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Millcastle #1
The Lord of Lost Causes: Millcastle, Book 1
Struggling to support her family after her husband’s death, Caroline Harding attracts the attention of the ruthless Captain Francis Grafton who offers her a devil’s bargain to pay back her debts to him. Outwitting her enigmatic employer and unwillingly gaining his approval significantly changes her life for the better, but can she win his loyalty and his heart when he appears to care for nothing but profit?
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First published April 30, 2018
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About the author
Kate Pearce
129 books1,841 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 16, 2024
I give this book a strong 4* rating. I would have liked to have had the characters be better developed, still a very enjoyable book that the author herself references North and South. I enjoyed both the main characters and understand why Caroline would agree to become the captain's mistress. The industrial revolution and railways made me give the plot a second look. I never quit understood the animosity the captain held towards his mother, but this goes back to character development.
August 13, 2024
Loved it! I didn't know that Ms Pearce could write so well. I thought she only wrote erotica. I didn't enjoy her Simply series as I found the books were too much for me. The books are pure smut, and the romance is decidedly lacking. Not to mention, her scene transition has always felt abrupt to me. I want to say don't be too quick to write her off. This book shows her writing chops. This book is very much a traditional HR. It has a 'North and South' feel with the industrialism element. I like the plot; a widowed heroine is forced to become a mistress to pay her debts. The cold hero unwittingly fell in love with her. They met a couple of obstacles along the way to their HEA. This is a common trope in HR, but I think the industrialism injected into the book gave it a different feel. This was definitely a worthwhile read.
August 10, 2021
Oh mama...mmmhm
I usually don't pick any of the historical settings in my books, cause well, I kind of don't have the patience of all the "polite courting", so to speak...LOL
But here, I loved it, it was more of an "arrangement" more of an "indecent proposal" and boy, did the characters deliver...ha!
And yes, still, they did all the bickering and banter in such a "polite" way! *wink, wink*
Interesting and well written!
And the steam is still steam...hahah, you won't be disappointed...at all!
I usually don't pick any of the historical settings in my books, cause well, I kind of don't have the patience of all the "polite courting", so to speak...LOL
But here, I loved it, it was more of an "arrangement" more of an "indecent proposal" and boy, did the characters deliver...ha!
And yes, still, they did all the bickering and banter in such a "polite" way! *wink, wink*
Interesting and well written!
And the steam is still steam...hahah, you won't be disappointed...at all!
May 16, 2018
I would have really enjoyed this first volume of Pearce's new 1830's set historical romance series, what she describes as a cross between North and South and Pride and Prejudice, EXCEPT for the fact that the sexual relationship between our protagonists, widow Caroline Harding and outcast aristocrat Francis Grafton is a coercive one. DUBIOUS/FORCED CONSENT ALERT.
Harding's spendthrift mother has not only spent the rent money owed to slum lord Grafton, she's also gambled on his credit; to erase the debt, Grafton demands that Caroline not only keep his books, but also become his mistress whenever he's in town. Caroline, who has already sacrificed herself for he mother and two younger sisters, very reluctantly agrees. Their first time together read as a rape scene to me.
I kept reading, though, because I enjoy Pearce's writing, and her strong grounding in historical fact, and because I kept hoping that Grafton would have a coming to his senses moment where he realized that what he had done was wrong/evil. Or that Caroline would come up with some other way to repay her debt besides giving in to Grafton's sexual demands. But the story doesn't end up casting Grafton's sexual demands as wrong. This is no doubt historically plausible, given gender dynamics in 1830s England, but for a book published in 2018, it seems retrograde and sexist to deploy this trope without questioning it. Especially because Caroline comes to enjoy their sexual trysts (because of course a man good in bed will always make a woman, even a reluctant one, enjoy the sexual act), and falls in love with him, in spite of his rape. I don't like the message that it is ok for a man to demand sex of a woman, so long as he can get her to enjoy it. One can become sexually aroused, even during a rape.
Caroline becomes financially independent by book's end, and thus can choose whether or not to continue her relationship with Grafton, but it's a deus ex machina thing, not due to any action or decision Caroline makes herself. And Grafton, despite being characterized as a selfish, cynical man throughout the novel, has a sudden public-spirited turnaround at book's end, to make him a more acceptable hero. But as we don't see the thought process behind his turnaround, or any regret on his part for forcing Caroline into having sex with him, the change feels more in service to the demands of the romance genre than any convincing character change/growth. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because he was once idealistic and then had his ideals cruelly crushed, but without Grafton ever repenting/regretting his selfish, cruel actions, it's hard for me to feel anything but manipulated.
Harding's spendthrift mother has not only spent the rent money owed to slum lord Grafton, she's also gambled on his credit; to erase the debt, Grafton demands that Caroline not only keep his books, but also become his mistress whenever he's in town. Caroline, who has already sacrificed herself for he mother and two younger sisters, very reluctantly agrees. Their first time together read as a rape scene to me.
I kept reading, though, because I enjoy Pearce's writing, and her strong grounding in historical fact, and because I kept hoping that Grafton would have a coming to his senses moment where he realized that what he had done was wrong/evil. Or that Caroline would come up with some other way to repay her debt besides giving in to Grafton's sexual demands. But the story doesn't end up casting Grafton's sexual demands as wrong. This is no doubt historically plausible, given gender dynamics in 1830s England, but for a book published in 2018, it seems retrograde and sexist to deploy this trope without questioning it. Especially because Caroline comes to enjoy their sexual trysts (because of course a man good in bed will always make a woman, even a reluctant one, enjoy the sexual act), and falls in love with him, in spite of his rape. I don't like the message that it is ok for a man to demand sex of a woman, so long as he can get her to enjoy it. One can become sexually aroused, even during a rape.
Caroline becomes financially independent by book's end, and thus can choose whether or not to continue her relationship with Grafton, but it's a deus ex machina thing, not due to any action or decision Caroline makes herself. And Grafton, despite being characterized as a selfish, cynical man throughout the novel, has a sudden public-spirited turnaround at book's end, to make him a more acceptable hero. But as we don't see the thought process behind his turnaround, or any regret on his part for forcing Caroline into having sex with him, the change feels more in service to the demands of the romance genre than any convincing character change/growth. We're supposed to feel sorry for him because he was once idealistic and then had his ideals cruelly crushed, but without Grafton ever repenting/regretting his selfish, cruel actions, it's hard for me to feel anything but manipulated.
December 1, 2024
A 3.5-4 star book completely ruined by a lack of editing. I’ve read, and liked, this author previously so call me bumfuzzled; I have no idea what the heck happened with this book. Did I get some sort of faulty, unedited kindle version?
From the 50 (100? Sure felt like it) commas dropped randomly into sentences where they absolutely didn’t belong, to sentences beginning without capitalization, to run on sentences to the absolutely unforgivable “forgetting a character’s name.” Early on in the story, there was a clearly established character named Keswick. Keswick this, Keswick that, for a few chapters. And then his name changed to Kendrick for part of a chapter before switching back to Keswick again and I’m like what??
I get that editors don’t come cheap, especially if you’re self-published, but a couple of beta readers with a basic grasp of grammar and punctuation would have made a huge difference.
The two stars are because in spite of all of the above, I really liked the story and the characters.
From the 50 (100? Sure felt like it) commas dropped randomly into sentences where they absolutely didn’t belong, to sentences beginning without capitalization, to run on sentences to the absolutely unforgivable “forgetting a character’s name.” Early on in the story, there was a clearly established character named Keswick. Keswick this, Keswick that, for a few chapters. And then his name changed to Kendrick for part of a chapter before switching back to Keswick again and I’m like what??
I get that editors don’t come cheap, especially if you’re self-published, but a couple of beta readers with a basic grasp of grammar and punctuation would have made a huge difference.
The two stars are because in spite of all of the above, I really liked the story and the characters.
June 7, 2024
A Good start to a series
This book was well written and fast moving. There were a lot of characters who you began to know better as the book progressed. I rather liked the shorter length of the book as it was a very quick read. I am interested in how the series will proceed and can recommend if you like more “heated” romances.
This book was well written and fast moving. There were a lot of characters who you began to know better as the book progressed. I rather liked the shorter length of the book as it was a very quick read. I am interested in how the series will proceed and can recommend if you like more “heated” romances.
March 10, 2024
3.5 stars. The vibe is mid but I did finish it.
For context: I purchased this 2 years ago and got so bored each time but for some odd reason, I picked it up and actually ended up liking it enough to read it to the end.
Kate Pearce can write some lovely historical romances (Educating Elizabeth is silly and sensual) that I prefer over her historical erotica which is all right. This historical romance series is pitched as Pride and Prejudice meets North and South. It’s the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, and it’s about the changing class strata. It’s interesting as the hero is a disowned nobleman who had to make his own fortune, while the heroine is a down-on-her-luck widow. These are well-to-do folks but they’re more of the third son’s and poor genteel types that mingle with the nouveau riche.
Plot: Francis sees his bookkeeper trying to seduce one of his tenants. He’s attracted to Caroline and sets her up as his bookkeeper and mistress.
At first, it was hard to read because it just didn’t grab me but it actually became sort of interesting… I’m going to continue the series.
For context: I purchased this 2 years ago and got so bored each time but for some odd reason, I picked it up and actually ended up liking it enough to read it to the end.
Kate Pearce can write some lovely historical romances (Educating Elizabeth is silly and sensual) that I prefer over her historical erotica which is all right. This historical romance series is pitched as Pride and Prejudice meets North and South. It’s the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, and it’s about the changing class strata. It’s interesting as the hero is a disowned nobleman who had to make his own fortune, while the heroine is a down-on-her-luck widow. These are well-to-do folks but they’re more of the third son’s and poor genteel types that mingle with the nouveau riche.
Plot: Francis sees his bookkeeper trying to seduce one of his tenants. He’s attracted to Caroline and sets her up as his bookkeeper and mistress.
At first, it was hard to read because it just didn’t grab me but it actually became sort of interesting… I’m going to continue the series.
December 23, 2020
3.5 stars.
I must say, it is truly a talent if an author introduces a character so hateful you feel like pulling all your hair out and then managing to change him into a likeable one. Hats off to that. Although, I would've liked to see the change happening, rather than having it sprung on me in the last third of the book.
Caroline Harding, a widow, has fallen on hard times. Her spendthrift mother has spent not only the money left to them, but also the dowries her husband left for his other unmarried daughters. Captain Francis Grafton, a ruthless businessman offers Caroline a way out to pay her debts, albeit an immoral deal, but having little choice, Caroline sacrifices herself for her family.
Caroline is a strong character, I loved that she could hold her own and almost never gave up. Some of the things that Francis does to her and despicable and it took me a long while to like him a teeny tiny bit. I feel as if he should've felt the actual guilt of putting Caroline through so much sh*t, so I'm a little disappointed for that. It seemed Caroline went through every hardship possible, whereas Francis just pranced in and takes whatever he wants without any consequence. A bit unfair really.
The side characters such as Jon, Nancy and Ivy were good characters and likeable. I did not like Caroline's mother at all. She was just a stupid, selfish feather head, who never bothered to consider her daughter's feelings or all her daughter sacrificed. I find I didn't like Ruby much either, she was shortsighted, easy to jump to conclusions and judged others quickly without stopping to think about anything.
All in all, this was my first book by Kate Pearce and it wasn't very good nor was it very bad. I'd say 50-50, although I do want to to read the next 2 books in the series.
I must say, it is truly a talent if an author introduces a character so hateful you feel like pulling all your hair out and then managing to change him into a likeable one. Hats off to that. Although, I would've liked to see the change happening, rather than having it sprung on me in the last third of the book.
Caroline Harding, a widow, has fallen on hard times. Her spendthrift mother has spent not only the money left to them, but also the dowries her husband left for his other unmarried daughters. Captain Francis Grafton, a ruthless businessman offers Caroline a way out to pay her debts, albeit an immoral deal, but having little choice, Caroline sacrifices herself for her family.
Caroline is a strong character, I loved that she could hold her own and almost never gave up. Some of the things that Francis does to her and despicable and it took me a long while to like him a teeny tiny bit. I feel as if he should've felt the actual guilt of putting Caroline through so much sh*t, so I'm a little disappointed for that. It seemed Caroline went through every hardship possible, whereas Francis just pranced in and takes whatever he wants without any consequence. A bit unfair really.
The side characters such as Jon, Nancy and Ivy were good characters and likeable. I did not like Caroline's mother at all. She was just a stupid, selfish feather head, who never bothered to consider her daughter's feelings or all her daughter sacrificed. I find I didn't like Ruby much either, she was shortsighted, easy to jump to conclusions and judged others quickly without stopping to think about anything.
All in all, this was my first book by Kate Pearce and it wasn't very good nor was it very bad. I'd say 50-50, although I do want to to read the next 2 books in the series.
April 18, 2018
Que livro lindo.
Esta foi a minha primeira vez com um romance histórico em inglês e adorei. Ao início foi difícil adaptar-me ao inglês, mas com o passar das páginas foi-se tornando mais fácil.
O romance criado à volta destas duas personagens é maravilhoso de se ler. Nunca me senti tão ansiosa para saber como iam terminar este dois.
Adorei cada desafio que a Caroline fazia ao Capitão/Visconde Francis e como isso o provocava. Como as provocações e a forma como o capitão deixava Caroline.
Um histórico que nos consegue roubar umas valentes horas de soninho.
Agradeço á autora pelo envio deste ARC. Sem duvida que o vou colocar na minha estante.
Boas leituras.
Esta foi a minha primeira vez com um romance histórico em inglês e adorei. Ao início foi difícil adaptar-me ao inglês, mas com o passar das páginas foi-se tornando mais fácil.
O romance criado à volta destas duas personagens é maravilhoso de se ler. Nunca me senti tão ansiosa para saber como iam terminar este dois.
Adorei cada desafio que a Caroline fazia ao Capitão/Visconde Francis e como isso o provocava. Como as provocações e a forma como o capitão deixava Caroline.
Um histórico que nos consegue roubar umas valentes horas de soninho.
Agradeço á autora pelo envio deste ARC. Sem duvida que o vou colocar na minha estante.
Boas leituras.
May 1, 2018
It takes a real master at word crafting to take an unlovable "hero" and have him grow and give love. Kate did this in this book. I can't say it's my favorite of her stories because of the male lead, Captain Francis Grafton. Some readers would give up on this book. It's kinda like seeing a train wreck but I trusted the author to find something redeemable about this self centered, Midas of a bully. She kept giving us peeks under his armor in the story to see his loyal and honorable heart. I was moved by the strength and determination of the heroine, Caroline, widow Harding. What she went through to feed and house her stupid mother and wonderful sisters is truly amazing in this difficult time period in history. The story takes place in the slums of London during the industrial revolution, a very dark time. Kate crafted a story that crackles with chemistry between the Captain and Mrs. Harding. He employs her to keep his books and forces her into his bed with a debt she cannot pay. Oh I hated him at that point and Caroline did too. It is a story of using of each other, she for her family's survival and he for sensual pleasure & business gain. In the spitfire verbal sparring they force each other to look inside and see what they want in life. Amazing author!
Thank you Kate for the ARC of this book for my honest review. As always awesome and insightful story.
Thank you Kate for the ARC of this book for my honest review. As always awesome and insightful story.
April 29, 2018
THE LORD OF LOST CAUSES for Kate Pearce is the First book in the Millcastle Series . This is the story of Caroline Harding and Francis Grafton.
Caroline is a widower trying to help take care of her mother and sisters. They have fallen on hard times and struggling with the rent money...not to mention that her mother has a gambling habit.
When the rent manger threatens to throw them out she goes to bring him some of the rent money and meets Francis who is the actual landlord. But he isn't any softer to her and prosecution her. When Caroline said no, he gave her a job of straitening out his books that the rent manger is messing up. Francis let her know that he has hopes in the time she is working for him that she will come to him freely.
Francis is set on Caroline being his mistress but there is something about her that deep down he wants more than that.
This book you can't put down...loved it!
Caroline is a widower trying to help take care of her mother and sisters. They have fallen on hard times and struggling with the rent money...not to mention that her mother has a gambling habit.
When the rent manger threatens to throw them out she goes to bring him some of the rent money and meets Francis who is the actual landlord. But he isn't any softer to her and prosecution her. When Caroline said no, he gave her a job of straitening out his books that the rent manger is messing up. Francis let her know that he has hopes in the time she is working for him that she will come to him freely.
Francis is set on Caroline being his mistress but there is something about her that deep down he wants more than that.
This book you can't put down...loved it!
April 13, 2024
Another HR with a setup that was my kryptonite but the execution failed to deliver. The hero, Captain Grafton, is a morally grey erstwhile viscount who has been shunned by his family. The heroine is a widow who has fallen on hard times and in order to keep a roof over her family's head, makes a scandalous proposition to her landlord who just happened to be the delicious Captain.
I love a mistress trope and I adore a morally grey hero. The author was inspired by North and South and P&P for the series and I saw the nods to N&S in the plot with the unrest of mill workers and the formerly genteel heroine having fallen on hard times. I love both of these stories so that kept me hooked and reading when I probably would have given up and DNFd any other book.
My main problem was that there was an unfortunate lack of chemistry between the characters. I never felt like I knew Grafton. He was so mysterious and at first that was exciting but as I kept reading I realized that wasn't on purpose, it was lack of development. The heroine was a little better but the two of them together had as much chemistry as Lizzie and Mr. Collins. The lack of emotional intimacy also was a huge problem when it's a mistress trope I want to see then gradually falling in love. I didn't get any of that here until the last 10% and then it was ILY all of a sudden. When it's over 80% into the book and it's implied the hero is in London trying to forget the heroine with other women? Nope. Lost me immediately. The writing was okay, many typos abound and I never notice typos so when I start to, things are dire. The spice is spicing but since I couldn't connect with them as a couple, I skipped most of the scenes. I'd recommend this with reservations to fans of Mary Balogh.
🌟🌟🌟/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Widow
Close proximity
Morally grey hero
I love a mistress trope and I adore a morally grey hero. The author was inspired by North and South and P&P for the series and I saw the nods to N&S in the plot with the unrest of mill workers and the formerly genteel heroine having fallen on hard times. I love both of these stories so that kept me hooked and reading when I probably would have given up and DNFd any other book.
My main problem was that there was an unfortunate lack of chemistry between the characters. I never felt like I knew Grafton. He was so mysterious and at first that was exciting but as I kept reading I realized that wasn't on purpose, it was lack of development. The heroine was a little better but the two of them together had as much chemistry as Lizzie and Mr. Collins. The lack of emotional intimacy also was a huge problem when it's a mistress trope I want to see then gradually falling in love. I didn't get any of that here until the last 10% and then it was ILY all of a sudden. When it's over 80% into the book and it's implied the hero is in London trying to forget the heroine with other women? Nope. Lost me immediately. The writing was okay, many typos abound and I never notice typos so when I start to, things are dire. The spice is spicing but since I couldn't connect with them as a couple, I skipped most of the scenes. I'd recommend this with reservations to fans of Mary Balogh.
🌟🌟🌟/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Widow
Close proximity
Morally grey hero
May 16, 2025
The title doesn't really make sense. Anyway, this is a North and South fanfic with a little P&P thrown in at the end. I didn't like this at all. The MMC is never sympathetic. You just don't buy his "love" at the end. There is no reason for her to fall in love with him. The worst part is that he basically bullies her into becoming his mistress. She doesn't want to, but feels like she has no choice. He eventually reveals that he was destitute once and had to prostitute himself to men and women for money. He knows what's it's like to be so low and not want to be a whore, but strong arms her into it anyway, knowing how debasing it feels. Gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
Everything about this romance felt original from the setting, a factory town in the English Midlands to the time period, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, to the characters and their story. The protagonists were flawed people who at first did not seem compatible or even very likable but through their interactions and external events, grew together and fell in love. Very well done! I was so satisfied to see them come together.
I have to point out that is definitely a gritty romance, both in its depiction of poverty and the male MC's rather cold approach to getting what's owed him in the beginning.
I have to point out that is definitely a gritty romance, both in its depiction of poverty and the male MC's rather cold approach to getting what's owed him in the beginning.
April 22, 2024
Loved this book after I finally got past the start.
I started this book twice. It didn’t hook me the first time. However when I did continue reading, it PAID off! He is such a flawed character who has strength of character. She is struggling to make ends meet and lets her morals go versus starve to death along with her family. Both are strong willed. How they negotiate through very real revelations of themselves and their attraction and challenges is fun. Especially when she gets a little blood out of him in the end.
Ms. Pearce has my admiration for writing the progression of their relationship so well!
I am going to look for more from this author.
I started this book twice. It didn’t hook me the first time. However when I did continue reading, it PAID off! He is such a flawed character who has strength of character. She is struggling to make ends meet and lets her morals go versus starve to death along with her family. Both are strong willed. How they negotiate through very real revelations of themselves and their attraction and challenges is fun. Especially when she gets a little blood out of him in the end.
Ms. Pearce has my admiration for writing the progression of their relationship so well!
I am going to look for more from this author.
October 4, 2019
Grade A. Wow. I've never read this author before but I really liked this book. It seemed more realistic and unpretentious than many historical stories. Caroline is a widow just trying to keep a roof over the head of her sisters and mother but circumstances keep beating her down. She and her family work for a dressmaker and live in the slum area of town. Caroline's mother squanders the weekly rent and compounds the problem by incurring a debt on top of it. This throws her into the path of Francis Grafton who is her slumlord. Captain Grafton isn't responsible for her circumstances but doesn't hesitate to take advantage if he can. He offers her a job doing his books and paying off her debt in his bed. This is no heroic Regency hero with a naive and pampered heroine. Some readers might call this dubious consent but I wouldn't agree. He didn't create the circumstances and left the choice up to her without coercion merely declining to offer any other help. Caroline is pragmatic about her choices and agrees.
Over the course of their interactions you slowly peel back the layers on Captain Grafton to reveal a more worthy character than you suspected. I liked that there was no insta-love between these characters. The backdrop of the industrial revolution and the massive changes to worker circumstances was refreshingly gritty. Wonderfully done and I will definitely look into other works by this author.
Over the course of their interactions you slowly peel back the layers on Captain Grafton to reveal a more worthy character than you suspected. I liked that there was no insta-love between these characters. The backdrop of the industrial revolution and the massive changes to worker circumstances was refreshingly gritty. Wonderfully done and I will definitely look into other works by this author.
October 17, 2022
DNF @ 50% mark. Wasn't getting anywhere with this one.
February 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! Two wounded souls reacting to what life handed them in two completely different ways. Caroline was so selfless in all she did. Her complete loyalty to her family and the sacrifices she made was both admirable and heartbreaking. Francis was made to feel alone and abandoned by his family who chose to believe the worst of him. The things he endured to return to his former life, only to be rejected once he got there, was horrible. The journey to their happily ever after was so rewarding. The transformation of Francis from beginning to end was, at times, uncomfortable but understandable. Caroline's determination and belief in both herself and Francis was so inspiring.
May 1, 2018
Historical romances aren't usually my first reading choice. However, being a big fan of Kate Pearce's Morgan series, I gave it a shot. This was a great start to a new series and I definitely look forward to more. One of the best features of this novel is that Caroline is a strong heroine which pairs well with Francis. Once again Kate Pearce has written an enjoyable romance with a strong plot.
May 2, 2025
A young widow, down on her luck, agrees to become the employee and mistress of a wealthy local business owner. This way she will be able to support her mother and her sisters.
A subversion of the usual historical romance, it is set on the cusp between the Regency period and the industrial revolution.
A subversion of the usual historical romance, it is set on the cusp between the Regency period and the industrial revolution.
April 27, 2024
3.5 stars. I like that the hero was an antihero, as it added more character to the book. The numerous typos and grammatical errors were very distracting, though.
September 17, 2021
I wanted to reread this story but frustratingly had forgotten the title. When I stumbled across it again, I was mildly surprised that the author was Kate Pearce since the balance between romance and erotica was different from her other work, containing a lot of heart.
The reason I remembered this book was that it had such a well matched and feisty pair of lovers, neither making stupid moves to advance the plot nor moping when things didn't go their way which is not sexy no matter how presented. Their start was contentious with wealthy landowner Captain Francis Grafton offering Caroline very needed legitimate employment but making it clear that he expected sexual congress to follow as part of the "deal". She took the poisoned chalice as the only way to continue looking after two younger sisters and the thoughtless mother who got them into debt. She negotiated, challenged Francis, threw wine in his face and he respected her for it. To her surprise, he turned out to be a man who enjoyed giving sexual pleasure as well as taking. To his surprise, she became something more for him than just the bed-sport in this particular town whenever he visited to look after his business interests.
"He was the first man who had ever challenged her and in his own particular way, appreciated her strengths and intelligence. He didn't treat her like a fragile object to be placed on a shelf. He enraged her, he made her reveal and revel in parts of her own physicality she had never experienced before. She didn't like him, but he was a worthy foe".
Caroline became intrigued by glimpses of a more idealistic man buried behind the cynic. Widowed, she had not enjoyed conjugal relations and it was refreshing that after initial misgivings and shame for how she was enjoying the sex outside marriage she decided (after a near death experience) to go for it, guilt free.
"For the first time, her fingers were steady as she undressed, her thoughts on how it would feel to kneel at his feet and offer him pleasure. Almost dying in the snow had made her think about enjoying the moments more. Denying that she liked him touching her was no longer an option. She would no longer be ashamed of how she felt".
Francis in turn confided his unhappy past to her, found that therapeutic and her indispensable. In the currency of romance, the two misfits arrived at an even trade, giving in to the other but also receiving what they needed.
A convenient deus ex machina made Caroline financially independent so in the end, both had free choice and they chose each other in marriage. He took up his previously shunned aristocratic title and heritage which undoubtedly quelled town gossip about their unorthodox beginning. Their beneficence to the town's poor from which Caroline emerged wouldn't go amiss either. A well-balanced intelligent sexy pair, totally believable in their progression to love.
The reason I remembered this book was that it had such a well matched and feisty pair of lovers, neither making stupid moves to advance the plot nor moping when things didn't go their way which is not sexy no matter how presented. Their start was contentious with wealthy landowner Captain Francis Grafton offering Caroline very needed legitimate employment but making it clear that he expected sexual congress to follow as part of the "deal". She took the poisoned chalice as the only way to continue looking after two younger sisters and the thoughtless mother who got them into debt. She negotiated, challenged Francis, threw wine in his face and he respected her for it. To her surprise, he turned out to be a man who enjoyed giving sexual pleasure as well as taking. To his surprise, she became something more for him than just the bed-sport in this particular town whenever he visited to look after his business interests.
"He was the first man who had ever challenged her and in his own particular way, appreciated her strengths and intelligence. He didn't treat her like a fragile object to be placed on a shelf. He enraged her, he made her reveal and revel in parts of her own physicality she had never experienced before. She didn't like him, but he was a worthy foe".
Caroline became intrigued by glimpses of a more idealistic man buried behind the cynic. Widowed, she had not enjoyed conjugal relations and it was refreshing that after initial misgivings and shame for how she was enjoying the sex outside marriage she decided (after a near death experience) to go for it, guilt free.
"For the first time, her fingers were steady as she undressed, her thoughts on how it would feel to kneel at his feet and offer him pleasure. Almost dying in the snow had made her think about enjoying the moments more. Denying that she liked him touching her was no longer an option. She would no longer be ashamed of how she felt".
Francis in turn confided his unhappy past to her, found that therapeutic and her indispensable. In the currency of romance, the two misfits arrived at an even trade, giving in to the other but also receiving what they needed.
A convenient deus ex machina made Caroline financially independent so in the end, both had free choice and they chose each other in marriage. He took up his previously shunned aristocratic title and heritage which undoubtedly quelled town gossip about their unorthodox beginning. Their beneficence to the town's poor from which Caroline emerged wouldn't go amiss either. A well-balanced intelligent sexy pair, totally believable in their progression to love.
March 21, 2019
Caroline Harding’s husband died, leaving her no choice other than to take care of her mother and sisters. Her mother has a gambling problem and had made their situation much worse. The rent manager, Billy Keswick, came by to collect the rent on the dilapidated property in the Three Coins area of Millcastle where Caroline and her family are now forced to live. She had carefully saved the rent money in a jar which -- along with her mother -- was now missing. Keswick had seen her mother heading down the street, no doubt to play at the card tables. If Caroline could not get the rent money back, the disgusting Keswick expected her to pay for it in his bed!
Able to find her mother before all the money was gone, she took what remained to the George and Dragon as instructed by Keswick. It was crowded and noisy inside, and a barmaid directed her to a back room. Instead of Keswick, she finds the cold and arrogant Captain Francis Grafton who is the “actual” landlord. He was intrigued by her spirited responses to his questions. He told her he would forgive the shilling she could not pay if she would have dinner with him and answer his questions. His goal was to see if she would be acceptable as his mistress when he came to London. She steadfastly refused him, threw a glass of wine in his face, and raced to the door. With his superior height, he held it closed – then recognized the “Delisle” name. Her mother owed him 3 pounds! At that news, her entire body deflated in hopelessness. She had no way to possibly pay that amount, so she would have to give herself to him after all.
Instead of having to submit to him, Francis offered to have her pay the debt through taking charge of his accounting books. As for sharing his bed, Francis made it known that during the time she is working for him, he hopes she will come to him of her own free will. Could he really believe that? Would she ever consider it? And if so, why? Francis was determined to have Caroline as his mistress, but could there be something about her that makes him want something even beyond that?
Throughout the story, we are given glimpses of the life Francis himself had led, when he was half-starved and poor. Though he could never understand how much worse things were for a woman in those times, he at least knew poverty. With the working relationship they would now have, perhaps mutual respect and understanding might develop and possibly save them both. There is far more still to come in this story! Get a copy of this intriguing book and, with an open mind, see where the author wishes to take you.
Able to find her mother before all the money was gone, she took what remained to the George and Dragon as instructed by Keswick. It was crowded and noisy inside, and a barmaid directed her to a back room. Instead of Keswick, she finds the cold and arrogant Captain Francis Grafton who is the “actual” landlord. He was intrigued by her spirited responses to his questions. He told her he would forgive the shilling she could not pay if she would have dinner with him and answer his questions. His goal was to see if she would be acceptable as his mistress when he came to London. She steadfastly refused him, threw a glass of wine in his face, and raced to the door. With his superior height, he held it closed – then recognized the “Delisle” name. Her mother owed him 3 pounds! At that news, her entire body deflated in hopelessness. She had no way to possibly pay that amount, so she would have to give herself to him after all.
Instead of having to submit to him, Francis offered to have her pay the debt through taking charge of his accounting books. As for sharing his bed, Francis made it known that during the time she is working for him, he hopes she will come to him of her own free will. Could he really believe that? Would she ever consider it? And if so, why? Francis was determined to have Caroline as his mistress, but could there be something about her that makes him want something even beyond that?
Throughout the story, we are given glimpses of the life Francis himself had led, when he was half-starved and poor. Though he could never understand how much worse things were for a woman in those times, he at least knew poverty. With the working relationship they would now have, perhaps mutual respect and understanding might develop and possibly save them both. There is far more still to come in this story! Get a copy of this intriguing book and, with an open mind, see where the author wishes to take you.
May 1, 2018
* 3.5 stars rounded to 4*
Francis is a man that fell from grace while still a soldier. He’s now a rich man that can be best described as callous, cynical, and mercenary. His relationship with Caroline started as a business transaction and nothing more. While I appreciate the historical accuracy of Caroline’s circumstances I was not happy with the way she was coerced into doing things she most definitely didn’t want to do in order to pay her debts. That part of the story reminded me of the old bodice rippers, when the woman fell head over heels by the “hero” despite him being a jerk.
And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to hate Francis. He might have been a reprobate however, and as much as he tried to deny it, he was also compassionate and just in his own way. In the end, his redeeming qualities outdid his ruthlessness and he became the man Caroline always knew he could be. And what is best is that it was done in a totally believable way.
That being said, I’m not a fan of stories where the heroine must suffer quietly while the man has his way with her and everyone around him. I know, that’s the way things used to be but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
**I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.**
Francis is a man that fell from grace while still a soldier. He’s now a rich man that can be best described as callous, cynical, and mercenary. His relationship with Caroline started as a business transaction and nothing more. While I appreciate the historical accuracy of Caroline’s circumstances I was not happy with the way she was coerced into doing things she most definitely didn’t want to do in order to pay her debts. That part of the story reminded me of the old bodice rippers, when the woman fell head over heels by the “hero” despite him being a jerk.
And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to hate Francis. He might have been a reprobate however, and as much as he tried to deny it, he was also compassionate and just in his own way. In the end, his redeeming qualities outdid his ruthlessness and he became the man Caroline always knew he could be. And what is best is that it was done in a totally believable way.
That being said, I’m not a fan of stories where the heroine must suffer quietly while the man has his way with her and everyone around him. I know, that’s the way things used to be but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
**I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.**
April 24, 2018
Struggling to support her family after her husband’s death, Caroline Harding attracts the attention of the ruthless Captain Francis Grafton who offers her a devil’s bargain to pay back her debts to him. Outwitting her enigmatic employer and unwillingly gaining his approval significantly changes her life for the better, but can she win his loyalty and his heart when he appears to care for nothing but profit.
A great start to a new series, I couldn’t put it down. Caroline is such a strong woman, she chose her family over a comfortable life & will do (& does) anything to keep them from being totally destitute but she is completely honest. Francis is seen as arrogant & money seeking but as the story progresses more & more is revealed of his motives. He’s drawn to Caroline from their first meeting, she’s also attracted to him & no matter how much she tries to resist she soon falls in love with him. The book has a very good story & the pace flows extremely well. The characters are well portrayed & even the secondary characters have depth. If you love the author’s books then you’ll love this new series & if you’re new to her books then I’m sure you’ll have found a brilliant author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A great start to a new series, I couldn’t put it down. Caroline is such a strong woman, she chose her family over a comfortable life & will do (& does) anything to keep them from being totally destitute but she is completely honest. Francis is seen as arrogant & money seeking but as the story progresses more & more is revealed of his motives. He’s drawn to Caroline from their first meeting, she’s also attracted to him & no matter how much she tries to resist she soon falls in love with him. The book has a very good story & the pace flows extremely well. The characters are well portrayed & even the secondary characters have depth. If you love the author’s books then you’ll love this new series & if you’re new to her books then I’m sure you’ll have found a brilliant author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 22, 2021
The main characters, Captain Francis Grafton (crude) and Mrs. Caroline Harding (prude), make an unlikely pairing. Caroline has been widowed, and now destitute, is barely scraping by as she tries to support her family--her mother and two younger sisters. Captain Grafton is a mercenary, ne'er-do-well (or so it would seem) with a terrible reputation, who also happens to be her landlord. Their initial relationship is not exactly consensual, and it's a little hard to get past that.
Grafton is a complicated character who seems intent on maintaining his hard exterior while bits of his compassion keep peeking through. For the most part, Caroline seems to despise him, for good reason, but she slowly comes to the realization that he is not the bastard he wants everyone to believe he is. His actions are driven by self-loathing and his growing affection for Caroline forces him to confront the past.
It's an interesting story. I always appreciate a historical romance that features characters from the "lower" classes, and this is even a bit of a second chance romance. It takes characters who might otherwise be seen as having no intrinsic value and turns them into protagonists. It’s memorable because it’s different from other romances. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
Grafton is a complicated character who seems intent on maintaining his hard exterior while bits of his compassion keep peeking through. For the most part, Caroline seems to despise him, for good reason, but she slowly comes to the realization that he is not the bastard he wants everyone to believe he is. His actions are driven by self-loathing and his growing affection for Caroline forces him to confront the past.
It's an interesting story. I always appreciate a historical romance that features characters from the "lower" classes, and this is even a bit of a second chance romance. It takes characters who might otherwise be seen as having no intrinsic value and turns them into protagonists. It’s memorable because it’s different from other romances. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it.
April 27, 2018
I enjoy Kate Pearce's work. With this book, I was not sure of what I expected when I started it, but, I can say I did not anticipate being completely enthralled. I read historical romance on occasion, and if there were more like this one, I might read them more frequently.
Captain Grafton was a character that should have been unlikable. Arrogant, self serving, and selfish on the surface. From the very beginning of the book, you would catch a glimpse of his kinder, gentler side.
Caroline's strong will and inner strength was apparent from the very beginning of the book. Times when you thought she was going to break, she stiffened her spine and moved forward.
The chemistry between the two was obvious and you definitely sensed the difference between her relationship with the Captain and her relationship with Mr. Ford.
An interesting, entertaining book that holds your attention from the first to the last page. There is romance, action, and suspense. There is also, so much opportunity for future books that I will be looking forward to wherever this author chooses to take us next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Captain Grafton was a character that should have been unlikable. Arrogant, self serving, and selfish on the surface. From the very beginning of the book, you would catch a glimpse of his kinder, gentler side.
Caroline's strong will and inner strength was apparent from the very beginning of the book. Times when you thought she was going to break, she stiffened her spine and moved forward.
The chemistry between the two was obvious and you definitely sensed the difference between her relationship with the Captain and her relationship with Mr. Ford.
An interesting, entertaining book that holds your attention from the first to the last page. There is romance, action, and suspense. There is also, so much opportunity for future books that I will be looking forward to wherever this author chooses to take us next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
June 9, 2021
The hero starts out pretty unscrupulous, and their employer/employee/mistress arrangement has definite dubious consent, but somehow, neither aspect was as off-putting as I would have expected. lol. There's something just kind of compelling about this story that held my interest, even when I didn't feel very approving of the hero or heroine at times. The author mentions Pride and Prejudice and North and South as influences, and I can definitely see those. But don't go in expecting a Mr Darcy or something. This is my first by this author and I look forward to reading more.
February 21, 2024
Caroline Harding is a widow who helps pay the rent for her sister and mother. When the rent manager threatens to evict them Caroline ends up speaking with Captain Francis Grafton who is the landlord. Francis proposes that Caroline work on his accounting books and to come to him freely to satisfy his desires for her to pay off her debts. Caroline rejects his offer at first then changes her mind as starts working for him and she becomes attracted to him. I really enjoyed this wonderful Regency Historical novel.
July 4, 2024
Totally Engaging
The author has brilliantly woven the politics, social conditions, and attitudes of the period, into the rather shocking relationship of the two lead characters.
My only real criticism is for the proof reader. Is it Keswick or Kendrick? Three Coins or Three Dials? Annoying mistakes.
Otherwise this is an addictive read - I couldn’t put it down - and I’ve enjoyed it so much I’m off to try the rest of the series.
Recommended
The author has brilliantly woven the politics, social conditions, and attitudes of the period, into the rather shocking relationship of the two lead characters.
My only real criticism is for the proof reader. Is it Keswick or Kendrick? Three Coins or Three Dials? Annoying mistakes.
Otherwise this is an addictive read - I couldn’t put it down - and I’ve enjoyed it so much I’m off to try the rest of the series.
Recommended
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