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The Fox: in his Henhouse
Captain or duke, a man makes his own fate. Unless his mother’s hell-bent on interfering…
After a harrowing rejection at the altar, Lord Wellesley flees the confines of London for a crumbling old abbey in the wilds of Cumberland. When Miss Merrinan falls unbidden into his lap, she begins to more than vex his lordship. She’s a vixen Wellesley is determined to tame. Even if she makes his blood run hot and his temper flare hotter.
Housekeeper by day and mistress by night, a woman’s work is never done. Not when her new master’s hell-bent on interrupting…
Miss Merrinan chafes at the position she’s in, but getting food on her family’s table comes first. If this means bedding the new Lord of Almsdale Abbey, so be it. She makes peace with her fate until her past threatens to upend all she’s achieved, making her stoop to fresh lows—including falling for Lord Wellesley’s devilish dark charms.
Are lust, envy, and wrath the worst of a lord’s—or lady’s—sins? Or are they merely the beginning?
Recalling bodice rippers of yore, The Fox contains scenes of dubious consent and brief physical punishment. Like every Remillard Romance, the intimate encounters in this late Regency, open-door historical are written in a more literary, steamy yet polite, style. Peek inside the book for content warnings.
Book one in The Dubious Mates series.
After a harrowing rejection at the altar, Lord Wellesley flees the confines of London for a crumbling old abbey in the wilds of Cumberland. When Miss Merrinan falls unbidden into his lap, she begins to more than vex his lordship. She’s a vixen Wellesley is determined to tame. Even if she makes his blood run hot and his temper flare hotter.
Housekeeper by day and mistress by night, a woman’s work is never done. Not when her new master’s hell-bent on interrupting…
Miss Merrinan chafes at the position she’s in, but getting food on her family’s table comes first. If this means bedding the new Lord of Almsdale Abbey, so be it. She makes peace with her fate until her past threatens to upend all she’s achieved, making her stoop to fresh lows—including falling for Lord Wellesley’s devilish dark charms.
Are lust, envy, and wrath the worst of a lord’s—or lady’s—sins? Or are they merely the beginning?
Recalling bodice rippers of yore, The Fox contains scenes of dubious consent and brief physical punishment. Like every Remillard Romance, the intimate encounters in this late Regency, open-door historical are written in a more literary, steamy yet polite, style. Peek inside the book for content warnings.
Book one in The Dubious Mates series.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2024
10 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Constance Remillard
3 books19 followersConstance Rémillard has been a romantic for as long as she can remember, devouring books when young and now penning them with a vengeance in middle age. She’s lived part of her life abroad, immersed in other languages and cultures, and another part outdoors, immersed in the botanical. She now resides with her family of humans, chickens, cat, and plants in the United States. She hopes you enjoy her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
Follow her @remillard.romance or fb/remillard.romance.
Follow her @remillard.romance or fb/remillard.romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 1, 2024
Scratch that. I definitely can, therefore will.
Rant incoming:
As always, spoilers, blah blah, my opinion might not be yours, blah blah.
I trust my girlies ♡ They all know we absorb books differently and that my rant doesn't aim to prevents others from reading, just venting ♡
〢: ─▹The romance
This book caught my eye because of the blurb and the description of the book:
Miss Merrinan chafes at the position she’s in, but getting food on her family’s table comes first. If this means bedding the new Lord of Almsdale Abbey, so be it.
Recalling bodice rippers of yore,
Giving that the content warning includes 'dubious consent' and 'coercion', I originally thought the heroine to be an employee of the hero's and that when he finds her attractive, proposes to pay her for her favors.
However, I was a bit taken aback by the actual plot:
The heroine's family has fallen on really hard times and when she tries to steal a couple of chickens from the hero, she's captured. Given that he's the magistrate, he sentences her to be his mistress. He then proceeds to make her disrobe, bathe and drink to the point of mild inebriation so she'll be easier to sexually assault. And make no mistake: it's rape. It's true that the heroine eventually moves to a dub-con state of mind and it eventually becomes fully consensual. But those initial interactions? Unequivocally rape. So, for those that feel that they are okay with dub-con, but draw the line at non-con/rape by hero, be forewarned.
So, the heroine is not employed by the hero, just a random thief. Why her?
↠ Well, she's the only female that has come to within fucking distance of him. That's it.
The hero starts to fall from my estimation pretty quickly, because at the beginning I thought he assumed any common woman of her age (25) would be experienced, but the hero is very aware she's a virgin.
“It hurts but once, Fox, and I promise to be gentle.
He doesn't feel a pang of guilt or even the satisfaction at being her first (and possibly her last). It's his utter indifferent towards her that really bothered me. "Bodice rippers of yore" are famous for obsessed, cruel heroes. Heroes that want to possess, even at the expense of the heroine's consent.
This book has the consent part right, but the obsession? the need? Nowhere to be seen.
➽ He doesn't care when he sees her being mishandled by another man or that she's parading around his men half naked. Zero possessiveness.
➽ He's annoyed at her for her disobedience for most of the book until at some point he isn't anymore?
Yet this irked him only more— that she should foist some insincere apology now at him, when he knew damn well she wasn’t sorry for her words one bit. He rolled her away from him. “Take it back.”
“What?” She looked surprised.
“Take back your half- wit apology.”
“But my lord, I—” “Do it.”
He glared at her. “No!”
She glared back.
Even when he gets it, she can never please him.
His mistress’s apology had come, but not as he’d expected. She’d not thrown herself at his feet, begging his forgiveness, nor had she thrown herself into his arms, begging for his bed. Instead, she’d humbled herself rather nicely, owning up to her errors. Wells was not sure how to respond.
➽ He doesn't even want to truly keep her, even after having slept with her
Maybe he did, in fact, need a different mistress. He’d tell Cuthbert as much tomorrow— see if his man couldn’t find him a simpler, pretty enough village girl. Because Charles Merrinan was too much for him to handle. He didn’t care anymore how well she argued, or how well she fucked. He could not comprehend this woman’s behavior, nor would he likely ever.
Again, that obsessiveness, that insane need to possess the heroine is missing. He says this 40% in! When the fuck are we getting the romance????
〢: ─▹The hero that couldn't
Already I mentioned how much the romance is lacking in this book, but we really need to talk about this wishy-washy, petulant man-child of a hero.
The initial impression the hero gives is not the best, but being that most bodice rippers start with an infuriating hero, I was willing to give him a chance.
As the story progresses and the romance remains stagnant or lukewarm, I turned to the MCs themselves, to their personalities and actions to give me enjoyment.
I didn't get that.
➽ He's oblivious to the time they live in
For the whole book this dense idiot keeps telling her there's no shame in being his mistress, in giving him pleasure.
“There is no shame in becoming my mistress, woman.”
“So you repeatedly tell me, Your Grace.”
“Then why do you not accept it?” he lashed out.
“You are no whore, you are but shocked, Fox, by what you have done. But you are not the first to perform such act. Married women please their husbands thus, husbands please their wives thus— it is an act a mistress learns well. There is no shame in what you’ve done, none.
(girl... even modern day virgins are apprehensive about a blowjob and they know it's a thing. i can't imagine the shock a virgin woman from 1835 would feel. how obtuse can he be??)
A mistress is not a whore, I’ve told you this before. You are allowed to feel and enjoy yourself. But neither is a mistress more; no position is, after all, permanent.”
(a wife would be, just fyi.)
“No!” She was upset. “No, my lord, I will see her alone.”
He frowned. “And why, pray?”
“Why?” She was appalled. “Because if you accompany me she will know at once that you are . . . That I am . . .”
“Still ashamed of your position here, Charles?” He arched his brow.
“No, sir, not with your lordship, but in the eyes of others I cannot . . .” She swallowed.
“I happen to like how uncivilized you’ve become of late, Charles, and only find it amusing to discover you still think yourself—”
“Moral? Principled?” she burst out, fast removing her body from his grasp. “It was you, sir, who insisted I distinguish mistress from whore, but apparently I am no better, and you have made me one in the eyes of all your men.” She scrambled from the bed to hurriedly begin to dress.
“Then why must you lie, Charles? Surely she can keep a secret. Surely with time people will not think it uncommon their lord and master’s taken a—” Her face pinched. “It is perfectly common for a lord to take a mistress, I know this, sir.” She struggled. “It is simply not acceptable for me to be your mistress.
What is wrong with him? Was he raised in a cave??? Is it not 1835?!? Are they not in Nowhere, Cumberland, where fallen women could potentially be stoned and driven away? Would definitely be ostracized??? In fact, I'm pretty certain you don't bring your mistress to events to have tea with respectable women even in London!
I can only think of two reasons: either the author is trying to impose her morals on the readers or the hero is a moron. Whichever, it's jarring to have this man continually gaslight her into ignoring reality.
And then she . . .” He sighed. “Let’s just say I quick talked me way t’ keep yon housekeeper’s honor intact.”
“Damn these women and their incessant need for respectability,” Wells ground out, rolling his eyes.
you. are. a. dream. come. true. aren't. you Your Grace 🤡
➽ He's a rapists in all the sense of the word
As if his lack of common sense and his original assault on the heroine wasn't enough, he had to go ahead rape the heroine's mind too: he reads her private correspondence with her sister.
The heroine keeps not talking to him and not telling him everything he wishes to know, because he's forcing her to sleep with him and hasn't earned her trust.
So he forces himself into those private thoughts she would never have shared with him by bullying his steward into giving him her letters (an act he never confesses and never repents for.)
T’ain’t right, sir,” his steward had muttered. “That were given me in good faith I’d deliver it t’ Miss Eleanor.”
“And deliver it you shall, John,” Wells had replied. “I am simply reading it before you do.”
“Oi, sir, readin’ a private letter not meant for anyone’s eyes but—”
“Enough!” he’d ground out.
“From now on you are to bring me all her correspondence, including that of her sister,” Wells ordered. “I will not!” “You will, as it is my direct order, John.”
“Then we will leave things as they are,” Wells told him. “And you will continue to deliver me the sisters’ correspondence, not that I need hear your continued reproach.” His voice rose a notch.
Wells scanned his housekeeper’s letter, looking for information he did not already know.
Christmas, bah. Why did women include so many unnecessary details in their letters? He skimmed more text.
(not only are you violating her privacy, but you have the gall to be annoyed the contents don't immediately tell you the answers you wanted? forgive my coarse language, Your Grace, but kindly go throw yourself off a cliff 🥰)
Wells paused in his reading, for it felt like a breach of confidence to read so intimate a declaration from Eleanor Merrinan regarding his steward, John Cuthbert.
(oh, so the sister's thoughts are a violation because they pertains to a man you respect, but your own mistress' thoughts don't... this way, sir 🥰👉⛰️🌊)
➽ He's a coward
How the bloody hell else am I supposed to know why she’s behaving like a—?”
“Y’ could ask her, for God’s sake,” Cuthbert snarled at him. “Y’ could ask her like a man, rather’n the coward you’ve become.”
Okay, okay, I promise I'm done with the letters. I just feel like this is bad enough it needed to be mentioned twice.
But I do have new material.
For months, he's been ignoring his mother's letter because "he doesn't want to be a duke 🍼😭" and "he doesn't want to marry 🍼😭"
It goes to the point where he's hiding from his mother when she ambushes him by coming to Cumberland herself (proper marriageable chit in tow)
“In here!” the voice hissed once more. She followed said voice into a darkly shuttered room and beheld his lordship slumped in a chair, drape flung aside. [...]
“My lord,” she sighed, “tell me you are not hiding in here from your mother.”
“Damn right I am.” He motioned her over. “Come, Fox, I am desperate for my mistress.”
However, no amount of hiding is enough. Given that his spine is made of soft clay, he knows he'll relent eventually. He's considering the chit his mother brought since she's already there (again, so lazy he'll just take the closest skirt). He never ONCE considers marrying the heroine.
He’d not lose her. He’d simply need to convince her to stay on as his mistress when he married.
In truth, Wells didn’t care what she did. He simply couldn’t lose her, not over so insignificant a detail as marriage.
Not even a token "if only I could marry my Fox"...
Absolutely nothing.
That is, until the plot "twist" (more like a slight bend) reveals she has noble blood (granddaughter of an earl on her mother's side) and a connection to his own family on her father's side: her father fought alongside the hero's father and uncle and saved both their lives. They were great friends and the heroine even has a memory of having sat on the duke's lap as a child while he took tea with her parents.
╰┈➤ I'd like to take a detour for a moment to present to you a math problem
① Father of H, uncle of H and father of h are friends. Father of h is even knighted thanks to the duke (father of H)
② Father of H and father of h both liked mother of h, the duke even says he would've had a chance if mother of h hadn't always had eyes for father of h.
③ During that same conversation we learn that the heroine's parents eloped and that heroine was born not 9 months later.
④ The heroine is 25 and the hero is 29.
Solve that problem. Show your work.
╰┈➤ End of side note.
So, connections are revealed. As well as their current relationship. Instead of thinking: "I have to marry her", his first instinct is to excuse himself from accountability.
Why allow me to treat you as I did that night, humiliating you and your family by assuming you were a common thief, a village bumpkin, when all the while you—”
“Allow you?” She shook her head, wrenching back her hand. “Oh that is rich, sir, truly.
(I wish I could bathe him in acid 🥰🧪💀)
“Madam,” he began, “I will admit to having acted a cad, but let me assure you that I’d no idea of Miss Merrinan’s lineage when first we met, and we met under circumstances which painted her in a most unsavory light, such that I—”
Gosh, such a fine gentleman 🥰
But as if that wasn't enough, he doesn't even come up with the marriage idea himself, but it dear old maman that tells him to do so
You will marry her at once and make her your Duchess.”
“I . . . Marry her?” Wells’s head hurt. He could barely speak.
(🧪🍼 would you like your bottle? whiskey of course.)
You'd think he couldn't fall any lower, but you would be wrong.
He practically orders her to marry him. She flees. He goes after her. He can't find her so he asks his ex-mistress-cum-procuress-masquerading-as-seamstress-cum-brothel-owner to post a help ad. Based on his description, the ex-mistress hires her and puts her to work in the men's section. They do get a miserable salary, but the idea is to parade yourself to sell the wares and make your money by commission. Most supplement that by accepting invitations from the 'gentleman' for more.
The heroine refuses both, so she's literally starving, "losing weight day by day", and what does the hero do??
But she [ex-mistress] refused his money, gently pushing it away. “My lord.” She placed her hand over his. “You must make her suffer some, if you wish to make her yours.” [...] “I know women like your Charlotte.” She looked almost wistful. “You must break her a little first, make her realize she needs you. Otherwise she will run from you again.”
He listens to that brilliant advice. #womensupportingwomen 🥰
He leaves her there two more days. Then he orchestrates a plan to have the heroine forced into accepting the invitation of a client (even though she had been told she didn't have to accept) or she would be forcibly taken to the ex-mistress' brothel.
“So what shall it be, Charlotte?” The two men already flanked her [ex-mistress] sides, standing terribly close. “The fine gentleman who wishes to keep you in great comfort, or the many gentlemen who will be less gentle when they sample your wares at my other shop.” Madame’s eyes glittered savagely.
She goes and is blindfolded. In the room she's taunted by the client then ordered to disrobe and bathe and.... wait, I'm having a deja vu........ okay it's over. She keeps getting taunted into accepting and she keeps refusing. Suddenly the hero takes the blindfold, all proud smiles and tells her she passed his test.
“Your identity was not the only thing I needed to verify, Charles.” Wells’s gaze pierced her a moment before he swallowed, seeming nervous. “I also needed to be sure you didn’t actually want to become some other man’s mistress.
Charles was dumbstruck. “You mean you actually thought me capable of—?”
“How else could I be certain?” He sounded pained. “You took off in a huff after I proposed marriage, when I expected you’d be pleased by the offer, happy even, as I was happy to imagine us together at last, no longer having to skulk about the Abbey like a pair of furtive—”
Seriously, 🥰🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
He takes her to her earl grandfather and courts her publicly because... surprise! she was somehow not happy about being terrorized and forced to get naked.... again....
And Charles, it seemed, had no intention of relenting. She was proving to be a fortress of denial, and he feared she might never crack.
it's. been. a. week.
But, ladies and gentlemen, we can go even lower!
His mother proposes a new plan:
“Yes, I want you to ruin her publicly, Roland.
"No, mother, I will not do it" 🍼😭
“Yes,” she snarled, “because your plan is decidedly not working.”
“This time I am being patient, Mother. Unlike you, it seems.”
[...] And she will remain angry until something occurs to jar her from her anger.
Sadly, even after adamantly refusing, he still "loses his head" and kisses her in the middle of a dance, therefore ruining her, therefore forcing her to do as he wants to the very end.
〢: ─▹The heroine that couldn't
I barley have any characters left so this will be short:
➽ Excessive BBS
➽ Too meek to be a spitfire, too hotheaded to be a broken heroine
➽ Smart enough to win at chess, too stupid to realize she would need references to get a job
➽ One day she will never be owned, the next she loves him, the next she doesn't dare to dream for more, the next she won't marry him.
I never understood her not marrying him. The hero is the exact same person from beginning to end, why are you suddenly offended at his manner of asking? That's how he's behaved the whole book!
〢: ─▹The side Cs that couldn't
➽ Little sister is a little bitch: She's perfectly happy marrying for love while sister works herself to the bone to provide for her and her too-good-to-steal genteel self. Never even occurs to her to marry for money.
➽ Steward is a hypocritical bastard, thinking little bitch a lady for languishing prettily and for his continued defense of the hero
You and I both know he’s flawed but no fiend.
I beg your fuckitiest pardon?
November 28, 2024
Constance Remillard was a new-to-me author and I am seriously impressed by her writing skills and her ability to bring both person and place to life. For almost 500 pages (more on that later), the author managed to hold my interest and keep me turning the pages of this story of a destitute, starving woman caught stealing a lord’s chickens, “sentenced” to become his mistress.
What I loved
Charles
It’s difficult to describe this woman except to say that I very much liked her, admired her, felt for her; the past that was left behind, the present struggles with poverty and family, the profound losses she experienced. The decisions she made. The fact that she was fierce and never lost her sense of self. Though Welles was in the position of complete power over her for much of the book, she always stood up to him and gave what she got.
Her eyes blazed. “Because our interactions are based not on respect, my lord, but on abuse of power. Your power. I’ll not deny I enjoy our sexual congress. It shocks me that I do, but that is not what fuels our debate. What fuels our continued disagreement is that you see me as mere body upon which to slake your lust, rather than a thinking, feeling, being with needs equal to your own.” She was vibrating with anger. “So do not call me a pot, sir, when your kettle is just as black.”
—-
“Because Eve, my dear, brought Adam’s downfall.” “Eve, my lord, gave Adam the world.” She lifted her head to face him. “Would you rather discover the world, Lord Wellesley, in all its exquisite, complex wonder, or remain eternally a babe in Eden?” His pulse quickened. “I did not say I regretted Eve’s decision, woman.” “Good,” she told him, “because I thank her for it every goddamn day.” And then her lips met his in a dark and daring kiss, obliterating all further talk.
I also loved the hidden connection between Charles and Wells’ families and how that connection slowly came to light.
What I liked
Wells
Ooh he was such an entitled ass, a man-child; arrogant, unthinking, unevolved, very much a son of a Duke who took what he wanted. A man of his times. I didn’t like him, but I really liked how he was written. And though his wake up call came almost too late, it was still satisfying to see him go from “you are my possession to do with as I please” to “OMG, I love you and need you and want you with me always.”
Yet he hadn’t had to marry her to get it, he’d simply taken her—better yet! He pictured his mistress as he’d just left her: tousled and tangled in the sheets, so thoroughly fucked she’d looked wanton and spent and . . . God, he wished to go back and have her again. And why not? he thought to himself. He’d find her later today, and again have his way. Wells whistled a little tune under his breath.
The Abbey
The old, rundown, neglected family seat in the wilds of Cumberland, it was the perfect backdrop for the story. And oh, the shell room!
The interesting, fully fleshed out side characters and the authenticity of the Cumberland townspeople.
What didn’t work for me
The book was waaay too long. I would have liked a tighter plot and about 100 fewer pages.
The sex scenes: They are described by the author in the blurb as open door, being written in “a literary, steamy yet polite, style.” They were exactly as advertised. It’s just a matter of personal preference, but I would have loved those scenes to have been a little less polite, much lengthier, and a whole lot more descriptive. The dynamic between Charles and Wells, which was initially based on the physical relationship, would have greatly benefited.
What I loved
Charles
It’s difficult to describe this woman except to say that I very much liked her, admired her, felt for her; the past that was left behind, the present struggles with poverty and family, the profound losses she experienced. The decisions she made. The fact that she was fierce and never lost her sense of self. Though Welles was in the position of complete power over her for much of the book, she always stood up to him and gave what she got.
Her eyes blazed. “Because our interactions are based not on respect, my lord, but on abuse of power. Your power. I’ll not deny I enjoy our sexual congress. It shocks me that I do, but that is not what fuels our debate. What fuels our continued disagreement is that you see me as mere body upon which to slake your lust, rather than a thinking, feeling, being with needs equal to your own.” She was vibrating with anger. “So do not call me a pot, sir, when your kettle is just as black.”
—-
“Because Eve, my dear, brought Adam’s downfall.” “Eve, my lord, gave Adam the world.” She lifted her head to face him. “Would you rather discover the world, Lord Wellesley, in all its exquisite, complex wonder, or remain eternally a babe in Eden?” His pulse quickened. “I did not say I regretted Eve’s decision, woman.” “Good,” she told him, “because I thank her for it every goddamn day.” And then her lips met his in a dark and daring kiss, obliterating all further talk.
I also loved the hidden connection between Charles and Wells’ families and how that connection slowly came to light.
What I liked
Wells
Ooh he was such an entitled ass, a man-child; arrogant, unthinking, unevolved, very much a son of a Duke who took what he wanted. A man of his times. I didn’t like him, but I really liked how he was written. And though his wake up call came almost too late, it was still satisfying to see him go from “you are my possession to do with as I please” to “OMG, I love you and need you and want you with me always.”
Yet he hadn’t had to marry her to get it, he’d simply taken her—better yet! He pictured his mistress as he’d just left her: tousled and tangled in the sheets, so thoroughly fucked she’d looked wanton and spent and . . . God, he wished to go back and have her again. And why not? he thought to himself. He’d find her later today, and again have his way. Wells whistled a little tune under his breath.
The Abbey
The old, rundown, neglected family seat in the wilds of Cumberland, it was the perfect backdrop for the story. And oh, the shell room!
The interesting, fully fleshed out side characters and the authenticity of the Cumberland townspeople.
What didn’t work for me
The book was waaay too long. I would have liked a tighter plot and about 100 fewer pages.
The sex scenes: They are described by the author in the blurb as open door, being written in “a literary, steamy yet polite, style.” They were exactly as advertised. It’s just a matter of personal preference, but I would have loved those scenes to have been a little less polite, much lengthier, and a whole lot more descriptive. The dynamic between Charles and Wells, which was initially based on the physical relationship, would have greatly benefited.
dnf
January 19, 2025Dnf 10% The dialogue was unrealistic and awkward.
December 23, 2025
Yes! This was really good.
I’m not going to describe the plot, I’ll just say it started very hot even though somewhat wrong (but that makes it hotter) and developed into beautiful story of love.
The hero, Wells, did some justified groveling at the end and our beautiful heroine with name Charles was fully satisfied.
Great book, will be reading more by this author
♥️
I’m not going to describe the plot, I’ll just say it started very hot even though somewhat wrong (but that makes it hotter) and developed into beautiful story of love.
The hero, Wells, did some justified groveling at the end and our beautiful heroine with name Charles was fully satisfied.
Great book, will be reading more by this author
♥️
December 5, 2024
A breath of fresh air.
A bold, seductive, riveting story that harkens back to old school historical romance yet with a totally new vibe.
I am in love with this book and couldn't stop reading.
A bold, seductive, riveting story that harkens back to old school historical romance yet with a totally new vibe.
I am in love with this book and couldn't stop reading.
January 19, 2025
The amount of grovel she subjected him to was inspiring.
Roland deserved it
Minus a star because why was she named Charles I cannot get over it 😭💀
Why couldn’t her name have been Charlotte since she was born a girl? Like I understand naming your child after your best friend but I find it highly unlikely that in the regency era that gave girls male names.
I’ll have to research that…
Roland deserved it
Minus a star because why was she named Charles I cannot get over it 😭💀
Why couldn’t her name have been Charlotte since she was born a girl? Like I understand naming your child after your best friend but I find it highly unlikely that in the regency era that gave girls male names.
I’ll have to research that…
January 4, 2025
I’m not exactly sure about this book .., at times I found it utterly delightful and fresh … then I didn’t. Perhaps I shall reread it after the holidays.
The writing style and dialogue came across as a bit too modern .. for example, the heroine saying “damn” and “god damn” … in general the style didn’t feel authentic for the time period. There are so many chapters of the MCs getting to know each other, and not much else, thus barely moving the plot along. For me both the heroine and heroine alternate between having strong characters, and then being a tad wishy washy towards each other.., nevertheless, their steamy scenes really sizzle!
I thought there were some implausible occurrences in the storyline… Charlie not seeing her family for the Christmas holiday and they only lived an hour away; and baking bread in a very short period of time (when was it left to rise?) are two examples.
Overall the author’s definitely a talented writer, perhaps additional editing might have helped with pacing and word choices. I do want to try the next book in the series! Loved the title and the cover on this one.. creative! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The writing style and dialogue came across as a bit too modern .. for example, the heroine saying “damn” and “god damn” … in general the style didn’t feel authentic for the time period. There are so many chapters of the MCs getting to know each other, and not much else, thus barely moving the plot along. For me both the heroine and heroine alternate between having strong characters, and then being a tad wishy washy towards each other.., nevertheless, their steamy scenes really sizzle!
I thought there were some implausible occurrences in the storyline… Charlie not seeing her family for the Christmas holiday and they only lived an hour away; and baking bread in a very short period of time (when was it left to rise?) are two examples.
Overall the author’s definitely a talented writer, perhaps additional editing might have helped with pacing and word choices. I do want to try the next book in the series! Loved the title and the cover on this one.. creative! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 28, 2024
A nice debut HR novel!
Lord Wellesley is the an heir to dukedom, he ran away from London ton when his betrothed left him at the altar. Although he did not love the woman, he was sick of social gossip and fanfare.
His estate is most unkempt and he vows to restore it that way all his restless energy will be put to use. But boredom still ate at him and he's in desperate need for a mistress so he thinks about sending for one from London.
But one night, his steward barges in manhandling a woman who's covered in chicken filth. His steward informs him that the girl was caught stealing 2chikens from his lordship henhouse. The heir was amused by the courage of the woman, her sass and also her beauty.
She tells him that if she doesn't steal those chickens then her sister and demented father will soon die in winter from hunger and poverty.
The duke sentence is for the FMC to be his mistress until she pays her debts.
What I liked about the novel is that the FMC was well spoken and educated despite her dire circumstances. She was fearless despite being a virgin and she tricked the MMC into easing her into sexual activities and not just taking whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Also, she convinced him to work as his housekeeper by day so that her reputation will not be ruined.
The thing that bored me to death is the repetitive structure of chapters. In every chapter there is smut/ banter sometimes quarreling and house duties. Despite the progress of the story events it felt stagnant because the same events happen in every chapter.
Lord Wellesley is the an heir to dukedom, he ran away from London ton when his betrothed left him at the altar. Although he did not love the woman, he was sick of social gossip and fanfare.
His estate is most unkempt and he vows to restore it that way all his restless energy will be put to use. But boredom still ate at him and he's in desperate need for a mistress so he thinks about sending for one from London.
But one night, his steward barges in manhandling a woman who's covered in chicken filth. His steward informs him that the girl was caught stealing 2chikens from his lordship henhouse. The heir was amused by the courage of the woman, her sass and also her beauty.
She tells him that if she doesn't steal those chickens then her sister and demented father will soon die in winter from hunger and poverty.
The duke sentence is for the FMC to be his mistress until she pays her debts.
What I liked about the novel is that the FMC was well spoken and educated despite her dire circumstances. She was fearless despite being a virgin and she tricked the MMC into easing her into sexual activities and not just taking whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. Also, she convinced him to work as his housekeeper by day so that her reputation will not be ruined.
The thing that bored me to death is the repetitive structure of chapters. In every chapter there is smut/ banter sometimes quarreling and house duties. Despite the progress of the story events it felt stagnant because the same events happen in every chapter.
November 20, 2024
5+ stars! This book was a delight to read and such a surprise!! I saw a review in a Facebook group and the plot intrigued me so I read the sample on Amazon and was instantly hooked. I could not put it down! The writing was beautiful and clever. The characters were rich in depth and the dialogue between them was so witty. I adored Charles and her fiery personality. I adored Lord Wellesley who had such a fantastic character arc. He was cruel at times but was also tender and kind and his grovels were so satisfying. I found that I couldn’t resist him either.
Another thing that made this book so delightful was the side characters. The way she included them in the story was so well done and fun. The letters between the sisters were amazing too. Honestly, I loved everything about this whole book. Everything.
Another thing that made this book so delightful was the side characters. The way she included them in the story was so well done and fun. The letters between the sisters were amazing too. Honestly, I loved everything about this whole book. Everything.
November 24, 2024
What a breath of fresh air from a new to me author. I absolutely adored this book. I harkens back to old school bodice rippers with a bit of dubious consent. I cut my HR teeth on back in the late 70s and 80s on bodice rippers and this book is BR lite. Sure, Wells is an ass in the beginning and there is a lot of Dub-Con but Charles gives as good as she gets and is by no means anyone’s “victim” here. I love the word play between these 2 characters and I love how it all plays out in the small settling of a ramshackle estate in a small village in Cumberland. No balls, fetes, gowns, Ton here. Just 2 very strong willed characters who in the end are each others perfect mates.
November 7, 2024
I loved this book, so much so I read it in two days. Constance Remillard is a new author to me and one that has been added to my list of must read all books.
This is an enemies to lovers book and the chemistry between the main characters, Fox (Charles) and Wells is so hot and well written, that i could feel the tension and heat through the pages. The spice level is really good too and there are a lot of scenes. They are a little less descriptive and not to an explicit level as some books, but it honestly didn’t matter as they’re tastefully done and keep you entranced to read more.
Both main characters developed throughout the book. Wells more than Fox, so much that I’m proud at where he ended up at the end.
I liked that there’s a secondary love story included with Ellie and John. I really did enjoy these two characters too. Would love to see an epilogue for them.
Lastly, let me just say THANK YOU for including a glossary of the foreign words and phrases. I don’t see this often enough and it’s definitely something that should be included in every book.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
This is an enemies to lovers book and the chemistry between the main characters, Fox (Charles) and Wells is so hot and well written, that i could feel the tension and heat through the pages. The spice level is really good too and there are a lot of scenes. They are a little less descriptive and not to an explicit level as some books, but it honestly didn’t matter as they’re tastefully done and keep you entranced to read more.
Both main characters developed throughout the book. Wells more than Fox, so much that I’m proud at where he ended up at the end.
I liked that there’s a secondary love story included with Ellie and John. I really did enjoy these two characters too. Would love to see an epilogue for them.
Lastly, let me just say THANK YOU for including a glossary of the foreign words and phrases. I don’t see this often enough and it’s definitely something that should be included in every book.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
October 19, 2024
This book has already gone onto my rereading list it was just that good, I truly loved it. When I found I'd reached half way into this story I was so glad that there was more to come and I wasn't going to have to say goodbye to the characters and their world too soon. Constance you are one amazingly brilliant story teller. Totally can't wait for the next in this series.
Want to read
February 3, 2025Modern dubcon historical?? Take my money 🫵
November 18, 2024
Dark Historical Romance
This will be a difficult read for many people. It certainly falls into the "dark romance" category.
In many ways, the MMC and FMC are unlikable characters. It takes a long time for the reader to have any affection for the MMC (maybe not ever). The FMC is an angry woman, with good reason. However, it is her stubbornness and pride that frustrated me the most. Rather than tell the MMC that she is born to the gentry and holds a position of respect within the community when caught stealing chickens to feed her family, she ends up in a nonconsensual sexual relationship with the MMC, acting as his mistress. It feels like a big jump for the character to acquiesce so quickly. She does somehow inveigle a way to be the housekeeper in his crumbling castle.
The book opens with a dub/non-con scene, a spectacular overreaction by the MMC to the FMC's theft of a few chickens.
Throughout the next nearly 500 angsty pages, the characters experience a heavy helping of explicit on-page intimacy, lots of undo control, the MMC's invasion of privacy, eventual transformation, and a spectacular well-earned grovel by the MMC.
I often wonder if this author is a man writing under a female pen name. I feel like the intimate scenes are weighted more toward the man’s pleasure and less toward the female characters' pleasure. There’s a lack of balance.
If I’m not mistaken, there’s only one instance of the MMC on his knees for the FMC (in the final chapters, no less!) Throughout the rest of the book, the FMC seems too eager to fall to her knees for him and then run away, foregoing her own pleasure.
Even still, you may say, "Well, Dolly, why are you giving it four stars if you didn’t like the book so much?"
The truth is this is 3 1/2 stars rounded up to four. It is an exciting and inventive story. It’s incredibly well-researched, and the dialogue and the prose don't feel anachronistic to the time. There is undoubtedly enough steam, and we get a happy ending. The sweeping cast of characters is not one-dimensional, and that contributes to the world-building. There is an extensive backstory that is provided
This is the author’s second full-length novel, and the writing is imaginative and creative. An editor might help fine-tune some plot holes regarding intimacy between the MCs.
This will be a difficult read for many people. It certainly falls into the "dark romance" category.
In many ways, the MMC and FMC are unlikable characters. It takes a long time for the reader to have any affection for the MMC (maybe not ever). The FMC is an angry woman, with good reason. However, it is her stubbornness and pride that frustrated me the most. Rather than tell the MMC that she is born to the gentry and holds a position of respect within the community when caught stealing chickens to feed her family, she ends up in a nonconsensual sexual relationship with the MMC, acting as his mistress. It feels like a big jump for the character to acquiesce so quickly. She does somehow inveigle a way to be the housekeeper in his crumbling castle.
The book opens with a dub/non-con scene, a spectacular overreaction by the MMC to the FMC's theft of a few chickens.
Throughout the next nearly 500 angsty pages, the characters experience a heavy helping of explicit on-page intimacy, lots of undo control, the MMC's invasion of privacy, eventual transformation, and a spectacular well-earned grovel by the MMC.
I often wonder if this author is a man writing under a female pen name. I feel like the intimate scenes are weighted more toward the man’s pleasure and less toward the female characters' pleasure. There’s a lack of balance.
If I’m not mistaken, there’s only one instance of the MMC on his knees for the FMC (in the final chapters, no less!) Throughout the rest of the book, the FMC seems too eager to fall to her knees for him and then run away, foregoing her own pleasure.
Even still, you may say, "Well, Dolly, why are you giving it four stars if you didn’t like the book so much?"
The truth is this is 3 1/2 stars rounded up to four. It is an exciting and inventive story. It’s incredibly well-researched, and the dialogue and the prose don't feel anachronistic to the time. There is undoubtedly enough steam, and we get a happy ending. The sweeping cast of characters is not one-dimensional, and that contributes to the world-building. There is an extensive backstory that is provided
This is the author’s second full-length novel, and the writing is imaginative and creative. An editor might help fine-tune some plot holes regarding intimacy between the MCs.
November 15, 2024
I finished this book in a day. It is a throughly well written smutty romance novel, and who doesn't enjoy some smut 😜
The reason for 4 stars as opposed to 5, is a 5 star for me is when a book suprises me or does something to make me re think the genre or just so full engrosses me. This book is well written and a very easy and enjoyable read, but you know exactly what's going to happen, and it does, within about 50 pages.
There is a lot of spice in this book! Very quickly as well. At times the lines of consent, respect, and abuse are blurred, but if you aren't overly triggered by those things it is quite enjoyable and naughty. I'm often critical of spice, as the way it is written will make me laugh or roll my eyes more than draw me in, but the author did well to write these scenes in a way that is readable and not unbelievable. On a personal note, I hate the use of the word s3x to refer to genitalia (ie, I brought his s3x to my mouth), and the author does that a few times.
Plot points, potential spoilers:
A poor woman from a village decides to steal two chickens from the newly enstated duke's son's estate. She is quickly caught and finds herself in servitude to the future Duke because she can not afford the fine that is placed on her. The servitude is housekeeper by day and initially reluctant mistress by night. As she gets to know the Duke her role and feelings change towards him, and his towards her. How can a future Duke ever make a poor chicken thief, turned lustful mistress a future dutchess?
The reason for 4 stars as opposed to 5, is a 5 star for me is when a book suprises me or does something to make me re think the genre or just so full engrosses me. This book is well written and a very easy and enjoyable read, but you know exactly what's going to happen, and it does, within about 50 pages.
There is a lot of spice in this book! Very quickly as well. At times the lines of consent, respect, and abuse are blurred, but if you aren't overly triggered by those things it is quite enjoyable and naughty. I'm often critical of spice, as the way it is written will make me laugh or roll my eyes more than draw me in, but the author did well to write these scenes in a way that is readable and not unbelievable. On a personal note, I hate the use of the word s3x to refer to genitalia (ie, I brought his s3x to my mouth), and the author does that a few times.
Plot points, potential spoilers:
A poor woman from a village decides to steal two chickens from the newly enstated duke's son's estate. She is quickly caught and finds herself in servitude to the future Duke because she can not afford the fine that is placed on her. The servitude is housekeeper by day and initially reluctant mistress by night. As she gets to know the Duke her role and feelings change towards him, and his towards her. How can a future Duke ever make a poor chicken thief, turned lustful mistress a future dutchess?
December 10, 2024
thought of roland as aidan turner from Rivals and had a hoot in my imagination 🤭
December 3, 2024
This books very much reads, as advertised, like a boddice ripper. Admitedly, my experience with bodice rippers is not so expansive but I recognize many of the themes that modern day readers may not vibe with.
Wells and Charles are as endearing as they are hard to love. I don't find that to be a negative. Wells, is that badly behaved, arrogant, arse, who you love but sometimes you can't remember why. He is however, consistent throughout. Charles, is seemingly fiery and mouthy in the same second that she regrets being so. Is that a character trait? Situational? Inconsistency?
Cuthbert is a grump but I loved him. Eleanor was one dimensional and meek.
All that being said, I relished reading this. I found myself taking my time to read it, not wanting it to end!
Wells and Charles are as endearing as they are hard to love. I don't find that to be a negative. Wells, is that badly behaved, arrogant, arse, who you love but sometimes you can't remember why. He is however, consistent throughout. Charles, is seemingly fiery and mouthy in the same second that she regrets being so. Is that a character trait? Situational? Inconsistency?
Cuthbert is a grump but I loved him. Eleanor was one dimensional and meek.
All that being said, I relished reading this. I found myself taking my time to read it, not wanting it to end!
November 11, 2024
I'd give this one three and a half stars. Some books are just not for everyone, and the dark themes in this one are something the reader should be aware of before embarking.
Even if this one did not personally speak to me, what a story. From the beginning, it was easy for me to fall in love with our protagonist, Charles. Her fiery and rebellious personality was well developed and it was easy to empathize with her motivations to keep her sister and family at the forefront of her actions. I loved Remillard's inclusion of the scenes where (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible) the heroine acts somewhat rashly and we get to see the consequences of her choice. Most authors in the genre just warn the reader of what could happen and here we get to live with Charles through the danger.
I struggled with the male main character the entirety of this book. I never really fell in love with him even after his motivations are revealed, and I didn't find the story arc to redeem his early cruelty. Wells' treatment of Charles in the early chapters is so manipulative, dismissive, and abusive that I might call this a dark romance.
I also struggled with the tropes in this novel. The "misunderstanding" trope is one that grinds my gears and here that failure to communicate between the characters doesn't get resolved until revealed by the male main character's mother 35 chapters into the book. The "secret" is so obvious and such an easy thing for the characters to discuss that it really defies logic that the female main character would not have told the male main character at their first meeting or at any point in the weeks that followed. I also found the middle of the book clunky and hard to get through. I suspect that is, in part, due to my frustration with the "misunderstanding/secret" and my inability to believe that Charles would just relegate herself to the punishment and position she endures for much of the book.
Still, the cast of characters in this romance makes it interesting and I loved the inclusion of story arcs for more than just the two primary characters. Remillard's world-building is among the best of the genre, and I could imagine the household inner-workings, the hardscrabble reality of poverty in the countryside, and the danger of long-ago London. The spicy scenes were at times tender and at others pure heat, and I could sense the characters' attraction to each other even if I personally could not find the attraction in Wells. In a time when lately released historical romance focuses more on a singular love story to the exclusion of all else, this book suffers no such foibles. This is a full story, obviously crafted with care.
If you like a reformed bad-boy story, this one is a good read. Pay attention to triggers. Will definitely return to this author in the future!
Even if this one did not personally speak to me, what a story. From the beginning, it was easy for me to fall in love with our protagonist, Charles. Her fiery and rebellious personality was well developed and it was easy to empathize with her motivations to keep her sister and family at the forefront of her actions. I loved Remillard's inclusion of the scenes where (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible) the heroine acts somewhat rashly and we get to see the consequences of her choice. Most authors in the genre just warn the reader of what could happen and here we get to live with Charles through the danger.
I struggled with the male main character the entirety of this book. I never really fell in love with him even after his motivations are revealed, and I didn't find the story arc to redeem his early cruelty. Wells' treatment of Charles in the early chapters is so manipulative, dismissive, and abusive that I might call this a dark romance.
I also struggled with the tropes in this novel. The "misunderstanding" trope is one that grinds my gears and here that failure to communicate between the characters doesn't get resolved until revealed by the male main character's mother 35 chapters into the book. The "secret" is so obvious and such an easy thing for the characters to discuss that it really defies logic that the female main character would not have told the male main character at their first meeting or at any point in the weeks that followed. I also found the middle of the book clunky and hard to get through. I suspect that is, in part, due to my frustration with the "misunderstanding/secret" and my inability to believe that Charles would just relegate herself to the punishment and position she endures for much of the book.
Still, the cast of characters in this romance makes it interesting and I loved the inclusion of story arcs for more than just the two primary characters. Remillard's world-building is among the best of the genre, and I could imagine the household inner-workings, the hardscrabble reality of poverty in the countryside, and the danger of long-ago London. The spicy scenes were at times tender and at others pure heat, and I could sense the characters' attraction to each other even if I personally could not find the attraction in Wells. In a time when lately released historical romance focuses more on a singular love story to the exclusion of all else, this book suffers no such foibles. This is a full story, obviously crafted with care.
If you like a reformed bad-boy story, this one is a good read. Pay attention to triggers. Will definitely return to this author in the future!
November 14, 2024
I just finished this lovely book and I just have to say—what a breath of fresh air! This book was fantastic! I feel like sometimes we can get into a rut of reading the same old thing-the same tropes—the same predictable situations and characters. Not so in this book! I loved the story line, the characters, the writing style, the pace, and even the supporting characters! The only thing I would say could improve it would be even more “spice.” I would have loved to read another love scene or two. There were still great love scenes and MANY “closed door” or implied love scenes…I just liked them and wanted more! :)
I loved our heroine, Charles—although it took me a little bit to get used to her name being a male name—but there is a reason for that (explained in the storyline). It did trip me up at first and I just had to get used to it! Ha. She was feisty, but in a genuine way that was based on her need for survival—not in an annoying stereotypical way. I felt for her and the predicaments she had had in her life. Her character and personality was presented so well. I really felt like I KNEW her.
I did not like our hero, Lord Wellesley, at first, but that was intentional by the author! He was all kinds of icky in the first few chapters because of what he was requiring of our heroine (although I admit, I didn’t mind the questionable consent that was presented—it was believable that something like that could have happened back then)!
Throughout the book, we see these characters change and grow together…. Their first impressions of each other change as they get to know each person’s true self—and our first impressions of them as a reader change, too.
Finally, I loved the side stories! I loved Charles’ sister Ellie and the surprise relationship she has with a certain supporting character! It was so sweet! I also loved how the author told the story of Charles and her sister’s parents—what a love story! I even enjoyed the hero, Roland’s parents! I did not like his mother at first, but even she became somewhat relatable in her own way during the second half of the story. All of the little connections between the hero and heroine’s families were also so WELL DONE. I loved it all—the uncle and the two fathers being friends, etc.
I highly recommend this book for a unique storyline, and a deep love story with a happy ending. Read it today!!
I loved our heroine, Charles—although it took me a little bit to get used to her name being a male name—but there is a reason for that (explained in the storyline). It did trip me up at first and I just had to get used to it! Ha. She was feisty, but in a genuine way that was based on her need for survival—not in an annoying stereotypical way. I felt for her and the predicaments she had had in her life. Her character and personality was presented so well. I really felt like I KNEW her.
I did not like our hero, Lord Wellesley, at first, but that was intentional by the author! He was all kinds of icky in the first few chapters because of what he was requiring of our heroine (although I admit, I didn’t mind the questionable consent that was presented—it was believable that something like that could have happened back then)!
Throughout the book, we see these characters change and grow together…. Their first impressions of each other change as they get to know each person’s true self—and our first impressions of them as a reader change, too.
Finally, I loved the side stories! I loved Charles’ sister Ellie and the surprise relationship she has with a certain supporting character! It was so sweet! I also loved how the author told the story of Charles and her sister’s parents—what a love story! I even enjoyed the hero, Roland’s parents! I did not like his mother at first, but even she became somewhat relatable in her own way during the second half of the story. All of the little connections between the hero and heroine’s families were also so WELL DONE. I loved it all—the uncle and the two fathers being friends, etc.
I highly recommend this book for a unique storyline, and a deep love story with a happy ending. Read it today!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
I read an early reader copy of this book. Having read other works by the same author, I was really excited to receive this one. It was a completely different plot and approach to a historical romance (for me) but I do like dark romance so the triggers as a whole weren’t a problem.
Remillard’s writing is beautiful and that is no different here. Unlike some, I do not have a problem with fade to black and I don’t necessarily agree that open door would be needed for better emotional connection.
My biggest problem with the book was that I never truly connected to the characters no matter how badly I wanted to. The FMC waffles between bold and timid. Granted, the MMC continues to disrespect her at every opportunity, including publicly. He’s a self-proclaimed cad but also fails to understood why the position he’s put the FMC into should be a problem. Repeatedly. It’s insanely dense.
For a while I considered that the problem I was having was with me and my opinions on women’s rights, but I’m a fan of historical romance and understand the expectations of the time. I could never get past the blatant disrespect, and none of the emotional components ever felt to fit quite right with me.
That said, I will still be reading more by this author.
Remillard’s writing is beautiful and that is no different here. Unlike some, I do not have a problem with fade to black and I don’t necessarily agree that open door would be needed for better emotional connection.
My biggest problem with the book was that I never truly connected to the characters no matter how badly I wanted to. The FMC waffles between bold and timid. Granted, the MMC continues to disrespect her at every opportunity, including publicly. He’s a self-proclaimed cad but also fails to understood why the position he’s put the FMC into should be a problem. Repeatedly. It’s insanely dense.
For a while I considered that the problem I was having was with me and my opinions on women’s rights, but I’m a fan of historical romance and understand the expectations of the time. I could never get past the blatant disrespect, and none of the emotional components ever felt to fit quite right with me.
That said, I will still be reading more by this author.
November 12, 2024
4.5/5 The Fox in His Henhouse is the first book in the Dubious Mates series and I recommend this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It hooked me early and kept me entertained and engaged the whole way through. Going into it I wasn’t sure it would be the type of book I’d be wanting at the moment but the story unfolded beautifully and I didn’t want to put it down. I also liked how the story’s inspiration and the heroine’s nickname ruminated with me through the story.
I loved the characterization the MC and the endearing side characters as well. The heroine is strong and determined and well respected in her village-using that to her advantage but also a source of vulnerability as well. The hero has tucked his tail and retreated from London after being left at the altar but still arrogant and presumptive. I enjoyed seeing a different side to him as the story went on and also seeing him get his comeuppance later as well. It was necessary and felt he redeemed himself so I still liked him in the end.
The heroine also has a strong family bond, especially with her sister. They exchange a series of letters while the heroine is living at the Abbey and I liked the value their epistolary exchanges added to the story.
There is also a side love story that evolves that I found sweet and helped balanced out the main romance.
There was ten or so encounters that I counted with several others being alluded to. They’re all brief and not explicit. I found them steamy and well spaced through the story.
Content warning is provided prior to the story.
I received an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It hooked me early and kept me entertained and engaged the whole way through. Going into it I wasn’t sure it would be the type of book I’d be wanting at the moment but the story unfolded beautifully and I didn’t want to put it down. I also liked how the story’s inspiration and the heroine’s nickname ruminated with me through the story.
I loved the characterization the MC and the endearing side characters as well. The heroine is strong and determined and well respected in her village-using that to her advantage but also a source of vulnerability as well. The hero has tucked his tail and retreated from London after being left at the altar but still arrogant and presumptive. I enjoyed seeing a different side to him as the story went on and also seeing him get his comeuppance later as well. It was necessary and felt he redeemed himself so I still liked him in the end.
The heroine also has a strong family bond, especially with her sister. They exchange a series of letters while the heroine is living at the Abbey and I liked the value their epistolary exchanges added to the story.
There is also a side love story that evolves that I found sweet and helped balanced out the main romance.
There was ten or so encounters that I counted with several others being alluded to. They’re all brief and not explicit. I found them steamy and well spaced through the story.
Content warning is provided prior to the story.
I received an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2024
I just finished The Fox: in his Henhouse and I absolutely loved it. Forced by poverty to steal food to provide for her sister and ailing father, Charles ends up caught and coerced by the lord of the manor, who is also the magistrate, into working off her fine by being his mistress.
The beginning starts off with a lot of dub-con but unlike other novels I’ve read, the main character Charles (who is a 25-year-old woman, just with a man’s name) is eloquent and outspoken about what an entitled jerk Lord Wellesley (hereafter known as Wells) is being. Her words force him to realize the impact his behavior is having on his little chicken thief, and feels guilt and starts to wonder what it says about him, even while continuing to compel her to his bed. But this is not a victim story. Charles is a smart, sassy heroine with an indomitable spirit. She never backs down in advocating for herself and he is drawn to the bright spark that she is. Their love story is complex and very fulfilling because they have to work for it. The steam count is off the charts, lots and lots of very hot bed play while he is “training” her to be his mistress.
This was my first experience of Constance Remillard’s writing, and I will definitely be going back to read everything she’s ever written. This was not a short book but I read it in a day because I could not put it down; it was that great.
The beginning starts off with a lot of dub-con but unlike other novels I’ve read, the main character Charles (who is a 25-year-old woman, just with a man’s name) is eloquent and outspoken about what an entitled jerk Lord Wellesley (hereafter known as Wells) is being. Her words force him to realize the impact his behavior is having on his little chicken thief, and feels guilt and starts to wonder what it says about him, even while continuing to compel her to his bed. But this is not a victim story. Charles is a smart, sassy heroine with an indomitable spirit. She never backs down in advocating for herself and he is drawn to the bright spark that she is. Their love story is complex and very fulfilling because they have to work for it. The steam count is off the charts, lots and lots of very hot bed play while he is “training” her to be his mistress.
This was my first experience of Constance Remillard’s writing, and I will definitely be going back to read everything she’s ever written. This was not a short book but I read it in a day because I could not put it down; it was that great.
November 13, 2024
This historical had lots of old-school vibes. Lord Wells, an alpha hero was a rugged individual who secretly had a soft heart. Charles, who should have been born a boy, had fallen on hard times after the death of her mother. She was apprehended while trying to steal some chickens. Looking beneath the grime, Lord Wells, the chicken owner, saw that she was attractive. He used dubious methods to seduce her into his bed. Ultimately, she wound up being his housekeeper by day and his mistress by night. The main hitch to the arrangement was the fact that Lord Wells needed to marry someday. Charles would have had a very difficult time sharing the man that she had grown to love.
Aside from the initial behavior of Lord Wells, this was a pleasant story to read. There was a secondary couple whose relationship was oddly parallel to that of Wells and Charles. Steam was everywhere. In fact, it is largely to blame for the fact that this book is over 400 pages long!
The author will be writing future books in this series. Apparently, Lord Wells had been a pirate at one time--definitely a situation that needs to be explored! I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Aside from the initial behavior of Lord Wells, this was a pleasant story to read. There was a secondary couple whose relationship was oddly parallel to that of Wells and Charles. Steam was everywhere. In fact, it is largely to blame for the fact that this book is over 400 pages long!
The author will be writing future books in this series. Apparently, Lord Wells had been a pirate at one time--definitely a situation that needs to be explored! I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
November 13, 2024
This was a 3.5. for me.
I think the writing is good which is why I’ll probably read another book by this author.
But
While I liked the heroine I’m afraid the hero was a total and complete and utter s1t and I would have been happy for her to tell him to get lost. His treatment of Charles at the beginning was just dreadful .
At 71% he was still hoping to keep her as his mistress while he was married to someone else largely on the basis that she was too far below him to marry her. Because the book was long this attitude went on for too long. His change of heart only happens when he finds out about her family.
Then the awful plan to win her back by dragging her to a brothel was just so tin eared in every way.
Had the ‘hero’ actually had a change of heart much earlier because he loved her as a person rather than finding her acceptable socially I would have enjoyed this a lot more.
I found Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh dealt with a similar social gap, Duke and a heroine who was essentially a commoner, far far better because he accepted her for who she was not who her ancestors were.
I think the writing is good which is why I’ll probably read another book by this author.
But
While I liked the heroine I’m afraid the hero was a total and complete and utter s1t and I would have been happy for her to tell him to get lost. His treatment of Charles at the beginning was just dreadful .
At 71% he was still hoping to keep her as his mistress while he was married to someone else largely on the basis that she was too far below him to marry her. Because the book was long this attitude went on for too long. His change of heart only happens when he finds out about her family.
Then the awful plan to win her back by dragging her to a brothel was just so tin eared in every way.
Had the ‘hero’ actually had a change of heart much earlier because he loved her as a person rather than finding her acceptable socially I would have enjoyed this a lot more.
I found Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh dealt with a similar social gap, Duke and a heroine who was essentially a commoner, far far better because he accepted her for who she was not who her ancestors were.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2024
I’m certain this book won’t be to everyone’s liking, but I found it refreshingly different!
~ Charles & Wells ~
First of all, Charles is a woman and you’ll find out about her name in the story - it’s not what you think, but sweet. She’s headstrong, cunning, smart and a force to be reckoned with. She’ll do just about anything to make certain her sister and ailing father will make it through winter. Extremely stubborn and set in her convictions, I was ready, by the end of the book, to give her a swift kick in the pants - in the end she takes it a bit too far for my liking.
Now, Wells is the kind of hero you’ll either love or hate. He’s a duke’s heir who spent several years captaining his own ship. This is a man who shamelessly uses and abuses his power, a coarse brute, he rarely asks but commands, his word is law and he’s not afraid of physical punishment when disobeyed. But, he has a heart and a human side as well - it just takes a while to discover them.
Although not always on purpose, they both take great pleasure in riling the other. They bring out the worst and the best in each other.
I also greatly enjoyed the friendship between Charles’ sister and Wells’ right hand man, the letters the sisters wrote to keep in touch, the interactions with their father, and the downstairs dynamic with his men, the workers and the staff.
It’s a hefty tale at nearly 500 pages, but it never felt that way and I won’t be giving anything away about the plot because it’s well worth diving in and discovering for yourself.
This story is an enemies-to-lovers lightning storm - sizzle, spark and steam aplenty. The taunt, they fight, they love, they care and they despair - it’s intense, passionate and utterly riveting. It’s always on the move, evolving, growing and I really liked the way the tides kept turning throughout this story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
~ Charles & Wells ~
First of all, Charles is a woman and you’ll find out about her name in the story - it’s not what you think, but sweet. She’s headstrong, cunning, smart and a force to be reckoned with. She’ll do just about anything to make certain her sister and ailing father will make it through winter. Extremely stubborn and set in her convictions, I was ready, by the end of the book, to give her a swift kick in the pants - in the end she takes it a bit too far for my liking.
Now, Wells is the kind of hero you’ll either love or hate. He’s a duke’s heir who spent several years captaining his own ship. This is a man who shamelessly uses and abuses his power, a coarse brute, he rarely asks but commands, his word is law and he’s not afraid of physical punishment when disobeyed. But, he has a heart and a human side as well - it just takes a while to discover them.
Although not always on purpose, they both take great pleasure in riling the other. They bring out the worst and the best in each other.
I also greatly enjoyed the friendship between Charles’ sister and Wells’ right hand man, the letters the sisters wrote to keep in touch, the interactions with their father, and the downstairs dynamic with his men, the workers and the staff.
It’s a hefty tale at nearly 500 pages, but it never felt that way and I won’t be giving anything away about the plot because it’s well worth diving in and discovering for yourself.
This story is an enemies-to-lovers lightning storm - sizzle, spark and steam aplenty. The taunt, they fight, they love, they care and they despair - it’s intense, passionate and utterly riveting. It’s always on the move, evolving, growing and I really liked the way the tides kept turning throughout this story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
November 7, 2024
At first I was repelled by the story, even though I knew it referred to another era hopefully different from ours today. But I was drawn into the story despite myself, mainly because of Charles' feistiness and unwillingness to yield her "soul" to Ronald, who although he was not yet a duke, acted with all the arrogance of that high rank. Thank heaven Charles was able to withstand Ronald's highhandedness, even as she fell in love with Ronald. When she thought Ronald was going to marry another woman and keep her as his mistress, she resisted and planned on running away. Even when Ronald found out who she really was and asked her to marry him, he had not yet learned how to deal with a woman as strong-minded as Charles and, instead of telling her he loved her, told her of all the advantages she would have becoming his Duchess. Needless to say, Charles left him. How they get together again and how Ronald learns to woo Charles is part of the fun - finally.
Although I received an ARC of this novel, my opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Although I received an ARC of this novel, my opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
November 11, 2024
I have been looking for new books that are "bodice rippers".
Often times, new generation books are so very careful- so mindful about everything which greatly hampers the potential of a book. This however, was crafted so well. I loved every minute of it, every sequence, every scene. Constance is a new author but I have read her previous works and I was never disappointed. This is passionate. This book reminded me of how I came to love Historical Romance.
Please continue writing! And I am looking for more!
Often times, new generation books are so very careful- so mindful about everything which greatly hampers the potential of a book. This however, was crafted so well. I loved every minute of it, every sequence, every scene. Constance is a new author but I have read her previous works and I was never disappointed. This is passionate. This book reminded me of how I came to love Historical Romance.
Please continue writing! And I am looking for more!
October 27, 2024
The Fox in His Hen House is an intense, slow-burn romance that brings together two compelling characters: Charles and Wells. Wells, grumpy and brooding, is haunted by his responsibilities as the duke’s heir—pressures he once escaped by running to the sea. Returning only to be jilted at the altar, he flees to Cumberland, hardened and wary. But it’s in the third act, where the real magic happens. Wells’s groveling transformation is phenomenal as he goes from a guarded “pirate” to a man deeply in love, willing to do whatever it takes to win Charles’s heart. His playful line, “I take it you prefer pirates to puppies, love?” perfectly captures this shift, showing just how devoted he’s become.
While the storyline is fantastic, with three well-paced acts and deeply satisfying character growth, the use of fade-to-black in intimate scenes was a bit disappointing. Moments like Wells taking Charles’s virginity or when she asks if they can pretend to be simply a happy couple in love deserved more depth. These scenes could have brought out the vulnerability and emotions each character felt, making their connection even richer.
Despite this, the story’s heart shines through in unforgettable scenes. Wells’s care for Charles when she’s ill, their tender exchanges, and his ultimate devotion in the third act make this romance deeply rewarding. For readers who appreciate a great grovel and transformative character arcs, The Fox in His Hen House is a must-read that lingers long after the final page.
Justification of a 3-star rating
* While The Fox in His Hen House delivers a solid, captivating storyline worthy of four stars, the fade-to-black intimate scenes fall short, undercutting the depth and passion promised in Wells’s character. This lack of emotional detail in key romantic moments ultimately leaves the relationship feeling incomplete, justifying a three-star rating.
November 11, 2024
This is an interesting and refreshing enemies to lovers romance. It was intense and exciting with delicious passion and steam. The characters were strong-willed and complex, to say the least. I enjoyed how entertaining this story is and how fully engaged It had me until the end. I highly recommend reading!
November 12, 2024
Absolutely in love with this story and already added to my re reading list! Enemies to lovers, chemistry, regency historical romance and feisty women! Brilliant story teller!
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