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Regency Bachelors #1
Lord Havelock's List
Be careful what you wish for…
Lord Havelock is in need of a wife. But with no time for a society wedding and no stomach for girlish fripperies, his options are limited. So with help from his friends, he draws up a list of qualities he does desire in a wife….
When orphaned Mary Carpenter discovers her handsome new husband's list, she's hurt—and incensed. If he thinks she'll sit meekly by, be "compliant" and "a mouse," he's got another think coming! Is it perhaps time for Mary to make a list of her own, and change the rules of their relationship forever…?
"A funny, flirtatious, spirited romp." —RT Book Reviews on Never Trust a Rake
Lord Havelock is in need of a wife. But with no time for a society wedding and no stomach for girlish fripperies, his options are limited. So with help from his friends, he draws up a list of qualities he does desire in a wife….
When orphaned Mary Carpenter discovers her handsome new husband's list, she's hurt—and incensed. If he thinks she'll sit meekly by, be "compliant" and "a mouse," he's got another think coming! Is it perhaps time for Mary to make a list of her own, and change the rules of their relationship forever…?
"A funny, flirtatious, spirited romp." —RT Book Reviews on Never Trust a Rake
280 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
41 people are currently reading
912 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books311 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 18, 2021
This book caught my attention from the first chapter because of the simple writing (short and sweet sentences). I enjoyed it up until chapter 11 because they had quite a lot of time to spend with one another and to bond because of it. It was very sweet to see them become closer as a married couple and start to fall in love with each other.
But I felt the problem came in from chapter 11 onwards. There was a huge miscommunication between them and that is a major issue I have with books. I don’t like how Mary didn’t discuss her worries with Gregory or about his list. She just continued to think the worst of him and allow her inner thinking to destroy the relationship between them. She also doesn’t stand up to him when he says horrible words at times.
Also Gregory, i found it hard to completely love him because while I get he says he’s a blunt man, his words are really hurtful, rude and mean sometimes and the way he barks or snaps those mean words to Mary did not endear me to him. To me, his personality was a hot and cold kind. He’s nice at times, but not nice at times. Though he has good intentions, the way he puts it into words hurts Mary.
At the back, when he realised that Mary left him, I didn’t like how he doesn’t even make an effort to chase her down and ask her to go back to him. He just gave up and remained there until he decided he couldn’t live without her. I mean… why didn’t you decide to fight for her in the first place…
I felt the best part of the book was Gregory’s courting of Mary and the short married life they had when they moved into the new house. Gregory and Mary was just so cute, chasing each other around the house and having sex everywhere. It’s plain to see they can’t get enough of each other. This book could have been better if they talked more, and if they were better people.
But I felt the problem came in from chapter 11 onwards. There was a huge miscommunication between them and that is a major issue I have with books. I don’t like how Mary didn’t discuss her worries with Gregory or about his list. She just continued to think the worst of him and allow her inner thinking to destroy the relationship between them. She also doesn’t stand up to him when he says horrible words at times.
Also Gregory, i found it hard to completely love him because while I get he says he’s a blunt man, his words are really hurtful, rude and mean sometimes and the way he barks or snaps those mean words to Mary did not endear me to him. To me, his personality was a hot and cold kind. He’s nice at times, but not nice at times. Though he has good intentions, the way he puts it into words hurts Mary.
At the back, when he realised that Mary left him, I didn’t like how he doesn’t even make an effort to chase her down and ask her to go back to him. He just gave up and remained there until he decided he couldn’t live without her. I mean… why didn’t you decide to fight for her in the first place…
I felt the best part of the book was Gregory’s courting of Mary and the short married life they had when they moved into the new house. Gregory and Mary was just so cute, chasing each other around the house and having sex everywhere. It’s plain to see they can’t get enough of each other. This book could have been better if they talked more, and if they were better people.
March 17, 2024
After reading it again, I realized it was quite good. A marriage of convenience turned into love had its share of angst and misunderstanding. An epilogue would have been nice to wrap up the story.
September 5, 2015
Ah this book! I wanted more. I loved the romance so much I was just craving more when it ended. Even though the sexy scenes weren't explicit they were incredibly well written. The writing created such a feeling and atmosphere that I was totally enthralled. The two had so much chemistry, I adored all their moments togetherThis was an incredibly romantic book. There was really nice character development and wonderful secondary characters. Overall this was a lovely little book which I'm so glad I picked up, definitely more than I expected.
February 22, 2017
Absolutely delightful and delicious. It is precisely the sort of book to cheer up a dull day and it is just as wonderful the second time as the first. A Marriage of convenience story which sparkles with wit and warm heartedness. Gregory Durant, Viscount Havelock needs to find a wife fast in order to prevent terrible tragedy. A man who has seen what a hash his father made of his marriages, he is determined to avoid that fate and has several friends draw up a list of qualities required for a wife. And he think he has found the perfect woman in Mary Carpenter. Only Mary finds the list and there is one thing that she isn't -- a mouse.
February 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this!!! There was good angst and misunderstandings and I liked both protagonists. Only complaint:
July 16, 2017
July 17, 2017 I read and finished three books well with some skimming actually....
1. Lord Havelock's List (morning till afternoon)
2. Mr. Cavendish, I presume ( mid afternoon till evening)
3. Lessons From a Scandalous Bride (midnight - dawn)
to be honest I mostly Skimmed then for one same reason I want to know the ending immediately and the story as well as fast as I could.... It doesn't mean this three books are awful... actually there quite good but I finish them so fast because I was skipping some parts as well ...
For this book the reason for skipping some parts is :
I hated how the hero talks to the heroine at times......
The Story: Well the plot already says it already.... The heroine is meek but it's okay I love meek and I understand why she doesn't have any air about her....She grows up in a family where her parents grew out of love.... her father so strict and recently an orphan.... well I don't say that all the women who has these background is understandably meek and lack of backbone but I understand the authors characterization for the heroine...
as for the hero ...... I don't get much of his character I mean just because people always leaves you... you would expect everyone will and then you would say rude to another soul or ignore her just because of your inner demon... I think his decision to stay away from the heroine at times when his temper rising is okay because he don't want to say more words that would hurt her any further but I hope he should have put more effort to win back the heroine's affection... declaring and baring yourself isn't enough especially given what he had asked from her...
1. Lord Havelock's List (morning till afternoon)
2. Mr. Cavendish, I presume ( mid afternoon till evening)
3. Lessons From a Scandalous Bride (midnight - dawn)
to be honest I mostly Skimmed then for one same reason I want to know the ending immediately and the story as well as fast as I could.... It doesn't mean this three books are awful... actually there quite good but I finish them so fast because I was skipping some parts as well ...
For this book the reason for skipping some parts is :
I hated how the hero talks to the heroine at times......
The Story: Well the plot already says it already.... The heroine is meek but it's okay I love meek and I understand why she doesn't have any air about her....She grows up in a family where her parents grew out of love.... her father so strict and recently an orphan.... well I don't say that all the women who has these background is understandably meek and lack of backbone but I understand the authors characterization for the heroine...
as for the hero ...... I don't get much of his character I mean just because people always leaves you... you would expect everyone will and then you would say rude to another soul or ignore her just because of your inner demon... I think his decision to stay away from the heroine at times when his temper rising is okay because he don't want to say more words that would hurt her any further but I hope he should have put more effort to win back the heroine's affection... declaring and baring yourself isn't enough especially given what he had asked from her...
September 7, 2015
Very good book, with two characters who don't fit the usual type in these stories. Mary, while having noble blood, isn't a member of high society. Recently orphaned and without resources, she has been bounced from relative to relative until landing where she is. The Paregeters are distant relatives, but make room for her in their lives. She is thankful for the home, but determined to make her own way as soon as possible. She has no desire to be married, as her observations of her parents' marriage had turned her against it. Her father had had a bad temper and a controlling nature.
Lord Havelock is a viscount, wealthy and good looking, but that's about it. He has a short temper and very few social graces. He is definitely not a smooth talker and tends to be quite blunt in his speech. He also has a very complicated family life, which has left him with no desire to be married and definitely no wish to be "in love." When he finds himself in need of a wife, in order to make a home for his younger half-sister, he goes to his friends for help.
I felt a bit sorry for Lord Havelock. He had an idea of what he wanted, but not how to go about finding it. The list making scene was pretty funny. When Morgan took him to the ball to introduce him to possible candidates, he felt really out of place. I loved the way he immediately noticed Mary, and wanted to get to know her. His awkwardness at supper was both painful and sweet, as he really wanted to make a good impression on her. But he was determined and over the next few days pursued her hard.
Mary didn't intend to accept his suit, but once he explained why he needed a wife she was tempted, especially as he offered her the chance to have the things she wanted. All she had asked for was security and to be left to live her own life as much as possible. She considers herself too plain to appeal to a man anyway.
I loved the interactions between Havelock and Mary. Obviously, they don't really know each other, but there had been an immediate connection between them. Part of that connection is the intense attraction that flares between them. Both had agreed that they wanted a child soon, so as to take advantage of their attraction before it disappeared, as both believe it will, thanks to their past exposures to marriage. When Mary stumbles onto the list that Havelock had made, she is hurt by the descriptions she read, and determined to be more than he had described. I liked seeing her develop a bit more of a backbone than she had seemed to have at the beginning.
It was great fun to see their arrival at his estate, only to discover that there was no one there to meet them and take care of them. Having to work together also brought them closer. I loved seeing how Mary came to realize that, though Havelock had a temper, he was not like her father. It was really sweet to see the way that he would apologize after a display of anger. I also enjoyed seeing how Havelock came to appreciate Mary's abilities. There were some really romantic scenes between them, even though neither of them thought of them that way. But when the staff returned, Mary and Havelock ran into problems as their own beliefs and expectations resurfaced. When Havelock's sister arrived, Mary's self doubts came back, causing her to pull away from him. At the same time, Havelock didn't know how to make things right. Mary's frustration and hurt sends her off to London by herself, though she does leave something behind for him to think about.
The ending was fantastic, with both Havelock and Mary realizing they had made some mistakes along the way. Havelock was awkward and sweet as he made his confession and I loved the effect it had on Mary. The only thing that could have made it any better would be an epilogue a year or so later, to see how they are doing.
Lord Havelock is a viscount, wealthy and good looking, but that's about it. He has a short temper and very few social graces. He is definitely not a smooth talker and tends to be quite blunt in his speech. He also has a very complicated family life, which has left him with no desire to be married and definitely no wish to be "in love." When he finds himself in need of a wife, in order to make a home for his younger half-sister, he goes to his friends for help.
I felt a bit sorry for Lord Havelock. He had an idea of what he wanted, but not how to go about finding it. The list making scene was pretty funny. When Morgan took him to the ball to introduce him to possible candidates, he felt really out of place. I loved the way he immediately noticed Mary, and wanted to get to know her. His awkwardness at supper was both painful and sweet, as he really wanted to make a good impression on her. But he was determined and over the next few days pursued her hard.
Mary didn't intend to accept his suit, but once he explained why he needed a wife she was tempted, especially as he offered her the chance to have the things she wanted. All she had asked for was security and to be left to live her own life as much as possible. She considers herself too plain to appeal to a man anyway.
I loved the interactions between Havelock and Mary. Obviously, they don't really know each other, but there had been an immediate connection between them. Part of that connection is the intense attraction that flares between them. Both had agreed that they wanted a child soon, so as to take advantage of their attraction before it disappeared, as both believe it will, thanks to their past exposures to marriage. When Mary stumbles onto the list that Havelock had made, she is hurt by the descriptions she read, and determined to be more than he had described. I liked seeing her develop a bit more of a backbone than she had seemed to have at the beginning.
It was great fun to see their arrival at his estate, only to discover that there was no one there to meet them and take care of them. Having to work together also brought them closer. I loved seeing how Mary came to realize that, though Havelock had a temper, he was not like her father. It was really sweet to see the way that he would apologize after a display of anger. I also enjoyed seeing how Havelock came to appreciate Mary's abilities. There were some really romantic scenes between them, even though neither of them thought of them that way. But when the staff returned, Mary and Havelock ran into problems as their own beliefs and expectations resurfaced. When Havelock's sister arrived, Mary's self doubts came back, causing her to pull away from him. At the same time, Havelock didn't know how to make things right. Mary's frustration and hurt sends her off to London by herself, though she does leave something behind for him to think about.
The ending was fantastic, with both Havelock and Mary realizing they had made some mistakes along the way. Havelock was awkward and sweet as he made his confession and I loved the effect it had on Mary. The only thing that could have made it any better would be an epilogue a year or so later, to see how they are doing.
July 22, 2017
3.5 stars
Lord Havelock needs a wife, and fast. In order to find one, he and his friends put together a list of desirable traits, and it boils down to 'a mouse.' In short order, he finds Mary Carpenter, a plain woman with no family, and woos and weds her. Mary is a bit reluctant to marry, but with few other options, she agrees. It also doesn't hurt that she likes Havelock's kisses. Shortly after their marriage, Mary finds her husband's list, and while hurt by it, she decides to accept it and move on. After all, he hadn't lied to her about wanting a marriage of convenience, and she doesn't want to say anything to rock the boat. Even though she can't quite get the list out of her head, things are going along fine until Havelock's sister shows up, and the cracks between them begin to widen.
I liked this story. It was a pretty classic take on a marriage of convenience story, but I thought it was a sweet story. Both leads were flawed characters and hurt by their pasts and that affected their ability to communicate with one another. This was a story where one conversation could have cleared everything up, but the reasons why that didn't happen made sense for this story, so I liked it instead of being irritated by it like usual.
My main issues with this story were a couple of points that I would have liked discussed more. Mary's father was abusive, and I wish that she had spoken with Havelock with that. He revealed all of his past hurts, but Mary didn't reciprocate, and I thought the story was a bit lacking because of that. The other thing I wanted more of was discussion about Julia's, Havelock's sister, step-father. The reason Havelock needs to get married is because with a wife he'll look like he's providing a more stable home for his sister. He wants to get her now because her current step-mother is remarrying, and Havelock doesn't trust him with her. I'm assuming that the issue is something related to sexual abuse, but I want to know how Havelock knows that Julia's step-father is planning on molestating her. That's not really explained, so I would have liked more information about that. Also, I'm not sure I buy that Havelock was having such difficulty winning custody of his biological sister from a step-mother. Especially because her step-mother is actually the wife of her first step-father. Presumably, Havelock, being her paternal half-brother, would be a better choice for guardian than someone who's barely related to her? Or would at least be able to exert more control over her? This couple of plot points and unresolved points diminished my enjoyment of the novel and brought the rating down some, but I still liked the story on the whole.
Lord Havelock needs a wife, and fast. In order to find one, he and his friends put together a list of desirable traits, and it boils down to 'a mouse.' In short order, he finds Mary Carpenter, a plain woman with no family, and woos and weds her. Mary is a bit reluctant to marry, but with few other options, she agrees. It also doesn't hurt that she likes Havelock's kisses. Shortly after their marriage, Mary finds her husband's list, and while hurt by it, she decides to accept it and move on. After all, he hadn't lied to her about wanting a marriage of convenience, and she doesn't want to say anything to rock the boat. Even though she can't quite get the list out of her head, things are going along fine until Havelock's sister shows up, and the cracks between them begin to widen.
I liked this story. It was a pretty classic take on a marriage of convenience story, but I thought it was a sweet story. Both leads were flawed characters and hurt by their pasts and that affected their ability to communicate with one another. This was a story where one conversation could have cleared everything up, but the reasons why that didn't happen made sense for this story, so I liked it instead of being irritated by it like usual.
My main issues with this story were a couple of points that I would have liked discussed more. Mary's father was abusive, and I wish that she had spoken with Havelock with that. He revealed all of his past hurts, but Mary didn't reciprocate, and I thought the story was a bit lacking because of that. The other thing I wanted more of was discussion about Julia's, Havelock's sister, step-father. The reason Havelock needs to get married is because with a wife he'll look like he's providing a more stable home for his sister. He wants to get her now because her current step-mother is remarrying, and Havelock doesn't trust him with her. I'm assuming that the issue is something related to sexual abuse, but I want to know how Havelock knows that Julia's step-father is planning on molestating her. That's not really explained, so I would have liked more information about that. Also, I'm not sure I buy that Havelock was having such difficulty winning custody of his biological sister from a step-mother. Especially because her step-mother is actually the wife of her first step-father. Presumably, Havelock, being her paternal half-brother, would be a better choice for guardian than someone who's barely related to her? Or would at least be able to exert more control over her? This couple of plot points and unresolved points diminished my enjoyment of the novel and brought the rating down some, but I still liked the story on the whole.
February 23, 2018
GR just deleted my beautiful review and I'm not doing it all again so here is my shortened second try.
Mary finds out about the list fairly early on in the story but decides not to say anything. I actually appreciated her attitude because she realized that she could spend her time resenting and fighting or she could spend it sexing her husband up. She determined to show him she is NOT a mouse but a strong woman. Go Mary!
But the end leaves me unsatisfied with the couple. Havelock's behavior is thoughtless and cruel and his excuses are weak. He's a nice enough guy but he is a clueless oaf. He needs Mary to spell it out for him and she doesn't. It isn't that we don't get a nice grovel, it's that they don't communicate so he doesn't really know WHY he's groveling. Mary needed to tell him exactly how he hurt her so he knows not to do it again. It was heartbreaking reading from her POV. I mean, it wasn't until 70% that we even find out the H's first name. Mary hasn't felt comfortable calling him by his name and he has never asked her to. See? Clueless. There was no Big Misunderstanding. There were lots of small offenses that added up to become intolerable to Mary. And she turned into the Mouse she swore she wasn't. They both just decide how the other feels and don't talk to the other so they just assume the worst.
I don't want to harp on this book and make it sound all bad. I really did enjoy it, it was angsty without being too much. But that ending just didn't work for me. They get their HEA but I wonder how long it will be before Havelock messes it all up again.
Mary finds out about the list fairly early on in the story but decides not to say anything. I actually appreciated her attitude because she realized that she could spend her time resenting and fighting or she could spend it sexing her husband up. She determined to show him she is NOT a mouse but a strong woman. Go Mary!
But the end leaves me unsatisfied with the couple. Havelock's behavior is thoughtless and cruel and his excuses are weak. He's a nice enough guy but he is a clueless oaf. He needs Mary to spell it out for him and she doesn't. It isn't that we don't get a nice grovel, it's that they don't communicate so he doesn't really know WHY he's groveling. Mary needed to tell him exactly how he hurt her so he knows not to do it again. It was heartbreaking reading from her POV. I mean, it wasn't until 70% that we even find out the H's first name. Mary hasn't felt comfortable calling him by his name and he has never asked her to. See? Clueless. There was no Big Misunderstanding. There were lots of small offenses that added up to become intolerable to Mary. And she turned into the Mouse she swore she wasn't. They both just decide how the other feels and don't talk to the other so they just assume the worst.
I don't want to harp on this book and make it sound all bad. I really did enjoy it, it was angsty without being too much. But that ending just didn't work for me. They get their HEA but I wonder how long it will be before Havelock messes it all up again.
December 30, 2016
A very enjoyable story about Lord Havelock who needs a wife to regain custody of his half-sister and so sets out to make a list of the qualities he wants in her. The most important of these is that she will not seek to change him nor will she seek love in their marriage. He's fortunate when he meets Mary Carpenter who fits his list to a tee. So he sets out to woo her and is relieved when she accepts his proposal, even knowing that while passion is more than acceptable, it is not a love match. But pretty soon it is, but the constraints and promises that Lord Havelock made on the marriage from the start begin to chafe as Mary realizes that she does want love...and so does Lord Havelock.
First, I love that the "foster family" that Mary was staying with did not turn out to be evil and conniving. I think that's too popular a trope and I love that these ladies ended up being rather selfless and supportive of Mary despite not having known her and despite her being competition for the two daughters. That was certainly a refreshing change of pace.
I for one found Lord Havelock quite adorable (whose first name I didn't realize was Gregory until about 70% in). He's quite awkward and borderline geeky in how to get on well with women. Moments with him and Mary are rather strained as they find they do not converse easily. It made watching his bumbling and messing things up very interesting. Of course, all the problems in their marriage would have been nothing if they'd been able to communicate...but the author sets up quite nicely from the start that they can't, and so...problems. On the other hand, I found Mary quite irritating. I appreciated her struggle to no longer be a doormat, but I don't feel she overcame that struggle sufficiently. Countless times she needed to stand up for herself and she didn't. There at the end, Lord Havelock groveled well enough, but Mary needed her say. Yes, she was avoiding a loss of dignity and trying to maintain her cool, but she still could have been clear about what she wanted and what needed to be different this time through. Instead, she let Gregory do all the talking, just like the doormat she was. This is a good read and I think there's something going on with Havelock's friend in another book simultaneously that I'll have to check out.
First, I love that the "foster family" that Mary was staying with did not turn out to be evil and conniving. I think that's too popular a trope and I love that these ladies ended up being rather selfless and supportive of Mary despite not having known her and despite her being competition for the two daughters. That was certainly a refreshing change of pace.
I for one found Lord Havelock quite adorable (whose first name I didn't realize was Gregory until about 70% in). He's quite awkward and borderline geeky in how to get on well with women. Moments with him and Mary are rather strained as they find they do not converse easily. It made watching his bumbling and messing things up very interesting. Of course, all the problems in their marriage would have been nothing if they'd been able to communicate...but the author sets up quite nicely from the start that they can't, and so...problems. On the other hand, I found Mary quite irritating. I appreciated her struggle to no longer be a doormat, but I don't feel she overcame that struggle sufficiently. Countless times she needed to stand up for herself and she didn't. There at the end, Lord Havelock groveled well enough, but Mary needed her say. Yes, she was avoiding a loss of dignity and trying to maintain her cool, but she still could have been clear about what she wanted and what needed to be different this time through. Instead, she let Gregory do all the talking, just like the doormat she was. This is a good read and I think there's something going on with Havelock's friend in another book simultaneously that I'll have to check out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2020
After finding himself in urgent need of a wife, Gregory, Viscount Havelock, enlisted the aid of his friends to assist him by making a list of all the qualities and things his wife must possess in order to fulfill his purpose. Then, he set about looking for her and found Mary, a commoner, who ✔ off all the boxes.
But soon this 💑 of convenience turns into 💘 and they must both come together and fight for their HEA.
Most Regency romances always have the hero as some lord and the heroine as some lady. Either an earl, Viscount, duke or marquis daughter. But in this case Mary is a commoner and this is a big plus in my book. She is not titled, she is an orphan, doesn't have a dowry and she doesn't have servants to cater to her every whim. She cooks, cleans, is humble and kind and doesn't have any qualms about doing hard household chores. She doesn't sit and gossip or twiddle her thumbs. I really love this heroine because of all this. She is not some spoilt brat.
The trope of this story is unique also. Gregory made a list of all the things he is looking for in a wife for a purpose, then when he found Mary and they married, that is when the romance blossomed.
I've never read a story with this kind of trope before and I must say it's refreshing. Also Mary and Gregory were married practically at the starting of this story so there was no dating or trysts with them. This story takes place during the first couple weeks of their marriage.
I love this book because its unconventional and it doesn't follow the plot lines like most Regency romances. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
But soon this 💑 of convenience turns into 💘 and they must both come together and fight for their HEA.
Most Regency romances always have the hero as some lord and the heroine as some lady. Either an earl, Viscount, duke or marquis daughter. But in this case Mary is a commoner and this is a big plus in my book. She is not titled, she is an orphan, doesn't have a dowry and she doesn't have servants to cater to her every whim. She cooks, cleans, is humble and kind and doesn't have any qualms about doing hard household chores. She doesn't sit and gossip or twiddle her thumbs. I really love this heroine because of all this. She is not some spoilt brat.
The trope of this story is unique also. Gregory made a list of all the things he is looking for in a wife for a purpose, then when he found Mary and they married, that is when the romance blossomed.
I've never read a story with this kind of trope before and I must say it's refreshing. Also Mary and Gregory were married practically at the starting of this story so there was no dating or trysts with them. This story takes place during the first couple weeks of their marriage.
I love this book because its unconventional and it doesn't follow the plot lines like most Regency romances. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 15, 2019
Lovely Story
Lord Havelock, would be a typical Regency 'Mufflehead' if there was such a description, he couldn't do right for doing wrong apparently. His need for a quick marriage to enable him to provide a safe home for his half sister, was built on misunderstandings and an inability for both Mary and he to express how they felt. Both characters were generous and kind, but both also had, had very little if no love and kindness shown them from an early age, and both had misconceptions about marriage. Mary lacked confidence in her ability to become a 'Lords' wife despite the fact that she had far more common sense than her husband, who in actual fact was a bit of a 'nit wit' with a sharp temper, at times and at other times had a ' lusty and passionate nature' which all in all lead to an amusing and enjoyable read, although at times gave me a need to shake some sense into both Mary and his Lordship!
I would thoroughly recommend this book and I am now keen to read the other two books in this series.
Lord Havelock, would be a typical Regency 'Mufflehead' if there was such a description, he couldn't do right for doing wrong apparently. His need for a quick marriage to enable him to provide a safe home for his half sister, was built on misunderstandings and an inability for both Mary and he to express how they felt. Both characters were generous and kind, but both also had, had very little if no love and kindness shown them from an early age, and both had misconceptions about marriage. Mary lacked confidence in her ability to become a 'Lords' wife despite the fact that she had far more common sense than her husband, who in actual fact was a bit of a 'nit wit' with a sharp temper, at times and at other times had a ' lusty and passionate nature' which all in all lead to an amusing and enjoyable read, although at times gave me a need to shake some sense into both Mary and his Lordship!
I would thoroughly recommend this book and I am now keen to read the other two books in this series.
July 2, 2020
Looking for a wife
Mary Carpenter and Gregory, Lord Havelock, are in a marriage of convenience, until the night of their wedding when they find out how really compatible they are. When Mary finds his list for what he's looking for in a wife, she decides to make her own list for a husband. Misunderstandings lead to a break in their relationship. Each is afraid to confess their true feelings. Funny and heartbreaking, it's an emotional rollercoaster with a sweet clueless husband and a wife full of insecurities. Love the ending.
Mary Carpenter and Gregory, Lord Havelock, are in a marriage of convenience, until the night of their wedding when they find out how really compatible they are. When Mary finds his list for what he's looking for in a wife, she decides to make her own list for a husband. Misunderstandings lead to a break in their relationship. Each is afraid to confess their true feelings. Funny and heartbreaking, it's an emotional rollercoaster with a sweet clueless husband and a wife full of insecurities. Love the ending.
March 25, 2017
It was a good story. I just thought her reaction to the list was going to be a little more different. I thought she was going to prove to him that she was a little different from what he had listed. I didn't like that she left and didn't stand up for herself. Also, the constant inner dialogue that havelock was not like her father got a little tedious. Havelock completely ignoring her once his sister arrived was very disappointing because it was resolved too quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2017
First in a series. Next is novella in Gift wrapped Governesses - Governess to Christmas Bride and third is The Debutantes Daring Proposal.
I really enjoyed the hero in this one and how he kept trying to do things right. Both of them working to not let their past flavor the future. Well written with good character development. A very cute and sweet story. The whole series is worth the read.
I really enjoyed the hero in this one and how he kept trying to do things right. Both of them working to not let their past flavor the future. Well written with good character development. A very cute and sweet story. The whole series is worth the read.
November 23, 2024
My first ever Harlequin Historical. I've heard so much about these growing up, I can't believe it took me so long and a serendipitous accident looking for another authors work to land here... and it wasn't as saucy as I had been led to believe. But a girls got to start somewhere I suppose! This was a cute read.
August 1, 2020
A marriage of convenience between two people who over think everything. Except their intimacy, though not graphic, was a bit steamy, and cost a star. I liked Mary and Havelock quite a bit and was rooting for their HEA. There are subtle hints of humor that made me smile. It was an enjoyable book.
August 6, 2017
Nice story with an abrupt ending.
September 14, 2018
Surprisingly decent and really quite sweet.
November 25, 2018
Extra 1/4 star
May 12, 2020
4.5 A delightful tale with well-drawn characters that I read non-stop. It was not the usual and kept me involved. I need to find the next in this series now.
February 14, 2023
The entire book was misunderstandings, not my favourite type of storyline.
February 24, 2023
sweet story
They both got what they never new they needed! Sometimes live just sneaks up on you and yell’s Suprise! Love and happiness is here.
They both got what they never new they needed! Sometimes live just sneaks up on you and yell’s Suprise! Love and happiness is here.
October 13, 2024
The main female character was too insecure and mouselike to make this book enjoyable.
Read
October 27, 20243.5 stars. Very good for a Harlequin although a poor substitute for Georgette Heyer
March 6, 2017
Thanks for the Valentine win! I have a weakness for "marriage of convenience" stories and this one is well written and full of fun. The characters are unusual and the chemistry between them is unexpected but delightful. Lord Havelock needs a wife so he can support his younger half sister without scandal. He draws up a list for a wife which basically includes his description of a "mouse" and when he meets Mary Carpenter, recently orphaned and being bounced from one relative to the next, he thinks he has found the perfect meek and mild mate. But things change and the adventure begins with these 2 characters who both really deserve a second chance and a shot at true love.
August 30, 2016
Nuda, nuda, šeď, šeď. Neschopný tupý hrdina, tupá hrdinka a chatrný nudný příběh.
Je nelogická. Vzali se z rozumu, ona si ho v podstatě vzít nechtěla. Tak proč potom dělá vědu z nějakého seznamu?
Hrdina je sice plnoletý, ale jeho majetek spravují správci a on ho bude spravovat až po sňatku. A ten musí být do čtrnácti dní? Musel se oženit tak rychle, aby u něho mohla žít patnáctiletá nevlastní sestra, která by jinak žila u x-krát nevlastní rodiny?
Vikomt je sice hlavou rodiny, ale k ničemu mu to není. Ale stačilo to na to, aby hrdinku přesvědčil, aby si ho vzala.
A bo se manželství může každou chvíli zvrtnout, čestně ji varoval, že s výrobou dědice začnou hned.
Mary si uvědomuje, že některé ženy by to urazilo, ale ona je polichocená, že ji chce aspoň teď. Než se zase vrátí ke svým prostopášnostem, na které má nárok.
A hned po svatbě našla seznam. Pořád nuda. Celý den se tím užírala, ale pak se hrdina vrátil, hodil ji na postel a měl tak úžasnou hruď (a že měla s čím srovnávat, protože doma často pozorovala polonahé námořníky) a svlékl ji tak rychle a šikovně, že bylo zjevné, že sex bude zážitkem.
Když přijedou k domu hrdiny, zjistí, že je prázdný. Dovnitř se musí vloupat oknem a pak romanticky přenese hrdinku přes práh zadních dveří. Pak si jde prohlédnout dům. Včetně stájí. Zatímco zavazadla nechal u hlavního vchodu na schodech. V dešti.
Mary je praktická žena. Do mísy dá vejce, nastrouhá sýr, našlehá a naleje na rozpálenou pánev. Pak vejce šlehá. A do misky přidá nakrájenou šunku. A je z toho omeleta. No. Budiž jí ke cti, že v originále přidala šunku na pánev a ne do misky.
Bez ohledu na techle a mechtle v každé možné místnosti a místě, pořád o svém manželovi přemýšlí jako o… manželovi, popř. o lordu Havelockovi.
Manžel, který jde v prosinci na uhlí jen v pumkách, je idiot. Kabát ani košili neměl, bo nechtěl brát hrdince přikrývku. Husí kůži měl i na zádech, takže zjevně nebyl schopný v obydleném domě, popř. ve svých zavazadlech, najít něco na sebe.
Ve chvíli, kdy došlo na odělené ložnice, došlo Mary, že se do svého lorda Havelocka zamilovala. I když lord přicházel noc co noc s nabídkou kvalitního sexu, hrdinka odmítala.
a) byla uražená, protože mají oddělené ložnice
b) nechtěla „decentní manželské hrátky“, protože věděla, že on toho umí mnohem, mnohem víc
Po týdnu celibátu mu oznámila, že chce zpátky do Londýna a před odjezdem mu připíchla k polštáři svůj vzdoroseznam. Tím ho přinutila, aby se zamyslel, přilezl ke křížku a odešli vstříc zapadajícímu slunci.
To jako vážně?
Konverzace „Máte raději město nebo venkov?“ mi přišla zmatená.
s. 35
„Ale nějak mi přišlo, že jste žila na venkově.“
„Ano, žila jsem v Portsmouthu (…) A jsem tu [v Londýně] teprve krátce, nedokážu říct, jestli se mi to líbí nebo ne.“
„Ale nemáte nic proti životu na venkově?“ (…)
„Nevím, protože jsem vždycky žila ve městě.“
Je nelogická. Vzali se z rozumu, ona si ho v podstatě vzít nechtěla. Tak proč potom dělá vědu z nějakého seznamu?
Hrdina je sice plnoletý, ale jeho majetek spravují správci a on ho bude spravovat až po sňatku. A ten musí být do čtrnácti dní? Musel se oženit tak rychle, aby u něho mohla žít patnáctiletá nevlastní sestra, která by jinak žila u x-krát nevlastní rodiny?
Vikomt je sice hlavou rodiny, ale k ničemu mu to není. Ale stačilo to na to, aby hrdinku přesvědčil, aby si ho vzala.
A bo se manželství může každou chvíli zvrtnout, čestně ji varoval, že s výrobou dědice začnou hned.
Mary si uvědomuje, že některé ženy by to urazilo, ale ona je polichocená, že ji chce aspoň teď. Než se zase vrátí ke svým prostopášnostem, na které má nárok.
A hned po svatbě našla seznam. Pořád nuda. Celý den se tím užírala, ale pak se hrdina vrátil, hodil ji na postel a měl tak úžasnou hruď (a že měla s čím srovnávat, protože doma často pozorovala polonahé námořníky) a svlékl ji tak rychle a šikovně, že bylo zjevné, že sex bude zážitkem.
Když přijedou k domu hrdiny, zjistí, že je prázdný. Dovnitř se musí vloupat oknem a pak romanticky přenese hrdinku přes práh zadních dveří. Pak si jde prohlédnout dům. Včetně stájí. Zatímco zavazadla nechal u hlavního vchodu na schodech. V dešti.
Mary je praktická žena. Do mísy dá vejce, nastrouhá sýr, našlehá a naleje na rozpálenou pánev. Pak vejce šlehá. A do misky přidá nakrájenou šunku. A je z toho omeleta. No. Budiž jí ke cti, že v originále přidala šunku na pánev a ne do misky.
Bez ohledu na techle a mechtle v každé možné místnosti a místě, pořád o svém manželovi přemýšlí jako o… manželovi, popř. o lordu Havelockovi.
Manžel, který jde v prosinci na uhlí jen v pumkách, je idiot. Kabát ani košili neměl, bo nechtěl brát hrdince přikrývku. Husí kůži měl i na zádech, takže zjevně nebyl schopný v obydleném domě, popř. ve svých zavazadlech, najít něco na sebe.
Ve chvíli, kdy došlo na odělené ložnice, došlo Mary, že se do svého lorda Havelocka zamilovala. I když lord přicházel noc co noc s nabídkou kvalitního sexu, hrdinka odmítala.
a) byla uražená, protože mají oddělené ložnice
b) nechtěla „decentní manželské hrátky“, protože věděla, že on toho umí mnohem, mnohem víc
Po týdnu celibátu mu oznámila, že chce zpátky do Londýna a před odjezdem mu připíchla k polštáři svůj vzdoroseznam. Tím ho přinutila, aby se zamyslel, přilezl ke křížku a odešli vstříc zapadajícímu slunci.
To jako vážně?
Konverzace „Máte raději město nebo venkov?“ mi přišla zmatená.
s. 35
„Ale nějak mi přišlo, že jste žila na venkově.“
„Ano, žila jsem v Portsmouthu (…) A jsem tu [v Londýně] teprve krátce, nedokážu říct, jestli se mi to líbí nebo ne.“
„Ale nemáte nic proti životu na venkově?“ (…)
„Nevím, protože jsem vždycky žila ve městě.“
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2017
Seems like a great read! Gotta have this soon!!
February 4, 2017
When Mary Carpenter's mother dies she is shunted from one relative to the next as each finds an excuse not to take her in. She end up with a family that are distant relations but who share what little they have with her. Mary and her 2 cousins attend a ball given by a nabob in hopes of catching a respectable marriage although Mary hides out among the palms. Lord Havelock is in need of a wife in a hurry and has unwisely, while slightly inebriated, made up a list of qualities he needs in a wife. He finds all of them in Mary. After 2 days he asks her to marry and explains his reasons for a hasty loveless marriage. Practical Mary accepts and they proceed in an honest straight-forward manner, with a healthy sex life. Until Mary finds the list just when outside circumstances make Lord Havelock behave in a distancing manner. She bolts.
Although this is a big misunderstanding type plot both characters have such open attitudes that things get resolved quickly. Burrows is a new author for me and I will be looking for more.
Although this is a big misunderstanding type plot both characters have such open attitudes that things get resolved quickly. Burrows is a new author for me and I will be looking for more.
April 29, 2016
Lovely little marriage of convenience story. Neither the hero nor heroine have had good examples of marriage, but he needs to marry to be able to bring his half-sister home with him. So he gets friends to help him figure out what kind of woman he needs and wants, and one of them knows where to take him to meet that kind of woman. The heroine has no intention of marrying at all, but the hero promises to let her go her own way after there's an heir and she helps him with his sister, and he's willing to help with her cousins, so they get married and things go as expected. It's a sweet story with good humor and witty banter (though not necessarily the hero's -- he tends to be a foot-in-mouth type). I liked it a lot.
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