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Banks Brothers Brides #1
His Contract Bride
An avid academic and aspiring scientist, Edward is pleased to find that he won’t have to bother with the nonsense involved in courting a young lady.
Young and naive, it doesn't take much for her social-climbing father to convince Regina the gentleman she's to marry has requested her hand out of love, but devastates her when she learns the truth.
Now, it's up to a gentleman who's more comfortable in a conservatory than a drawing room to prove to Regina that she's more than just the proverbial sacrificial lamb that helped gain her family their foot in Society's door and that he--if no other gentleman--is trustworthy. But he just might be the one doing the learning as he'll be forced to acknowledge that sometimes the most combustible elements aren't the ones you control, but sometimes the ones you don't.
Young and naive, it doesn't take much for her social-climbing father to convince Regina the gentleman she's to marry has requested her hand out of love, but devastates her when she learns the truth.
Now, it's up to a gentleman who's more comfortable in a conservatory than a drawing room to prove to Regina that she's more than just the proverbial sacrificial lamb that helped gain her family their foot in Society's door and that he--if no other gentleman--is trustworthy. But he just might be the one doing the learning as he'll be forced to acknowledge that sometimes the most combustible elements aren't the ones you control, but sometimes the ones you don't.
ebook
First published June 28, 2012
About the author
Rose Gordon
48 books474 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 23, 2017
Book was a little flat.
However what we had was an arranged marriage however the heroine was given the idea that hero was in love with her as she was in love with him.
She finds out the marriage agreement and learns the truth.
Hero wasn't a jerk or anything. He cared for her, it's just his father loved his wife who never returned his feelings so he wanted a stable marriage for his son, so H never understood the need to love.
Only when heroine withdraws her love from their relationship, he finally understands the difference between having and not having love in your life.
She doesn't through a tantrum, not because she wanted to give him silent treatment, but she just didn't have anymore expectations anymore and she was just completely broken and destroyed.
And I really liked how she no longer could even force herself to participate in sex, let alone melt away at the hero's slightest touch like most book. It showed that if you are feeling dejected, or are upset, your body doesn't automatically betray you unlike HP heroines', who would claim they loathe the hero yet their panties would melt at the slightest touch of the hero.
Yet this heroine, despite loving the hero, because she was betrayed, just couldn't react anymore. She'd do her duty, but that's all it was.
And hero also learned the difference between making love with an willing and loving partner and having sex with a reluctant partner.
Which was really a wake up call for him.
And he tried to get to know her and fell head over heals in love with her and was so tortured at the irony that when she loved him, he couldn't return her feelings, yet now he loves her, she may never return his feelings and it's his fault!
However what we had was an arranged marriage however the heroine was given the idea that hero was in love with her as she was in love with him.
She finds out the marriage agreement and learns the truth.
Hero wasn't a jerk or anything. He cared for her, it's just his father loved his wife who never returned his feelings so he wanted a stable marriage for his son, so H never understood the need to love.
Only when heroine withdraws her love from their relationship, he finally understands the difference between having and not having love in your life.
She doesn't through a tantrum, not because she wanted to give him silent treatment, but she just didn't have anymore expectations anymore and she was just completely broken and destroyed.
And I really liked how she no longer could even force herself to participate in sex, let alone melt away at the hero's slightest touch like most book. It showed that if you are feeling dejected, or are upset, your body doesn't automatically betray you unlike HP heroines', who would claim they loathe the hero yet their panties would melt at the slightest touch of the hero.
Yet this heroine, despite loving the hero, because she was betrayed, just couldn't react anymore. She'd do her duty, but that's all it was.
And hero also learned the difference between making love with an willing and loving partner and having sex with a reluctant partner.
Which was really a wake up call for him.
And he tried to get to know her and fell head over heals in love with her and was so tortured at the irony that when she loved him, he couldn't return her feelings, yet now he loves her, she may never return his feelings and it's his fault!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2013
Regina Harris falls in love with Edward Banks at first glance and when a year later, he asks her father for her hand in marriage, she is elated as he obviously felt the connection the few moments they were together. She goes into her marriage with a full heart and a strong desire to please Edward and help him in any way she can and if thats helping with with his scientific findings, that is what she will do. Her world comes crashing down when she learns the truth of their marriage--it was an arrangement, Edward does not love her. Edward waits for Regina to blow up at him and he feels he deserves it for not telling her the truth right away, but Regina just gets quiet and puts up a wall. She strives to due all her wifely duties but it becomes apparent that their entire relationship has changed and it is up to Edward to fix it. What follows is a discovery not only for Edward but for Regina as well and watching this couple brought together by a contract fall in love with each other is a delight to read!
I just adored Edward! I always love a scientific nerd and he is a good one but I admired him for trying to fix his mistake with Regina and all the ways he goes about doing so. He really tries to maker Regina happy for herself and only herself as her father and brother certainly never cared. All her father wants from her is a better place in society as he has no title and now that Regina has one, he expects too much from her. Regina just cowers to him in the beginning but with Edwards help, she finally is able to stand up for herself and I was there cheering her on! Regina has no problem speaking her mind to Edward so it was a relief to see her find the courage to stand up to her father. I usually do not like stories built on a misunderstanding but this one was very well done and the secret was laid out fairly early on so it became a story of redemption instead. What was also unique about this novel is that Edward was not a rake and no intention of being one, I feel it is always nice to read a story without the rake sometimes, without someone so skilled in the bedroom. It was also nice to not have an underlining mystery, it is really just about Regina and Edward and family relationships. A lovely story of young love, redemption, discovery with humor and smarts. 4 stars
I just adored Edward! I always love a scientific nerd and he is a good one but I admired him for trying to fix his mistake with Regina and all the ways he goes about doing so. He really tries to maker Regina happy for herself and only herself as her father and brother certainly never cared. All her father wants from her is a better place in society as he has no title and now that Regina has one, he expects too much from her. Regina just cowers to him in the beginning but with Edwards help, she finally is able to stand up for herself and I was there cheering her on! Regina has no problem speaking her mind to Edward so it was a relief to see her find the courage to stand up to her father. I usually do not like stories built on a misunderstanding but this one was very well done and the secret was laid out fairly early on so it became a story of redemption instead. What was also unique about this novel is that Edward was not a rake and no intention of being one, I feel it is always nice to read a story without the rake sometimes, without someone so skilled in the bedroom. It was also nice to not have an underlining mystery, it is really just about Regina and Edward and family relationships. A lovely story of young love, redemption, discovery with humor and smarts. 4 stars
April 4, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! I suffer from circumstances that led me to read these books out of order, however, that’s ok because I’m just learning background information in a random order ;)
So, this is the story of Regina and Edward Banks; the story of how she thought she had a love match, and he thought he had a contract bride. Simply put, it’s a love story. No big twists and turns or surprises that shock you and make you rethink what’s going on. But that’s ok, I didn’t need any of that to keep my interest. What this book did have was wonderful character development and a solid plot.
Regina is such a spitfire. Oh, I just love her. Granted, she doesn’t start out that way. Her father has done quite a number on her. It’s so fulfilling to watch her develop into the amazing, strong woman that she is. While she grows and changes, she never strays from who she truly is. Underneath the somewhat submissive young woman her father raised, Regina has always been strong. She never wavers in her love for Edward, even when he breaks her heart.
Edward is just a good guy. He’s so enamored with his scientific pursuits that he doesn’t recognize what’s right in front of him. This is so perfectly typical of highly intelligent people! I love how he frequently remarks “odd that” as he slowly begins to recognize signs of his affection for Regina. He tries so hard to protect her and to please her, but sometimes he just botches it all. Even the best laid plans sometimes go awry.
They both are simply a joy to get to know. Their verbal sparring was delightful and their adventures nothing short of memorable. I think one of my favorite parts of the book was learning the story behind the “horribly decorated drawing room” in their London townhouse. I will be laughing about that for a long time.
Source: received e-book copy for my honest review
FYI: does contain open-door sex
So, this is the story of Regina and Edward Banks; the story of how she thought she had a love match, and he thought he had a contract bride. Simply put, it’s a love story. No big twists and turns or surprises that shock you and make you rethink what’s going on. But that’s ok, I didn’t need any of that to keep my interest. What this book did have was wonderful character development and a solid plot.
Regina is such a spitfire. Oh, I just love her. Granted, she doesn’t start out that way. Her father has done quite a number on her. It’s so fulfilling to watch her develop into the amazing, strong woman that she is. While she grows and changes, she never strays from who she truly is. Underneath the somewhat submissive young woman her father raised, Regina has always been strong. She never wavers in her love for Edward, even when he breaks her heart.
Edward is just a good guy. He’s so enamored with his scientific pursuits that he doesn’t recognize what’s right in front of him. This is so perfectly typical of highly intelligent people! I love how he frequently remarks “odd that” as he slowly begins to recognize signs of his affection for Regina. He tries so hard to protect her and to please her, but sometimes he just botches it all. Even the best laid plans sometimes go awry.
They both are simply a joy to get to know. Their verbal sparring was delightful and their adventures nothing short of memorable. I think one of my favorite parts of the book was learning the story behind the “horribly decorated drawing room” in their London townhouse. I will be laughing about that for a long time.
Source: received e-book copy for my honest review
FYI: does contain open-door sex
July 3, 2012
His Contract Bride by Rose Gordon
Bank Brothers Brides Book 1
Regina Harris has not had an easy life. Her mother died when she was young and she couldn't seem to please her father in anything she did. Her family was in trade and had wealth but not status in the Ton. The one thing her father craved and would do anything to get it….even using his daughter. While away at school one day changed Regina’s life. Her friend Sophie’s brother came for a visit along with his handsome friend. After meeting Edward Banks no other men could meet her expectations through out her season.
Edward Banks, Lord Watson, was so glad he didn't have to look for a bride. He preferred studying plants over women. Now that his father passed away it fell upon Edward's shoulders to marry and have an heir, even at his young age of twenty. He was happy with the woman who would be his wife, she was beautiful and seemed pleasant enough. One problem….Edward just didn’t get around to telling her about the marriage contract. Could one little omission make a difference?
I enjoyed returning to historical England and seeing the beginning of the Bank’s family and others. Seeing the young John as a rascal, meeting the woman who gave birth to someone like Lady Olivia and finally the answer to the Watson Townhouse in London and it’s unique decor. Rose Gordon once again flawlessly brings you into her book where the emotions flow from the pages to your heart. The laughter and tears along with the giggles to see what new words Rose has discovered in describing the anatomy. All these books are connected starting with the Scandalous Sisters series and than the Groom Series.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Bank Brothers Brides Book 1
Regina Harris has not had an easy life. Her mother died when she was young and she couldn't seem to please her father in anything she did. Her family was in trade and had wealth but not status in the Ton. The one thing her father craved and would do anything to get it….even using his daughter. While away at school one day changed Regina’s life. Her friend Sophie’s brother came for a visit along with his handsome friend. After meeting Edward Banks no other men could meet her expectations through out her season.
Edward Banks, Lord Watson, was so glad he didn't have to look for a bride. He preferred studying plants over women. Now that his father passed away it fell upon Edward's shoulders to marry and have an heir, even at his young age of twenty. He was happy with the woman who would be his wife, she was beautiful and seemed pleasant enough. One problem….Edward just didn’t get around to telling her about the marriage contract. Could one little omission make a difference?
I enjoyed returning to historical England and seeing the beginning of the Bank’s family and others. Seeing the young John as a rascal, meeting the woman who gave birth to someone like Lady Olivia and finally the answer to the Watson Townhouse in London and it’s unique decor. Rose Gordon once again flawlessly brings you into her book where the emotions flow from the pages to your heart. The laughter and tears along with the giggles to see what new words Rose has discovered in describing the anatomy. All these books are connected starting with the Scandalous Sisters series and than the Groom Series.
**Sexual situations within marriage.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
December 24, 2017
3.5 stars. There isn't a lot of action in this book but it is a lovely story about Edward and Regina learning to love after their arranged marriage. Regina is led to believe it is a love match and Edward knows it is just a marriage of convenience. When he find out her error, he doesn't correct it to save her feelings. He enjoys his new wife until she finds their marriage contract and discovers the truth. Once she removes her affection Edward misses it and realizes that he may have been a little hasty in his plans. I loved this story. Regina isn't a doormat and compels Edward to do some much needed groveling to make up for his lie. The romance develops in such a sweet way as Edward tries to find a way to make it up to his bride. He doesn't know anything about love or women. I excused him his ignorance because
Some might find this story to be a little slow and uneventful. This book was very much character driven as we watch the newlyweds grow closer to each other and learn to fall in love. I didn't mind the lack of action or mystery and I completely enjoyed it.
Some might find this story to be a little slow and uneventful. This book was very much character driven as we watch the newlyweds grow closer to each other and learn to fall in love. I didn't mind the lack of action or mystery and I completely enjoyed it.
July 17, 2020
This read like a New Adult historical romance. He was 20 and she was 18.
It was cute, but it needed more angst, passion and romance. It was mostly about her finally learning to stand up for herself and not let her father continue with what it seemed psychological abuse.
Edward helps her a lot and that final stand down with her father was awesome.
It was cute, but it needed more angst, passion and romance. It was mostly about her finally learning to stand up for herself and not let her father continue with what it seemed psychological abuse.
Edward helps her a lot and that final stand down with her father was awesome.
April 14, 2018
3,5 stars!
October 12, 2022
2.5 stars. Underwhelming, very low angst. I like low angst, but the writing style just doesn’t work for me.
Safe; both virgins
Safe; both virgins
February 28, 2016
Regina Harris falls in love with Edward Banks at first glance and when a year later, he asks her father for her hand in marriage, she is elated as he obviously felt the connection the few moments they were together. She goes into her marriage with a full heart and a strong desire to please Edward and help him in any way she can and if that is helping with his scientific findings, that is what she will do. Her world comes crashing down when she learns the truth of their marriage--it was an arrangement, Edward does not love her. Edward waits for Regina to blow up at him and he feels he deserves it for not telling her the truth right away, but Regina just gets quiet and puts up a wall. Regina Harris thinks she's marrying for love. What a shock to find out that her groom was betrothed to her for years and no one informed her of it. Now Edward Banks must work hard to show Regina that he is trustworthy. But will he lose his heart to his new bride in the process?
I loved the heroine and the hero, they were adorable - there is something appealing about having a romance novel where the characters are both so innocent, it's actually kind of refreshing from the traditional historical romance where the innocent young woman transform the rake. I guess Gordon's novels just seem a bit more realistic in their portrayal of a romantic relationship. It's a nice sweet story, no big surprises in the storyline from the description. Oh, and the hero and heroine both were virgins! And it was not that big a deal. That is so unusual in romances (for some weird reason) and something that I really like to see in the story. While I found this book slow to start I am glad I stuck with it. Once Edward and Regina returned to London and his younger brother was introduced the story took a turn for the better. The characters came to life and you found yourself rooting for Edward to win not only forgiveness but the heart of his wife. Where I found their relationship stifled, the sex scenes non descriptive Ms Gordon made up for it during Edwards adventure with his wife and the days that followed. I absolutely loved this book! Unlike the usual crop of historical romance which prefer the hero to be tall, dark and dangerous (not to mention somewhat a tyrant); Edward is neither of these, he is a person who can change from his own reclusive character to someone who loves to jest. At first I thought this novel was going to be boring. But it turned out to be such a sweet, romantic and funny story. Totally enjoyable characters and a fun twist.
I loved the heroine and the hero, they were adorable - there is something appealing about having a romance novel where the characters are both so innocent, it's actually kind of refreshing from the traditional historical romance where the innocent young woman transform the rake. I guess Gordon's novels just seem a bit more realistic in their portrayal of a romantic relationship. It's a nice sweet story, no big surprises in the storyline from the description. Oh, and the hero and heroine both were virgins! And it was not that big a deal. That is so unusual in romances (for some weird reason) and something that I really like to see in the story. While I found this book slow to start I am glad I stuck with it. Once Edward and Regina returned to London and his younger brother was introduced the story took a turn for the better. The characters came to life and you found yourself rooting for Edward to win not only forgiveness but the heart of his wife. Where I found their relationship stifled, the sex scenes non descriptive Ms Gordon made up for it during Edwards adventure with his wife and the days that followed. I absolutely loved this book! Unlike the usual crop of historical romance which prefer the hero to be tall, dark and dangerous (not to mention somewhat a tyrant); Edward is neither of these, he is a person who can change from his own reclusive character to someone who loves to jest. At first I thought this novel was going to be boring. But it turned out to be such a sweet, romantic and funny story. Totally enjoyable characters and a fun twist.
April 6, 2013
Where oh where do I begin? I LOVED everything about this story! Typically, I find Historical Romances to be a bit of a bore, who wants to read about a time when women were meant to be seen and not heard? When they were unable to voice their own thoughts and opinions on matters in fear of repercussion? However, His Contract Bride features little of this. Of course, Regina is somewhat more reserved in the presence of her Father, but I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between her and her husband Edward. He encouraged her to speak her mind, he challenged her not only to challenge him, but to stand up for herself against her Father, and it all made the story all the more enjoyable of a read.
Speaking of Regina, she grows so much during the course of the story, from living with domineering Father who will stop at nothing to further his social standing, that it is impossible not to root for her. Even when she does something that would surely earn her a beating from her husband (in the normal arc of a Historical Romance), Edward just laughs it off and refuses to allow her to change what she has done. He really is a good guy, with her best interests at heart. Their marriage may have not started out the way they had envisioned it, but it certainly ends that way!
His Contract Bride is only book one in a series of books by Ms.Gordon and I absolutely cannot wait to start reading book two, His Yankee Bride featuring Edward's younger brother John.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced copy of His Contract Bride in exchange for my honest review. This has not reflected on my review in any way.
Speaking of Regina, she grows so much during the course of the story, from living with domineering Father who will stop at nothing to further his social standing, that it is impossible not to root for her. Even when she does something that would surely earn her a beating from her husband (in the normal arc of a Historical Romance), Edward just laughs it off and refuses to allow her to change what she has done. He really is a good guy, with her best interests at heart. Their marriage may have not started out the way they had envisioned it, but it certainly ends that way!
His Contract Bride is only book one in a series of books by Ms.Gordon and I absolutely cannot wait to start reading book two, His Yankee Bride featuring Edward's younger brother John.
DISCLAIMER: I received an advanced copy of His Contract Bride in exchange for my honest review. This has not reflected on my review in any way.
July 3, 2012
His Contract Bride is everything I have come ot expect from Rose. As soon as I saw that she had it up on Amazon I bought it and then was up tell early in the morning reading it because I could not put it down even though I really did need the sleep.
His Contract Bride takes us back to Edward and Regina's journey to love. Rigina's father is a social climber who will use his money and anyone he can to gain accptance with the Ton. Edwards has grown up with the horros of watching his parents be in love with different people and believes that he will be better off if Love is not apart of his marriage. What he did not count on was Regina.
What I love about this book is while there is the missunderstanding that is almost a requierment in a romance it takes place early in the story and the rest of the story is Edward and Regina trying to work it out. But for Regina to truly understand what Edward is trying to tell her she must first understand her own worth and watching to see how Edward will try to show her that will keep you reading.
Another great thing that I just love because I love getting a behind the scene look if you will, we we find out the reason behind scenes we see Rose's other books. I especailly loved finding out how the drawing room we see in Intentions of and Earl became that way.
His Contract Bride takes us back to Edward and Regina's journey to love. Rigina's father is a social climber who will use his money and anyone he can to gain accptance with the Ton. Edwards has grown up with the horros of watching his parents be in love with different people and believes that he will be better off if Love is not apart of his marriage. What he did not count on was Regina.
What I love about this book is while there is the missunderstanding that is almost a requierment in a romance it takes place early in the story and the rest of the story is Edward and Regina trying to work it out. But for Regina to truly understand what Edward is trying to tell her she must first understand her own worth and watching to see how Edward will try to show her that will keep you reading.
Another great thing that I just love because I love getting a behind the scene look if you will, we we find out the reason behind scenes we see Rose's other books. I especailly loved finding out how the drawing room we see in Intentions of and Earl became that way.
December 5, 2019
This book had a little charm to it, which was the only thing that kept me reading, but otherwise, the writing was pedestrian and a bit disjointed, the characters cardboard, and the setting barely wallpaper. I won't be reading the rest in the series.
Oh, and the paperback cover. https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/... If you can't afford to dress a model in a stomacher, panniers, and a tall powdered wig for a Georgian romance, for heaven's sake, find ANYTHING else but a Gunne Sax prom dress. Please. That cover is atrocious on its own, but then when you realize what time period this is, it's a crime against history. The gold Oscar dress on the ebook isn't much better in terms of history.
Oh, and the paperback cover. https://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/... If you can't afford to dress a model in a stomacher, panniers, and a tall powdered wig for a Georgian romance, for heaven's sake, find ANYTHING else but a Gunne Sax prom dress. Please. That cover is atrocious on its own, but then when you realize what time period this is, it's a crime against history. The gold Oscar dress on the ebook isn't much better in terms of history.
October 13, 2025
I’m being serious was this written by a man?
The amount of misogynistic rhetoric going on In this book and “marital duty” nonsense being brought up as a way to demean and put down women was something else, don’t get me started on the fact we don’t hear from her friend who got sexually assaulted in the prologue ever again.
I would have dnfed this if it wasn’t so short, our mmc betrays the fmc and spends a lot of time saying “ugh I wish she would get over it, why is she being so stoic why is she being guarded when I come to her bed every night expecting her to open her legs for me ugh it’s killing me that she doesn’t want to share her bed with me so let me just lay down beside her for days on end even when she’s uncomfortable” fuck right off.
There’s soooo many misogynistic comments from the mmc’s best friend who’s married and has a wife and give him awful advice his 14 YEAR OLD BROTHER is giving him better advice.
All the mmc’s cares about is his own interests, his own feelings and how he can get her around to wanting him in her bed again. I feel like the author doesn’t read a lot of histroms and just thought that everyone loves to read a weirdo hero and decided to make him unlikeable for shits and giggles.
April 8, 2013
His Contract Bride by Rose Gordon
His Contract Bride is the first story by Rose Gordon I have had the great pleasure to read. I loved this story, it contains great characters and a compelling plot. I have more of the series in my to be read pile and let me tell you I can not wait to start devouring them.
Regina is a sweet young woman that has been treated all her life like she doesn't really matter, she is to marry well and that is her job in life. I loved how Regina gains her self respect and is able to grow as the book goes on. Edward helps her to become respectful of who she is and that her opinions in life really do matter. I loved how Edward shows this wonderful lady that he loves her in ways that are a little different for their time.
Edward is a scientist and enjoys his plants and scientific matters. Most people find him rather dull but not Regina. She really enjoys spending time with him and chatting about what ever he may want to do or discuss. I really liked Edward, he didn't marry for love but he soon finds himself every much in love with his wife. He finds that he not only wants to do things he likes but he also wants to do things to please his wife.
I positively loved watching Regina and Edward's story unfold. I was totally enthralled with these two from the beginning. What a wonderfully sweet story Rose Gordon has written for us to enjoy. I can not wait to see what Ms. Gordon has in store in the other 3 book in this series. I am sure they are all going to be wonderful, since I so enjoyed this one.
I was lucky enough to be given this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
His Contract Bride is the first story by Rose Gordon I have had the great pleasure to read. I loved this story, it contains great characters and a compelling plot. I have more of the series in my to be read pile and let me tell you I can not wait to start devouring them.
Regina is a sweet young woman that has been treated all her life like she doesn't really matter, she is to marry well and that is her job in life. I loved how Regina gains her self respect and is able to grow as the book goes on. Edward helps her to become respectful of who she is and that her opinions in life really do matter. I loved how Edward shows this wonderful lady that he loves her in ways that are a little different for their time.
Edward is a scientist and enjoys his plants and scientific matters. Most people find him rather dull but not Regina. She really enjoys spending time with him and chatting about what ever he may want to do or discuss. I really liked Edward, he didn't marry for love but he soon finds himself every much in love with his wife. He finds that he not only wants to do things he likes but he also wants to do things to please his wife.
I positively loved watching Regina and Edward's story unfold. I was totally enthralled with these two from the beginning. What a wonderfully sweet story Rose Gordon has written for us to enjoy. I can not wait to see what Ms. Gordon has in store in the other 3 book in this series. I am sure they are all going to be wonderful, since I so enjoyed this one.
I was lucky enough to be given this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2014
This is the fifth of Gordon's books that I have read. I devoured the Goom series in two days and held off reading this one because I wasn't sure how I felt about going back in time before the series I loved so much, but this one was just as good as the Grooms series. I loved the heroine and the hero, they were adorable - there is something appealing about having a romance novel where the characters are both so innocent, it's actually kind of refreshing from the traditional historical romance where the innocent young woman transform the rake. I guess Gordon's novels just seem a bit more realistic in their portrayal of a romantic relationship. I can't wait for the next one in the Banks Brothers series!
June 17, 2017
It was just weird. The plot went nowhere and it needed an editor badly.
January 10, 2025
3.5 🌟 rounded up
A very sweet and very low angst read. Perfect palate cleaner and exactly what I needed.
Regina (h) thinks she has obtained a rare kind of match in her world; a love match. Unfortunately what she does not know is that her husband Edward’s (H) father signed a marriage contract on his behalf many years ago. When Regina learns the truth, Edward learns that trust goes a long way in making a relationship work… and it doesn’t feel so great when the tables of unrequited love are turned.
I did find that whilst Regina was strong willed and steadfast in her feelings against her husband, she did not have the same strength of character when it came to her father. She was meek and pathetic in her interactions with him and I wanted to shake her at times. She eventually comes good, but with significant help from Edward.
I did really like the relationship between these two. I felt the angst (which was still quite low), the tension, and ultimately the love. This isn’t the kind of book that has a lot of plot points unfolding and I could see it being boring for some, but it was perfect for me and my mood!
Safety:
Dual virgins, both first and last for everything.
No ow or om drama.
A very sweet and very low angst read. Perfect palate cleaner and exactly what I needed.
Regina (h) thinks she has obtained a rare kind of match in her world; a love match. Unfortunately what she does not know is that her husband Edward’s (H) father signed a marriage contract on his behalf many years ago. When Regina learns the truth, Edward learns that trust goes a long way in making a relationship work… and it doesn’t feel so great when the tables of unrequited love are turned.
I did find that whilst Regina was strong willed and steadfast in her feelings against her husband, she did not have the same strength of character when it came to her father. She was meek and pathetic in her interactions with him and I wanted to shake her at times. She eventually comes good, but with significant help from Edward.
I did really like the relationship between these two. I felt the angst (which was still quite low), the tension, and ultimately the love. This isn’t the kind of book that has a lot of plot points unfolding and I could see it being boring for some, but it was perfect for me and my mood!
Safety:
Dual virgins, both first and last for everything.
No ow or om drama.
April 5, 2021
Regina meets lord Watson(Edward banks) and falls in love at first sight. A year later Edward asks for her hand and Regina thinks he's also in love with her. But it was an arranged marriage set up by Regina's father. This is revealed quite early and Regina becomes withdrawn. Edward feels his bubbly wife changing and tries to win her love. then HEA.
Regina is a strong character and stands up to Edward but doesn't stand up to her father and brother as they just see her as a tool to climb the social ladder. Later with the help of Edward she stands up to them.
On the other hand Edward is an avid researcher who doesn't have time for love or courting so he arranges a marriage to avoid courting. but regina's fiery nature and then her withdrawn nature changes him and he falls in love with her and slowly wins her love and supports her in standing up to her father.
The father and brother just think of regina as an hindrance and are plainly idiotic.
Overall a fairly quick romance with no mystery but enough substance to engage the readers
My rating is 3.5/5 stars
Regina is a strong character and stands up to Edward but doesn't stand up to her father and brother as they just see her as a tool to climb the social ladder. Later with the help of Edward she stands up to them.
On the other hand Edward is an avid researcher who doesn't have time for love or courting so he arranges a marriage to avoid courting. but regina's fiery nature and then her withdrawn nature changes him and he falls in love with her and slowly wins her love and supports her in standing up to her father.
The father and brother just think of regina as an hindrance and are plainly idiotic.
Overall a fairly quick romance with no mystery but enough substance to engage the readers
My rating is 3.5/5 stars
March 29, 2019
I love finding new to me historical romance authors. Edward and Regina have an arranged marriage - however, Regina doesn't know it's an arranged marriage. She meets Edward one time and instantly falls in love. When she discovers that theirs is an arranged marriage, she is heartbroken. I loved Edward's journey to love and how hard he worked to gain back Regina's love and trust. Regina was devastated and embarrassed and it was difficult for her to accept Edward's initiatives. I loved that she stayed firm in her resolve and I loved that Edward never pushed her or forced her to do anything. I loved that he supported her finding her voice and sticking up for herself.
One question: What the hell happened to Sinclair's sister in chapter one???
One question: What the hell happened to Sinclair's sister in chapter one???
July 18, 2019
4.5 stars, I loved it mostly but I think the last bit kind of ruined it for me. I didn’t feel there was enough build up to it so her ‘standing up for herself’ the way she did seemed abrupt. Perhaps it was because it wasn’t particularly long that it felt odd, but other than the outburst with her dad I really enjoyed the book.
Hated the Sinclair’s though, and it totally made sense in the end when it turned out to be Olivia’s mother lol
Hated the Sinclair’s though, and it totally made sense in the end when it turned out to be Olivia’s mother lol
May 13, 2020
Great story
I bought this book years ago and have read it a few times. Great story, with Regina thinking Edward married her because he loved her but finding out it was actually an arranged marriage. Regina already loves Edward but the story is the how Edward falls in love with his wife, some comical moments and love how Regina eventually stands up to her obnoxious father.
I bought this book years ago and have read it a few times. Great story, with Regina thinking Edward married her because he loved her but finding out it was actually an arranged marriage. Regina already loves Edward but the story is the how Edward falls in love with his wife, some comical moments and love how Regina eventually stands up to her obnoxious father.
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2022This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
DNF at 44%
I never write reviews for books I haven't finished but I feel compelled to warn anyone who might want to read it. Spare yourself. Never have I seen such a dumb and annoying as ass MMC, I hope Regina leaves him forever and spits on his fucking face.
I never write reviews for books I haven't finished but I feel compelled to warn anyone who might want to read it. Spare yourself. Never have I seen such a dumb and annoying as ass MMC, I hope Regina leaves him forever and spits on his fucking face.
May 12, 2017
Very quick read. I liked that the hero and heroine were very young so more prone to make mistakes early in the book. A slightly different take on a familiar plot.
July 18, 2017
Delightful
While reading this I often chuckled out loud and had to wipe away an occasional tear. Looking forward to reading more from Rose Gordon.
While reading this I often chuckled out loud and had to wipe away an occasional tear. Looking forward to reading more from Rose Gordon.
May 18, 2019
Im sorry but this was just too boring
Read
March 10, 20226/20/16
July 5, 2022
My favorite
This was so touching, especially after reading Alex’s and Edwina’s books. I love the way they love each other and their playfulness.
This was so touching, especially after reading Alex’s and Edwina’s books. I love the way they love each other and their playfulness.
Read
October 21, 2023I have no clue
July 5, 2024
Very short and absolutely adorable read!
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