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Forged Alliances #3
The Duke's Undying Devotion
Twelve years ago Michael betrayed his brother and his honor for the love of a woman who played him false. After promising to marry him, she eloped with another man. Now she’s back. More beautiful than ever, stirring old feelings he thought he'd buried forever. He’d be a fool to trust her, but the heart knows what it wants.
Lady Josephine has returned to England, but that doesn’t mean she’s home. How can she begin to rebuild her life when she has spent the last 12 years as a prisoner in a harem, after being kidnapped from her own home? She will never be accepted by polite society, but she would do anything to protect her infant nephew. Even if it means joining forces with the child’s other guardian. The Duke of Aycliffe. Michael. The man she has never stopped loving. The man she could never have.
As they uncover the cruel deception that tore them apart, Michael is determined to reclaim the love they lost. But Josephine’s scars run deep, and she’s convinced she can never be the wife he needs. Yet, with fate giving them a second chance, this time Michael will stop at nothing to win the woman he’s always loved.
Second Chance Romance
Perceived Betrayal
Abducted Heroine
Fake Engagement
Emotional scars
Protective Hero
Lady Josephine has returned to England, but that doesn’t mean she’s home. How can she begin to rebuild her life when she has spent the last 12 years as a prisoner in a harem, after being kidnapped from her own home? She will never be accepted by polite society, but she would do anything to protect her infant nephew. Even if it means joining forces with the child’s other guardian. The Duke of Aycliffe. Michael. The man she has never stopped loving. The man she could never have.
As they uncover the cruel deception that tore them apart, Michael is determined to reclaim the love they lost. But Josephine’s scars run deep, and she’s convinced she can never be the wife he needs. Yet, with fate giving them a second chance, this time Michael will stop at nothing to win the woman he’s always loved.
Second Chance Romance
Perceived Betrayal
Abducted Heroine
Fake Engagement
Emotional scars
Protective Hero
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
38 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 8, 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: A touch
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: pretty soon in, 5% (chapter 2 of 39)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes, about a year later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book form from the author
Why I chose this book: I’m on Glen’s ARC team and like to try her books
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary, but the prior heroines do make appearances and have page time – they befriend this heroine. And some of their plot points are touched on so to get fully immersed the whole series would be great!
Basic plot:
Josephine needs the help of a man from her past that hates her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance - 1866
- forbidden love – heroine is engaged to hero’s brother
- hero has a love for inventions and engineering
- heroine loves to make perfumes
- former soldier hero
- second chance
- fake(ish) engagement
- mid to higher steam - 4 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 21, hero is 23 for the first quarter of the book, then a jump 12 years ahead (so about 33/35)
First line:
Her parents had betrayed her.
My thoughts:
I went into this one without reading the synopsis and I’m glad I did because I tend to be really judgmental about second chance romance! But I liked that in this one we get the whole beginning story and set up of their relationship. This helped me actually care about them getting back together and working it out haha.
I felt the heartbreak in this one and adored how the hero fell so hard for the heroine, and his utter anguish when he realized he had judged her wrong. And how protective and gentle he was with her was so, so sweet.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating from me: 4.71 stars
Favorite book: mmm I think The Marquess and His Muse
Endearments
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: A touch
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: pretty soon in, 5% (chapter 2 of 39)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after for the mains
Epilogue: Yes, about a year later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book form from the author
Why I chose this book: I’m on Glen’s ARC team and like to try her books
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I wouldn’t say it’s totally necessary, but the prior heroines do make appearances and have page time – they befriend this heroine. And some of their plot points are touched on so to get fully immersed the whole series would be great!
Basic plot:
Josephine needs the help of a man from her past that hates her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian romance - 1866
- forbidden love – heroine is engaged to hero’s brother
- hero has a love for inventions and engineering
- heroine loves to make perfumes
- former soldier hero
- second chance
- fake(ish) engagement
- mid to higher steam - 4 full scenes
Ages:
- heroine is 21, hero is 23 for the first quarter of the book, then a jump 12 years ahead (so about 33/35)
First line:
Her parents had betrayed her.
My thoughts:
I went into this one without reading the synopsis and I’m glad I did because I tend to be really judgmental about second chance romance! But I liked that in this one we get the whole beginning story and set up of their relationship. This helped me actually care about them getting back together and working it out haha.
I felt the heartbreak in this one and adored how the hero fell so hard for the heroine, and his utter anguish when he realized he had judged her wrong. And how protective and gentle he was with her was so, so sweet.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 7
Average rating from me: 4.71 stars
Favorite book: mmm I think The Marquess and His Muse
Endearments
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
July 8, 2025
This is a pretty new author for me. This is my 8th book by her. Lavinia was in one of my steamy FB take over groups and who books seemed interesting so though I'd check her out and I’m so glad I did. I have enjoyed her writing and already have 3 of her books on my favorite monthly reads list. I have really liked this series. And now I am adding this one to my favorites list.
OMG, this book was so FUCKING great. I loved Michael and Josie. I loved their story, their tragedies, their heartbreak, their love, just fucking everything. I couldn't put this book down. I was us up until 2am last night finishing and I didn't start it until 10pm last night. It was an incredible read. Non stop, WTH is going to happen, twists and turns and just a fabulous story. I am not only adding this book to my favorite book read list for June, 2025 but I'm adding it to my all time favorite books read list. Books don't normally stay with me but this one did. I recommend this whole series. I can't believe I have to wait until May, 2026 for book 4. UGH!!!
OMG, this book was so FUCKING great. I loved Michael and Josie. I loved their story, their tragedies, their heartbreak, their love, just fucking everything. I couldn't put this book down. I was us up until 2am last night finishing and I didn't start it until 10pm last night. It was an incredible read. Non stop, WTH is going to happen, twists and turns and just a fabulous story. I am not only adding this book to my favorite book read list for June, 2025 but I'm adding it to my all time favorite books read list. Books don't normally stay with me but this one did. I recommend this whole series. I can't believe I have to wait until May, 2026 for book 4. UGH!!!
June 16, 2025
This third book in the Forged Alliance series was an intense and exceptional second chance historical romance. it was full of drama, action, family expectations, betrayals, lies, intrigue, kidnapping, attempted murder, arson, attempted murder, deaths, and so many emotional and suspenseful issues and situations. The characters' passionate steamy chemistry was intense, and their love very strong. I really was very happy with how beautifully it ended. I highly recommend reading!
June 1, 2025
Protecting His Love . . .
This storyline is full of surprises and brings attention to wrongs that need to be made right. Twelve years ago, Michael’s older brother was to be engaged to Lady Josephine. Instead, Michael and Josephine fell in love with each other. Her brother does the unthinkable and uses her instead to pay off his own gambling debt by selling his sister to the Pasha of Suez, where she ends up a slave in his harem. Michael had believed the lie that she ran off to be married to another man because he received a letter allegedly from her telling him she accepted the Pasha’s “generous offer” and this was for the best. So when her brother recently ransomed her, she was able to return to England. Will Michael want anything to do with her after such an imagined betrayal? Michael is now The Duke of Aycliffe and is guardian of Josephine’s nephew. Will they sort out the lies that were told? To Josephine’s surprise, he tells Titus and his wife that he and Josephine are betrothed, because someone is actively trying to harm either her or her nephew, and the rumor of their “engagement” may provide some protection. Can they find real love for each other again? Or have neither of them ever stopped loving the other?
This storyline is full of surprises and brings attention to wrongs that need to be made right. Twelve years ago, Michael’s older brother was to be engaged to Lady Josephine. Instead, Michael and Josephine fell in love with each other. Her brother does the unthinkable and uses her instead to pay off his own gambling debt by selling his sister to the Pasha of Suez, where she ends up a slave in his harem. Michael had believed the lie that she ran off to be married to another man because he received a letter allegedly from her telling him she accepted the Pasha’s “generous offer” and this was for the best. So when her brother recently ransomed her, she was able to return to England. Will Michael want anything to do with her after such an imagined betrayal? Michael is now The Duke of Aycliffe and is guardian of Josephine’s nephew. Will they sort out the lies that were told? To Josephine’s surprise, he tells Titus and his wife that he and Josephine are betrothed, because someone is actively trying to harm either her or her nephew, and the rumor of their “engagement” may provide some protection. Can they find real love for each other again? Or have neither of them ever stopped loving the other?
June 13, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 3 in the Forged Alliances series and while there are appearances and references to characters in the previous stories, this can be enjoyed as a standalone story.
This is a second chance historical romance that really caught my heart because the heroine of the story suffered so much at the hands of her heartless, evil family - the very ones who should have cared and protected the young innocent women the most were the ones who ruined her and ultimately I felt that they did not receive their just desserts, and never will, despite the HEA both she and the MMC do find in the end.
Lady Josephine is the sweetly innocent, but obedient daughter of a heartlessly ambitious earl and cold, uncaring countess who see her as useless, except as a pawn in their plans. They have contracted a very desirable betrothal to the eldest son and heir of the Duke of Aycliffe. Despite wanting to marry for love, the disappointed but dutiful Lady Josephine is willing to abide by their plans. She has yet to even be introduced to her betrothed and has only seen him from afar once. As houseguests of the Duke and Duchess, Josephine seizes an opportunity to meet him informally on the grounds and find out for herself what he is like. What she does not realize is that she is meeting the second son, Michael. In their brief time together, they fall quickly and passionately in love only to realize later when their true identities are revealed the conundrum they are in. But Michael and Josephine are determined to be together and make plans to confront their families, and if the betrothal cannot be broken, to elope.
However, before they can fulfill their hearts desire to be together, Josephine disappears, and Michael finds out that he may have been a fool as it appears that she has run off with another man.
Twelve years pass and we find out that Josephine has not betrayed her love, but instead her family has betrayed her, having her kidnapped and whisked off to be the plaything of a Pasha in his harem. Her freedom is granted finally when her brother arranges to buy her freedom and her return to England. Despite his statements otherwise, this was not out of brotherly concern, as he was the chief agent to her downfall. But now he is in need of her to raise his young heir as he is ill and dying. Josephine, with her sweet innocence cruelly destroyed by her family and her experiences, is not forgiving, but does agree, for a price, to be the caregiver for her new found nephew. But when her guardianship is threatened, she is forced to turn to the Duke of Aycliffe to support her claims and protect her nephew.
What she does not know is that her former love, Michael, is no longer the second son, but has inherited the title. She and Michael are forced to confront their unresolved past and find their way to working together to protect her toddler nephew, the new Earl. Michael is resentful and suspicious initially, thinking Josephine has betrayed him, but when her true past comes to light, their past love and passion rekindle. But Josephine's reputation has been ruined by her past and the stories spread by her family about her disappearance, and she fears any ongoing relationship with Michael is impossible.
A steamy, passionate loves story that is broken up by a prolonged tragedy and suffering. Josephine is forced to suffer at the hands of her family and taught many a harsh lesson about trust and family that no one should have to learn. But she showed incredible strength of will to try to rise above her past and what she suffered at the hand of her family and abductor, to grab her freedom, and to build a family and future for herself. It helped to heal her heart to have her nephew, and then to find a second chance with Michael, and this was emotionally gripping for me. My only quibble is that the original perpetrators of her pain and suffering were not made to suffer karma for what they forced upon their own family.
Blood does not equate to love and loyalty.
4.5 stars out of 5
This is book 3 in the Forged Alliances series and while there are appearances and references to characters in the previous stories, this can be enjoyed as a standalone story.
This is a second chance historical romance that really caught my heart because the heroine of the story suffered so much at the hands of her heartless, evil family - the very ones who should have cared and protected the young innocent women the most were the ones who ruined her and ultimately I felt that they did not receive their just desserts, and never will, despite the HEA both she and the MMC do find in the end.
Lady Josephine is the sweetly innocent, but obedient daughter of a heartlessly ambitious earl and cold, uncaring countess who see her as useless, except as a pawn in their plans. They have contracted a very desirable betrothal to the eldest son and heir of the Duke of Aycliffe. Despite wanting to marry for love, the disappointed but dutiful Lady Josephine is willing to abide by their plans. She has yet to even be introduced to her betrothed and has only seen him from afar once. As houseguests of the Duke and Duchess, Josephine seizes an opportunity to meet him informally on the grounds and find out for herself what he is like. What she does not realize is that she is meeting the second son, Michael. In their brief time together, they fall quickly and passionately in love only to realize later when their true identities are revealed the conundrum they are in. But Michael and Josephine are determined to be together and make plans to confront their families, and if the betrothal cannot be broken, to elope.
However, before they can fulfill their hearts desire to be together, Josephine disappears, and Michael finds out that he may have been a fool as it appears that she has run off with another man.
Twelve years pass and we find out that Josephine has not betrayed her love, but instead her family has betrayed her, having her kidnapped and whisked off to be the plaything of a Pasha in his harem. Her freedom is granted finally when her brother arranges to buy her freedom and her return to England. Despite his statements otherwise, this was not out of brotherly concern, as he was the chief agent to her downfall. But now he is in need of her to raise his young heir as he is ill and dying. Josephine, with her sweet innocence cruelly destroyed by her family and her experiences, is not forgiving, but does agree, for a price, to be the caregiver for her new found nephew. But when her guardianship is threatened, she is forced to turn to the Duke of Aycliffe to support her claims and protect her nephew.
What she does not know is that her former love, Michael, is no longer the second son, but has inherited the title. She and Michael are forced to confront their unresolved past and find their way to working together to protect her toddler nephew, the new Earl. Michael is resentful and suspicious initially, thinking Josephine has betrayed him, but when her true past comes to light, their past love and passion rekindle. But Josephine's reputation has been ruined by her past and the stories spread by her family about her disappearance, and she fears any ongoing relationship with Michael is impossible.
A steamy, passionate loves story that is broken up by a prolonged tragedy and suffering. Josephine is forced to suffer at the hands of her family and taught many a harsh lesson about trust and family that no one should have to learn. But she showed incredible strength of will to try to rise above her past and what she suffered at the hand of her family and abductor, to grab her freedom, and to build a family and future for herself. It helped to heal her heart to have her nephew, and then to find a second chance with Michael, and this was emotionally gripping for me. My only quibble is that the original perpetrators of her pain and suffering were not made to suffer karma for what they forced upon their own family.
Blood does not equate to love and loyalty.
4.5 stars out of 5
June 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance at love Victorian romance and new addition to the series with its added instalove, forbidden love, star-crossed lovers and fake engagement tropes. The plot is very well written and poignant, full of heartwrenching emotion, romance, drama, angst, betrayal, intrigue, a few steamy love scenes between the main characters and hints of non-con and dub-con sexual abuse in Josie‘s past.
The story takes place in two timelines, on the one hand in the past when Josie and Michael meet and fall in love and on the other hand in the time after Josie's imprisonment when they meet again and Michael fights for her love. The two are wonderful characters. Josie is strong and independent despite her traumatic experiences and Michael is a swoonworthy cinnamon roll hero with a big heart who would do anything for the love of his life. I really enjoyed their romantic interactions and chemistry at the beginning of the book and also Michal's loving and empathetic nature after Josie's return. I also enjoyed meeting many of the characters from the author's previous books.
Trigger warning: off-screen sexual abuse, violence and infertility
You do not need to have read the previous books of the series to enjoy this story, though I would recommend it.
On the way to the Duke of Aycliffe's house party, Lady Josephine Everly learns that, contrary to her parents' promises that she can choose her own future husband, she has been matched up with the Duke's son, Lord Henry Montfort. But as soon as she arrives, she falls in love with the Duke's younger son, Lord Michael, who reciprocates her feelings. When Josie wants to break off the engagement, she is taken back to London by her parents to thwart their plans, where she is abducted due to betrayal and intrigue and held captive and abused as a slave in a harem for years.
Michael, now the new Duke of Aycliffe, could never forget Josie, even though she broke his heart when she unexpectedly eloped with another man.
After years of slavery, Josie is bought back by her terminally ill brother and returns to England as a scandalised, broken woman to look after her young nephew. Josie is bitter, but agrees to do so in order to protect her nephew from dangerous relatives. After the death of her brother, events come thick and fast and she meets Michael again, the only person who can help her and her nephew. Michael still loves her and wants to pick up where they left off, but Josie can't and won't let him get close to her...
If you like touching historical romance novels about undying devotion with very likable protagonists, drama, intrigue, action and some spice, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
The story takes place in two timelines, on the one hand in the past when Josie and Michael meet and fall in love and on the other hand in the time after Josie's imprisonment when they meet again and Michael fights for her love. The two are wonderful characters. Josie is strong and independent despite her traumatic experiences and Michael is a swoonworthy cinnamon roll hero with a big heart who would do anything for the love of his life. I really enjoyed their romantic interactions and chemistry at the beginning of the book and also Michal's loving and empathetic nature after Josie's return. I also enjoyed meeting many of the characters from the author's previous books.
Trigger warning: off-screen sexual abuse, violence and infertility
You do not need to have read the previous books of the series to enjoy this story, though I would recommend it.
On the way to the Duke of Aycliffe's house party, Lady Josephine Everly learns that, contrary to her parents' promises that she can choose her own future husband, she has been matched up with the Duke's son, Lord Henry Montfort. But as soon as she arrives, she falls in love with the Duke's younger son, Lord Michael, who reciprocates her feelings. When Josie wants to break off the engagement, she is taken back to London by her parents to thwart their plans, where she is abducted due to betrayal and intrigue and held captive and abused as a slave in a harem for years.
Michael, now the new Duke of Aycliffe, could never forget Josie, even though she broke his heart when she unexpectedly eloped with another man.
After years of slavery, Josie is bought back by her terminally ill brother and returns to England as a scandalised, broken woman to look after her young nephew. Josie is bitter, but agrees to do so in order to protect her nephew from dangerous relatives. After the death of her brother, events come thick and fast and she meets Michael again, the only person who can help her and her nephew. Michael still loves her and wants to pick up where they left off, but Josie can't and won't let him get close to her...
If you like touching historical romance novels about undying devotion with very likable protagonists, drama, intrigue, action and some spice, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
June 6, 2025
Josephine and Michael, Past and Present
“The Duke’s Undying Devotion” by Lavinia Glen is book three in her series Forged Alliances. The alliance in this novel is between Josephine and Michael. There is a lot to deal with in this story and at times it is very emotional. This story points out that women in historical England had no choices on who to marry, how to act, what to wear, and what to do. Josephine is betrothed against her will to a man she had only seen once from across the room. Her parents wanted the ducal connection therefore they refused to break off the engagement when Josephine falls in love with 2nd son and army officer Michael. These two characters were very well written in the world that Lavinia has created for them. The early scenes between their younger selves are filled with witty conversations, passionate kisses, and steamy intimacy. They are almost carefree in their interactions as the house party ticks down to the last day and reality reasserts itself. Since this is a second chance romance Michael and Josephine are torn apart for twelve very long years. What Michael doesn’t know is that Josephine was kidnapped and spent those years in a middle eastern harem. Ms. Glen does a great job of differentiating the young Josephine and Michael with their twelve year older more worldly selves. The steam and passion is still there simmering under the surface, but their interactions are vastly different. You can feel the tension between the two as they try to find their way back to one another. Josephine is definitely suffering from PTSD (a modern term, definitely not used in the book but describes Josephine’s state of mind after her years of rape and torture). As she suffers Michael nurtures and devotes himself to her wellbeing. Michael’s experience in the army had given him insight and understanding of Josephine’s struggles. The secondary characters are also well written, in some, their evilness seeps off the pages and you want to step in and get rid of them yourself. Characters from the first two novels make an appearance and the reader gets a glimpse at their happy ever afters. Overall, the plot development and the pacing were well written and the characters were well developed. The road is a long one, but worth traveling with Josephine and Michel. Definitely recommended for lovers of historical romance. Ms. Glen has even added tidbits of information on the characters and hints at the plot of the fourth forged alliance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
“The Duke’s Undying Devotion” by Lavinia Glen is book three in her series Forged Alliances. The alliance in this novel is between Josephine and Michael. There is a lot to deal with in this story and at times it is very emotional. This story points out that women in historical England had no choices on who to marry, how to act, what to wear, and what to do. Josephine is betrothed against her will to a man she had only seen once from across the room. Her parents wanted the ducal connection therefore they refused to break off the engagement when Josephine falls in love with 2nd son and army officer Michael. These two characters were very well written in the world that Lavinia has created for them. The early scenes between their younger selves are filled with witty conversations, passionate kisses, and steamy intimacy. They are almost carefree in their interactions as the house party ticks down to the last day and reality reasserts itself. Since this is a second chance romance Michael and Josephine are torn apart for twelve very long years. What Michael doesn’t know is that Josephine was kidnapped and spent those years in a middle eastern harem. Ms. Glen does a great job of differentiating the young Josephine and Michael with their twelve year older more worldly selves. The steam and passion is still there simmering under the surface, but their interactions are vastly different. You can feel the tension between the two as they try to find their way back to one another. Josephine is definitely suffering from PTSD (a modern term, definitely not used in the book but describes Josephine’s state of mind after her years of rape and torture). As she suffers Michael nurtures and devotes himself to her wellbeing. Michael’s experience in the army had given him insight and understanding of Josephine’s struggles. The secondary characters are also well written, in some, their evilness seeps off the pages and you want to step in and get rid of them yourself. Characters from the first two novels make an appearance and the reader gets a glimpse at their happy ever afters. Overall, the plot development and the pacing were well written and the characters were well developed. The road is a long one, but worth traveling with Josephine and Michel. Definitely recommended for lovers of historical romance. Ms. Glen has even added tidbits of information on the characters and hints at the plot of the fourth forged alliance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
May 31, 2025
Oh this book touched my heart and soul. It is beautifully written and has so much emotion running through the plot. From the innocent tender feelings of first love to heartbreak, trauma, loneliness, hopeful dreams, anguish and a possible second chance for true soul mates to finally find happiness.
Josephine is a true survivor in every sense of the word. Her strength sees her through a childhood without affection, until she meets a handsome man who she thinks is the man she is betrothed to as an arranged marriage by her parents. They are both instantly attracted to each other but there’s a small problem of the older brother of the handsome man that Josephine is actually betrothed to.
Michael is the second son of a duke. He accidentally comes upon a beautiful young woman who is unlike any other he has met. Both are shocked when they find out who the other is but true love should conquer all, shouldn’t it? Not for Michael and Josephine unfortunately.
Fate and an orphaned toddler with a title brings them together again unexpectedly nineteen years later. Josephine had been living a nightmare for the time they had been apart and Michael was now the Duke of Aycliffe. Michael wants to marry Josephine but she has a secret that makes it impossible for them to marry. She has been through trauma that would have broken many but she survived, although she is carrying scars from her past. Micheal knows he has to take things slowly. For the sake of the orphaned child, Edward, Michael and Josephine pretend to be engaged. The love they had for each other hadn’t faded but circumstance and a surprise visit from the nightmare of Josephine’s past means the couple’s happily ever after is in jeopardy again.
This book had me engrossed right from the start. Every free moment I had I was reaching for my kindle to read more. I loved the exquisite detail in the plot and beautifully written love scenes that showed the tenderness and unwavering love between Josephine and Michael. There’s also nail biting scenes that had me needing to read on to find out what happens. I wiped away a tear from my eye at the end in sheer happiness that true love does win out in the end after all. This book went straight onto my to read again list.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
Josephine is a true survivor in every sense of the word. Her strength sees her through a childhood without affection, until she meets a handsome man who she thinks is the man she is betrothed to as an arranged marriage by her parents. They are both instantly attracted to each other but there’s a small problem of the older brother of the handsome man that Josephine is actually betrothed to.
Michael is the second son of a duke. He accidentally comes upon a beautiful young woman who is unlike any other he has met. Both are shocked when they find out who the other is but true love should conquer all, shouldn’t it? Not for Michael and Josephine unfortunately.
Fate and an orphaned toddler with a title brings them together again unexpectedly nineteen years later. Josephine had been living a nightmare for the time they had been apart and Michael was now the Duke of Aycliffe. Michael wants to marry Josephine but she has a secret that makes it impossible for them to marry. She has been through trauma that would have broken many but she survived, although she is carrying scars from her past. Micheal knows he has to take things slowly. For the sake of the orphaned child, Edward, Michael and Josephine pretend to be engaged. The love they had for each other hadn’t faded but circumstance and a surprise visit from the nightmare of Josephine’s past means the couple’s happily ever after is in jeopardy again.
This book had me engrossed right from the start. Every free moment I had I was reaching for my kindle to read more. I loved the exquisite detail in the plot and beautifully written love scenes that showed the tenderness and unwavering love between Josephine and Michael. There’s also nail biting scenes that had me needing to read on to find out what happens. I wiped away a tear from my eye at the end in sheer happiness that true love does win out in the end after all. This book went straight onto my to read again list.
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
May 31, 2025
A perfect title for this emotionally charged and beautifully written novel, betrayal and unwavering devotion intertwine to create a love story that lingers long after the last page. Twelve years ago, Michael sacrificed his honor and fractured family bonds for the love of Lady Josephine, only to suffer the ultimate betrayal when her brother informs him she eloped with another man. Now Josephine has returned, scarred by her harrowing past as a captive in a foreign harem, but determined to protect her infant nephew at all costs. Fate forces her to reunite with Michael, the man she never stopped loving, rekindling old flames amidst the ruins of their shared heartbreak.
The author masterfully captures every pang of longing and each raw moment of betrayal. I felt the depth of Michael and Josephine's emotional journey. Their reluctant partnership unfolds with tender honesty, layered with intense chemistry, heart-wrenching confessions, and the slow burn of a love too powerful to be extinguished by time or tragedy. Michael is my kind of man—honorable, sexy, caring, and devoted. I can’t imagine all that Josephine endured, but her strength and resilience was amazing.
Beyond the emotional depth, the story is rich with twists, family betrayal, a not-so-fake engagement, dangerous rescues, protecting her nephew, and supportive friends, this story is an exquisite blend of angst and passion. The vivid portrayal of Josephine’s healing process and Michael’s unwavering support makes their romance one not easily forgotten.
An intensely beautiful second chance story, complex characters, and emotional resonance make it unforgettable. Lavinia Glen has crafted a tale that’s as devastatingly sad as it is breathtakingly beautiful. This marvelous pairing of Michael and Josephine showcases the transformative power of love, proving that even the deepest wounds can heal when hearts find their way back to each other. This story will not only captivate you but leave you yearning for more."
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
The author masterfully captures every pang of longing and each raw moment of betrayal. I felt the depth of Michael and Josephine's emotional journey. Their reluctant partnership unfolds with tender honesty, layered with intense chemistry, heart-wrenching confessions, and the slow burn of a love too powerful to be extinguished by time or tragedy. Michael is my kind of man—honorable, sexy, caring, and devoted. I can’t imagine all that Josephine endured, but her strength and resilience was amazing.
Beyond the emotional depth, the story is rich with twists, family betrayal, a not-so-fake engagement, dangerous rescues, protecting her nephew, and supportive friends, this story is an exquisite blend of angst and passion. The vivid portrayal of Josephine’s healing process and Michael’s unwavering support makes their romance one not easily forgotten.
An intensely beautiful second chance story, complex characters, and emotional resonance make it unforgettable. Lavinia Glen has crafted a tale that’s as devastatingly sad as it is breathtakingly beautiful. This marvelous pairing of Michael and Josephine showcases the transformative power of love, proving that even the deepest wounds can heal when hearts find their way back to each other. This story will not only captivate you but leave you yearning for more."
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
May 31, 2025
The Duke’s Undying Devotion” by Lavinia Glen is book 3 in the “Forged Alliances” series and it is an incredible addition to the overall storyline!
The FMC is Lady Josephine. A flashback starts the book, and we learn that she had been promised to the eldest son of a neighbor twelve years ago. She met the younger son just before the engagement was announced, assuming the man she met is her intended. They have brilliant chemistry and Josephine tries to talk her parents out of the betrothal to the older son. Her parents get very angry and refuse, claiming she’s ruined. Her brother makes an unthinkable and cruel arrangement and trades her to a foreign royal in exchange for his gambling debts to be cleared. Twelve years later, Josephine has been summoned to England to become guardian of her brothers young son. She has an astounding amount of PTSD and is basically shattered from being prisoner in a harem. She knows society will never accept her. Very quickly, she learns that the child’s other guardian is the current Duke of Aycliffe, the younger son, Michael.
The MMC is Michael, younger son to the Duke of Aycliffe. He was crushed when Josephine left, he felt cruelly betrayed. When he was called to war, he fought like a man with a death wish, knowing his one chance at love was gone. Now she’s returned. She’s even more beautiful than he remembers. He is enchanted. Finding out that she’s the other guardian of her brother’s son, he knows full well she can’t be trusted, but his heart just aches for her. To have the best chance to win guardianship when others decide to contest it, the two decide to enter into a fake engagement. He’s serious, but she fights hard against it, certain she will never be good enough for him. He’s a really fantastic, deeply sensitive man and you really hope Josephine lets him in!!
There’s literally SO MUCH MORE to this story. And the spice is SO SATISFYING. This is going to be one of my very favorite romances for a long time, I was deeply affected by this couple, the wholly accurate mental illness representation and their hard fought second chance love story.
The FMC is Lady Josephine. A flashback starts the book, and we learn that she had been promised to the eldest son of a neighbor twelve years ago. She met the younger son just before the engagement was announced, assuming the man she met is her intended. They have brilliant chemistry and Josephine tries to talk her parents out of the betrothal to the older son. Her parents get very angry and refuse, claiming she’s ruined. Her brother makes an unthinkable and cruel arrangement and trades her to a foreign royal in exchange for his gambling debts to be cleared. Twelve years later, Josephine has been summoned to England to become guardian of her brothers young son. She has an astounding amount of PTSD and is basically shattered from being prisoner in a harem. She knows society will never accept her. Very quickly, she learns that the child’s other guardian is the current Duke of Aycliffe, the younger son, Michael.
The MMC is Michael, younger son to the Duke of Aycliffe. He was crushed when Josephine left, he felt cruelly betrayed. When he was called to war, he fought like a man with a death wish, knowing his one chance at love was gone. Now she’s returned. She’s even more beautiful than he remembers. He is enchanted. Finding out that she’s the other guardian of her brother’s son, he knows full well she can’t be trusted, but his heart just aches for her. To have the best chance to win guardianship when others decide to contest it, the two decide to enter into a fake engagement. He’s serious, but she fights hard against it, certain she will never be good enough for him. He’s a really fantastic, deeply sensitive man and you really hope Josephine lets him in!!
There’s literally SO MUCH MORE to this story. And the spice is SO SATISFYING. This is going to be one of my very favorite romances for a long time, I was deeply affected by this couple, the wholly accurate mental illness representation and their hard fought second chance love story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
The Duke's Undying Devotion was unputdownable and compulsively readable; it basically opens with a bang, literally and figuratively, and the story never loses momentum.
We first meet Josephine and Michael as wide-eyed, somewhat naïve young lovers and follow them as they navigate their forbidden affair, only to see them torn apart in the cruellest (and very creative) manner. When they meet again, twelve years after the events of the first part of the book, their second-chance romance is every bit as believable and compelling; I love that Lavinia Glen consistently has people in their thirties as her protagonists. The text acknowledges that, how they went from idealistic youngsters, to mature and complex, somewhat battered, but still likeable and fully developed people.
While Michael continues Ms Glen’s tradition of kind and respectful, but still utterly alpha MMCs, this book really belongs to Josephine, and is all the better for it. Josephine’s harrowing backstory and her healing journey were compelling and dealt with respectfully; while the book tackles some sensitive and dark issues, it always does so with grace and tact. I also loved how Josephine’s situation led to them working out their kinks (pun intended) in one of my favourite ways, with some delicious light femdom. As always, Ms Glen’s sex scenes shine.
However, while I largely loved the book, the fact that it was so fast-paced and propulsive also meant that I did miss the sweet angst I was expecting given this is a second-chance romance. While I was happy to see Michael was never cruel or vengeful towards Josephine because of her perceived betrayal, he did come around maybe a touch too quickly. I would have loved the angst to go on just a little bit longer.
Overall, this was really good, gripping, well-paced, ambitious, steamy and romantic. I also loved the perfumery storyline, which I don’t think I’ve encountered before.
Huge thanks to Lavinia Glen for the ARC.
We first meet Josephine and Michael as wide-eyed, somewhat naïve young lovers and follow them as they navigate their forbidden affair, only to see them torn apart in the cruellest (and very creative) manner. When they meet again, twelve years after the events of the first part of the book, their second-chance romance is every bit as believable and compelling; I love that Lavinia Glen consistently has people in their thirties as her protagonists. The text acknowledges that, how they went from idealistic youngsters, to mature and complex, somewhat battered, but still likeable and fully developed people.
While Michael continues Ms Glen’s tradition of kind and respectful, but still utterly alpha MMCs, this book really belongs to Josephine, and is all the better for it. Josephine’s harrowing backstory and her healing journey were compelling and dealt with respectfully; while the book tackles some sensitive and dark issues, it always does so with grace and tact. I also loved how Josephine’s situation led to them working out their kinks (pun intended) in one of my favourite ways, with some delicious light femdom. As always, Ms Glen’s sex scenes shine.
However, while I largely loved the book, the fact that it was so fast-paced and propulsive also meant that I did miss the sweet angst I was expecting given this is a second-chance romance. While I was happy to see Michael was never cruel or vengeful towards Josephine because of her perceived betrayal, he did come around maybe a touch too quickly. I would have loved the angst to go on just a little bit longer.
Overall, this was really good, gripping, well-paced, ambitious, steamy and romantic. I also loved the perfumery storyline, which I don’t think I’ve encountered before.
Huge thanks to Lavinia Glen for the ARC.
June 20, 2025
The Duke’s Undying Devotion does soul mates so well. Josephine and Michael meet while they are young, and it’s pretty much insta-love; they simply connect with one another. And it’s not just a physical attraction. They share their thoughts and feelings and just fit together like two puzzle pieces. So when Josephine elopes with a pasha of the Ottoman Empire, Michael is brutally hurt by her rejection. Except Josephine didn’t quite elope….
This book title is apt, as Michael is pretty much perfect. He responds to Josephine’s many moods with aplomb. He feels terrible over the decisions he made in the wake of Josephine’s departure, but that’s an understandable imperfection in light of the brevity and intensity of his “summer love” with her. That he returns to that fault rather obsessively shows you how little he does wrong in The Duke’s Undying Devotion. Josephine is the more complex character, dealing with a long-term abusive situation that she had no way to escape. Her wariness and her self-doubt are beautifully balanced by her inherently loving nature, especially towards her nephew.
This book was firing on all cylinders for me until the ending. Then something happens that made no sense to me either in terms of character or plot, and it seemed thrown in because Glen thought there needed to be fourth-act danger. It was unnecessary considering Josie’s struggles with what was the right thing to do in her situation, and it smacked of melodrama to me. The resolution of that also raised a bunch of questions in my mind as to how the protagonists bore no consequences from the actions they took. Unfortunately, I had to take a star off for this.
I really like Glen’s writing, and the way she built up Michael and Josephine was wonderful. I just wish that last twist didn’t happen.
This book title is apt, as Michael is pretty much perfect. He responds to Josephine’s many moods with aplomb. He feels terrible over the decisions he made in the wake of Josephine’s departure, but that’s an understandable imperfection in light of the brevity and intensity of his “summer love” with her. That he returns to that fault rather obsessively shows you how little he does wrong in The Duke’s Undying Devotion. Josephine is the more complex character, dealing with a long-term abusive situation that she had no way to escape. Her wariness and her self-doubt are beautifully balanced by her inherently loving nature, especially towards her nephew.
This book was firing on all cylinders for me until the ending. Then something happens that made no sense to me either in terms of character or plot, and it seemed thrown in because Glen thought there needed to be fourth-act danger. It was unnecessary considering Josie’s struggles with what was the right thing to do in her situation, and it smacked of melodrama to me. The resolution of that also raised a bunch of questions in my mind as to how the protagonists bore no consequences from the actions they took. Unfortunately, I had to take a star off for this.
I really like Glen’s writing, and the way she built up Michael and Josephine was wonderful. I just wish that last twist didn’t happen.
June 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 5+🔥
One of the things I love about Ms Glen’s storytelling is that she lets her main characters ease into the main story. Here we see a young Josephine and Michael falling in secret love over a week at what is supposed to be her betrothal house party to the older brother she has never met. This week ends in a scorching coming together where the next morning they are definitely telling thier parents that they are in love and want to marry and will elope if necessary. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans…… The main story picks up 12 years later after Josephine is ransomed back from a pasha’s harem. What I really loved was that Ms Glen made sure that Michael knew right away that it wasn’t Josephine’s fault that she disappeared without any explanation and so we don’t have to spend most of the book with him being a jerk to her. On the contrary, as the title suggests he is the exact opposite.
In the middle of this we have a custody battle for her nephew that brings these 2 soul mates together under one roof. In her previous books Ms Glen has shown that she can write some really steamy love scenes and after the first one way at the beginning of the book I was starting to wonder when we would get some more. But the waiting was worth it when these 2 come back together at about 68% and wowza it was worth the wait. The angst in this book was reasonable and I understood Josephine’s reluctance and Micheal is so wonderful and patient. Truly fits the title of the book.
I was kindly given a ARC by the author for my unburied review
One of the things I love about Ms Glen’s storytelling is that she lets her main characters ease into the main story. Here we see a young Josephine and Michael falling in secret love over a week at what is supposed to be her betrothal house party to the older brother she has never met. This week ends in a scorching coming together where the next morning they are definitely telling thier parents that they are in love and want to marry and will elope if necessary. Well, you know what they say about best laid plans…… The main story picks up 12 years later after Josephine is ransomed back from a pasha’s harem. What I really loved was that Ms Glen made sure that Michael knew right away that it wasn’t Josephine’s fault that she disappeared without any explanation and so we don’t have to spend most of the book with him being a jerk to her. On the contrary, as the title suggests he is the exact opposite.
In the middle of this we have a custody battle for her nephew that brings these 2 soul mates together under one roof. In her previous books Ms Glen has shown that she can write some really steamy love scenes and after the first one way at the beginning of the book I was starting to wonder when we would get some more. But the waiting was worth it when these 2 come back together at about 68% and wowza it was worth the wait. The angst in this book was reasonable and I understood Josephine’s reluctance and Micheal is so wonderful and patient. Truly fits the title of the book.
I was kindly given a ARC by the author for my unburied review
June 12, 2025
This captivating romance has an original event taking place that I’ve never seen in a regency romance before…a kidnapping for payment of debt of a the daughter of an Earl and she is forced to be the slave of a Pasha in his harem for twelve years. The book opens with Lady Josephine Everly at a house party to meet the man her parents have arranged for her to marry. A man she’s only seen once from a distance and the only thing she knows about him is that he is a rake. They happen to meet unexpectedly in the garden and even though they have an instant attraction she refuses to tell him her name…but is he really the man she’s to be betrothed to? Fate deals these two a cruel hand and it will be twelve years before they see each other again and in those years their lives have not been easy.This steamy reunited love story has many facets: the mistaken identity, brother’s gambling debt settled by selling his sister, abduction and enslavement of Earl’s daughter into a harem, the Queen involved in retrieving her back to England, a fake engagement to fight a custody battle, a frightening house fire by an arsonist, emotional issue including rape, bondage and barrenness and PTSD symptoms, a very daring rescue on a ship and a man’s fight for his forever love of the fairy he met in his family’s garden one fateful night.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
A hard-won second chance for a couple that missed their first goodbye.
Josephine is the daughter of an cold-hearted earl, and Michael is a duke’s second son with a military career. They meet anonymously on the eve of her arranged betrothal to his older brother, and instantly fall in love. One week of bliss and then, all hell breaks loose. While he’s off arranging their elopement, she’s dragged back to London – and when he finally catches up, it’s too late. She’s gone.
Twelve years later : she finally returns to England, he’s now the duke and they find themselves co-guardian’s of her brother’s infant son. Once she shares her story, he hopes to rekindle their love – a love that never died on either side, but can no longer be... or can it?
This story sucked me in from the very beginning and I simply could not put it down! Between the cruel truth behind her disappearance, her trauma, his loyalty and support, their intoxicating connection, title-hungry relatives contesting the will, a fire, a kidnapping and a not-so-fake fake engagement, this story never failed to fully capture my attention.
She has a ton of healing to do and nightmares to conquer. Their relationship is tender, reluctantly honest and patient with a nice splash of delicious kink – this man is devoted to his woman and her healing process on every level! He’s so protective, but never pushy or overpowering – very supportive, very swoonworthy - and I absolutely loved his brotherhood of friends coming to the rescue and the way they handled their mission!
Everything about this story felt just right – the pacing, the plot, the characters (good and evil) and the slow burn growth – and that nasty final little twist was the cherry on top!
A marvellous and extremely devourable read!
Josephine is the daughter of an cold-hearted earl, and Michael is a duke’s second son with a military career. They meet anonymously on the eve of her arranged betrothal to his older brother, and instantly fall in love. One week of bliss and then, all hell breaks loose. While he’s off arranging their elopement, she’s dragged back to London – and when he finally catches up, it’s too late. She’s gone.
Twelve years later : she finally returns to England, he’s now the duke and they find themselves co-guardian’s of her brother’s infant son. Once she shares her story, he hopes to rekindle their love – a love that never died on either side, but can no longer be... or can it?
This story sucked me in from the very beginning and I simply could not put it down! Between the cruel truth behind her disappearance, her trauma, his loyalty and support, their intoxicating connection, title-hungry relatives contesting the will, a fire, a kidnapping and a not-so-fake fake engagement, this story never failed to fully capture my attention.
She has a ton of healing to do and nightmares to conquer. Their relationship is tender, reluctantly honest and patient with a nice splash of delicious kink – this man is devoted to his woman and her healing process on every level! He’s so protective, but never pushy or overpowering – very supportive, very swoonworthy - and I absolutely loved his brotherhood of friends coming to the rescue and the way they handled their mission!
Everything about this story felt just right – the pacing, the plot, the characters (good and evil) and the slow burn growth – and that nasty final little twist was the cherry on top!
A marvellous and extremely devourable read!
June 1, 2025
What an exceptional story. Full of drama, intrigue, suspense, emotions, love, steam, action, human trafficking villains, abuse , family, anger, revenge and so many ups and downs. Lady Josephine is heading to a house party and a ball at the home of a Duke. She finds out that her parents want her to marry the heir to the Dukedom. But when she pleas not to marry without knowing him, her parents shut her down. Once there she heads to the gardens where she thinks she the heir but it turns out to be his younger brother. Michael and Josephine fall in love but need to explain it to her parents and his. Michael wants to run to Scotland and marry there but she still wants to tell her parents. It doesn't do any good and she is sent back to London where she is locked up in the house. Once there she tries to help her brother and all she gets is kidnapped and taken to a harem. Where she is physically and emotionally broke . Then her brother pays for her ransom and release , she is allowed to return to England. She finds out the truth that he sold her to pay off his debts yet he needs her to take care of his son as he is dying. Has lots of action that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you wanting more. Would recommend to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
Wow! A beautiful, non-stop book that isn't afraid to deal with difficult topics. Twelve years ago Josephine and Michael were going to get married but she was abducted and sold to a Pasha and forced to live in a harem. She escapes and they find each other again, but now they are both coming to grips with what she's been through. Michael is a true sweetheart and they both are doing the best they can with what we would call ptsd today.
"Now that they were older and had been battered by life, their desire had taken a deeper flavor. Like the delicate perfumes she created, multilayered and complex. Not all the notes were bright, but the darker notes supported the lighter ones, making them deeper."
There are appearances of characters from former books. I especially enjoyed seeing Esther Wang (THE COUNTESS'S AWAKENING).
There is a special notable child named Edward. He is Josephine's nephew and they are raising him. I wouldn't be surprised if these two have an entire house full of kids eventually. They certainly have big enough hearts to accommodate them.
Thank you to Lavinia Glen for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
"Now that they were older and had been battered by life, their desire had taken a deeper flavor. Like the delicate perfumes she created, multilayered and complex. Not all the notes were bright, but the darker notes supported the lighter ones, making them deeper."
There are appearances of characters from former books. I especially enjoyed seeing Esther Wang (THE COUNTESS'S AWAKENING).
There is a special notable child named Edward. He is Josephine's nephew and they are raising him. I wouldn't be surprised if these two have an entire house full of kids eventually. They certainly have big enough hearts to accommodate them.
Thank you to Lavinia Glen for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
Lady Josephine is going to a house party where she will meet the duke heir that she is promised to marry. The man she meets in the garden she thought was her intended but is the younger brother Michael.
Michael and Josie fall in love, but her mother says she ruined and sends her back to London. So, when Josephine elopes with a pasha of the Ottoman Empire, Michael is brutally hurt by her rejection. Except Josephine didn’t quite elope…. Her brother sold her to pay off his gambling debts.
Josephine has returned 12 years later, just so she can be the guardian to her brother young son as he is dying. She has returned with all the mental and physical abuse she has endure. She soon learns that Michael is the other guardian for her brother son.
As you read this story you can see all the anguish and heartbreak, they both have gone through. This story moves you the love, then betrayal and once again finding love together.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Michael and Josie fall in love, but her mother says she ruined and sends her back to London. So, when Josephine elopes with a pasha of the Ottoman Empire, Michael is brutally hurt by her rejection. Except Josephine didn’t quite elope…. Her brother sold her to pay off his gambling debts.
Josephine has returned 12 years later, just so she can be the guardian to her brother young son as he is dying. She has returned with all the mental and physical abuse she has endure. She soon learns that Michael is the other guardian for her brother son.
As you read this story you can see all the anguish and heartbreak, they both have gone through. This story moves you the love, then betrayal and once again finding love together.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness, mercy, healing, and passion. My goodness- this story has a little bit of all the good things you could want.
Josephine is such a strong heroine. After going through a deeply traumatic childhood and early adulthood, she is asked to care for a child and has to partner with a lost love. Seeing her learn to grow and heal with the help of a loving man is absolutely heart pulling. There were so many moments that were raw and real that I was cheering. It’s so nice to see true life and experiences cross with fantasy to create a truly moving story.
Michael was such a wonderful MMC. He was a take control man, but with Josephine, he couldn’t help but lay at her feet. Whew! He was kind, gentle, confident, compassionate, strong, and brave. He was all the good qualities of the perfect book hero packed into one man.
If you like a raw story with lots of love, mercy, healing, and steam, this story is for you!
Josephine is such a strong heroine. After going through a deeply traumatic childhood and early adulthood, she is asked to care for a child and has to partner with a lost love. Seeing her learn to grow and heal with the help of a loving man is absolutely heart pulling. There were so many moments that were raw and real that I was cheering. It’s so nice to see true life and experiences cross with fantasy to create a truly moving story.
Michael was such a wonderful MMC. He was a take control man, but with Josephine, he couldn’t help but lay at her feet. Whew! He was kind, gentle, confident, compassionate, strong, and brave. He was all the good qualities of the perfect book hero packed into one man.
If you like a raw story with lots of love, mercy, healing, and steam, this story is for you!
June 4, 2025
Oh, my word! With family like Josephine's, she didn't need any more enemies, however, her days of weathering abuse are not over. As the saying goes, "what doesn't kill, makes you stronger", and certainly, as a survivor, Josephine has an inner core made of steel. This romance is well written, and one cannot help but fall in love with Michael, as he overcomes Josephine's seeming betrayal and is instrumental in her healing and recovery. One would wish that Josephine's harrowing ordeal could be relegated to a bygone era, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Modern statistics on the abuse of women continue to be staggeringly high, including human trafficking and kidnapping. Fortunately, this novel comes to a beautiful conclusion, with both Michael and Josephine realizing the desires of their hearts. I received a copy of this well-written novel as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 1, 2025
This novel covered a lot of dark issues - kidnapping, abuse, rape, PTSD, harems, family betrayal, and love at first sight. This was a second chance romance with many twists. It was a very original plot with character tie in from previous novels. The characters were well developed. The heroine was frustrating. The relationship between Michael and Josephine was so open and honest, but she made too many decisions while withholding information. Her attempts to not hurt him just continued to hurt him while she only provided part of the reasoning. Once she opened up to him and his mother, she finally got the family she always wanted. I enjoyed the book and I was happy to see them finally get their HEA after 12 years apart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
Oh my goodness….what a story! There is so much going on in this tale and I don’t want to spoil it for you. Suffice it to say that it’s an intense telling of two people in love who were separated by familial interference and get a second chance twelve years later. You will find kidnapping, slavery, raw emotion, internal battles, court procedings, danger, lies, and sexual encounters. Once reunited, Michael is steadfast in his love and does whatever it takes to prove it, while a damaged Josephine fights her inner demons and her sense of duty. Yes there is a happy ending, but the road there is filled with horror, anguish and regret, as well as determination, forgiveness, friendship and love. This is one heck of a story, but it is not light reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2025
Oh my, this is another book by Lavinia Glen that I just adored. She just keeps getting better and better with every book!
I felt the angst, hurt betrayal and longing of Michael and Josephine who were cruelly separated after Josephine was kidnapped and kept In a Harem.
Michael is just the most wonderful character, a cinammon roll who is patient and kind, giving Josephine the strength and support to overcome her trauma from her past.
My only criticism is I would've liked to read about her time in the harem a little more. Its just something that is not written about very often.
If you love a second chance story, angst, steam and wonderful characters, you have to read this book. I cannot wait for the next one by Lavinia Glen. I'm having a serious book hangover right now!
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
I felt the angst, hurt betrayal and longing of Michael and Josephine who were cruelly separated after Josephine was kidnapped and kept In a Harem.
Michael is just the most wonderful character, a cinammon roll who is patient and kind, giving Josephine the strength and support to overcome her trauma from her past.
My only criticism is I would've liked to read about her time in the harem a little more. Its just something that is not written about very often.
If you love a second chance story, angst, steam and wonderful characters, you have to read this book. I cannot wait for the next one by Lavinia Glen. I'm having a serious book hangover right now!
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
Twelve years a slave…
Lady Josephine has horrible parents and and even worse brother. First she’s bartered away to a marriage she did not agree to nor did she meet her so called intended before the sold her off. Her brother sells her off again to pay his gambling debts into a harem. Hardly legal, but whatever. She’s severely traumatized by this, as she had planned to wed Michael, the younger brother, however, at the time he was not the duke. He thinks she’s betrayed him. Josephine is only returned to be indentured to her brothers brat. The other guardian is Michael.
I did like Michael. He had his own issues, but nothing like Josephine’s.
Recommend. It was satisfying and rewarding.
Lady Josephine has horrible parents and and even worse brother. First she’s bartered away to a marriage she did not agree to nor did she meet her so called intended before the sold her off. Her brother sells her off again to pay his gambling debts into a harem. Hardly legal, but whatever. She’s severely traumatized by this, as she had planned to wed Michael, the younger brother, however, at the time he was not the duke. He thinks she’s betrayed him. Josephine is only returned to be indentured to her brothers brat. The other guardian is Michael.
I did like Michael. He had his own issues, but nothing like Josephine’s.
Recommend. It was satisfying and rewarding.
May 31, 2025
It’s a great story that is well written and very entertaining. Josie and Michael are separated by forces beyond their control and eventually the secrets are revealed. The more you read, the more secrets are revealed but eventually they get their HEA but it does not come without obstacles. It makes for great reading and I would highly recommend it. Also, I loved the part Edward played throughout the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
Michael and Josephine's book is beautifully written, and I didn't want to put the book down.
I like when I get to read strong female FMC's in this genre, it's certainly different. Josephine has had to combat a lot in life and I'm certainly here for HEA with Michael who's a sweet, protective MMC.
I liked how the second chance romance was executed. Sometimes this isn't done well, and it is this time around.
It is well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like when I get to read strong female FMC's in this genre, it's certainly different. Josephine has had to combat a lot in life and I'm certainly here for HEA with Michael who's a sweet, protective MMC.
I liked how the second chance romance was executed. Sometimes this isn't done well, and it is this time around.
It is well worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2025
I loved Michael. His devotion was solid, and he was reasonable, wanting to know what went wrong instead of jumping to conclusions. his undying love and support for Jo was fantastic to read about.
Jo was also a strong character. she's been through a lot and comes out of it with a backbone made of steel.
While I love Lavinias books, I am hoping to read some with happier themes. Her books are trending towards great loss and sadness, and while this is written really well and the books are great, I just need something else from this writer.
Jo was also a strong character. she's been through a lot and comes out of it with a backbone made of steel.
While I love Lavinias books, I am hoping to read some with happier themes. Her books are trending towards great loss and sadness, and while this is written really well and the books are great, I just need something else from this writer.
June 6, 2025
I thought the first part of the story was a little slow, but after the FMC returns to England after her kidnapping it really picked up. This is a second chance love story encompassing misunderstandings, forgiveness, and true love. The MMC has been tricked into believing his love left him, but once he realizes the trickery he never deviates from his plans to marry her. There are plenty of villains in the story. Some of the secondary characters are from previous books so it is nice to have them back again
July 4, 2025
The title of this book definitely says it all..
Josephine and Michael's story brought me to tears of joy and real tears of what really can happen to women even now..
The two characters went through so much yet in the end they didn't let the tragedy, betrayal and scars of what others did effect the love they have for each other or the love for a little boy..
I can't say enough about this story.
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
Josephine and Michael's story brought me to tears of joy and real tears of what really can happen to women even now..
The two characters went through so much yet in the end they didn't let the tragedy, betrayal and scars of what others did effect the love they have for each other or the love for a little boy..
I can't say enough about this story.
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
May 31, 2025
The Title Says It All!
I find it very interesting as to just how much betrayal and abuse a human will take and still be able to recover from. Yes, sometimes it takes ages to recover and some do not but if and when they do, Wow!
This story hit a chord with me. It talked to me! Not because I could imagine living under similar circumstances, but because deep down I 'felt' for the characters of Michael and Josephine and wished for the kind of devotion Michael showed Josephine.
This was a remarkable and well told story, one which quickly grabbed my attention and then held me tightly in its grips.
Would I recommend it? Yes! There are life lessons to be learned and it was so different in content.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
I find it very interesting as to just how much betrayal and abuse a human will take and still be able to recover from. Yes, sometimes it takes ages to recover and some do not but if and when they do, Wow!
This story hit a chord with me. It talked to me! Not because I could imagine living under similar circumstances, but because deep down I 'felt' for the characters of Michael and Josephine and wished for the kind of devotion Michael showed Josephine.
This was a remarkable and well told story, one which quickly grabbed my attention and then held me tightly in its grips.
Would I recommend it? Yes! There are life lessons to be learned and it was so different in content.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
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