For the Love of Clover

Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde #4

by Shannon Gilmore

“There certainly wasn’t anything between Clover Dunhurst and Hugo Darrington except an inappropriate conversation before a fountain, a search for a private garden, and a quick lesson in how to throw a punch.
No. Nothing but that.”

When a reckless wager is placed at Brook’s on Lady Clover Dunhurst’s virtue, Hugo Darrington can’t resist getting involved. After all, Lady Clover is the sister of his business partner, the Duke of Kingsley. Darrington can weigh the risk and set the odds for any investment except a forced marriage to a woman who plays chess alone and demands answers to the most wanton questions.

She was nothing he expected and everything he needed.

With a duke for a brother and a legacy to uphold, Clover Dunhurst was groomed to avoid any impropriety. However, at a weekend house party, her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself caught in a moment of intrigue with the dashing Hugo Darrington, a man as formidable as the marble statue she was admiring. Soon, she’ll be embroiled in an impossible scandal leading to a forced marriage to a man who dared to set the odds on her virtue.

In the game of love, sometimes the risk is worth the scandal. Series and Books by Shannon
Ruined Rakes
1. It Was Only a Kiss
2. Every Time You're Near
3. A Lesson for All Time

4. Ruined Rakes Box Set (books 1-3)

Breaking the Rules of the Beau
1. Until Morning
2. Until Spring
3. For a Scandalous Wager
4. For the Love of Clover
5. For My Fake Duchess

Illegitimate Desires (Landon-Scott Bastards) series
1. Kiss Me Like a Rogue
2. It's Not a Rendezvous Without a Rogue
3. Duke of Dalliance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

About the author

Subscribe to Shannon's newsletter @ShannonGilmoreAuthor.com and enjoy a printable journal and newsletter offers.

Writing character driven romance, because when you fall in love, the world falls away

I’m Shannon Gilmore, a multi-award-winning author of historical romance. My Ruined Rakes series won the Silver Quill® award and was nominated for the Golden Heart® from Romance Writers of America. I fell in love with historical romance reading Johanna Lindsey, Judith McNaught, and Julie Garwood—and I like to think it even helped me find my husband. When I’m not creating stories of heroes with soft hearts, I enjoy crafting, quilting, and playing video games. Most of all, I love sharing my stories with readers like you—you make writing a joy!

Looking for a new series? Come discover Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde filled with steamy romance and charming stories that will make you laugh and cry. Follow your favorite heroes and heroines through storms, UNCHAPERONED carriage rides, WICKED wagers, and STUBBORN women who demand to be heard. Some rules are meant to be broken when love is on the line.

You can find me on my website ShannonGilmoreAuthor.com

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a reckless wager is placed at Brook’s on Lady Clover Dunhurst’s virtue, Hugo Darrington can’t resist getting involved. After all, Lady Clover is the sister of his business partner, the Duke of Kingsley. Darrington can weigh the risk and set the odds for any investment except a forced marriage to a woman who plays chess alone and demands answers to the most wanton questions. She was nothing he expected and everything he needed.
Another engrossing, captivating romance from the author, well written, wonderful characters, a well paced story, sizzling chemistry & two main characters who are a joy. I loved both Hugo & Clover, both with strong personalities, their chemistry was so hot but it took time & a little help before they realised what was important. I loved the final ballroom scene – brought a tear to my eye. Hugo’s family were a delight & I loved how they were happily reunited
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I read this book today. I was wanting a low angst but romantic book and this delivered. My tbr is so backlogged, I am working on getting it down it has taken me a while to get here to this book which is sad because of how much I loved it. Clover is a well mannered woman that doesn’t find joy in pushing the limits of society. She has a tight knit group of friends that she is missing as they have married and are starting families. I love that her friends are still very close in spite of these things. Hugo is the man that has caught her eye for years and she gets to see him in passing as he works with her brother (I still hope he gets his own book too). We get to watch these two fall in love and gosh is Hugo romantic. Ugh, everyone deserves someone that wants to make them happy and gets joy from seeing their partner so happy. I liked his family also, they were very sweet.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happiness Is.....!
This was such a smiley story. It had me feeling good all the way through and this is why:.
There are two absolutely delightful main characters in Hugo and Clover, both doing what they do best to find their happiness together, no matter what is thrown at them.
They also have some very true friends and a bunch of interesting and warm family members who advise and support them as they work out their new lives together. All of this jelled into a clever and very entertaining book which needs to be read and enjoyed.
I have just been thoroughly entertained by an early copy of this story and am delighted to be able to leave you my voluntary review.

[Kate Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a real fun find. It has made me laugh and smile throughout. Hugo and Clover have had an attraction for a couple of years, now forced to marry they forge a simple love that is quite special. Family and friends nudge things along as outsiders often see what is there before those involved actually do. This series really is worth reading as long as you are happy with some steamy scenes.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every installment of the enthralling 'Breaking the Rules of the Beau series has been a delight, and Clover’s story is no exception.

A chance encounter at a house party sets off a series of unexpected events, and I loved it! Hugo Darrington’s reckless bet on Lady Clover Dunhurst’s virtue at Brook’s sets off a whirlwind of events. Despite his risk assessment skills, Darrington marries Clover, the sister of his business partner, the Duke of Kingsley. Clover’s independent spirit captivates him, but their unexpected marriage looms.

I was enthralled by Hugo's internal struggle with his burgeoning feelings for Clover. Their fiery attraction and passionate connection were obvious, yet it took time for them to discover what they truly needed and treasured in one another. Hugo's misplaced guilt towards his family was surprising, and Clover’s intelligence made her question their relationship, even though she loved her husband. She took it upon herself to uncover why Hugo distanced himself from his family. Meeting his eccentric-yet-endearing father provided insight and ultimately helped bring Hugo and Clover closer together. I found myself adoring Hugo’s entire family for their warmth and caring nature.

The author's exceptional storytelling captivated me completely, weaving together passion, trust, grief, angst, misunderstandings, and humor with finesse. The vivid character portrayals left me enamored, while the emotional journey Clover and Hugo embarked on was both heartwarming and humorous. It was a rollercoaster of emotions that I enjoyed thoroughly from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. The ending had me reaching for a tissue, but it was perfect!

I tend to read everything that this author writes, but her stories are getting even more special, balancing all the emotions I look for in a story. The author has given us a story about much more than finding love. This enchanting tale of unexpected love and personal growth is a testament to the power of serendipity and the resilience of the human spirit. The journey that Hugo and Clover undertake is not just about discovering each other, but also about understanding themselves in the process. Their story serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, what we perceive as a reckless gamble can lead us to the very happiness and fulfillment we seek. It was a joy to witness their transformation, and I eagerly anticipate more stories in this captivating series.

I found myself quite intrigued by Kingsley, and hope his story is planned in the near future. If you haven’t read this series or Shannon Gilmore’s work, I strongly recommend you give her a try. I
received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. It was so sweet! Lady Clover Dunhurst and Mr. Hugo Darrington are an adorable couple, compelled to marry before knowing each other well enough to be in love, then falling in love as they spent time together.

I'll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed at the beginning when so name new names were introduced—Clover’s best friends Evelyn and Adeline, happily married to Winn and Rochester, friends of Darrington. To be fair, they’re not entirely new characters if you’ve read other books in the series, but even though I read Evelyn and Rochester’s story, I still found myself a little confused. Clover is feeling a bit left behind, especially as Adeline and Winn now have a new baby, Chase. She has long been infatuated with Darrington but has resolved that he doesn't see her in the same way. Circumstance throws them together, and a shared goal keeps them coming back.

But Darrington is hesitant to pursue anything serious with Clover because her brother, the Duke of Kingsley, is a business partner, and because he's focused on building his fortune and not ready for marriage.

As usual, the language used by Gilmore is evocative and many phrases spoke to me, like this one: “...she breathed in the scent of him as if living required it.” And I loved this observation: “It was clear those around him underestimated him. A plague that seemed to infect the misunderstood like a disease."

Clover has a conversation with Darrington’s father who suffers from PTSD from the war. She sympathizes with him, but admits losing her parents can’t have been as painful as what he saw. His response is wonderful: “How much hurt, pain, suffering does it take to validate its reality? My answer is all that you feel. Every bit of your own circumstances is the full limit… People will always weigh pain and hurt, except those who have seen it."

Chess and the playing of it play a large role in this story, and I love when he tells her this: “You are stronger than you think. Remember, the king may need to be conquered, but his movements are few. You are a queen with the freedom to move anywhere. To keep safe, to make safe, and to sacrifice when necessary. Don't ever stand still. Don't ever forget that.”

And this one just made me laugh: “She served him a gaping look that said idiot louder than her voice could have carried it in an echoing cave."

I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from Ms. Gilmore.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started with a house party two years prior to the beginning of this story and our hero and heroine meet again at another more scandalous house party and that’s the start of lovingly crafted story of Lady Clover Dunhurst (a Duke’s sister) and Mr. Hugo Darrington.

Clover’s brother sends Clover to a house party hosted by a widow friend of his to give her a breather from society. The party is a little more scandalous than Clover is used to and so she steers clear of the men until she finds herself protected by Hugo who just happens to be the man she has had a crush on for years. Some of the men at the party make a wager on Clover of the unsavory type and Clover and Hugo, who are walking in the garden overhear them and Clover is devastated and Hugo is alarmed!
Finally back in London, Darrington finds out that those same men and others start to make those same wagers but in the official betting books at the men’s clubs in London. Hugo thinks to keep Clover safe and makes his own wager but not the type that anyone would expect but what is man to do when he starts to feel something for his partner’s sister that he should most definitely not.

As the wagers gain more and more attention, it comes to the attention of a certain Duke of a certain lady and his business partner and then all bets are off! Hugo and Clover are forced to do the right thing. In order to preserve Clover’s reputation, they must marry.

And this story just keeps getting better and hotter and spicer from there!

Clover and Hugo don’t come together in the typical way and their story is unconventional and yet such a pleasure to read!! And some of the characters from the previous books make an appearance!

This book, as are all of Shannon’s stories, is great escapism! Marriage of convenience, forbidden (brother’s business partner/friend and also sister of a Duke and a man of business (not a member of the ton).

I loved this installment of the series but it is not necessary to read the others to enjoy this one. It definitely adds to the story if you know who all the players are and how they came together but not
needed.

I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
Brava Shannon!! Brava!!

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the princess rescues her prince!

Once a mischievous sprite, Clover’s fire died the day her parents did. Under the watchful eye of her overly protective older brother, the duke, she grew up to become Society’s finest.
After a stupid mistake and three years of exile, Hugo - together with his partner, the duke - is finally closing the deals that will secure his family’s future - a family he loves but rarely visits.

They’ve known each other for years, and his best friends recently married hers. So, when he spots her at a house party all on her own, he can’t help but feel protective - and that’s how they end up hiding from a couple of drunks wagering to pluck the ‘Lucky Clover’.
She ends up in the betting books, he tries to do damage control, ballroom boxing lessons, a kiss at Vauxhall, and of course the duke finds out... They were barely becoming friends and she’s had a crush on him for a long time, but a marriage under duress and without courtship can’t thrive, can it?

At night they’re fine, but during the day they’re not. He wasn’t ready yet can’t help but fall hard and fast, and she wants to know her husband, his habits, his family. A ton of questions receiving vague answers and only raising more questions, and so she sets out on a journey to find the truth.

Deliciously naughty, fun and fast-paced with beautiful growth and an enthralling emotional quest, I happily devoured this book in a day. I loved it and simply could not put it down!
It’s a witty and moving story about passion and lust, acceptance and trust, grief and forgiveness, finding family and tightening frayed ties.
This tale shows love in a myriad of ways - it’s always present and constantly evolving.
I can’t help but admire this heroine and the way she reclaims her gusto for life, her formidable but vulnerable hero, and their unexpected fairy godfather!
A wonderful addition to this already marvellous series!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the love of a Lucky Clover.

It all started with a wager but it ended with a forced marriage..

Clover is looking for a way to break free from the chains of her brother who is a Duke and to finally live and maybe find love.. however she becomes the source of wagers in men's clubs and then the very person she has had an infuriation over for over three years joins in on the bets and now she is forced into marrying him.. and everything goes wrong in her life..

Darrington thought he wouldn't marry for a very very long time until he stumbled upon Clover at a house party she should not be at and he is determined to protect her and then things go wrong when they are alone he feels things for her and not only that but he finds out about wagers being placed on her, now he has place one of his own to protect her however once they are forced to wed.. things change and become more complicated than they had been.

Even though they forced to wed.. they end up finding love with the help of scents made up by his valet, his dad who has avoided for many years and her brother who was the very one who forced them to wed.

This story is probably my favorite so far in this series because of the fact, the heroine never once gives up on the marriage or the hero.. she stayed strong enough to figure him out..

I can't wait to read the next one in this series.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could possibly go wrong or maybe right with a forced marriage? Well, just about everything! This story is a delightful romp through the everyday chaos of a couple learning to live, laugh, and love together. At Brook's, a wager is placed on Lady Clover Dunhurst's virtue. She's the sister of a duke—stubborn, smart, and curious. Hugo Darrington, a business partner of the duke, bets on Clover's virtue. The odds are in his favor, but what if he loses?

This story is a hilariously helpful "How-to Manual in a Forced Marriage," filled with daily events, angst, good and bad feelings, and all the learning that comes from barely knowing the person you marry. Getting foxed set the whole ball rolling, and these two stubborn, strong, overbearing people kept it rolling. As they grow, they discover that the other person is nothing they wanted in the beginning but everything they needed in the end.

I loved the author's well-written story with a couple I fell in love with instantly. The ending brought tears to my eyes, and there were many laughs throughout—an emotional, humorous book that I was totally immersed in. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Clover Dunhurst is the sister of the Duke of Kingsley. She has been raised to be a lady and to avoid any kind of scandal. She is attending a house party at her brother’s suggestion.

Mr. Hugo Darrington is a business partner to the Duke of Kingsley. His main focus is taking care of his family and furthering his business. He is only attending the house party to further his business connections.

While at the house party Hugo follows Lady Clover into the garden so he can protect and keep an eye on her. They over hear an inappropriate wager being made about Clover’s virtue. Soon the wager makes it to the wager books in London. Hugo tries to get the wager to close, but goes about it all wrong. When Kingsley finds out about the wager, he forces Clover and Hugo to wed to put a stop to the scandal. Will they both find love from their inconvenient marriage?

I absolutely loved Clover and Hugo’s love story!! It was such an emotional roller coaster to the end!! I laughed, cried and felt a very deep connection to both of them. Their story was beautifully written and you could feel all the emotions in the book as you read it. The secondary characters were absolutely delightful and really added to their story. I highly recommend this book!!

[Margaret Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Clover Dunhurst is the last of her friends who is unmarried and while visiting with them she realizes how much she is missing out by not being married. One friend has a baby and they are able to discuss marital relations with their husbands and Clover is in the dark about what they are talking about. Clover reconnects with Hugo Darrington, a friend to her brother, the Duke of Kingsley and her friends, Addie and Evelyn’s husbands, Rochester and Markham. They meet again after several years when Clover shows up at a house party that is not what she thinks it is. Of course, Hugo steps in to save her from harm to her reputation and they have an opportunity to act on the attraction they have for each other. For the Love of Clover is another great installment to the Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde Series.
I received an ARC from the author from BookFunnel and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a journey into real dilemmas dealing with forced marriages. So many times , it takes a chapter or two and then both MC andFC work it out. This is a bit of a masterpiece in dealing with everyday issues, thoughts, feelings, angst and hope. Though a few drunks start the problem, the real villain is two headstrong individuals unwilling to compromise or even know how to. How the author weaved their tale was simply marvelous . I truly enjoyed Hugo’s father and how the author dealt with his own issues and helping Hugo and Clover deal with theirs. This story has some meat to it, not just another “ damsel in distress” from a bad man. I adored the scene between Hugo and Clover’s brother, that was icing on the cake. I REALLY enjoyed this story. Would have loved to have seen the music boxes ! I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover Dunhurst and Hugo Darrington, who have known each other for years, find themselves at the same weekend house party. Clover is here because her brother, the Duke of Kingsley, suggested it. Hugo is here to find business connections. While walking in the garden, they overhear some “gentlemen” make a scandalous wager about Clover. It’s not long before the wager is in the book at gentlemen’s clubs. Hugo places a bet he hopes will end the wager, but it sort of backfired. When Kingsley finds out, he forces Hugo and Clover to marry. Both make it clear they do not want to do so, but marry they did. It was not a good beginning. They care for each other, but the circumstances put a damper on the romance. Will it get better? Hugo and Clover draw you into their wonderful story. Hugo is taking care of his slightly unconventional family, and Clover misses hers. The secondary characters, their friends, Kingsley, and Hugo’s family are outstanding. As they work through their feelings and uncertainties, Hugo and Clover realize that they are indeed lucky to have found each other.
I voluntarily reviewed a special copy of this book.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This all started at a house party two years ago where her friends made a pack to break the rules.

Clover Dunhurst and Hugo Darrington find themselves at the same house party. Clover was sent by her brother to get away from society. Hugo feels she shouldn’t be at this type of house party.

I love the interact between both Clover and Hugo during the house party. Hugo finds out that Clover is being wager on as to who will have her.

When he returns home he find out that Clover is on the betting books. He makes a wild wager and is confronted by her brother the Duke.

The events that follow has my heart full of joy following their love story. Be still my beating heart.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and delightful in every way. A marriage of convenience like no other. Hugo and Clover are kindred spirits and I enjoyed how they got to know each other in the best of ways with meaning and connection. This story is paced perfectly, I got to know the real Hugo and Clover, their love built from an initial attraction and flirtation into something special, a love so simple that it will last forever. So many special moments with family and friends at the centre. A heart melting happily ever after.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clover and Hugo are pure delight! She is the sister of a Duke and he is her brother’s business partner. When they both end up at the same weekend house party , an inappropriate conversation leads to a wager at Brooks for her virtue. As Hugo wagers, trying to save her , a scandal ensues and a marriage of convenience is forced upon them. Marriages of convenience are one of my favorite tropes and this one is terrific! It’s romantic, witty, and just so enjoyable watching their relationship development, along with family members who add so much to the story! So well done !

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt it was a little slow in parts, but liked the storyline. The comradery between the ladies was very enjoyable. I was a little surprised the heroine had gone so long without glasses and not even her best friends had gotten her some. The hero’s family was very understanding and compassionate. His father suffered from PTSD and they accommodated him very well. They both had been smiiten with each other long before they admitted it. I enjoyed how her brother saw this and sort of forced their hands.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly delightful story in this already outstanding series. Clover is a lively, vivacious young lady who has lost her glow in the aftermath of her parents death. Hugo, a friend of Clover's brother, is back and the two end up at the same party. Due to the situation they marry and must work on their everyday relationship. The nightly relationship doesn't need any work! A well written and beautifully paced story by one of the most creative authors.

[Carolyn Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and romantic read with no big angst. Well written with great relatable characters. Some steam. Funny bits while she refuses to wear glasses. I enjoyed reading this story.