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The Widows of the Aristocracy #3
The Secrets of a Viscount: The Widows of the Aristocracy, Volume 3
Nothing makes a man more lonely than his secrets. The same might be said for women.
Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle, has a secret he’d rather not tell anyone, including the woman for whom he has held a candle for more than 20 years. Elise Burroughs Batey, the widow of Lord Lancaster, has had enough of marriage, but pining for the chance at motherhood, she may just have to consider Godfrey’s proposal. If he can just get it right.
The man has some preconceived notions about his true love, none of which are true. But then, she has some of the same notions about him. And none of them are real!
Meanwhile, Adam Comber, Viscount Breckinridge, has finally decided it’s time to marry - or perhaps a pending deadline has him motivated to find a bride. Why not the very first woman he spots from the bow window at White’s?
He may not be the best at mathematics, but he's pretty sure she's got his number. As an arithmetic teacher and dance instructor at a finishing school, Diana Albright has a secret she’d rather the town not learn, especially the rather handsome man who has just informed her she will be his bride.
What a bounder! Of course his proposal is just a lark. Or is it? Does the viscount really intend to take her as his wife? Some numbers just don't quite add up in The Secrets of a Viscount.
Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle, has a secret he’d rather not tell anyone, including the woman for whom he has held a candle for more than 20 years. Elise Burroughs Batey, the widow of Lord Lancaster, has had enough of marriage, but pining for the chance at motherhood, she may just have to consider Godfrey’s proposal. If he can just get it right.
The man has some preconceived notions about his true love, none of which are true. But then, she has some of the same notions about him. And none of them are real!
Meanwhile, Adam Comber, Viscount Breckinridge, has finally decided it’s time to marry - or perhaps a pending deadline has him motivated to find a bride. Why not the very first woman he spots from the bow window at White’s?
He may not be the best at mathematics, but he's pretty sure she's got his number. As an arithmetic teacher and dance instructor at a finishing school, Diana Albright has a secret she’d rather the town not learn, especially the rather handsome man who has just informed her she will be his bride.
What a bounder! Of course his proposal is just a lark. Or is it? Does the viscount really intend to take her as his wife? Some numbers just don't quite add up in The Secrets of a Viscount.
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Published April 18, 2018
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About the author
Linda Rae Sande
124 books426 followersA self-described nerd and lover of science, Linda Rae spent many years as a published technical writer specializing in 3D graphics workstations, software and 3D animation (her movie credits include SHREK and SHREK 2). An interest in genealogy led to years of research on the Regency era and a desire to write fiction based in that time.
A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.
A fan of action-adventure movies, she can frequently be found at the local cinema. Although she no longer has any fish, she follows the San Jose Sharks. She makes her home in Cody, Wyoming. More information about her books can be found at www.lindaraesande.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 4, 2017
The Secrets of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande
The Widows of the Aristocracy #3
Two love stories in one that are told in alternating chapters so you definitely get your money’s worth with this book :)
Godfrey and held a torch for over a decade waiting for the only woman he has ever loved – Elise. Elise, now a dowager widow is available but it takes more than a bit of work on Godfrey’s part to woo and win her – well – not all that much work but definitely some AND they so deserve their eventual HEA.
The other couple is younger with Adam deciding it is time to marry and pretty much proposing to a woman on first sight. Their banter is charming and heartwarming and their relationship fun to observe. Adam is brash and bold and charming and Diana is flirty, fun and absolutely fabulous!
This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.
Thank you to NKAuthorServices for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
The Widows of the Aristocracy #3
Two love stories in one that are told in alternating chapters so you definitely get your money’s worth with this book :)
Godfrey and held a torch for over a decade waiting for the only woman he has ever loved – Elise. Elise, now a dowager widow is available but it takes more than a bit of work on Godfrey’s part to woo and win her – well – not all that much work but definitely some AND they so deserve their eventual HEA.
The other couple is younger with Adam deciding it is time to marry and pretty much proposing to a woman on first sight. Their banter is charming and heartwarming and their relationship fun to observe. Adam is brash and bold and charming and Diana is flirty, fun and absolutely fabulous!
This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be looking for more of her work in the future.
Thank you to NKAuthorServices for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
April 25, 2021
so this isnt my genre of choice really.. but it wasnt a bad story.. characters were enjoyable.. a bit too much inner monologue for me but overall i didnt mind it. it wasnt bad and id read more by this author.
November 26, 2018
The Secrets of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande is a Regency Romance and the third book in The Widows of the Aristocracy Series. I have had the opportunity to meet Linda Rae Sande at the 2017 InD’Scribe Con. She is absolutely wonderful! I have read some of her other works but nothing from this series before. This book introduces two men: Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle and Adam Comber, Viscount Breckinridge. Godfrey sends a marriage proposal to widow Elise Burroughs Batey, who he has loved for years. However, they both have made assumptions about each other over the last 15 years. Can they both acknowledge the truth? Adam Comber said he would marry by the time he turned thirty so his friend could win a bet. When he sees Diana Albright walking down the street, he knows she is the one. He immediately proposes marriage, not knowing her secrets.
This romance is a steamy one to be sure. The characters have wonderful chemistry. Linda Rae Sande always writes with a hint of humor to keep the reader smiling. However, this book is so cluttered. The book is less than 300 pages and tries to intertwine to stories in one. This takes away from plot development, character development, and causes the stories to be rushed. There is also a lot of jumping back and forth between the two couples every chapter. I think I would have been more engaged if these two stories were split up and each had their own book. The characters are fun and mischevious and I would have loved to get to know them a bit better. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the story, the characters, and the writing.
This romance is a steamy one to be sure. The characters have wonderful chemistry. Linda Rae Sande always writes with a hint of humor to keep the reader smiling. However, this book is so cluttered. The book is less than 300 pages and tries to intertwine to stories in one. This takes away from plot development, character development, and causes the stories to be rushed. There is also a lot of jumping back and forth between the two couples every chapter. I think I would have been more engaged if these two stories were split up and each had their own book. The characters are fun and mischevious and I would have loved to get to know them a bit better. Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I loved the story, the characters, and the writing.
July 3, 2025
Two romances in one.
Viscount Thorncastle, Godfrey has waited nearly two decades for the woman of his dreams to be available, and when she is he asks her to marry him by letter. Lady Lancaster, Elise has been in Love with Godfrey since she was thirteen, but her father insisted she marry elsewhere to pay off one of his gambling debts. Now free from a brutish husband she's free to marry her love, except he proposes by letter, so she can't discuss her conditions.
Along side this Diana Albright, bastard daughter of the Duke of Ariley catches the eye of Viscount Brekinridge, Adam who pursues her as she's a 'ten'.
Both viscounts arrange to marry and be each other's witness, but Diana hasn't told Adam she's a bastard or who her father is,and Godfrey has a secret.
The Duke of Ariley, James is not just Diana's father but Elise's older brother, so his attendance at the wedding and familiarity with Diana upsets one groom.
I enjoyed the book and am sure if I re-read it will find more things to love. My only gripe is in both couples the numbers/ages don't add up and it got distracting enough that it annoyed me.
If Elise a Godfrey were in love for eighteen years, and she is 32 and he just 36 they met when she was 14 and he 18, early in the book they were 13 and 16, and later in the book she was 16 and he 19.
Diana lost her mother 10 years ago when she was 14, her father tells Adam she on the eve of her 24th birthday which goes back. But he'd also said Diana first met Elise 18 years ago when she was 5 and was corrected to she was 7. But 5 is correct. How does James at 40 have daughters 24 and 28?
I'm a numbers person it bothers me.
Viscount Thorncastle, Godfrey has waited nearly two decades for the woman of his dreams to be available, and when she is he asks her to marry him by letter. Lady Lancaster, Elise has been in Love with Godfrey since she was thirteen, but her father insisted she marry elsewhere to pay off one of his gambling debts. Now free from a brutish husband she's free to marry her love, except he proposes by letter, so she can't discuss her conditions.
Along side this Diana Albright, bastard daughter of the Duke of Ariley catches the eye of Viscount Brekinridge, Adam who pursues her as she's a 'ten'.
Both viscounts arrange to marry and be each other's witness, but Diana hasn't told Adam she's a bastard or who her father is,and Godfrey has a secret.
The Duke of Ariley, James is not just Diana's father but Elise's older brother, so his attendance at the wedding and familiarity with Diana upsets one groom.
I enjoyed the book and am sure if I re-read it will find more things to love. My only gripe is in both couples the numbers/ages don't add up and it got distracting enough that it annoyed me.
If Elise a Godfrey were in love for eighteen years, and she is 32 and he just 36 they met when she was 14 and he 18, early in the book they were 13 and 16, and later in the book she was 16 and he 19.
Diana lost her mother 10 years ago when she was 14, her father tells Adam she on the eve of her 24th birthday which goes back. But he'd also said Diana first met Elise 18 years ago when she was 5 and was corrected to she was 7. But 5 is correct. How does James at 40 have daughters 24 and 28?
I'm a numbers person it bothers me.
July 3, 2021
Godfrey Thorncastle is a Viscount with a secret. First of all, he has been in love with Elise Burroughs Batey since they were teenagers. In fact, he proposed to her when she was 16. After she is widowed, he again proposes marriage. But, does Elise want to keep her independence as a widow or take a chance at marriage again? After all, her first marriage was anything but blissful.
Adam Comber, Viscount Breckingridge, is also contemplating marriage, partly because of a bet made by a friend. When he sees Diana Albright walking outside his club, he immediately feels like fate has brought them together. But, Diana is a simple school teacher (even though she also has a secret). When he proposes during their first day together, she thinks that it will never happen. But, maybe Fate is at work after all.
Having read a lot of regency romances, I still get confused by all the names and titles that are involved. This book has a lot of characters who are related in various ways and it made it a little hard to follow at times. The tendency for these characters to go by many different names depending on the circumstances makes me wish for a cheap sheet at times!
The book is well written, with plenty of what I expect from a Regency romance (misunderstandings, witty dialogue with double entrendre, descriptions of fashion). The last part of the book is pretty steamy, so be warned that this is not what I would deem a clean/sweet romance. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy Regency romance with a little extra steam. I was given the chance to read this book through Candid Book Reviews and chose to review it.
Adam Comber, Viscount Breckingridge, is also contemplating marriage, partly because of a bet made by a friend. When he sees Diana Albright walking outside his club, he immediately feels like fate has brought them together. But, Diana is a simple school teacher (even though she also has a secret). When he proposes during their first day together, she thinks that it will never happen. But, maybe Fate is at work after all.
Having read a lot of regency romances, I still get confused by all the names and titles that are involved. This book has a lot of characters who are related in various ways and it made it a little hard to follow at times. The tendency for these characters to go by many different names depending on the circumstances makes me wish for a cheap sheet at times!
The book is well written, with plenty of what I expect from a Regency romance (misunderstandings, witty dialogue with double entrendre, descriptions of fashion). The last part of the book is pretty steamy, so be warned that this is not what I would deem a clean/sweet romance. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy Regency romance with a little extra steam. I was given the chance to read this book through Candid Book Reviews and chose to review it.
April 26, 2021
Love💘 Forever True
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕, Comedy and Adventure
I had trouble following the first part of the book because there were too many characters. I had to re-read the first couple of chapters several times to sort out the confusion. Once that was sorted out,the story runs smoothly, although it jumps back and forth to each man's story in different chapters.
There seems to be two men of the ton who need to marry, one is a Viscount, Godfrey Thorncastle, a bachelor nearing 40. He has always been in love💘 with Elise💃💋, but she was forced to marry another. 18 years later, she is a widow, and Godfrey🐺 has waited all that time for her!
The other man is Adam Comber, Viscount Breckenridge🐺🍆⛲, a man of about 30, and also heir to the Aimsley Earldom. Adam🐺🍆⛲ meets Diana💃💋 and falls in love at first sight, before he even knows her name!
Felix, the Earl of Fennington🐺, and best friend to Adam, is planning to marry Adam's younger sister, Emelia💃💋, although Adam doesn't know it yet!
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews📚
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The book is all about the three men and the gyrations they go through to win their beloved. These are 💘love matches. Some readers might not like the jumping back and forth and the two 💘love stories going at the same time. The book is somewhat of a romantic comedy.
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕, Comedy and Adventure
I had trouble following the first part of the book because there were too many characters. I had to re-read the first couple of chapters several times to sort out the confusion. Once that was sorted out,the story runs smoothly, although it jumps back and forth to each man's story in different chapters.
There seems to be two men of the ton who need to marry, one is a Viscount, Godfrey Thorncastle, a bachelor nearing 40. He has always been in love💘 with Elise💃💋, but she was forced to marry another. 18 years later, she is a widow, and Godfrey🐺 has waited all that time for her!
The other man is Adam Comber, Viscount Breckenridge🐺🍆⛲, a man of about 30, and also heir to the Aimsley Earldom. Adam🐺🍆⛲ meets Diana💃💋 and falls in love at first sight, before he even knows her name!
Felix, the Earl of Fennington🐺, and best friend to Adam, is planning to marry Adam's younger sister, Emelia💃💋, although Adam doesn't know it yet!
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews📚
This ebook was $3.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The book is all about the three men and the gyrations they go through to win their beloved. These are 💘love matches. Some readers might not like the jumping back and forth and the two 💘love stories going at the same time. The book is somewhat of a romantic comedy.
October 13, 2017
As with others, I too was a bit confused by the male characters, but by the end of the second chapter, I was totally with the program. From then on, I hated to put the book down for necessary activities, i.e. food, drink, potty breaks. No spoilers, but .the plot centers about two viscounts, one who wishes to marry his first love quickly and one who a minor earl, through a falsehood, causes the second viscount to feel he must marry to help his best friend (the earl) win a potentially ruinous bet. Delays happen. One wedding is interrupted by a secret revealed. Both wedding nights have complications, some humorous, one slightly unbelievable. So take notes, if you must, to keep the characters straight; it will be worth the effort
I received an ARC for the purpose of an honest, unbiased review. I received no compensation.
I received an ARC for the purpose of an honest, unbiased review. I received no compensation.
April 23, 2021
This is the first time I've read a regency style romance. I'm a bit frustrated that I started with the third book even if the stories are mostly unconnected which I've no idea if they are. There are some words in what I think are French that I couldn't find definitions to and a subscript with their meanings would have been nice. Based on the blurb I expected a love triangle but I may not have paid attention to names - this book follows two separate couples. The characters are flowery and sweet, and both couples get their hea (happily ever after). The book had me giggling and outright laughing at some of the funny, cute, and occasionally ridiculous mannerisms. There are sex scenes in the book. Worth the read because it left me in a happy mood. This book was given to me at no cost. All opinions are completely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2023
The Secrets Of A Viscount - Linda Rae Sande {The Widows Of The Aristocracy#3}
The Secrets Of A Viscount is a charming story that observes the story of two couples (Diana & Adam) and (Elise & Godfrey) and their relationships leading up to the weddings. I was able to easily keep up with this story through its multiple characters without reading the prior books and I enjoyed the plotlines these characters went through to get to matrimony. I found a couple times the author overused some terms ex. fission and blunder as well as repeated a few quotes far too many times where it took away from the story itself other than that small flaw The Secrets Of A Viscount was entertaining and I will go back and read other books from the series.
The Secrets Of A Viscount is a charming story that observes the story of two couples (Diana & Adam) and (Elise & Godfrey) and their relationships leading up to the weddings. I was able to easily keep up with this story through its multiple characters without reading the prior books and I enjoyed the plotlines these characters went through to get to matrimony. I found a couple times the author overused some terms ex. fission and blunder as well as repeated a few quotes far too many times where it took away from the story itself other than that small flaw The Secrets Of A Viscount was entertaining and I will go back and read other books from the series.
July 27, 2017
Ms. Sande knows just what it means to fall in love. Giving your heart irrevocably and unconditionally. Two souls meeting and finding their way together. The Secrets of A Viscount puts that sweetness on display. Love does not always happen at the right time. Godfrey and Elise, as well as Diana and Adam are great examples of that, but things of most importance are worth fighting for. Each proved they were up for the battle. The joy of a Linda Sande tale is that her stories may be regency in theme but the values entailed within are as modern as you and I.
April 13, 2021
Two romances in one grand book.
Will Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle finally wed? What about Adam Comber, Viscount Breckinridge what has fate have in store for him? Elise and Diana our heroines are intelligent ladies with Elise being a bit older than Diana. This two-in-one romance was such fun to read. I loved each and every character they blended so well together. I loved the last little bit when Morganfield and Adeline were talking, such wonderful gossip. A lovely book! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Will Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle finally wed? What about Adam Comber, Viscount Breckinridge what has fate have in store for him? Elise and Diana our heroines are intelligent ladies with Elise being a bit older than Diana. This two-in-one romance was such fun to read. I loved each and every character they blended so well together. I loved the last little bit when Morganfield and Adeline were talking, such wonderful gossip. A lovely book! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
April 16, 2021
Good
I liked the characters and the book, but I think the author's writing style is a little much for me. There is quite a bit of inner monologues and some repetitive. There is also the switching of point of view that occasionally is for one paragraph. There is quite a bit of characters to keep up with as well. It's important to keep of with the characters because it may switch to them.
I did like the story. The two love stories were a nice, but I would prefer it focused more on one instead of so much back and forth.
I liked the characters and the book, but I think the author's writing style is a little much for me. There is quite a bit of inner monologues and some repetitive. There is also the switching of point of view that occasionally is for one paragraph. There is quite a bit of characters to keep up with as well. It's important to keep of with the characters because it may switch to them.
I did like the story. The two love stories were a nice, but I would prefer it focused more on one instead of so much back and forth.
July 17, 2017
I thought this book would be nothing new. Boy! Was I wrong. There are two viscounts instead of one. The chapters alternate telling each viscount’s story. It is hard to say how strong the women are because both have had some hard times. I loved the book. I was up until four in the morning trying to finish the book. Can’t wait to read the other two books in this series.
April 2, 2021
Enjoyed this regency. Very determined and totally smitten Viscount's. The two romantic offerings stand alone although there is some connection. Really sweet couples with a few secrets to reveal, their love stories provide emotion and very interesting entertainment. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
November 9, 2017
This book reads like a soap opera. It switches back and forth between varrious characters and can be hard to get the hang of in the beganing. But when you do- the story(S) are very much enjoyable and show how they connect together. It sucks you in and makes you care what's next.
March 8, 2018
“The Secrets of a Viscount” is a lively story of unlikely lovers falling in love and the journey they travel to get there.
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
Read full review in the 2018 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.http://indtale.com/reviews/historical...
March 31, 2021
Loved it
Delightful story about two couples who marry on the same day and are also related. It was great to follow what was happening at the same time with each couple. Wonderful intertwining of their lives each day.
Delightful story about two couples who marry on the same day and are also related. It was great to follow what was happening at the same time with each couple. Wonderful intertwining of their lives each day.
October 23, 2021
The third book in the Widows of the Aristocracy series another well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly from page to page. Godfrey, Viscount Thorncastle and widow Elise Burroughs Batey's kept me turning pages I know I will read again.
July 16, 2017
This entertaining story follows more than one couple on their relationship paths which at times become more than expected.
October 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this story, a comedy of miscommunications that ends in HEA's for two couples. Very nice. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ARC).
January 31, 2019
This was the hardest book to get thru. If u do not read all of the series in order continuously you can get easily confused.
August 8, 2021
This was more than I expected. The secrets of two Viscounts and one bride kept this story going. Definitely a feel good, enjoyable read .
December 12, 2023
Fascinating story of the relationships and marriages of the nobility, wherein there is one specially exceptional, incredibly timeless, and enduringly pure love!
October 9, 2025
Good book and series
September 27, 2017
Normally I don't like getting a book in the middle of a series. However this book changed my attitude towards this idea at least for this series. I didn't feel deprived of knowing everyone's history or stories quite the opposite in fact. I may search out more of this series sometime in the future but for now. I've got other books to read. Happy Reading!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
July 27, 2017
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Loved the book. The storyline revolves around two women (Diana and Elise) who each marry a viscount (Adam and Godfrey). The book rotates back and forth between the two stories. Diana is the illegitimate daughter of Elise's brother, the Duke of Airley. Elise has known Godfrey for about 18 years and Diana just met Adam. The story is full of funny banter between Diana and Adam and is quite enjoyable. Godfrey appears to be very tongue tied around Elise even though he has loved her for over 18 years. Loved the book and would highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews