The Woes of Wooing a Wife in 12 Days

by Mihwa Lee

He ghosted her. For two years. While married to her.

Aubrey Egerton, Viscount Madeley, has been living it up in London, pretending his wife doesn't exist because he blames her for destroying his one true love. Eleanor was forced to marry him, and he punished her by abandoning her in the countryside, making her the object of pity and gossip.

And now? Now Aubrey's been thrown from his horse, and his furious parents have dumped him at his wife’s doorstep, severely injured. Now he's bedridden and she has to touch his privates daily for medical reasons. But here's the twist—she's leaving in 12 days and he just realized she's innocent of everything he blamed her for. Can he win her back? Let me tell you about the woes of wooing one’s wife... It's rather difficult to do when you cannot walk.

Eleanor Egerton, Viscountess Madeley, has a refuse him and let him suffer or play the dutiful wife to the man who humiliated her. She chooses duty… with a healthy dose of teasing. After all, how bad could it be to spend twelve awkward days tending to her husband's naked, bruised but still magnificent body?

Can a scoundrel win back his wife's heart in twelve days of Christmas when he's literally at her mercy? Or will this be one holiday miracle too impossible, even for the season of second chances?Arranged Marriage / Marriage of Convenience Enemies to loversForced ProximityEstranged Spouses / Marriage in TroubleCaretaker Romance / Nursing Romance

Genres: Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Historical Romance, Second Chance

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

About the author

Mihwa spent three decades as a medical expert witness specializing in brain injury. Then her young daughter developed an insatiable appetite for bedtime stories, and Mihwa discovered she could spin new ones on the spot, endlessly, a habit that hasn't stopped since.

She has published spicy historical romance novels, both through self-publishing and Dragonblade publishing. Her fans say they come for the uniqueness and humour but stay for the emotional resonance.

Mihwa also writes across genres and is represented by literary and film agents at Jabberwocky Literary Agency.

Despite all this, she is primarily known as Birth Giver who deep cleans, Birth Giver who counsels at 2 a.m., a short-order cook, and short.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read: 12/26/25
Setting: Victorian England
2.5 stars

I never thought I'd say this but this book would have been better as a novella. I was bored through most of the book. It's hard to enjoy a book when the whole story takes place from the H's bedside. Though, I give him credit for wooing his wife while being bedridden. Still, I was ready for the story to end.

[Irina (semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Trust isn't about certainty. It's about choosing to be brave even when you're frightened."

When Lauren added this book, the title and cover immediately caught my interest. Unfortunately, after an entertaining start, the story dragged considerably in the second half.

Aubrey and Eleanor were forced into a marriage of convenience two years ago. Aubrey was in love with another woman at the time, so he left his new wife in the country right after the wedding breakfast and never looked back. Now, after a terrible riding accident, he's dropped off by his parents at Willowbrook Manor in a rather absurd scene. Due to his severe injuries of hip and thigh, he requires round-the-clock attention, help with turning every four hours, and intimate care "that a servant can't provide".

While nursing her husband back to health, the couple works through the past, uncovering lies and truths, and they grow closer than ever before. Aubrey realizes what a wonderful woman he gave up, and he falls head over heels in love with his wife. Unfortunately, she plans to leave in twelve days to run an orphanage, so he doesn’t have much time to convince her to stay and prove that he’s worthy of her. He talks to her friends and family to learn more about her and her wishes, and is becoming the perfect husband. That’s the point when the story starts to drag. It was still nice, but it went on too long and Eleanor’s alleged hesitation felt made-up.

Also, you should not think too much about the logic and plausibility of this story: the intimate care, that only a wife can provide; the doctor's transgressive behavior; the speedy healing; Aubrey's persistent love for the other girl and his faithfulness; Eleanor's (not very convincing) conflict and doubt, etc. Not to mention the encounters with Aubrey's entourage—his callous (but allegedly loving) parents, his prudish and clumsy valet, and his rude friends. There are funny moments, sure, but overall, many scenes with them are absurd and OTT.

3 stars—4 for the first half, 2 for the second.



(Read in December 2025)

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of graveling husbands needing to woo their wives, this is a must read!

I love a romance where the couple is married and they need to find a way to be together… and after these two start their marriage under false pretences and plenty of hurt feelings, only life-threatening accident can force them back into a room together to see the error of their ways…

Two years ago, Aubrey Egerton, Viscount Madeley married his wife, Eleanor and promptly abandoned her at their wedding breakfast- now he is brought home as the prodigal husband for convalescence and nursing only a wife could preform without blushing… well Eleanor is definitely blushing, but unlike him, she doesn’t shirk her responsibilities.

Through their forced proximity Aubrey realizes everything he thought he knew about his wife is not the truth and he now find himself in the position of losing the best thing that has ever happened to him… unless he improve his change of heart and earn the love and respect that she had always given him! Oh, and he only has 12 days to do it!!!

I absolutely loved this book, graveling, and redemption is my catnip, and Aubrey definitely had to go all out on this one! I found it really fun to see these two learned about each other and the obstacles that push them away from each other and find a way to come together.

[Jing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I enjoyed this one! I love Eleanor’s strength of character despite the humiliation that she was subjected to and I love Aubrey’s acceptance of his mistake and how he worked hard to correct it. It was just so sweet! And no third-act breakup!

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was it an accident? Or was faith fed-up with his muleheaded rebellion?

An arranged marriage. For her it was a dream come true, for him it was betrayal.
Eleanor’s plain and mousy looks hide dry wit, strength and practicality – not that her husband ever noticed... barely married and he ran. For two years she’s managed his estate, helped out an orphanage, and found a way to survive ridicule, pity and loneliness – and just when she’s ready to move on, he shows up.
Aubrey was an arse: courting another while betrothed, rebelling against his parents, and then punishing his wife for ousting his true love. Pulling a stunt over a ghost after two years was plain stupid – and life-threatening – and now he finds himself broken, helpless and dumped in the country... at his executioner’s mercy.

Neither wants their forced proximity, but she can’t turn him out and he can’t care for himself. It’s all centred around her nursing him back to health. He’s confined to his bed for most of the book, so he can’t run, hide or chase her, and while she can leave the room, she too is forced to question her beliefs, her feelings and her future.
I’m not going to spoil why their marriage was doomed, but it’s truly despicable and they’re both victims. The truth comes as a shock, shifts both their worlds on its axis.

This is not your traditional silly lighthearted seasonal romance (which I also enjoy a lot); it felt real – the pain, the hurt, the love – every emotion in this story was true. It was an intense, intimate and captivating emotional slow burn, peppered with humorous interludes.
The setting and circumstance allow for a slower pace than I’m used to from this author, and I thought it was absolutely gorgeous, full of heart and hope, even though it starts with bitter strife. Was it really a Christmas story? No, but then again, I don’t see it working quite so well at any other time of year.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this Christmas story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a spicy Victorian Christmas romance about a marriage that failed before it started. Eleanor, the Viscountess of Madelay, has been living in the country and estranged from her husband, Aubrey, for the past 3 years. She was abandoned literally from the first day of marriage, when he stood up and left her during their wedding breakfast, in front of local society and their families.

She has been maintaining his estate, and living in hope since then that he would return and they could try. Except that is about to come to an end. Eleanor has received word from a good friend who manages an orphanage and school, who is ill, and has determined that after Christmas, she would leave her present circumstances to take up a new life, caring for the children of the orphanage. That would appear to be the only way she would have children to care for, since her husband has determined to live his own life in London, leaving her no hope of any future family or love with him.

As she plans one last Christmas with her staff and for the tenants of the estate, all plans go awry when her in-laws deposit her wayward husband on her doorstep. He has suffered a grievous injury after being thrown from his horse, and they have determined that he would be best tended to by his wife, much to the chagrin of both Eleanor and Aubrey. Forced proximity and embarassing forced intimacy scenarios ensue! And in their time together, it comes out that Aubrey's affections were engaged by another woman before his marriage, and he was fed lies about Eleanor. Believing Eleanor to be a conniving schemer who threatened his love and drove her away, Aubrey was determined to despise her and thus he abandoned her. Eleanor, knowing nothing of this, was a steadfast and loyal wife, gentle, and caring to those around her. He knew nothing of this, until forced to be cared for by her. As he becomes exposed to her quiet, determined, caring nature, he starts to understand that the wife he never wanted, may not be the manipulative conniving woman he believed her to be, and as the truth comes out, starts to want to explore a future with her.

But Eleanor, after years of neglect, is leery of trusting Aubrey and daring to risk being hurt again, and Aubrey becomes afraid of losing his chance with her when he discovers her plans to leave after Christmas.

Forced proximity, embarassing intimacy as Aubrey initially fears Eleanor wishing harm upon him, especially believing her to be a manipulative liar, and Eleanor is forced to care intimately for the man who abandoned and disdains her. So much emotional drama, misunderstanding, and fearful yearning. Aubrey never realized the treasure that Eleanor was, and almost loses her, without a good fight and outpouring of appreciation and newfound love, and old fashioned groveling and the courtship she never had. A big mystery was also the woman causing the strife between them too and her motivations - that story comes out later and that was a drama unto itself, and a long time in coming as that story came in bits and hints and the connections and illumination of the real situation does not come until in the later parts of the story.

But an emotionally satisfying story as Aubrey and Eleanor finally find their way to each other. My only disatisfaction is that the barrier to their relationship does not receive a satisfactory (in my mind) resolution - that degree of vicious manipulation deserves to be punished!

4.75 stars out of 5

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Mihwa Lee style, she once again transforms typical tropes into something distinctively hers.

He left her 20 minutes into their wedding breakfast. Two years later he was left virtually on her doorstep severely injured and in need of constant care. Battered, bed-ridden and blue-balled (literally IYKYK) and at the mercy of his estranged wife is the absolute last place Aubrey wants to convalesce. But for the next few weeks, leaving isn't an option.

Ever dutiful, Eleanor resolves herself to the task of caring for her husband. The better she cares for him, the sooner he'll be out of her life again taking his cold-heartedness with him. Putting on a mask of indifference sounds easy until the naked truth of their situation is revealed and Aubrey's injuries aren't the only thing that starts to mend.

The distrust and uneasiness in the beginning of this story gripped me immediately. I try not to pick sides when I'm reading a marriage in trouble and Mihwa made it easy for me to do this. Once the root cause of their troubles is exposed, we are lucky enough to witness a true, everlasting relationship form. Aubrey's feelings are new while Eleanor's feelings are buried. Aubrey needs to do a lot of gentle digging to prove that he's worth staying for. And boy did he win me over! So many baby steps were taken with an occasional tumble making their reconciliation believable.

It isn't all seriousness though, Mihwa has an expert ability to add levity through side character quirks, witty conversations and absurd, everyday situations that feel real but with a humourous twist. All of this is important to keep me engaged and lightens the mood making the story more dynamic and enjoyable.

I would consider this lower steam with two inventive intimate encounters for reasons you'll understand when you read the story.

This is a story of resilience and finding joy after heartache. It's healing of body, mind, heart and soul. It's about showing someone you love them because words were once used to hurt. Another brilliant story that I highly recommend!

[Laur Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! A truly misjudged h, a truly sorry H, and a great grovel.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance Christmas book. There was so much to love with Eleanor and Aubrey. This was such a new premise - an estranged husband dumped on his wife by his own parents after he had an accident and needed constant care. It was genius and it worked so well!

A huge THANK YOU to Ms. Lee for writing a plot that had the couple learning the crux of the miscommunication early on and then seeing the two work out how to trust and love one another from that realization. It seemed so natural and real instead of (like many novels ) having a miscommunication discovered at the last of the book and the characters magically trusting one another after years of hurt. This book felt real and raw.

There were also splendid humorous moments too. I love the side characters- the parents and the valet. They added such warmth and laughter. It was great!

Just read it. It was such a beautiful holiday treasure.

[Regina B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun twist on the 12 days of Christmas. Mihwa does not disappoint on her creative storyline ideas. An enemies to lovers that has all the feels throughout. This story will make you laugh and cry while building the slow burn romance!

[Mariana Ponce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opinión:
Puedo decir que no pude congeniar con Audrey, en serio, era egoísta, inmaduro y hasta grosero. Sentí que su amor salió de la nada, fueron días los que estuvieron juntos, así que su amor no lo puedo considerar real cuando estuvo años "enamorado" de otra para que al final saliera con su: 'No la amé, era una forma de escapar, y de no hacer lo que sus padres querían". Wey, te accidentaste por pensar que habías visto a tu amante, en serio dices que no la querías?
Por otro lado: Eleanor, que decir de ella. Era lo que suelen decir 'felpudo' jajaja. No tenía voluntad, hacía todo lo que le decían y también su amor me pareció increíble. Digo, se enamoró de él con solo verlo, y de una vez que él la consoló y ya. Después de eso fue el compromiso, la boda fallida y su separación de 2 AÑOS, ¿De dónde te surgió el amor por él, mujer?
Me gustó más Steven jajajaj y me hubiese gustado que se quedara con él, que si la quería, la valoraba y valía la pena totalmente.
Desde el minuto 1 sabes que Rose es una mentirosa y la odié totalmente.


Ahora sí, a continuación voy a describir todo lo que ocurre en el libro, así que está lleno de SPOILERS, solo es por si no recuerdo de que trató, ya solo leer esto:
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El libro comienza con Eleanor decorando su casa, donde vive desde 2 años atrás sola. Su esposo huyó 20 minutos después de la boda. Llegan sus suegros y llevan con ellos a Audrey, su esposo, que sufrió un accidente de caballo y necesita cuidados. El idiota salió a caballo y le pareció ver a su preciada Rose, la confundió, siguió a una mujer y se cayó del caballo, obvio no era Rose. El doctor dice que sufrió un buen golpe y que como se lastimo sus partes reproductivas, puede que no tenga hijos o tenga dificultades. Eleanor acepta cuidarlo a pesar de que él es grosero y prácticamente dice que no quiere verla. Ella lo ayuda y él se queja. Dice que ella lo separó de su verdadero amor, Rose, una criada pobretona, ya que ella le dijo que Eleanor la corrió y que Eleanor tenía de amante a un Steven. Conforme pasan los días, se da cuenta que Eleanor es buena persona pero no quiere dudar de Rose. Eleanor sale a cenar con Steven y Audrey le reclama. Steven le dice que se case con él pero la idiota de Eleanor lo rechaza porque no puede divorciarse de Audrey, lo ama. Un día, va a cambiar el vendaje y limpiarlo, cuando él se niega, ve que su miembro está levantado, lo excitó verla con él cabello suelto jajajaja.
En los libros de cuentas ve que Eleanor le da dinero a Rose y le pregunta por ella, ahí se entera que esa zorra huyó embarazada y que era doncella de Eleanor, por eso le da dinero mensualmente. Eleanor se entera que a quien creyó su amiga, la traicionó y se le rompe el corazón. Le pregunta si él bebe es suyo y Audrey dice que no. Se dice que nunca se acostó con ella, ¿sólo llevaba 5 meses tratándola y ya era el amor de su vida? Rose tenía 3 meses de embarazo cuando se fue, es decir, estaba con otro mientras embarcaba a Audrey. Audrey le dice a Eleanor que le ha sido fiel, desde que se casaron no ha estado con nadie, pero eso da a entender que cuando estaban comprometidos si estuvo con alguien mas. Ella le dice que en unos días se va a ir a un orfanato a trabajar, ella ama a esos niños y como no es posible tener los propios, cuidara a aquellos y que no piensa regresar. Audrey se da cuenta que la cagó y busca empezar a conocerla realmente. Su cuñado(esposo de Liz, hermana de Eleanor) le dice que si lastima a Eleanor se las verá con él. Liz le cuenta que Eleanor siempre estaba solita después de que ella se casara, pues perdieron a su madre chicas, Eleanor se enamoró de él desde que lo vió. Luego en un baile, una mujeres la hicieron llorar, él la consoló y ella ya no pudo dejar su corazón. Audrey comprende que arruinó todo por una zorra traidora. Empieza a preguntar a los criados e incluso cita a Steven para hablar con él sobre ella. Steven le dice que la corteje y que si la vuelve a lastimar él estará ahí para recoger los pedazos. Audrey empieza a tratar de recuperarla. Le quedan 12 días para recuperar a su esposa. Llega el día y finalmente Liz se va con sus hijos, sus gemelos y su sobrina a los que Audrey les leía diariamente. Le consigue doncella, ropa nueva, y quiere que coma con él diariamente. Ella se niega pero luego acepta, tiene un poco de esperanza aunque sigue lastimada. Se viste para cenar y se arregla bonito, cosa que llevaba tiempo sin hacer y Audrey se excita otra vez, ella lo ve jajaja. En la cena le da regalos que Liz le contó Eleanor quería de niña. Ella se sorprende, casi se besan pero lo rechaza y se va. Audrey quiere comprarla con regalos y no entiendo como es que puedes querer a alguien que te trató tan mal, te humilló publicamente, te dejó sola, se casó contigo prácticamente a fuerzas. Audrey le dice que donará al orfanato, invitará a los niños a comer y les dará regalos, Eleanor se emociona. Los condes, padres de Audrey regresan y él les pide la reliquia familiar, piensan que para una amante y dice que para su esposa. Su madre dice que nunca entendió como fue que la dejó ir si era muy buena persona(Eleanor) y que que sentirá que se accidentó por un fantasma(Rose). Sus padres agradecen y felicitan a Eleanor. Eleanor besa a Audrey, luego se arrepiente y se va. En la noche escucha gemidos y piensa que se lastimó, va a verlo, él la besa, dice que estaba soñando. Se empiezan a tocar pero ella lo detiene y se va. Audrey le dice que invitó a cenar a su hermana con su esposo e hijos, sus padres y también invitó a Steven para la cena de navidad. Le regala unos aretes que resulta, eran de la madre de Eleanor. Se besan y ella se queda a dormir con él. Llega la comida con los niños, Audrey ya anda de pie con ayuda de bastón. No pierde la oportunidad para besar a Eleanor cada que puede. Todos felices hasta que Rose llega y pregunta porque no le ha dado dinero jajaja. Eleanor la confronta y la zorra la ataca diciendo que tenía todo y que Audrey la amó a ella, una criada pobre, que era importante, que se acostó con otro para embarazarse y encasquetarle el bebé y no se qué. Audrey llega y le dice que es mentira, nunca la amó, era una forma de revelarse contra sus padres y que por eso nunca se acostó con ella simplemente porque no quiso. Llegan sus amigos y quedan fascinados con Eleanor. Va a verla en la noche, la besa y la pasan juntos.
Llega navidad, baila con Steven,e dice a Audrey que se irá al orfanato por 6-12 meses aprox, hasta que consiga a alguien adecuado para el puesto. Audrey no quiere pero no puede hacer nada. Frente a todos le da el anillo de su abuela y proclama quererla. Se van al cuarto, se besan y se dejan llevar por sus sentimientos, tienen su primera vez.
Se dicen que se aman y el propone que usen la casa para el orfanato, ella acepta y ya no se tienen que separar, fin.

Todo se desarrolla en menos de un mes, no es creíble ese desarrollo de sentimientos... Bueno a menos que seas Christian Nodal JAJAJAJAJA, Audrey la aplicó igual solo que en lugar de mayo, fue diciembre.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I have always really enjoyed reading Mihwa Lee’s books and this one was no exception. I loved reading the Christmassy love story of Lady Eleanor and her very estranged husband Aubrey, who left her on their wedding day two years ago.

His parents have now deposited a severely injured Aubrey at the estate Eleanor has been living in since their wedding as he needs full time care and attention and who better to give it to him than his wife who has never seen him without his cravat off never mind naked. His injuries were caused by falling from his horse in London, where he lives.

Eleanor dutifully tends to him knowing that she has plans to make a new start for herself after Christmas, she just has to survive the next few weeks with her ungrateful husband. As the two spend time together Aubrey’s opinion of Eleanor changes and some shocking revelations change everything for Aubrey. He now wants to prove to his wife that he’s a changed man. He now sees Eleanor as the strong minded but compassionate and caring woman she always was but he never saw because he was blinded by anger and lies. He now has twelve days to show her how much he cares for her, even though he’s still bedridden. Eleanor’s trust issues may prevent the couple’s future, especially as she has an escape plan already. Aubrey has to use his wit, wiles and his valet Morrison to try to gain Eleanor’s trust and love in a short amount of time.

I love Mihwa’s writing style and humour that she brings to most of her books. The exchanges between Aubrey and Morrison are comical and his parents bring lighthearted conversation when they come to visit. Aubrey’s friends are fun to read about when they come to visit. Eleanor’s family and friends are very supportive. Both main characters had a lot of personal growth throughout the plot as they try to find mutual indifference at the beginning and trust and respect for each other as the plot develops. It was a wonderful cosy read. Mihwa always writes with passion, depth and knowledge that I really enjoy reading. She is one of my must read authors.

The only reason I gave it 4.5 ⭐️’s was there was no epilogue, which I always love to read. I feel it really completes the story and was disappointed when the story ended abruptly. I would still definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a steamy holiday historical romance to read.
I received a special copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mihwa Lee has written another wonderful, heartwarming story – this time a Christmas romance with lots of funny and romantic moments, angst and mild steam, featuring an estranged couple whose arranged marriage has been nipped in the bud by pride, anger, intrigue, misunderstanding, miscommunication, and lack of trust, and are now forced by extraordinary circumstances to spend time together in close proximity. The plot is very well written, touching, and emotional.
Eleanor and Aubrey are lovely characters who I quickly grew fond of. It was lovely to see how they gradually opened up, and Aubrey's many small thoughtful gestures with which he courted her were heartwarming. I especially loved the intimate care scenes, as well as the moments with his valet and the dry humor of his parents, which constantly made me laugh.

When Aubrey Egerton, Viscount Madeley, is brought to his country estate after a riding accident, he comes face to face with his wife Eleanor, whom he had left in a fit of rage immediately after their wedding two years earlier, convinced that she had forced him into an arranged marriage not of his choosing, and blaming her for the loss of the woman he loves. However, due to the delicate nature of his injuries, no one but his wife is willing or able to care for him.
Eleanor Egerton, Lady Madeley, is on the verge of starting a new life and taking up a position at an orphanage when her husband, who neglected her and made her life miserable, returns to her life and she has to take care of him.
Despite all her pent-up feelings and hurt, Eleanor fulfills her duty, and Aubrey gradually realizes that his wife is not the calculating, manipulating beast he had believed her to be. But Eleanor wants to leave him, and he has little time to convince her that he has fallen in love with her and that they belong together...

If you like unconventional historical Christmas romance novels with great characters, heart, humor, and heat, you‘ll love this book!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

New writer for me, one I've heard people talking about and I'm so glad I gave her book a try! Very nice. Enjoyed the restrained, dry wit, as well as the emotional resonance that grew from layers of action and example. Aubrey's creeping horror in the realization of how profoundly he's wronged her builds beautifully. If I have a complaint... okay, I guess I have 2 small quibbles that take this story from a 5 star (which it felt like it was heading towards) to a 4 star.

The first quibble is that Eleanor is perhaps a little bit TOO perfect? Like, saintly levels of virtue that her moment or two of feeling herself in "torturing" Aubrey while touching him don't really make a dent in. And the second quibble is that the narrative feels like it loses a bit of steam once we know that she forgives him, and some of the scenes piled on of everybody exclaiming about how awesome she is and what a dolt he's been start to feel a little repetitive. But these are quibbles in an otherwise lovely story.

Will definitely look for more works by Lee.

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

We have Aubrey Egerton, Viscount Madeley, a complete jerk who has fallen in love with an idea not the real person! He is resentful of marriage and believes lies about his betrothed and never once tried to even see her in two years! When he is injured his parents have had quite enough and they dump him on the doorstep of his lady wife! Eleanor Egerton, Viscountess Madeley, has a choice! Should she refuse to care for a grievously injured husband who had avoided her for two years? Or nurse him back to health with his very personal injury! Eleanor is beautiful, brave and resourceful so she begins the arduous chore of nursemaid! When the truth slowly emerges Aubrey realized he has been a fool! Is it too late to undo the mess he’s made of his marriage? His wife is tired and is leaving him in twelve days! A man who can even walk must woo a wife who wants to run! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story of a Viscount who marries the woman who he believes caused him to lose the woman he loves, only she is innocent of everything despite the scandal he has raised with his abandonment of his wife to revel in a bachelor lifestyle in London leaving his wife alone in the country. However fate has other ideas, when he is thrown from his horse, his family fed up of the scandal he has created deposits him at his wife's door. Eleanor has no recourse, but to tend to her husband's needs whilst he is laid up and unable to walk. When he discovers that she is innocent of everything, he realises that he has falsely accused his wife and strives to make amends, the only problem is his wife is leaving him and his estate in 12 days. Can he convince her to stay and finally win her heart or will she stick to her original plans and leave him.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has two of my favorite tropes: a marriage in trouble, and nursing one back to health. Throw in forced proximity! Eleanor and Aubrey are married but estranged. He has a riding accident and his parents drop him off for Eleanor to nurse him back to health.

The two mmcs had a bit of a journey to get to the HEA. Both of them were uncomfortable and embarrassed at the intimacy of the situation. But this forced them to actually talk and get to know each other for the first time in their marriage. I had mixed feelings initially about Aubrey. I felt bad for him, but wanted him to grovel because he was the reason they were estranged.

In the end it's a sweet, feel-good story about two people finally getting to have a real marriage.
Thank you to Mihwa Lee for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon-Worthy!
Now this is a well told story, one which is definitely worth reading and so here is what I loved most about it.
It tells us about Aubrey and Eleanor, two characters who found themselves in an arranged marriage which was ruined before it began and how, after an accident, they worked at learning about each other and slowly moved their way to a wonderful second chance.
Oh, I could just swoon - this was a heart melting tale of love and trust-building as they negotiated the trials and stumbling blocks to find that which they both long for so passionately.
As I said before, this story is definitely worth reading!
I read an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review above.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus book is so good! I enjoyed the whole premise of Eleanor having to provide care of her husband after being thrown from his horse. She has to provide that intimate care...even though she hasn't seen him since the day they married two years before. Aubrey has a lot to think about as he is recovering and finally getting to know his wife. The conflict in this story from the evil villain is a crazy circumstance, but adds much to the story. I enjoyed seeing the maturity gained by the male lead, and I appreciated his groveling to make things right. This story is well written

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed so much reading this story. I love angst and this story has it but it also has communication. So, let the wooing commence. It was so sweet I oohhed and aahhed while Aubrey was trying to woo Eleanor. This is a feel-good second chance story for the Christmas season and if you like what I’ve expressed above, you will love this story.

[Emma Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a second chance!!!! Boy does he know how to do this. Perfect Christmas read.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second chance story filled with fun, humor, aahs and more. Great Christmas story to bring cheer during the season.
Loved the characters, plot and well written.

[Nori]

DNF @ 33%

[T. Vang · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish there was a little bit more drama and angst but everything came together a little bit too easy. But I still love and enjoyed it.

[Bea Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! My favorite thing is to read about a man being wrong, having his wrongness rubbed in his face, and suffering because he was so wrong. Ahhh.