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The Wanton Widow
She made a list of promiscuous resolutions on a lark. He made her keep every one.
The ton may be ruled by men, but Lady Phoebe Drake has no intention of living by their rules. Widowed and cast aside, she rebuilt her fortune—and her confidence—as London’s most sought-after milliner. Beneath her calm grace beats the heart of a woman who dreams of pleasure, passion, and a freedom she’s never dared claim.
Her trusted solicitor, Mr. Joshua Forrester, has long been her anchor in a world eager to see her fall. Steady, honorable, and impossibly proper, he’s the one man she should never want. But one forbidden kiss at her house party shatters every boundary between them, leaving Phoebe aching for more.
When Joshua discovers the secret list of her most wanton resolutions—desires too wicked to ever speak aloud—he’s done resisting temptation. With every stolen touch and whispered promise, he vows to show Phoebe that surrendering her heart may be the boldest act of all.
In a society built on restraint, two hearts defy convention in a scandal that will set London ablaze.
In The Wanton Widow, author Helene Matheson delivers a lush, sensual Regency romance filled with scandal, wit, and irresistible heat. Perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore, Scarlett Scott, and Lisa Kleypas, this passionate tale proves that sometimes the most dangerous resolution of all is to fall in love.
The ton may be ruled by men, but Lady Phoebe Drake has no intention of living by their rules. Widowed and cast aside, she rebuilt her fortune—and her confidence—as London’s most sought-after milliner. Beneath her calm grace beats the heart of a woman who dreams of pleasure, passion, and a freedom she’s never dared claim.
Her trusted solicitor, Mr. Joshua Forrester, has long been her anchor in a world eager to see her fall. Steady, honorable, and impossibly proper, he’s the one man she should never want. But one forbidden kiss at her house party shatters every boundary between them, leaving Phoebe aching for more.
When Joshua discovers the secret list of her most wanton resolutions—desires too wicked to ever speak aloud—he’s done resisting temptation. With every stolen touch and whispered promise, he vows to show Phoebe that surrendering her heart may be the boldest act of all.
In a society built on restraint, two hearts defy convention in a scandal that will set London ablaze.
In The Wanton Widow, author Helene Matheson delivers a lush, sensual Regency romance filled with scandal, wit, and irresistible heat. Perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore, Scarlett Scott, and Lisa Kleypas, this passionate tale proves that sometimes the most dangerous resolution of all is to fall in love.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
2 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Helene Matheson
3 books59 followersHelene Matheson is the pseudonym for Amazon bestselling author Kym Roberts.
After following her childhood dream to serve and protect, Helene retired from public service and began a new dream—creating happily ever afters. First publishing in mystery and romantic suspense, she decided to add her love of travel and history to her personal oeuvre. From the first page to the last, Helene promises to take you on a journey to the Scottish Highlands that will arouse your imagination and capture your heart.
When she’s not writing or researching her next regency romance novel, she can be found rummaging through antique stores, estate sales, and flea markets looking for that next piece of inspiration.
You can find Helene at her website KymRoberts.com and at kymroberts911 on social media.
After following her childhood dream to serve and protect, Helene retired from public service and began a new dream—creating happily ever afters. First publishing in mystery and romantic suspense, she decided to add her love of travel and history to her personal oeuvre. From the first page to the last, Helene promises to take you on a journey to the Scottish Highlands that will arouse your imagination and capture your heart.
When she’s not writing or researching her next regency romance novel, she can be found rummaging through antique stores, estate sales, and flea markets looking for that next piece of inspiration.
You can find Helene at her website KymRoberts.com and at kymroberts911 on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 8, 2026
Holy Hotness! I need more than 5 stars.
I read the first two books in this series and loved them. I expected this third one in the series to be great. I was right. This book captured my heart on the first page (That's not easy to do).
It's a compelling story of unrequited love, a beautiful woman whose trust in men had been forever damaged, and the man determined to prove that passion, love, and sex exists without pain or cruelty.
I read the first two books in this series and loved them. I expected this third one in the series to be great. I was right. This book captured my heart on the first page (That's not easy to do).
It's a compelling story of unrequited love, a beautiful woman whose trust in men had been forever damaged, and the man determined to prove that passion, love, and sex exists without pain or cruelty.
January 8, 2026
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
I read this story before reading the other books in the series and as such, totally my fault, I felt like I was missing some nuances to the relationships and other events referenced in the story. Again, totally my fault, and now I will be going back and reading the other two stories because I enjoyed this book and am curious as to the other relationships.
Lady Phoebe Drake is a notoriously wanton widow noted for her house parties and scandalous behaviour, but as we discover in this story, this is merely a facade hiding a woman who is anything but wanton, and presents an image to protect herself and act on behalf of those she does care for. Especially after a past where the men in her life have disappointed and betrayed her. Because of that, Phoebe never wishes to be married and risk losing control of her life and business to a man again.
Mr. Joshua Forrester is her trusted solicitor and advisor for many years, perhaps the one man she does trust and allows the most access into her life. For years he has desired and wanted her, but kept that hidden under a very proper, professional front, until boundaries were blurred. But Phoebe, out of fear, pushed away from him after a heated encounter. But Joshua decides that he is not giving up and when the opportunity arises when they are together in Scotland, at New Years. Phoebe had been attending to her friend and widowed cousin, who is isolated at her estate, heavily pregnant. For fun and the cousin's entertainment, she had written out a list of salacious resolutions which were discovered by Joshua and he is determined to help Phoebe keep them.
While the widow may not be as wanton as her reputation suggests, this is a steamy, spicy wanton little story that I did enjoy. Open door and creative scenarios, and creative use of the cold Scottish outdoors. And now I must find out about the other intriguing relationships referenced in this story.
3.75 stars out of 5
I read this story before reading the other books in the series and as such, totally my fault, I felt like I was missing some nuances to the relationships and other events referenced in the story. Again, totally my fault, and now I will be going back and reading the other two stories because I enjoyed this book and am curious as to the other relationships.
Lady Phoebe Drake is a notoriously wanton widow noted for her house parties and scandalous behaviour, but as we discover in this story, this is merely a facade hiding a woman who is anything but wanton, and presents an image to protect herself and act on behalf of those she does care for. Especially after a past where the men in her life have disappointed and betrayed her. Because of that, Phoebe never wishes to be married and risk losing control of her life and business to a man again.
Mr. Joshua Forrester is her trusted solicitor and advisor for many years, perhaps the one man she does trust and allows the most access into her life. For years he has desired and wanted her, but kept that hidden under a very proper, professional front, until boundaries were blurred. But Phoebe, out of fear, pushed away from him after a heated encounter. But Joshua decides that he is not giving up and when the opportunity arises when they are together in Scotland, at New Years. Phoebe had been attending to her friend and widowed cousin, who is isolated at her estate, heavily pregnant. For fun and the cousin's entertainment, she had written out a list of salacious resolutions which were discovered by Joshua and he is determined to help Phoebe keep them.
While the widow may not be as wanton as her reputation suggests, this is a steamy, spicy wanton little story that I did enjoy. Open door and creative scenarios, and creative use of the cold Scottish outdoors. And now I must find out about the other intriguing relationships referenced in this story.
3.75 stars out of 5
Review of advance copy received from Author
She made a list of daring resolutions on a whim. He made sure she lived each one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this passionate and thought-provoking story that delves into how life experiences, limited choices, and the struggle for control shape our paths and decisions. Lady Phoebe Drake, a widow facing financial ruin due to her late husband’s reckless spending, must rebuild her fortune. Though society views her as wanton, the truth is far from it. Phoebe craves passion and pleasure, yearning for the freedom to live on her own terms, yet she grapples with hesitation and self-doubt.
Amidst her challenges, Mr. Joshua Forrester, her steadfast and honorable solicitor, remains a constant presence. Always proper and composed, Joshua’s true feelings surface after an unexpected, electrifying kiss at a house party—one Phoebe cannot forget. His unwavering support and quiet strength become her anchor, revealing depths of passion beneath his reserved exterior.
Joshua’s love for Phoebe runs deep. Though he has always been the consummate gentleman, discovering her secret list of bold resolutions ignites a fervent determination to show, rather than merely tell, how much he cherishes her. I adored Joshua’s steadfast loyalty, intelligence, and heartfelt passion. He beautifully honors Phoebe’s independence, respecting her business acumen, fortune, and every part of her identity. His actions consistently reassure her that being with him means retaining her autonomy, not losing it.
The Wanton Widow is more than just a romance—it’s a heartfelt exploration of trust, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace love without sacrificing one’s individuality. This novel captivated me from start to finish, delivering a richly layered story with grace, warmth, and genuine emotion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this passionate and thought-provoking story that delves into how life experiences, limited choices, and the struggle for control shape our paths and decisions. Lady Phoebe Drake, a widow facing financial ruin due to her late husband’s reckless spending, must rebuild her fortune. Though society views her as wanton, the truth is far from it. Phoebe craves passion and pleasure, yearning for the freedom to live on her own terms, yet she grapples with hesitation and self-doubt.
Amidst her challenges, Mr. Joshua Forrester, her steadfast and honorable solicitor, remains a constant presence. Always proper and composed, Joshua’s true feelings surface after an unexpected, electrifying kiss at a house party—one Phoebe cannot forget. His unwavering support and quiet strength become her anchor, revealing depths of passion beneath his reserved exterior.
Joshua’s love for Phoebe runs deep. Though he has always been the consummate gentleman, discovering her secret list of bold resolutions ignites a fervent determination to show, rather than merely tell, how much he cherishes her. I adored Joshua’s steadfast loyalty, intelligence, and heartfelt passion. He beautifully honors Phoebe’s independence, respecting her business acumen, fortune, and every part of her identity. His actions consistently reassure her that being with him means retaining her autonomy, not losing it.
The Wanton Widow is more than just a romance—it’s a heartfelt exploration of trust, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace love without sacrificing one’s individuality. This novel captivated me from start to finish, delivering a richly layered story with grace, warmth, and genuine emotion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lady Phoebe Drake is a widow with a scandalous reputation, famous for her house parties and whispered speculation. It doesn’t take long, however, for the story to show that much of that notoriety is performance rather than truth, and that Phoebe is far more deliberate, and thoughtful, than her reputation suggests.
When a carefully staged flirtation sets events in motion, Phoebe must once again navigate gossip and the independence she fought hard to reclaim. At her side is Joshua Forrester, her solicitor and long-time confidant, whose quiet competence and restraint make him a compelling counterpoint to Phoebe’s public persona. Their relationship unfolds with a sense of history and familiarity that feels genuine, built on years of proximity.
What makes this romance particularly effective is its confidence. The story never rushes and it trusts the reader to follow along without excessive explanation.
The supporting cast is well used, adding warmth and humor. The prose is straightforward and elegant, with a natural rhythm that keeps the focus on the characters and their choices.
The Wanton Widow is ultimately a wonderful romance about choice. Choosing joy without abandoning caution, and intimacy without surrendering identity. It’s a thoughtful novel that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers it with a steady hand.
When a carefully staged flirtation sets events in motion, Phoebe must once again navigate gossip and the independence she fought hard to reclaim. At her side is Joshua Forrester, her solicitor and long-time confidant, whose quiet competence and restraint make him a compelling counterpoint to Phoebe’s public persona. Their relationship unfolds with a sense of history and familiarity that feels genuine, built on years of proximity.
What makes this romance particularly effective is its confidence. The story never rushes and it trusts the reader to follow along without excessive explanation.
The supporting cast is well used, adding warmth and humor. The prose is straightforward and elegant, with a natural rhythm that keeps the focus on the characters and their choices.
The Wanton Widow is ultimately a wonderful romance about choice. Choosing joy without abandoning caution, and intimacy without surrendering identity. It’s a thoughtful novel that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers it with a steady hand.
Review of advance copy
Letters, Resolutions, Contract, Heart Melting Romance
All I can say about this story other than it was delightful and I enjoyed the full cast of characters very much.
The story is filled with passion, a scandalous list to accomplish, heartfelt confessions admiration, steamy intimacy, and accepting love.
Anytime a story can make me laugh, cause my heart to pant, need to use my fan and shed a few tears at the end is well worth
the 5 stars I am allowed to give for my honest opinion
💋 Mature Advisory🔥🔥🔥/5
💖 Favorite Character: Joshua was a dream come true,
📚My first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her passionate and sparkling stories.
All I can say about this story other than it was delightful and I enjoyed the full cast of characters very much.
The story is filled with passion, a scandalous list to accomplish, heartfelt confessions admiration, steamy intimacy, and accepting love.
Anytime a story can make me laugh, cause my heart to pant, need to use my fan and shed a few tears at the end is well worth
the 5 stars I am allowed to give for my honest opinion
💋 Mature Advisory🔥🔥🔥/5
💖 Favorite Character: Joshua was a dream come true,
📚My first time reading this author and I look forward to reading more of her passionate and sparkling stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The third book in the Scandalous Sisters series and found it to be another captivating installment. The story of Lady Phoebe Drake, a widow, and her trusted solicitor, Mr. Joshua Forrester, is a wonderful romance centered on the themes of choice—specifically, choosing joy without abandoning caution and finding intimacy without surrendering identity. The plot follows Lady Phoebe after she makes a list of scandalous resolutions on a lark, only for Mr. Forrester to ensure she keeps every one. The book is exceptionally well-written, featuring a compelling storyline and memorable characters. I was particularly pleased with the ending, which provided a very satisfying conclusion.
January 7, 2026
A very scandalous list
Lady Phoebe Drake is determined to assist the Duchess of Nithesdale in her confinement. To distract her, she lists a number of scandalous items she wants to do now that her widowhood has liberated her from the confines of a very strict marriage. Joshua Forrester, the solicitor who assisted her in making her business profitable after her clueless husband had run it into the ground, manages to acquire the list and will coax her in fulfilling each and every item.
Will Phoebe and Joshua finally give free rein to their feelings for each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Phoebe Drake is determined to assist the Duchess of Nithesdale in her confinement. To distract her, she lists a number of scandalous items she wants to do now that her widowhood has liberated her from the confines of a very strict marriage. Joshua Forrester, the solicitor who assisted her in making her business profitable after her clueless husband had run it into the ground, manages to acquire the list and will coax her in fulfilling each and every item.
Will Phoebe and Joshua finally give free rein to their feelings for each other?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
We have Lady Phoebe Drake a self made widow left with almost nothing but she with the help of her solicitor have remade her fortunes and expanded them!
Mr Joshua Forrestor solicitor and secret admirer to Lady Phoebe! Phoebe has kept many secrets of others and her own!
It has been ten years that she has worked to rebuild her fortunes and admired Joshua! But now she wants to take a lover and charge of her life!
Joshua is met with a challenge but with forever on the line he will fulfill all things scandalous things on Phoebe’s list! Bravo steam level “hot”!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
Mr Joshua Forrestor solicitor and secret admirer to Lady Phoebe! Phoebe has kept many secrets of others and her own!
It has been ten years that she has worked to rebuild her fortunes and admired Joshua! But now she wants to take a lover and charge of her life!
Joshua is met with a challenge but with forever on the line he will fulfill all things scandalous things on Phoebe’s list! Bravo steam level “hot”!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So totally awesome!
I loved it!
I so enjoyed the redacted letters.
They definitely put a smile on my face!
I fell in love with Joshua, and Phoebe is a breath of fresh air!
Don't let the fact that this is a story set in the early 1800s!... There's plenty of steam!
I will most definitely read more from this new-to-me author!
Excited to meet more characters from this series!
I loved it!
I so enjoyed the redacted letters.
They definitely put a smile on my face!
I fell in love with Joshua, and Phoebe is a breath of fresh air!
Don't let the fact that this is a story set in the early 1800s!... There's plenty of steam!
I will most definitely read more from this new-to-me author!
Excited to meet more characters from this series!
January 8, 2026
From the first page, this book was a delight to read.
I have been captivated by this beautiful, sensual romance. I loved the main characters, Phoebe and Joshua. The characters are beautifully crafted and have delicious chemistry. What a delight to discover Phoebe’s secret list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have been captivated by this beautiful, sensual romance. I loved the main characters, Phoebe and Joshua. The characters are beautifully crafted and have delicious chemistry. What a delight to discover Phoebe’s secret list.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
A terrific story filled with steamy romance, items that require completion and a well written plot. The pace of the story leads the reader along while keeping them fully engaged in the entire process of events. Marvelous characters.
January 7, 2026
When you're a strong woman, you do what you can to maintain control. Even when you maybe want more, but cannot trust that you will still be in control. This is Lady Phoebe's dilemma, until Joshua decides to stop hiding his love for her, and takes a chance that they can be together.
January 6, 2026
Enjoyed reading Joshua and Phoebe's story of a widow and her trusted solicitor, during a house party they are constantly thrown together, where furtive glances and touchs become so much more.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews