Virtue for a Villain: A Northam Hall Novella

A Match Made in Autumn

by Laura Linn

Aristocratic gentlemen can keep their beloved honor—Michael Anson has never found a use for it. The youngest son of a duke, he traded his pedigree for profit and has never regretted the exchange. But, after a lifetime of success, even victory’s sheen dulls. His latest prospective acquisition, Llanelli Shipyard, promises more of the same tedium. Yet instead of another humdrum accession, Michael finds himself entrenched in an epistolary battle of wits and wills waged across the Bristol Channel, leaving him both outmaneuvered and irresistibly intrigued. As a man without scruples, he’ll exploit any weakness, no matter how fascinating his foe. So when the yard’s owner sets out to hire an expert to protect her business from his machinations, Michael does the only sensible thing: he volunteers for the position himself.

Gwen Bevans has already survived one man's ruinous ambition. Her pigheaded husband’s neglect left her cherished legacy in tatters. Free at last from his reign, she’ll stop at nothing to restore the shipyard to its former glory, even if that means relying on the expertise of a complete stranger—a charming, capable, and infuriatingly confident commercial advisor who seems to know exactly what to do to keep her yard safe from Lord Michael’s grasping hands. Unfortunately, the more Gwen relies on his brilliance, the harder it becomes to ignore the undeniable appeal of the man behind it.

But when the mismatched pair proves to be an unexpectedly formidable team, the promise of profit begins to hold far less appeal for Michael than the beguiling woman determined to stand in his way. As his ambitions shift from claiming her shipyard to claiming her, Gwen realises that the man she's hired to solve her problems might be the most dangerous complication of all.

Can a man who’s spent his life taking everything he wants learn that the only thing worth having must be freely given?

Part of the A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2026

Reviews

[Alexandra G · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Loved the setting and the vibes! The shipyard, the people, the care, the determination; you can feel it runs in Gwen’s blood. And is there anything more delicious than watching a morally grey hero dig his own hole?

Gwen – widow and shipyard heiress who’s late husband nearly ruined it all
Michael – superfluous ignored spare turned unscrupulous business shark
For her, saving her company is a question of family legacy, loyalty, community and the love of quality craftsmanship. For him, buying it up, was just another deal until her defiance and resilience spiked his interest – and since she refuses to break, he’s going in.

I loved that he only omits his blue blood when he takes the position as her advisor – an advisor she hired to fight... himself. Was it arrogance? Or did their first introduction befuddle him thus?
Working closely together, she falls for the professional companionship he brings – knowledge, respect, eye for detail, and the relief of not being all on her own – and he falls for her grinta and savviness.
But by the time he realises she kickstarted his conscience and heart, it’s already too late, and he does the unconscionable: her company or her hand. In marriage. To him.

The first half of the book was fascinating, and you know it’s all going to blow up in his face, but what happened next – her resolve, his grovel (oh, he suffers!), the deafening silence – the hits just kept on coming. It was brutal, and utterly exquisite!
It might sound odd, but I really loved the age of the MCs. She’s 35. He’s 38. They’ve lived! It lent the whole a credibility I often miss. Also, his frustration with and ponderings on the definition of love; it moved me, made me think – and he does have a point!
There really was only hitch for me, and it happened when they did finally make up. The steam was delicious, but there was something in it that didn’t feel like them. It kind of broke the momentum, and without it, this short novel would have been absolute perfection.

PS - if you're wondering how this story connects to Northam Hall: Michael is Gabriel's little brother - Gabe from A Wildflower for a Duke

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Tropes: enemies to lovers; marriage of convenience
Steam level: 3-4
Note: MMC Michael is the brother of Gabriel from Wildflower for a Duke, but this book works on its own.

This HR got to me emotionally in the best of ways. I haven’t encountered a complex, heartfelt enemies-to-lovers/marriage-of-convenience combo in a while, and this ticked so many boxes. It’s well written, with main characters who are imperfect but interesting. Gwen is a smart, spunky, strong MFC who has no trouble standing up to Michael; every time a twist or turn could have gutted her, she was determined to stand her ground. The world building and secondary characters are excellent, as well. The plot is engrossing, with plenty of emotional tension, and I ended up rooting for Michael as well as Gwen (Michael was tricky for me to get a handle on at first but he has opportunities to atone for his mistakes lol).

I’m not sure if it’s the personal tragedy the author herself has recently experienced but so many scenes between the mains struck me on a deep level. I loved that they were older (mid to late 30's) and had already experienced a lot of life. Their slow burn steam worked well and most of the spice delivered.

My quibbles? I did think that sharp, worldly Gwen would have vetted Michael much more throughly before employing him and letting him into her confidence. Also, she had already been forced into a marriage of convenience once in her life so maybe what happened with Michael was a bit of overkill; it would have taken longer for me to come to terms. Finally, I would have loved an epilogue, but understand the author may not have been able to deliver it (my hat is absolutely off to her for being able to finish the book as it is!).

Overall: if you’re looking for a sharp enemies-to-lovers driven plot with spice this is well worth reading.

This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book. Thanks to the author for this opportunity.

[Ikwi Bookreviews · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Very well written from a new-to-me author. I loved the unusual shipyard business, Gwyn as the ultracompetent heroine, and the unscrupulous hero Michael who can't help but fall for the brilliant, kind, force-of-nature woman—and oh boy, does this man grovel! Engrossing and enjoyable throughout, although I was a smidgen disappointed by their long-awaited intimate scene; it didn't quite come together—although those two certainly did! 😁 Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The whole series has been a treat! 😍

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seventh book in A Match Made in Autumn series was a deeply moving enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience historical romance. The characters were strong-willed and had good depth. I found this story to be compelling and emotionally engaging.

[Lisa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this book! This story had me hooked for the get go! Gwen and Michael have a complicated relationship and Michael’s deception doesn’t help. Gwen is intelligent, independent and stubborn as all get out and Michael has met his match. He wasn’t expecting to fall for her, but he fell hard. It takes him a while to work his way back into her good graces. I didn’t care for Michael at the beginning (obviously you’re not supposed to since he’s the villain and the hero) but he redeemed himself with his patience and devotion to Gwen toward the end. It seems rare in a lot of books where the characters can evolve, but still remain true to their original personalities. Laura accomplished this perfectly. The characters are still true to themselves but display enough grace with one another that they are allowed to change and accommodate each other for who they really are. Those attributes are what they truly love about each other. This story had me tear up and laugh equally! The steamy scenes are out of this world, not just by the act, but by the way they connect with each other. I definitely recommend this book! Laura is new to me, but I will be checking out her other books!

This book was given to me as an ARC copy from the author, but the opinions are my own.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I was a lucky arc reader, and I’m so grateful. It was a beautiful, slow-burn romance. Gwen and Michael were just perfect for one another and had excellent chemistry. There were many great tropes, and it was just lovely!

The slow burn got me. I sometimes do not like a real slow burn, but this one was done so deftly. The story and plot was so engaging that the slow burn felt natural and satisfying.

Gwen was a hardworking and intelligent woman who owned a shipyard. Michael was a third son of a duke who was a shrewd and intelligent businessman who wanted Gwen’s business. He did everything deliberately and strategically in his life. When faced with Gwen, he couldn’t help but be intrigued. It was fun to watch him learn to feel deeply for others and be Ok with it. His groveling and devotion to Gwen was unmatched. It was kick-your-feet-and-giggle delicious. And their intimate scenes were off the charts emotional and sensual.

Besides a slow burn, you have a hidden identity, class difference, and marriage of convenience tropes. These were all uniquely delivered.

This was my second book for this author. I am thoroughly captivated and can’t wait to read more!

[Pat Robinson · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I will admit, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this story when I read the blurb. I wasn’t sure I would like such a manipulative, conniving man as a “hero” of the story. But the author had an unusual way of writing him that made me WANT to read this. Gwen is feisty and strong and I so adore that in the ‘heroine”. The originality of the story was interesting and watching them each learn life lessons was enlightening . What I was not fond of was the f-bomb use. It destroys the story for me and the love scenes were just so overdone. Way too much detail that really took away from the story for me, instead of enhancing it. This is my first story with this author….withholding judgement on whether I will seek out another.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story
Michael Anson is not used to losing and he wants Gwen’s shipyard. Gwen however has no intention of selling and her defiance in the face of all his machinations enthrals and excites him. Unfortunately he is rather oblivious to his innermost feelings until he is exposed as a villain and getting Gwen to forgive him after that is an uphill struggle.
Spice level: 3 of 5
Virtue for a Villain is part of A Match Made in Autumn multi-author series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and unique setup for a historical romance, with her a Welsh shipyard owner and him the wealthy investor/rival business owner trying to get it through unconventional methods. The mistaken identity trope was done well; I was especially surprised when he revealed that he'd never even lied about his name. The pacing felt a little disjointed to me, and I really wanted more interaction of the main couple with other characters, but this was well done overall.

Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Jill Pickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen Bevans seeks to keep her father’s legacy alive despite the machinations of Lord Michael Anson who wants her shipyard. A battle of wills ensues with each determined to be the victor. Michael plays his ace and Gwen must concede but does she really? A well written story with engaging characters which draw the reader in to the satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this book.

[Emma Lee · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I loved this!! I do like a morally grey hero who is confused. It was lovely to see Gabriel and family too. A super steamy read. Enjoy