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The Grenville Chronicles #1
Lord Grenville's Choice
Alexander Lambeth, 5th Earl of Grenville, only had eyes for the fair Lady Elizabeth during his first London Season. Unfortunately, Elizabeth’s father brokered her marriage to another. Fancying himself broken-hearted, Alex consented to a loveless union with Lady Felicity, daughter of wealthy Lord Morecombe.
Five years into his marriage, his first love is widowed, and Alex’s wife seems to believe he will waste no time making Lady Elizabeth his mistress. As Felicity chooses to live apart from him, a surprisingly difficult choice is thrust upon Alex. Whom does he truly desire—the ethereal Elizabeth or the maddening Felicity?
Five years into his marriage, his first love is widowed, and Alex’s wife seems to believe he will waste no time making Lady Elizabeth his mistress. As Felicity chooses to live apart from him, a surprisingly difficult choice is thrust upon Alex. Whom does he truly desire—the ethereal Elizabeth or the maddening Felicity?
217 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2014
321 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
G.G. Vandagriff
55 books325 followersG.G. Vandagriff is the author of over thirty novels Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
Thirteen of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Her most recent publications are Romantic Suspense. Her trilogy featuring Breaking News, Sleeping Secrets, and Balkan Echo tell the tale of high profile TV journalists--the Super Sleuths of WOOT TV station in Chicago.
GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America).
She and her husband David are the parents of three children and seven grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds.
Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
April 7, 2025
London 1812
Twenty-three year old Felicity entered Earl Alexander's library and said "Alex, l thought you ought to know that Elizabeth's husband died suddenly this afternoon. The love of your life is now a wealthy widow".
"What do you expect me to do? Run off with her to the Continent? There is a war on, Felicity. Anyway, our infatuation ended long ago."
But Alex wondered how would things change now that Elizabeth was a widow?
His and Felicity's marriage was not a love match. They had been paired by their fathers after Elizabeth was pressured to marry someone else and became a Countess.
Felicity was a nice person, kind, compassionate, a loving mother to their four year old son that Alex loved dearly, and he and Felicity had the perfect life in the bedroom, but she wanted his whole heart, something he could not give. Elizabeth still held a large piece of it.
Alex decided to pay a call of condolence.
Elizabeth flew into his arms when she saw him. She said that her late husband was a horrible brute that abused her, she suffered a lot (we later learnt that this was not the case), and asked Alex to become friends again.
Alex felt the desire to protect her.
The next morning he read an account of his visit in the gossip column of the newspaper.
That made him angry as it could throw his marriage into disarray were it came to his wife's attention.
Five years earlier :
Felicity fell in love with Alex the moment she saw him at a ball when she was eighteen, but he never noticed her, the only woman with whom he ever danced with was Elizabeth.
Alex was an impoverished Earl and because of that, Elizabeth's father rejected him.
Elizabeth married a very rich Lord.
Felicity, a daughter of a rich man, made inquiries and found out that Alex was in need of a wealthy wife. They were introduced at a dinner party where Alex looked stricken. He had just lost the love of his life.
But there was physical awareness between Alex and Felicity and he needed the money, so he'd agreed to the marriage arrangement.
Felicity knew that Elizabeth was Alex's choice but she was so in love with him, she was going to make him love her.
The marriage was not consummated for three months as Alex was hanging on the notion that he should stay faithful to Elizabeth.
Of course this was not easy as he was very attracted to Felicity.
Their marriage was courteous but each lived their own lives, rarely doing anything together (as Alex was holding her at arms length).
The only place they were close was the bedroom. They had a particularly close relationship there.
Back to the present:
Felicity's father took ill, and she moved in with him to watch over him.
Felicity knew that she could not watch Alex pursue Elizabeth and fall into a liaison with her.
She decided to stay at her father's house with her son, cease the physical closeness with Alex, and set her husband free.
He needed to choose between her and Elizabeth.
Felicity knew that soon it would be evident that
she was increasing again.
Alex did not know that yet, and when she told him, he was ecstatic.
But his happiness dimmed when she told him that it would be best to live separately.
She knew he loved Elizabeth and did not want to live with him when he was longing to be with another woman.
Alex thought " What was he supposed to do? Say he did not love Elizabeth? It would be a lie."
But the idea of Felicity leaving him was unthinkable. Already he had missed her. Not only in his bed but in his home.
There were other encounters between Alex and Elizabeth, where she played the sympathy card and it was working.
Alex could not bear to see Elizabeth so sad and distressed.
But, he had been taken in by a manipulative woman.
Those controversial encounters sparked rumours and gossip among the ton.
Alex considered making Elizabeth his mistress, everybody expected it, even Felicity, but the longer he thought about it the more he was less inclined towards the idea.
One day Felicity was attacked by masked men. Hit on the head with a weapon and she was bleeding.
Lost consciousness.
Alex was frantic. When Felicity came to, she'd noticed that Alex's behaviour changed, he became loving and attentive, and she was baffled.
The next day Felicity received a visit from Elizabeth.
"Alex loves me and l love him. I have been his mistress those five years. We have been very discreet, but now that l am no longer married, our attachment will be more generally known. I came to warn you. "
Elizabeth took off a sapphire ring and said "Read inside". Felicity took it and read ' To my Goddess, love for all time, Alexander '.
Elizabeth went on : "Alex and l have discussed it. The boy is to remain here with us. You may keep the new baby with you in the country. Alex is too soft-hearted and after your accident he feels guilty to tell you himself. "
Fury engulfed Felicity. They thought they could keep the boy? Not while she was alive. She had to protect her son...
I really believe that the thugs that hurt Felicity were sent by Elizabeth to murder her, leaving the path free for herself.
Twenty-three year old Felicity entered Earl Alexander's library and said "Alex, l thought you ought to know that Elizabeth's husband died suddenly this afternoon. The love of your life is now a wealthy widow".
"What do you expect me to do? Run off with her to the Continent? There is a war on, Felicity. Anyway, our infatuation ended long ago."
But Alex wondered how would things change now that Elizabeth was a widow?
His and Felicity's marriage was not a love match. They had been paired by their fathers after Elizabeth was pressured to marry someone else and became a Countess.
Felicity was a nice person, kind, compassionate, a loving mother to their four year old son that Alex loved dearly, and he and Felicity had the perfect life in the bedroom, but she wanted his whole heart, something he could not give. Elizabeth still held a large piece of it.
Alex decided to pay a call of condolence.
Elizabeth flew into his arms when she saw him. She said that her late husband was a horrible brute that abused her, she suffered a lot (we later learnt that this was not the case), and asked Alex to become friends again.
Alex felt the desire to protect her.
The next morning he read an account of his visit in the gossip column of the newspaper.
That made him angry as it could throw his marriage into disarray were it came to his wife's attention.
Five years earlier :
Felicity fell in love with Alex the moment she saw him at a ball when she was eighteen, but he never noticed her, the only woman with whom he ever danced with was Elizabeth.
Alex was an impoverished Earl and because of that, Elizabeth's father rejected him.
Elizabeth married a very rich Lord.
Felicity, a daughter of a rich man, made inquiries and found out that Alex was in need of a wealthy wife. They were introduced at a dinner party where Alex looked stricken. He had just lost the love of his life.
But there was physical awareness between Alex and Felicity and he needed the money, so he'd agreed to the marriage arrangement.
Felicity knew that Elizabeth was Alex's choice but she was so in love with him, she was going to make him love her.
The marriage was not consummated for three months as Alex was hanging on the notion that he should stay faithful to Elizabeth.
Of course this was not easy as he was very attracted to Felicity.
Their marriage was courteous but each lived their own lives, rarely doing anything together (as Alex was holding her at arms length).
The only place they were close was the bedroom. They had a particularly close relationship there.
Back to the present:
Felicity's father took ill, and she moved in with him to watch over him.
Felicity knew that she could not watch Alex pursue Elizabeth and fall into a liaison with her.
She decided to stay at her father's house with her son, cease the physical closeness with Alex, and set her husband free.
He needed to choose between her and Elizabeth.
Felicity knew that soon it would be evident that
she was increasing again.
Alex did not know that yet, and when she told him, he was ecstatic.
But his happiness dimmed when she told him that it would be best to live separately.
She knew he loved Elizabeth and did not want to live with him when he was longing to be with another woman.
Alex thought " What was he supposed to do? Say he did not love Elizabeth? It would be a lie."
But the idea of Felicity leaving him was unthinkable. Already he had missed her. Not only in his bed but in his home.
There were other encounters between Alex and Elizabeth, where she played the sympathy card and it was working.
Alex could not bear to see Elizabeth so sad and distressed.
But, he had been taken in by a manipulative woman.
Those controversial encounters sparked rumours and gossip among the ton.
Alex considered making Elizabeth his mistress, everybody expected it, even Felicity, but the longer he thought about it the more he was less inclined towards the idea.
One day Felicity was attacked by masked men. Hit on the head with a weapon and she was bleeding.
Lost consciousness.
Alex was frantic. When Felicity came to, she'd noticed that Alex's behaviour changed, he became loving and attentive, and she was baffled.
The next day Felicity received a visit from Elizabeth.
"Alex loves me and l love him. I have been his mistress those five years. We have been very discreet, but now that l am no longer married, our attachment will be more generally known. I came to warn you. "
Elizabeth took off a sapphire ring and said "Read inside". Felicity took it and read ' To my Goddess, love for all time, Alexander '.
Elizabeth went on : "Alex and l have discussed it. The boy is to remain here with us. You may keep the new baby with you in the country. Alex is too soft-hearted and after your accident he feels guilty to tell you himself. "
Fury engulfed Felicity. They thought they could keep the boy? Not while she was alive. She had to protect her son...
I really believe that the thugs that hurt Felicity were sent by Elizabeth to murder her, leaving the path free for herself.
November 22, 2015
I liked the idea of this plot, but was a little disappointed with the execution. We're five years into a marriage of convenience, where the wife, Felicity, has always loved her husband, Alexander, but Alex is still carrying a torch for Elizabeth, the lovely girl whose father married her off to an older and richer man. In despair, and needing money, he married Felicity when her father offers a fat dowry. Felicity and Alex have been bumping along reasonably well, but when Elizabeth's husband unexpectedly dies, they both need to come to terms with their feelings and their relationship.
I had issues with Alex, who acted like an idiot far too often for my taste, and it's a melodramatic, predictable plot (of course Alex finally figures out ). Felicity blows hot (well, warmish) and cold and has a habit of running away from their problems, so she bears her share of the fault for the fractures that develop in their relationship. Elizabeth turned out to be a different type of character than I expected, but I thought it would have been a more interesting, complex situation .
This book makes some interesting, worthwhile points about love vs. infatuation and how sometimes we're too stubborn to admit when we're being wrong-headed and do what's actually best for us.
I had issues with Alex, who acted like an idiot far too often for my taste, and it's a melodramatic, predictable plot (of course Alex finally figures out ). Felicity blows hot (well, warmish) and cold and has a habit of running away from their problems, so she bears her share of the fault for the fractures that develop in their relationship. Elizabeth turned out to be a different type of character than I expected, but I thought it would have been a more interesting, complex situation .
This book makes some interesting, worthwhile points about love vs. infatuation and how sometimes we're too stubborn to admit when we're being wrong-headed and do what's actually best for us.
May 8, 2014
I am the author, however, I have to say that this is my favorite of the Regency romances that I have written. It is not a bon bon! It has some heft to it. The question it primarily deal with is: what is true love and what is infatuation? Can true love stir the blood into a passionate romance?
July 12, 2019
I had tacked a lot of hope on this book - to deliver some piteous and tear jerking angst.
But the marital travails of Lord and Lady Granville proved only dreary and a tad humbug.
The H is the usual beta bustard hung on (and clinging there) his falsely idealized and much married ex - the girl he loved and wished to marry but couldn't. Through his own marriage/moc of 4-5 years, he has resented and treated his own wife with scant warmth or regard. He adores their son but he has no use for his wife outside the bedroom. Oh, he has plenty regard for the funds that came in her dowry and that's the general picture.
The book opens on the long suffering h announcing the newly widowed state of his lady love and then she moves to her father's house, ostensibly to look after her ill father but it's her way of giving him a silent ultimatum. If he intends to pick up with his ex, she's not coming back.
All good but the book suffers due to some wooden writing and for being very predictable, and for not having more exciting events and goings on. The angst maintains a bare minimum level when it could have sky rocketed with this plot line. Courtesy the H. Though he doesn't respond to the ow's clever and clear overtures and comes to his better (but unarticulated) senses midway, he drags down things with his confused thoughts and actions, or rather inactions in assuring his wife (and others) of his devotion to her and his marriage. So neither does he take up with the ow, nor does he make up to his wife - and that's how the pages are filled.
It's not all bad. The trope of loveless marriages and a H's stupid pining for another woman can never really fail. The h also saves the book. She's a strong and clear minded. The SIL's antipathy to the h provides a fleeting curiosity factor and also the needed angst. Why she wasn't pulled up more for her meddling is another matter.
But the marital travails of Lord and Lady Granville proved only dreary and a tad humbug.
The H is the usual beta bustard hung on (and clinging there) his falsely idealized and much married ex - the girl he loved and wished to marry but couldn't. Through his own marriage/moc of 4-5 years, he has resented and treated his own wife with scant warmth or regard. He adores their son but he has no use for his wife outside the bedroom. Oh, he has plenty regard for the funds that came in her dowry and that's the general picture.
The book opens on the long suffering h announcing the newly widowed state of his lady love and then she moves to her father's house, ostensibly to look after her ill father but it's her way of giving him a silent ultimatum. If he intends to pick up with his ex, she's not coming back.
All good but the book suffers due to some wooden writing and for being very predictable, and for not having more exciting events and goings on. The angst maintains a bare minimum level when it could have sky rocketed with this plot line. Courtesy the H. Though he doesn't respond to the ow's clever and clear overtures and comes to his better (but unarticulated) senses midway, he drags down things with his confused thoughts and actions, or rather inactions in assuring his wife (and others) of his devotion to her and his marriage. So neither does he take up with the ow, nor does he make up to his wife - and that's how the pages are filled.
It's not all bad. The trope of loveless marriages and a H's stupid pining for another woman can never really fail. The h also saves the book. She's a strong and clear minded. The SIL's antipathy to the h provides a fleeting curiosity factor and also the needed angst. Why she wasn't pulled up more for her meddling is another matter.
March 15, 2021
I loved every single element of this MOC story!!
This story had all the angsty feels I could want and more. I will definitely be rereading this baby in the future when I'm craving a fantastic angst fest.
June 25, 2021
Hero was an Idiot
This guy had some major issues. He had a great life but still mooned after the one that got away. It took him the entire book to figure that out. He has been married for five years with a son and a wonderful wife. But then his old love, who married someone else, husband died and he is conflicted. For the last five years he has lived a separate life from his wife, except in bed, and pretty much ignored her. He was like a child who didn't get his way. The ex pretty much plays him but even though there is a line in the book that says he had thought of making her his mistress, at the end he tells his wife he never even thought that but men lie so he is just one big bundle of loathsomeness. But in the end he realized He had always loved his wife after all. Right! Did i believe that?? Not at all. The writing was good, he never cheated physically but he totally shut his wife out for five long years, except in bed, it kept repeating that so I assume it's important, and punished her for not being the evil skank. I almost gave it two stars but I did keep the one extra because he was faithful in his fashion.
This guy had some major issues. He had a great life but still mooned after the one that got away. It took him the entire book to figure that out. He has been married for five years with a son and a wonderful wife. But then his old love, who married someone else, husband died and he is conflicted. For the last five years he has lived a separate life from his wife, except in bed, and pretty much ignored her. He was like a child who didn't get his way. The ex pretty much plays him but even though there is a line in the book that says he had thought of making her his mistress, at the end he tells his wife he never even thought that but men lie so he is just one big bundle of loathsomeness. But in the end he realized He had always loved his wife after all. Right! Did i believe that?? Not at all. The writing was good, he never cheated physically but he totally shut his wife out for five long years, except in bed, it kept repeating that so I assume it's important, and punished her for not being the evil skank. I almost gave it two stars but I did keep the one extra because he was faithful in his fashion.
August 29, 2023
Ms. Vandagriff get yourself a cover illustrator and a social media manager. This book is too good to be a random r/romancebooks recommendation that people would ignore for something much fancier but empty.
I've made copious amount of notes that I'll copy paste but I'm not in the right mind to write, just read. So onto the next book.
I've made copious amount of notes that I'll copy paste but I'm not in the right mind to write, just read. So onto the next book.
April 10, 2023
Angsty, unrequited love authors, take note:
This is how it's done. 🥰
Who knew this relatively obscure book with the unfortunate cover, would hold so much awesomeness inside it. It keeps bringing me back for more, and more, and more...
Side note: I forgot about the twins! Gosh, what a marvelous epilogue 💓
************* Original Review
5 Stars
Marital Strife
Marriage of Convenience
Unrequited Love
What a gem! I read it in one sitting, staying up all night. That good! I found this book in several friends' shelves and because it's on KindleUnlimited, I figured why the heck not.
I enjoyed all the angsty drama--just my kind of read. I really felt for the heroine. Her emotions were incredibly palpable, I even got misty-eyed several times. This story reminds me very much of Just the Way You Are. But whereas in Freethy's book I didn't feel 100% content with the couple's HEA, in this one I certainly did. Phew!
The only thing that was missing was the steam. As a matter of fact, it had no sex scenes at all. I didn't even realize it until after I had finished the book. Did it matter? For me it should have because I NEVER gravitate to non-steamy romance books. Fade to black? Gtfo. So did the lack of sexy times bother me here? Nope, not one bit. That good!
I know I'm going to read this again in the very near future. I'm already looking forward to it.
I recommend 'Nikki ღ Navareus's review. Check it out!
This is how it's done. 🥰
Who knew this relatively obscure book with the unfortunate cover, would hold so much awesomeness inside it. It keeps bringing me back for more, and more, and more...
Side note: I forgot about the twins! Gosh, what a marvelous epilogue 💓
************* Original Review
5 Stars
Marital Strife
Marriage of Convenience
Unrequited Love
What a gem! I read it in one sitting, staying up all night. That good! I found this book in several friends' shelves and because it's on KindleUnlimited, I figured why the heck not.
I enjoyed all the angsty drama--just my kind of read. I really felt for the heroine. Her emotions were incredibly palpable, I even got misty-eyed several times. This story reminds me very much of Just the Way You Are. But whereas in Freethy's book I didn't feel 100% content with the couple's HEA, in this one I certainly did. Phew!
The only thing that was missing was the steam. As a matter of fact, it had no sex scenes at all. I didn't even realize it until after I had finished the book. Did it matter? For me it should have because I NEVER gravitate to non-steamy romance books. Fade to black? Gtfo. So did the lack of sexy times bother me here? Nope, not one bit. That good!
I know I'm going to read this again in the very near future. I'm already looking forward to it.
I recommend 'Nikki ღ Navareus's review. Check it out!
March 19, 2021
Don’t let the cheesy cover fool you. Lord Grenville’s Choice is a solid read with a decent amount of drama. IMO, reader expectation will probably determine whether you love this one or not. Simply put, if you’re looking for some unrequited love angst, but without a cheating H…this is for you. BUT, if you’re looking for heavy heartbreaking feels… you might be disappointed. (if your unemotional like me😁) For my current mood, it was just right. I’ve read several cheating/rejecting mate books in a row, so I was ok with some less complicated angst.
Alexander Lambeth, Fifth Earl of Grenville was desperately in love with Elizabeth. Unfortunately, they were both broke, so her father arranged a marriage with a rich dude. While Alex went on to an arranged marriage with Felicity where he was paid a ton of money. The couple have been married for five years, and Alex has slowly thawed to his new wife. I got the impression that they have a respectful relationship with an amazing sex life, and both are super dedicated to their son, but that they don’t spend much one-on-one time together. (unless in the bedroom) Alex spends much of his free time at the club with his friends, and Felicity spends most of her free time with her opera buddies.
The book opens with Felicity informing Alex that Elizabeth’s husband has died. Felicity has always been very insecure about her place in her husband’s affections, and is jealous of Elizabeth. (not that these are unwarranted)I don’t want to give spoilers so I will just say that this isn’t like The Velvet Promise, or The Rake's Rainbow where the H is fighting his desire or has OTT love for the OW. They’re all similar in that the H’s are blind to the OW’s true personalities. The difference is that Alex was a standup guy, and never made me nervous or uncomfortable. Also, the bitterness for losing his love part and being “bought” to marry all happens before the book starts. This is what affected the drama level for me because I never had that dropped stomach/heart palpitations feeling. Alex is definitely confused, but Felicity was more fixated on Elizabeth. IMO
Bottom Line- I liked it, and snarfed it down, but never felt nervous or teary. Felicity isn’t overly emotional, and Alex doesn’t really do anything bad, so it wasn’t a messy emotional drama-fest. Again, that worked for me because I needed a break from cheating husbands. 😊 I did like that the OW was the driving force for most of the trouble, and not the H behaving badly. Overall, it may not have the heavy angst generated from cheating books, but there’s still enough there to satisfy most readers. (unrequited love, meddling OW, nasty relatives) I liked it…it’s free on KU, so you’re out nothing to try.
Alexander Lambeth, Fifth Earl of Grenville was desperately in love with Elizabeth. Unfortunately, they were both broke, so her father arranged a marriage with a rich dude. While Alex went on to an arranged marriage with Felicity where he was paid a ton of money. The couple have been married for five years, and Alex has slowly thawed to his new wife. I got the impression that they have a respectful relationship with an amazing sex life, and both are super dedicated to their son, but that they don’t spend much one-on-one time together. (unless in the bedroom) Alex spends much of his free time at the club with his friends, and Felicity spends most of her free time with her opera buddies.
The book opens with Felicity informing Alex that Elizabeth’s husband has died. Felicity has always been very insecure about her place in her husband’s affections, and is jealous of Elizabeth. (not that these are unwarranted)I don’t want to give spoilers so I will just say that this isn’t like The Velvet Promise, or The Rake's Rainbow where the H is fighting his desire or has OTT love for the OW. They’re all similar in that the H’s are blind to the OW’s true personalities. The difference is that Alex was a standup guy, and never made me nervous or uncomfortable. Also, the bitterness for losing his love part and being “bought” to marry all happens before the book starts. This is what affected the drama level for me because I never had that dropped stomach/heart palpitations feeling. Alex is definitely confused, but Felicity was more fixated on Elizabeth. IMO
Bottom Line- I liked it, and snarfed it down, but never felt nervous or teary. Felicity isn’t overly emotional, and Alex doesn’t really do anything bad, so it wasn’t a messy emotional drama-fest. Again, that worked for me because I needed a break from cheating husbands. 😊 I did like that the OW was the driving force for most of the trouble, and not the H behaving badly. Overall, it may not have the heavy angst generated from cheating books, but there’s still enough there to satisfy most readers. (unrequited love, meddling OW, nasty relatives) I liked it…it’s free on KU, so you’re out nothing to try.
November 18, 2015
Lord Grenville is an idiot. However, he is not the one that needs to die. That fate should lie with another character that must lie in spoiler alert area.
An okay little story, with a G rating on sex/love scenes. Basically, Lord G has been ignoring his wife, Felicity, due to unrequited passion for Elizabeth.
E's husband dies, and she's back in the swim of theme. The story unfolds as Lord G, not the sharpest tool in the shed, waffles between what is infatuation and what is love.
Felicity has had it. There is one scene that had me laughing out loud as it was quite unexpected in a demure heroine.:
Trope alert: if only F had confronted a major character, but if she hadn't what would a romance be?
An okay little story, with a G rating on sex/love scenes. Basically, Lord G has been ignoring his wife, Felicity, due to unrequited passion for Elizabeth.
E's husband dies, and she's back in the swim of theme. The story unfolds as Lord G, not the sharpest tool in the shed, waffles between what is infatuation and what is love.
Felicity has had it. There is one scene that had me laughing out loud as it was quite unexpected in a demure heroine.:
Trope alert: if only F had confronted a major character, but if she hadn't what would a romance be?
August 24, 2017
I find I go back and re-read parts of this because it was such a good grovel with wonderful remorse. I still wish the epilogue had been more from Felicity's perspective, than all the people who had treated her ill. But definitely worth a 4th star. Would read more by this author.
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Felicity and Alex. A not so satisfying romance, but a good read none-the-less. Alex is one of those idiot Heroes who wasn't able to marry his first choice and forever holds it against the woman he does marry. Pretty hard to forgive!
Elizabeth marries another (for whatever reason... who cares) and he is required to marry Felicity who is, of course, awesome and gives him a son. Then the OW becomes a widow and the 'Elephant in the Room' takes on a whole new dimension. Eventually it is more than Felicity can take and she leaves. It didn't help that Alex's little sister is friends with Elizabeth and despises Felicity. All facts that Alex has willingly turned a blind eye to. Poor Felicity. Alex who has slowly come to realize that he has been a complete asshat is forced to acknowlege that he is out of time and maybe too late to save his marriage.... and it is all HIS FAULT (well Elisabeth helped some too). Honestly if the time period was less than YEARS, it would be easier to forgive. But to seek forgiveness he must first find out where she has gone.
The epilogue was good but after years of neglect, it needed more. I guess I am a gluten for grovelling. I would definitely read this author again though.
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Felicity and Alex. A not so satisfying romance, but a good read none-the-less. Alex is one of those idiot Heroes who wasn't able to marry his first choice and forever holds it against the woman he does marry. Pretty hard to forgive!
Elizabeth marries another (for whatever reason... who cares) and he is required to marry Felicity who is, of course, awesome and gives him a son. Then the OW becomes a widow and the 'Elephant in the Room' takes on a whole new dimension. Eventually it is more than Felicity can take and she leaves. It didn't help that Alex's little sister is friends with Elizabeth and despises Felicity. All facts that Alex has willingly turned a blind eye to. Poor Felicity. Alex who has slowly come to realize that he has been a complete asshat is forced to acknowlege that he is out of time and maybe too late to save his marriage.... and it is all HIS FAULT (well Elisabeth helped some too). Honestly if the time period was less than YEARS, it would be easier to forgive. But to seek forgiveness he must first find out where she has gone.
The epilogue was good but after years of neglect, it needed more. I guess I am a gluten for grovelling. I would definitely read this author again though.
June 3, 2020
I quickly downloaded this one when I saw the plot. I’ve read a lot of regencies and I don’t think I’ve come across one with this same plot before. Alex and Elizabeth were in love, but Elizabeth’s father was against the match and had her marry his friend instead. Alex is heartbroken and in desperation marries Felicity. Felicity had been in love with Alex since the moment she saw him across a crowded ballroom.
Five years and one son later their world is shaken when Elizabeth becomes a widow. Felicity believes now that Elizabeth is free her husband will waste no time in rekindling their relationship. In an attempt to guard her heart she pushes Alex away. For the first time in five years Alex really has to examine his feelings and decide who he loves and wants to spend his life with. I think Felicity has spent the past five years trying to win her husband over by being the perfect wife. I would have liked to see a little more fight in her, especially where his sister was concerned. That lady was just plain mean and Felicity just put up with it. I couldn't understand how Alex could allow her cruel treatment for so long. I get that most of it was probably behind his back, but he knew they didn't like each other and never once tried to find out why. I liked Felicity. I truly felt sorry for her and had no idea how she handled being married to someone who was clearly in love with someone else. I will give credit to Alex for being faithful (at least physically) to Felicity throughout their marriage and treating her well, for the most part. I liked that Felicity wasn’t just going to stand by and watch Alex get back together with his ex. I kind of thought she should have fought for him more, but at the same time realized why she would be so cautious and admit I probably would have done the same and would expect him to fight for their relationship.
Alex drove me nuts. It took him forever to figure things out and was continually thinking Felicity was a difficult wife, when really it was all his own doing. He makes some dumb mistakes and I wanted to shake him a few times, but he eventually redeems himself. I never really saw what he saw in Elizabeth, she had less page time than I was expecting.
Overall, I thought this was a fun regency. I liked that the plot was unique and thought the whole situation was handled well.
Content
Romance: Clean
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Five years and one son later their world is shaken when Elizabeth becomes a widow. Felicity believes now that Elizabeth is free her husband will waste no time in rekindling their relationship. In an attempt to guard her heart she pushes Alex away. For the first time in five years Alex really has to examine his feelings and decide who he loves and wants to spend his life with. I think Felicity has spent the past five years trying to win her husband over by being the perfect wife. I would have liked to see a little more fight in her, especially where his sister was concerned. That lady was just plain mean and Felicity just put up with it. I couldn't understand how Alex could allow her cruel treatment for so long. I get that most of it was probably behind his back, but he knew they didn't like each other and never once tried to find out why. I liked Felicity. I truly felt sorry for her and had no idea how she handled being married to someone who was clearly in love with someone else. I will give credit to Alex for being faithful (at least physically) to Felicity throughout their marriage and treating her well, for the most part. I liked that Felicity wasn’t just going to stand by and watch Alex get back together with his ex. I kind of thought she should have fought for him more, but at the same time realized why she would be so cautious and admit I probably would have done the same and would expect him to fight for their relationship.
Alex drove me nuts. It took him forever to figure things out and was continually thinking Felicity was a difficult wife, when really it was all his own doing. He makes some dumb mistakes and I wanted to shake him a few times, but he eventually redeems himself. I never really saw what he saw in Elizabeth, she had less page time than I was expecting.
Overall, I thought this was a fun regency. I liked that the plot was unique and thought the whole situation was handled well.
Content
Romance: Clean
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
February 28, 2024
4.2 stars
I don't know what is the matter with me but lately all my reading choices are turned towards Historical Romances. I started two CR books and just could not get into it. So once again, I am finding comfort in an HR. This particular one was a long time coming and has been sitting on my TBR for ages, and that despite me being a moth to flame for the He-loves-Another trope. It has been multiple times recommended and I remember starting it once but the H's behaviour rebutted me. I do love that trope but often times, the grovel is just so unsatisfactory - in a rage read way. Now, since I have valiantly faced Ravishing the Heiress, The Duke's Unwanted Wife: A Steamy Regency Romance and Just the Way You Are, all books with the same theme and the same rage-read issues, I thought it was indeed high time to complete my collection. So, after overcoming my pre-emptive angst trauma, I have to say that this book, in terms of plot and plot resolution, is the superior of all the other books I listed.
There were a lot of things unsaid and unseen, things that created the bitter gap between Felicity and Alex. But I could infer loads of these things. I was totally on Felicity's side, and understood why such a smart and sensible woman would nevertheless be made to doubt every action and word of her husband after 5 years of distant treatment. No, she was not 'difficult', she was molded into that role by the daftness and stubborness of her clueless and coward of her husband, as well as the insensitive barbs served by her sister-in-law. I empathised with her for every heartbreak and humiliation slung so callously her way. I applauded her dignity and every painful decision she took.
Alex. Alex. Men! Men! Reading his behaviour (and imagining 5 years' worth of that!) made me have serious doubts on the masculine gender representatives. Seriously, how can a man be that daft? Quasi gaslighting his wife with his weak rebukes when he is not running away. I wanted to bash his head each time he admitted to himself that he knew where he f*cked up but instead of reassuring his wife, he either made light of it, or deflected the issue, or simply ran away. I hated how at every incident that obviously hurt Felicity, while her heart was still disposed to give him some lee-way, he wasted the opportunity every single time to reassure her forcefully. I did wonder if he could be redeemed. But then, GGV found the words for it. I binged his pain and regrets when he realised that he probably lost Felicity. I think GGV wrote this part and the phrasing of where his sins lied masterfully.
I did like his grovel but I still felt it was not emotional and protracted enough. The right words were there, but the feelings were not that intense and it all wrapped too quickly. It was ofc better done that any of the books I mentioned earlier, but after 5 years of emotional misery, I do think that more and more grandiose should have been aimed for. At the same time, for the grovel to work best, the sins had to be grievously exposed as well. In that respect, this book would have reached the epic of angst if a few chapters had been used to recount in details the 5 years of their marriage, including the events around his delayed marriage consummation. That would have served the internal consistency of the book better, top up the drama, and explain how Elizabeth and Anabella's evil schemes were able to succeed so well.
I do have to thank the evil OW, Elizabeth, though for her gross behaviour. Had she not intervened, Felicity and Alex's marriage would have continued to evolve in that toxic mist of misunderstanding, bad blood and denial so that eventually an insurmountable gap would have been created between them. I only wish that she would have had her comeuppance at the end of the book, inc. via a thorough public humiliation (btw, I would have rejoiced if Alex had gone after that gossip rag that caused so much more heartbreak with its spying and lies).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2021
The premise alone made this book compelling, but the prose wasn't emotive enough to deeply engage my sympathies with Alex and Felicity's dilemma even though both were likable characters. Their adorable son Jack, though, stole the show! He was the glue that held them together, and I loved how tender and loving they were with him.
Falling apart is what Felicity tried her best not to do when confronted by the real possibility of losing Alex completely. But I felt Felicity gave up too easily by running away, figuratively and literally, on several occasions. On the one hand I understood her attempt to minimize her pain. On the other I felt she caused herself more pain by not holding her ground and fighting for Alex on the front lines, so to speak.
Shakespeare was wise indeed when he penned the phrase "To thine own self be true." Alex did the opposite and, in doing so, jeopardized his marriage. The plot device that forced Alex to finally admit his true feelings for Felicity was a bit trite. But because Alex was so out of touch with his feelings it seems that outside forces were needed to knock some sense into him. Alex never meant to hurt Felicity. He'd waffled on his true feelings for Felicity due to emotional immaturity. This character flaw also prevented him from protecting Felicity from the viperous treatment she received from other people. I didn't care for how long it took for him to wake up to either fact, but at least he did eventually.
Alex's inaction deserved a good grovel which, when it came, was heartfelt and sincere. The ending seemed abrupt but the sweet epilogue lessened its sting.
Falling apart is what Felicity tried her best not to do when confronted by the real possibility of losing Alex completely. But I felt Felicity gave up too easily by running away, figuratively and literally, on several occasions. On the one hand I understood her attempt to minimize her pain. On the other I felt she caused herself more pain by not holding her ground and fighting for Alex on the front lines, so to speak.
Shakespeare was wise indeed when he penned the phrase "To thine own self be true." Alex did the opposite and, in doing so, jeopardized his marriage. The plot device that forced Alex to finally admit his true feelings for Felicity was a bit trite. But because Alex was so out of touch with his feelings it seems that outside forces were needed to knock some sense into him. Alex never meant to hurt Felicity. He'd waffled on his true feelings for Felicity due to emotional immaturity. This character flaw also prevented him from protecting Felicity from the viperous treatment she received from other people. I didn't care for how long it took for him to wake up to either fact, but at least he did eventually.
Alex's inaction deserved a good grovel which, when it came, was heartfelt and sincere. The ending seemed abrupt but the sweet epilogue lessened its sting.
July 8, 2016
Arranged marriage is one of my favorite plots. Alex have to marry a woman with money because his lovely one married another and Alex was a poor Lord. Its his duty and different from almost every novel that I read that the couple barely speak or have any real affection. Here Alex and Felicity have a good marriage yet fraternal.
There is no cheating actually the H was with his former lover just he refuse to acknownledge that he has a good woman. It was juvenile love. Elizabeth make no impact after she become a widow.
I like Felicity yet she should be more fierce. At least her husband have some respect towards even with would have a mistress. They did not talk deep feelings she knew why he married her and yet she become very indecise to me. And another twist-that I thought was just to add information.
What botter me was how his sister treat his wife and I am saying about years and he not once call ou his sister. I despise her. And him. And Felicity to accept that easily. I do not belive that his sister was sorry. She did not even ask apology from he sister-n-law. And she gains a husband after that.
There is no cheating actually the H was with his former lover just he refuse to acknownledge that he has a good woman. It was juvenile love. Elizabeth make no impact after she become a widow.
I like Felicity yet she should be more fierce. At least her husband have some respect towards even with would have a mistress. They did not talk deep feelings she knew why he married her and yet she become very indecise to me. And another twist-that I thought was just to add information.
What botter me was how his sister treat his wife and I am saying about years and he not once call ou his sister. I despise her. And him. And Felicity to accept that easily. I do not belive that his sister was sorry. She did not even ask apology from he sister-n-law. And she gains a husband after that.
June 27, 2021
I wasn’t involved. The hero was in love with a woman but she was forced to marry another man and he married another woman for her dowry. His wife is in love with him and marries him knowing he was in love with another woman. Their marriage was quiet. They have a wonderful son, they have great sex, they have a peaceful relationship but he refuses to spend much time with her and to share more that it’s strictly necessary. Years later ow is a widow and heroine thinks he wants to be with her, so she tells him that if he wants to go and live with her he can go. He’s confused. He understands too late that is the heroine he wants, not the ow.
I’ve read reviews of my friends and I can’t say I wasn’t advised.
I decided to read it anyway because the plot should be interesting and the book should be angsty.
I found it annoying instead.
It lacks two very important factors:
- an interesting hero. This is a spoiled immature and insecure crybaby with no backbone who after seven years is still pining for a woman who is obviously a b***c. He had a wonderful wife but still he can’t give her his loyalty and respect. He treats her without respect in front of their peer. He understands he loves her when she almost dies. Is it enough? I prefer a cruel hero but with a backbone not this juvenile selfish a**.
- sexual tension. And I’m not saying sex scenes because to have sexual tension it’s not necessary to have explicit sex scenes. But here there no desire nor passion
- consistency. The heroine was good until she decided to be a whiny child and to leave her husband with a woman who is obviously a b***h. She was perfect until that moment.
So, even if the writing and the style are good, I didn’t enjoy this one.
I’ve read reviews of my friends and I can’t say I wasn’t advised.
I decided to read it anyway because the plot should be interesting and the book should be angsty.
I found it annoying instead.
It lacks two very important factors:
- an interesting hero. This is a spoiled immature and insecure crybaby with no backbone who after seven years is still pining for a woman who is obviously a b***c. He had a wonderful wife but still he can’t give her his loyalty and respect. He treats her without respect in front of their peer. He understands he loves her when she almost dies. Is it enough? I prefer a cruel hero but with a backbone not this juvenile selfish a**.
- sexual tension. And I’m not saying sex scenes because to have sexual tension it’s not necessary to have explicit sex scenes. But here there no desire nor passion
- consistency. The heroine was good until she decided to be a whiny child and to leave her husband with a woman who is obviously a b***h. She was perfect until that moment.
So, even if the writing and the style are good, I didn’t enjoy this one.
April 16, 2025
Great Romance!
This was a fast paced historical romance, light on historical elements, but a romance through and through.
The characters were all very likeable (except the protagonist of course)
In a way a second chance romance that starts as an arrangement with unrequited love but after many trials and tribulations the couple reaches their HEA!
This was a fast paced historical romance, light on historical elements, but a romance through and through.
The characters were all very likeable (except the protagonist of course)
In a way a second chance romance that starts as an arrangement with unrequited love but after many trials and tribulations the couple reaches their HEA!
June 30, 2016
I enjoyed this one because I'm a glutton for pining (esp when it's unrequited, or seemingly so at least), but Alex made me so angry throughout the book. I wish he had groveled more, because he made his awesome, loyal wife look like a fool so many times.
November 16, 2024
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise and their son was too cute!
The Not-So-Good: I would've liked more depth into the characters and their connection to each other. I think this could've contributed to the angsty feelings that I felt it was lacking.
The Bad: My biggest complaint, and not that I'd consider it "bad", was the miscommunication between them -- they just needed to talk!
Overall: This wasn't the angst-fest I was hoping for. I enjoyed it, but I went in expecting more and was disappointed when I didn't get it. Probably my own fault! I also didn't realize this was a "clean" romance until after I was done, so there is that too -- since I normally don't read those. It wasn't bad or anything, but I think I had my expectations set a little too high.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Felicity and Alex's story. They have been married for 5 years when Alex's first love becomes a widow. Felicity decides to remove herself from the situation because she knows that he has only loved this other woman and was forced into their marriage, and caring for her sick father is the perfect excuse. Only they have a son that is both of their whole worlds and she doesn't know how to separate them. There is some OW and family drama, some truths revealed, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Felicity and Alex in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they've been married for 5 years when this begins and feelings are already developed.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Alex. He was a mess in not realizing his feelings enough that I definitely wanted to shake him several times.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Felicity. I appreciated how she didn't tolerate him loving someone else, but I did want her to communicate better.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed. Sadly, this didn't give me the angst I was hoping for.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: N/a. I didn't realize this was a clean romance until I finished.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends in a good place with a HEA
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise and their son was too cute!
The Not-So-Good: I would've liked more depth into the characters and their connection to each other. I think this could've contributed to the angsty feelings that I felt it was lacking.
The Bad: My biggest complaint, and not that I'd consider it "bad", was the miscommunication between them -- they just needed to talk!
Overall: This wasn't the angst-fest I was hoping for. I enjoyed it, but I went in expecting more and was disappointed when I didn't get it. Probably my own fault! I also didn't realize this was a "clean" romance until after I was done, so there is that too -- since I normally don't read those. It wasn't bad or anything, but I think I had my expectations set a little too high.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Felicity and Alex's story. They have been married for 5 years when Alex's first love becomes a widow. Felicity decides to remove herself from the situation because she knows that he has only loved this other woman and was forced into their marriage, and caring for her sick father is the perfect excuse. Only they have a son that is both of their whole worlds and she doesn't know how to separate them. There is some OW and family drama, some truths revealed, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Felicity and Alex in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they've been married for 5 years when this begins and feelings are already developed.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Alex. He was a mess in not realizing his feelings enough that I definitely wanted to shake him several times.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Felicity. I appreciated how she didn't tolerate him loving someone else, but I did want her to communicate better.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed. Sadly, this didn't give me the angst I was hoping for.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: N/a. I didn't realize this was a clean romance until I finished.
Descriptive sex: No
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends in a good place with a HEA
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
April 2, 2025
So we spent 80% of the book having Alex compare his wife to elizabeth and make her feel bad by giving her no reassurance whatsoever. Then we get to the supposed grovel where he doesn't give her the space she asked for and suddenly all is forgiven. Not to mention we then skip to the epilogue with no mention as to how he made it up to felicity?!? We could've at least had a scene where they called out elizabeth for being a lying witch in front of society. Sigh...
May 26, 2016
Enjoyable conflict filled romance
Felicity and Alex have been married for five years when his first love becomes widowed. Felicity has always known that she was not Alex's first choice. Between gossip and unhelpful family members felicity worries that he will choose to go back with his first love Elizabeth. He was certainly tempted when he heard the news. Felicity I thought gave up too early. She was in love with him and she should have wanted to fight for him more.
There are many events that occur to cause a division which Alex faces that means he has as big decision to make. Stay with his wife of five years or pick up with Elizabeth.
It kept me interested and I liked Alex as a father. Felicity was a wonderful mother and so their son jack was a very loved happy child. I wanted the family to be happy and stay together.
I sure rooted for Felicity and Alex to work through their problems and survive all the intrusions in their lives. I liked the book a lot. It had warm feelings all through it. Sure it was a little aggravating, but that kept it from being boring.
I would really like to read the rest of the Grenville Chronicles by G. G. Vandagriff.
Felicity and Alex have been married for five years when his first love becomes widowed. Felicity has always known that she was not Alex's first choice. Between gossip and unhelpful family members felicity worries that he will choose to go back with his first love Elizabeth. He was certainly tempted when he heard the news. Felicity I thought gave up too early. She was in love with him and she should have wanted to fight for him more.
There are many events that occur to cause a division which Alex faces that means he has as big decision to make. Stay with his wife of five years or pick up with Elizabeth.
It kept me interested and I liked Alex as a father. Felicity was a wonderful mother and so their son jack was a very loved happy child. I wanted the family to be happy and stay together.
I sure rooted for Felicity and Alex to work through their problems and survive all the intrusions in their lives. I liked the book a lot. It had warm feelings all through it. Sure it was a little aggravating, but that kept it from being boring.
I would really like to read the rest of the Grenville Chronicles by G. G. Vandagriff.
January 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Felicity and Alexander. This story starts five years into their marriage. They have a son name Jack who is 4 years old. The angst of the story is that Alexander is in love still with his dream lady.....Elizabeth who married another so Alexander decided to go ahead and marry Felicity. His has emotionally cheated for five years now. He keeps himself emotionally distant from Felicity especially during the day because he is in love Elizabeth and is being true to Elizabeth in that way. However, he and Felicity work well in the bedroom so he does not deny himself that aspect. Felicity is sweet and my desire for her to make Alexander grovel once he finally decided he was in love with her was not met. I needed more groveling, more proof- after him being a jerk for over 5 years -that he knows for sure what love is and is in it. If the author had made Alexander grovel/prove his love then I would have rated this story higher.
The epilogue is awesome. It ties up a lot of lose threads. Alexander's sister is now married to the the doctor she had a crush on. His brother who had been serving at war comes back home. We get to see a very small slice of their happiness and family growing. Very nice touch.
The epilogue is awesome. It ties up a lot of lose threads. Alexander's sister is now married to the the doctor she had a crush on. His brother who had been serving at war comes back home. We get to see a very small slice of their happiness and family growing. Very nice touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2016
This was an angsty romantic book. Alex married Felicity in a marriage of convenience. But his heart truly belonged to Elizabeth who married another man. When Elizabeth's husband dies everyone assumes he will pursue his one true love Elizabeth. But Alex is confused.
The premise for this book was interesting and heartbreaking. Alex was kinda immature, spoiled and weak. He had no idea of the woman he married and how amazing she was. Because that is how he chose to live for 5 long years. He treated his wife as second best and took her for granted. When he finally comes to his senses, it's like he still doesn't really get it. This book had great groveling and Alex finally does have the epiphany that he needs to realise who he really loves. But somehow it all felt a little cold and unsatisfying to me. Almost like too little too late. Good thing I'm not a woman in Regency England. I'd never tolerate that crap.
This was a clean read.
The premise for this book was interesting and heartbreaking. Alex was kinda immature, spoiled and weak. He had no idea of the woman he married and how amazing she was. Because that is how he chose to live for 5 long years. He treated his wife as second best and took her for granted. When he finally comes to his senses, it's like he still doesn't really get it. This book had great groveling and Alex finally does have the epiphany that he needs to realise who he really loves. But somehow it all felt a little cold and unsatisfying to me. Almost like too little too late. Good thing I'm not a woman in Regency England. I'd never tolerate that crap.
This was a clean read.
January 13, 2021
Great plot, but I didn't really like the H or h. His first love married another, so he married h for her money, didn't care about her. She loved him and when she heard him speak poorly about her, she knew he didn't even like her. Then his ex is widowed. The H was not likable, nor very smart. The h was difficult but she was at least understandable. I did enjoy this squeaky clean book, sadly little romance.
May 12, 2024
This was a nice break from the stuff I usually read. Though it was angsty, it wasn't over the top. Historical romances are always fun to read
March 17, 2022
3.5 Probably biased because I just binged Poldark and wanted to read a love triangle story with actual groveling forgiveness and this delivered. Super easy and quick read. *no cheating!*
Story: straightforward, h 'bought' H with her dowry, H was in love with OW. He keeps distance from his marriage and when his 'love' is widowed she forced him to choose.
Heroine: I wish we had flashbacks to how he treated her in the past, because H being sweet and solicitous while she is snappy back... 🤷🏾♀️
I did love how straightforward she was. 'you've hurt me' 'you're not forgiven' 'I'm leaving you' very blunt and honest with her delivery but not her emotions. I disliked how she never asked H questions, didn't double check anything with him and believed others. Again, wish we had more evidence of why she had so little faith in him-she never shared that she miscarried before. That's huge.
Hero: was a fool I loved. His irritable and annoyed in the beginning, then baffled and finally Sweet SWEET groveling. Lovely groveling.
I liked how quickly he realized his errors. I didn't blame him for how he was when he started his marriage, but I did for continuing to allow his sister and friends to think less of her. Wish he'd publicly denounced OW.
You love to hate the sister, a sign of good 3d writing.
Special mention for heriones father who was just great, confident to defender, loved their relationship.
Overall, I'm still reeling from Poldark S2 and needed a pick me up. This delivered.
Story: straightforward, h 'bought' H with her dowry, H was in love with OW. He keeps distance from his marriage and when his 'love' is widowed she forced him to choose.
Heroine: I wish we had flashbacks to how he treated her in the past, because H being sweet and solicitous while she is snappy back... 🤷🏾♀️
I did love how straightforward she was. 'you've hurt me' 'you're not forgiven' 'I'm leaving you' very blunt and honest with her delivery but not her emotions. I disliked how she never asked H questions, didn't double check anything with him and believed others. Again, wish we had more evidence of why she had so little faith in him-she never shared that she miscarried before. That's huge.
Hero: was a fool I loved. His irritable and annoyed in the beginning, then baffled and finally Sweet SWEET groveling. Lovely groveling.
I liked how quickly he realized his errors. I didn't blame him for how he was when he started his marriage, but I did for continuing to allow his sister and friends to think less of her. Wish he'd publicly denounced OW.
You love to hate the sister, a sign of good 3d writing.
Special mention for heriones father who was just great, confident to defender, loved their relationship.
Overall, I'm still reeling from Poldark S2 and needed a pick me up. This delivered.
April 4, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I devoured this angsty book and was left wanting more.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The book begins when the h informs the H that his paragon lost love is now widowed because she expects him to leave her for the widow. What ensues is an angst fest of will-he or won’t-he as he chooses between the mother of his children and his lost love.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the pragmatism and dignity of the h. She was a very strong character. The H was a blind, self absorbed ass for most of the book who didn’t realize what he had until people pointed it out to him. When he realized the error of his ways, his character underwent a lot of growth, which I appreciated. There is groveling.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: When the H finally sees how much he cares for the h and that the OW is a conniving you-know-what—he fights for the h.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Arranged marriage, H is in love with OW
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved it, but would’ve loved at least one steamy reconciliation scene.
* What is your impression of the author?: I am new to this author, but I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-written.
* How did the book make you feel?: I devoured this angsty book and was left wanting more.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The book begins when the h informs the H that his paragon lost love is now widowed because she expects him to leave her for the widow. What ensues is an angst fest of will-he or won’t-he as he chooses between the mother of his children and his lost love.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the pragmatism and dignity of the h. She was a very strong character. The H was a blind, self absorbed ass for most of the book who didn’t realize what he had until people pointed it out to him. When he realized the error of his ways, his character underwent a lot of growth, which I appreciated. There is groveling.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: When the H finally sees how much he cares for the h and that the OW is a conniving you-know-what—he fights for the h.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Arranged marriage, H is in love with OW
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved it, but would’ve loved at least one steamy reconciliation scene.
* What is your impression of the author?: I am new to this author, but I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2017
the hero and heroine have been married for 5 years and have a son together. the heroine wanted the arranged marriage with him and he at that point didn't care because the love of his life married someone else. the story starts after all this happened and the ow husband just passec away. the heroine takes preemptive measures and confronts the hero about whether or not hes going back to the other woman because if thats the case she will not be staying. thr hero is confused about why she would think this, honestly me too. but then bit by bit the author tells you how unsatisfactory the marriage was. the hero was there in body but was not emotionally invested in the heroine. he showed no interest beyond sex, so she always felt like second best.
I loved her, she loved him, but she loved herself as well. she was not willing to take everything he dished out. it was very interesting and different.
I loved her, she loved him, but she loved herself as well. she was not willing to take everything he dished out. it was very interesting and different.
April 6, 2021
Loved it. This short audiobook was just the palate cleanser I needed. Yes, there is angst, an evil OW, an arranged marriage, a pregnancy, the spectre of a scorned wife, and a couple of acquired head injuries. In this story, I also found lovely and, in my opinion, quite adequate groveling, an h with a backbone (BRAVO!!), and some just desserts for those that sorely deserve them. Just a delightful few hours filled with a pleasant story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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