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How to Woo a Widow
Anthony Ogilvy, Earl of Leighton fell in love with his best friend’s elder sister years ago—but she’d only had eyes for the dashing cavalry officer she’d later eloped with. Now, years later, and facing his mother’s insistence that it’s past time he married, Tony is wandering the notorious dark walk at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens when he stumbles upon none other than the now widowed Mrs. Portia Daventry, looking more delectable than ever and with a speculative gleam in her eyes. Can he convince the reluctant widow that he’s no longer the callow youth she remembers but a hardened former soldier with a need for her gentle touch? And if he can manage to woo her, will she promise him forever now that she’s just regained her precious freedom?
Portia Bascombe Daventry had always known Tony Ogilvy had a crush on her. But it had been impossible to see him as anything more than a boy like her darling brother. And she’d been young and foolish herself, giving her heart and hand instead to a man who’d broken faith with her at every turn. Now, however, the Earl of Leighton is all grown up with a man’s wants and desires. And what he wants is her. Portia is tempted—how could she not be when the handsome young earl claims to want nothing but her—but she’s been married to a soldier once already, and look how that had turned out. It will take a lot of wooing on Tony’s part to convince her to love again, but when danger appears on the horizon, will it be too late for her to give him her heart?
Portia Bascombe Daventry had always known Tony Ogilvy had a crush on her. But it had been impossible to see him as anything more than a boy like her darling brother. And she’d been young and foolish herself, giving her heart and hand instead to a man who’d broken faith with her at every turn. Now, however, the Earl of Leighton is all grown up with a man’s wants and desires. And what he wants is her. Portia is tempted—how could she not be when the handsome young earl claims to want nothing but her—but she’s been married to a soldier once already, and look how that had turned out. It will take a lot of wooing on Tony’s part to convince her to love again, but when danger appears on the horizon, will it be too late for her to give him her heart?
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2016
9 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Manda Collins
37 books1,561 followersManda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of Regency romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds advanced degrees in English Lit and Librarianship. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Bookpage, and USA Today. A native of Alabama, she lives on the Gulf Coast with a very stubborn cat and more books than are strictly necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 25, 2022
How to Woo a Widow was a quick read featuring an older woman/younger man romance.
Anthony Ogilvy, the Earl of Leighton, has been in love with his best friend's older sister for years. But Portia Bascombe Daventryonly only had eyes for the handsome cavalry officer she eloped with. Years later, Anthony's mother is insisting he marry and when he runs into the now widowed Portia, he realizes he has a second chance to win the woman he still loves. Portia has always known Anthony had a crush on her, but she never took him seriously. Now that they're both older and wiser, Anthony is trying to convince Portia that he's everything she's ever wanted.
How to Woo a Widow ultimately did not work for me as I wasn't a fan of the hero Anthony. He's very pushy with Portia and just disregards what she says she wants because he's convinced he knows better. Portia has legitimate concerns about a relationship between them working out and Anthony just ignores them because he loves her. In the end, he pretty much wears her down until she gives in which in my mind isn't a great romance. There was a random side plot involving another suitor that I found interesting though I wish had been expanded upon a bit more.
Overall How to Woo a Widow wasn't for me and not on par with the other books I've read from this author. I would recommend checking out some of the author's full-length novels as they're much better.
Anthony Ogilvy, the Earl of Leighton, has been in love with his best friend's older sister for years. But Portia Bascombe Daventryonly only had eyes for the handsome cavalry officer she eloped with. Years later, Anthony's mother is insisting he marry and when he runs into the now widowed Portia, he realizes he has a second chance to win the woman he still loves. Portia has always known Anthony had a crush on her, but she never took him seriously. Now that they're both older and wiser, Anthony is trying to convince Portia that he's everything she's ever wanted.
How to Woo a Widow ultimately did not work for me as I wasn't a fan of the hero Anthony. He's very pushy with Portia and just disregards what she says she wants because he's convinced he knows better. Portia has legitimate concerns about a relationship between them working out and Anthony just ignores them because he loves her. In the end, he pretty much wears her down until she gives in which in my mind isn't a great romance. There was a random side plot involving another suitor that I found interesting though I wish had been expanded upon a bit more.
Overall How to Woo a Widow wasn't for me and not on par with the other books I've read from this author. I would recommend checking out some of the author's full-length novels as they're much better.
February 26, 2016
This is a sweet and spicy historical romance. Tony, Earl of Leighton returns depressed from the war, only to meet up with childhood friend Portia.
That he believed himself responsible for her brother, his best friend's death, was the deepest part of his depression.
Each had always been attracted to the other, never acted on it before. They act on it, only to found out her brother's death was not an accident and the killer wants Portia. If you like your historicals sensual, grab this one. It is a quick read, but a good one. I received a copy free for my honest opinion.
That he believed himself responsible for her brother, his best friend's death, was the deepest part of his depression.
Each had always been attracted to the other, never acted on it before. They act on it, only to found out her brother's death was not an accident and the killer wants Portia. If you like your historicals sensual, grab this one. It is a quick read, but a good one. I received a copy free for my honest opinion.
May 24, 2016
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I quite like Tony, he is refreshingly honest with himself regarding his mental state (PTSD) after returning back from war. He acknowledges his own short-comings and how others may view him as being removed from how he sees himself.
Portia has to balance old hurts against new hopes; and is splendid in her strength of character and resolve. She may be small in stature; but she has a heart and mind to embolden her.
Overall, a smart story; old friends become new lovers.
I quite like Tony, he is refreshingly honest with himself regarding his mental state (PTSD) after returning back from war. He acknowledges his own short-comings and how others may view him as being removed from how he sees himself.
Portia has to balance old hurts against new hopes; and is splendid in her strength of character and resolve. She may be small in stature; but she has a heart and mind to embolden her.
Overall, a smart story; old friends become new lovers.
February 28, 2016
Cute. I didn't realize quite how short it was when I bought it. I was happy it was entertaining even in its short length.
August 11, 2016
Short, sweet historical romance. Felt the story could have been better shorter or longer. Would have liked to see what the author was intending to do with the heroine come to fruition.
March 1, 2016
Short, sweet, and jam packed with passion. All the best qualities of Collins in a novella-length book that is a satisfying gem as fans wait for her next full-length novel.
February 9, 2018
The synopsis was misleading. Portia's reluctantly to accept Tony wasn't because Tony was also a former soldier like her first husband. The reason was age gap (she was 6 years older than him) and their shared family history.
Furthermore, It wasn't explained how did Tretham, Portia's other suitor, killed her first husband.
Furthermore, It wasn't explained how did Tretham, Portia's other suitor, killed her first husband.
September 22, 2017
3.5 stars. Well written Historical romance novella with a charming story about an ex soldier finally wooing and winning the woman he fell in love with as a young man. Very quick read.
September 25, 2017
This was so good
Sexy, funny, sad , and short.with a bit of mystery. Very enjoyable she packed a lot in this story can't wait for more.
Sexy, funny, sad , and short.with a bit of mystery. Very enjoyable she packed a lot in this story can't wait for more.
June 12, 2020
Too steamy, almost no storyline.
September 20, 2016
A fab short story from Manda Collins. Sometimes I like to read a good short story in between longer books - this was perfect and enjoyable!
October 5, 2016
Darling novella, that I read in one sitting! Tight character conflicts and a nice twist. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews