but on a systemic level, as he cannot inherit as a Black man unless parliament allows him. Lisbeth is an abolitionist and carries no personal prejudice, but it takes her a long time to learn that her ideals and impulsive actions can sometimes be counterproductive to the same people she wishes to help.
If you're worried that this means the book is too serious to be escapist, don't be! There's plenty of romance action to go around - from the marriage of convenience to the waltz-and-garden-fondle at a ball. Lisbeth and Adrien are great characters, and they're great together!
Meg: Lisbeth and Adrian meet at the altar - by choice. No big surprise: both have secrets.
Laine: Woman seeks marriage to provide her with independence; man seeks one that will provide inheritance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy.
In Regency romance, the reality of slavery and how the nobility benefited from it is largely absent. We loved that the topic was not only brought up, but formed a major part of the plot. As a mixed-race man, Adrian faces prejudice - not only on a personal level, as when debutantes pointedly ignore him at a ball, but on a systemic level, as he cannot inherit as a Black man unless parliament allows him. Lisbeth is an abolitionist and carries no personal prejudice, but it takes her a long time to learn that her ideals and impulsive actions can sometimes be counterproductive to the same people she wishes to help.
If you're worried that this means the book is too serious to be escapist, don't be! There's plenty of romance action to go around - from the marriage of convenience to the waltz-and-garden-fondle at a ball. Lisbeth and Adrien are great characters, and they're great together!
Meg: Lisbeth and Adrian meet at the altar - by choice. No big surprise: both have secrets.
Laine: Woman seeks marriage to provide her with independence; man seeks one that will provide inheritance.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy.
March 13, 2021
The Husband Plot: A Marriage of Convenience
The Countess Chronicles Series #3
Katherine Grant
https://www.facebook.com/katherinegra...
Release Date 03/19/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
What could go wrong when you marry someone you have never met?
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let misunderstandings doom their marriage ...
I saw this upcoming release announced in some FB group, first the cover caught my eyes, then the blurb intrigued me, everything about it was unusual.
I ever ranted at myself for choosing to read it on a working day, it was so difficult to lift my eyes from the pages, and I had to do it a lot.
This tale is a heart wrenching story of finding the right path with the measured steps to go on. It demonstrates all the mistakes someone might make by lack of better knowledge and misunderstandings. While the heroes agreed initially to the contract they thought themselves very clever to have entered in, their agenda, not so dissemblable for one another’s, did not prepared them for the reality of married life.
Lisbeth and Adrien both navigate blurred waters, each completely lost about the stranger they married. On paper, everything looked so clear, but once before the fait accompli, nothing is as easy as it once appeared. They both had expectations, and all was well transcribed on paper but face to face with the blood and flesh reality, they will have to do more than wait to make it work.
Lisbeth, after the failure of her previous betrothal, thought she has be much more clever with this one, she marries an unseen man and in a few weeks, she is free of him and ready to live the merry life of a pseudo like widow without the death of said husband.
She just never expected her husband to be so attractive nor so intriguing. Alas he is also more commandeering than she asked, so soon their tempers clash. When she is wordy, he is all in restraint. She expresses noisily her ideas and does not disguise her feelings when he keeps himself in control, never showing an once of emotion. So when he rethinks the terms of their contract, she fights tooth and nails for her freedom of action and ideas even if it means to question their marriage.
Adrian believed too it would be easy, if some desperate woman agrees to marry him, assured to be free of him rather soon than later, all would go well. He is well aware his skin color could only bring her embarrassment, so better to be estranged. And it looked like that at first, until he has to face that even a short term marriage needs a bit of work. More particularly if the spouse is no demure nor shy woman but one with a feisty personality.
But he kept himself so closed to others, he does not really know how to interact, he is even more lost in the bedroom duties. So he does as he always does, he closes his heart and exits the scene.
So driven by his final purpose, he does not understand at first, life is not a straight line but its turns and curves are what make the challenge.
My heart broke for him at all the insults and disparaging glances addressed to him, he built a steel armor around himself, but by doing so, he forbade himself to live, truly live. His goal is honorable, more than that, yet on the journey he lost a bit of himself by never seing past it nor realizing some prices asked do not justify the final result.
Lisbeth with all her flaws might lead him to the world of the living if he is willing to listen and open his heart.
They are so opposite at first, she wants the limelight when he seeks the shadows, still they share the same ideas, if they can find a way to work together, they might have a chance at more than a mere weeks sham marriage.
«𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. »
Do not miss this fantastic moving read, it is packed with emotions, smiles, steam and actions with two flawed persons who challenge one another to bring the better out of the other.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Countess Chronicles Series #3
Katherine Grant
https://www.facebook.com/katherinegra...
Release Date 03/19/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
What could go wrong when you marry someone you have never met?
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let misunderstandings doom their marriage ...
I saw this upcoming release announced in some FB group, first the cover caught my eyes, then the blurb intrigued me, everything about it was unusual.
I ever ranted at myself for choosing to read it on a working day, it was so difficult to lift my eyes from the pages, and I had to do it a lot.
This tale is a heart wrenching story of finding the right path with the measured steps to go on. It demonstrates all the mistakes someone might make by lack of better knowledge and misunderstandings. While the heroes agreed initially to the contract they thought themselves very clever to have entered in, their agenda, not so dissemblable for one another’s, did not prepared them for the reality of married life.
Lisbeth and Adrien both navigate blurred waters, each completely lost about the stranger they married. On paper, everything looked so clear, but once before the fait accompli, nothing is as easy as it once appeared. They both had expectations, and all was well transcribed on paper but face to face with the blood and flesh reality, they will have to do more than wait to make it work.
Lisbeth, after the failure of her previous betrothal, thought she has be much more clever with this one, she marries an unseen man and in a few weeks, she is free of him and ready to live the merry life of a pseudo like widow without the death of said husband.
She just never expected her husband to be so attractive nor so intriguing. Alas he is also more commandeering than she asked, so soon their tempers clash. When she is wordy, he is all in restraint. She expresses noisily her ideas and does not disguise her feelings when he keeps himself in control, never showing an once of emotion. So when he rethinks the terms of their contract, she fights tooth and nails for her freedom of action and ideas even if it means to question their marriage.
Adrian believed too it would be easy, if some desperate woman agrees to marry him, assured to be free of him rather soon than later, all would go well. He is well aware his skin color could only bring her embarrassment, so better to be estranged. And it looked like that at first, until he has to face that even a short term marriage needs a bit of work. More particularly if the spouse is no demure nor shy woman but one with a feisty personality.
But he kept himself so closed to others, he does not really know how to interact, he is even more lost in the bedroom duties. So he does as he always does, he closes his heart and exits the scene.
So driven by his final purpose, he does not understand at first, life is not a straight line but its turns and curves are what make the challenge.
My heart broke for him at all the insults and disparaging glances addressed to him, he built a steel armor around himself, but by doing so, he forbade himself to live, truly live. His goal is honorable, more than that, yet on the journey he lost a bit of himself by never seing past it nor realizing some prices asked do not justify the final result.
Lisbeth with all her flaws might lead him to the world of the living if he is willing to listen and open his heart.
They are so opposite at first, she wants the limelight when he seeks the shadows, still they share the same ideas, if they can find a way to work together, they might have a chance at more than a mere weeks sham marriage.
«𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. »
Do not miss this fantastic moving read, it is packed with emotions, smiles, steam and actions with two flawed persons who challenge one another to bring the better out of the other.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 13, 2021
The Husband Plot: A Marriage of Convenience
The Countess Chronicles Series #3
Katherine Grant
https://www.facebook.com/katherinegra...
Release Date 03/19/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
What could go wrong when you marry someone you have never met?
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let misunderstandings doom their marriage ...
I saw this upcoming release announced in some FB group, first the cover caught my eyes, then the blurb intrigued me, everything about it was unusual.
I ever ranted at myself for choosing to read it on a working day, it was so difficult to lift my eyes from the pages, and I had to do it a lot.
This tale is a heart wrenching story of finding the right path with the measured steps to go on. It demonstrates all the mistakes someone might make by lack of better knowledge and misunderstandings. While the heroes agreed initially to the contract they thought themselves very clever to have entered in, their agenda, not so dissemblable for one another’s, did not prepared them for the reality of married life.
Lisbeth and Adrien both navigate blurred waters, each completely lost about the stranger they married. On paper, everything looked so clear, but once before the fait accompli, nothing is as easy as it once appeared. They both had expectations, and all was well transcribed on paper but face to face with the blood and flesh reality, they will have to do more than wait to make it work.
Lisbeth, after the failure of her previous betrothal, thought she has be much more clever with this one, she marries an unseen man and in a few weeks, she is free of him and ready to live the merry life of a pseudo like widow without the death of said husband.
She just never expected her husband to be so attractive nor so intriguing. Alas he is also more commandeering than she asked, so soon their tempers clash. When she is wordy, he is all in restraint. She expresses noisily her ideas and does not disguise her feelings when he keeps himself in control, never showing an once of emotion. So when he rethinks the terms of their contract, she fights tooth and nails for her freedom of action and ideas even if it means to question their marriage.
Adrian believed too it would be easy, if some desperate woman agrees to marry him, assured to be free of him rather soon than later, all would go well. He is well aware his skin color could only bring her embarrassment, so better to be estranged. And it looked like that at first, until he has to face that even a short term marriage needs a bit of work. More particularly if the spouse is no demure nor shy woman but one with a feisty personality.
But he kept himself so closed to others, he does not really know how to interact, he is even more lost in the bedroom duties. So he does as he always does, he closes his heart and exits the scene.
So driven by his final purpose, he does not understand at first, life is not a straight line but its turns and curves are what make the challenge.
My heart broke for him at all the insults and disparaging glances addressed to him, he built a steel armor around himself, but by doing so, he forbade himself to live, truly live. His goal is honorable, more than that, yet on the journey he lost a bit of himself by never seing past it nor realizing some prices asked do not justify the final result.
Lisbeth with all her flaws might lead him to the world of the living if he is willing to listen and open his heart.
They are so opposite at first, she wants the limelight when he seeks the shadows, still they share the same ideas, if they can find a way to work together, they might have a chance at more than a mere weeks sham marriage.
«𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. »
Do not miss this fantastic moving read, it is packed with emotions, smiles, steam and actions with two flawed persons who challenge one another to bring the better out of the other.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Countess Chronicles Series #3
Katherine Grant
https://www.facebook.com/katherinegra...
Release Date 03/19/2021
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
What could go wrong when you marry someone you have never met?
Lisbeth Dawes would rather not end up a spinster. After her first fiance leaves her at the altar, she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen. She doesn’t expect much from her new husband, since he plans to leave for Jamaica within the year, but she does hope for friendship and freedom to pursue her own interests.
Adrian Hathorne wants to be above reproach. He doesn’t indulge in any of the usual gentlemanly pursuits, nor does he chase after any women. When his father writes from Jamaica with instructions to marry as soon as possible, he does as asked. It is only after the wedding that he realizes he doesn’t really know how to be a husband - especially not to a bluestocking wife with so many of her own ideas.
Divorce is not an option - which means Lisbeth and Adrian need to find common ground before their marriage of convenience goes up in smoke. Just when they have discovered they don’t disagree with each other over everything, another letter arrives from Jamaica with news neither of them expected. News that will test every aspect of their fledgling marriage.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let misunderstandings doom their marriage ...
I saw this upcoming release announced in some FB group, first the cover caught my eyes, then the blurb intrigued me, everything about it was unusual.
I ever ranted at myself for choosing to read it on a working day, it was so difficult to lift my eyes from the pages, and I had to do it a lot.
This tale is a heart wrenching story of finding the right path with the measured steps to go on. It demonstrates all the mistakes someone might make by lack of better knowledge and misunderstandings. While the heroes agreed initially to the contract they thought themselves very clever to have entered in, their agenda, not so dissemblable for one another’s, did not prepared them for the reality of married life.
Lisbeth and Adrien both navigate blurred waters, each completely lost about the stranger they married. On paper, everything looked so clear, but once before the fait accompli, nothing is as easy as it once appeared. They both had expectations, and all was well transcribed on paper but face to face with the blood and flesh reality, they will have to do more than wait to make it work.
Lisbeth, after the failure of her previous betrothal, thought she has be much more clever with this one, she marries an unseen man and in a few weeks, she is free of him and ready to live the merry life of a pseudo like widow without the death of said husband.
She just never expected her husband to be so attractive nor so intriguing. Alas he is also more commandeering than she asked, so soon their tempers clash. When she is wordy, he is all in restraint. She expresses noisily her ideas and does not disguise her feelings when he keeps himself in control, never showing an once of emotion. So when he rethinks the terms of their contract, she fights tooth and nails for her freedom of action and ideas even if it means to question their marriage.
Adrian believed too it would be easy, if some desperate woman agrees to marry him, assured to be free of him rather soon than later, all would go well. He is well aware his skin color could only bring her embarrassment, so better to be estranged. And it looked like that at first, until he has to face that even a short term marriage needs a bit of work. More particularly if the spouse is no demure nor shy woman but one with a feisty personality.
But he kept himself so closed to others, he does not really know how to interact, he is even more lost in the bedroom duties. So he does as he always does, he closes his heart and exits the scene.
So driven by his final purpose, he does not understand at first, life is not a straight line but its turns and curves are what make the challenge.
My heart broke for him at all the insults and disparaging glances addressed to him, he built a steel armor around himself, but by doing so, he forbade himself to live, truly live. His goal is honorable, more than that, yet on the journey he lost a bit of himself by never seing past it nor realizing some prices asked do not justify the final result.
Lisbeth with all her flaws might lead him to the world of the living if he is willing to listen and open his heart.
They are so opposite at first, she wants the limelight when he seeks the shadows, still they share the same ideas, if they can find a way to work together, they might have a chance at more than a mere weeks sham marriage.
«𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢. »
Do not miss this fantastic moving read, it is packed with emotions, smiles, steam and actions with two flawed persons who challenge one another to bring the better out of the other.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 23, 2021
I had the privilege of beta reading Katherine's third book, The Husband Plot (THP), and it sucked me in! THP, like the first two books in The Countess Chronicles, can be read as a standalone, but books one and two are just as enjoyable, and also provide context for Lisbeth's story.
Katherine’s books are fun, thoughtful Regency romances with feminist themes and lovable characters, and THP is hands-down her best work. Adrian is a hunky, bookish virgin whose plans require him to fulfill his father’s wish of getting married, while Lisbeth simply wants the privileges of being a married woman, doesn’t matter who her husband is. The two agree to marry, sight unseen, and what results is an emotional Regency-era episode of Married at First Sight, except so much better...and so much hotter! 🔥With each step and misstep, you can feel them grow closer to love and understanding. Katherine does an excellent job of balancing both perspectives, navigating the tremendous pressure that Adrian feels and the lengths to which he will go to achieve his goals, and Lisbeth’s longing for more out of life than a woman at that time would normally be allotted.
If you want to read a thoughtful, steamy Regency romance with diverse characters, drop what you’re doing and go pick it up now!
Katherine’s books are fun, thoughtful Regency romances with feminist themes and lovable characters, and THP is hands-down her best work. Adrian is a hunky, bookish virgin whose plans require him to fulfill his father’s wish of getting married, while Lisbeth simply wants the privileges of being a married woman, doesn’t matter who her husband is. The two agree to marry, sight unseen, and what results is an emotional Regency-era episode of Married at First Sight, except so much better...and so much hotter! 🔥With each step and misstep, you can feel them grow closer to love and understanding. Katherine does an excellent job of balancing both perspectives, navigating the tremendous pressure that Adrian feels and the lengths to which he will go to achieve his goals, and Lisbeth’s longing for more out of life than a woman at that time would normally be allotted.
If you want to read a thoughtful, steamy Regency romance with diverse characters, drop what you’re doing and go pick it up now!
February 27, 2021
What we have:
- Marriage of Convenience: they meet at the Altar
- Virgin & Cinnamon Roll Hero
- Headstrong Heroine who loves books
- POC Hero
- Side characters really brought a lot to the plot, which I loved!
+ Book was sexy!!
Our Heroine Lisbeth expects to marry Adrian and go about her regular life with the perks of a married woman - her husband Adrian is to leave for Jamaica a few months after they wed.
What I loved the most was:
- Our Hero had been living his life in isolation, keeping to himself and I loved seeing his journey opening up to Lisbeth.
- The plot was very well constructed and the conflict very real
As I reader I felt lot of research was put into the book and seeing how Adrian navigated through the British society as a POC brought a perspective I hadn't encountered before and appreciated immensely. The narration is wonderful.
I've received a complimentary copy but it doesn't influence my review
- Marriage of Convenience: they meet at the Altar
- Virgin & Cinnamon Roll Hero
- Headstrong Heroine who loves books
- POC Hero
- Side characters really brought a lot to the plot, which I loved!
+ Book was sexy!!
Our Heroine Lisbeth expects to marry Adrian and go about her regular life with the perks of a married woman - her husband Adrian is to leave for Jamaica a few months after they wed.
What I loved the most was:
- Our Hero had been living his life in isolation, keeping to himself and I loved seeing his journey opening up to Lisbeth.
- The plot was very well constructed and the conflict very real
As I reader I felt lot of research was put into the book and seeing how Adrian navigated through the British society as a POC brought a perspective I hadn't encountered before and appreciated immensely. The narration is wonderful.
I've received a complimentary copy but it doesn't influence my review
March 14, 2021
The Husband Plot by Katherine Grant
If you know me you know I absolutely love historical romance, but I can be somewhat picky with my favourites. This one however, was absolutely fantastic!
This is the first historical romance I personally have read with the hero being a person of colour and I have to say it was so tastefully written with good research having gone into it. It was also educational, something I love to find in books. (Never fear though, it wasn’t preachy if you are afraid of that, just a sprinkle of historical facts that you might not have known of beforehand)
The story starts with a marriage of convenience, Lisbeth wants a husband and preferably one who will not interfere with her life as a married woman. She wants to be free of the chains society has placed on single unmarried women, and for that she needs to marry.
Into the image steps Adrian, a mixed raced Jamaican man whose father was the second son of the realm. In order for him to secure his inheritance he needs to marry a proper English lady.
Hence Lisbeth and Adrian marry but it soon transpires that Lisbeth is no ordinary English lady but an abolitionist. Nor is Adrian the easygoing husband Lisbeth had hoped for.
Lisbeth values nothing more than her freedom, so she decides they need to annul their marriage posthaste. But this would cause huge issues for Adrian who has larger plans, plans concerning his fathers property that he will one day inherit.
Adrian decides to woo his wife and try to make her change her mind about the annulment. Can he change her mind and will he be able to pace his most guarded secret in her hands or will both their marriage and his plans fail once and for all?
This book was absolutely amazing, the characters, their love story, the values they shared. It’s ab absolute must read for anyone who loves historical romance and has been wanting some more inclusive books in terms of race and sexual orientation etc.
Great read! Make sure you pre-order yours, it will be out in only a few more days!
If you know me you know I absolutely love historical romance, but I can be somewhat picky with my favourites. This one however, was absolutely fantastic!
This is the first historical romance I personally have read with the hero being a person of colour and I have to say it was so tastefully written with good research having gone into it. It was also educational, something I love to find in books. (Never fear though, it wasn’t preachy if you are afraid of that, just a sprinkle of historical facts that you might not have known of beforehand)
The story starts with a marriage of convenience, Lisbeth wants a husband and preferably one who will not interfere with her life as a married woman. She wants to be free of the chains society has placed on single unmarried women, and for that she needs to marry.
Into the image steps Adrian, a mixed raced Jamaican man whose father was the second son of the realm. In order for him to secure his inheritance he needs to marry a proper English lady.
Hence Lisbeth and Adrian marry but it soon transpires that Lisbeth is no ordinary English lady but an abolitionist. Nor is Adrian the easygoing husband Lisbeth had hoped for.
Lisbeth values nothing more than her freedom, so she decides they need to annul their marriage posthaste. But this would cause huge issues for Adrian who has larger plans, plans concerning his fathers property that he will one day inherit.
Adrian decides to woo his wife and try to make her change her mind about the annulment. Can he change her mind and will he be able to pace his most guarded secret in her hands or will both their marriage and his plans fail once and for all?
This book was absolutely amazing, the characters, their love story, the values they shared. It’s ab absolute must read for anyone who loves historical romance and has been wanting some more inclusive books in terms of race and sexual orientation etc.
Great read! Make sure you pre-order yours, it will be out in only a few more days!
July 18, 2024
Kind of wavering between two and three stars.
I appreciate the author tackling issues that a lot of other historical romance authors don't, but Lisbeth is like the pinnacle of white allyship and it's often painted as a noble thing. She insists on making scenes, being loud about injustice, being very performative about her involvement...but she also very often utterly refuses to listen to the person who has actually experienced racism his whole life about what she should do or what he wants her to do in the face of a macro/micro aggressions. It's only once she's seen something not work for herself, that she will grudgingly admit that she should have listened to him. But then often goes right back to her way. She admits towards the end that her husband knows best about his lived experience and that she needs to listen and respect that from the get-go, but it was pretty late in the game.
Also this freaking woman grills her new husband of a few days on whether or not his mom and grandma were raped or whether they loved the men they had children with, and is bewildered that he doesn't want to talk about it. And at another time compares herself to a slave and him to her master, knowing that he is descended from enslaved women. Like WTAF lady.
Add in a lot of silly miscommunication because heaven forbid you actually just say hey, I like you to your spouse. Or hey, remember that time I said I wanted an annulment? Well I don't anymore. You know, really tough conversations.
I appreciate the author tackling issues that a lot of other historical romance authors don't, but Lisbeth is like the pinnacle of white allyship and it's often painted as a noble thing. She insists on making scenes, being loud about injustice, being very performative about her involvement...but she also very often utterly refuses to listen to the person who has actually experienced racism his whole life about what she should do or what he wants her to do in the face of a macro/micro aggressions. It's only once she's seen something not work for herself, that she will grudgingly admit that she should have listened to him. But then often goes right back to her way. She admits towards the end that her husband knows best about his lived experience and that she needs to listen and respect that from the get-go, but it was pretty late in the game.
Also this freaking woman grills her new husband of a few days on whether or not his mom and grandma were raped or whether they loved the men they had children with, and is bewildered that he doesn't want to talk about it. And at another time compares herself to a slave and him to her master, knowing that he is descended from enslaved women. Like WTAF lady.
Add in a lot of silly miscommunication because heaven forbid you actually just say hey, I like you to your spouse. Or hey, remember that time I said I wanted an annulment? Well I don't anymore. You know, really tough conversations.
April 1, 2021
This is the third installment of the Countess Chronicles. I have read and loved the first two books in this series and this one also did not disappoint! This is Lisbeth's story. She does not want to end up as spinster, so she decides to enter into a marriage of convenience and marry a man she has never met before. She will live happily and enjoy her married life in London with the freedom she desires, while her husband goes to Jamaica. For his part, Adrian marries Lisbeth to secure his inheritance, as one of the stipulations is he must marry a proper English lady. Adrian's main goal is to inherit his father's Jamaican estate so that he can free the slaves he owns. Despite their initial intentions, their union turns out to be more than a marriage of convenience. And when Lisbeth decides to annul the marriage, Adrian does what he can to woo his wife and try to change her mind. I enjoyed these two characters together and it was wonderful to see their relationship develop and grow. Ms. Grant did an excellent job of crafting this uniquely and tastefully written story, including such vivid descriptions and details, that I had no trouble picturing this in my mind's eye. It was also refreshing reading about an interracial relationship in the Regency period. I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely a great read. I wholeheartedly recommend this and the two previous books as well!
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.
March 19, 2021
Such a delightfully different tale. Lisabeth is the opinionated, strong-willed daughter of a Marquess who eluded one marriage that did not suit her, only to agree to a marriage of convenience with a duke’s grandson, sight unseen. Imagine her thrill when she is immediately attracted to what she sees at the altar. Adrian’s mother was Jamacian and his father is a dukes’s second son. Even with his family connections and the fact that he was educated in England, the color of his skin has caused him much difficulty. They have a rough period of adjustment, but when they join forces on a common goal, things fall into place for them. This book gracefully deals with the prejudices faced by those who are inheritantly different. The evolution of Lisbeth and Adrian’s relationship is fun to read....the fiery responses, banked emotions, secrecy and finally surrender and passion. This book is well written, entertaining, insightful, and even gives us a titled lord to despise. This is very well done!
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.
March 19, 2021
Lisbeth Dawes, the daughter of a Marquess, has already been left at the altar. So she agrees to marry Adrian Hathorne without ever meeting him to ensure she does not become a spinster. Adrian Hathorne, is the grandson of a Duke and of mixed race heritage. He is marrying because his father instructed him to do so. Headstrong Lisbeth is prepared to pursue her own interests since her new husband will be leaving for Jamaica.
Their initial encounter is not harmonious. But they will eventually learn how to work together and be supportive. It’s sometimes difficult to change expectations that have been formed without any foundation for knowing the other person. Fortunately, they saw things in each other that encouraged them to work on their marriage and make it what it needs to be. Both have so much to learn! My favorite part was watching them grow into their marriage and learn to communicate. Understanding each other is what will make them strong together.
Their initial encounter is not harmonious. But they will eventually learn how to work together and be supportive. It’s sometimes difficult to change expectations that have been formed without any foundation for knowing the other person. Fortunately, they saw things in each other that encouraged them to work on their marriage and make it what it needs to be. Both have so much to learn! My favorite part was watching them grow into their marriage and learn to communicate. Understanding each other is what will make them strong together.
May 28, 2021
An extremely interesting book that delves into the rarely considered social issue of interracial marriage in Regency England. The book was well-written and showed that a good amount of research was done on the subject. I liked how both Lisbeth and Adrian had huge misconceptions as to how their sight-unseen arranged marriage was actually supposed to work but that they were both willing to learn from the mistakes they inevitably made in order to find the best outcome which eventually brings them to a love worth cherishing in each other. I have read every book that Ms. Grant has written and have enjoyed them all. Her storylines and characters have a great amount of depth to them and flow well from beginning to end. My appreciation for the talent of this author continues to grow with every book that she writes!
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.
March 4, 2021
As a fan of Katherine Grant's Countess series, I thought I knew what to expect. We are introduced to the character of Lisbeth earlier in the series, but this book does fine as a standalone also. This book is the story of Lisbeth Dawes, the daughter of a Marquess, and Adrian Hathorne, who is not only the grandson of a Duke but also 1/4 black. His family owns a plantation and slaves in Jamaica, although he was sent to England to be raised by his grandparents early in his life. The couple marry sight unseen as a marriage of convenience and the sparks start flying immediately.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two grow and learn how to communicate to make a strong marriage. They both are very determined and strong willed characters and have quite a few clashes initially. The author really succeeds with her character development and the development of the supporting characters and their stories.
The tropes are marriage of convenience, mixed race marriage and virgin hero.
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout in exchange for my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two grow and learn how to communicate to make a strong marriage. They both are very determined and strong willed characters and have quite a few clashes initially. The author really succeeds with her character development and the development of the supporting characters and their stories.
The tropes are marriage of convenience, mixed race marriage and virgin hero.
I received an ARC copy from Booksprout in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2021
Different and so good.
Lisbeth and Adrien’s story was so different it dealt with some serious issues yet in such an entertaining way. Lisbeth Dawes is a bluestocking who enters into a marriage of convenience with Adrian Hathorne and they clash can they find any middle ground? As the book proceeds you can see how a talented author dealt with all the character's issues. This is a story with a mix of sad and happy, drama and highly emotional scenes that are written so well making this a must-read piece. This is a very good book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Lisbeth and Adrien’s story was so different it dealt with some serious issues yet in such an entertaining way. Lisbeth Dawes is a bluestocking who enters into a marriage of convenience with Adrian Hathorne and they clash can they find any middle ground? As the book proceeds you can see how a talented author dealt with all the character's issues. This is a story with a mix of sad and happy, drama and highly emotional scenes that are written so well making this a must-read piece. This is a very good book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 29, 2021
The Husband Plot showcases one of my absolute favorite tropes - a marriage of convenience- and boy is it done so well here!
The story starts with Lisbeth, a woman who has already avoided marriage, only to agree on a wedding sight-unseen to Adrian, a half-British half-Jamaican aristocrat (second son of a Duke) who needs to marry to inherit and take over a plantation. The plan is to marry and then both will part ways - Lisbeth to have the safety and independence of the life of a married woman in London, and Adrian with the ability to run his family business in Jamaica, and carry out an important plan close to his heart.
I loved Lisbeth. She is delightfully not your typical heroine - described as short, small-chested and less than beautiful- an important reminder that romances shouldn’t have to only be for the voluptuous knockouts. She is also forward-thinking and outspoken, and although she plans a life apart from her husband, hopes to explore her sexuality before that happens, and is pleasantly surprised when he turns out to be a hunk. Adrian has secretive plans of his own, which involves freeing the slaves his family have long kept in Jamaica. It turns out they both want to change the world, although through different tactics.
I love how historical romance writers are offering more diversity in their stories - and this one was a real pleasure. Of course there are elements of racism here that Adrian has to face, and the author dealt with the subject with an intelligent hand.
Everything really came together for me at the end and there was a moment of pure magic where I fell in love with these two characters as a couple. Oh and did I mention that we have a virgin hero? Another favorite trope!
The story starts with Lisbeth, a woman who has already avoided marriage, only to agree on a wedding sight-unseen to Adrian, a half-British half-Jamaican aristocrat (second son of a Duke) who needs to marry to inherit and take over a plantation. The plan is to marry and then both will part ways - Lisbeth to have the safety and independence of the life of a married woman in London, and Adrian with the ability to run his family business in Jamaica, and carry out an important plan close to his heart.
I loved Lisbeth. She is delightfully not your typical heroine - described as short, small-chested and less than beautiful- an important reminder that romances shouldn’t have to only be for the voluptuous knockouts. She is also forward-thinking and outspoken, and although she plans a life apart from her husband, hopes to explore her sexuality before that happens, and is pleasantly surprised when he turns out to be a hunk. Adrian has secretive plans of his own, which involves freeing the slaves his family have long kept in Jamaica. It turns out they both want to change the world, although through different tactics.
I love how historical romance writers are offering more diversity in their stories - and this one was a real pleasure. Of course there are elements of racism here that Adrian has to face, and the author dealt with the subject with an intelligent hand.
Everything really came together for me at the end and there was a moment of pure magic where I fell in love with these two characters as a couple. Oh and did I mention that we have a virgin hero? Another favorite trope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2021
While I feel like much of the conflict could have been resolved had the couple actually sat down with each other after they married and spoken of their expectations for the marriage, I did like the author taking on difficult topics. I don't normally read fictional books that deal with difficult issues because I like my fictional time to be a break from reality and a way to decompress. However this was done in such a way that did not add unnecessary stress or drama to the plot. Anyway I thought it was well done and because of it you could see why the couple weren't immediately able to trust each other and talk through their issues.
March 20, 2021
I loved the book! The Countess Chronicles really matures as a series. I can highly recommend this book and this series!
I was so happy that Lisbeth finally found someone with similar ambition, passion, and drive. I loved that both characters had an excellent mix of confidence and insecurity. I also really enjoyed the side characters, especially Mary (I could envision a nice little novella about Mary and Suzy settling into the nice cottage!). One of my favorite scenes was when Adrian supported Lisbeth in the bookstore, that was amazing!
I was so happy that Lisbeth finally found someone with similar ambition, passion, and drive. I loved that both characters had an excellent mix of confidence and insecurity. I also really enjoyed the side characters, especially Mary (I could envision a nice little novella about Mary and Suzy settling into the nice cottage!). One of my favorite scenes was when Adrian supported Lisbeth in the bookstore, that was amazing!
March 20, 2021
The third book in The Countess Chronicles series a story that grabbed my interest from the very start. It is well written with a very good storyline, the story flows smoothly across the pages. Lisbeth Dawes marries Adrian Hathorne sight-unseen, their story has suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and love. This story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2021
I thought this was a well-written, well-researched book. Once I started reading, I was pulled in and couldn't stop thinking about Lisbeth and Adrian's adventures. The hero of the book is a mixed-race man and the setting is London, England. The book does not shy away from addressing the complexities of being racialized in the Regency era.
There is a great scene where Lisbeth casts up her disadvantages as a woman and compares it to being a Black slave. Lets just say she soon understands how that is not an adequate comparison and addresses her privilege very well as the novel unfolds.
The villainous character in the book is great--I was on pins and needles at one point where it seemed as if another character was going to be forced into perpetual close proximity with the villain!
While Adrian's navigation of race and Lisbeth's evolution as a white woman married to a Black man is given the most focus, Grant also included another subset not often seen in Regencies--queer characters! But I won't give anything away about that subplot.
Most of all, the romance is believable--Lisbeth and Adrian quickly come to see all that they share in common and become powerful partners. They also have a ton of fun together, both in bed and out of it!
Overall, an enjoyable, intelligently written read!
There is a great scene where Lisbeth casts up her disadvantages as a woman and compares it to being a Black slave. Lets just say she soon understands how that is not an adequate comparison and addresses her privilege very well as the novel unfolds.
The villainous character in the book is great--I was on pins and needles at one point where it seemed as if another character was going to be forced into perpetual close proximity with the villain!
While Adrian's navigation of race and Lisbeth's evolution as a white woman married to a Black man is given the most focus, Grant also included another subset not often seen in Regencies--queer characters! But I won't give anything away about that subplot.
Most of all, the romance is believable--Lisbeth and Adrian quickly come to see all that they share in common and become powerful partners. They also have a ton of fun together, both in bed and out of it!
Overall, an enjoyable, intelligently written read!
September 11, 2023
There are no words to describe how happy I felt while reading this book. The characters felt real, my emotions were always high, I felt everything with them, the love, the hate, the fear, the hope. Amazing storytelling and even more so, amazing research! The hero being a virgin is always a plus ❤️.
I look forward for Robert's story if the author so desires to tell us. I do believe he would be a perfect husband to a woman of colour.
I look forward for Robert's story if the author so desires to tell us. I do believe he would be a perfect husband to a woman of colour.
May 27, 2024
This was a really good book. I felt that the subject matter was handled sensitively, but it is not my history and therefore that's all I'll say about that. I really loved that our heroine, Lisbeth, was quick-tempered but willing to listen and go forward from there. And I loved that for the most part, Adrian was able to talk to Lisbeth and they were able to learn from each other and grow together as a couple. Definitely glad to have read this and I may find myself reading it again in the future.
March 24, 2021
The Husband Plot is the third book in The Countess Chronicles series and is a charming Regency romance.
I loved this marry of convenience story. The characters are likable and well-developed. The storyline is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish with drama and romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I loved this marry of convenience story. The characters are likable and well-developed. The storyline is well written and engaged my interest from start to finish with drama and romance.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
April 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it was well written, the characters had great chemistry, and it had good spectrum of diversity (something you don't often see in regency romance novels)! I loved the fact that Katherine Grant did so much research, it make the story feel so much more real. Genuinely a great read! I will definitely be reading more of her works.
July 10, 2022
Sight Unseen
Well written story of the struggles of a young man part black and the woman he married sight unseen. Facing issues of being accepted and hiding how he felt. Great story
Well written story of the struggles of a young man part black and the woman he married sight unseen. Facing issues of being accepted and hiding how he felt. Great story
January 26, 2025
This was a real page-turner and I raced through it. I loved the plot twists which I didn't see coming. I need to go back and read The New Year's Masquerade now!
July 15, 2022
4 1/2*STARS
Lisbeth Dawes does not want to be a spinster. When her groom left her at the altar, it was time to let her father arrange a marriage sight-unseen until the wedding. Adrian Hathorne is of mixed race. His home is a sugar cane plantation in Jamaica. To fulfill the inheritance he needs to marry. An arranged marriage sees him at the altar meeting his bride for the first time. Not really knowing each other, there are a lot of misunderstandings. Just as their relationship starts to bring them close, the original arrangement of living separate lives when Adrian returns to Jamaica without Lisbeth and a family crisis, is tearing them apparent. A lot of interesting complications and relationships in the book. A new author with an interesting book for my first read.
Lisbeth Dawes does not want to be a spinster. When her groom left her at the altar, it was time to let her father arrange a marriage sight-unseen until the wedding. Adrian Hathorne is of mixed race. His home is a sugar cane plantation in Jamaica. To fulfill the inheritance he needs to marry. An arranged marriage sees him at the altar meeting his bride for the first time. Not really knowing each other, there are a lot of misunderstandings. Just as their relationship starts to bring them close, the original arrangement of living separate lives when Adrian returns to Jamaica without Lisbeth and a family crisis, is tearing them apparent. A lot of interesting complications and relationships in the book. A new author with an interesting book for my first read.
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