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Widows of West End #3
Resisting the Forbidden Widow
A spicy forbidden workplace romance set in the Victorian era
He has a list of eligible brides
But his assistant isn’t on it…
After losing her husband so young, Mary vowed to never love again. Her new position as Cameron Sykes’s assistant is the perfect guarantee of independence. Until Cameron tasks her with helping him find a titled wife!
As they try to find his perfect bride, it’s only Mary that Cameron can imagine at the altar…and in the marriage bed! Yet she can’t give him the Society approval that his hardworking parents desperately craved. But can he resist the all-consuming lust that’s threatening to derail his plans?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Widows of West End
Book 1: One Night with the Duchess
Book 2: Romancing His Convenient Viscountess
Book 3: Resisting the Forbidden Widow
He has a list of eligible brides
But his assistant isn’t on it…
After losing her husband so young, Mary vowed to never love again. Her new position as Cameron Sykes’s assistant is the perfect guarantee of independence. Until Cameron tasks her with helping him find a titled wife!
As they try to find his perfect bride, it’s only Mary that Cameron can imagine at the altar…and in the marriage bed! Yet she can’t give him the Society approval that his hardworking parents desperately craved. But can he resist the all-consuming lust that’s threatening to derail his plans?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Widows of West End
Book 1: One Night with the Duchess
Book 2: Romancing His Convenient Viscountess
Book 3: Resisting the Forbidden Widow
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 12, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes 2 years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I have been curious about more harlequin titles and have heard good things about this book
Mains: Cameron Sykes and Mary – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Sykes did not stop. He placed both his hands on the wall, one on either side of her head, and stared at her intently. “Your eyes give everything away, Mary.”
“I…” She opened her mouth to deny it, but one look at Syke’s own hungry expression had her changing her mind.
Should I read in order?/
I read this one alone and found it fine – but the widows from the other books in the series are in this one and you might get a bit more background for Mary if you read in order.
Basic plot:
Cameron ropes his assistant Mary into helping him find a wife – though it has him looking at her totally differently!
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance - 1844
- employer / employee
- working hero and heroine
- widow heroine
- he nurses her back to health
- age gap – he’s older (he’s 40 and she’s not yet 30)
- pets – he gets her puppies
- low to medium steam – 2 full scenes
Ages:
- he’s 40, she’s in her 20s
First line:
Cameron Sykes was not a man who liked surprises.
My thoughts:
So, I’ll admit I’ve been hesitant about grabbing more historical harlequin romance. I have read a few, but it was awhile ago and all the ones I read were really low steam. Like either nothing on page, or maybe one very light scene at the end. This one was such a pleasant surprise! Cameron’s a bit of a dirty talker and there was a couple open door scenes in a shorter page count and some great tension building. This is definitely an author that I will try more of her work!
It grabbed my heart that Mary struggled with some depression issues and grief over losing her husband – I really felt for her when she discussed her fear of being in a relationship when she has days where she can’t get out of bed. She throws herself into work and taking care of others while neglecting herself and watching her grow into love with Cameron was so satisfying.
Their on page banter and interactions were so cute. I loved the work place romance where he realizes he can’t survive without her – in more than just a business capacity. Super cute with a lot of swoony lines to me!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating from me: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: immediately
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes 2 years later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley in e-book form
Why I chose this book: I have been curious about more harlequin titles and have heard good things about this book
Mains: Cameron Sykes and Mary – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Sykes did not stop. He placed both his hands on the wall, one on either side of her head, and stared at her intently. “Your eyes give everything away, Mary.”
“I…” She opened her mouth to deny it, but one look at Syke’s own hungry expression had her changing her mind.
Should I read in order?/
I read this one alone and found it fine – but the widows from the other books in the series are in this one and you might get a bit more background for Mary if you read in order.
Basic plot:
Cameron ropes his assistant Mary into helping him find a wife – though it has him looking at her totally differently!
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance - 1844
- employer / employee
- working hero and heroine
- widow heroine
- he nurses her back to health
- age gap – he’s older (he’s 40 and she’s not yet 30)
- pets – he gets her puppies
- low to medium steam – 2 full scenes
Ages:
- he’s 40, she’s in her 20s
First line:
Cameron Sykes was not a man who liked surprises.
My thoughts:
So, I’ll admit I’ve been hesitant about grabbing more historical harlequin romance. I have read a few, but it was awhile ago and all the ones I read were really low steam. Like either nothing on page, or maybe one very light scene at the end. This one was such a pleasant surprise! Cameron’s a bit of a dirty talker and there was a couple open door scenes in a shorter page count and some great tension building. This is definitely an author that I will try more of her work!
It grabbed my heart that Mary struggled with some depression issues and grief over losing her husband – I really felt for her when she discussed her fear of being in a relationship when she has days where she can’t get out of bed. She throws herself into work and taking care of others while neglecting herself and watching her grow into love with Cameron was so satisfying.
Their on page banter and interactions were so cute. I loved the work place romance where he realizes he can’t survive without her – in more than just a business capacity. Super cute with a lot of swoony lines to me!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating from me: 5 stars
Favorite book: This one
Quotes any typos are my own! I am bad with typos, I apologize
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
August 19, 2025
This is my bread and butter right here! Give me a slow burn historical romance and I'm set for life.
Resisting the Forbidden Widow is, in my book, perfection. It hit every note. It made every turn. It scored every goal. I adored it! I loved it! I devoured it!
Mary is a young widow who has vowed never to love again, and never to depend on anyone but herself. She manages to become the assistant to Cameron, a man who earned his wealth and once has his own heart broken by past love. Mary and Cameron become a well-oiled machine in partnership, which carries on for years until an unexpected bump leads to a fork in the road. A bump that comes in Cameron tasking Mary to find him a wife. This task turns into introspection for the pair as they slowly but resolutely come to realize how heavily they have impacted each other's lives-- and hearts.
SLOW BURN REIGNS SUPREME! Excuse the yelling, but the yearninggg! It was so delicious! So, confession: I am not a huge fan of workplace romances. I especially don't care for work place romances where it's boss and employee who have known each other for years. But there is something so darn magical about historical romances that can turn a trope I don't particularly relish and I find myself relishing the heck outta it! Because wow, did I relish the very things I tend not to prefer in my romances. I loved how well Mary and Cameron knew one another due to their years-long work relationship. And how they still found there was much to know of the other. I loved how that discovery of feelings shifted their dynamic, creating consequence and opportunity. And I loved how there was a bit of a reverse in expectations in something that occurs in the final act.
In an attempt to not spoil, there is a certain expectation of a chase but instead it turns into an act of faith. Faith that one's love will return if let go. For me, that moment especially cemented the strength in the blossoming love between Mary and Cameron. It confirmed their love is one built on trust and friendship. Cameron is understanding of Mary's grief in losing her first love so young, and Mary is understanding of how Cameron has been used and discarded for his wealth and lack of natural title. They embrace each other's vulnerabilities and in doing so provide fortitude to one another. It makes the yearning and longing all the more fulfilling. You become oh so desperate to see them finally destroy the walls they built around their hearts and just give in. They bring the spicy, but more importantly: they bring a strong emotional bond. That emotional intimacy beautifully sells this romance as one you will forever love.
Perfection in every way. Resisting the Forbidden Widow has instantly become an all-time favorite historical romance.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary e-ARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Resisting the Forbidden Widow is, in my book, perfection. It hit every note. It made every turn. It scored every goal. I adored it! I loved it! I devoured it!
Mary is a young widow who has vowed never to love again, and never to depend on anyone but herself. She manages to become the assistant to Cameron, a man who earned his wealth and once has his own heart broken by past love. Mary and Cameron become a well-oiled machine in partnership, which carries on for years until an unexpected bump leads to a fork in the road. A bump that comes in Cameron tasking Mary to find him a wife. This task turns into introspection for the pair as they slowly but resolutely come to realize how heavily they have impacted each other's lives-- and hearts.
SLOW BURN REIGNS SUPREME! Excuse the yelling, but the yearninggg! It was so delicious! So, confession: I am not a huge fan of workplace romances. I especially don't care for work place romances where it's boss and employee who have known each other for years. But there is something so darn magical about historical romances that can turn a trope I don't particularly relish and I find myself relishing the heck outta it! Because wow, did I relish the very things I tend not to prefer in my romances. I loved how well Mary and Cameron knew one another due to their years-long work relationship. And how they still found there was much to know of the other. I loved how that discovery of feelings shifted their dynamic, creating consequence and opportunity. And I loved how there was a bit of a reverse in expectations in something that occurs in the final act.
In an attempt to not spoil, there is a certain expectation of a chase but instead it turns into an act of faith. Faith that one's love will return if let go. For me, that moment especially cemented the strength in the blossoming love between Mary and Cameron. It confirmed their love is one built on trust and friendship. Cameron is understanding of Mary's grief in losing her first love so young, and Mary is understanding of how Cameron has been used and discarded for his wealth and lack of natural title. They embrace each other's vulnerabilities and in doing so provide fortitude to one another. It makes the yearning and longing all the more fulfilling. You become oh so desperate to see them finally destroy the walls they built around their hearts and just give in. They bring the spicy, but more importantly: they bring a strong emotional bond. That emotional intimacy beautifully sells this romance as one you will forever love.
Perfection in every way. Resisting the Forbidden Widow has instantly become an all-time favorite historical romance.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary e-ARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
September 25, 2025
Wow! What a delightful surprise this book was! This was my first book by this author and I can't decide if I'm sad or happy about that fact. Happy because I found another great author and sad because I feel like I've been missing out! This is the third book in the series and I can't wait to circle back to the first two.
Resisting the Widow follows Cameron Sykes, a self-made businessman in dire need of an assistant and Mary Lambert who needs to be needed after the death of her husband leaves her at loose ends.
Sykes is a complex character, he's ambitious, demanding, patient, devoted, understanding and, as we soon find out, possessive of what he considers "his". He tries to show the world that he doesn't care but his actions prove differently. After losing his heart to and being rejected by the same woman, he has a cynical view of love.
Mary is broken. She's just existing and has no real desire to participate in life after the sudden death of her beloved husband. We can see right away though that she's also forthright, resilient and soft-hearted. In order to keep her sadness at bay, she needs to be busy so she becomes the "office wife" with no desire to ever be a man's wife again.
From the get-go the sparks are flying between these two. They test, challenge and circle each other until they come to a draw and realize that together they're a force to be reckoned with. She needs the chaos that his office is and he needs her take charge attitude. When Mary is injured and requires caretaking is when the real fun begins. Hidden feelings are brought to the surface and can no longer be ignored. (This is the part where Cameron's possessiveness comes into play and it is HOT!) Keep in mind that their HEA is a slow journey as Mary is slow to accept her feelings which frustrated me at times. But it was through Cameron's words that I learned to understand the pain and indecision Mary was facing. Cameron has no issue admitting what he feels and his patience and understanding with her is the stuff of dreams. When he says he'll wait for her forever, I absolutely believe it!
Did I doubt the steam level of this book before I read it? Yes. Yes I did, I'm ashamed to admit. But believe me, this is scorching hot! The mouth on this guy! 🥵 Deliciously explicit with intense feeling that you just might find yourself rereading a few times.
I highly recommend this book that I found hard to put down. The writing is superb with some of the best dialogue I've read in a long time. The depth of character, the pacing, the real, raw emotion that was pulled out of me has made this one of my favorite reads of the year. I will absolutely be seeking more books by this author. Consider me a fan!
I received an early copy from the author and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Resisting the Widow follows Cameron Sykes, a self-made businessman in dire need of an assistant and Mary Lambert who needs to be needed after the death of her husband leaves her at loose ends.
Sykes is a complex character, he's ambitious, demanding, patient, devoted, understanding and, as we soon find out, possessive of what he considers "his". He tries to show the world that he doesn't care but his actions prove differently. After losing his heart to and being rejected by the same woman, he has a cynical view of love.
Mary is broken. She's just existing and has no real desire to participate in life after the sudden death of her beloved husband. We can see right away though that she's also forthright, resilient and soft-hearted. In order to keep her sadness at bay, she needs to be busy so she becomes the "office wife" with no desire to ever be a man's wife again.
From the get-go the sparks are flying between these two. They test, challenge and circle each other until they come to a draw and realize that together they're a force to be reckoned with. She needs the chaos that his office is and he needs her take charge attitude. When Mary is injured and requires caretaking is when the real fun begins. Hidden feelings are brought to the surface and can no longer be ignored. (This is the part where Cameron's possessiveness comes into play and it is HOT!) Keep in mind that their HEA is a slow journey as Mary is slow to accept her feelings which frustrated me at times. But it was through Cameron's words that I learned to understand the pain and indecision Mary was facing. Cameron has no issue admitting what he feels and his patience and understanding with her is the stuff of dreams. When he says he'll wait for her forever, I absolutely believe it!
Did I doubt the steam level of this book before I read it? Yes. Yes I did, I'm ashamed to admit. But believe me, this is scorching hot! The mouth on this guy! 🥵 Deliciously explicit with intense feeling that you just might find yourself rereading a few times.
I highly recommend this book that I found hard to put down. The writing is superb with some of the best dialogue I've read in a long time. The depth of character, the pacing, the real, raw emotion that was pulled out of me has made this one of my favorite reads of the year. I will absolutely be seeking more books by this author. Consider me a fan!
I received an early copy from the author and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 9, 2025
Although this is the third book in a series, it reads perfectly well as a standalone. I hadn’t read the first two and didn’t feel lost at all. This was my first book by the author, and I struggled to get into it. The writing felt too modern for the historical setting and was very plain in style, which made it hard to stay immersed.
The story follows Mary Lambert, a widow now working for Cameron Sykes, a successful businessman the ton calls a “climber.” Their journey to a happily-ever-after is shaped more by emotional obstacles than external ones. The plot is light and centres mostly on Mary’s grief for her late husband and Cameron’s habit of keeping people at a distance. They give in to lust early on and build their relationship from there.
What worked for me were the steamy scenes and the dialogue, which felt natural and engaging. What didn’t work was how polished and psychologically insightful the characters were. At times, it felt like they each held degrees in therapy, able to analyse one another with uncanny precision. There was very little imperfection, and that made them feel less real. It’s hard to connect with a story when the author seems reluctant to let flaws simply exist.
Overall, it was a meh read for me. Readers who enjoy sweet and steamy stories with simple prose and minimal emotional complexity may find it an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re looking for more depth or historical texture, this one might not hit the mark.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Mary Lambert, a widow now working for Cameron Sykes, a successful businessman the ton calls a “climber.” Their journey to a happily-ever-after is shaped more by emotional obstacles than external ones. The plot is light and centres mostly on Mary’s grief for her late husband and Cameron’s habit of keeping people at a distance. They give in to lust early on and build their relationship from there.
What worked for me were the steamy scenes and the dialogue, which felt natural and engaging. What didn’t work was how polished and psychologically insightful the characters were. At times, it felt like they each held degrees in therapy, able to analyse one another with uncanny precision. There was very little imperfection, and that made them feel less real. It’s hard to connect with a story when the author seems reluctant to let flaws simply exist.
Overall, it was a meh read for me. Readers who enjoy sweet and steamy stories with simple prose and minimal emotional complexity may find it an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re looking for more depth or historical texture, this one might not hit the mark.
I received an ARC for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
So satisfying! He falls first, work place, she’s super competent at her job, mutual pining, sick bed care, “I can’t possibly love, I’m too broken”, “I cant possibly love, I’m too rich!, two dummies already in love.
Mary Lambert needs to be an independent woman and get a job to earn $ and keep herself busy. Cameron Sykes is Mr Business and doesn’t really want a gorgeous lady as his assistant but gives her the job on a temporary basis. 2 years later, Sykes and Lambert are running his company like gang busters, she gives him shit, he pushes her buttons, everything is great… until Mary is hurt on the job and Cameron freaks out! How DARE ANYONE HURT HIS…HIS… Lambert!
Feelings start surfacing and to stop them Sykes decides it’s time to get married and he asks Lambert to plan a ball and find some potential brides. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
The tension between these two slowly builds, the reader and everyone around knows it. There’s some hot kissing, a ripped néglige, puppies, lots of bickering, more kissing.
My only beef was it takes Mary SO LONG to come around but I think this will appeal to other readers.
CW: Mary is a widow and still grieves her husband, she also experiences depression and anxiety.
Thanks to Harlequin for the arc.
Mary Lambert needs to be an independent woman and get a job to earn $ and keep herself busy. Cameron Sykes is Mr Business and doesn’t really want a gorgeous lady as his assistant but gives her the job on a temporary basis. 2 years later, Sykes and Lambert are running his company like gang busters, she gives him shit, he pushes her buttons, everything is great… until Mary is hurt on the job and Cameron freaks out! How DARE ANYONE HURT HIS…HIS… Lambert!
Feelings start surfacing and to stop them Sykes decides it’s time to get married and he asks Lambert to plan a ball and find some potential brides. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
The tension between these two slowly builds, the reader and everyone around knows it. There’s some hot kissing, a ripped néglige, puppies, lots of bickering, more kissing.
My only beef was it takes Mary SO LONG to come around but I think this will appeal to other readers.
CW: Mary is a widow and still grieves her husband, she also experiences depression and anxiety.
Thanks to Harlequin for the arc.
June 21, 2025
Oh dear my heart was melting with this story. It was romance in all of it's pure nature. Cameron and Mary, these two characters had me rooting for their happy ending. It's a bit slow in the beginning, being employee and boss but as it grows and bursts....it's beautiful.
I also love their humor and connection.When he can't stop thinking about her, when he realizes that he loves her, when he knows her as he knows himself. They are both seen and understood by each other. I love them together and the healing that they both needed, will be healed together. The hot spicy moments between them was blush worthy. I found it to be also emotional with Mary being a widow, her emotions were heartbreaking but raw.
I am so happy after reading this story. Widows deserve romance too. ♡
‘Hell and damnation, woman . You’re like a disease! No matter how I try to purge myself of you, you’re always there in my mind!’
I also love their humor and connection.When he can't stop thinking about her, when he realizes that he loves her, when he knows her as he knows himself. They are both seen and understood by each other. I love them together and the healing that they both needed, will be healed together. The hot spicy moments between them was blush worthy. I found it to be also emotional with Mary being a widow, her emotions were heartbreaking but raw.
I am so happy after reading this story. Widows deserve romance too. ♡
‘Hell and damnation, woman . You’re like a disease! No matter how I try to purge myself of you, you’re always there in my mind!’
July 21, 2025
Whew. This book packs a punch! Mary and Cameron have sparks flying off them whenever they're in a room together. She's his employee and she runs circles around him. He never even knew what hit him lol. He has met his match. It takes a little while for both of them to admit the truth, but once they do, it's so worth it. The romance was scorching hot. MERCY!
And there are puppies in this book!!
I need to go back and read the first two books of this series, especially book one.
Thank you to Maggie Weston and Harlequin for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
And there are puppies in this book!!
I need to go back and read the first two books of this series, especially book one.
Thank you to Maggie Weston and Harlequin for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
A widowed assistant sets out t help her boss find a titled wife, but their growing attraction threatens to upend his carefully laid plans and her vow to never love again.
I love the characters in this slow-burn romance. Mary and Cameron are a perfect match—they’re well-developed and likable. The plot is fun and unpredictable.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love the characters in this slow-burn romance. Mary and Cameron are a perfect match—they’re well-developed and likable. The plot is fun and unpredictable.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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September 1, 2025Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Widows of West End (Book #3)
Miniseries
Widows of West End (Book #3)
October 5, 2025
Loved this book! I love the way the romance unfolds through the course of the book. It was such a good story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews