A Marriage of His Mercy

by Taylor K. Scott

A marriage of mercy, of friendship, of mutual benefit, but never one of love…

Viola Fox
Marriage is a given for ladies in my position.
We are trained to become wives and mothers, to be a vital cog in a gentleman’s need to produce an heir.
But what if there are no suitors? What if every time a gentleman shows any sort of interest, someone is there to stop them?
Time has passed and I am still unmarried, still unable to inherit my father’s estate, unless…
Unless I wed a monster who has haunted me since childhood. If I am forced into such a union, I know what I must do, know what I would rather do.
No one can save me from that fate now…can they?

Frederick Brown

Look at him, Victoria, look at how wonderful our son is!

Ah, yes, years of conversing with my late wife whom I lost only after eighteen months of marriage. I suppose heartbreak does that to a man. As does taking a vow to never lie with another woman again. Tending to our son whilst having these mental conversations with her is enough…isn’t it?

It was enough. But then I ran into an acquaintance from my past, a meddlesome friend who is intent on saving a beautiful young lady from a terrible fate, but only with my help.

Mercy, she calls it; scheming would be more apt.

But mercy I can offer; mercy I can live with. What I cannot allow is for either one of us to fall in love.

A simple feat, no?

Genres: Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

You'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.

Reviews

[Julia Wolson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, not historical, character name changed from previous book

I was bothered by the fact that the son's name was changed to Henry in this book. He was mentioned as Thomas in the previous book, having been named after his uncle, and I thought of Frederick and Thomas, and when I start reading this book, it's suddenly Henry. Sorry, but it took a while to not change his name back to the original through the first few chapters. I didn't like the lack of consistency in this instance. And I wouldn't call this a historical romance. There are no historical references at all. Or in the previous books, either, for that matter. But they were good stories and great characters. Sadly, Elsie and Edmund were absent in this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a story that pulls at the heart strings. Our main couple might have had a mutual attraction but intento and external forces influence their narrative. We see though that there is a connection that grows day by day and they are a couple that you cheer for!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marriage of Convenience ? . . .

After losing his wife within 18 months of marriage, Lord Frederick Brown has vowed to never take another woman again, and raises his son Henry by himself. But a situation arises where he can do something to help a young lady facing a dreadful fate. He is willing to be her friend and provide his help to keep her safe, but he is adamant that neither of them must fall in love. Viola Fox is aware that marriage and providing an heir is expected of women at her level in society. But she oddly does not appear to be attracting suitors. When her father had remarried, his new wife had brought her brother along to live with them. It doesn’t take long to realize this lecherous Uncle is not to be trusted. From the time she was 12, her Uncle Percival, already decades older than she was, had plans for her to provide children for him!! His sister has been persuading Viola’s father to give her to Percival as he has wanted her for many years now. Fortunately, when Viola and Frederick meet at a party, he helps her to avoid her Uncle, as Lady Winton has told him the situation Viola is in. Eventually, in order to save her from the repulsive fate she definitely does not want, Frederick offers a marriage of mercy to save her. That means that although there can be no love between them, he will make sure her Uncle does not have access to her. Will he insist on keeping to this outrageous rule of remaining faithful to his dead wife? Or will they find a way to make their marriage a true one and claim their HEA as a real family?

[Lenna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved most of it, the hardest part was about the first wife of Frederick and how he was especially living to raise his son and be in love with his dead wife even after a decade and never once thought about opening his heart for another, even after marriage to Viola he couldn’t ever see himself as a real husband to her, even knowing his 1st wife’s dying wish was for him to open his heart and love again. Until he started to throw out mixed signals. Viola was competing with a ghost and felt hurt more each day that Fred wanted be closer but not closer to Viola, he wanted the sense of a living body next to him but he longed for his dead wife. I could go on and on but I’ll stop myself here, well I written a trigger warning incase no one read the preview.

Trigger warning for intended readers.
Cupcake (Viola- 12 years old), predator (46), Viola’s first bleed when his obsession taken new bounds and said to her, my little Viola, you are a women now ready for marriage, a man and children…. He would even say at a latter time that he wants her to give him daughters of their own… From 13 on Viola will be harassed and tormented and prey upon by this man for a decade.
Her father was in the dark, her new stepmother is the sister of her tormentor whom manipulates and say unthruth things to Viola’s father to where he believes them. She’s afraid her evil stepmother would have her father turned away from her since the SM threaten her at an young age.

[Chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWs: SA, child abuse, child SA, mothers death

This book is hard. The heavy subjects tackled, and the healing from it all. I adore Viola! She's so strong. She suffered so much at the hands of her stepmother and her brother. Then also Fredrick. He was too in love with his dead wife to see the damage he was doing to his living wife who adored him and Henry. It was a hard read, but it ended so sweetly. I'm so proud of her father for finally defending her and actually being a father. Fredrick healed and let go of his past and embraced his future. I adore little Henry. He is so wise for a child so young.

[Twila Leininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This romance novel was so good. Full of family drama and angst. Never a dull moment and what the…. I even cried. I saw some of it coming but enough there to be surprised. Izzy was something fierce and Theo’s persistence was admirable. I only wish Theo wouldn’t have waited 12 years to begin his rekindle pursuit. Izzy and Theo had a connection I felt and steam was light but romantic.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve no idea where to start with this book it broke me I actually had tears, the heartache that Izzy goes through is wow I really cannot say more as I don’t want to give anything away but EVERYONE let her down what a fighter she is. Nonna I love you and Theo you’re a fighter too. Thank you for letting me read for you x

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional rollercoaster of a read which will tug at your heartstrings. Izzy and Theo's story is a page turner which will draw you in. Expect some twists and turns, drama and some funny moments.
Great storytelling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and intense love story. Make sure you can handle reading about SA against a minor. Even though it's only suggestive and not detailed, it can be triggering. The story is very emotional and full of hardships, loss, and other issues. I was happy with the delightful and wonderful life at the end.

[AprilGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

I enjoyed reading this novel, it is well written and has an interesting storyline.
A bit angst inducing in parts as per the trigger warning in the synopsis.
The only thing I was not happy with was that Frederick’s connection to the aristocracy was never explained during my reading of the series (I have read the first three books so far) he was called a Lord but it was not explained why he was a lord.
Still a very good read nevertheless.

[Joyce West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have the hankies ready

I very much enjoyed the story of two people, broken for very different reasons, coming together. Each telling their own story in the first person added to an understanding of their individual angst. I've always been ambivalent about fiction in the first person, but having read all three books in the series, I'm a convert!

[Mrs Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story

I really enjoyed this as Frederick was so prominent in the first book. Think book one and three of this series were really good and it was lovely to have the Duke and Emily featured a lot. I found the second book dull.

[Suzanne L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and Very Emotive

Loved this book and probably the author’s best work. The 5 stars are well earned and I definitely recommend this book!

[Claire Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredible read

I absolutely adored this book , the twists and turns were incredible and I loved every single page ❤️ .If you love spicy historical romance this is a must read

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a historical romance that is loosely connected to the other two Marriage historical romances. There are loose references to relationships and events from the other two books, and Emily and Tobias, from book 1, appear in this story, and the MMC, Frederick Brown, is the best friend of Tobias from book 1. Fair warning, there is a child-predator and stalking story involving the FMC in this story that may be disturbing for some.

Lord Frederick Brown is a widowed single father to a sweet, precocious young man. He lost the love of his life, his wife, many years earlier, and despite promising her that he would live and seek happiness after her death, Frederick is stuck in the past. Contrary to his promise, he has made a vow to never marry and love again.

Viola Fox lost her mother as a young child, and her father, after a period of mourning, wed another woman. But instead of gaining a mother figure, Viola lost her sense of home and safety, because her stepmother brought her brother to live in her new home. Her new uncle showed a lascivious interest in Viola from the time she was a child, and his sister, aware of his disgusting desires, worked to protect her brother and trap Viola in that undesirable situation, removing her only protection, and keeping Viola's incredibly naive father blind to what was happening in his own home, to his only child.

Viola grew up in fear, and isolated, and did not even have the hope of marriage to escape her situation, as her step mother and her stalker worked to keep suitors away from Viola, and stacking the odds in his favor that Viola would become his bride.

With the interventions of some well meaning schemers, Viola and Frederick are introduced to each other. Viola intrigues him with her charm and beauty, and her rapport with his son, and Frederick is made aware of the untenable situation she is in. He is aware that he could help her by offering for her, but is terribly conflicted because he is unwilling to turn away from his avowed faithfulness to his dead wife, and open his heart to another woman. But when faced with Viola's desperation to escape the plans of her stepmother and step uncle, Frederick offers a marriage of mercy, making Viola aware that he is not willing to give her more than a marriage in name only, to protect her from the mechanisms of her family.

But despite Frederick's tenacious desire to keep his vows to his dead first wife, he cannot help but develop feelings and attraction for the charming, beautiful, and vulnerable Viola, and she likewise cannot help but love the man who saved her. Despite their marriage removing Viola from the threat in her home, Frederick still carries outrage and anger that Viola was so maltreated, and neglected by her obtuse father and her maleficent step family. But the threat is also not completely eradicated.

In this story, Tobias, his best friend becomes the voice of reason, taking the role that Frederick played in book 1, tempered with sarcasm and friendly mockery. After being forced to be isolated for so long, Viola finds a friend in Tobias' wife, Emily.

I generally enjoyed the story and the development of the growing feelings between sweet Viola and Frederick, in contrast to the family drama and threat. But I found myself quite frustrated by the men in the story - not just the gross, stalker pedo-groomer uncle. Viola's father was so incredibly naive, and obtuse, totally manipulated by his wife, and ignorant of what is happening to his only child for far far too long. Frederick was completely willing to die on the figurative pyre of his wife's death, and fought hard against all reason to open his heart to a new love, to the point of near ridiculousness, pointed out with glee frequently by his friend Tobias. Much as I disliked Tobias in book 1, he redeems himself here.

Generally a good balance of romance, drama, and trauma, and there is some redemption and justice as well as an HEA. There was quite a bit of forbidding darkness that overlays the story because of the threat of abuse by the step-uncle, from the early beginning of the story that taints everything also. Some things that annoyed me at times were language and prose that were not appropriate to the time period, and appeared more modern North American, rather than Regency British. Enough that it was distracting/annoying at times.

3.5 stars out of 5

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Marriage of His Mercy is the third book of The Marriage Series by Taylor K Scott. It is a historical romance, set in Regency Era London.

This is a story about grief, healing, childhood trauma (and abuse/grooming), and, most importantly, friendship. It's a wonderfully complex story with equally wonderful characters, in particular the two main characters, Viola and Frederick, as well as Fredericks totally charming ten year old son, Henry.

Frederick lost his wife nearly a decade earlier, but he still holds her close, speaking to her in his mind, after devoting almost all his time to his beloved son, Henry. When he decides to go back into Society after so long, he meets Viola Fox, a woman who needs a help according to one of Frederick's friends. And somehow, that is how Frederick and Viola end up together and consider a marriage of convenience. However, Frederick hasn't finished his grief journey and he has to learn that it is OK to move on.

Growing up as the daughter of an earl, Viola had little to no contact with her parents, except for the third Sunday of every month. Her mother died when she was still a child, but Viola still suffers from the memory of her mother's neglect and harsh words. She later began to know her father, but she when her father remarried, Viola got the very definition of a wicked stepmother and an uncle who was prepared to groom her.

This is a highly emotional book, the characters have so much depth and undergo so much development through the course of the book that I ugly cried through much of the story. I absolutely fell in love with both Frederick and Viola - there is so much hurt, but there is also a lot of comfort, leading to friendship and a gentle love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional

The well written marriage of convenience and second chance at love plot is engaging, weaving together romance, drama, angst, suspense, danger and some steam, and using present tense and dual FOV.
Both protagonists and many of the secondary characters are very likable, I especially adored Frederick‘s son. Viola and Frederick have suffered a great deal in their past and it was heartwarming to see their relationship turn into friendship and love over the course of the story.
The book can be read as standalone but is related to the first part of the series, therefore I recommend to begin from the start.

Ever since her father remarried when she was a child, Viola Fox has been harassed by her step-uncle and threatened by her stepmother. For a long time she managed to keep them both at a distance, but when her father suddenly demands that she marry her hated uncle in order to keep the family estate, Viola is devastated.
Lord Frederick Brown is a widower and single father who, almost a decade later, is still mourning the death of his beloved wife. He swore at the time that he would never fall in love again, because it would be a betrayal of his wife. But when he learns of Viola's fate, he can't help but offer her a marriage based on mercy and friendship. Viola is grateful and accepts. As their relationship grows closer, Viola finds it increasingly difficult to suppress her budding feelings and Frederick cannot yet let go of his lost love...

If you like heartfelt love stories with two anguished protagonists who deserve a chance at happiness, you will enjoy this book. However, if you are disturbed by assault, harassment and implied attempted child abuse, it may not be the right book for you.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, intrigue, family, society, abuse, suspense, triggers, emotions, twists and turns. May have some triggers so please read authors warnings. Frederick is a Lord who is raising his son, Henry, after his wife's death. He makes her a promise that he can not keep , so he will not betray his love for her. Viola is the daughter of a Lord who has lost her mother when she was very young. She and her father have some good years together before he remarries. She brings with her her brother to live with them. Viola and her nanny both realize that the Uncle is not to be trusted and start to protect her. Viola and Frederick meet up at a party where he helps her hide from the Uncle. Henry and Viola become fast friends. Once again Frederick is put into a situation that he needs to help her with and offers her a marriage of mercy. Viola is so grateful for this chance to get away from the Uncle. Together they need to learn how to love and find their happiness, making a true family with Henry. They get their happily ever after. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilibet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Marriage of His Mercy

I don't often read historical romance.  However, I've read a couple by this author and I'm never disappointed.   Taylor K Scott writes really heartfelt romance no matter the time period.

I find it a refreshing change to read stories, where people lived without modern gadgets,  but had to marry and live within their station / level within society.  

This story is romantic as well  heartbreakingly sad.  Once I started reading and got into the style of writing, I honestly couldn't put it down.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story it truly had me gripped with heart in mouth anticipation of where the story would go next.  I highly recommend you give these books a read,  I honestly believe you won't be disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a touching historical romance full of emotion. It has some heartwarming bits as well as some tragic ones. I was completely hooked in the story of Viola and Frederick. She is stuck in a family situation where a maleficent step family tries to keep her in a horrible and undesirable situation. With no prospects of escape she lives in fear. Frederick, lost his wife and love of his life, now he cares for his son and vows never to marry or love again. Frederick is intrigued by Viola when they first meet. When he learns of her situation he offers her a way to escape with a marriage of convenience, or mercy. I could not put this story down until the very end. I love the suspense, mystery, humor, passion and incredible twists I did not see coming.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third story in the Marriage Series, another engaging well written story that held my interest. Viola Fox and widower Frederick Brown and his son Henry's story has a very good storyline and I found it to be well worth reading. Both of them have things to overcome if they are to get a happy ending.I would like to read this book again. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like this series, every book is standalone and every book will have your emotions and heart broken before everything falls under this sweet romance and happiness.
She has to marry to receive his father’s fortune and he can’t break the promise to his wife on death bed.
How this story unfolds you need to read,keep your tissues handy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as a third book in the Marriage series, it had that historical romance element that I was looking for. The plot had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the characters going through this. Taylor K. Scott has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book added to the series, viola needs to get away from her dark twisted family member and Fredrick is the one. This book has some dark moments in it but it’s been written beautifully.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 3 out of 5]

A marriage of convenience. Viola must wed to avoid her uncle. Frederick has been widowed for a decade. He still talks to his deceased wife and has made her a promise that he isn’t going to be able to keep. The writing style was unusual.