Three Chances to Cherish

Blackwood Legacy #3

by Grace Callaway

A marriage built on restraint. A desire too fierce to contain. One perilous secret that could ignite—or destroy—their love.

From USA Today bestselling author Grace Callaway comes a deeply emotional Victorian romance about second chances in marriage, threats from the past, and a slow-burn passion that defies all the rules.

Three Chances to Cherish
(Blackwood Legacy, Book 3 - A Steamy Historical Romance)

Years ago, Lord James Harrington, the Earl of Manderly, saved Miss Evie Ashewood and made her his countess. Their marriage was meant to be a haven for them both—until a threat to Evie’s life shatters their hard-won peace. Now the quiet, honorable earl is tormented by an improper longing…for the wife he adores but cannot reach.

Brilliant, shy, and far more comfortable in a greenhouse than a ballroom, Evie never intended to marry, least of all a man as impossibly perfect as James. Yet behind closed doors, his tenderness awakens dangerous desires—ones she fears she can no longer deny. As secrets from her past unravel, she must choose between protecting her heart and surrendering to the husband who tempts her at every turn.

But danger is closing in. An ancient village prophecy, a looming enemy, and the fragility of new trust threaten to tear the couple apart.

Will James and Evie fight for another chance at happily ever after…or lose each other before their hearts can fully bloom?

Readers have fallen for the

“Gorgeous romance, passionate and emotional...bring me more of the Blackwood Legacy.”

“Grab-a-fan, oh-my, on-fire kind of scrumptious!”

“How could I not fall hard for these two?! Their chemistry and banter was off the charts and could light an entire village.”
Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romances packed with steam, swoon, and mystery. Her standalone novels can be enjoyed individually or as part of the irresistibly interconnected Callawayverse.

BLACKWOOD LEGACY (hot Victorian romance)

1. One Kiss to Desire
2. Two Secrets to Surrender
3. Three Chances to Cherish (preorder)

Don’t miss the sizzling series in the Callawayverse (in chronological order):
– Mayhem in Mayfair
– Heart of Enquiry (Kents)
– Game of Dukes
– Lady Charlotte’s Society of Angels
– Blackwood Legacy (this book belongs to this series)

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Second Chance, Second Chance Romance

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

About the author

Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!

Put it on your "To Read" shelf ➤
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...

Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...

Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.

The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.

Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.

As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.

➤Apple: https://gracecallaway.com/gloryappleb...
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About Grace

USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.

Connect with Grace
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Reviews

[triviareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've been edged since the beginning of the Blackwood Legacy series about the state of James and Evie's weirdly indifferent marriage, and Grace Callaway followed through with this second-chance romance between a couple whose marriage never truly began! Reading their story felt uniquely gratifying, because unlike a lot of other second chance romances with married couples, there was no single catalyst that drove them apart. Instead, their marriage simply did not start off on the right foot, despite good intentions on both sides, and several things compound until they're forced to reevaluate their relationship.

Evie married James under some pretty rough circumstances— he met her when her boss's son was attempting to assault her and helped save her. There was love on both sides but neither of them confessed their love until a YEAR into their marriage, and even then, it doesn't really lead to transparency. Evie was also running from terrible past that she's now being blackmailed over.

The thing about James and Evie's marriage is that there are never crazy dramatic fights (but there are arguments, and a pretty funny jealousy moment on her part), nor are they ever truly separated. They're together... but not really. She's given more than one chance to come clean about her past, but doesn't fully open up, out of fear. This is definitely one of those stories centered around the heroine's trauma, which I think works out considering the hero's parents (and former hero/heroine) are pretty perfect and there's only so many other kinds of trauma you can give their offspring. The story also puts the hero in a place where he's genuinely wondering if his own wife cares for him at all, and whether his feelings are all one-sided.

THAT BEING SAID, while it's easy to pin all the blame on Evie, James never really put himself out there either. His ethos regarding relationships with women is based on respect but also doesn't allow for a lot of emotional intimacy.

Also I'm shocked it took me this long to get to this, but there are GHOSTS guys. There are literal ghosts provoking visions-slash-dreams in every heroine in this series, and Evie is no different. She and James solve the village curse a step further, and we do get confirmation the ghosts in question are doing this on purpose, in part to fix the Blackwood clan lolol.

The sex:

Interestingly, James and Evie are having sex on the reg for the most part, though not as often as either of them would like. This is one of those situations where the marriage is on shaky ground, but the sex is still good. BUT, as the two of them get closer, they feel more comfortable expressing their desires— the desires including Evie's first ever blowjob, some butt stuff (classic GC), and what I thought was most unique to this couple: some light cum play and cum eating.

Overall:

While the external plot picks up quite a bit in the second half (blackmail! murder! mystery solving! classic Callaway shenanigans basically), this did feel like the quietest Blackwood Legacy book so far— which isn't a bad thing if you want a more introspective romance! It's still fairly high heat and the unraveling of James and Evie's mysterious relationship kept me on my toes.

Thank you to Grace Callaway for the advanced copy.

Rating: 4/5
Heat Level: 3.75/5
Pub Date: January 15th

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start this by saying that I adore Grace Callaway and the world she’s built- the Blackwoods being such a unique and pillar family in her universe. She’s also the Queen of writing troubled marriages on the mend in a way that feels so genuine. So this was a highly anticipated one for me, as Evie and James’s love story has been a mystery sprinkled throughout the series. No one in the family can understand the pair’s dynamic, so I was excited to experience it from their pov. This novel kicks off where the last one left off, with Evie and James reuniting passionately after he rescues her from a ruthless kidnapper. But after their intense lovemaking, Evie is gone the next morning, and James feels like they’re back to square one…again. But this time the tension is set to burst, and James isn’t willing to look the other way anymore on their emotional distance.

I really appreciated the parallels between Evie and Pandora in terms of how neither feels good enough for the paragons of men they end up with. As I was reading Evie, I found it surprising how unequal she feels to her husband, which just brought to mind how rare this feels in historical romance. Typically, the man is opining “I’m not good enough,” and it brought to mind Pandora’s early struggles with Marcus in their marriage. Evie longs for her husband so much, and witnessing her fear that he’ll discover her secret and love her less is constant. His political ambitions also open her up to potential scrutiny, which has always been a fear of hers in their marriage. And it’s hard to fault James for these ambitions, considering he’s fighting for noble causes.

The way Grace uses James and Evie’s physical intimacy to reflect their emotional intimacy was really well done. Even before these two can be open and honest with their feelings, they are having decent sex. But it isn’t until Evie finally admits her secret and is honest with James that the two are able to push past good sex to life-altering orgasms. And become more adventurous in the process. This author always brings the heat, and this book did not disappoint.

Another great entry into the Callawayverse and to this series! Evie and James were hot but still sweet and went through quite the ups and downs in this one. The Blackwood/Harrington family is always a good time, and this one was full of the family’s support and assistance. Like all books in this series, we go a bit bonkers and wild towards the end, but I dig that kind of thing, and it’s something I’ve come to expect with this author. I love the addition of this love story between ghosts Thomas and Rose that is slowly being unraveled throughout the series. It’s pretty well done, and although I think we’re trying to fit a lot into the story, it kind of works here. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Owen’s story will have in store for us!

4.5/5
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this novel.

[romancelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Three Chances to Cherish takes place right after the events of Two Secrets to Surrender. We finally get to experience James and Evie's marriage and learn why there's a distance between them.

James is the eldest son of the Harrington family, and he's basically the golden boy of the family. Evie holds him in high esteem, but she feels inadequate because she's hiding dark and dangerous secrets about her past. Slowly but surely, Evie distances herself from James during their 3-year marriage. As for James, he has trouble understanding why his wife pays more attention to her plants than him, leading him to think that she doesn't love him. For fans of Grace Callaway books, you'll notice a parallel between James & Evie and Marcus & Pandora. And I really liked the role Pandora played in this book because out of everyone, she understands Evie the most and knows her son, James, the best.

There were many layers to peel back in this marriage in trouble romance: Evie's low self esteem, James's need for everything to be and appear perfect, and Evie's past, which manifests into a blackmailing scheme that threatens to tear their marriage further apart. I really enjoyed diving into James and Evie's troubled marriage, learning how they first met, and figuring out what led to the troubles in their marriage. I know that some readers might argue that this is "only miscommunication." While communication is indeed a big factor here, from where I stand, it all boils down to Evie's trauma as a survivor of abuse. I think the author did a really good job characterizing Evie, really drilling down into her history of abuse, to show us why she's so scared and anxious. And I loved how everything was linked back to Evie's love for plants.

Overall, I had a really good time reading this angsty second chance romance. Marriage in trouble is one of my favourite tropes, and I think this is Grace Callaway's third book with this trope. She always does this trope justice. And of course, I love the ghostly element interwoven into the Blackwood Legacy series, and how it connects to each couple. I'm excited to see what Grace Callaway has in store for us for the finale!

[K. King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grace Callaway writes some of the best marriage‑in‑trouble historical romances out there, but unfortunately this one didn’t work for me the way some of her others have. At the core of Evie and James’s marital problems is their absolute inability—or unwillingness—to have an honest conversation with each other. What could have been a deeply emotional, angsty read instead became frustrating, as I kept wanting to shake them both and yell, “Just talk to each other, damnit!”

[Debbie Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading James and Evie’s story. Grace Callaway’s books are always a must read for me. She writes so well with interesting plots, lovely characters, plenty of angst and intense and steamy love scenes. She has a talent for making me so invested in the story and the characters from the beginning. She is the queen of angst and intrigue as well as steaming love scenes!

James and Evie’s marriage is an interesting arrangement. She is academic, with a passion for plants, which she got from her late mother. She is engrossed with her research and hopes to one day have her research published. She has had a terrible past and her self esteem has been damaged by events when she was younger. She is shy and prefers her own company to a large crowd. Evie holds a huge secret from her past that she can’t reveal. She has never felt she was good enough for James, who she has put in god like status. She knows if her secret was discovered, it would be the end of her marriage. The couple have had a devastating experience in their marriage that has left them adrift since. They used to tick along leading separate lives during the day but coming together for conversations and passionate nights, but recently they lead separate lives altogether. Both love each other but they find it difficult to express their feelings to each other.

James sees none of the flaws Evie thinks she has. He had a great childhood with loving parents and a close family. He thinks she is perfect but he knows she is keeping something from him. He takes his responsibilities seriously and as heir to the family title he knows the importance of his behaviour and consequences for the family if his reputation is damaged. He doesn’t show emotion in front of people, not even his family. James is given the opportunity to run for a seat in parliament and any secret or bad behaviour could be devastating for his campaign.

Evie is shocked to get a blackmail letter from someone who knows her secret. She tries to deal with it on her own but she only makes James suspicious and trust is lost between them. Until she can be honest with him and tell him her secret, which could either horrify him or he could support her, the two can’t be truly happy. She also worries so much about James’s future and political career if her secret is revealed.

The two go between distrust, arguments and indifference to making up in a very steamy way for a short time before either Evie’s insecurities or the threat of her secret coming to light makes her act guilty or run away, making James frustrated by Evie’s actions and they fall apart again.

They have a very supportive family and loyal friends who add to the storyline and they are always happy to help the couple in any way possible. James and Evie always come together help with James’s family situations and events or celebrations.

There’s also a secondary plot in which individual couples in each book have helped to try to break the curse of a long lost couple, Rose and Thom.

The whole family comes together when Evie finally is forced to tell James about her past, her secret and the blackmail. Evie isn’t used to the support she gets from James and his family. It has always been there but she never asked for it. It makes her stronger and more confident. The identities of the blackmailers was a surprise for me and further secrets about her family come from her companion who has been with her family as her mother’s maid when she was alive was also surprising.

I did not want to stop reading this book. It was a bit frustrating reading the way James and Evie blew hot and cold but I could understand why she was so secretive. There was so much more that happened in this story as well. When they finally came together after the secrets were revealed, the storyline angst came to a head but the couple’s relationship was finally secure and trust was strong between them. I read this book every spare minute I had and didn’t want it to end.

I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a special copy from the author, I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5.

Heat Index: 8/10

—marriage in trouble

—heroine with a past/stern (and confused) hero

—GHOSTS

The Basics:

James and Evie were once a bit of a Cinderella story, with the stern earl sweeping the lady scientist off her feet. Now, following a personal tragedy, Evie's been freezing him out for months. A small spark remains, with the potential to reignite their marriage. But Evie has dark secrets, and she would rather hold James at arm's length than let him know who she really is.

The Review:

Grace Callaway returns to her Blackwood Legacy series, and this time we get the combo of two people coming back to each other (with a lot of coming) and the plot really thickening in the ghostly love story of the same past doomed couple that haunted the previous two installments. Honestly, I was pretty invested in Thom and Rosalinda. Their overarching presence is a nice, quirky, lightly gothic bonus that never overwhelms the central romance in any of these books.

Callaway books sort of luxuriate in angst, without ever getting quite too heavy. She's made to write marriage in trouble. While Evie's past is a big part of this book (if you're not into secret-keeping... I found hers pretty understandable, especially considering the world and circumstances), the principle conflict still feels like her and James's relationship. Neither one of them is really in the wrong. They're just human, and they're coming back from the kind of loss that hits many marriages hard.

Plus, the reality is that while they were besotted with each other before that... they didn't really know each other that well. This felt like the two of them going from being enamored to falling in love on a deeper level. It's not one of those marriage in trouble historicals where they really didn't like each other at the beginning and fall in love later. In fact, their meet cute and marriage was quite romantic, on the surface. This is a book wherein they have to actually grow beyond that initial romanticism, while keeping it passionate.

I think one of the best parts of this book was the way in which James and Evie actually became playful with each other. Despite the darkness in some aspects of the novel, they were just... really cute. I was charmed, and I think this is great midpoint between ANGST ANGST ANGST and coziness.

The Sex:

As per usual in a Grace Callaway novel (complimentary) you get everything from some pretty serious business oral to sleep fingering, and a bit of butt stuff. Just a sprinkling!

And if you like a scene where the hero teaches the heroine some things... and carriage-banging... you'll be happy.

The Conclusion:

Right at the intersection of sweet and angsty, this is a heartfelt novel about falling in love (again) well after you thought it was over. With a little ghostly flair. Prepare to be charmed!

Thanks to Grace Callaway for providing me with a copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this new installment in the series. It is a a second chance at love romance, centred on James, the eldest Harrington offspring, and his wife Evie, whose troubled marriage is exacerbated by secrets, loss, guilt, insecurities and a lack of communication, despite their attraction, passion and affection for each other. The plot is very well written, well-paced and brims with pent-up emotions, drama, inner conflicts, angst, mystery, suspense, unexpected twists and turns, and steamy love scenes. The characters are very likable, although I must admit that I found the honorable, steadfast James much more appealing than Evie, who, due to her traumatic past, got on my nerves at times with her secretiveness, insecurity and self-pity, and I could understand why James, who lovingly woos her, sometimes finds himself at the end of his tether.
I was very pleased that the heroes and heroines from previous books, as well as James' parents, play a very active role in this story. The tragic ghost/curse legend, which has been woven through the plot since the first part, continues to play a role in the story, and it becomes clear that the fate of the Harrington siblings is linked to it.
The book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order.

After his wife is kidnapped, James Harrington, Earl of Manderly, wants to finally mend his broken marriage with his wife Evelyn "Evie". Even though he originally had to persuade her to marry him and she has been distant since the death of their daughter, James also wants the marital bliss his siblings enjoy. His political ambitions also take shape when he is asked to run in the next election.
Evie loves her husband, but marrying him was a mistake. Her dark past, the death of her child and her secrets weigh on her like a curse.
The two grow closer again, but then a blackmailer appears and jeopardises their newfound happiness and James' political career...

If you like emotional historical second chance love stories, estranged couples, mysteries, myths, a touch of suspense and spice, you're 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.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Lord James Harrington, the Earl of Manderly, saved Miss Evie Ashewood and made her his countess. Their marriage was meant to be a haven for them both—until it wasn’t!
This is a deeply emotional journey about a couple who just exist in the boundaries of matrimony but are unhappy!
Evie and James had a tragic loss and neither one properly grieved or discussed it! Now the secrets that Evie carry have her acting furtively and very secretive! Evie is normally shy, yet brilliant botanist and totally unaware of her inward and outward beauty!
There is a threat of blackmail so Evie lashes out to drive James further away!
James is at the point of no return and Evie’s cool and unemotional demeanor is the last straw for him!
James was drawn to the quiet beauty defense of her virtue and couldn’t wait to make the first woman he shared a genuine connection to his countess!
But Evie is convinced she is cursed and brings bad luck to those she loves!
The story picks up from the previous one where James in fierce in his rescue of her and his sister in law from a madwoman!
These two belong together but Evie keeps pushing James away by her words and actions!
Evie thinks her secrets protect James but the wedge is so deep they may never recover!
When James friends convince him he needs to run for office his family urges him to start in Chudleigh Bottoms which has benefited so much from the Harrington family investment and helped to shape his siblings own HEA!
As with couples in the past Evie begins to have strange dreams or recollections of Rosalinda and Thomas is a romantic legend that has brought commerce back to Chuddums!
Evie’s dreams are so strong of the couple they assist in her present day delimma of secrets and dealing with a blackmailer in the middle of James campaign!
It is the third stroke for her keeping secrets and James has had enough!
Will Evie begin brave enough to fight for their love and their future by telling James the truth? Can they triumph over deception and finally have a HEA? Bravo this one will live on well after the last page is turned!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Ecem · Rating 3 out of 5]

****Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of Three Chances to Cherish by Grace Callaway in exchange for an honest review.

I finished Three Chances to Cherish with mixed feelings.

I am a longtime historical romance reader, and second-chance romance is one of my favorite tropes, so I went into this book genuinely excited. Unfortunately, the first 60 percent was a real struggle for me. Much of the conflict relied heavily on miscommunication and a prolonged lack of honest conversation, which made the pacing feel slow and, at times, frustrating.

Evie’s repeated refusal to explain herself, insisting that everything was fine and that she could not revisit the past, combined with her deep insecurity, while understandable, became repetitive. On the other side, James’s tendency to avoid asking the right questions and constantly jump to incorrect conclusions added to that frustration. Their dynamic often felt stuck rather than evolving, which made it difficult to stay fully engaged.

Toward the end, however, the story did pick up. As the main plot finally moved forward, the emotional stakes became more engaging, and I was glad I pushed through instead of setting the book aside. There are a few conversations between Evie and James that felt genuinely tender and realistic, and those moments reminded me why I enjoy this trope. Overall, while I appreciated the premise and the emotional payoff near the end, the journey did not fully work for me. Readers who are more patient with extended miscommunication may enjoy this book more, but for me, it required more effort than it ultimately gave back.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start with a rewarding happy end.
Where the first two books in this series were a little bonkers and had me completely engrossed from the get-go, this one was quieter, more subdued – and while it fits the couple’s reserved nature, it did not draw me in quite as much, but it was still a very fine read.

Evie & James
Abused as a teen, she’s an introverted inconspicuous curvaceous botanist with an inferiority complex and a paralysing secret – and he’s an emotionally constipated dutiful earl, loyal husband, devoted big brother, a budding politician and the man who chose her.
They’ve been married for four years, but somehow their marriage never really took off...
Oh, they love each other very much, but assumptions, fear and poor communication sabotaged their happiness – and now her past is about to catch up with them.

I can’t say I loved Evie & James, but they themselves and their dynamic were definitely interesting, different in a good way – except for when I wanted to knock their heads together; their communication skills are abysmal.
To me, the first half of this book was a tad tedious. She keeps digging her own hole deeper and deeper, and he desperately wants to relaunch their marriage but can’t make it over the figurative threshold. They both tend to fret and get lost in their own heads. It’s only when angry or jealous that fractions of the truth slip out.
Luckily the second half makes up for the slow start. The action and the pacing picks up with a blackmailer growing greedy, ghostly guidance, superstitious villagers, folklore, confessed secrets, small victories, electoral warfare, our couple finally making real progress, the joys of make-up-smex are thoroughly explored, woes are shared, the family rallies – and suddenly I was back in what I think of as GC’s witty whirlwind of organised chaos.
I really loved how this tale wrapped up, and now I’m ever so ready to discover Owen’s story!

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was new for me as I haven’t read any other books in the series. From the beginning I really liked James. He was a good hero. Initially, he didn’t always know how to express his feelings, but he was devoted and his actions demonstrated his feelings when words didn’t. I felt bad for him for most of the book because he was constantly being hurt by his wife. Evie let fear and secrets control her for most of the book, and it became tiresome. I was frustrated with her as a heroine and I just wanted her to trust the husband she claimed to love. She suffered from so much childhood trauma that she didn’t know how to love herself and she didn’t believe she was worthy of love from others. Three chances seemed more like 5. The relationship between husband and wife kept going hot and cold. This story contained murder, blackmail, verbal and physical abuse, unknown villains, mystery, lots of steamy scenes with “dirty talk,” supportive and loving family, a devoted hero, a frightened heroine, newfound trust and honesty, love, and a HEA. I enjoyed the book once I got past the secrets. I just felt like that inner dialogue went on for too long.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, Lord James Harrington, the Earl of Manderly, saved Miss Evie Ashewood and made her his countess. Their marriage was meant to be a haven for them both until a threat to Evie’s life shatters their hard-won peace. Now the quiet, honourable earl is tormented by an improper longing…for the wife he adores but cannot reach. Brilliant, shy, and far more comfortable in a greenhouse than a ballroom, Evie never intended to marry, least of all a man as impossibly perfect as James.
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’ve been intrigue by James & Evie in the previous books. This book also follows on immediately from the last, so I’d recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate this very well written romance. I loved both James & Evie & was routing for them to become closer. I loved the dynamics between them & their chemistry sizzled but there was the lack of communication & then their trust was brought into question. A beautifully written book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love an angsty marriage in trouble trope. So I was very excited when I learned that this would be a marriage in trouble trope. However, I wasn't really blown away by the execution here. Part of my problem with this book stems from the fact that it feels like James and Evie kept going round and round and having the same conversations repeatedly. He was always upset by her pulling away or acting like she was keeping things from him (which she was) and she was always stating that he was perfect and that she was not good enough for him and unworthy of his love and didn't deserve him. Having this conversation once is fine, having it repeatedly gets tedious. Evie was so concerned about losing James' love and trust should the truth about her past come out but in reality, she didn't trust him to love her unconditionally and protect her. And I wish that the book had done more to explore that instead of just relying on the "I don't deserve you" nonsense Evie kept spouting.

ARC from publisher, review is all mine.

[SelinaW · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable marriage in trouble story from Grace Callaway, part of her Blackwood Legacy series. The plot continues from previous installments (but you need not have read the other books to enjoy this one!) and centers on James and Evie, who by virtue of persisting misunderstandings have lost their connection along the way. Their relationship is nonetheless passionate and continues to be so throughout the book, true to the author’s typical writing style. They overcome a myriad of difficulties in the form of a villain, a blackmailer and continue to solve the mystery of Rose and Thomas (neighborhood ghosts and the thread that ties the Blackwood Legacy together).

I loved seeing Penny, the marquess and the rest of the family. They were an active presence and not just a mention. It was also great to see that Grace Callaway did not shy away from painting her MCs with some human flaws and have them both work through their shortcomings and insecurities.

Can’t wait to read Owen’s story next!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for an advanced copy!

[Lynn]

DNF at 15%. Which is early for me to quit a book. Especially after it started with such a bang! But my reasons are twofold.

1. This is book three, which starts hot on the end of book two. I assume. I haven't read the other two but it seems like familiarity would help. That's not a deal breaker though, just noticeable.

2. The FMC has a big secret. A secret which makes her terribly unworthy of her perfect husband and, in fact, a danger to him and his family. A secret that, if I were to guess, is not her fault. She was so fixated on this in that first 15% and so unwilling to articulate what the secret is, that I was out. I almost always hate and resent the Big Secret Which I Must Not Name Even To Myself And Definitely Not To The Reader, so that was it.

Maybe I'll see some gushing reviews from trusted readers and revisit this, but for now it's a mismatch between me and the story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love lost and found
James, the eldest of the Blackwood siblings, adores his wife but they have grown apart after Evie’s miscarriage. She feels that the loss of her baby is punishment for a terrible secret in her past. She considers herself as not good enough for her husband, for his political aspirations. She is too shy, too retiring, a social disaster waiting to happen, only happy with her plants and her conservatory. So, when a blackmailer contacts her about her secret, she is too ashamed to come clear to her husband.
When they arrive at Bottoms House to assist in organising a ball, Evie begins to dream about Rose and Thomas, the two unfortunate lovers deemed to be at the origin of the curse resting on the village of Chuddums.
She feels that she is the cause of an enormous mess: the blackmail, the miscarriage, her husband’s coldness, the gossip, the village curse… What will happen?

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance. This novel entwines secrets, mystery, and a beautiful, slow-burning, steamy romance. The main characters, Evie and James, are endearing. James is unemotional and shows perfect behaviour. Evie is shy and scholarly, but she lacks self-confidence and finds herself unworthy. She seems so different from him, but that's what attracted him. We feel the attraction for one another. To avoid the breakdown of their marriage, they must learn to trust one another and to communicate. Little by little, they rediscover each other and tame each other. But obstacles, past events, and secrets will call into question every rapprochement between them. When they unite their forces to face different obstacles and difficult events, they are so endearing. So much happened in this second-chance trope. I greatly recommend this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Xenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story delivered from Grace Callaway! I really enjoyed James and Evie’s love story and how they grew as a couple by putting their fears and secrets aside and finally starting acting as a united team. It was wonderful to see the rest of the family as well as Pandora and Marcus are one of my absolute favourite couples from Grace and it’s always a pleasure to see them help and share their hard won wisdom with their children. I loved how James and Evie found their way to each other and how different their relationship became once they were honest with each other! Since it’s a Grace Callaway reading the steamy scenes were excellent and so very passionate. Last but not least the unfolding events regarding the curse left the readers intrigued and I can’t wait to find out what will occur in Owen’s story! I definitely recommend this book to any reader that loves a good story with a lot of passion and wonderful heroes and heroines!

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always forget how steamy and dirty Grace's books are. The dirty talk is always top tier, she does not shy away from anything. I seriously wonder if I am a prude when reading her bedroom scenes but then I remember I am not and just enjoy her writing. The twist at the end of the story was really unexpected. I did not see that happening at all.

However, they went back and forth a few times with the same issue and the third time I was exhausted. Even though it was a different topic each time it felt a little repetitive because the outcome was the same each time. I loved the family support in this book. I was really happy Evie had such a supportive group around her that was related to James. They really accepted her as family and that was such a nice narrative after her childhood and life in general.

I cannot wait for the final book.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, full of drama, love, abuse, emotions, mystery, blackmail, society, assault, secrets, threats, chemistry, danger, steam, trust and passion. Lord James Harrington finds Evie Ashewood being assaulted and saves her. After they marry the gap becomes bigger and harder for James to understand. Evie keeps putting a distance between them because of the secrets she holds from her past. James just doesn't know what to do or how to overcome her secrets. When a blackmail letter arrives, she comes to the point of having to tell him what she is hiding. It's at this point that he and his family come to stand behind her and they are able to get their happily ever after. Would recommend to everyone this story plus the rest of the series.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage in trouble...

Three years of marriage has James and Evie connecting even less, if that were possible. They are both honorable and want the same things in a marriage and from each other. But lack of communication has paralyzed this married couple. James is honorable and Evie thinks she does not deserve him. Evie has her secrets that she will do anything to keep from the perfect James. James just wants his wife, in and out of bed and they are compatible, though they both lack communication skills. Steamy in the bedroom, restrained outside, they really are a good match. But Evie's secrets will not stay hidden, nor will her wanton ways.
Recommend for the read we did not know we needed.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I love a story when a couple is already married. I don’t think there’s too many like that. Evie and James has a marriage in trouble but in which we learn why. This one does have a different tone than the first 2 in the series but even though this is a standalone it’s my slightly less favoring the series so far. At times things were a lil slow and a bit back and forth between the couple. The mystery plot did add some excitement to the story. Still a good read.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually care for second chance as a trope, but this one worked so well. Don't get me wrong, it put me through the emotional ringer, but these two loved each other so much and were both so afraid but little by little they came to really trust one another with their whole selves and I loved seeing that. I especially adored seeing James' family rally around him and Evie for anything they needed. It was great to see these two fix their relationship and come out stronger together in the end. Now I absolutely cannot wait for Owen's story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite a different story from Grace. Experiencing all of the emotions of Evie and James was chef’s kiss perfect. Grace is so good at writing second chance stories and I cannot get enough of them (one of my favorites, The Lady Who Came in from the Cold, James’ parents). This story weaves love, family, secrets, blackmail, mystery and the next installment of a beautiful love story. If you enjoy family stories, a little mystery and so much love and loving, pick up this series. Heck, pick up any of Grace’s books, you will not regret it.

[Pamela Blatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

James and Evie have had a tumultuous marriage.
He is an upright honorable gentleman and she has secrets she hides from him.
She loves him and wants to protect him.
There are mysteries to be solved and misunderstandings galore.
Plenty of heated encounters as well as fun kissable moments.
The series of the Blackwood family characters has been entertaining.
I enjoyed each from the parent’s book to each of their children’s stories.
Can be read as a standalone but knowing the characters makes it an even better read.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

[courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Blackwood Legacy series, and unfortunately it’s the one I’ve liked the least so far.

Second chance romances is one of my favourite romance tropes so I had high hopes. Unfortunately I just didn’t like the way Evie and James essentially was having the same conversation throughout the book. It did get better once they both opened up and the big secrets were revealed.

As per usual, the spice was hot! And I enjoyed seeing the rest of the Harringtons whenever they came up.

Overall 3.5/5

[Lola Haze · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed many of this authors books that it pains me to give it two stars. But to be honest if I hadn't had paid for this book, I would have given up the second or third time the main characters had the same fight. The female main character had a deep lack of self worth and her fear, insecurity, and in a way selfishness led me to believe she didn't need to solve the mystery but to talk to a good therapist. The male main character had the crappiest of communication skills. And the two kept having the same argument over and over and....well you get the idea.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage in trouble is very much like marriage of convenience to me… My very own catnip! And this book was really perfect: a good dose of angst, some misunderstandings, hot lovemaking despite the emotional turmoil between the couple. And the icing on the cake is a touch of mystery that I really love in my books. Great writing and really great characters, vivid, real and extremely lovable. You’ll root for them and their HEA!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie and James' marriage is in trouble. She has a secret from her past, and when she is blackmailed, she pays so James won't find out. Every time her and James get close, something happens to drive them apart again.
They have interesting chemistry together, there are lots of fun, wonderful secondary characters, a great plot twist, and lots of steamy scenes with James and Evie.
Definitely a 5-star read!
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, and these are my opinions.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to this story since reading the first book in the series. There are not enough marriage in crisis historicals.
From the beginning of the book, you realize that Evie is hiding something from her past and this secret is driving a wedge between her and James.
I got a little frustrated with the constant back and forth in James and Evie's relationship. It got better, though, once he knew Evie's secret.
I'm looking forward to Owen's story.