The pampered courtesan. Becky dreams of a future for her child that does not depend on beauty, sex and the whims of a man.The scarred and haunted baron. Hugh wants a future for his name, as impossible as that may be for a man who cannot father a child.The wealthy and charismatic heir. Aldridge’s riotous ways conceal a good heart. His future as one of the foremost dukes of the realm keeps him from allowing it to rule his private life. Personal happiness is not for him, but can he give it to two people he loves?But even a future duke cannot command the happiness of others. If their pasts don’t break them first, Becky and Hugh must build their own future, together.
Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.
For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.
But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.
As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.
Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.
So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.
My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.
I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.
Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.
Most of the beta reader responses are in, and I've rewritten a few passages and added a bit more depth (I think) to Aldridge's backstory and the growing love between the Baron and his bride.
Emotionally, this has been the hardest book to write so far. I hope my readers think it was worthwhile.
There are so many ways books come my way. This one I found over social media, on Facebook and highly recommended by an author I love to read, Mary Jo Putney. She didn’t have to mention this book twice to me, so I went on Amazon and grabbed me a copy hoping it really will be as good as she said. And guess what?! It was magnificent!
I honestly don’t know where to start in praising this story. Do I first tell you how great and rounded all the characters were? And when I say all, I really mean A.L.L. = ALL! Not just our hero and heroine, but everyone we meet in this story, even the insignificant characters, were leaving an impression on me, such as the servants in the households we enter.
Or maybe I should tell you about a plot that despite it being done before, I found it unique because it wasn’t predictable and might have gone totally awry if it was in another author’s hands.
But I think I should tell you first about the pace. This is one of those books that you’ll “leaf” through in no time at all, that’s how fast it’s moving, but with its pace, it never-ever looses the meaning, or the passion with which it’s told.
But what was most delightful to me throughout this tale of unexpected love was a secondary character that had to be held back a few times as he was trying to overtake Becky and Overton’s story. I salute Ms. Knight in reining him in! I bet it wasn’t easy! I’m looking forward to Ms. Knight releasing those reins once his story comes through.
If you’re looking for a story that is fast paced and with all the feels [and I’m warning you, there will be crying some ugly tears in this one!], please don’t pass this one up. It is a gem!
I absolutely loved this book! There were some very likeable characters and the chance to catch up with old friends ( Rede and his wife). Becky was such a good mother to her daughter, Sarah, she always put her needs first. This, in-spite of the life she and been forced to live. Aldridge, the Marquis, had power and wealth behind him and was very much the rogue. However he did have a caring side and was loyal to his friends. Hugh, Baron Overton and close friend of Aldridge had a disastrous first marriage and had been badly scarred in the war. He also cared for his step children but he had his own problems. Aldridge’s mother, the Duchess was a force to be reckoned but she had everyone’s best interests at heart. This was such a captivating story and I enjoyed how they all banded together to help when needed. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Baron for Becky is the first chance I have had to read Jude Knight's work. I found myself quickly engrossed in the storyline and flipping pages a quickly as I could.
Becky has been abused, used for other's pleasure, sold, payment for debts, and a kept woman. Her joy and main priority in life is her daughter Sarah. I found myself admiring Becky for doing her best to keep her daughter safe and well cared for. She has done and will do anything for her daughter's well being.
Sarah is a sweet charming little girl that doesn't know about her mother's life. She has been well sheltered and adored.
Marquis of Aldridge is a handsome, charming, a playboy with the reputation to prove it, and under all that a gentle caring man. When Aldridge takes Becky under his protection he promises to keep her and Sarah safe and without a want in the world. I loved watching Aldridge interact with Sarah. It showed her sweet side. Aldridge may not be cutout to be faithful at this time but he is kind and caring with Becky.
Aldridge and Hugh Overton have been friends and fellow playboys for a long time. Hugh has a depth that isn't revealed right away. He has been through so much and has so much sadness in his heart. He loves his step-daughters very much. My first impression of Hugh didn't fit as the story progressed.
This is quite a story and a very enjoyable read. There are dramatic moments that left me holding my breath. Sweet moments that put that lovely awe feeling in my heart A few of those sweet moments that can only be seen through the eyes of the children in the story. Then there were emotional moments that had me dabbing my eyes. There are a few twist and turns that I was surprised and impressed with. Overall I would recommend A Baron for Becky to any historical romance fan.
I enjoyed Jude Knight's writing style. She has created characters that have charisma, charm, and depth. I really enjoyed meeting each of them. I know I would certainly enjoy reading more of her work in the future.
I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on A Baron for Becky.
It's been a while since I've read such a well-written novel with compelling characters and original plotline as this one. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, given the unusual premise of the story. But, this was one of those rare cases when the author's taking a risk resulted in a surprise windfall... for me as a reader.
At its core, the story is a love triangle with two heroes: the marquis, who plays a critical role in the heroine's life in the beginning, and the baron, who comes on the scene in the later part of the book. After reading the description, I expected the first to be something of a villain. Out of context, I found the idea of his getting his mistress pregnant and then foisting her on his friend vaguely distasteful. But, as the tale unfolded, the relationship between the heroine and the marquis was put into perspective, highlighting the reasons why they had no future together and why the baron was able to offer her the life the marquis never could.
To make this plot work, it needed a truly remarkable heroine. Had she been less deserving of respect and admiration, all the heroes' efforts would have fallen sadly flat. But, any doubts I might have had about her character were dispelled after her backstory was revealed. She made the best of the hand she was dealt and did so with as much dignity and grace as was possible under the unfortunate circumstances. And, I could not have been more pleased with the way her relationship with the baron evolved. Given it had not all been smooth sailing, their working out the difficulties had me convinced that their happy marriage would stand the test of time.
I strongly recommend this book to all Regency-era romance fans. Jude Knight has a firm grasp of the period and imbues the narrative with just the right details to create the atmosphere without inundating it with minutiae. I'm really looking forward to her future books, particularly the story, in which the marquis will get to be the hero to the end.
Let me say, Love love love! I absolutely ate this story up! I only put it down to eat dinner! Lol, I ate lunch reading. I adored this book. Though short, at 157 pages, there is an entire story here. Not just a short thought.
Becky, also known as "The Rose of Frampton," poor dear, was put through so much! I literally teared up at one point in the book. Starting out as the book did was a great way to introduce characters that would play a role in the story. A man passed out in a garden house, a woman in desperate need of escape! Her rescuer is a sensible man, though he has lived the life of a rake, he is kind. which is shocking to her. Becky has been tossed around like a possession most of her life. But Aldridge takes her and her daughter in and treats them both well. Keeping the details of their relationship away from the daughter. Aldridge's friend Hugh Overton is a rake of the first order! He has no direction since his wife and child passed and only his 2 step-daughters to worry about. Aldridge comes up with an idea that may benefit everyone. We will just have to see if the people most affected by the plan agree! There are characters to despise in this book, and characters you feel for. A true emotional romp.
I love the way Jude Knight writes. You can almost see some of the settings and room decor that is described. I also appreciated the " cleanliness" of the story. Usually, a story of a kept woman gets fairly dirty. But I was happy it did not. I must say, the author has given us another beautiful story! The only thing I would wish for was more of Aldridge's story!
Rose💃💋, a fallen woman of the gentry with a young daughter, finds her great protector in Aldridge🐺🍆⛲, a debauched young Duke. Aldridge🐺🍆⛲, a cuckolder of the worst sort, is strangely, also a good man when it comes to taking care of Rose💃💋. He provides well for her, she has a beautiful townhome of her own, plus a teacher and governess for her daughter, Sarah.
But Aldridge🐺🍆⛲ is at heart a despondent and unhappy man, even though he plays the happy, uncaring cad and libertine with his family and friends. He continues his womanizing ways, even as he cares for and protects Rose💃💋 and her daughter from the ton. Rose💃💋 ( her real name is Rebecca), cares deeply for Aldridge🐺🍆⛲ but she knows not to fall in love💕 with him. As the heir to a Duke, he cannot marry her because she would be exposed under the harsh scrutiny of the peerage society. Aldridge🐺🍆⛲ cannot be faithful either.
Baron Hugh Overton🐶🍆⛲, a deeply scarred man, both inside and out, is Aldridge's best friend. He lost his wife and baby to her suicide and murder of the baby at The same time, which he finally realized wasn't even his. Hugh🐶🍆⛲ is supposedly infertile.
When Aldridge🐺🍆⛲ has Hugh meet Becky💃💋, Hugh🐶🍆⛲ calls her some unflattering names, even though he realises she is truly a lady at heart. Eventually getting Becky💃💋 with child even through their primitive precautions of the time, Aldridge🐺🍆⛲ plays matchmaker with her and Hugh🐶🍆⛲. Aldridge🐺 has other illegitimate children he supports and cares for, but what if he could get Hugh and Becky together💕? They each have what the other wants!
Can Becky💃💔 forgive Hugh🐶🍆⛲, a man who has slurred her in every way possible? Can Hugh🐶🍆⛲ love a child that isn't his own?
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱 This ebook was $3.49 on Amazon at the time of This review. Opinions Expressed here are my own.
This is a Very different ADULT Regency Romance💕 from any of the thousand or so in have read. It is unique to say the least, because it does delve into the consequences of infidelity and adultery.
There is cheating in this book, so don't read if you abhor that type of story. However, the story is a great tale of lost love💔 and found love, and one of scandal that was all too common amongst the nobility and the wealthy in those days.
Sorry to make this review so long, but this is one of a small handful of truly well written and fascinating romance novels I have read this year! Heartfelt Kudos to author Knight.
What to say that can sufficiently describe this story? It seriously tore at my heart and I almost could not continue to read a couple of times as the story turned unexpectedly. Jude Knight has an amazing gift and her words always bring forth emotions that I have to remind myself, this is fiction. She makes it so real though, and I always become vested in her characters. They are imperfectly perfect with their scars, hidden and visible, with a history that is often almost unbearable, that come out gradually. Becky had such a hard life and did what she had to do to survive. The daughter of a librarian for a peer, she was extraordinarily smart and knew how to comport herself. But when he father died she was on her own. I know you have read the blurb and other reviews so I will not go there, but her unexpected meeting with Aldridge was the catalyst that changed her and her daughter Sarah's life. Through him, she met Hugh, the most emotionally wounded of all who in the end might bring her what she longed for... All I can say is to read this brilliant book by Jude and I do mean that sincerely, because it is far beyond just a simple historical romance. Beware though because your emotions are in for a roller coaster, but it will land perfectly as it should. All I can say is to read this brilliant book by Jude and I do mean that sincerely, because it is far beyond just a simple historical romance. Beware though because your emotions are in for a roller coaster, but it will land perfectly as it should.
Jude Knight’s stories present deeply grounded, well-rounded characters plentiful. In all of her stories the plots are also carefully crafted and often take turns that the readers don’t expect. A Baron for Becky is no exception. When the Marquis of Aldridge first encounters Becky Winstanley the reader will be forgiven for assuming she has met the hero. But Isn’t it Becky supposed to meet a baron? She is indeed, and Knight has taken the very unusual step in writing by introducing a secondary character in a strong, even dominant (male), role at the beginning of the story. The hero slips in later and isn’t obvious at the start.
Becky is known professionally as “The Rose of Frampton” and is a very successful courtesan who is the envy of the demi-monde and half the married women in London for having captured the charismatic Marquis. At heart, however, she seeks freedom from a life that she didn’t choose, a normal life for herself and her daughter. When Hugh, Baron Overton, appears he is far from the stuff of dreams. How the two of them find first partnership and then love is complex, fraught with difficulty, and very unexpected turns and there lies the emotionally rich story with a deeply satisfying ending.
Knight pulls no emotional punches. In the graphic sexual descriptions that pass for feeling in many books, she gives us instead all the raw emotional interactions of three very flawed people and she also manages to save Aldridge as a hero for another da to made write about later.. How on earth will she redeem him? So they can find love.
Becky, The Rose of Frampton is the envy of many because she is the pampered courtesan of the Marquis of Aldridge . All she really wants is a secure future for her daughter Sarah, free from the whims of men. Could Baron Hugh Overton also give Becky the same ?
This book seizes you from the beginning and never lets go! You get to meet Becky and Aldridge and quickly fall in love with them both. You will probably be like me and be disappointed at first. I promise you will come to terms with the outcome, after all Becky is going to get a Baron. The story, characters, plot, and emotions are so consuming that you will not want to stop until you are finished. I felt such a connection with Becky when she was going though postpartum. The author does an amazing job conveying how lost, confused, and empty you feel. Although it can be a tough subject to bring up in a romance novel ,it was done thoughtfully and compassionately. I just love when I read books that feel so realistic, vivid, and emotive. You may need tissues but you will be extremely satisfied with the HEA.
This is a Traditional Historical Romance with a little steam ~ This is one for my physical bookshelf!
This was a very good book! A look into what life was like for the less fortunate women back in the days when a woman's only purpose in life was to catch the best husband she could and go to him virginal. If a woman was found to be wanton or impure she would be cast to the street. This story was so emotionally stirring you couldn't help but get emotionally involved it was an extremely well written book! And the characters drew me in so much that I felt their pain and sorrow and the real hero comes towards the end! The one you think of as the hero kind of let me down in one way but he still was a better man than any other Becky had known the twist really threw me. Just when I thought I knew how it would end it went a whole new direction! kudos to Ms knight for a wonderful story!
A Baron for Becky by Jude Knight Becky Winstanley has gone down a path in life that was not the one she would have chosen. The actions of others is what sent her down those roads and she has done the best she could with what she had.
Will she ever get to the future she dreams of for her daughter and herself?
I really enjoyed this story even though it took a longer path to romance and the things Becky has to go through to find her happiness. It has the point of view from three different characters. **Sensual Content http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
I shall warn potential readers that this book starts slowly. It has a fair bit of humor, and then, an enormous amount of emotion. It covers women's options, rights, and resignation in a different era, and really brought out, to me, the fact that some things haven't really changed. The characters were mostly lovable, admirable, and strong. The main characters are well developed, although for quite a while, I had the wrong man in mind as the primary hero. The plot had a few unique features, and for them alone, I recommend this book. You can never guess some of the things that the characters come up with ...
Really enjoyed this book; the characters were well drawn, fully rounded and believable. Becky's feelings about her situation (being a commodity)were beautifully expressed. Would really like to read a follow on book about Aldridge.
I am of several minds about this book. I found it confusing to start off with. The heroine’s name is Becky, but the prologue and the first part of the book don't refer to a Becky. The woman who is Becky is first called Rose, by the name she is known as a courtesan. The prologue itself was confusing because I had no idea who the man or the two children were or who the woman he referred to was. Was he talking about the heroine in the past tense? Sometimes prologues are like that. A bit too confusing for my liking. The first half seemed to be filled with crime with nasty characters and various types of debauchery. The men in the first half of the book did not comport themselves as gentlemen. But the second half, or so, of the book was a surprise, especially given what the first part of the novel was like. The story turned into something completely different. I found myself completely caught up in Becky's story then, her horrible past as well as the future that she was trying to make with her husband. Even with all she had been through, she is a kind and compassionate person, trying to do her best for those in her sphere—all the while thinking poorly of herself because of her past. Reading her backstory and seeing her grapple with postpartum depression certainly brought tears to my eyes. So if you're willing to slog through the first part, the second half is much better.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
No woman should have to endure what the Rose of Frampton has suffered since she was 15, but sadly many have over the centuries. They certainly deserve to have their story told, which is why A Baron for Becky by Jude Knight is more than just a fictional romance.
Rose's life, and that of her young daughter were both in dire jeopardy. Then an unlikely knight errant came to her rescue in the form of Lord Aldridge, aka The Merry Marquis. What happens next and over the ensuing years is the foundation of a most engrossing and entertaining tale. It's an emotional story of lust and friendship, honesty and deception, as well as heartbreak and dreams that dare to come true. I vacillated between liked and disliked of Aldridge and Overton, but Rose (Becky) was a heroine worthy of a happy ever after, which is exactly what I enjoyed as this read came to a sweet and satisfying end.
Content 411: In addition to some swearing and bawdy terms, there is also a lot of passionate kissing and several “fade-out” on screen intimate scenes.
Disclosure: I received a complementary of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Rose of Frampton was a celebrated courtesan admired by many, but persuaded into a contract with Aldridge the Marry Marquess as it provided well for Sarah her daughter. But after a few years when Rose becomes pregnant she knows she needs to retire to a quiet life. She likes Aldridge as much as he likes her but she wants fidelity and knows it won't happen with him But when Aldridge arranged a marriage for her to his best friend Baron Overton both parties initially think to decline, but after courting, an he promising to live up to his boss they marry - under her real name Rebecca.
This was interesting, starts of very strong with the plight of a courtesan left to fend for herself. A wicked libertine lord becomes her protector. And then he plays matchmaker and the family and friends turn her respectable. This is not erotica and not romance, it leans more into the historical side. Good story about the fallen woman, but the characters did not make me root for them and their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What a brilliant story. I loved every minute of this book. The storyline is so different than the usual regency romance. I'm not going to go into detail because I don't want to give away the secrets and spoil it for anyone else. All I will say is that you must read it for yourself. You definitely won't regret it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read.I found this story to be different from most regency stories that I have read which was a really nice change. So much happens within this story. A book that is well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She is mistress to a Marquis and she is the envy of all her friends. She then finds herself pregnant but not by him. She is scared to tell as she is scared what he will do. She is going to be in for a shock as he offers her a deal. What is the deal? Will she take it? See if she will
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1807 Through circumstances beyond her control, Rebecca “Becky” Winstanley, has been on her own since the age of 15. For many years she was known among the demi-monde as “The Rose of Frampton”, a name that eventually earned her the right to choose her own protector. Unfortunately, it did not provide the ability to choose a “trustworthy” one. Her latest protector flees creditors, stealing what she had saved to build a better life for her daughter and sells Rose and her daughter to creditor to help over his debt. As Rose flees before being captured she encounters a naked man in the summer house where she has stored escape baskets should she ever have need. What she doesn’t realize is this discovery sets off a chain of events that will change her life and give her the two things she craves most: a better life for her daughter and love. Lord Aldridge, a.k.a. The Merry Marquess, doesn’t know how he came to in a summer house with a horrendous headache, naked and being stared at by a beautiful woman. Or why there are men obviously of dubious character looking for this woman. Learning the reason Aldridge hides the woman and her daughter then takes on his most ducal persona to handle these men. When his cousin arrives after receiving a message that Aldridge was able to convince one of the men to deliver, they devise a way to help Rose flee. 1810 Baron Hugh Overton spends three weeks of every year with his friend Aldridge. Three weeks spent on women and drinking. Those three weeks are his one time each year to forget his responsibilities and everything he has been through: disfigured in the war, the death of his wife and daughter, and his inability to father children. Introduced to Aldridge’s mistress during this time, Hugh takes an instant dislike but can’t help but be intrigued by the way she comports herself and her devotion to her daughter. This intrigue that leads Hugh to eventually accept Aldridge’s ridiculous proposal. In the years since Aldridge rescued her and she agreed to be his mistress, Becky has had two different personas: The Rose of Frampton, Aldridge’s mistress and Becky, a genteel woman devoted to her daughter. As her contract with Aldridge nears its end, Becky is looking forward to a quiet life in the country and raising her daughter in a place where no one knows her background. All provided for her in a stipulation in her contract. Finding herself pregnant she listens to Aldridge’s bizarre plan and is confused by Baron Overton’s acceptance since she is aware of his disdain for her profession. Agreeing to a courtship to see how things go between them, Becky soon finds herself caring for Hugh. A sweet courtship develops into a marriage; a marriage that Becky is under the impression is idyllic. A marriage where she feels her background no longer bothers Hugh. Until that ideal is broken when Hugh makes disparaging remarks about women who sell their body, remarks made without him thinking how it will affect Becky. Remarks that turn into a verbal argument which leads to Becky telling Hugh her whole story, a story that has Hugh resenting every man who has held control of Becky’s life, himself included which leads to a very poor decision. When Becky delivers a daughter instead of son coupled with Hugh’s detachment since her revelation throw Becky into a deep depression. A depression so deep that when she hints at killing herself Hugh contacts Aldridge in hopes that he can help. An event that breaks through Becky’s haze in a heartbreaking manner and unveils the true depth of feelings Hugh has for her.
1813 An event occurs that makes Hugh realize that his family needs to be taken care of should anything happen to him. This realization has him reaching out to Aldridge to ensure they will be since Hugh has no male heir the Barony will revert back to the crown upon his death. A request laid out to Aldridge after Hugh has a little fun teasing the man who introduced him the love of his life. Jude Knight writes in a way that has the reader feeling every emotion the characters feel alternating between loving them, feeling sorry for them, and exasperation with their antics. Take those feelings, add in a meddling mother and the reader will be laughing, crying, and threatening to knock some sense into them. While this is a wonderful story (one I highly recommend reading) centered on Becky and Hugh, Aldridge plays an engaging secondary character and makes one wonder what antics he will get into next and will he ever reform to achieve his happily ever after?
A Baron for Becky was my first full length novel from New Zealand author, Jude Knight. Let me tell you... wow! This is an author who knows how to pull at your heartstrings with her storytelling!
In ABFB, Jude tells us the woeful story of "The Rose of Frampton", a most celebrated courtesan of the Demi-Monde in early 19th century England. Rose, AKA Becky, wants nothing more than a stable and respectable life for her and her young daughter, Sarah. On the night that she (and Sarah) are to be sold to cover her "protectors" gambling debts, Becky meets Lord Aldridge... A notorious skirt-chaser who is, for some unexplained reason, butt naked in Becky's garden the first time we meet him. He helps Becky and Sarah escape their fate and becomes the new "protector" of the poor rose of Frampton. As mistress to a marquess, Becky has every luxury she can imagine, including a house of her own to raise her daughter and a solid reputation in town as a good hearted widow... Dear Mrs. Winstanley. Life is good! Then Becky is with child and can no longer fulfill her contract with Aldridge. No matter how much they care for each other, they do not love one another and marriage is not an option. Instead Aldridge devises a plan. Becky will marry Lord Overton, his best friend, a veteran who's scars run deep (both physically and emotionally.) Out of this arrangement, Overton hopes to raise Becky and Aldridge's child as the heir to the barony. Becky will have the life she's always dreamed of for Sarah! Can Becky open her heart and allow herself to fall in love with Lord Overton after her tragic past with men?
There are so many things that this author did brilliantly to create this story! -artful storytelling and development -believable (3D) characters
Upon finishing this book, I cannot help but hurt for all our heroine and hero endured through the course of the story. (plus back stories). Seldom do I find a book as compelling as I found "A Baron For Becky"! Jude Knight has given us an amazing story centered around the healing power of love!
Jude Knight’s stories present deeply grounded, well-rounded characters in abundance. Her plots are also carefully crafted and often take turns readers don’t expect. A Baron for Becky is no exception. When the Marquis of Aldridge first encounters Becky Winstanley the reader will be forgiven for assuming she has met the hero. But wait! Isn’t it Becky supposed to meet a baron? She is indeed, and Knight has taken the very unusual step of introducing a secondary character in a strong, even dominant, role at the beginning of the story. The hero slips in later and isn’t obvious at first.
Becky is known professionally as “The Rose of Frampton” is a highly successful courtesan who is the envy of the demi-monde (and half the married women in London) for having captured the charismatic Marquis. At heart, however, she seeks freedom from a life she didn’t choose, a normal life for herself and her daughter. When Hugh, Baron Overton, appears he is far from the stuff of dreams. How the two of them find first partnership and then love is complex, fraught with difficulty, and unexpected turns. Therein lies an emotionally rich story with a deeply satisfying ending.
Knight pulls no emotional punches. In lieu of the graphic sexual descriptions that pass for feeling in many books, she gives us instead the raw emotional interactions of three flawed people. She also manages to save Aldridge as a hero for another day. How on earth will she redeem him?
I had the good fortune to receive an advance reader copy of this book.
When the Marquess of Aldridge awoke in a drunken haze, he quickly realized he had to save the Rose of Frampton who was a beautiful and well-known courtesan. A criminal gang was looking for her and her daughter now that her former lover had died and owed money to a crime lord in London. He was going to sell both the Rose and her child. Aldridge helped the woman and her child escape to his cousin's nearby estate. Everyone soon learned the Rose of Frampton's real name was Becky. Aldridge and Becky were very much attracted to each other and he offered Becky a 2 year contract to be his mistress. She would have a separate townhouse with her daughter under a new name, and since she could not live openly with him he set up a separate house where they could spend their time together. After some time, Becky became pregnant. Aldridge could not marry her, but he had a friend who was a widower and very much in need of a wife. Becky had expressed her utmost wish to Aldridge that she would have a faithful husband who would love her and her child. His friend, Overton the Baron had 2 stepdaughters and was unable to father a child. After some negotiation on both parts, she agreed to marry him. And they married, and he hoped her child would be a son because he needed an heir. The story gets even more interesting from this point on. Jude Knight writes wonderful and believable romances which have lots of adventure. Read this one. You will not be disappointed.
With each book I read of Ms. Knight’s, I continue to get so completely involved with her story telling that everything else I had planned to do with my day is all but forgotten. A Baron for Becky is one of the novels that you can’t put down until you finish. The characters and plot are so richly developed, you can’t help but become emotionally involved with them and want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
This is not your typical Regency. I don’t like spoilers, so I won’t give any out here, but I will say I was completely torn to figure out which of the two hero’s I liked more: Aldridge, a renowned womanizer who has endearing qualities he would never admit to; or Hugh, a man with his own emotional scars that must be dealt with. And, of course, there is the heroine Becky, who is fiercely protective of her daughter and wanting a better life for her by any means possible.
I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the next novel Ms. Knight has planned for her readers!
I adore Jude Knight's writing. She slowly draws you in with words that create great imagery. From the opening line, I was drawn into Becky's story. I felt her heartache and determination and did not judge her for the choices she needed to make for her and her daughter to survive. I had a clear picture of Aldridge, a confirmed womanizer, and his friend Hugh, who has a tortured soul. Just when I thought Becky would finally find her happiness with Aldridge, Jude introduced a plot twist that involved Hugh, which was interesting and complicated. While I did not always enjoy the antics of Aldridge and Hugh, I admired Becky's resolve.