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Marriage Mart Mayhem #3
The Lady's Disgrace
A lady is nothing without her reputation. Jilted and humiliated by her once-betrothed, Lady Abigail Lacey is the laughingstock of London. Worse still, the humiliation is now reflecting badly on her family. Her brother, the Duke of Manchester, is desperate... until he finds a way to rescue his sister's damaged reputation, and remove her from the glare of disapproving society.
He must marry her off. Quickly.
When Rector Joseph Fox drops by the Lacey household, he certainly didn't expect to leave as a man engaged to a long-time family friend! Yet while he never could have aspired to have her, Lady Abigail always ignited a forbidden longing in him. But Abigail has one condition - their marriage is to be void of passion or physical pleasures, once she becomes with child. Faced with a platonic marriage of convenience, Joseph is determined to embark on a sensuous adventure with only one goal: to seduce his new wife...
He must marry her off. Quickly.
When Rector Joseph Fox drops by the Lacey household, he certainly didn't expect to leave as a man engaged to a long-time family friend! Yet while he never could have aspired to have her, Lady Abigail always ignited a forbidden longing in him. But Abigail has one condition - their marriage is to be void of passion or physical pleasures, once she becomes with child. Faced with a platonic marriage of convenience, Joseph is determined to embark on a sensuous adventure with only one goal: to seduce his new wife...
250 pages, ebook
First published September 8, 2014
166 people are currently reading
590 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
144 books1,441 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 3, 2022
It took me some time to warm up to this couple but the story pushes all the right buttons and so you can’t help wanting to know what happens.
February 6, 2015
2.5 stars
The Lady’s Disgrace is a quick, undemanding but ultimately unsatisfying read that doesn’t even merit being described as “average”.
It’s not the worst book I’ve read recently; the writing is mostly decent, but the story is horribly clichéd and the characterisation is bland at best.
Lady Abigail Lacey has been ignominiously jilted by her fiancé and her reputation is in tatters. There is only one way to combat the gathering storm of scandal, which is to get her suitably married and out of London quickly and hope that the gossip will die down after a suitable interval so that it will not taint the prospects of her younger sisters. It seems odd today, but while a woman could cry off an engagement without too much trouble, if a man broke a betrothal, the assumption was that the woman was at fault, and her name would be dragged through the mud, and anyone unmarried female close to her would be tarred with the same brush.
Abigail’s brother is the Duke of Manchester, and while he loves his sister, he is fully aware of the implications and knows that he needs to get her settled. Fortunately, a solution very quickly presents itself in the form of the Reverend Joseph Fox, a close family friend who grew up with the Lacey family. He has nurtured a secret tendre for Abigail for years, but as the lowly son of a village rector is resigned to the fact that she is far above his touch.
Joseph has come to London with the intention of drumming up sponsors for the school he plans to open for the local children and, having called upon his old friend the duke, is stunned when he is offered Abigail’s hand in marriage as well as a sizeable marriage portion.
Abigail, who wants to get away from the fickleness of society and to do something useful, agrees to the idea, but with one stipulation. She’ll permit Joseph’s husbandly attentions until she’s pregnant, but after that, no more hanky-panky. He’s a bit put out, but acquiesces, hoping that perhaps she’ll change her mind after he’s shown her what she’ll be missing by banning him from the bed!
He doesn’t know that Abigail had a massive crush on him when she was younger, and that all she wants now is to live a purposeful life unencumbered by romantic entanglements. She loved her fiancé (or so she believes) and doesn’t want to fall in love again.
The couple arrives as Joseph’s rather more than comfortable country house, which he inherited from his grandmother (he is the grandson of an earl), and despite a few initial misunderstandings, begin their married life contentedly. They mix with local society and with Joseph’s parishioners and Abigail is looking forward to teaching at the new school.
But it’s not long before Abigail has what turns out to be the first in a series of mysterious and potentially fatal accidents. And here’s where the reader’s ability to suspend disbelief is sorely tested, because no sooner has Abigail recovered from a bullet wound to the arm than she’s being burned, hit over the head, half-drowned … the list goes on. It’s like watching a Bruce Willis movie – he gets beaten up, shot at and blown up so many times, it’s a wonder he’s in any shape to take down the bad guys!
Fortunately for her, Joseph has his suspicions and hires someone to investigate. While all this is going on, and when Abigail isn’t shot, drowned, burned or otherwise injured, Joseph is happily shagging her senseless at every available opportunity.
The miscreant is a walking cliché whose identity is apparent immediately we meet them. The characterisation is weak and the story is insubstantial and overly melodramatic. The writing isn’t bad and Joseph is an attractive hero, if not an especially well-developed one. The same is true of Abigail, although her reasons for wanting to deny Joseph her bed are just silly. She agrees to sleep with him to get pregnant – so why not after? It’s a contrivance added in an attempt to create tension in the relationship, but it doesn’t work.
The Lady’s Disgrace is a quick read, but it lacks depth, and isn’t something I can recommend.
The Lady’s Disgrace is a quick, undemanding but ultimately unsatisfying read that doesn’t even merit being described as “average”.
It’s not the worst book I’ve read recently; the writing is mostly decent, but the story is horribly clichéd and the characterisation is bland at best.
Lady Abigail Lacey has been ignominiously jilted by her fiancé and her reputation is in tatters. There is only one way to combat the gathering storm of scandal, which is to get her suitably married and out of London quickly and hope that the gossip will die down after a suitable interval so that it will not taint the prospects of her younger sisters. It seems odd today, but while a woman could cry off an engagement without too much trouble, if a man broke a betrothal, the assumption was that the woman was at fault, and her name would be dragged through the mud, and anyone unmarried female close to her would be tarred with the same brush.
Abigail’s brother is the Duke of Manchester, and while he loves his sister, he is fully aware of the implications and knows that he needs to get her settled. Fortunately, a solution very quickly presents itself in the form of the Reverend Joseph Fox, a close family friend who grew up with the Lacey family. He has nurtured a secret tendre for Abigail for years, but as the lowly son of a village rector is resigned to the fact that she is far above his touch.
Joseph has come to London with the intention of drumming up sponsors for the school he plans to open for the local children and, having called upon his old friend the duke, is stunned when he is offered Abigail’s hand in marriage as well as a sizeable marriage portion.
Abigail, who wants to get away from the fickleness of society and to do something useful, agrees to the idea, but with one stipulation. She’ll permit Joseph’s husbandly attentions until she’s pregnant, but after that, no more hanky-panky. He’s a bit put out, but acquiesces, hoping that perhaps she’ll change her mind after he’s shown her what she’ll be missing by banning him from the bed!
He doesn’t know that Abigail had a massive crush on him when she was younger, and that all she wants now is to live a purposeful life unencumbered by romantic entanglements. She loved her fiancé (or so she believes) and doesn’t want to fall in love again.
The couple arrives as Joseph’s rather more than comfortable country house, which he inherited from his grandmother (he is the grandson of an earl), and despite a few initial misunderstandings, begin their married life contentedly. They mix with local society and with Joseph’s parishioners and Abigail is looking forward to teaching at the new school.
But it’s not long before Abigail has what turns out to be the first in a series of mysterious and potentially fatal accidents. And here’s where the reader’s ability to suspend disbelief is sorely tested, because no sooner has Abigail recovered from a bullet wound to the arm than she’s being burned, hit over the head, half-drowned … the list goes on. It’s like watching a Bruce Willis movie – he gets beaten up, shot at and blown up so many times, it’s a wonder he’s in any shape to take down the bad guys!
Fortunately for her, Joseph has his suspicions and hires someone to investigate. While all this is going on, and when Abigail isn’t shot, drowned, burned or otherwise injured, Joseph is happily shagging her senseless at every available opportunity.
The miscreant is a walking cliché whose identity is apparent immediately we meet them. The characterisation is weak and the story is insubstantial and overly melodramatic. The writing isn’t bad and Joseph is an attractive hero, if not an especially well-developed one. The same is true of Abigail, although her reasons for wanting to deny Joseph her bed are just silly. She agrees to sleep with him to get pregnant – so why not after? It’s a contrivance added in an attempt to create tension in the relationship, but it doesn’t work.
The Lady’s Disgrace is a quick read, but it lacks depth, and isn’t something I can recommend.
September 8, 2014
A unique & sexy rector frees his inner caveman to demolish his new wife's walled up heart!
Lady Abigail Lacey is beautiful, has an awesome dowry, a daughter of a Duke & has held out for 3 Seasons to find love! Well, she accepted Earl of Redgrave's proposal, but now she is ruined & no one wants her except fortune hunters. What did she do? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, only got jilted as the scum Redgrave ran to Greta Green with another woman. Now she is all cried out & hiding in her room, as her family search for a solution. Well, that solution walks right through the front door!
Rector Joseph Fox grew up next door to the unusual & huge Manchester family & was the BF with the current Duke of Manchester, Drake, as they grew up. He also WANTED Abigail, but with her being a duke's daughter & his father being the Manchester Manor rector, there was no way. Now he is the rector of his own parish, Addysby End, & is in London to gather funds for his new school for all the parish children. His 1st stop is the Drake's front door & Drake is smiling ear to ear because Joseph is the answer to Abigail's problem, if she accepts him as her hubby!
Abigail accepts him, but she wants a marriage of convenience, but Joseph flat out refuses because his wants her in his bed. She compromises with sharing his bed until a child is conceived, but Joseph is absolutely going to change her mind by setting his carnal caveman loose! So she thinks he is marrying her for his school's money & he thinks she is marrying him because she is ruin & maybe still in love with Redgrave. I just have 1 word for this crazy couple, COMMUNICATION! They are married & things get off to a rough start as poor Joseph gets nothing, but drunk, during their wedding trip home.
At his unexpected large home, she is pissed because she is expected to share his bedroom. That night she just wants the coupling over with, but Joseph awakens her desires with his knee melting kisses, silky caresses & HELLO match to lighter fluid, ECSTASY! Abigail & Joseph have 1 misunderstand after another & either 1 just tells the other about their growing feelings. Many mysterious accidents are plaguing Abigail, like an angry pig attack (I am totally serious), shoots fired, her head was becoming a magnet for rocks & so many other strange happenings, that the doctor should take up residents with them. Will Joseph loss his Abigail just as he caught her? Can Abigail voice her love before it's too late? Who is trying to hurt or kill Abigail? What other farm animals will attack?
I just finished this fabulous romance read & I have to say that Joseph was only the 2nd sexy rector/vicar (the only other hero was Cole from Liz Carlyle's A Woman Scorned) that rocked my book COSMO with his HOTNESS! A yummy rector is not the norm & put me off at first because a rector/vicar should not be sexy! Ms. Hutton proved me wrong with a great hero like Joseph using his inner sexy caveman & his club, but he needed to communicate with his new wife outside the bedroom, too. Abigail was harder for me to love because she grew up in this great big & openly loving family, but she only listened to her head & not her heart. I just wanted to lock this 2 up in a wine cellar until they TALKED from their hearts because I was so frustrated with them both, but in a good way. Ms. Hutton used her devilish & slightly sleazy mind for all the "butterfly in your tummy" scenes that totally fogged up my computer screen. I love how Ms. Hutton had Duke Drake, his klutzy Penelope & unconventional Dowager Duchess make an appearance in this romance tale & I enjoyed my tea party as Penelope falls over a table & dumps her tea on her dress! This book was not as hilarious as Drake & Penelope's story, but this read was more about Abigail overcoming her stubborn head & letting Joseph in. It did have a pig attack, so Ms. Hutton did gift us with her goofiness! I hope all the ladies of the kooky Manchester clan get their own story & maybe even the Dowager Duchess will have 1, too. Ms. Hutton gets my score of 4 fingers up & 8 toes for this passion filled tale that I highly recommend for all my romance peeps!
This ARC given for my honest review.
Lady Abigail Lacey is beautiful, has an awesome dowry, a daughter of a Duke & has held out for 3 Seasons to find love! Well, she accepted Earl of Redgrave's proposal, but now she is ruined & no one wants her except fortune hunters. What did she do? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, only got jilted as the scum Redgrave ran to Greta Green with another woman. Now she is all cried out & hiding in her room, as her family search for a solution. Well, that solution walks right through the front door!
Rector Joseph Fox grew up next door to the unusual & huge Manchester family & was the BF with the current Duke of Manchester, Drake, as they grew up. He also WANTED Abigail, but with her being a duke's daughter & his father being the Manchester Manor rector, there was no way. Now he is the rector of his own parish, Addysby End, & is in London to gather funds for his new school for all the parish children. His 1st stop is the Drake's front door & Drake is smiling ear to ear because Joseph is the answer to Abigail's problem, if she accepts him as her hubby!
Abigail accepts him, but she wants a marriage of convenience, but Joseph flat out refuses because his wants her in his bed. She compromises with sharing his bed until a child is conceived, but Joseph is absolutely going to change her mind by setting his carnal caveman loose! So she thinks he is marrying her for his school's money & he thinks she is marrying him because she is ruin & maybe still in love with Redgrave. I just have 1 word for this crazy couple, COMMUNICATION! They are married & things get off to a rough start as poor Joseph gets nothing, but drunk, during their wedding trip home.
At his unexpected large home, she is pissed because she is expected to share his bedroom. That night she just wants the coupling over with, but Joseph awakens her desires with his knee melting kisses, silky caresses & HELLO match to lighter fluid, ECSTASY! Abigail & Joseph have 1 misunderstand after another & either 1 just tells the other about their growing feelings. Many mysterious accidents are plaguing Abigail, like an angry pig attack (I am totally serious), shoots fired, her head was becoming a magnet for rocks & so many other strange happenings, that the doctor should take up residents with them. Will Joseph loss his Abigail just as he caught her? Can Abigail voice her love before it's too late? Who is trying to hurt or kill Abigail? What other farm animals will attack?
I just finished this fabulous romance read & I have to say that Joseph was only the 2nd sexy rector/vicar (the only other hero was Cole from Liz Carlyle's A Woman Scorned) that rocked my book COSMO with his HOTNESS! A yummy rector is not the norm & put me off at first because a rector/vicar should not be sexy! Ms. Hutton proved me wrong with a great hero like Joseph using his inner sexy caveman & his club, but he needed to communicate with his new wife outside the bedroom, too. Abigail was harder for me to love because she grew up in this great big & openly loving family, but she only listened to her head & not her heart. I just wanted to lock this 2 up in a wine cellar until they TALKED from their hearts because I was so frustrated with them both, but in a good way. Ms. Hutton used her devilish & slightly sleazy mind for all the "butterfly in your tummy" scenes that totally fogged up my computer screen. I love how Ms. Hutton had Duke Drake, his klutzy Penelope & unconventional Dowager Duchess make an appearance in this romance tale & I enjoyed my tea party as Penelope falls over a table & dumps her tea on her dress! This book was not as hilarious as Drake & Penelope's story, but this read was more about Abigail overcoming her stubborn head & letting Joseph in. It did have a pig attack, so Ms. Hutton did gift us with her goofiness! I hope all the ladies of the kooky Manchester clan get their own story & maybe even the Dowager Duchess will have 1, too. Ms. Hutton gets my score of 4 fingers up & 8 toes for this passion filled tale that I highly recommend for all my romance peeps!
This ARC given for my honest review.
August 23, 2014
The Lady's Disgrace, brings a welcome complexity to the "left at the altar scenario".
Lady Abigail Lacey may have money and looks that stop the men of the ton in their "well heeled" tracks, but thanks to a fiance with a rather fickle heart, what she doesn't have is a husband.
Not one to suffer the shame of fools, Abigail's brother, the Duke of Manchester, knows that if he has any chance of saving his sister's unfairly tainted reputation, and shoring up his families precarious perch on the London social ladder; there is some serious match-making to be done.
So...when long-time family friend and mild mannered rector, Joseph Fox, unwittingly stumbles into the situation, it appears that the Duke's prayers just may have been answered.
But...
With every rose...
And this one comes with some particularly "thorny" conditions for poor Mr. Fox.
While Abigail has no objection to being wedded by Joseph, it appears that she has more than a few thoughts on the matter of being bedded by Joseph.
Add to that the fact that she is also bound and determined not to even broach the subject of adding her heart to the mix, and it seems that those pesky roses have turned into stink-weed.
His Lady's Disgrace does a very good job of tricking the reader into believing it to be "just another gotta get her to love me" romance. At least for the first third of the book.
Readers soon find however that there is more than a little mystery and a whole lot of mayhem tucked in with life at the rector's.
That's right, it appears that Abigail's bid to eschew wagging tongues and pointing fingers of London, just might prove deadly.
Readers will enjoy working out the clues of this country whodunnit, while watching Abigail and Joseph's relationship bloom.
This is a very endearing read that gives credence to the notion that "love really does conquer all".
Lady Abigail Lacey may have money and looks that stop the men of the ton in their "well heeled" tracks, but thanks to a fiance with a rather fickle heart, what she doesn't have is a husband.
Not one to suffer the shame of fools, Abigail's brother, the Duke of Manchester, knows that if he has any chance of saving his sister's unfairly tainted reputation, and shoring up his families precarious perch on the London social ladder; there is some serious match-making to be done.
So...when long-time family friend and mild mannered rector, Joseph Fox, unwittingly stumbles into the situation, it appears that the Duke's prayers just may have been answered.
But...
With every rose...
And this one comes with some particularly "thorny" conditions for poor Mr. Fox.
While Abigail has no objection to being wedded by Joseph, it appears that she has more than a few thoughts on the matter of being bedded by Joseph.
Add to that the fact that she is also bound and determined not to even broach the subject of adding her heart to the mix, and it seems that those pesky roses have turned into stink-weed.
His Lady's Disgrace does a very good job of tricking the reader into believing it to be "just another gotta get her to love me" romance. At least for the first third of the book.
Readers soon find however that there is more than a little mystery and a whole lot of mayhem tucked in with life at the rector's.
That's right, it appears that Abigail's bid to eschew wagging tongues and pointing fingers of London, just might prove deadly.
Readers will enjoy working out the clues of this country whodunnit, while watching Abigail and Joseph's relationship bloom.
This is a very endearing read that gives credence to the notion that "love really does conquer all".
September 4, 2014
This regency romance was a sweet and endearing read. Joseph and Abigail were pretty likable characters and I found myself enjoying them both from the first few chapters. The marriage of convenience trope is always one I enjoy as I anticipate the characters shattering each other’s barriers to find love and happiness. And that was slowly revealed in this story.
After being jilted for another woman, Abigail is concerned with protecting her heart and not opening herself to love. She agrees however to marry Joseph, a man she has known from childhood to help restore honor to her name. But she has resolved to withhold her heart for fear he will one day slash it to bits. Abigail is a sweet lady with an inner core of strength that was displayed time and time again. Joseph of course is charming, sweet, not very alpha, but I liked him well enough. He had always found Abigail fascinating and lovely, but thought her above him, for he is a mere rector. Now that he has her in his life, he becomes determine to woo and seduce more than just her body and he did a credible job of it!
Joseph was a thoughtful character who was well drawn. I enjoyed watching their relationship flourish and the trust and love that blossomed between them. Overall it was a lovely romance, with a quick straightforward plot and a villain I wished was not so obvious. I would recommend to historical romance readers and I give this book four beautiful toasts.
After being jilted for another woman, Abigail is concerned with protecting her heart and not opening herself to love. She agrees however to marry Joseph, a man she has known from childhood to help restore honor to her name. But she has resolved to withhold her heart for fear he will one day slash it to bits. Abigail is a sweet lady with an inner core of strength that was displayed time and time again. Joseph of course is charming, sweet, not very alpha, but I liked him well enough. He had always found Abigail fascinating and lovely, but thought her above him, for he is a mere rector. Now that he has her in his life, he becomes determine to woo and seduce more than just her body and he did a credible job of it!
Joseph was a thoughtful character who was well drawn. I enjoyed watching their relationship flourish and the trust and love that blossomed between them. Overall it was a lovely romance, with a quick straightforward plot and a villain I wished was not so obvious. I would recommend to historical romance readers and I give this book four beautiful toasts.
August 15, 2016
3.5 stars
I didn't like this book as much as the other ones I read from this series. I immediately felt really bad that Abigail. She was jilted after all. I also loved Joseph already from the previous book so I was totally fine with him. I think I struggled with how much Abigail wouldn't let herself fall in love, how much she believed she didn't need to love Joseph once they were married. I also think because Joseph takes such great care of her and that he is basically the best of husbands that she just took way too long to realize that she shouldn't waste the love of a good man. I did really enjoy the attempts on her life though. Wow...that didn't sound right...let me explain. Someone is trying to kill her and even though the villain's identity is revealed early on, there are intense moments of fear of what will happen next. What "accident" will befall Abigail this time. *cue suspenseful music*
Honestly, I would read this book just because of Joseph. However, the suspense was great and the romance was good as well (you know once Abigail opened up to love.) Their love does work out in the end and it was pretty darn sweet.
I didn't like this book as much as the other ones I read from this series. I immediately felt really bad that Abigail. She was jilted after all. I also loved Joseph already from the previous book so I was totally fine with him. I think I struggled with how much Abigail wouldn't let herself fall in love, how much she believed she didn't need to love Joseph once they were married. I also think because Joseph takes such great care of her and that he is basically the best of husbands that she just took way too long to realize that she shouldn't waste the love of a good man. I did really enjoy the attempts on her life though. Wow...that didn't sound right...let me explain. Someone is trying to kill her and even though the villain's identity is revealed early on, there are intense moments of fear of what will happen next. What "accident" will befall Abigail this time. *cue suspenseful music*
Honestly, I would read this book just because of Joseph. However, the suspense was great and the romance was good as well (you know once Abigail opened up to love.) Their love does work out in the end and it was pretty darn sweet.
July 3, 2021
2 stars. This book just didn’t work for me, the writing felt lazy. The hero and heroine got married suddenly and then proceeded to not speak two words to one another that weren’t misconstrued. The hero thinks the heroine is in love with an OM and the heroine thinks that the hero never liked her and only married her for her dowry. A few words could have saved both of them from a ton of angst. Then there’s a crazy OW who had her own eye on the hero and she tries to kill the heroine at every turn. Somehow the hero & heroine are too dumb to actually prevent a single attempt and the heroine is near death for most of the story as a result. It’s just such lazy writing that I couldn’t really enjoy any part of this story.
Safe; no others, heroine virgin, hero wasn’t a virgin but I have to question how he got all that experience as a rector. Seems a little wrong somehow.
Safe; no others, heroine virgin, hero wasn’t a virgin but I have to question how he got all that experience as a rector. Seems a little wrong somehow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2015
Enjoyed reading this story - a very pleasant read.
I must admit I love the green dress cover used for UK.
I must admit I love the green dress cover used for UK.
September 9, 2014
This is the third book in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series, and although I usually prefer to read a series in order, this book can be read as a stand alone and not cause you to feel like you are missing any important details. If you like a good suspense in your historical romance story, then you should definitely read this book because it had me engrossed from beginning to end. I cannot wait to see what story Ms. Hutton will release next.
Lady Abigail Lacey has been jilted by her betrothed, and now her name is the talk of London. There is only one thing to do to stop the talk and that is to marry, but she is determined to never open her heart to love again. She never imagined that the arrival of a family friend would find her engaged to the one man she had feeling for when she was younger.
Rector Joseph Fox has grown up with the Lacey family and has had a crush on Abigail knowing that due to the difference in their stations he could never have her for his wife. He cannot believe his luck when things work out in his favor, and he finds himself wedding Abigail. Since she only wants companionship in their marriage Joseph is determined to show her that they can be very happy if they open their hearts to love. But they soon discover that someone in their small town is not happy about him bringing home a wife, and he may not have time to prove that they can love one another and be truly happy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Abigail Lacey has been jilted by her betrothed, and now her name is the talk of London. There is only one thing to do to stop the talk and that is to marry, but she is determined to never open her heart to love again. She never imagined that the arrival of a family friend would find her engaged to the one man she had feeling for when she was younger.
Rector Joseph Fox has grown up with the Lacey family and has had a crush on Abigail knowing that due to the difference in their stations he could never have her for his wife. He cannot believe his luck when things work out in his favor, and he finds himself wedding Abigail. Since she only wants companionship in their marriage Joseph is determined to show her that they can be very happy if they open their hearts to love. But they soon discover that someone in their small town is not happy about him bringing home a wife, and he may not have time to prove that they can love one another and be truly happy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2022
Very Very Good Story!
Abigail and Joseph such a sweet love story. But for Lady Durham, I would have voted to send her to Scotland Yard! Let her die in prison. What a story. I loved almost all of the characters and loved the storyline so much. Off to start #4 then #7. Read 5 & 6 a while ago since they were Scottish stories 😊😊😊😊😊🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
Abigail and Joseph such a sweet love story. But for Lady Durham, I would have voted to send her to Scotland Yard! Let her die in prison. What a story. I loved almost all of the characters and loved the storyline so much. Off to start #4 then #7. Read 5 & 6 a while ago since they were Scottish stories 😊😊😊😊😊🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
April 1, 2015
This sweet romance is the story of Joseph and Abigail. Abigail's reputation is in tatters when her fiance jilts her for another woman before their wedding. When the solution of marriage to an old family friend is offered she gladly takes the chance to get out of London and help him with his new school and live simply with him as a rector's wife. She's determined though that this will be a marriage of convenience, having discovered that love leads only to pain. Will Joseph be able to convince her that marriage to him will fulfill all her heart's desires?
I quite enjoyed this story. Showcasing how unfair life was to women in that era, Abigail's position as the disgraced woman through no fault of her own leads her into this marriage. She is however strong and determined to make the best of her situation and relishes the idea of leaving London society for the chance to make a difference in the children's lives at Joseph's new school. She wants to guard her heart against Joseph but she is attracted to him, and the marriage bed holds delights she never thought she would enjoy as much as she does with him. Joseph is also an engaging character, a strong, upright, determined man, willing to give his new wife some leeway in their relationship even while he desires her body and her heart. The love scenes between them are tender and emotional, showing that even if Abigail is guarding her heart, she can't keep him at arms length forever.
There is a suspense plot in the story mixed in with the romance, as someone in their town is displeased with the rector's marriage and is determined to get rid of Abigail in one way or another. The story moves along at a good pace, combining the tension, mystery and romance into one entertaining read. 4 stars!
I quite enjoyed this story. Showcasing how unfair life was to women in that era, Abigail's position as the disgraced woman through no fault of her own leads her into this marriage. She is however strong and determined to make the best of her situation and relishes the idea of leaving London society for the chance to make a difference in the children's lives at Joseph's new school. She wants to guard her heart against Joseph but she is attracted to him, and the marriage bed holds delights she never thought she would enjoy as much as she does with him. Joseph is also an engaging character, a strong, upright, determined man, willing to give his new wife some leeway in their relationship even while he desires her body and her heart. The love scenes between them are tender and emotional, showing that even if Abigail is guarding her heart, she can't keep him at arms length forever.
There is a suspense plot in the story mixed in with the romance, as someone in their town is displeased with the rector's marriage and is determined to get rid of Abigail in one way or another. The story moves along at a good pace, combining the tension, mystery and romance into one entertaining read. 4 stars!
August 15, 2017
A very nice addition to the series. In this story the heroine has been dumped and is convinced to marry another guy, a church rector that she has known since childhood. They have to overcome misunderstandings and assumptions while it seems that someone wants to harm her. Joseph was a sweet, loving man, a true beta hero. Abigail was tough and kind, but emotionally confused. The villain was not much of a secret and, thank goodness, was not what I call "crazy bad." It was a nice, warm romance, very likable. I enjoyed it.
June 7, 2017
Meh
About halfway through book, I realized that I still didn't much about Abigail,the heroine, and less about the hero.
The heroine's sister-in-law demonstrated a charming clumsiness and abiding love for her son. Recollections showed that heroine had a loving mother who spent time playing with her children, and was unlike most aristocratic parents. Conversations about the cad that jilted Abigail clearly outlined his character. And the villain, her background was fully developed. She was only three-dimensional character in the book.
Wish author had put as much time into demonstrating the characteristics of the mains. Aside from the vicar's plans for a school, we know he was a childhood friend of heroine's brother. And ONE childhood prank that the boys played on Abigail was mentioned several times. That's it, just one... until a bit of frenzied half memories get thrown in near end of story. Not nearly enough to make me care about either or their HEA.
Must mention that villainess' final attack on heroine was unnecessary to story. And completely ludicrous.
About halfway through book, I realized that I still didn't much about Abigail,the heroine, and less about the hero.
The heroine's sister-in-law demonstrated a charming clumsiness and abiding love for her son. Recollections showed that heroine had a loving mother who spent time playing with her children, and was unlike most aristocratic parents. Conversations about the cad that jilted Abigail clearly outlined his character. And the villain, her background was fully developed. She was only three-dimensional character in the book.
Wish author had put as much time into demonstrating the characteristics of the mains. Aside from the vicar's plans for a school, we know he was a childhood friend of heroine's brother. And ONE childhood prank that the boys played on Abigail was mentioned several times. That's it, just one... until a bit of frenzied half memories get thrown in near end of story. Not nearly enough to make me care about either or their HEA.
Must mention that villainess' final attack on heroine was unnecessary to story. And completely ludicrous.
October 18, 2022
The heroine was a bit tedious at times. The hero was a bit clueless at times.
August 4, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the suspense elements in this book, they kept me hooked and eager to keep reading.
Joseph was such a sweetheart, and I absolutely love when a hero has been secretly in love with the heroine for years. They were a great match, and I found their relationship very satisfying to read about. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but it definitely didn’t disappoint. An enjoyable story overall!
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Summary;
(spoilers)
Lady Abigail Lacey was engaged to Darius, the Earl of Redgrave, but he broke off the engagement two weeks before their wedding to marry another woman he had likely impregnated. Now humiliated and shunned by respectable suitors, Abigail’s brother Drake seeks a solution. When Joseph Fox, the Rector of their home village and an old family friend, visits London, Drake realizes Joseph is the perfect match: respectable, financially stable, and fond of Abigail. Joseph, who has secretly loved Abigail since youth, eagerly agrees. This is something he has only dreamed of. As a young man, he had always been fond of Abigail, but she was the daughter of a Duke and far out of his reach. If not for that, he would have courted her himself.
Drake tells Abigail the news, and she cannot believe her ears. As a child, she had always been in love with Joseph, but her constant teasing of him and Drake made Joseph start to see her as an annoying little sister. That rejection had hurt, but as she entered her first Season, her crush slowly faded until she saw him again in the village. The feelings were still there.
Three days later, they are married and on their way to Joseph’s estate. During the journey, Joseph can’t stop thinking about their wedding night and how badly he wants to kiss Abigail. But at the inn, she makes it clear: this will be a marriage of convenience, and she doesn’t intend to share his bed except for the purpose of having children. Joseph is deeply disappointed but respects her decision. That night, he drinks himself senseless. Meanwhile, Abigail instantly regrets her words as she lies alone in bed, but Joseph hadn’t seemed eager to share the bed either, and she suspects this marriage is only for financial reasons.
When they arrive at his estate, Abigail is surprised by how well-off Joseph is: a beautiful large house with several servants, another home in Cornwall inherited from his grandmother, and a sum of money left by his grandfather, accessible only upon marriage. Soon after their arrival, Lady Durham visits. A widow that lives nearby. She immediately begins flirting with Joseph but freezes when she sees Abigail. When Joseph introduces Abigail as his wife, Durham turns pale.
Lady Durham had set her sights on Joseph and planned to pursue him after finishing her mourning period for her late husband. She is furious, she had spent months pretending to care about his church and school when she couldn’t care less. Once poor herself, she had clawed her way up by marrying an Earl. Now widowed and left penniless, she has no intention of letting Joseph and his secure income slip away because of his new wife. So, she begins plotting to get rid of Abigail.
Within a few nights, Joseph succeeds in seducing Abigail, and the experience is better than either of them imagined. Joseph is thrilled with this progress and hopes Abigail will realize how good they can be together. One day, Abigail leaves for the village, planning to be back by lunch. When she doesn’t return after an hour, Joseph becomes worried and rides out to find her. He discovers her lying face-down in a ditch, with a severe head wound. Fearing she fell and struck her head, he brings her home. But when her maid changes her clothes, they discover a gunshot wound in her arm. A doctor tends to her, but she remains feverish and gravely ill for days. Joseph stays at her side, caring for her constantly. The circumstances of the shooting trouble him deeply. He cannot bear the thought of losing her and realizes he has fallen in love with his wife, even if she doesn’t share those feelings.
Weeks later, Abigail has recovered, and the wound has healed. She notices Joseph is eager to share their bed again, but he is patient, waiting for her signal. Their relationship improves, and Abigail starts to believe this could become a happy marriage. Joseph clearly cares for her, and she enjoys her life as a Rector’s wife, finding the work fulfilling. Still, she wonders whether she wants more than simply sharing a bed and pretending to be just friends.
One afternoon, Abigail walks through the garden and notices someone near the garden shed. Expecting to see a gardener, she steps inside, but no one is there. Suddenly, the door slams shut, and when she tries to open it, she realizes she’s locked in. Panic sets in as smoke begins to fill the space. When Joseph learns there’s a fire, he immediately suspects Abigail is in danger. He rescues her from the shed and demands to know what happened. He begins to suspect that someone is deliberately trying to harm her. Confiding in his brother-in-law Drake, the Duke of Manchester, they hire a private investigator to monitor the situation and uncover who is behind the attempts on Abigail’s life. When asked who might benefit from Abigail’s death, Joseph briefly pictures Lady Durham but dismisses the thought. Surely she wouldn’t go that far.
A few days earlier, Lady Durham had learned more about Abigail and her broken engagement to the Earl of Redgrave at a gala. Armed with this information, she visits Abigail. After some time, she excuses herself to “use the restroom,” but instead sneaks into Joseph’s study and leaves a letter behind. Later, Joseph finds it, and his heart drops. It’s a love letter from Redgrave, implying Abigail has been in contact with the Earl and still has feelings for him. Joseph is devastated and furious. He begins ignoring Abigail, leaving her confused and heartbroken, things had been going so well between them.
Overwhelmed, Abigail goes for a walk. It begins to rain heavily, and Lady Durham pulls up in her carriage, offering her a ride. Abigail reluctantly accepts but quickly grows uneasy. Her fears are confirmed when they reach a remote area, and Lady Durham reveals her plan: she intended to marry Joseph, but Abigail stood in her way. Abigail tries to escape, but Lady Durham strikes her on the head and throws her into the river.
Meanwhile, Joseph finds a letter Abigail had been hiding that morning. Thinking it’s another from Redgrave, he opens it only to see “Abigail loves Joseph” scribbled all over, surrounded by little hearts. Realizing how wrong he’s been, he rushes to find her, but she’s nowhere to be found. Hours later, a farmer arrives at the house with Abigail’s unconscious body. He explains that he found her floating in the river and pulled her out. A doctor is called to treat her. Joseph decides it’s time, they must leave.
The next day, Lady Durham arrives, pretending to be deeply concerned about Abigail’s “disappearance.” When Joseph tells her Abigail is safe in bed, she turns deathly pale. She offers to sit with Abigail, but Joseph feels uneasy. Fortunately, Abigail’s maid remains in the room, so Joseph leaves to speak with the private investigator that just arrived. The investigator explains his suspicions about Lady Durham and what he has uncovered about her past. Then Joseph realizes with dread that Lady Durham is alone with Abigail. He races upstairs and finds Lady Durham pressing a pillow over Abigail’s face. He rescues Abigail and throws Lady Durham out of the house. Lady Durham is sent away to Scotland by her family.
In the aftermath, Joseph and Abigail reconcile. They discover they are expecting their first child, confess their long-hidden feelings for each other, and finally find happiness in their marriage.
September 8, 2014
This was the first or second book I have read by Callie Hutton, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. Her characters are loveable yet flawed, and there are some twists and turns in this book as well.
Lady Abigail Lacey was dumped almost literally at the altar by an unscrupulous Earl who elopes to Gretna Green with a woman he got pregnant. She has been the talk of the Ton for the last couple of weeks since it happened and has holed up in her room grieving for her lost love. The lovely and lively Abigail decides to stop grieving, and shortly thereafter her brother, a Duke, comes knocking at her door. An old friend of his, rector Joseph Fox, has come to ask for money to fund the school he wants to build for the children in his Parish. Abigail's brother asks Joseph if he would be interested in marrying her if she consents. Joseph has long held a desire for her, but since the Duke is his best friend, and Abigail Is way above his station, he never pursued her. This is his dream come true! Abigail tells her brother that she will marry Joseph and move to the country with him. When she visits the library where Joseph is waiting for her, she tells him that she will marry him as long as it stays a marriage of convenience only. She wants to have children, but only on her terms Love only means hurt, and she is not willing to risk her heart again. They get married and she moves to his Parish In the country. Not long after marrying, Abigail starts having accidents: an accidental gunshot wound, etc. Are they really accidents or is someone out to hurt her?
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Abigail Lacey was dumped almost literally at the altar by an unscrupulous Earl who elopes to Gretna Green with a woman he got pregnant. She has been the talk of the Ton for the last couple of weeks since it happened and has holed up in her room grieving for her lost love. The lovely and lively Abigail decides to stop grieving, and shortly thereafter her brother, a Duke, comes knocking at her door. An old friend of his, rector Joseph Fox, has come to ask for money to fund the school he wants to build for the children in his Parish. Abigail's brother asks Joseph if he would be interested in marrying her if she consents. Joseph has long held a desire for her, but since the Duke is his best friend, and Abigail Is way above his station, he never pursued her. This is his dream come true! Abigail tells her brother that she will marry Joseph and move to the country with him. When she visits the library where Joseph is waiting for her, she tells him that she will marry him as long as it stays a marriage of convenience only. She wants to have children, but only on her terms Love only means hurt, and she is not willing to risk her heart again. They get married and she moves to his Parish In the country. Not long after marrying, Abigail starts having accidents: an accidental gunshot wound, etc. Are they really accidents or is someone out to hurt her?
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2014
Abigail Lacey was disgraced by her betrothed when he left her for another woman right before their wedding. She is distraught and vows never to love again. She will marry, for stability, security and children, but never will she give her heart freely.
Joseph Fox has gone to London to secure funding for a school for children in the village where he is their rector. Joseph stops by his childhood friends home to visit. While there he is stunned to realize his friend woukd like him to take his sister, Abigail to wife. Could he be dreaming? Could the woman of his heart, possibly be his future wife? He has wanted her ever since they were younger, but he could never pursue Abigail because she was of a higher station then he. He was simply a rector's son, but now, his passed dreams where now closer than he ever imagined if Abigail would say yes. He is convinced he could make her love him in time, he agrees with her brother to marry her as long as she agrees.
Danger lurks around though.
I recommend this book, there is hope, love, passion, danger and intrigue. Great combinations in a story.
Joseph Fox has gone to London to secure funding for a school for children in the village where he is their rector. Joseph stops by his childhood friends home to visit. While there he is stunned to realize his friend woukd like him to take his sister, Abigail to wife. Could he be dreaming? Could the woman of his heart, possibly be his future wife? He has wanted her ever since they were younger, but he could never pursue Abigail because she was of a higher station then he. He was simply a rector's son, but now, his passed dreams where now closer than he ever imagined if Abigail would say yes. He is convinced he could make her love him in time, he agrees with her brother to marry her as long as she agrees.
Danger lurks around though.
I recommend this book, there is hope, love, passion, danger and intrigue. Great combinations in a story.
August 30, 2014
An enjoyable read. Good story line, the plot was good and pretty good pacing. Had some mystery also.
Abigail was jilted and became the laughing stock of the ton. She retreated into her room and no one seemed able to help her reengage with family or friends. Her brother the Duke is beside himself not knowing what to do. He than turns to his friends, Joesph for help. Joseph has cared and had a thing for Abigail and finds it no hardship in helping and marrying Abigail. Abigail is deter mend to never be hurt again and guards her heart. She marries Joesph knowing she was children but never will she love again. Joesph sets out to win her heart.
I like the characters and how they developed. The heroine, Abigail was likeable, determined and sweet. The hero, Joseph, was my favorite. He knows how to get to a girls heart and he did with Abigail (even though she was determined for it not to happen).
I liked the depth of the characters and how they came across in the book. I enjoyed the romance and would recommend it to friends.
Abigail was jilted and became the laughing stock of the ton. She retreated into her room and no one seemed able to help her reengage with family or friends. Her brother the Duke is beside himself not knowing what to do. He than turns to his friends, Joesph for help. Joseph has cared and had a thing for Abigail and finds it no hardship in helping and marrying Abigail. Abigail is deter mend to never be hurt again and guards her heart. She marries Joesph knowing she was children but never will she love again. Joesph sets out to win her heart.
I like the characters and how they developed. The heroine, Abigail was likeable, determined and sweet. The hero, Joseph, was my favorite. He knows how to get to a girls heart and he did with Abigail (even though she was determined for it not to happen).
I liked the depth of the characters and how they came across in the book. I enjoyed the romance and would recommend it to friends.
September 16, 2014
PLEASANT READ
When Lady Abigail Lacey is Jilted by her fiancé, her reputation is left in tatters. When an old family friend the Rector Joseph Fox visits her family home the last thing he expected was to become betrothed to the lovely Abigail, at the instigation of her brother the Duke.
Returning to his country parish after their marriage it seems as if not everyone is overjoyed at the rectors marriage. Suddenly deadly accidents start happening to Abigail. Added to that the circumstances surrounding their union, tensions are running high. Can they find the culprit before it's too late.
I liked this even if it's fairly predictable. I liked the characters in particular the growing relationship between the two leads. I have read this authors stories before, she has a nice easy flowing writing style. This is a nice quick and uncomplicated read
When Lady Abigail Lacey is Jilted by her fiancé, her reputation is left in tatters. When an old family friend the Rector Joseph Fox visits her family home the last thing he expected was to become betrothed to the lovely Abigail, at the instigation of her brother the Duke.
Returning to his country parish after their marriage it seems as if not everyone is overjoyed at the rectors marriage. Suddenly deadly accidents start happening to Abigail. Added to that the circumstances surrounding their union, tensions are running high. Can they find the culprit before it's too late.
I liked this even if it's fairly predictable. I liked the characters in particular the growing relationship between the two leads. I have read this authors stories before, she has a nice easy flowing writing style. This is a nice quick and uncomplicated read
August 26, 2014
3.75
The Lady's Disgrace is book 3 in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series. This is such a cute and fun series and I can't wait for the next book. We met Rector Joseph Fox in the last book he is a old family friends of the Lacey's. He comes to pay his respect to the new heir of his best friend Drake Lacey, Duke of Manchester. He then finds himself asked to marry Drakes sister Lady Abigail who was ruined when she was basically left at the altar. Abigail agrees to the marriage but she will not love joseph and he will only be welcome in the marriage bed until there is an heir. Second thoughts and suspense keeps you turning the pages of this fast paced story.
The Lady's Disgrace is book 3 in the Marriage Mart Mayhem series. This is such a cute and fun series and I can't wait for the next book. We met Rector Joseph Fox in the last book he is a old family friends of the Lacey's. He comes to pay his respect to the new heir of his best friend Drake Lacey, Duke of Manchester. He then finds himself asked to marry Drakes sister Lady Abigail who was ruined when she was basically left at the altar. Abigail agrees to the marriage but she will not love joseph and he will only be welcome in the marriage bed until there is an heir. Second thoughts and suspense keeps you turning the pages of this fast paced story.
December 15, 2014
This is the third book in this series and it didn't let you down. Abigail was determined not to marry for love again. After being disgraced and left for another woman, she would never look for love again. Her body and heart might have different feelings though.
Joseph, a life long family friend, can't believe his love of his life is actually his wife.
They both agree to have the marriage with no love, but can their hearts and bodies keep the same agreement?
This was another fun story to ready. I recommend reading the first two books before hand, but this is a stand alone also.
April 12, 2017
Sweet and fulfilling
A nice romance with characters that care, but don't want to acknowledge their feelings. Throw in a deranged would-be killer and some near misses and you have a good page-turner.
A nice romance with characters that care, but don't want to acknowledge their feelings. Throw in a deranged would-be killer and some near misses and you have a good page-turner.
March 14, 2020
3 Stars
October 4, 2022
3.5 STARS
Narrated by Sienna Frances
#MarriageOfConvenience #Historical #Audiobook
I listened to the audiobook of this one. It is my first book by this author. It can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from multiple POV.
I liked both Joseph and Abigail as characters and I appreciated that they each had very different feelings about their marriage of convenience. I liked how much Joseph dotes on Abigail from the beginning. I loved the heat between them, especially when Abigail admits that sharing the marriage bed is better than she thought it would be. There is an underlying danger plot that lands Abigail in trouble several times: maybe a little too much before it gets sorted out. The whole thing could have been a lot less of a problem if the couple had communicated better and I found that a bit frustrating. Overall, it was an enjoyable story set in 1815 London and countryside.
Although the audiobook uses only a single narrator, I felt like she completely captured the story and even added to it. I never felt like I missed the male narration of the story though I do usually listen to duet narration. I would rate the narration a solid 4 stars.
Narrated by Sienna Frances
#MarriageOfConvenience #Historical #Audiobook
I listened to the audiobook of this one. It is my first book by this author. It can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in third person from multiple POV.
I liked both Joseph and Abigail as characters and I appreciated that they each had very different feelings about their marriage of convenience. I liked how much Joseph dotes on Abigail from the beginning. I loved the heat between them, especially when Abigail admits that sharing the marriage bed is better than she thought it would be. There is an underlying danger plot that lands Abigail in trouble several times: maybe a little too much before it gets sorted out. The whole thing could have been a lot less of a problem if the couple had communicated better and I found that a bit frustrating. Overall, it was an enjoyable story set in 1815 London and countryside.
Although the audiobook uses only a single narrator, I felt like she completely captured the story and even added to it. I never felt like I missed the male narration of the story though I do usually listen to duet narration. I would rate the narration a solid 4 stars.
April 5, 2022
A hastily conceived marriage of convenience for the Heroine cause she got dumped a couple of weeks before the wedding. Bad girl! Society doesn't approve of that but they do love a good patch job marriage to the Hero cause she has Big $$$, I mean, dowry and the Hero Rector needs a it for his school. She doesn't want love but she does want kids and he wants her but is willing to settle.
I was into this book of a pragmatic marriage that was a lovely shift from this genre's habit of refining rakes. The third act taking a left turn into the Hero Rector deciding that he was insecure about a possible found note to the Heroine's former fiance... well, no spoilers but I was still along for the ride if not the resolution. HEA's do happen of course.
I would recommend this for people who want to find more found love in their marriage of convenience trope with more internal struggles than societal drama.
I was into this book of a pragmatic marriage that was a lovely shift from this genre's habit of refining rakes. The third act taking a left turn into the Hero Rector deciding that he was insecure about a possible found note to the Heroine's former fiance... well, no spoilers but I was still along for the ride if not the resolution. HEA's do happen of course.
I would recommend this for people who want to find more found love in their marriage of convenience trope with more internal struggles than societal drama.
June 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. Abigail and Joseph have chemistry from the start and are their own worse enemies with their uncertainty of the other. They are both strong, in dependent and carrying people. Abigail wants more from her life then balls, shopping, and musicals, which she finds through her marriage. Through this story, Abigail finds the person that she wants to become and realizes that the love her parents and older brother have is more than worth it.
This story is a fun take on the marriage of convenience as the couple new and have been in love with each other since childhood – although they aren’t willing to admit such to the other. They are relatable characters that at times I wanted to shake (in good ways). I like seeing the couple from the previous book in the series and where they are in their lives. The subplot added spice to the story but felt like it was bit of overkill at times, due to the number of attempts on Abigail’s life.
This story is a fun take on the marriage of convenience as the couple new and have been in love with each other since childhood – although they aren’t willing to admit such to the other. They are relatable characters that at times I wanted to shake (in good ways). I like seeing the couple from the previous book in the series and where they are in their lives. The subplot added spice to the story but felt like it was bit of overkill at times, due to the number of attempts on Abigail’s life.
April 30, 2021
Lady Abigail is jilted 2 weeks before her wedding, Joseph has always had feelings for her but never expected to be able act on it, she's above him in station and she's his best friends sister, they've known each other all their lives. When her brother asks Joseph if he will marry her to help save her reputation, he agrees if she will have him.
Abigail refuses to have her heart broken again so she lays out some ground rules, friends only, sex only for procreation, how was she to know she'd actually enjoy it???
As soon as they arrive at his home she starts having accidents, someone is trying to kill her. It's not a deep mystery who, but still entertaining.
Abigail refuses to have her heart broken again so she lays out some ground rules, friends only, sex only for procreation, how was she to know she'd actually enjoy it???
As soon as they arrive at his home she starts having accidents, someone is trying to kill her. It's not a deep mystery who, but still entertaining.
November 16, 2021
Loved the 3rd book in the series. Abigails fiancé leaves her and runs off with someone else. Leaving her in disgrace. Joseph Fox has known Abigail since she was an infant and fell in love with her years ago. He knew nothing could come of it because of there different stations in life. But when her brother asks Joseph to marry her he jumps at the chance. Abigail is disheartened with love and tells Joseph she will marry him but once she’s with child he will be no longer welcome in her bed. He knows he will need time to help change her mind. But will he have a chance since someone wants Abigail dead. A wonderfully written book with a beautiful ending.
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