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Reluctantly Yours
Sometimes the most profound conversations happen in silence.
He thought a proxy marriage was the perfect loophole to fund his next big scientific marry a former courtesan by mail, collect the cash, and disappear into the Highland fog before anyone could say “I do.” Unfortunately for Frederick Lockwood, his calculations didn’t account for Dhalia—a woman with a killer figure, a sharper tongue, and a knack for rearranging his precious plant specimens. Now, Frederick’s meticulously ordered life is suddenly full of chaos, questionable taxonomy, and the terrifying possibility that his “convenient” wife might just be his greatest discovery yet.
She thought she was signing up for a wedding certificate, not an actual husband. Dhalia Harrington expected her new spouse to be safely marooned on another continent. Instead, she’s dropped into a Scottish manor with a judgy cat, a hyperactive Irish Setter, a housekeeper whose fruitcakes could double as blunt-force weapons, and a brooding scientist who flirts exclusively in flowers and smouldering stares. Between Highland storms that expose more than just leaky roofs and riding lessons that involve suspiciously helpful hands, Dhalia finds her absentee husband inconveniently present-and impossible to ignore.
But with Frederick’s year-long expedition looming like a particularly soggy Scottish cloud, will their unexpected romance survive the distance?
He thought a proxy marriage was the perfect loophole to fund his next big scientific marry a former courtesan by mail, collect the cash, and disappear into the Highland fog before anyone could say “I do.” Unfortunately for Frederick Lockwood, his calculations didn’t account for Dhalia—a woman with a killer figure, a sharper tongue, and a knack for rearranging his precious plant specimens. Now, Frederick’s meticulously ordered life is suddenly full of chaos, questionable taxonomy, and the terrifying possibility that his “convenient” wife might just be his greatest discovery yet.
She thought she was signing up for a wedding certificate, not an actual husband. Dhalia Harrington expected her new spouse to be safely marooned on another continent. Instead, she’s dropped into a Scottish manor with a judgy cat, a hyperactive Irish Setter, a housekeeper whose fruitcakes could double as blunt-force weapons, and a brooding scientist who flirts exclusively in flowers and smouldering stares. Between Highland storms that expose more than just leaky roofs and riding lessons that involve suspiciously helpful hands, Dhalia finds her absentee husband inconveniently present-and impossible to ignore.
But with Frederick’s year-long expedition looming like a particularly soggy Scottish cloud, will their unexpected romance survive the distance?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2025
6 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Mihwa Lee
20 books75 followersMihwa Lee is NOT a New York Times, USA, or Amazon Best Selling Author. She is a former expert witness. But what she is not, she makes up for with her sense of humour, unusual life experiences, and imagination. The combination of these qualities can yield entertaining stories as well as parties. As a result, she is a sought-after guest at all parties and karaoke except those who have banned her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 10, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up because this author is new to me.
The story started with one of the greatest epistolary chapters between main characters.
It was also fascinating to watch these two people who didn’t know each other come together in marriage and in love.
But, the second half of the book became too sweet for me. It was all going perfectly well between Dahlia and Frederick, neither of them had any faults, didn’t make any mistakes and even their conversations become uninspired. I was left wondering where did all the spice from the beginning disappear?
The story started with one of the greatest epistolary chapters between main characters.
It was also fascinating to watch these two people who didn’t know each other come together in marriage and in love.
But, the second half of the book became too sweet for me. It was all going perfectly well between Dahlia and Frederick, neither of them had any faults, didn’t make any mistakes and even their conversations become uninspired. I was left wondering where did all the spice from the beginning disappear?
June 20, 2025
Just Wow!
This book - it is so achingly sweet and sublime. The heart, feeling and romance pours off the pages. Some books focus only on intrigue, some on salacious content, but this one is hard focused on the romance and blossoming relationship between Dahlia and her husband in a marriage of convenience. It was so lovely to watch two scarred souls find one another and find home and peace and love. While the angst was low, the beauty of their relationship soared. I loved seeing how they both worked to find ways to truly “see” the other person and love the whole being - limitations or backgrounds and all. I have no other words to describe how moving and generous this story was.
Please give it a read!
This book - it is so achingly sweet and sublime. The heart, feeling and romance pours off the pages. Some books focus only on intrigue, some on salacious content, but this one is hard focused on the romance and blossoming relationship between Dahlia and her husband in a marriage of convenience. It was so lovely to watch two scarred souls find one another and find home and peace and love. While the angst was low, the beauty of their relationship soared. I loved seeing how they both worked to find ways to truly “see” the other person and love the whole being - limitations or backgrounds and all. I have no other words to describe how moving and generous this story was.
Please give it a read!
July 17, 2025
4.5⭐️
Mihwa Lee has become an auto-read author for me recently and as I reviewed some of my highlighted quotes from this book, and felt the emotions all over again I remember why!
These spunky courtesans from the series have me in an absolute chokehold, and everyone of these has wrenched at my emotions!!
In Reluctantly Yours, a former courtesan, Dahlia has recently had marriage of convenience arranged for her between her and a reclusive Scottish explorer, Mr. Frederick Lockwood. This marriage will benefit Dahlia by giving her legitimacy from her past and for Frederick by funding his upcoming expedition with her dowery. Their first encounters are through written correspondence where they bite and job at each other. But with no other options, Dahlia goes through the marriage by proxy and travels to Scotland.
Before the upcoming expedition, Dahlia and Frederick find that this marriage of convenience is more than they anticipated. While, Dalia strives to be accepted for herself and not in spite of her past, Frederick discovered that there’s more to life than his taxonomy and the most intriguing language of all is that of love.
This book was full of surprises and growing moments between these two characters. I loved their interactions and the growth that you see from their initial correspondence to them learning to communicate and interact together first as strangers and then as a married couple in the home.
This is a must read for all historical romance readers, looking for something unique.
Mihwa Lee has become an auto-read author for me recently and as I reviewed some of my highlighted quotes from this book, and felt the emotions all over again I remember why!
These spunky courtesans from the series have me in an absolute chokehold, and everyone of these has wrenched at my emotions!!
In Reluctantly Yours, a former courtesan, Dahlia has recently had marriage of convenience arranged for her between her and a reclusive Scottish explorer, Mr. Frederick Lockwood. This marriage will benefit Dahlia by giving her legitimacy from her past and for Frederick by funding his upcoming expedition with her dowery. Their first encounters are through written correspondence where they bite and job at each other. But with no other options, Dahlia goes through the marriage by proxy and travels to Scotland.
Before the upcoming expedition, Dahlia and Frederick find that this marriage of convenience is more than they anticipated. While, Dalia strives to be accepted for herself and not in spite of her past, Frederick discovered that there’s more to life than his taxonomy and the most intriguing language of all is that of love.
This book was full of surprises and growing moments between these two characters. I loved their interactions and the growth that you see from their initial correspondence to them learning to communicate and interact together first as strangers and then as a married couple in the home.
This is a must read for all historical romance readers, looking for something unique.
January 6, 2026
Sometimes words really aren't necessary..
Dhalia and Frederick marry by proxy at what was supposed to be about convenience and nothing more because he is going on an expedition soon and she is looking for a place to start over.. however his expedition is delayed due to complication with the ship..
But what they both discover is a blessing in disguise.. she's used to meaningless conversation, and he is used to either looks of pity or being overlooked.. except these two see each other.. they both overcame a lot of obstacles in their past to become who they are.. but now that have found each other, they don't have to constantly be on their own.. they lean on each other..
His silence is her strength..
This story was filled with love laughter and courageousness from both of the characters..
I can't wait to read the next book.
Dhalia and Frederick marry by proxy at what was supposed to be about convenience and nothing more because he is going on an expedition soon and she is looking for a place to start over.. however his expedition is delayed due to complication with the ship..
But what they both discover is a blessing in disguise.. she's used to meaningless conversation, and he is used to either looks of pity or being overlooked.. except these two see each other.. they both overcame a lot of obstacles in their past to become who they are.. but now that have found each other, they don't have to constantly be on their own.. they lean on each other..
His silence is her strength..
This story was filled with love laughter and courageousness from both of the characters..
I can't wait to read the next book.
June 2, 2025
I really liked the message that was layered out in this story. A "broken" man and a "tainted" woman. I liked the banter between the two right from the start I really loved the way they went out of their way to learn more about each other and how to make a prearrangement work for them both, but then they fall, and it is such a beautiful tale.
July 31, 2025
4.5/5
Glowing review to follow! An excellent combination of my most favorite tropes - scarred reclusive hero, ruined heroine, marriage of convenience, and epistolary!! And get this! NO 3rd act breakup!
Glowing review to follow! An excellent combination of my most favorite tropes - scarred reclusive hero, ruined heroine, marriage of convenience, and epistolary!! And get this! NO 3rd act breakup!
June 3, 2025
4.5/5 Arranged marriage by proxy and two broken people that end up finding something more in their marriage and becomes a fresh start for both of them.
The first chapter is a series of letters between Dahlia and Frederick. The humor, honesty, and sarcasm had me hooked from their first letter. These letters worked well in quickly setting up the plot and characters’ backgrounds. Frederick and Dahlia are honest in their expectations but there was still plenty of obstacles for them to work on and overcome together and individually.
Dahlia’s mom was a botanist and she has her journal so she’s familiar with floriography. Frederick is scientific minded with his observations and approach to new ideas. He uses this as a way to court Dahlia by gifting her pressed flowers alphabetically. The meanings of these flowers are sentimental and help provide stepping stones early on when they’re still learning each other.
They each have their own loyal pet companions that they bring to the marriage and it played a good comparison to the relationship of their humans.
I’ve read books two and three of this series and the side characters have been great in both. They were intriguing and could see them each having their own series.
I enjoyed the humor and emotional journey each went on and how they built something more than either expected. The ending dragged just a bit, as declarations were repeated a few times. Overall, this was an interesting and original plot that centered on not letting your past define you and people who love you accept you as you are.
Reluctantly Yours is the third book in the Madams and Mischief series.
This could be read as a standalone.
There are five encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
CW: infant loss
The first chapter is a series of letters between Dahlia and Frederick. The humor, honesty, and sarcasm had me hooked from their first letter. These letters worked well in quickly setting up the plot and characters’ backgrounds. Frederick and Dahlia are honest in their expectations but there was still plenty of obstacles for them to work on and overcome together and individually.
Dahlia’s mom was a botanist and she has her journal so she’s familiar with floriography. Frederick is scientific minded with his observations and approach to new ideas. He uses this as a way to court Dahlia by gifting her pressed flowers alphabetically. The meanings of these flowers are sentimental and help provide stepping stones early on when they’re still learning each other.
They each have their own loyal pet companions that they bring to the marriage and it played a good comparison to the relationship of their humans.
I’ve read books two and three of this series and the side characters have been great in both. They were intriguing and could see them each having their own series.
I enjoyed the humor and emotional journey each went on and how they built something more than either expected. The ending dragged just a bit, as declarations were repeated a few times. Overall, this was an interesting and original plot that centered on not letting your past define you and people who love you accept you as you are.
Reluctantly Yours is the third book in the Madams and Mischief series.
This could be read as a standalone.
There are five encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
CW: infant loss
June 7, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 3 of the Madams and Mischiefs series and can be read as a stand alone story. This is a slow burn steamy historical romance with a marriage of convenience trope that involves very compelling characters in a very unexpected relationship. That is what I have come to appreciate of this authors writings - they all have such interesting twists to them.
This story starts out in a series of letters between the two main characters that are distinctly hostile, but with endearing wit and humour in their communication. This captured my interest and delight from the beginning.
But when the MCs, Dahlia and Frederick, finally meet, after their wedding by proxy, communication and it's nuances and how to build on it become the focal point of their connection. This is a beautiful story about their communication and connection and how it becomes more than a marriage of convenience. It is also about Dahlia's past and her desire to find connection and a family, after her past heartbreak and loss of trust in men and love. Frederick must overcome his own self of self doubt and his own prejudices about her past, as well. Their story starts in conflict, yet with humour, and builds with hope, warmth, and a desire to be more, but fear of the hurt that sharing their vulnerabilities could open them each up for. Humorously paralleling their tentative dance towards a relationship with each other is Dahlia's lofty Persian, Judge Rapunzel, and Frederick's enthusiastic Irish setter, Professor Pawsome.
Steamy, slow burn, forced proximity, marriage of convenience romance with humour, wit, and warmth, with lovely, soulful, vulnerable characters. I enjoyed it enough that I bought it also.
4.75 stars out of 5
This is book 3 of the Madams and Mischiefs series and can be read as a stand alone story. This is a slow burn steamy historical romance with a marriage of convenience trope that involves very compelling characters in a very unexpected relationship. That is what I have come to appreciate of this authors writings - they all have such interesting twists to them.
This story starts out in a series of letters between the two main characters that are distinctly hostile, but with endearing wit and humour in their communication. This captured my interest and delight from the beginning.
But when the MCs, Dahlia and Frederick, finally meet, after their wedding by proxy, communication and it's nuances and how to build on it become the focal point of their connection. This is a beautiful story about their communication and connection and how it becomes more than a marriage of convenience. It is also about Dahlia's past and her desire to find connection and a family, after her past heartbreak and loss of trust in men and love. Frederick must overcome his own self of self doubt and his own prejudices about her past, as well. Their story starts in conflict, yet with humour, and builds with hope, warmth, and a desire to be more, but fear of the hurt that sharing their vulnerabilities could open them each up for. Humorously paralleling their tentative dance towards a relationship with each other is Dahlia's lofty Persian, Judge Rapunzel, and Frederick's enthusiastic Irish setter, Professor Pawsome.
Steamy, slow burn, forced proximity, marriage of convenience romance with humour, wit, and warmth, with lovely, soulful, vulnerable characters. I enjoyed it enough that I bought it also.
4.75 stars out of 5
June 4, 2025
Reading Reluctantly Yours felt like being reunited with a favorite friend—warm, heartfelt, and impossible to walk away from. Mihwa Lee has such a unique ability to balance romantic tension with meaningful emotional arcs, and this book captures that magic beautifully.
After falling in love with her other stories, I couldn’t wait to see where Mihwa would take us next—and she absolutely delivered. The slow burn here is delicious, filled with banter, vulnerability, and genuine affection. What I especially appreciated was how thoughtfully she developed both characters—not just as romantic leads, but as individuals with real dreams, flaws, and growth.
The writing is sharp, funny, and tender in all the right places. The chemistry between the main characters crackles, but what truly stays with you is the emotional payoff. Mihwa knows how to make the quiet moments matter just as much as the big ones—and that’s what makes this book stand out.
If you're looking for a romance that delivers both swoon and substance, Reluctantly Yours is a must-read. I loved this one every bit as much as the first, and I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next from Mihwa Lee.
After falling in love with her other stories, I couldn’t wait to see where Mihwa would take us next—and she absolutely delivered. The slow burn here is delicious, filled with banter, vulnerability, and genuine affection. What I especially appreciated was how thoughtfully she developed both characters—not just as romantic leads, but as individuals with real dreams, flaws, and growth.
The writing is sharp, funny, and tender in all the right places. The chemistry between the main characters crackles, but what truly stays with you is the emotional payoff. Mihwa knows how to make the quiet moments matter just as much as the big ones—and that’s what makes this book stand out.
If you're looking for a romance that delivers both swoon and substance, Reluctantly Yours is a must-read. I loved this one every bit as much as the first, and I’m already looking forward to whatever comes next from Mihwa Lee.
June 12, 2025
4.5 stars
Love in silence and cultivate true intimacy should be this books title!
We have Dahlia Harrington in an arranged marriage by proxy to Frederick Lockwood of the Highlands! This should be far enough away to preserve the reputation of her Uncle and cousins! Her uncle did not know about her fall from grace or her parents deaths! He wants to provide for her and also her her away from London and so much heartache!
Dahlia and Frederick begin a correspondence that is so much more!
They have little expectations from their union as soon Fredrick will be gone on a year long expedition!
Slowly they lay down their walls while the two favorite pets start a truce of their own!
It is endearing and engaging how two people especially Frederick with his distaste for Dahlia previous background! He begins to understand the very desperate circumstances Dahlia was in and her courage to rise above it!
Frederick also displays his immense courage to survive and thrive in spite of a near fatal injury to a very critical part of his life!
These two develop a love and a language that transcends all barriers! Bravo
Love in silence and cultivate true intimacy should be this books title!
We have Dahlia Harrington in an arranged marriage by proxy to Frederick Lockwood of the Highlands! This should be far enough away to preserve the reputation of her Uncle and cousins! Her uncle did not know about her fall from grace or her parents deaths! He wants to provide for her and also her her away from London and so much heartache!
Dahlia and Frederick begin a correspondence that is so much more!
They have little expectations from their union as soon Fredrick will be gone on a year long expedition!
Slowly they lay down their walls while the two favorite pets start a truce of their own!
It is endearing and engaging how two people especially Frederick with his distaste for Dahlia previous background! He begins to understand the very desperate circumstances Dahlia was in and her courage to rise above it!
Frederick also displays his immense courage to survive and thrive in spite of a near fatal injury to a very critical part of his life!
These two develop a love and a language that transcends all barriers! Bravo
June 4, 2025
A Beautiful Love Story!
Frederick is determined not to make her his true wife in every sense of the word because of her past but in this rather unusual arranged marriage, by proxy, he soon willingly shows a warmth of friendship with Dahlia which is rather sweet.
She, on the other hand, quickly begins to reveal her kind and compassionate nature. In addition to these fine attributes, she is clever and knowlegable and definitely not afraid to learn or to work.
I couldn't help myself from wishing that she would be able to break through his shields and touch his heart.
A relationship which began with polite correspondence (though most of it was really funny) ended in a warm understanding of their desires and passion as well as a love which warmed the heart.
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Frederick is determined not to make her his true wife in every sense of the word because of her past but in this rather unusual arranged marriage, by proxy, he soon willingly shows a warmth of friendship with Dahlia which is rather sweet.
She, on the other hand, quickly begins to reveal her kind and compassionate nature. In addition to these fine attributes, she is clever and knowlegable and definitely not afraid to learn or to work.
I couldn't help myself from wishing that she would be able to break through his shields and touch his heart.
A relationship which began with polite correspondence (though most of it was really funny) ended in a warm understanding of their desires and passion as well as a love which warmed the heart.
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
July 17, 2025
Reluctantly yours
Basic plot:
A proxy marriage: Dhalia needs a husband to regain respectability and Frederick needs money to pay for his scientific expeditions.
The two weren‘t supposed to meet before his big expedition. But things turned out differently…
My thoughts:
Mihwa Lee is a master of unique love stories. Each of her books is different and special, with unique characters and unusual circumstances.
And each of these stories is incredibly great and touches you very deeply. „Reluctantly yours“ is no exception.
Mihwa Lee focuses in her books on the senses and how differently we can experience love. Frederick and Dhalia‘s way of communicating is unique and accompanying them on their journey to where they are at the end of the book is deeply touching and incredibly beautiful.
The epilogue provides a beautiful framework for the entire book.
Go read it!
Basic plot:
A proxy marriage: Dhalia needs a husband to regain respectability and Frederick needs money to pay for his scientific expeditions.
The two weren‘t supposed to meet before his big expedition. But things turned out differently…
My thoughts:
Mihwa Lee is a master of unique love stories. Each of her books is different and special, with unique characters and unusual circumstances.
And each of these stories is incredibly great and touches you very deeply. „Reluctantly yours“ is no exception.
Mihwa Lee focuses in her books on the senses and how differently we can experience love. Frederick and Dhalia‘s way of communicating is unique and accompanying them on their journey to where they are at the end of the book is deeply touching and incredibly beautiful.
The epilogue provides a beautiful framework for the entire book.
Go read it!
June 13, 2025
I’ve read a couple books in this series so far and I absolutely love the theme of unconventional love. The main characters are each wounded in their own way with scars from their difficult pasts. Yet love finds a way. The correspondence between Dahlia and Frederick in the beginning of the book immediately drew me in. Dahlia is witty and unapologetic in who she is when interacting with Frederick. Frederick is a scientist with a heart but has his own hang ups to work through. Their marriage of convenience quickly heats up. They have great chemistry and the burn is so delicious. I recommend this story and this series.
September 21, 2025
This was good. I love an imperfect hero plus he was a virgin. Didn't really like that the heroine was a prostitute. The audible virtual voice was good as well, for once.
July 3, 2025
A slow burn and arranged marriage. Say no more.
Frederick and Delilah are two slightly broke, scientifically minded folks thrust together in an arranged marriage of convenience. He’s mute after an accident. She’s got A Past™️. Both have delightful pets.
Expect spice, but later in the text as this is a slow burn. Worth it to watch their relationship blossom and develop.
Frederick and Delilah are two slightly broke, scientifically minded folks thrust together in an arranged marriage of convenience. He’s mute after an accident. She’s got A Past™️. Both have delightful pets.
Expect spice, but later in the text as this is a slow burn. Worth it to watch their relationship blossom and develop.
December 20, 2025
The past decade and a half hadn’t been easy for Dahlia. Orphaned at 10, disgraced in the gutter at 16, she did what she had to until Madame Tansley took her in and gave her a different life – until her uncle finally found her. The man was kind and loving, but with daughters of his own, she, a former courtesan, couldn’t stay, and that’s how she found herself married by proxy to a man she’d eventually meet after he’d returned from his expedition. If he ever returned...
Tired of being a scarred curiosity, a walking curse, Frederick, renowned botanist and budding linguist, agreed to marry a fallen woman – a woman he would probably never meet. A win-win; she’d get the respectability of his name, and her dowry would fund his next expedition. That is, until her letters proved her to be nothing like he expected, and everything he had once dreamed of, but long since given up on.
But fate had other plans... A storm, a damaged ship, and a couple of newlywed strangers stuck in a remote Scottish castle with her cat, a haughty Persian, and his dog, an overeager Irish Setter.
Pressed flower courtship, unique conversation, riding lessons, diplomatic endeavours, a leaky roof, a delectably steamy slow burn and a deadline – this arranged marriage soon becomes more inconvenient than either of them ever dared to hope!
A gorgeous and moving romance all about acceptance and seeing beyond what meets the eye. I loved both these MCs and their story so much! Their letter writing skills are unparalleled, but what I loved most is how she offers him a fresh perspective on his own life. Small gestures and wonderous discoveries, a slow-building trust, uncomfortable honesty and overcoming one’s own prejudice. A love that slowly creeps up on them and creates a unique and unbreakable bond. Mesmerising!
This was definitely an original! A small story with big emotions, peaceful, nearly perfect, and 100% enthralling. This series is a beautiful gift that keeps on giving!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Tired of being a scarred curiosity, a walking curse, Frederick, renowned botanist and budding linguist, agreed to marry a fallen woman – a woman he would probably never meet. A win-win; she’d get the respectability of his name, and her dowry would fund his next expedition. That is, until her letters proved her to be nothing like he expected, and everything he had once dreamed of, but long since given up on.
But fate had other plans... A storm, a damaged ship, and a couple of newlywed strangers stuck in a remote Scottish castle with her cat, a haughty Persian, and his dog, an overeager Irish Setter.
Pressed flower courtship, unique conversation, riding lessons, diplomatic endeavours, a leaky roof, a delectably steamy slow burn and a deadline – this arranged marriage soon becomes more inconvenient than either of them ever dared to hope!
A gorgeous and moving romance all about acceptance and seeing beyond what meets the eye. I loved both these MCs and their story so much! Their letter writing skills are unparalleled, but what I loved most is how she offers him a fresh perspective on his own life. Small gestures and wonderous discoveries, a slow-building trust, uncomfortable honesty and overcoming one’s own prejudice. A love that slowly creeps up on them and creates a unique and unbreakable bond. Mesmerising!
This was definitely an original! A small story with big emotions, peaceful, nearly perfect, and 100% enthralling. This series is a beautiful gift that keeps on giving!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
June 22, 2025
This book got me hooked right from the start and kept me captivating until the very end! It had literally every single microtrope I go crazy for:
-nerdy scientist MMC
-MMC is scarred and mute
-and he’s also sexually inexperienced and shy about it at first!
-he almost cums in his pants (barely has enough time to “free his member”!)
Frederick is going straight on my Book Boyfriend 2025 list!
Also, the book is set in the Scottish Highlands, and although Frederick has English roots and Dahlia is English, you know how I love my HistRom set in Scotland! The vivid descriptions of the Scottish storms made me feel grateful that I did in fact move to England, not to Scotland!
This book also reminded me how much I LOVE a marriage of convenience story, especially one where neither party is thrilled on the prospect of getting married.
The writing in this book flowed so well, the descriptions were very vivid, Judge Rapunzel and Professor Pawsome’s relationship was an added bonus, and I LOVED the relationship development between Dahlia and Frederick! This book was a slow burn, but it was a very enjoyable one (some slow burns make me reallyyyy impatient).
I’m not a fan of ex-courtesan FMCs, or any FMCs with a lot of sexual experience (sorry! I’m a sucker for the “*thrust*, *gasp*, ‘you’re a virgin?!’ scenes), BUT Dahlia’s background was very well-developed and made sense. Mihwa did a phenomenal job in describing Frederick’s initial reaction to her past, how it took him a while to get at peace with it, I absolutely loved reading an MMC who actually did NOT want to have sex with his wife at first.
This is book 3 in the series, and I haven’t read the first two, but I most definitely WILL read them because of how much I enjoyed this book!
For me, this book is another example of a perfect historical romance novel, and this is what I look for when I read HistRom.
-nerdy scientist MMC
-MMC is scarred and mute
-and he’s also sexually inexperienced and shy about it at first!
-he almost cums in his pants (barely has enough time to “free his member”!)
Frederick is going straight on my Book Boyfriend 2025 list!
Also, the book is set in the Scottish Highlands, and although Frederick has English roots and Dahlia is English, you know how I love my HistRom set in Scotland! The vivid descriptions of the Scottish storms made me feel grateful that I did in fact move to England, not to Scotland!
This book also reminded me how much I LOVE a marriage of convenience story, especially one where neither party is thrilled on the prospect of getting married.
The writing in this book flowed so well, the descriptions were very vivid, Judge Rapunzel and Professor Pawsome’s relationship was an added bonus, and I LOVED the relationship development between Dahlia and Frederick! This book was a slow burn, but it was a very enjoyable one (some slow burns make me reallyyyy impatient).
I’m not a fan of ex-courtesan FMCs, or any FMCs with a lot of sexual experience (sorry! I’m a sucker for the “*thrust*, *gasp*, ‘you’re a virgin?!’ scenes), BUT Dahlia’s background was very well-developed and made sense. Mihwa did a phenomenal job in describing Frederick’s initial reaction to her past, how it took him a while to get at peace with it, I absolutely loved reading an MMC who actually did NOT want to have sex with his wife at first.
This is book 3 in the series, and I haven’t read the first two, but I most definitely WILL read them because of how much I enjoyed this book!
For me, this book is another example of a perfect historical romance novel, and this is what I look for when I read HistRom.
June 1, 2025
This book took my breath away! I have loved this series of books so much and each one becomes my favourite book until the next one comes along.
The plot of this story is definitely unique and also has not one but two beloved animal friends in it. An aloof Persian cat called Judge Rapunzel and an exuberant red setter named Professor Pawsome who seamlessly appear throughout the book. Their antics are perfectly described and entertaining.
Both main characters, Fredrick and Dahlia have scars from their past, some that can be seen and others that can’t but are deeply felt. Their marriage of convenience was supposed to give respectability to one and money to go exploring for the other but a delay of the exploration gives the couple time together to develop their relationship and help each other heal. Their first encounter was after their proxy wedding and Dahlia moves to her new husband’s home in remote Scotland. Dahlia discovers an important fact that her uncle, who arranged the marriage, forgot to tell her which many people would find difficult to live with. There are wonderful secondary characters who enrich the lives of the two main characters and the storyline.
The beginning of the book consists of an exchange of letters between Dahlia and Fredrick where their quick, dry wit and strength of character shine through and continues throughout the story. Mihwa Lee has a great sense of humour that she sprinkles through the plot and makes me giggle.
I absolutely adore Dahlia and Fredrick. Their resilience and tenacity are just so inspiring to read and the flow of depth and emotion in the writing as this couple slowly but undoubtedly fall in love kept me reading late into the night. It’s a great low angst with humour story that I will enjoy reading again.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
The plot of this story is definitely unique and also has not one but two beloved animal friends in it. An aloof Persian cat called Judge Rapunzel and an exuberant red setter named Professor Pawsome who seamlessly appear throughout the book. Their antics are perfectly described and entertaining.
Both main characters, Fredrick and Dahlia have scars from their past, some that can be seen and others that can’t but are deeply felt. Their marriage of convenience was supposed to give respectability to one and money to go exploring for the other but a delay of the exploration gives the couple time together to develop their relationship and help each other heal. Their first encounter was after their proxy wedding and Dahlia moves to her new husband’s home in remote Scotland. Dahlia discovers an important fact that her uncle, who arranged the marriage, forgot to tell her which many people would find difficult to live with. There are wonderful secondary characters who enrich the lives of the two main characters and the storyline.
The beginning of the book consists of an exchange of letters between Dahlia and Fredrick where their quick, dry wit and strength of character shine through and continues throughout the story. Mihwa Lee has a great sense of humour that she sprinkles through the plot and makes me giggle.
I absolutely adore Dahlia and Fredrick. Their resilience and tenacity are just so inspiring to read and the flow of depth and emotion in the writing as this couple slowly but undoubtedly fall in love kept me reading late into the night. It’s a great low angst with humour story that I will enjoy reading again.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
June 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this slow burn marriage of convenience romance that features a mute hero and a former prostitute who are ostracised from society and in their unusual marriage find the understanding, acceptance and love they have longed for and have their own language that is far more profound than words can ever be. The plot is poignant, very well written
and full of emotion, humorous moments, profound insights (that a person is more than their past and their physical „shortcomings“) and steamy love scenes. Daliah and Frederick are wonderful characters who fit together beautifully. I loved their witty banter via epistolary and the chemistry between them. The scenes with their pets, which I could really visualise, always made me laugh. The community in Kilmuir and Frederick's family were also heartwarming and endearing.
To help Dahlia Harrington, who used to work in a brothel, gain respectability, her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience with the scientist Frederick Lockwood, who lives far away from London in the Scottish Highlands. At first, Daliah is not happy about having to leave London and live in the wilds of Scotland.
Frederick, mute and scarred after an attack on one of his previous expeditions, has agreed to marry Daliah in order to get fresh funds for his latest expedition. He never intended to have a real relationship with his wife, but when his expedition is delayed, the two get to know each other and begin to look past their own prejudices and rejections...
If you love touching romance novels about misfits of society brimming with heart, humor, heat and adorable pets as supporting characters, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
and full of emotion, humorous moments, profound insights (that a person is more than their past and their physical „shortcomings“) and steamy love scenes. Daliah and Frederick are wonderful characters who fit together beautifully. I loved their witty banter via epistolary and the chemistry between them. The scenes with their pets, which I could really visualise, always made me laugh. The community in Kilmuir and Frederick's family were also heartwarming and endearing.
To help Dahlia Harrington, who used to work in a brothel, gain respectability, her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience with the scientist Frederick Lockwood, who lives far away from London in the Scottish Highlands. At first, Daliah is not happy about having to leave London and live in the wilds of Scotland.
Frederick, mute and scarred after an attack on one of his previous expeditions, has agreed to marry Daliah in order to get fresh funds for his latest expedition. He never intended to have a real relationship with his wife, but when his expedition is delayed, the two get to know each other and begin to look past their own prejudices and rejections...
If you love touching romance novels about misfits of society brimming with heart, humor, heat and adorable pets as supporting characters, you are sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
June 13, 2025
Botanist Frederick Lockwood chooses a proxy marriage as the perfect way to fund his big scientific expedition. He is to marry a wealthy former courtesan by mail, collect the cash, and return to his Highlands without ever having to endure her presence. He does not a count for her though! She is a forthright woman with a curvy figure, a sharp wit, and endless talent and charm. Now, Frederick’s carefully crafted world life is suddenly turned upside down. His “convenient” wife is surprising him at every turn. He cannot stick with his original plan as she is taking over his home and slowly his heart. Dhalia Harrington has a scandalous past and so this marriage promises her a spouse on paper only so that she stay safely hidden away from him and society at large. But fate contrives to bring them together. So when she arrives at his Scottish manor she finds so many interesting surprises including that cannot depart on his trip for many weeks. Dahlia discovers her husband is mute but their communication flourishes through written messages,looks and sharing signing language.Together they forge a new personal form of communication between themselves.
Over time they come to know and respect each other and gallop towards a HEA that is very satisfying for readers. An excellent and unique tale of two people who should not care for each other and have a lot of baggage coming together in the most romantic way! Don’t miss it!
Over time they come to know and respect each other and gallop towards a HEA that is very satisfying for readers. An excellent and unique tale of two people who should not care for each other and have a lot of baggage coming together in the most romantic way! Don’t miss it!
August 24, 2025
I simply adored this story. Frederick lost his voice years ago and has no confidence with women. Dahlia is a lady, but with a past that includes working in a brothel. Her uncle arranged a marriage of convenience with Frederick who plans to be gone for a year on a scientific expedition. He is supposed to be gone when she arrives but his trip is delayed. These two strangers find they have much they can build a love from.
The story is a bit shy on some details (like a visitor who arrives to their remote home late in the day but come morning there's no mention of them or ever again. Did he leave after the late evening of cigars? ) but that didn't overly draw my attention awAy from the love story.
A note on the audio book. The AI narrator could not decide if her name was Dahlia as is doll-lea or Dahlia as is day-lea. THAT was truly annoying.
The story is a bit shy on some details (like a visitor who arrives to their remote home late in the day but come morning there's no mention of them or ever again. Did he leave after the late evening of cigars? ) but that didn't overly draw my attention awAy from the love story.
A note on the audio book. The AI narrator could not decide if her name was Dahlia as is doll-lea or Dahlia as is day-lea. THAT was truly annoying.
May 30, 2025
This book is brilliant!!! I love it when they start with letters and straight away you get an idea of what the characters are like! When they meet!!!! The way they communicate straight away even with MMC having no voice is brilliant! (Using that word a lot) It does feel like a slow burn but every touch, every sentence he writes has meaning, no words are wasted! This a beautiful story about two people who fall in love fully with the other perceived faults and all!! Amazing. It for me was like a hug from a book!!! Plus this lady knows how to ramp up sexual tension and then let it fly!!
June 12, 2025
The more I read this author, the more I enjoy her wit, creativity and heartwarming stories. She doesn't shy away from looking at the seeder side of life during this timeframe, yet she always brings joy, redemption and hope into her stories. Dahlia and Frederick, come together in an arranged proxy marriage. They come together using the beautiful usage of letter writing which sadly is a lost art. Their past impacts both of their lives and they must overcome their past to find peace and happiness.
June 14, 2025
Oh mah LORD, these two beautiful souls in an arranged marriage, with disability rep included! Early sign language. So, so tender. And not one, but two notable pets!
"Frederick poured everything into that kiss that he could not say aloud-his admiration for her resilience, his remorse for his prejudice, his growing certainty that this arranged marriage had become something neither of them had anticipated. His lips moved against hers with deliberate gentleness, an offering rather than a taking."
"Frederick poured everything into that kiss that he could not say aloud-his admiration for her resilience, his remorse for his prejudice, his growing certainty that this arranged marriage had become something neither of them had anticipated. His lips moved against hers with deliberate gentleness, an offering rather than a taking."
June 16, 2025
Faith and hope
I enjoyed this book. It features a marriage of convenience trope, and the plot is original. The narration is slow, smooth, and endearing.
I quickly got into the story through Dahlia and Frederick’s witty letters. In a particular context unique to this couple, they get to know each other—two wounded souls finding healing in each other.
I also loved the two pets. They bring endearing and humorous moments that add a beautiful touch to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book. It features a marriage of convenience trope, and the plot is original. The narration is slow, smooth, and endearing.
I quickly got into the story through Dahlia and Frederick’s witty letters. In a particular context unique to this couple, they get to know each other—two wounded souls finding healing in each other.
I also loved the two pets. They bring endearing and humorous moments that add a beautiful touch to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2025
"Reluctantly Yours" is an absolute gem by a wonderful author. The use of letters between Dahlia and Frederick is a wonderful way to learn about their humor, wit and personalities. I love how this author takes what others would consider limitations or disabilities and turns them into strengths! I could not put this story down, and I will be thinking about the many quote worthy comments made in this book. This is a must read!
June 3, 2025
I am so in love with Mihwa Lee’s characters. This story is so powerful about a person’s value and the importance of communication. The backdrop is breathtaking and the reader is transported to the Highlands for this delicious read. Mihwa does a brilliant job wrapping the reader is a wonderful story of meaning and the depth of the character’s personalities is so awe inspiring. Don't be reluctant to make it yours.
June 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up.
Soft, slow, and quiet — Dahlia and Frederick have the kind of romance that unfolds like a love letter.
This is a romance that doesn’t rush – just two people and a growing awareness that they’re exactly who the other needs.
The letter writing is genuinely funny and lovely, the emotional intimacy builds with care, and the steam sneaks up on you in the best way. And you can’t help but adore their two four-legged co-conspirators.
Sweet without being saccharine, sexy without ever losing the softness.
Soft, slow, and quiet — Dahlia and Frederick have the kind of romance that unfolds like a love letter.
This is a romance that doesn’t rush – just two people and a growing awareness that they’re exactly who the other needs.
The letter writing is genuinely funny and lovely, the emotional intimacy builds with care, and the steam sneaks up on you in the best way. And you can’t help but adore their two four-legged co-conspirators.
Sweet without being saccharine, sexy without ever losing the softness.
May 31, 2025
If you are looking for a story with a different setting and unique people who are not the norm in historical romance, then try Mihwa’s books. I have only read a few so far but they are so interesting. The main characters are perfect in their own way and I really like reading about these types of characters. I kept saying “aww” the entire story. Both characters were so lovely and sweet.
August 23, 2025
Enjoyed reading Frederick and Cecilia's story of a scientist and a fallen lady whose only recourse for a decent marriage and life is the marriage arranged for her by her long lost uncle. Will their marriage survive his impending departure and her sullied past.
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