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Millcastle #2
Master of None: Millcastle, Book 2
When mill heiress Miss Emily Marsham agrees to a marriage born out of tragedy and hardheaded necessity, her hopes for future marital bliss aren’t high. Adam Blackthorn, the ambitious manager of one of her father’s mills, is not what she expected in a husband. Can she make the best of her situation and be a dutiful wife, or will Adam challenge her to become something else entirely?
Audible Audio
First published October 4, 2018
67 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
129 books1,842 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 57 reviews
September 10, 2021
This was actually a pretty decent read. The time period is interesting and rarely done by authors. Very reminiscent of North and South. The story was a good one except that I feel that the writing is very 'clinical'?? I guess. It didn't inspire any emotions in me and I feel that's not a good thing in a romance novel. It's pretty short. I finished it in less than 3 hours.
October 23, 2018
This author never fails to amaze me! Full review to come.
Forced marriage & marriage of convenience are two of my favorite tropes and this story hit all the high marks in what I think these tropes should be. The narrative/voice of this author made the story tangible and the characters jump out of the page.
Emily has always been a dutiful, obedient daughter so when her father tells her she must marry the manager of one of his mills she reluctantly acquiesces to her father’s wishes. I liked her character a whole lot. She gave the illusion of being a meek woman however she was never afraid to speak up when in disagreement or when someone pushed her limits.
Adam had this quiet confidence that made him both endearing and appealing, and I think his greatest flaw was his pride because he always thought to be right. On the other hand there were times I felt bad for the poor guy, what with him having to deal with an expanding empire, his new bride, family disputes, and old flames trying to destroy his marriage. But even with all the burdens that were suddenly thrown their way, Emily and Adam managed to create a joyous if not perfect marriage. The chemistry between the two was not exactly “explosive” but it was believable and real, what a real marriage should be like, especially when it started the way it did.
The suspense, real-life hardships, emotional scenes, and well-defined characters, not to mention a true historical setting feeling, made this story a highly enjoyable read. Oh, and that man on the cover of the book, so-very Adam!
*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.*
Forced marriage & marriage of convenience are two of my favorite tropes and this story hit all the high marks in what I think these tropes should be. The narrative/voice of this author made the story tangible and the characters jump out of the page.
Emily has always been a dutiful, obedient daughter so when her father tells her she must marry the manager of one of his mills she reluctantly acquiesces to her father’s wishes. I liked her character a whole lot. She gave the illusion of being a meek woman however she was never afraid to speak up when in disagreement or when someone pushed her limits.
Adam had this quiet confidence that made him both endearing and appealing, and I think his greatest flaw was his pride because he always thought to be right. On the other hand there were times I felt bad for the poor guy, what with him having to deal with an expanding empire, his new bride, family disputes, and old flames trying to destroy his marriage. But even with all the burdens that were suddenly thrown their way, Emily and Adam managed to create a joyous if not perfect marriage. The chemistry between the two was not exactly “explosive” but it was believable and real, what a real marriage should be like, especially when it started the way it did.
The suspense, real-life hardships, emotional scenes, and well-defined characters, not to mention a true historical setting feeling, made this story a highly enjoyable read. Oh, and that man on the cover of the book, so-very Adam!
*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.*
March 30, 2019
I really enjoyed the first in this series and this was just as engaging. I liked the characters of Adam and Emily. Emily had been restricted by her father all her life and now she was forced into marrying Adam. Adam is very different from her father and encourages her to rake an active part in the community. This is an engrossing story set in a mill town, where Adam is trying to improve life for the workers. It makes a change from ballrooms and London. There is also mention the political activity of the time. I enjoyed the interaction between the family, not all pleasant, at first. There is also a disgruntled acquaintance of Adam. Characters from the first book, also make an appearance but it could be read as a standalone. I’m hoping there are more books in this series.
March 30, 2022
I’ve read
Master of None
and the next book in the series, The Duke of Debt, back to back - and I wholeheartedly enjoyed them both!
I’m not sure what it is – Kate Pearce’s compelling storytelling, interesting setting, or character development, but I was glued to the pages.
Master of None is different from the usual HRs; it’s very… grounded, and almost sparse with the romance. But when it gets to the good parts, it’s rather brilliant.
As some already mentioned, the whole series, but this book in particular, reminds me of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Not only by using similar backdrop of working town, with most of the story taking place in or around mills and their owners and workers, but also by its main characters. Hard working, strong, sometime uncompromising and almost unlikable, but relatable, nonetheless.
I really enjoyed how this story differs from many romances; there’s no crazy adventures, thrilling nightly escapes, or heart-stopping passion (not that there's anything wrong with them). It’s not swoony, but gritty; the romance slow moving, organic, and develops with the plot. This book is very character focused; the whole story takes place in two major locations, and it helps not to take away the spotlight from the subtle way the relationship between the main couple unfolds.
Adam Blackthorn is the most hard working romance hero that I’ve ever read. He’s a workaholic and Kate Pearce doesn’t glamorized that for one moment. He’s often absent from home, misses family gatherings, and is almost always tired, to the point of exhaustion. I especially loved the last part, because it’s not only there to stress how all-consuming his task of managing the mills is, but also because it impacts the only thing that seems to connects him and Emily – sex.
At first it surprised me a little how the book in general is rather tame and slow moving, but the sex scenes high heat and very… earthy. No surprise, the author’s House of Pleasure series in one of the sexiest and hottest erotic historical romances I’ve ever read, but here the heat level seems out of place, but only at first. It quickly makes sense that for Emily and Adam it’s the first thread that connects them. They are complete strangers, and although it might sound harsh – sex is the first common ground they find. It was lovely to read how for the hero his nights with his wife were a respite, and for the heroine a moment to learn about herself, her sexuality and needs; the moment she started to open up herself to happiness.
It really fits the mixture of ‘marriage of convenience’ and ‘arranged marriage’ tropes.
Even though, the romance seems slow moving, it’s well developed. It’s not an exploding passion, but a simmering comforting warmth, and it fist the character so well. The connections between the main couple is fragile at first, but slowly gets stronger and stronger. They start to know each other and care for each other, and soon duty transforms into a genuine affection.
One last thing, I loved how at first the story made me hate Adam’s sister – Margaret, to then root for her and excitedly start reading her book immediately after finishing this one.
4/5 stars
I’m not sure what it is – Kate Pearce’s compelling storytelling, interesting setting, or character development, but I was glued to the pages.
Master of None is different from the usual HRs; it’s very… grounded, and almost sparse with the romance. But when it gets to the good parts, it’s rather brilliant.
As some already mentioned, the whole series, but this book in particular, reminds me of North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Not only by using similar backdrop of working town, with most of the story taking place in or around mills and their owners and workers, but also by its main characters. Hard working, strong, sometime uncompromising and almost unlikable, but relatable, nonetheless.
I really enjoyed how this story differs from many romances; there’s no crazy adventures, thrilling nightly escapes, or heart-stopping passion (not that there's anything wrong with them). It’s not swoony, but gritty; the romance slow moving, organic, and develops with the plot. This book is very character focused; the whole story takes place in two major locations, and it helps not to take away the spotlight from the subtle way the relationship between the main couple unfolds.
Adam Blackthorn is the most hard working romance hero that I’ve ever read. He’s a workaholic and Kate Pearce doesn’t glamorized that for one moment. He’s often absent from home, misses family gatherings, and is almost always tired, to the point of exhaustion. I especially loved the last part, because it’s not only there to stress how all-consuming his task of managing the mills is, but also because it impacts the only thing that seems to connects him and Emily – sex.
At first it surprised me a little how the book in general is rather tame and slow moving, but the sex scenes high heat and very… earthy. No surprise, the author’s House of Pleasure series in one of the sexiest and hottest erotic historical romances I’ve ever read, but here the heat level seems out of place, but only at first. It quickly makes sense that for Emily and Adam it’s the first thread that connects them. They are complete strangers, and although it might sound harsh – sex is the first common ground they find. It was lovely to read how for the hero his nights with his wife were a respite, and for the heroine a moment to learn about herself, her sexuality and needs; the moment she started to open up herself to happiness.
It really fits the mixture of ‘marriage of convenience’ and ‘arranged marriage’ tropes.
Even though, the romance seems slow moving, it’s well developed. It’s not an exploding passion, but a simmering comforting warmth, and it fist the character so well. The connections between the main couple is fragile at first, but slowly gets stronger and stronger. They start to know each other and care for each other, and soon duty transforms into a genuine affection.
One last thing, I loved how at first the story made me hate Adam’s sister – Margaret, to then root for her and excitedly start reading her book immediately after finishing this one.
4/5 stars
September 18, 2018
Master of None is Book 2 of Kate Pearce's Millcastle Series. It stands perfectly fine on its own although it was nice to visit with the characters in Book 1 again. I must admit though, this is set within a time period I typically avoid, however, because it has Kate Pearce's name on it, I was willing to give it a try.
Even though Adam and Emily are practically strangers when they are initially wed, I enjoyed watching them both grow into their marriage. It was nice watching Emily finally shine after being held back by her domineering father her entire life. I loved a couple of the scenes between Emily and Eliza. Gooo Emily!
Overall this was a great addition to the series and there was certainly set up for Margaret's story so I cannot wait to see what's in store for her.
Even though Adam and Emily are practically strangers when they are initially wed, I enjoyed watching them both grow into their marriage. It was nice watching Emily finally shine after being held back by her domineering father her entire life. I loved a couple of the scenes between Emily and Eliza. Gooo Emily!
Overall this was a great addition to the series and there was certainly set up for Margaret's story so I cannot wait to see what's in store for her.
July 31, 2021
Boring…sorry.
August 13, 2021
Audiobook listen… I loved the narrator and she made listening to this book a pleasure. Adam and Emily were both very sweet characters. There wasn’t much drama in this book, definitely not as angsty as book one in the series. It was a light but enjoyable listen.
October 7, 2018
This series is set in the gritty slums of London during the height of England's Industrial Revolution. It is a fascinating journey of 2 people marrying because they are forced into it and finding surprising love in the union. We were introduced to the neighborhood in the first book, The Lord of Lost Causes, and this story further weaves our understanding of the conflict and struggle to survive in the heart of industrial England.
Emily Marsham is the daughter of a prosperous but tyrannical owner of two mills. As the story progresses she finds herself her father's heir. Before John Marsham dies he forces Emily to marry the manager of his Ravenhead mill, Adam Blackthorn. This insures the continued success of his enterprise after his demise. Adam is the son of of Ravenhead's former owner, John's 2nd-cousin. Adam has worked his way to manager from the bottom of the heap, determined to succeed where his father failed. This marriage of convenience is unwanted by both of them but that doesn't matter to Mr. Marsham. This story is about a man driven to succeed and a woman who only wants acceptance of who she is and love. Along the way you learn about the realities of people struggling to make a living in difficult conditions and the rise of England's middle class during the Industrial Revolution. It is an interesting story making history real. Thank you Kate for giving me the opportunity to review this story for you.
Emily Marsham is the daughter of a prosperous but tyrannical owner of two mills. As the story progresses she finds herself her father's heir. Before John Marsham dies he forces Emily to marry the manager of his Ravenhead mill, Adam Blackthorn. This insures the continued success of his enterprise after his demise. Adam is the son of of Ravenhead's former owner, John's 2nd-cousin. Adam has worked his way to manager from the bottom of the heap, determined to succeed where his father failed. This marriage of convenience is unwanted by both of them but that doesn't matter to Mr. Marsham. This story is about a man driven to succeed and a woman who only wants acceptance of who she is and love. Along the way you learn about the realities of people struggling to make a living in difficult conditions and the rise of England's middle class during the Industrial Revolution. It is an interesting story making history real. Thank you Kate for giving me the opportunity to review this story for you.
November 15, 2023
Emily Marsham’s father owns a mill in Millcastle, England and after a series of tragedies, he conditions her inheritance on her marriage to the mill manager, Adam Blackthorn. Emily’s father is abusive and Emily needs to ensure money for her and her mother. Adam agrees to the marriage because his father used to own the mill, but through a series of events, Emily’s father gets it. He’s gone from living a comfortable lifestyle to working in the very mill his father owned to put food on the table. So when I say Adam’s ambitious, it’s not money for money’s sake, but someone who’s eager for that security again.
This book got better the longer I read it. Adam and Emily, of course, struggle to hit their stride. Emily wants to access the independence she’s owed as a married woman, making charitable visits and improving like the schooling in the area, but she ends up stepping on the toes of Adam’s sister Margaret who’s had that in her purview. Plus, everyone lives with them, so it’s this family management on top of a new marriage. If you’re sick of ballrooms, Pearce is incorporating industry into her Millcastle series for a different setting.
This book got better the longer I read it. Adam and Emily, of course, struggle to hit their stride. Emily wants to access the independence she’s owed as a married woman, making charitable visits and improving like the schooling in the area, but she ends up stepping on the toes of Adam’s sister Margaret who’s had that in her purview. Plus, everyone lives with them, so it’s this family management on top of a new marriage. If you’re sick of ballrooms, Pearce is incorporating industry into her Millcastle series for a different setting.
October 1, 2018
MASTER OF NONE for Kate Pearce is book Two in the Millcastle Series. This is the story of Emily Marsham and Adam Blackthorn. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Emily world is turned upside down when her brother is killed, then her father suffers a heart attack. Her father knowing that his health won't withstand long demands that Emily marry Adam the mill manager or her father will cut them off.
Adam and Emily go through the marriage not holding out for much emotion but what they find it that love does grow even when you think it never will.
Emily world is turned upside down when her brother is killed, then her father suffers a heart attack. Her father knowing that his health won't withstand long demands that Emily marry Adam the mill manager or her father will cut them off.
Adam and Emily go through the marriage not holding out for much emotion but what they find it that love does grow even when you think it never will.
November 5, 2025
Better than the previous book. But if ‘neglect my wife emotionally and intimately’ was a fucking person. It would be Mr. Blackthorn
October 19, 2021
This book is awful. The relationship between the main characters is not at all romantic. I actually found it depressing in the most boring possible way.
Both characters have very simple personalities: she is well-meaning but passive and he is well-meaning but a workaholic.
They barely communicate in the book—he describes her as strong and worthy of his respect, but lies to her about events that affect her happiness and physical safety until the epilogue. He does not tell her about his ex-fiancé (she finds out from a third party and then has to deal with the ex-fiancé’s cruel remarks). He does not tell her that her family’s poor reputation is partly due to her (evil) brother’s misdeeds. Most disturbingly, he does not tell her that he knows who murdered her brother in front of her eyes or that the person who bloodied her by throwing stones at her is a relative of her brother’s murderer. She finds out on her own, and he essentially makes excuses for the people who hurt her family. I found this downright chilling! She’s walking around until the end of the book completely ignorant, not even knowing who her enemies are or why they hate her. It’s depressing and also deeply condescending on his part. Eliza doesn’t help the situation by being bland and milquetoast. She also hides information, including her pregnancy and her interest in finding out the identity of her brother’s murderer.
There was no banter between Adam and Eliza. I think they laughed together maybe once? They spend most of their time in bed...except all of the sex scenes in the first half of the book are bleak and one-sided. She feels no pleasure at all. It’s only when she (again, ignorantly) states that female pleasure is not a part of sex that he realizes it might be a good idea to do the bare minimum for her in bed.
They don’t have common interests except as related to the mill (she reads paperwork for him sometimes) and they didn’t behave like partners (I recently read Portrait of a Scotsman and Book of Love, both books that portray partnerships with a lot of give and take, so the contrast was stark.)
Skip this book!
Both characters have very simple personalities: she is well-meaning but passive and he is well-meaning but a workaholic.
They barely communicate in the book—he describes her as strong and worthy of his respect, but lies to her about events that affect her happiness and physical safety until the epilogue. He does not tell her about his ex-fiancé (she finds out from a third party and then has to deal with the ex-fiancé’s cruel remarks). He does not tell her that her family’s poor reputation is partly due to her (evil) brother’s misdeeds. Most disturbingly, he does not tell her that he knows who murdered her brother in front of her eyes or that the person who bloodied her by throwing stones at her is a relative of her brother’s murderer. She finds out on her own, and he essentially makes excuses for the people who hurt her family. I found this downright chilling! She’s walking around until the end of the book completely ignorant, not even knowing who her enemies are or why they hate her. It’s depressing and also deeply condescending on his part. Eliza doesn’t help the situation by being bland and milquetoast. She also hides information, including her pregnancy and her interest in finding out the identity of her brother’s murderer.
There was no banter between Adam and Eliza. I think they laughed together maybe once? They spend most of their time in bed...except all of the sex scenes in the first half of the book are bleak and one-sided. She feels no pleasure at all. It’s only when she (again, ignorantly) states that female pleasure is not a part of sex that he realizes it might be a good idea to do the bare minimum for her in bed.
They don’t have common interests except as related to the mill (she reads paperwork for him sometimes) and they didn’t behave like partners (I recently read Portrait of a Scotsman and Book of Love, both books that portray partnerships with a lot of give and take, so the contrast was stark.)
Skip this book!
May 18, 2023
FINALLY a historical romance that’s more working class than aristocracy. While technically the main characters are from the mill owner/manufacturing class, they both come from previously working class backgrounds (he used to be a worker on the machines on the mills, her father came up from the working class). I enjoyed this book so much more than I anticipated. I was skeptical about the premise at first—previous attempts at the “forced marriage” trope have left a bad taste in my mouth—but this was done really well. The story was told with a lot of nuance and understanding of the various issues in play. Best of all, conflicts and misunderstandings never felt forced or manufactured for the sake unnecessary drama, they just came off as very recognizable human flaws and mistakes. It’s very, VERY rare for me to review any kind of romance without at least some critiques, but honestly I don’t have any in this particular instance. I can definitely recommend this, especially if you also want more working class or non-aristocratic stories.
March 9, 2019
I really loved the first book in the Millcastle series, as it's set in that in-between time period between Regency and the British Industrial Revolution, which is an underserved historical period with lots of opportunity for storytelling. And with its marriage-of-convenience, working class hero and wealthy mill owner's daughter heroine, this was right up my alley. But unfortunately, the romance between Adam and Emily never really gets off the ground. As they slowly get to know each other and make a marriage, there just isn't much spark. Some of the external points of the story and peripheral characters, such as the rebuilding of the community around the new mills and the effects of spreading technology, are well done, but the romance misses the mark.
October 4, 2018
With the unexpected death of her brother and then her father. Emily follows her father’s wishes and marries Adam Blackthorn, the manager of one of her father’s mills. Will this be a marriage in name only or will they find unexpected love? Great characters with story that really draws you in as Emily and Adam’s journey unfolds. An entertaining read.
September 27, 2022
Top Read
Another excellent book and again, it’s characters are enmeshed in the politics, attitudes, and social conditions of the day.
Heartily recommended. 🙂
A word to the author: your proofreader failed to recognise a slip in names again. 😟
Another excellent book and again, it’s characters are enmeshed in the politics, attitudes, and social conditions of the day.
Heartily recommended. 🙂
A word to the author: your proofreader failed to recognise a slip in names again. 😟
May 26, 2023
Was so good and then she got pregnant ??? Boooo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
As Good as it Gets. Historical Romance, meet Realism
Wow. So unexpected, yet so good! 4.5 Stars.
As I read the last page, I thought back to a point where I wondered where the juicy action was. Silly me. Was very glad Pearce's writing style, and past books I enjoyed, compelled me to read on.
I could gush for hours about the great complexity of interwoven plotlines:
• The gradual growth of trust and love in a marriage forced by a greedy father. The couple's developing intimacy provides titillating respite from the struggle to define expectations and balance responsibilities. (i.e. plenty of spice for fans of authors well-written sensual scenes).
• The reluctant respect and friendship between women from two united families that have all reason to distrust each other.
• A volatile era where industrialists, working poor, middle class and aristocracy were struggling to fight for their way of life- by fair means or (more often) foul.
• The journey to accept that loved ones are capable of vile things and that love still exists despite it... ETC.
Suffice to say, highly recommend. You'll be glad you took the time to read this one.
(Why not 5 stars? As I mentioned, there was a point where I felt the story was getting dry. Also, I'm extremely stingy with 5-star ratings.)
Wow. So unexpected, yet so good! 4.5 Stars.
As I read the last page, I thought back to a point where I wondered where the juicy action was. Silly me. Was very glad Pearce's writing style, and past books I enjoyed, compelled me to read on.
I could gush for hours about the great complexity of interwoven plotlines:
• The gradual growth of trust and love in a marriage forced by a greedy father. The couple's developing intimacy provides titillating respite from the struggle to define expectations and balance responsibilities. (i.e. plenty of spice for fans of authors well-written sensual scenes).
• The reluctant respect and friendship between women from two united families that have all reason to distrust each other.
• A volatile era where industrialists, working poor, middle class and aristocracy were struggling to fight for their way of life- by fair means or (more often) foul.
• The journey to accept that loved ones are capable of vile things and that love still exists despite it... ETC.
Suffice to say, highly recommend. You'll be glad you took the time to read this one.
(Why not 5 stars? As I mentioned, there was a point where I felt the story was getting dry. Also, I'm extremely stingy with 5-star ratings.)
September 30, 2018
When mill heiress Miss Emily Marsham agrees to a marriage born out of tragedy and necessity, her hopes for future marital bliss aren’t high. Adam Blackthorn, the ambitious manager of one of her father’s mills is not what she expected in a husband.
This is the second book in this enthralling series & whilst it could be read on its own some of the characters from the first book do make an appearance. Emily has always been bullied by her domineering father, so she expects the same when she marries only to find that although Adam can be ruthless in business he’s also kind & caring. Adam had to leave school & start to work after his father killed himself & left the family in dire straits but he’s worked hard & now is a mill manager, he has no hesitation in marrying Emily as the mills will then be his. I thought at first Adam would be cold & uncaring but he was anything but. I read the book in well under a day & loved how Emily blossomed as she came to realise that Adam valued her for herself. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & I hope Margaret has her story next. The author’s book never disappoint & this is another captivating engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in this enthralling series & whilst it could be read on its own some of the characters from the first book do make an appearance. Emily has always been bullied by her domineering father, so she expects the same when she marries only to find that although Adam can be ruthless in business he’s also kind & caring. Adam had to leave school & start to work after his father killed himself & left the family in dire straits but he’s worked hard & now is a mill manager, he has no hesitation in marrying Emily as the mills will then be his. I thought at first Adam would be cold & uncaring but he was anything but. I read the book in well under a day & loved how Emily blossomed as she came to realise that Adam valued her for herself. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & I hope Margaret has her story next. The author’s book never disappoint & this is another captivating engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 1, 2018
This is an intriguing setting and plot. I am always excited to find historical romances that aren't fixated on dukes and silly premises to further a series.
The writing is really rough. There's plenty of head hopping, weird transitions and jumps through time, tell don't show, and scenes with low conflict that don't do much for the plot. The heroine shows a shocking lack of interest in another character's murder and seems fairly dim. It's hard to see what the hero likes about her...presumably she's good-looking, but her appearance (like everything else in the book) is passed over without much description so who knows. She has blond hair and wears black but beyond that I have no idea.
I am pickier than a lot of readers when it comes to writing style. If it's not something you care about, and you're interested in a North and South kind of historical, then you'll really enjoy this one. I'm glad I got to read a book about a working man, not an aristocrat, but I don't think I'll pick up anything else in the series.
The writing is really rough. There's plenty of head hopping, weird transitions and jumps through time, tell don't show, and scenes with low conflict that don't do much for the plot. The heroine shows a shocking lack of interest in another character's murder and seems fairly dim. It's hard to see what the hero likes about her...presumably she's good-looking, but her appearance (like everything else in the book) is passed over without much description so who knows. She has blond hair and wears black but beyond that I have no idea.
I am pickier than a lot of readers when it comes to writing style. If it's not something you care about, and you're interested in a North and South kind of historical, then you'll really enjoy this one. I'm glad I got to read a book about a working man, not an aristocrat, but I don't think I'll pick up anything else in the series.
October 10, 2019
This is the second in a series about a particular area of industrialization and can be read as a stand alone. Emily Marsham's father owns two mills in the area of Millcastle and rules with an iron fist. When tragedy strikes the family he forces Emily into marriage with current mill manager Adam Blackthorn. Adam is desperate to recover what was lost through his father's mismanagement and the sale of the mill to it's current owner so happily marries to achieve his goal. Both are decent characters and struggle with how much of their past to disclose while making the best of circumstances. Emily probably had the biggest adjustment (as women of that time were forced to do frequently). The interference of Adam's sisters and the quick learning curve in the relationship made for a nice read. All this is set against the backdrop of modern industry and the massive unrest and social changes it created. Well done by this author but I think I prefer the first book a little more. The two main characters of this book were a bit more ordinary with more mundane problems.
October 3, 2018
This is the 2nd installment of the Millcastle Series, it can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the first book.
Miss Emily Marsham's world is turned upside down when her brother if fatally stabbed and he dies in her arms. If that wasn't bad enough, her father has a heart attack and insist she marry the formidable Adam Blackthorn, the ambitious manager of one of her father's mills, at once. Emily feels she has no choice, but will this marriage of convenience be more than she thought it could be?
I loved this book! Adam is ambitious, pragmatic, but also caring and kind. Emily doesn't ever know which Adam she will encounter. But, Adam see's strength and intelligence in Emily and realizes she is the perfect wife for him. Unfortunately he does a terrible job at showing her at times. There are many misunderstandings and missed opportunities between Emily and Adam but they find there way. I really loved these characters and the story line, I honestly didn't want this story to end, and that doesn't happen to me very often.
I'm loving this series and cannot wait for the next book!
***ARC sent by author for an honest and impartial review.
Miss Emily Marsham's world is turned upside down when her brother if fatally stabbed and he dies in her arms. If that wasn't bad enough, her father has a heart attack and insist she marry the formidable Adam Blackthorn, the ambitious manager of one of her father's mills, at once. Emily feels she has no choice, but will this marriage of convenience be more than she thought it could be?
I loved this book! Adam is ambitious, pragmatic, but also caring and kind. Emily doesn't ever know which Adam she will encounter. But, Adam see's strength and intelligence in Emily and realizes she is the perfect wife for him. Unfortunately he does a terrible job at showing her at times. There are many misunderstandings and missed opportunities between Emily and Adam but they find there way. I really loved these characters and the story line, I honestly didn't want this story to end, and that doesn't happen to me very often.
I'm loving this series and cannot wait for the next book!
***ARC sent by author for an honest and impartial review.
October 2, 2018
I normally avoid historical romance novels. This series reminds me of the phrase, "Never Say Never". I was also willing to take another chance because Kate Pearce wrote this series and I do enjoy her work.
Master of None can be read as a standalone, but I believe you will enjoy it more after reading the first book. I liked that a number of the characters from the first book were revisited.
The book is more than a romance. There is mystery, suspense, and intrigue. All laced with a little edge of danger which seems to come naturally based on the period in which the book is written. I have to say that my enjoyment of this series is a pleasant surprise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
Master of None can be read as a standalone, but I believe you will enjoy it more after reading the first book. I liked that a number of the characters from the first book were revisited.
The book is more than a romance. There is mystery, suspense, and intrigue. All laced with a little edge of danger which seems to come naturally based on the period in which the book is written. I have to say that my enjoyment of this series is a pleasant surprise.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
September 8, 2018
Emily’s father has demanded her marriage to his mill manager or else he will cut her and her mother out of his will. Emily’s brother is murdered and her father has a heart attack but before he dies Emily and Adam are married. A marriage that was unwanted becomes a great love they both come to cherish. There is s a lot going on in this book that adds to their story and makes this an enjoyable read. The story is well written and it draws you into all of the happenings that are going on all around them. This is a great read and I would highly recommend it.
October 4, 2018
This can definitely be read as a standalone. Of course, you'll want to read the first one anyway but...you don't have to. LOL! This was a very good historical romance. It is scary to think about being a woman in that time and having absolutely no say. Emily has been beaten down but still has her spirit and manages to make the best of situations. There is drama, intrigue, romance, sexy scenes, heartbreak and euphoria all in this one little book. You won't want to put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 4, 2018
This is the second installment of the Millcastle Series, which is historical romance set during the industrial revolution. Emily is forced into a unwanted marriage by a tyrannical father. As in the previous book in this series, it really demonstrates what women of this time had to endure sometimes. The characters are well developed and the pace of the story is excellent. I had a really hard time putting it down. This is a great series, though I do feel this book could be read as a stand-alone story. I can’t wait for more from this series.
September 21, 2021
This was the story I didn't know I needed. I know there are a lot of reviews mentioning the lack of romance/heat between the main couple, but I was completely enthralled with this couple. It was a slow burn for sure, but in the best possible way. It was relatively low angst, and focused more on love slowly developing between two strangers forced together. They are two people who have bruised hearts in different ways, but slowly healed each other. It was actually really beautiful and I enjoyed it much, much more than book 1 in the series, which I didn't expect.
February 13, 2022
Excellent book with strong female characters and sincere and particular male characters. The plot is interesting and keeps you turning the pages and not putting down the book. As it’s a historical romance novel, the male dominance is quite present but adding the beginning of women rights and gatherings to support vote, which has become a new constant element in this kind of stories, makes it quite refreshing and inspiring. I highly recommend this story as it’s sweet, sassy, with nice twists and a nice end that promises a great series.
July 20, 2024
Emily Marsham & Adam Blackthorn
A forced marriage of convenience. An heiress marries after the death of her older brother. He doesn’t want to return to poverty and goes through with it.
Emily has more freedom now that is married to the mill owner herself and wants to do good for her mills and village. It isn’t easy when others think you are a murderer. Also you have to deal with his friend Eliza, who he was suppose to marry before their own took place.
She came into her own and grew a backbone.
A forced marriage of convenience. An heiress marries after the death of her older brother. He doesn’t want to return to poverty and goes through with it.
Emily has more freedom now that is married to the mill owner herself and wants to do good for her mills and village. It isn’t easy when others think you are a murderer. Also you have to deal with his friend Eliza, who he was suppose to marry before their own took place.
She came into her own and grew a backbone.
October 10, 2018
thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I am biased in favour of the author - very good characters with strong personalities and the surrounding environment is well detailed with the different social classes of this mill town and how they interact with each other. Good care is also taken to give precedence to the fact that not all the mill owners took the care to assist in the care of their employees, many put profit before life.
I wait with anticipation as to what the next book will be like.
I wait with anticipation as to what the next book will be like.
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