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Chelynne
IN A WICKEDLY WORLDLY AGE, SHE LOVED A MOST UNLIKELY LORD-- HER HUSBAND
Bride to a stranger, the lovely Chelynne is swept into the intrigues of the sumptuous royal court. Quickly she comes to adore her dashing husband, the future Earl of Bryant... yet he spurns her love, so haunting are the shadows of his turbulent past.
Chelynne vows to kindle his silent passion, risking her reputation, even her life. Now the Earl must tell her of the secret that has kept him from her bed--or risk the loss of his Chelynne forever!
Bride to a stranger, the lovely Chelynne is swept into the intrigues of the sumptuous royal court. Quickly she comes to adore her dashing husband, the future Earl of Bryant... yet he spurns her love, so haunting are the shadows of his turbulent past.
Chelynne vows to kindle his silent passion, risking her reputation, even her life. Now the Earl must tell her of the secret that has kept him from her bed--or risk the loss of his Chelynne forever!
409 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
179 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Carr
161 books12.6k followers Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of over sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series and Sullivan's Crossing series. Robyn's new women's fiction novel, THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, will be released in January 2024. The new hit Sullivan's Crossing TV series (season 1) inspired by Robyn's book series was released in the USA in the fall of 2023! Plus, season 5 of the worldwide fan-favorite Virgin River TV Series is now streaming on Netflix (July 2023) with two holiday episodes coming November 30, 2023. Both TV series have been renewed for another season!
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016, and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at https://www.robyncarr.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 17, 2021
I stumbled upon this in a “H treats h so bad she loses will to live” list, and it does occur, but it’s over pretty quickly with no great angst or feels. Chelynne is Robin Carr’s first published book. It wasn’t awful, but wasn’t good either. Actually, many of my notes reflect feedback that I would give to any new author. There was too much added to her book sandwich so it felt like several mini plots rather than one cohesive plot. It goes to show that all authors start somewhere, and is hopefully encouraging to new writers when their early works get less than awesome reviews. I’m going to try to be vague, but will spoiler tag the rest. (I will detail the cheating stuff)
August 7, 2014
This was something I vaguely remembered reading as a teenager and tracked down through the forums here. It was apparently Robyn Carr's first published novel, which is funny because I would have sworn I'd never read anything by her. The only thing I remembered was a portion where the heroine almost dies of basically a broken heart and is nursed through by the hero.
I didn't particularly like it in an enjoyable way, but I thought it had some lovely quotes and showed the potential that has made Robyn Carr a popular writer. Overall it is a rather dark novel until the last few chapters. I do plan to look into some of her more popular novels.
The story takes place in England during the latter half of the 17th century (Restoration period) during the reign of King Charles II. He's the king who took over after the monarchy was restored and power taken back from Cromwell and his supporters.
Chelynne was married off to the hero at the age of 16. This may make some uncomfortable, but it was realistic. He was in his early to mid thirties.
The hero, Chad (that seems an odd name for that time period, but perhaps I'm mistaken), did not want to marry Chelynne. He did not want to marry anyone. Some spoilery background:
The sex is fade to black and doesn't come until VERY far into the novel (which is 400+ pages). So, if you're looking for a sexy read this isn't the one for you. There is also adultery on the part of the Earl. It's not a particularly romantic romance until very, very far in. Many would lose patience, no doubt.
I didn't particularly like it in an enjoyable way, but I thought it had some lovely quotes and showed the potential that has made Robyn Carr a popular writer. Overall it is a rather dark novel until the last few chapters. I do plan to look into some of her more popular novels.
The story takes place in England during the latter half of the 17th century (Restoration period) during the reign of King Charles II. He's the king who took over after the monarchy was restored and power taken back from Cromwell and his supporters.
Chelynne was married off to the hero at the age of 16. This may make some uncomfortable, but it was realistic. He was in his early to mid thirties.
The hero, Chad (that seems an odd name for that time period, but perhaps I'm mistaken), did not want to marry Chelynne. He did not want to marry anyone. Some spoilery background:
The sex is fade to black and doesn't come until VERY far into the novel (which is 400+ pages). So, if you're looking for a sexy read this isn't the one for you. There is also adultery on the part of the Earl. It's not a particularly romantic romance until very, very far in. Many would lose patience, no doubt.
May 17, 2023
Not a bodice ripper but a very inconsistent book.
The premises were very promising.
The heroine is only 16, she’s very beautiful and feisty. Her uncle finds her a husband, and his father, who visits her before she meets her fiancé, tells her to be patient because the hero is a bit reluctant, but he’s a kind and fair man and she won’t be abused. Ok, it’s 17th century and marriage was for dynasty and power, so the heroine declares she’s ready to marry the man because she trusts her uncle.
The hero is a widower, he married a maid without the consent of his father and had a son, who’s now his heir.
His father blackmails him to get married and have other children, telling him he has his certificate of marriage. So the hero to protect his son’s legitimacy, accepts to marry the heroine.
The first time they meet he’s charmed by her beauty, and it seems that they will have a good marriage at least from the physical part. But the heroine falls asleep while waiting for him during her wedding night and everything goes mad after this.
The hero asks for his certificate and his father tells him he never had it, so the hero thinks he will have his revenge on his father by not bedding his wife.
Really? He tells her he’s not ready to be a husband and she has to wait for him.
Really?
So the heroine spends months waiting for him while he has sx with every woman he wants except her! Really? Sorry, but what does the author want to tell us? That he is an idiot and an immature man? He was attracted to her and was feeling something but then everything changed. He knows the heroine is innocent of his father’s deception, he knows she suffers, and even after his father’s death he keeps ignoring her and having sex with ow. Multiple.
No, not at all.
Then there’s a lot of historical parts, with the king, the rebel, what else, and the hero is involved in some kind of plot against his neighbor, a cruel sadist. But I simply wasn’t interested.
The heroine almost dies of consumption due to his neglects and eventually, in the last two pages, he tells her he loves her.
Uzi, please.
This time I was waiting for him to die, at a certain point, and for the heroine to eventually finds someone she can love.
Not a romance I would suggest to read, if you want something good, there’s Kathleen Woodiwiss or some other. This one was a letdown.
The premises were very promising.
The heroine is only 16, she’s very beautiful and feisty. Her uncle finds her a husband, and his father, who visits her before she meets her fiancé, tells her to be patient because the hero is a bit reluctant, but he’s a kind and fair man and she won’t be abused. Ok, it’s 17th century and marriage was for dynasty and power, so the heroine declares she’s ready to marry the man because she trusts her uncle.
The hero is a widower, he married a maid without the consent of his father and had a son, who’s now his heir.
His father blackmails him to get married and have other children, telling him he has his certificate of marriage. So the hero to protect his son’s legitimacy, accepts to marry the heroine.
The first time they meet he’s charmed by her beauty, and it seems that they will have a good marriage at least from the physical part. But the heroine falls asleep while waiting for him during her wedding night and everything goes mad after this.
The hero asks for his certificate and his father tells him he never had it, so the hero thinks he will have his revenge on his father by not bedding his wife.
Really? He tells her he’s not ready to be a husband and she has to wait for him.
Really?
So the heroine spends months waiting for him while he has sx with every woman he wants except her! Really? Sorry, but what does the author want to tell us? That he is an idiot and an immature man? He was attracted to her and was feeling something but then everything changed. He knows the heroine is innocent of his father’s deception, he knows she suffers, and even after his father’s death he keeps ignoring her and having sex with ow. Multiple.
No, not at all.
Then there’s a lot of historical parts, with the king, the rebel, what else, and the hero is involved in some kind of plot against his neighbor, a cruel sadist. But I simply wasn’t interested.
The heroine almost dies of consumption due to his neglects and eventually, in the last two pages, he tells her he loves her.
Uzi, please.
This time I was waiting for him to die, at a certain point, and for the heroine to eventually finds someone she can love.
Not a romance I would suggest to read, if you want something good, there’s Kathleen Woodiwiss or some other. This one was a letdown.
July 27, 2012
This story left me totally depressed. It is not even worth $1.99. Chelynne is married off at the age of 16 to the son of an Earl, Chad is 17 years older than Chelynne and he is mean and cruel to this beautiful kind and gentle soul. Chad was forced to marry her by his father and poor Chelynne marries him because her beloved uncle has asked her to. She is obedient, because she want to honor her uncles wishes. Chad married the maid (wash women) years before and his father did not honor or acknowledge the marriage, his wife Anne died after giving birth to his son. They were very poor because Chad father disinherited him. So he seeks his revenge daily on poor unsuspecting Chelynne. She has no idea why Chad hates her rejects her and refuses to consummate their marriage. This is a long miserable story. Chad realizes about 20 pages before the end of the book that Chelynne would be a good choice as mother to raise his son Kevin and now heir, to the earldom. Even in the end of the story he only wants to use this kind and gentle soul and she was physically beautiful too. Chad never loved her and Chelynne's HEA is to only be the mother of Chad's beloved dead wife Ann's son. If that is all I could get in the way of happiness I wouldn't want it. I just wanted Chelynne to leave this B Don't waist your $1.99 or time on this book.
July 30, 2018
If you rate this book by how many words you get to read for the money paid out, this is a bargain. But if you factor in the time you spent reading that you'll never get back again, well, you have to ask "Is this book worth it?" I'd say 'no'.
Much before Robyn Carr was writing her very popular contemporary romance series such as Virgin River and Shelter Mountain, she was fascinated by the Restoration period in England and decided to write her first book with that setting. I definitely can admire that very young Robyn Carr (26 at the time), with two babies (1 and 3 years of age), who wrote this book at the table and had to clear off her typewriter at dinner time so her young family could eat together, but, honestly, sometimes an author's very early work should not be resurrected on Kindle. Sometimes these books are no longer in publication for a reason.
At that time Carr was inspired by Kathleen Winsor's FOREVER AMBER and Anya Seton's body of work. Unfortunately, she seems to have been inspired to compete in novel length, in addition to time frame, and this novel is much too long and wordy. To be fair, I have to say that the book has some good moments. If I hadn't already read so many historicals about the Restoration, I'd have found some bits of interest here. And she made her Charles II dissolute (as he was) but also very charismatic (which he also was).
Sadly, Charles II was my favorite character in the book, followed by hero Chadwick's friend John and by heroine Chelynne's uncle and these were all secondaries. The hero and heroine were not to my liking. Well, I'll cut some slack for the 16-year-old heroine. She's maybe too young to expect wise and mature actions from her. The hero, however, is 33. He gets no passes from me. There are no excuses for his actions.
OK, let's ignore the "ick" factor of a 33-year-old man marrying a 16-year-old girl. This was the 1600s and it happened frequently enough. We have to put aside our 21st-century sensibilities in that regard. But what I can't ignore is the hero's behaviour towards the heroine. Yes, this was a marriage of convenience he agreed to because of some actions on his father's part, but that does not justify his coldness, uncaring indifference, and even emotionally cruel treatment of Chelynne. He even refuses to consummate the marriage, leaving her feeling completely rejected.
Hero Chadwick's rationale for this is that he's not really over the loss of his first wife, with whom he had a son who is now 7 years old (or thereabouts). Now, this first marriage plays a big part in this story, because written registry of it is seemingly missing and his son's legitimacy is in question. BTW, I forgot to mention that poor little Chelynne has no idea of any of this (first marriage and son) because Chad leaves her in the dark about everything.
Enter villainess other woman (Chad's former lover) to fill in the voids in information left by Chad with lots of misinformation and to make Chelynne's life even more miserable. Evil Other Woman also connives with Chelynne's Evil Cousin to cause other problems, one among them being the puzzle of Chelynne's true parentage. This whole book is one big Lack of Communication, Big Misunderstandings and TSTL behaviour. That's probably par for the course in a 1977 HR but I didn't need to read it in 2011.
If you want some good Restoration England historicals to read, try Karleen Koen's Dark Angels: A Novel, Judith James' Libertine's Kiss (Hqn) and The King's Courtesan (Hqn), or Jude Morgan's The King's Touch.
Much before Robyn Carr was writing her very popular contemporary romance series such as Virgin River and Shelter Mountain, she was fascinated by the Restoration period in England and decided to write her first book with that setting. I definitely can admire that very young Robyn Carr (26 at the time), with two babies (1 and 3 years of age), who wrote this book at the table and had to clear off her typewriter at dinner time so her young family could eat together, but, honestly, sometimes an author's very early work should not be resurrected on Kindle. Sometimes these books are no longer in publication for a reason.
At that time Carr was inspired by Kathleen Winsor's FOREVER AMBER and Anya Seton's body of work. Unfortunately, she seems to have been inspired to compete in novel length, in addition to time frame, and this novel is much too long and wordy. To be fair, I have to say that the book has some good moments. If I hadn't already read so many historicals about the Restoration, I'd have found some bits of interest here. And she made her Charles II dissolute (as he was) but also very charismatic (which he also was).
Sadly, Charles II was my favorite character in the book, followed by hero Chadwick's friend John and by heroine Chelynne's uncle and these were all secondaries. The hero and heroine were not to my liking. Well, I'll cut some slack for the 16-year-old heroine. She's maybe too young to expect wise and mature actions from her. The hero, however, is 33. He gets no passes from me. There are no excuses for his actions.
OK, let's ignore the "ick" factor of a 33-year-old man marrying a 16-year-old girl. This was the 1600s and it happened frequently enough. We have to put aside our 21st-century sensibilities in that regard. But what I can't ignore is the hero's behaviour towards the heroine. Yes, this was a marriage of convenience he agreed to because of some actions on his father's part, but that does not justify his coldness, uncaring indifference, and even emotionally cruel treatment of Chelynne. He even refuses to consummate the marriage, leaving her feeling completely rejected.
Hero Chadwick's rationale for this is that he's not really over the loss of his first wife, with whom he had a son who is now 7 years old (or thereabouts). Now, this first marriage plays a big part in this story, because written registry of it is seemingly missing and his son's legitimacy is in question. BTW, I forgot to mention that poor little Chelynne has no idea of any of this (first marriage and son) because Chad leaves her in the dark about everything.
Enter villainess other woman (Chad's former lover) to fill in the voids in information left by Chad with lots of misinformation and to make Chelynne's life even more miserable. Evil Other Woman also connives with Chelynne's Evil Cousin to cause other problems, one among them being the puzzle of Chelynne's true parentage. This whole book is one big Lack of Communication, Big Misunderstandings and TSTL behaviour. That's probably par for the course in a 1977 HR but I didn't need to read it in 2011.
If you want some good Restoration England historicals to read, try Karleen Koen's Dark Angels: A Novel, Judith James' Libertine's Kiss (Hqn) and The King's Courtesan (Hqn), or Jude Morgan's The King's Touch.
May 21, 2013
For a first book, Ms. Carr displayed talent - which may help explain why she's gone on to become a bestselling author. I liked but did not love this historical romance set in Restoration England.
As other reviews have noted, the book is well plotted with a simple clear writing style. I appreciated that the two characters did not fall into bed together almost immediately, as happens with many of the more recently written historicals. Both characters matured and their love built slowly throughout the book. Let me emphasize slowly, the book built way too slowly.
What drove me crazy is that heroine, Cheylnne, and the hero, CHad were kept apart for most of the book because Chad was acting like a dumb*i*t. He was a complex, well-drawn hero with an important secret, he was a widow with a small child but didn't disclose this fact to his wife. He knows how gossip flows through the court and in fact warns his wife on that aspect, but he does not worry this will get back to her?? Dumb*ss. And did I mention he cheated on her after the marriage? A**hat. That especially troubled me. The only reason I did not reject the book on that basis is that in many ways it was true to the time period and made more sense in the story arc than would a story in which Chad remained celibate the entire time.
At the beginning of the book I also found it hard to like the heroine, Chelynne. Taking an unnecessary risk once is believable, but after awhile you just shake your head and begin to think she deserves any harm that might come to her. She did mature, but was a tad insufferable throughout the book.
Despite these nits, I still enjoyed it - perhaps it was because of the supporting characters such as King Charles or John Bollering.
Rated on my 5 star romance novel scale.
As other reviews have noted, the book is well plotted with a simple clear writing style. I appreciated that the two characters did not fall into bed together almost immediately, as happens with many of the more recently written historicals. Both characters matured and their love built slowly throughout the book. Let me emphasize slowly, the book built way too slowly.
What drove me crazy is that heroine, Cheylnne, and the hero, CHad were kept apart for most of the book because Chad was acting like a dumb*i*t. He was a complex, well-drawn hero with an important secret, he was a widow with a small child but didn't disclose this fact to his wife. He knows how gossip flows through the court and in fact warns his wife on that aspect, but he does not worry this will get back to her?? Dumb*ss. And did I mention he cheated on her after the marriage? A**hat. That especially troubled me. The only reason I did not reject the book on that basis is that in many ways it was true to the time period and made more sense in the story arc than would a story in which Chad remained celibate the entire time.
At the beginning of the book I also found it hard to like the heroine, Chelynne. Taking an unnecessary risk once is believable, but after awhile you just shake your head and begin to think she deserves any harm that might come to her. She did mature, but was a tad insufferable throughout the book.
Despite these nits, I still enjoyed it - perhaps it was because of the supporting characters such as King Charles or John Bollering.
Rated on my 5 star romance novel scale.
January 5, 2010
Oh. Shut up. I didn't mean to. I needed some mindless romance for taking to my mother's, and I ended up starting and finishing it the day before we left. Guess I needed it more than I thought I did.
And I used to hate people who said, "I needed something 'mindless.'"
Well, it's not 'mindless,' is it? If it were mindless, I'd hate it. They have to spark something. This one sparked my ire, because of the Scottish servant in it, whose presence kept making me think, "No way, man!" And you can credit Gabaldon for that.
But that was cool, in a weird way.
Mostly, tough, I spent my time being embarrassed for the author, if that makes sense. Not in a bad, condescending way. But you know what I mean, right? There were all these almost-cool things about it, then they'd get flubbed for the sake of the romance. I understand that, but it could have appealed to so many more people if Carr hadn't done that. But I can't really blame her, can I? You gotta play to your audience, right? And thus do we have one of the reasons I hate the idea of an "audience" and yet, at the same time, can't deny that it's something to think about.
And yes. I totally picked this book up because when I saw it in the used-book store, my brain read my own name before it read the correct title.
And I used to hate people who said, "I needed something 'mindless.'"
Well, it's not 'mindless,' is it? If it were mindless, I'd hate it. They have to spark something. This one sparked my ire, because of the Scottish servant in it, whose presence kept making me think, "No way, man!" And you can credit Gabaldon for that.
But that was cool, in a weird way.
Mostly, tough, I spent my time being embarrassed for the author, if that makes sense. Not in a bad, condescending way. But you know what I mean, right? There were all these almost-cool things about it, then they'd get flubbed for the sake of the romance. I understand that, but it could have appealed to so many more people if Carr hadn't done that. But I can't really blame her, can I? You gotta play to your audience, right? And thus do we have one of the reasons I hate the idea of an "audience" and yet, at the same time, can't deny that it's something to think about.
And yes. I totally picked this book up because when I saw it in the used-book store, my brain read my own name before it read the correct title.
December 2, 2021
This book gets two stars for the two things about it: the portrayal of King Charles II and his court, and the subplot of revenge against the power hungry villain, which included the love story of John and Tess, who in my opinion should have been the H and h.
As for the actual H and h (and I use those terms extremely loosely), WHAT A JOKE! Chad can't get over his wife's death, more out of anger than grief, as he holds a grudge against his father who opposed the marriage and is suspected of having the marriage records destroyed or stolen, so Chad can't prove his son's legitimacy. (This grown man acts like a self-involved adolescent when it comes to his father, blaming him for everything that doesn't turn out the way he wants.) Chad's marriage to Chelynne came about because of his father, who honestly believes it's best for his son, but only makes Chad resent him more.
(BTW: we have a 33 year old H marrying a 16 year old h, which, even b y 17thc standards, seems real crummy. Maybe that's why is took the author so long for them to consummate their marriage.)
Chad is determined to keep his distance emotionally, as well as physically, not going beyond a few kisses and sharing a bed once or twice without sex. (For that, he turns to the mistress of a friend of his, stopping by when he's away for some fun in bed, despite her being pregnant with her lover's baby.. Aren't they both charming! After sex, he thinks of his late wife, Anne and cries.)
Chelynne, meanwhile, has to deal with a husband who's kind and friendly one minute, cold and distant the next, seems to want her then rejects her, tells her he'll do his duty but not to expect much, takes her to Court and social events, where she learns the ways of a not so great world, is in danger of being raped by the young man who may be her half brother, rescued by King Charles who may be her father, and also intends to seduce her, not knowing she could be his daughter (he's not THAT debauched), suspects her husband of continuing his affair with Lady Gwen, his former mistress, (while he suspects her of knowing of his marriage and the missing documents, wanting her own future children to have no impediment to inheritance), sees a former suitor, Reuben, now an entertainer at court, and remembers how she almost had sex with him, gets more frustrated over her husband's indifference, gets some of her desires fulfilled by letting her husband's best friend, John, fondle her between her legs and give her an orgasm, (with Chad's tacit approval, and shame on John for doing this after vowing his love for Tess), feels responsible when John "dies" in a staged duel with Chad, as he needs to leave the country for a while, seeks proof of her half royal birth and finds out about Chad's first marriage instead, foils the attack of some evildoers who Chad and John are trying to rid the county of, thinks a pregnant Tess is Chad's first wife, refuses Chad's advances when he finally decides to sleep with her, goes into a decline and nearly dies, tells the King she's his daughter while he's undressing and preparing to take her to bed......
Okay, you get the idea! Convoluted, over the top, and just plain ridiculous! Not to mention, zero chemistry between C and C, so even when they finally do the deed, toward the book's end, it's unbelievably BORING!!! His roll in bed with Ms. Preggers and her clitoris play with John was much more of a thrill, which tells you how pathetic this story is.
What really tops the stupid factor is when Chad, after repeatedly ignoring or rebuffing Chelynne's attempts at making theirs a real marriage, suddenly has a change of heart and expects her to automatically fly to his arms in ecstasy, and acts all insulted when she doesn't.
An honorable mention goes to John with the magic fingers, who claims he gave Chelynne an orgasm because she badly needed one, then goes on to lecture her for putting herself in situations where the same thing could happen with another man. (If it must happen, then it should be with him, her hubby's pal; after all, what are best friends for?) He tells her what she felt was natural, then lectures her for feeling it with anyone but Chad, when if he hadn't touched her she wouldn't have felt a thing. Go figure. Meanwhile, he had recently lectured Tess, who was engaged to another man, that she better not even think of going through with the marriage, much less let another man touch her. Can you say: "double standard"?
Still, I wish there had been a book about John and Tess, one where she strokes a guy's "manhood" to get even with John. (Only kidding, but there should have been a book about them, as their chemistry was HOT, while Chad and Chelynne's was NOT.)
As for the actual H and h (and I use those terms extremely loosely), WHAT A JOKE! Chad can't get over his wife's death, more out of anger than grief, as he holds a grudge against his father who opposed the marriage and is suspected of having the marriage records destroyed or stolen, so Chad can't prove his son's legitimacy. (This grown man acts like a self-involved adolescent when it comes to his father, blaming him for everything that doesn't turn out the way he wants.) Chad's marriage to Chelynne came about because of his father, who honestly believes it's best for his son, but only makes Chad resent him more.
(BTW: we have a 33 year old H marrying a 16 year old h, which, even b y 17thc standards, seems real crummy. Maybe that's why is took the author so long for them to consummate their marriage.)
Chad is determined to keep his distance emotionally, as well as physically, not going beyond a few kisses and sharing a bed once or twice without sex. (For that, he turns to the mistress of a friend of his, stopping by when he's away for some fun in bed, despite her being pregnant with her lover's baby.. Aren't they both charming! After sex, he thinks of his late wife, Anne and cries.)
Chelynne, meanwhile, has to deal with a husband who's kind and friendly one minute, cold and distant the next, seems to want her then rejects her, tells her he'll do his duty but not to expect much, takes her to Court and social events, where she learns the ways of a not so great world, is in danger of being raped by the young man who may be her half brother, rescued by King Charles who may be her father, and also intends to seduce her, not knowing she could be his daughter (he's not THAT debauched), suspects her husband of continuing his affair with Lady Gwen, his former mistress, (while he suspects her of knowing of his marriage and the missing documents, wanting her own future children to have no impediment to inheritance), sees a former suitor, Reuben, now an entertainer at court, and remembers how she almost had sex with him, gets more frustrated over her husband's indifference, gets some of her desires fulfilled by letting her husband's best friend, John, fondle her between her legs and give her an orgasm, (with Chad's tacit approval, and shame on John for doing this after vowing his love for Tess), feels responsible when John "dies" in a staged duel with Chad, as he needs to leave the country for a while, seeks proof of her half royal birth and finds out about Chad's first marriage instead, foils the attack of some evildoers who Chad and John are trying to rid the county of, thinks a pregnant Tess is Chad's first wife, refuses Chad's advances when he finally decides to sleep with her, goes into a decline and nearly dies, tells the King she's his daughter while he's undressing and preparing to take her to bed......
Okay, you get the idea! Convoluted, over the top, and just plain ridiculous! Not to mention, zero chemistry between C and C, so even when they finally do the deed, toward the book's end, it's unbelievably BORING!!! His roll in bed with Ms. Preggers and her clitoris play with John was much more of a thrill, which tells you how pathetic this story is.
What really tops the stupid factor is when Chad, after repeatedly ignoring or rebuffing Chelynne's attempts at making theirs a real marriage, suddenly has a change of heart and expects her to automatically fly to his arms in ecstasy, and acts all insulted when she doesn't.
An honorable mention goes to John with the magic fingers, who claims he gave Chelynne an orgasm because she badly needed one, then goes on to lecture her for putting herself in situations where the same thing could happen with another man. (If it must happen, then it should be with him, her hubby's pal; after all, what are best friends for?) He tells her what she felt was natural, then lectures her for feeling it with anyone but Chad, when if he hadn't touched her she wouldn't have felt a thing. Go figure. Meanwhile, he had recently lectured Tess, who was engaged to another man, that she better not even think of going through with the marriage, much less let another man touch her. Can you say: "double standard"?
Still, I wish there had been a book about John and Tess, one where she strokes a guy's "manhood" to get even with John. (Only kidding, but there should have been a book about them, as their chemistry was HOT, while Chad and Chelynne's was NOT.)
October 4, 2011
This was the first book that Ms. Carr sold...so very many years ago. Amazon is offering it for 1.99 and I thought I'd give it a try.
About a third of the way through Chadwick CHEATED on Chelynne...even though he did not think that his wife mattered much at that point...of course he was in major denial, but I wasn't as enthralled with the story afterwards. Cheating is a hard limit for me...and even though this was "way back when and even King Charles thinks that the people are following his very BAD example, I'm not fond of "heroes" that cheat.
Chadwick was very mean to this wife. He had been forced into a marriage by his father, for reasons that weren't even true...and when he found out, he took it out on this innocent. He leaves her to the masses in Whitehall, then is annoyed when she's accosted. He's annoyed with her quite often...when it really was HIS duty to see her safe and cared for. He tells her to find a lover...NO DON'T...good grief...WHIPLASH much? Chelynne was only sixteen when this book starts out and seventeen near the end. He really needed to guide her a bit more.
There is a lot of miscommunication here...which, of course, made the book way longer that it really should have been.
I found myself continuing to read because I kept thinking: Surely they are going to get a CLUE!
After several plot devices they do get a clue...but by then I couldn't really celebrate their reunion with them.
Ms. Carr has an entire series of books that have won acclaim...and I'm going to give the first one in the series (The Virgin River Series) a try because this book had PROMISE...and I'm looking forward to seeing her improvement.
About a third of the way through Chadwick CHEATED on Chelynne...even though he did not think that his wife mattered much at that point...of course he was in major denial, but I wasn't as enthralled with the story afterwards. Cheating is a hard limit for me...and even though this was "way back when and even King Charles thinks that the people are following his very BAD example, I'm not fond of "heroes" that cheat.
Chadwick was very mean to this wife. He had been forced into a marriage by his father, for reasons that weren't even true...and when he found out, he took it out on this innocent. He leaves her to the masses in Whitehall, then is annoyed when she's accosted. He's annoyed with her quite often...when it really was HIS duty to see her safe and cared for. He tells her to find a lover...NO DON'T...good grief...WHIPLASH much? Chelynne was only sixteen when this book starts out and seventeen near the end. He really needed to guide her a bit more.
There is a lot of miscommunication here...which, of course, made the book way longer that it really should have been.
I found myself continuing to read because I kept thinking: Surely they are going to get a CLUE!
After several plot devices they do get a clue...but by then I couldn't really celebrate their reunion with them.
Ms. Carr has an entire series of books that have won acclaim...and I'm going to give the first one in the series (The Virgin River Series) a try because this book had PROMISE...and I'm looking forward to seeing her improvement.
October 8, 2011
Since this was the first novel for Robyn Carr I thought it was well written and thought out for a first novel. I agree with some that it was hard to like Chad at times. But the story is a good romance that I downloaded at the sale price of $1.99.
IN THE DECADENT COURT OF CHARLES II, SHE WANTED A MOST UNSUITABLE MAN—HER HUSBAND.
Orphaned and raised by her uncle, the feisty sixteen-year-old Chelynne resolves to show her gratitude by marrying the man of her uncle's choice. Bracing herself for a graying, sickly noble, the last man she expects for a husband is the dashing future Earl of Bryant, Chadwick Hawthorne—suddenly, being a loving wife doesn't seem too hard a task. But he spurns her affection and remains her husband only in name, never in deed. Tormented by unfinished business from his past and an uprising threatening his land, Chad resolves to keep his distance from everyone, including his young wife.
Chelynne will go to any lengths to ignite her husband’s passion and save their marriage. But when she finally goes too far, the Earl must share his dark secret before Chelynne loses her reputation—or worse, her life.
IN THE DECADENT COURT OF CHARLES II, SHE WANTED A MOST UNSUITABLE MAN—HER HUSBAND.
Orphaned and raised by her uncle, the feisty sixteen-year-old Chelynne resolves to show her gratitude by marrying the man of her uncle's choice. Bracing herself for a graying, sickly noble, the last man she expects for a husband is the dashing future Earl of Bryant, Chadwick Hawthorne—suddenly, being a loving wife doesn't seem too hard a task. But he spurns her affection and remains her husband only in name, never in deed. Tormented by unfinished business from his past and an uprising threatening his land, Chad resolves to keep his distance from everyone, including his young wife.
Chelynne will go to any lengths to ignite her husband’s passion and save their marriage. But when she finally goes too far, the Earl must share his dark secret before Chelynne loses her reputation—or worse, her life.
February 7, 2018
I learn so much history when reading or listening to these regency romances. My goodness, was the royal court really that loose with their morals and every party and get together a major partner swapping orgy??? Kind of makes you question the respect directed to the Crown and the shallowness of the royal hanger-oners.
This story was really interesting, though the position of the woman in a marriage and the behaviour she would put up with, or ‘appeared ‘ to accept, had me rolling my eyes and wanting to grab the heroine and shake some modern self-respect and courage into her!
Parts of the story I found very frustrating in that the women accepted infidelity in their marriages so quietly, as though it was a natural thing to happen. Bollocks!! The guys just needed to keep it in their pants and respect their wives a tad more. All the secrets throughout the story between Chad and Chelynne and then the simplistic forgiveness of them all afterwards just wouldn’t happen in today’s world. Whilst I love a good romance, I couldn’t have lived in that era if this book is a true reflection of the times and what a woman had to endure. I’ve never considered myself a women’s libber before but in his instance I’m kind of reevaluating!!
This story was really interesting, though the position of the woman in a marriage and the behaviour she would put up with, or ‘appeared ‘ to accept, had me rolling my eyes and wanting to grab the heroine and shake some modern self-respect and courage into her!
Parts of the story I found very frustrating in that the women accepted infidelity in their marriages so quietly, as though it was a natural thing to happen. Bollocks!! The guys just needed to keep it in their pants and respect their wives a tad more. All the secrets throughout the story between Chad and Chelynne and then the simplistic forgiveness of them all afterwards just wouldn’t happen in today’s world. Whilst I love a good romance, I couldn’t have lived in that era if this book is a true reflection of the times and what a woman had to endure. I’ve never considered myself a women’s libber before but in his instance I’m kind of reevaluating!!
March 24, 2024
3.5 Possible spoilers…
I enjoyed this book immensely, despite the fact it had every single trope I normally try to avoid. Hero was still deeply in love with his dead wife, it was nothing personal to Chelynne he simply didn't want a new wife, or wanted to be manipulated/ blackmailed by his father into unwanted marriage. All he wanted is to secure his son’s inheritance and to help his friend to reclaim his estates; marriage was the last thing on his agenda. He repeatedly tells Chelynne that he doesn’t want her and she needs to wait until he finishes all his business, leaving her alone and completely unprotected against the intrigues and gossips of the court. As the book progresses it becomes harder and harder to tolerate his indifference and neglect towards his lovely and still virginal/ innocent wife. Chelynne is sixteen, hopelessly besotted with her husband and patiently waiting for him to soften up and fall into her loving arms; this doesn’t happen almost until the end when Chelynne nearly dies of a broken heart, yes, she literally loses the will to live…
I enjoyed this book immensely, despite the fact it had every single trope I normally try to avoid. Hero was still deeply in love with his dead wife, it was nothing personal to Chelynne he simply didn't want a new wife, or wanted to be manipulated/ blackmailed by his father into unwanted marriage. All he wanted is to secure his son’s inheritance and to help his friend to reclaim his estates; marriage was the last thing on his agenda. He repeatedly tells Chelynne that he doesn’t want her and she needs to wait until he finishes all his business, leaving her alone and completely unprotected against the intrigues and gossips of the court. As the book progresses it becomes harder and harder to tolerate his indifference and neglect towards his lovely and still virginal/ innocent wife. Chelynne is sixteen, hopelessly besotted with her husband and patiently waiting for him to soften up and fall into her loving arms; this doesn’t happen almost until the end when Chelynne nearly dies of a broken heart, yes, she literally loses the will to live…
January 29, 2025
I didn't like this book as much as others did, while the writing was good enough and both characters were likable enough, I just found it annoying and there was stuff in it I didn't like, the whole book is basically them wanting to sleep with each other but not doing so, and yet both are almost ready to hop into bed with someone else, he either almost beds or did bed his former mistress after their marriage and she almost bedded his best friend........these are things I most certainly do not accept in my romances, and it was just annoying. I also never seen the hero love another woman so much as in this, another thing I do not accept in my romances........I swear it seems like he loved his dead wife more than Chelynne. Basically if I knew these things I more than likely would not have read it, but I was drawn in as usual by the beautiful cover artwork.
Overall it was fine but not my cup of tea.
Overall it was fine but not my cup of tea.
July 16, 2020
Simply Marvelous
I have grown to love my historical romance more sexy in details and less epic historical romance. Don't get me wrong, at the time I truly loved, The Braeswood Tapestry, The Troubadour 's Romance, By Right of Arms and many more beautifully written period novels. I absolutely loved loved this novel, hands down, however, I would have preferred a bit more sex. I bought this novel about 40 years ago in hardback, but was unable to give it a review like how we can now. Love to you Lady Robyn and I will always want to read your exceptional novels.
I have grown to love my historical romance more sexy in details and less epic historical romance. Don't get me wrong, at the time I truly loved, The Braeswood Tapestry, The Troubadour 's Romance, By Right of Arms and many more beautifully written period novels. I absolutely loved loved this novel, hands down, however, I would have preferred a bit more sex. I bought this novel about 40 years ago in hardback, but was unable to give it a review like how we can now. Love to you Lady Robyn and I will always want to read your exceptional novels.
January 21, 2022
The Author's First Book
I chose this book because it was written by Robyn Carr, not realizing it was her first published work. It is written in recency romance style and is very long winded.
Despite the style and the overly long storyline, the talent of the author is evident. This book is an example of an author learning her craft, an encouraging example of how a writer can improve with time and experience.
I chose this book because it was written by Robyn Carr, not realizing it was her first published work. It is written in recency romance style and is very long winded.
Despite the style and the overly long storyline, the talent of the author is evident. This book is an example of an author learning her craft, an encouraging example of how a writer can improve with time and experience.
March 6, 2022
In my defense I do not live in the Restoration period and some of the dialogue had me totally lost. The fact that the Earl cheats on Chelynne (while she remains a virgin, thought not from a lack of offers) and then proceeds to tell her she needs to calm down and let him do as he will annoyed me. I might have gotten over it if Chelynne had made Chad grovel more, however her decision to forgive him comes on abruptly after which they proceed to live happily ever after. I need aftercare!!!
March 31, 2022
A marvelous story of old England.
Robyn,I dobelieve your gift of storytelling has been with you right from the beginning. I love theway you weave a story and make me want to continue reading way into the night.
This story of Chelynne and Chad is such a fabulous way of depicting that time in history. The duties to the king, England are intrigues of the court are so well written.
Thank you for another amazing story.
Robyn,I dobelieve your gift of storytelling has been with you right from the beginning. I love theway you weave a story and make me want to continue reading way into the night.
This story of Chelynne and Chad is such a fabulous way of depicting that time in history. The duties to the king, England are intrigues of the court are so well written.
Thank you for another amazing story.
December 5, 2017
Mi piacciono le storie d’amore, mea culpa. E quando a queste, per renderle più interessanti, si intrecciano tribolazioni, vicissitudini, intrighi e misteri io demordo… non c’è niente da fare. L’incipt era molto interessante, con un matrimonio imposto che pareva meglio di quanto si fosse sperato, poi si divaga verso altri lidi e io divago verso altri… libri.
December 4, 2022
Robyn Carr’s first published book. I agree with another review which calls it not bad, but not great. Carr has come a long way as a writer since she wrote this book. There are too many things going on, and not enough development of any theme as important. Worth a read for a Robyn Carr fan for interest.
March 8, 2021
This is Robyn Carr’s first published work
Fortunately she has written many wonderful books since.
I think there are too many words and more editing would make a better book.
I gave 4 stars, but 3 would tell you better that I had a difficult time getting through it.
Fortunately she has written many wonderful books since.
I think there are too many words and more editing would make a better book.
I gave 4 stars, but 3 would tell you better that I had a difficult time getting through it.
April 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, the first historical novel that I have read by Robyn Carr.
Chelynne is a great character and so is Chadwick. It was interesting reading about the English court is those times. Lots of scandals!
Chelynne is a great character and so is Chadwick. It was interesting reading about the English court is those times. Lots of scandals!
January 29, 2025
Not Carr's best
I usually do not read historical novels but read this because it was Carr's. It was ok. But long and repetitive. Close to boring. I was disappointed. Story line was typical and could have been presented better.
I usually do not read historical novels but read this because it was Carr's. It was ok. But long and repetitive. Close to boring. I was disappointed. Story line was typical and could have been presented better.
August 27, 2017
Great historical novel!!
This really was a great novel amazing for early effort and such @ compelling storyline kept my attention the whole way Becoming back kept me awake at night
This really was a great novel amazing for early effort and such @ compelling storyline kept my attention the whole way Becoming back kept me awake at night
November 16, 2019
Excellent historical type fiction of England and its aristocracy . Hard to put down.
August 22, 2021
So much angst!
July 13, 2022
Another stellar read..
I've yet to find a story by Robyn Carr that bored me.
The twists and turns here keep u on your toes.
I've yet to find a story by Robyn Carr that bored me.
The twists and turns here keep u on your toes.
July 21, 2023
This is an interesting storyline, but I liked the end the best
March 15, 2025
For her first novel, it’s good; however, not like her later books.
September 19, 2016
Clean historical romance. Gave it 3 stars as it was quite a bit longer than necessary. But I still enjoyed parts of it quite a bit, so really would give it 3.5 if possible. Plan on reading more of the author's books in this genre.
March 28, 2025
The one thing she had learned was that to be tolerated and endured was less dignified than being hated. And it was infinitely more painful.
Since this is my first Robyn Carr book, I must comment on the fact that the text is rich and her diction is very engaging, as it is not very descriptive nor is it plain dialogues. The premises and sub-plot are amazing and personally I do believe these add up to 5 stars.
As for the plot, the rate goes to 3.5-4'ish as this was an angsty roller-coaster devoid of true romance in my opinion. Is the hero my typical knight in shining armor? Definitely not mine. He's more of a sigma character, very unattached, and has the word "I have business to do" or "you should wait" on the tip of his tongue. He doesn't offer Chelynne explanations, not even when he's very sure that she's the purest thing in his world and treats her like an invisible spectator. This was nonsense from his side.
It's not until the last quarter of the book, where Chelynne, due to his neglect, literally loses the will to live that he decides to finally communicate.
Seriously, he created distance over nothing.
Chelynne on the other hand is innocent, kind and naive. She speaks her mind and doesn't go in circles.
She doesn't easily forgive him for neglecting her.
“Whatever painful memory pricks your mind so that you cannot find any peace within yourself is beyond me. But hear this, my lord fool: I will not withstand one more test for your satisfaction. I repeat, what you have to offer is no great prize to forfeit!”
The part of the plot which I loved was the sub-plot: The feud between Shayburn and John Bollering.
Since this is my first Robyn Carr book, I must comment on the fact that the text is rich and her diction is very engaging, as it is not very descriptive nor is it plain dialogues. The premises and sub-plot are amazing and personally I do believe these add up to 5 stars.
As for the plot, the rate goes to 3.5-4'ish as this was an angsty roller-coaster devoid of true romance in my opinion. Is the hero my typical knight in shining armor? Definitely not mine. He's more of a sigma character, very unattached, and has the word "I have business to do" or "you should wait" on the tip of his tongue. He doesn't offer Chelynne explanations, not even when he's very sure that she's the purest thing in his world and treats her like an invisible spectator. This was nonsense from his side.
It's not until the last quarter of the book, where Chelynne, due to his neglect, literally loses the will to live that he decides to finally communicate.
Seriously, he created distance over nothing.
Chelynne on the other hand is innocent, kind and naive. She speaks her mind and doesn't go in circles.
She doesn't easily forgive him for neglecting her.
“Whatever painful memory pricks your mind so that you cannot find any peace within yourself is beyond me. But hear this, my lord fool: I will not withstand one more test for your satisfaction. I repeat, what you have to offer is no great prize to forfeit!”
The part of the plot which I loved was the sub-plot: The feud between Shayburn and John Bollering.
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