What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Enemy At The Altar
An unexpected end to the Wincanton–Stuart feud…?
Scandal broke last night when Lady Constance Stuart was discovered in the arms of Aaron Wincanton, the son of her family’s greatest enemy! But now we can reveal an even more shocking development. Our sources say a special license was obtained and the two were married before sunrise!
It’s been confirmed that Aaron has stolen his new bride away to the country to begin their unexpected marriage. We’ll be watching closely to see exactly what happens when a gentleman invites his enemy into his bed…
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
44 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Heath
132 books1,177 followersWhen Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 19, 2016
I've given this a B at AAR.
This is the second book from new-to-me author Virginia Heath, whose début for Mills and Boon – That Despicable Rogue – was published in May this year, and which I somehow missed but definitely intend to go back to. Her Enemy at the Altar is a simple but well-written enemies-to-lovers story inspired, she says in her author’s note, by the time her daughter came home from school upset because her handprints/footprints were bigger than those of all her classmates.
Lady Constance Stuart, daughter of the Earl of Redbridge, is too tall, her hair is too red, her figure is too straight, her tongue is too sharp and her mind too apt to form opinions of its own. Cruelly nicknamed “the ginger Amazonian” in her first season, she is still unmarried five years later and is widely regarded as a bit of a joke throughout the ton. Even her own father thinks she is useless if he can’t marry her off for his own gain. Over the years, Constance has developed a defence mechanism to cover her insecurities and the continual hurt and humiliation she suffers, with the result that most in society now gives her a wide berth, fearing to come within striking distance of her withering sarcasm and haughty demeanour.
The only man who doesn’t seem to care about earning her censure is Aaron Wincanton, son and heir to Viscount Ardleigh, whose estate borders that of the earl. The Wincantons and the Stuarts despise each other and have been at each other’s throats for the past three hundred years; and the viscount and the earl are continually attempting to best each other in whatever way they can. Recently returned from the war in Spain, Aaron realises his father’s estate is not being well-run and knows that before long, they are going to be bankrupt. He is courting an heiress whose dowry will go a long way towards solving the family’s financial problems, but Aaron knows that if things are to improve, he must find a way of ending the enmity between his family and the Stuarts, as his father is only too ready to throw money away if he thinks it will gain him the upper hand.
Constance’s father has recently engineered her betrothal to a handsome, impoverished, marquess; and while she knows he doesn’t love her, she can’t help hoping that perhaps, one day, that will change. But when he wastes no time in making clear to her that all he wants from her is money, Constance is hurt at his bluntness even though, she tells herself, it’s not surprising that he doesn’t want her – what man would, with her horribly vibrant hair and gangly, unfashionably tall body?
Aaron and Constance don’t like each other, although Aaron can’t deny that he likes teasing her and watching her temper fire up. But when he finds her, alone, desolate and hiding away during a ball, it’s not temper that fires up between them. What begins as an attempt at consolation explodes into an almost uncontrollable passion that lands them both into hot water when they are discovered in an extremely compromising position.
Aaron is left with little alternative but to offer for Connie’s hand, but just to make life extra uncomfortable – because he is a Wincanton – her father withholds her dowry and makes it clear that Connie is no longer welcome in his house. She tries to refuse the match, but the earl gives her an incredibly cruel ultimatum threatening her mother and younger brother and she has no alternative but to agree.
Ms. Heath does a very good job of describing the uncomfortable relationship between these two people whose families have been at loggerheads for years. Aaron thinks he might as well make the best of things – he’s attracted to Connie and wants to see if he can rouse her to more than passionate kisses – and tries to make his new wife comfortable and to show her courtesy and consideration, but it is all thrown back in his face. So, with bigger problems concerning the estate to occupy him, Aaron distances himself, leaving his bride to ponder a future with a man she despises and who despises her, and without the comfort and support of her family. She and Aaron agree to seek an annulment, but even then, Connie will not be able to return home; the best she can hope for is to change her name, go far away and try to find employment to support herself.
As time passes, Aaron and Connie begin to thaw a little towards each other. Having previously had no interest in estate management and then been away in the army, Aaron is struggling to work out how to turn things around, and is surprised and impressed at the way his wife is able to understand the salient details and work with numbers. And Connie realises that she has been so wrapped up in her own thoughts and negative emotions that she has failed to realise how much strain Aaron is under; not only because of his financial problems, but also because of his father’s failing health.
Their gradual rapprochement is well done, the growing physical attraction between them being complemented by their increasing understanding of each other. There’s strong chemistry between them from the start, and Ms. Heath keeps it bubbling nicely beneath the surface, building it skilfully so that when the couple finally consummates their marriage, it feels like the natural culmination of everything they’ve been through rather than just a casually dropped in sex scene because it’s time for one.
The author’s presentation of Connie’s low self-esteem and the methods of self-protection she has adopted are spot on. Anyone who has been called names will know that the development of a thick skin is absolutely necessary, and then you show the bullies that you don’t care and develop ways of getting your own back. But deep down, it hurts and it sticks – and that aspect of Connie’s character rings completely true. I was also grateful that Ms. Heath didn’t fall into the trap of having the characters believe that non-consummation of a marriage was grounds for an annulment, a common mistake in many historical romances.
There are a couple of small sub-plots which work well within the context of the larger story, and Ms. Heath writes with warmth, humour and intelligence, putting her own stamp on a couple of well-used tropes. I spotted a few incorrect word choices and the odd turn of phrase that wasn’t quite right, but overall Her Enemy at the Altar is an enjoyable romance and one I’d certainly suggest is worth your consideration if you’re looking to try an author new to the genre.
This is the second book from new-to-me author Virginia Heath, whose début for Mills and Boon – That Despicable Rogue – was published in May this year, and which I somehow missed but definitely intend to go back to. Her Enemy at the Altar is a simple but well-written enemies-to-lovers story inspired, she says in her author’s note, by the time her daughter came home from school upset because her handprints/footprints were bigger than those of all her classmates.
Lady Constance Stuart, daughter of the Earl of Redbridge, is too tall, her hair is too red, her figure is too straight, her tongue is too sharp and her mind too apt to form opinions of its own. Cruelly nicknamed “the ginger Amazonian” in her first season, she is still unmarried five years later and is widely regarded as a bit of a joke throughout the ton. Even her own father thinks she is useless if he can’t marry her off for his own gain. Over the years, Constance has developed a defence mechanism to cover her insecurities and the continual hurt and humiliation she suffers, with the result that most in society now gives her a wide berth, fearing to come within striking distance of her withering sarcasm and haughty demeanour.
The only man who doesn’t seem to care about earning her censure is Aaron Wincanton, son and heir to Viscount Ardleigh, whose estate borders that of the earl. The Wincantons and the Stuarts despise each other and have been at each other’s throats for the past three hundred years; and the viscount and the earl are continually attempting to best each other in whatever way they can. Recently returned from the war in Spain, Aaron realises his father’s estate is not being well-run and knows that before long, they are going to be bankrupt. He is courting an heiress whose dowry will go a long way towards solving the family’s financial problems, but Aaron knows that if things are to improve, he must find a way of ending the enmity between his family and the Stuarts, as his father is only too ready to throw money away if he thinks it will gain him the upper hand.
Constance’s father has recently engineered her betrothal to a handsome, impoverished, marquess; and while she knows he doesn’t love her, she can’t help hoping that perhaps, one day, that will change. But when he wastes no time in making clear to her that all he wants from her is money, Constance is hurt at his bluntness even though, she tells herself, it’s not surprising that he doesn’t want her – what man would, with her horribly vibrant hair and gangly, unfashionably tall body?
Aaron and Constance don’t like each other, although Aaron can’t deny that he likes teasing her and watching her temper fire up. But when he finds her, alone, desolate and hiding away during a ball, it’s not temper that fires up between them. What begins as an attempt at consolation explodes into an almost uncontrollable passion that lands them both into hot water when they are discovered in an extremely compromising position.
Aaron is left with little alternative but to offer for Connie’s hand, but just to make life extra uncomfortable – because he is a Wincanton – her father withholds her dowry and makes it clear that Connie is no longer welcome in his house. She tries to refuse the match, but the earl gives her an incredibly cruel ultimatum threatening her mother and younger brother and she has no alternative but to agree.
Ms. Heath does a very good job of describing the uncomfortable relationship between these two people whose families have been at loggerheads for years. Aaron thinks he might as well make the best of things – he’s attracted to Connie and wants to see if he can rouse her to more than passionate kisses – and tries to make his new wife comfortable and to show her courtesy and consideration, but it is all thrown back in his face. So, with bigger problems concerning the estate to occupy him, Aaron distances himself, leaving his bride to ponder a future with a man she despises and who despises her, and without the comfort and support of her family. She and Aaron agree to seek an annulment, but even then, Connie will not be able to return home; the best she can hope for is to change her name, go far away and try to find employment to support herself.
As time passes, Aaron and Connie begin to thaw a little towards each other. Having previously had no interest in estate management and then been away in the army, Aaron is struggling to work out how to turn things around, and is surprised and impressed at the way his wife is able to understand the salient details and work with numbers. And Connie realises that she has been so wrapped up in her own thoughts and negative emotions that she has failed to realise how much strain Aaron is under; not only because of his financial problems, but also because of his father’s failing health.
Their gradual rapprochement is well done, the growing physical attraction between them being complemented by their increasing understanding of each other. There’s strong chemistry between them from the start, and Ms. Heath keeps it bubbling nicely beneath the surface, building it skilfully so that when the couple finally consummates their marriage, it feels like the natural culmination of everything they’ve been through rather than just a casually dropped in sex scene because it’s time for one.
The author’s presentation of Connie’s low self-esteem and the methods of self-protection she has adopted are spot on. Anyone who has been called names will know that the development of a thick skin is absolutely necessary, and then you show the bullies that you don’t care and develop ways of getting your own back. But deep down, it hurts and it sticks – and that aspect of Connie’s character rings completely true. I was also grateful that Ms. Heath didn’t fall into the trap of having the characters believe that non-consummation of a marriage was grounds for an annulment, a common mistake in many historical romances.
There are a couple of small sub-plots which work well within the context of the larger story, and Ms. Heath writes with warmth, humour and intelligence, putting her own stamp on a couple of well-used tropes. I spotted a few incorrect word choices and the odd turn of phrase that wasn’t quite right, but overall Her Enemy at the Altar is an enjoyable romance and one I’d certainly suggest is worth your consideration if you’re looking to try an author new to the genre.
August 12, 2017
This book had the unlucky coincidence of being read right after a lackluster book that pretty much had the same storyline.
Tall heroine who hides her hurt behind a tough abrasive exterior. This book's heroine was better constructed but the whole "I can never believe I have any minuscule attractiveness to me" carried on far too long. It ended up giving her a bit of immaturity.
Poor gorgeous hero who needs to marry for money to save estate. Same character outline as the other books I read but story placement here was a bit different with hero and heroine's families having a centuries old feud. The feud wasn't really explained but how it effected their present families was detailed. They are caught in a compromising position and hero marries heroine even though her father doesn't give him her dowry, thus bankrupting the hero.
This book had more of a story construct but how long it takes the hero and heroine to develop past the immature "I hate you!" "No, I hate you!" took too long and I missed seeing their relationship without any animosity.
Since I read this right after not enjoying an extremely similar storyline, I definitely think I already had my fill of insecure abrasive tall heroines (I'm even one!) and the poor gorgeous heroes who just want them to recognize how regal they are.
The bottom line, I was exhausted by how long it took hero and heroine to move beyond their animosity.
Tall heroine who hides her hurt behind a tough abrasive exterior. This book's heroine was better constructed but the whole "I can never believe I have any minuscule attractiveness to me" carried on far too long. It ended up giving her a bit of immaturity.
Poor gorgeous hero who needs to marry for money to save estate. Same character outline as the other books I read but story placement here was a bit different with hero and heroine's families having a centuries old feud. The feud wasn't really explained but how it effected their present families was detailed. They are caught in a compromising position and hero marries heroine even though her father doesn't give him her dowry, thus bankrupting the hero.
This book had more of a story construct but how long it takes the hero and heroine to develop past the immature "I hate you!" "No, I hate you!" took too long and I missed seeing their relationship without any animosity.
Since I read this right after not enjoying an extremely similar storyline, I definitely think I already had my fill of insecure abrasive tall heroines (I'm even one!) and the poor gorgeous heroes who just want them to recognize how regal they are.
The bottom line, I was exhausted by how long it took hero and heroine to move beyond their animosity.
May 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers story by new-to-me author, Virginia Heath. It combines an engaging and well-written story, interesting characters and an emotionally satisfying romance.
The Stuarts and Wincantons have been mortal enemies for the past three hundred years and Lady Constance (Connie) Stuart has every reason to loathe Aaron Wincanton with a vengeance. After he scathingly nicknamed her Ginger Amazonian during her come out six years ago, Connie endured hurtful and humiliating jokes about her unruly red hair, tall, unimpressive figure and long legs. In her second year, she decided that, if she is going to be compared to a mythical warrior, she will act like one. A haughty air and a razor-sharp tongue become her chosen weapons of defence; even her dresses are a statement of defiance.
They were no longer merely gowns; now each dress was a statement of defiance. She might well be an ugly wallflower, but that did not mean that she had to be a shrinking violet.
Having always been self-conscious of the bump on my nose, I found it was easy to relate to Connie and sympathise with her insecurities and understand how much she was hurt and humiliated by the constant cruel barbs. I so admired her courage in facing her tormentors with defiance.
Connie is now engaged to the Marquis of Deal and, although it is an arranged marriage, she hopes to find a measure of happiness, until she discovers his true motives. Feeling hurt and dejected, she finds comfort in the unlikely arms of Aaron Wincanton but, when they are caught in a compromising situation, Connie finds herself married to her sworn enemy.
To everyone, Aaron appears a charming, flirtatious rogue, but this is a mask he wears because the war had left an indelible mark on him. He had seen too much death to remain the carefree young man he once was.
The new Aaron Wincanton found no joy in balls or parties, nor did he find it in intimate gatherings or quiet solitary contemplation either. He did not deserve to feel joy any more. Most of the time he felt burdened. The rest of the time, if he was lucky, he just felt numb.
He has personal demons to fight, ones that conjure up terrifying, tortuous nightmares, night and day, convincing him that he is slowly going mad. He is a desperate to find peace but unable to, believing himself unworthy of love or forgiveness.
Aaron is shocked to find that the Wincanton estate has been brought to the brink of bankruptcy by his father’s mismanagement. All his father’s decisions have been motivated by one thing only – revenge against the Stuarts – without thought for the consequences. All Aaron wants to do is put an end to the pointless and costly feud and restore the family fortunes by marrying a wealthy heiress. But his plans go awry when he is caught in a compromising situation with Lady Constance Wincanton and his strong sense of honour compels him to marry her.
Everything about this marriage was wrong. At best they were strangers, at worst sworn enemies.
I appreciated how Ms. Heath takes the time to build the romantic relationship between Connie and Aaron. At first, there are a lot of angry words spoken but gradually, they begin to discover more about each other
Connie has always thought of Aaron as confident and charming- as though he tiptoed through life largely unscathed – but realises that he has hidden depths and feels things as deeply as she does. While Connie was feeling sorry for herself, she never realised the sacrifices Aaron made by marrying her.
While society regards Connie as a social oddity, Aaron sees her as striking, intelligent and witty and finds he enjoys her company. Recognising that she has many conflicting and contrasting elements to her personality, I like how Aaron compares her to a rainbow…
At one end of the spectrum she was indomitable, sharp-tongued and aloof. He had been on the receiving end of that with alarming frequency and they had only been together for such a short time. But then she was kind-hearted. Finally, buried beneath all of that, was a seam of vulnerability that she worked hard to hide—but he knew that it was there.
Connie’s kindness, gentleness and compassion shines through in her care for Aaron’s dying father, and her desire to do everything she can to comfort Aaron and convince him that he has no reason to feel any guilt for his actions during the war.
I adore Aaron for realising the extent of Connie’s grief and sadness at the loss of her family and for arranging a secret meeting with her mother and brother.
His throat felt tight with emotion. For the first time he truly saw all of her grief and sadness at the loss of her family until she had realised that they had come to see her, then the relief and desperation on her lovely face had moved him and he was glad that he had been able to do this one tiny thing for her.
Whether it is standing up to Aaron’s irascible father or Aaron himself, Connie is definitely a force to be reckoned with!
“Perhaps I did not make myself clear. When I said that I wanted to help I meant that I am going to help you, whether you like it or not. I am not some ornamental woman and I will not let you treat me like one.”
The sexual tension builds up deliciously so that their falling in love feels genuine and when they finally make love, it just seems right. Ms. Heath writes such lovely, romantic scenes and I love this one where just a touch of a hand conveys so much. Sometimes, I find it far more romantic than an overtly explicit scene.
When his eyes slowly drifted down to her lips and lingered there, Connie’s heart began to race. His palm was still cupping her cheek, making her skin prickle with an awareness that was both quite alien and intoxicating at the same time.
I also like how Ms Heath includes lovely touches of humour, and this is one of my favourites because it conjured up such a comical picture in my mind!
The door edged open slowly to reveal him standing there with the handkerchief of surrender in one hand while the other hand held a bucket over his head like a helmet. He surveyed the room with exaggerated wariness before he gingerly stepped inside, still holding his bucket armour about his head and looking, much to her utter consternation, quite delightful. ‘I come in peace, Connie. Put down your weapons.’
The Earl of Redbridge, Connie’s father, is a truly despicable man. Not only does he threaten to put Connie and her mother out on the streets if she (Connie) refuses to marry Aaron, but he selfishly pursues his feud with Aaron’s father to the detriment of his daughter’s happiness. A thoroughly dislikeable character whom I’m pleased to say gets everything he deserves.
I was disappointed in the lack of an Epilogue because I love seeing the hero and heroine enjoying their well-deserved Happy Ever After.
MY VERDICT: This was a lovely introduction to Ms. Heath’s books and I will definitely be reading more.
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
The Stuarts and Wincantons have been mortal enemies for the past three hundred years and Lady Constance (Connie) Stuart has every reason to loathe Aaron Wincanton with a vengeance. After he scathingly nicknamed her Ginger Amazonian during her come out six years ago, Connie endured hurtful and humiliating jokes about her unruly red hair, tall, unimpressive figure and long legs. In her second year, she decided that, if she is going to be compared to a mythical warrior, she will act like one. A haughty air and a razor-sharp tongue become her chosen weapons of defence; even her dresses are a statement of defiance.
They were no longer merely gowns; now each dress was a statement of defiance. She might well be an ugly wallflower, but that did not mean that she had to be a shrinking violet.
Having always been self-conscious of the bump on my nose, I found it was easy to relate to Connie and sympathise with her insecurities and understand how much she was hurt and humiliated by the constant cruel barbs. I so admired her courage in facing her tormentors with defiance.
Connie is now engaged to the Marquis of Deal and, although it is an arranged marriage, she hopes to find a measure of happiness, until she discovers his true motives. Feeling hurt and dejected, she finds comfort in the unlikely arms of Aaron Wincanton but, when they are caught in a compromising situation, Connie finds herself married to her sworn enemy.
To everyone, Aaron appears a charming, flirtatious rogue, but this is a mask he wears because the war had left an indelible mark on him. He had seen too much death to remain the carefree young man he once was.
The new Aaron Wincanton found no joy in balls or parties, nor did he find it in intimate gatherings or quiet solitary contemplation either. He did not deserve to feel joy any more. Most of the time he felt burdened. The rest of the time, if he was lucky, he just felt numb.
He has personal demons to fight, ones that conjure up terrifying, tortuous nightmares, night and day, convincing him that he is slowly going mad. He is a desperate to find peace but unable to, believing himself unworthy of love or forgiveness.
Aaron is shocked to find that the Wincanton estate has been brought to the brink of bankruptcy by his father’s mismanagement. All his father’s decisions have been motivated by one thing only – revenge against the Stuarts – without thought for the consequences. All Aaron wants to do is put an end to the pointless and costly feud and restore the family fortunes by marrying a wealthy heiress. But his plans go awry when he is caught in a compromising situation with Lady Constance Wincanton and his strong sense of honour compels him to marry her.
Everything about this marriage was wrong. At best they were strangers, at worst sworn enemies.
I appreciated how Ms. Heath takes the time to build the romantic relationship between Connie and Aaron. At first, there are a lot of angry words spoken but gradually, they begin to discover more about each other
Connie has always thought of Aaron as confident and charming- as though he tiptoed through life largely unscathed – but realises that he has hidden depths and feels things as deeply as she does. While Connie was feeling sorry for herself, she never realised the sacrifices Aaron made by marrying her.
While society regards Connie as a social oddity, Aaron sees her as striking, intelligent and witty and finds he enjoys her company. Recognising that she has many conflicting and contrasting elements to her personality, I like how Aaron compares her to a rainbow…
At one end of the spectrum she was indomitable, sharp-tongued and aloof. He had been on the receiving end of that with alarming frequency and they had only been together for such a short time. But then she was kind-hearted. Finally, buried beneath all of that, was a seam of vulnerability that she worked hard to hide—but he knew that it was there.
Connie’s kindness, gentleness and compassion shines through in her care for Aaron’s dying father, and her desire to do everything she can to comfort Aaron and convince him that he has no reason to feel any guilt for his actions during the war.
I adore Aaron for realising the extent of Connie’s grief and sadness at the loss of her family and for arranging a secret meeting with her mother and brother.
His throat felt tight with emotion. For the first time he truly saw all of her grief and sadness at the loss of her family until she had realised that they had come to see her, then the relief and desperation on her lovely face had moved him and he was glad that he had been able to do this one tiny thing for her.
Whether it is standing up to Aaron’s irascible father or Aaron himself, Connie is definitely a force to be reckoned with!
“Perhaps I did not make myself clear. When I said that I wanted to help I meant that I am going to help you, whether you like it or not. I am not some ornamental woman and I will not let you treat me like one.”
The sexual tension builds up deliciously so that their falling in love feels genuine and when they finally make love, it just seems right. Ms. Heath writes such lovely, romantic scenes and I love this one where just a touch of a hand conveys so much. Sometimes, I find it far more romantic than an overtly explicit scene.
When his eyes slowly drifted down to her lips and lingered there, Connie’s heart began to race. His palm was still cupping her cheek, making her skin prickle with an awareness that was both quite alien and intoxicating at the same time.
I also like how Ms Heath includes lovely touches of humour, and this is one of my favourites because it conjured up such a comical picture in my mind!
The door edged open slowly to reveal him standing there with the handkerchief of surrender in one hand while the other hand held a bucket over his head like a helmet. He surveyed the room with exaggerated wariness before he gingerly stepped inside, still holding his bucket armour about his head and looking, much to her utter consternation, quite delightful. ‘I come in peace, Connie. Put down your weapons.’
The Earl of Redbridge, Connie’s father, is a truly despicable man. Not only does he threaten to put Connie and her mother out on the streets if she (Connie) refuses to marry Aaron, but he selfishly pursues his feud with Aaron’s father to the detriment of his daughter’s happiness. A thoroughly dislikeable character whom I’m pleased to say gets everything he deserves.
I was disappointed in the lack of an Epilogue because I love seeing the hero and heroine enjoying their well-deserved Happy Ever After.
MY VERDICT: This was a lovely introduction to Ms. Heath’s books and I will definitely be reading more.
**I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review**
This review was first posted on my Rakes and Rascals blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
May 21, 2020
(2.5 stars) I love marriage of convenience stories and this sounded like it would be a good one, especially considering it's by a new-to-me favorite HR author. Virginia Heath may very well be my favorite Harlequin romance author and she's probably even in my top 10 overall HR author list now.
But no author turns out a winner every time and this one disappointed me a bit. It's not that this is a bad story. It just has a few of my personal bugaboos that annoyed enough to make me feel impatient while reading.
Let's start with the heroine. She was the one causing me the most stress. Described as very tall (6 feet), slender, with abundant beautiful red hair, green eyes and alabaster skin, she focuses only on the "very tall" and believes herself to be shapeless and unattractive to the opposite sex. She develops a feigned I-don't-care attitude around others which makes her belief about her unattractiveness self-fulfilling. It doesn't help to have an unfeeling father who tears her down at every opportunity and has now "sold" her in marriage to a man who does not care for her but only for what the marriage will bring him.
Now, here it must be said that the Stuart family has been feuding with the neighboring Wincanton family for ages. Our hero, Aaron Wincanton, has arrived home from the Wars with PTSD and also a desire to bring the feud to an end. He would like Constance to be an ally in this but since some years ago he had created a teasing nickname for her (Ginger Amazonian) which still smarts and still haunts Connie, she wants nothing to do with him.
However, wouldn't you know it, circumstances find Aaron and Connie having to marry. A "marriage of inconvenience" to both. She because she detests him and he because the Wincanton family is in financial straits and he needs to marry money. (Connie has been disowned by her father and no dowry is forthcoming.)
This book had the bones of a very good story and every once in a while it was to my liking. Aaron's PTSD, for example, is treated realistically and well and Connie's poor self image and low self esteem makes one feel sympathy for her. However, Connie is just too touchy and abrasive and volatile. I found her lacking at times in even common courtesy to Aaron. And the Misunderstandings and Failure to Communicate tropes were out in full force in this HR. It took until the very last few pages for Connie to come to the realization that she was attractive and loveable. (I must say that Aaron's reticence didn't help her much either with this.)
Throughout the story, there were times that Connie would show moments of kindness and consideration for others. That just made her angry, unpleasant outbursts on many occasions that much more disagreeable to me. Also lacking in this story was the fun in the read that I found in the other two Heath HRs I've read. Those were romantic and humorous and witty and a joy to read. This one not so much and I guess I need to laugh or at least smile while reading nowadays.
But no author turns out a winner every time and this one disappointed me a bit. It's not that this is a bad story. It just has a few of my personal bugaboos that annoyed enough to make me feel impatient while reading.
Let's start with the heroine. She was the one causing me the most stress. Described as very tall (6 feet), slender, with abundant beautiful red hair, green eyes and alabaster skin, she focuses only on the "very tall" and believes herself to be shapeless and unattractive to the opposite sex. She develops a feigned I-don't-care attitude around others which makes her belief about her unattractiveness self-fulfilling. It doesn't help to have an unfeeling father who tears her down at every opportunity and has now "sold" her in marriage to a man who does not care for her but only for what the marriage will bring him.
Now, here it must be said that the Stuart family has been feuding with the neighboring Wincanton family for ages. Our hero, Aaron Wincanton, has arrived home from the Wars with PTSD and also a desire to bring the feud to an end. He would like Constance to be an ally in this but since some years ago he had created a teasing nickname for her (Ginger Amazonian) which still smarts and still haunts Connie, she wants nothing to do with him.
However, wouldn't you know it, circumstances find Aaron and Connie having to marry. A "marriage of inconvenience" to both. She because she detests him and he because the Wincanton family is in financial straits and he needs to marry money. (Connie has been disowned by her father and no dowry is forthcoming.)
This book had the bones of a very good story and every once in a while it was to my liking. Aaron's PTSD, for example, is treated realistically and well and Connie's poor self image and low self esteem makes one feel sympathy for her. However, Connie is just too touchy and abrasive and volatile. I found her lacking at times in even common courtesy to Aaron. And the Misunderstandings and Failure to Communicate tropes were out in full force in this HR. It took until the very last few pages for Connie to come to the realization that she was attractive and loveable. (I must say that Aaron's reticence didn't help her much either with this.)
Throughout the story, there were times that Connie would show moments of kindness and consideration for others. That just made her angry, unpleasant outbursts on many occasions that much more disagreeable to me. Also lacking in this story was the fun in the read that I found in the other two Heath HRs I've read. Those were romantic and humorous and witty and a joy to read. This one not so much and I guess I need to laugh or at least smile while reading nowadays.
April 7, 2018
Beautifully written.
January 2, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up
Very satisfying traditional HR. HEatA takes well-worn plot devices (the forced marriage, feuding families, PTSD) and makes something fresh and delightful out of them. Connie and Aaron actually talk to each other; each notices the other's virtues (slowly, to be sure) and their coming together feels both hard-worn and satisfying. I'd read this again, and I'll certainly look for others by Virginia Heath.
Very satisfying traditional HR. HEatA takes well-worn plot devices (the forced marriage, feuding families, PTSD) and makes something fresh and delightful out of them. Connie and Aaron actually talk to each other; each notices the other's virtues (slowly, to be sure) and their coming together feels both hard-worn and satisfying. I'd read this again, and I'll certainly look for others by Virginia Heath.
Read
January 18, 2022DNF
Not feeling the chemistry or anything between the MCs.
Average writing style.
Not feeling the chemistry or anything between the MCs.
Average writing style.
August 7, 2017
Well, after a dodgy beginning, I grew to really like this book! At first, the heroine was driving me nuts- such low self-esteem and apparently tall, gangly and unattractive. Her father was just awful and she was simply a bundle of neuroses.
Then we meet the hero, who is clearly suffering from PTSD and carries a massive guilt complex over something that happened in a war. What a combination- blind leading the blind, you would think.
But it develops into a lovely story of how they manage to break through each other's walls and help each other start to heal. Their pride and stubbornness causes problems with communication and creates misunderstandings, but they come through all their difficulties with flying colours.
He is a caring, sensitive man, she is actually an attractive, magnificent woman- a sweet, enjoyable read. They deserved their HEA:)
Then we meet the hero, who is clearly suffering from PTSD and carries a massive guilt complex over something that happened in a war. What a combination- blind leading the blind, you would think.
But it develops into a lovely story of how they manage to break through each other's walls and help each other start to heal. Their pride and stubbornness causes problems with communication and creates misunderstandings, but they come through all their difficulties with flying colours.
He is a caring, sensitive man, she is actually an attractive, magnificent woman- a sweet, enjoyable read. They deserved their HEA:)
November 17, 2021
I related to and felt for the heroine for at least 40%, but then she started to get on my nerves. She was a shrew for way too long and her insecurities started to overshadow the story. The poor H was henpecked to death.
August 15, 2016
It was fine. I feel like the hero is more patient than I would be with a heroine who constantly bemoans how hideous she is, even though she is actually quite attractive. Aaron's financially foolhardy and outspokenly crude dad is my favorite character, and he spends half the book , so that probably says a lot (bad things, mostly) about the other characters. That said, I like Heath's voice when the dialogue gets flowing. It rolls along nicely and keeps the story interesting even when it isn't compelling.
February 5, 2017
Virginia Heath has recently come on my radar and I've been making a point of reading all her books so I can catch up with her new releases. This is my third book by her, and I can tell you, Heath is brilliant at character development.
I will admit, this plot line is not my favorite. I don't usually enjoy marriage of convenience stories where the characters start out hating each other. Since I so enjoyed Heath's other stories, I thought I'd still give this one a try. I wasn't disappointed. Once again, she created a story filled with layers, which she reveals in perfect time to keep me turning pages.
Constance and Aaron are the children of families that have been involved in a long-running feud. The feud has gone on for so long, no one is quite sure what started it, but the families are neighbors and determined to ruin each other. Except Aaron is tired of the feud and Constance is determined to take care of her tenants. While Aaron and Constance shouldn't be attracted to each other, circumstances come together in a way that causes them to be caught in a compromising situation and are forced to marry.
During the first few chapters, things are uncomfortable. The characters are hurt and feel betrayed by their families and each other. Nasty things are said, but personal reflections reveal that both are tired of the constant animosity and want to make the best of things. This critical desire to connect is what kept me reading.
I will admit, I liked Aaron better than I liked Constance. Aaron is noble and well-meaning and only loses his temper when he is pushed beyond his limits. He wants to make things right for Constance, even at great cost to himself and as I learned more and more about what burdens he was carrying, I really moved onto his side. Constance had many good qualities and was often very perceptive and was a good match for Aaron, but she was also often quick to anger and would become so wrapped up in her own problems that she would miss how destructive she was being despite her ability to read others when she tried. In this novel, I felt like her own insecurities dragged on a little long and caused Aaron more pain than he deserved, but that was my only quibble with this book. Otherwise, I thought this was well-paced, had the right amount of drama, and had a believable romance that developed out of adversity.
I will admit, this plot line is not my favorite. I don't usually enjoy marriage of convenience stories where the characters start out hating each other. Since I so enjoyed Heath's other stories, I thought I'd still give this one a try. I wasn't disappointed. Once again, she created a story filled with layers, which she reveals in perfect time to keep me turning pages.
Constance and Aaron are the children of families that have been involved in a long-running feud. The feud has gone on for so long, no one is quite sure what started it, but the families are neighbors and determined to ruin each other. Except Aaron is tired of the feud and Constance is determined to take care of her tenants. While Aaron and Constance shouldn't be attracted to each other, circumstances come together in a way that causes them to be caught in a compromising situation and are forced to marry.
During the first few chapters, things are uncomfortable. The characters are hurt and feel betrayed by their families and each other. Nasty things are said, but personal reflections reveal that both are tired of the constant animosity and want to make the best of things. This critical desire to connect is what kept me reading.
I will admit, I liked Aaron better than I liked Constance. Aaron is noble and well-meaning and only loses his temper when he is pushed beyond his limits. He wants to make things right for Constance, even at great cost to himself and as I learned more and more about what burdens he was carrying, I really moved onto his side. Constance had many good qualities and was often very perceptive and was a good match for Aaron, but she was also often quick to anger and would become so wrapped up in her own problems that she would miss how destructive she was being despite her ability to read others when she tried. In this novel, I felt like her own insecurities dragged on a little long and caused Aaron more pain than he deserved, but that was my only quibble with this book. Otherwise, I thought this was well-paced, had the right amount of drama, and had a believable romance that developed out of adversity.
April 13, 2020
Novel ini sebenarnya ada potensi besar utk sitcom alias comedy romantic. Sayangnya "gugur" krn author gaya penulisannya terlalu lugas dan lurus-lurus saja. Yg saya kurang suka adalah narasi angst yg berkepanjangan.
Tema ceritanya lumayan unik, dari dua keluarga yg bermusuhan, Constance yg ditemukan dlm kondisi memalukan sedang berciuman dgn Aaron Wincanton, tidak bisa mengelak utk menikah. Lucunya lagi tanah keluarga mereka juga bertetangga. Dari awal Constance sudah jadi istri pemberang alias pemarah. Hanya saja sejak Aaron memberitahu ayahnya sedang sekarat, Constance mulai melunak.
Sisi bagusnya adalah Constance tidak pendendam. Walau ayah mertuanya ini menjengkelkan, Constance berusaha menyenangkan viscount sepuh ini. Dan yg tak terelakkan, Constance jadi jatuh cinta pada Aaron, sebaliknya Constance tidak merasa Aaron memiliki perasaan yg sama dgn dirinya. Constance berniat tetap membatalkan pernikahannya. Akankah Aaron mengabulkan permintaan istrinya ini?
Constance ini tipe heroine yg insecure abis. Ini juga gara-gara Aaron juga sih biang keroknya, yg membuat Constance dijuluki Gadis Amazon. Salah paham diantara mereka kerap terjadi dan ini sebenarnya potensial sekali utk jadi sitkom. Yasud lah, sinergi mereka cukup menarik koq. Aaron membuktikan dari awal dirinya adalah pria yg bertanggungjawab, walau gak menyangka bakal jatuh cinta pd istri pemberangnya ini. Constance juga membantu Aaron utk menyelesaikan persoalan keuangan warisan dari ayahnya.
Saya merasa blm ada hal-hal yg istimewa dari novel ini. Mungkin juga krn ini tipe HR yg ringan juga. Insomnia-nya Aaron malah mengingatkan saya pada novel Tessa Dare "A Week to be Wicked". Tapi intinya sih saya cukup suka ceritanya, krn bagaimanapun awalnya pernikahan itu terjadi, masing-masing harus bertanggungjawab pd keputusannya dan pd masing-masing pasangan utk saling mencintai dan menghormati. Itu saja menurut saya.
Tema ceritanya lumayan unik, dari dua keluarga yg bermusuhan, Constance yg ditemukan dlm kondisi memalukan sedang berciuman dgn Aaron Wincanton, tidak bisa mengelak utk menikah. Lucunya lagi tanah keluarga mereka juga bertetangga. Dari awal Constance sudah jadi istri pemberang alias pemarah. Hanya saja sejak Aaron memberitahu ayahnya sedang sekarat, Constance mulai melunak.
Sisi bagusnya adalah Constance tidak pendendam. Walau ayah mertuanya ini menjengkelkan, Constance berusaha menyenangkan viscount sepuh ini. Dan yg tak terelakkan, Constance jadi jatuh cinta pada Aaron, sebaliknya Constance tidak merasa Aaron memiliki perasaan yg sama dgn dirinya. Constance berniat tetap membatalkan pernikahannya. Akankah Aaron mengabulkan permintaan istrinya ini?
Constance ini tipe heroine yg insecure abis. Ini juga gara-gara Aaron juga sih biang keroknya, yg membuat Constance dijuluki Gadis Amazon. Salah paham diantara mereka kerap terjadi dan ini sebenarnya potensial sekali utk jadi sitkom. Yasud lah, sinergi mereka cukup menarik koq. Aaron membuktikan dari awal dirinya adalah pria yg bertanggungjawab, walau gak menyangka bakal jatuh cinta pd istri pemberangnya ini. Constance juga membantu Aaron utk menyelesaikan persoalan keuangan warisan dari ayahnya.
Saya merasa blm ada hal-hal yg istimewa dari novel ini. Mungkin juga krn ini tipe HR yg ringan juga. Insomnia-nya Aaron malah mengingatkan saya pada novel Tessa Dare "A Week to be Wicked". Tapi intinya sih saya cukup suka ceritanya, krn bagaimanapun awalnya pernikahan itu terjadi, masing-masing harus bertanggungjawab pd keputusannya dan pd masing-masing pasangan utk saling mencintai dan menghormati. Itu saja menurut saya.
March 23, 2018
This is my second book from this author and I like her writing style. The narrative flows smoothly and the characters are well developed.
In this book, tall, red haired Connie ends up married to the son of her father’s archenemy Aaron.
They enter the marriage in less than amicable terms, she ruined and he about to get financially ruined.
The romance grows slowly, they get to know each other and to see what lays within. I love how she cared for his father and was concerned for him and also that he is honorable and sweet.
Some misunderstandings just took too long to be clarified, but overall a nice and sweet read.
I will surely be reading more from Mrs. Heath.
In this book, tall, red haired Connie ends up married to the son of her father’s archenemy Aaron.
They enter the marriage in less than amicable terms, she ruined and he about to get financially ruined.
The romance grows slowly, they get to know each other and to see what lays within. I love how she cared for his father and was concerned for him and also that he is honorable and sweet.
Some misunderstandings just took too long to be clarified, but overall a nice and sweet read.
I will surely be reading more from Mrs. Heath.
September 21, 2017
Not my favorite of the Virginia Heath books I've read so far, but a pretty good way to pass a rainy sick day at home. 3.5 stars
June 7, 2018
Sweet and lovely
Coining and Aaron are characters that are both equally likeable, not to mention relatable. Connie grew up insecure because of the taunts her very own father threw at her. It doesn't help that society was cruel. Because of this she developed body image issues.
Aaron came back from the war scarred with PTSD. His father's estate was also in big trouble. Connie and Aaron are flung together to confront their centuries -old feud after an incident.
I love how the author showed PTSD instead of talked about it annoyingly like many do.
Coining and Aaron are characters that are both equally likeable, not to mention relatable. Connie grew up insecure because of the taunts her very own father threw at her. It doesn't help that society was cruel. Because of this she developed body image issues.
Aaron came back from the war scarred with PTSD. His father's estate was also in big trouble. Connie and Aaron are flung together to confront their centuries -old feud after an incident.
I love how the author showed PTSD instead of talked about it annoyingly like many do.
July 12, 2016
I was a bit cheeky with this one. I dropped an email to the author via her website telling her how much I enjoyed her first book and she kindly sent me her second one early. This one is a another quick read, and I actually enjoyed it more than the first book (yes I know I got it for free!). Connie is hilarious, tempestuous and beautifully vulnerable underneath all of her fire. It also helped that I have a soft sport for tortured soldiers, which, spoiler alert, Aaron is.
December 5, 2023
Ir vėl netikėtai atrandu, kad knyga pasakoja anksčiau skaitytos knygos priešistorę (Pavogtas bučinys). Viena vertus, negali tikėtis, kas visų veikėjų meilės istorijos bus papasakotos, bet kita vertus, kaip malonu atrasti tokias. Skaičiau ir vietomis burbėjau, kaip veikėjai užsispyrusiai nesikalba, nutyli, ir taip prisidaro problemų vietoj to, kad jas išspręstų. Bet ką gi, gyvenime taip būna, santykiuose irgi. Savi sunkumai, skaudžios, net traukinės patirtys ir demonai, su kuriais sunku tvarkytis vienam. Malonus laiko praleidimas skaitant.
January 6, 2018
Another delightful, diverting read by Virginia Heath.
Both the hero and the heroine were well drawn characters. And they had the whole enemies to lovers thing down. I loved that they really went for it.
I really like this author's stuff.
Both the hero and the heroine were well drawn characters. And they had the whole enemies to lovers thing down. I loved that they really went for it.
I really like this author's stuff.
August 31, 2020
Yesssss I loved this! I loved Connie, and Aaron too. I do wish the healing had focused a bit more on Connie’s insecurity but there were some nice angsty moments all the same. The ending was a bit abrupt, though, this could really use an epilogue
August 9, 2021
Tall Girl (the netflix movie w/ Sabrina Carpenter) with star-crossed lovers and PTSD, set in post-napoleonic wars England ( yay Wellington i guess??)
enjoyable even tho the middle of the book dragged a little~
enjoyable even tho the middle of the book dragged a little~
April 24, 2019
An enjoyable read and nicely written, slow burn, Historical Romance. 3.5 stars.
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It really needs an epilogue though.
April 29, 2024
verbal sparring close to drawing blood >>>>>
April 25, 2025
4.25 ⭐️’s
🌻historical romance
🌻marriage of convenience
🌻close/forced proximity
🌻enemies-to-lovers (rival families)
🌻historical romance
🌻marriage of convenience
🌻close/forced proximity
🌻enemies-to-lovers (rival families)
July 2, 2019
A high 4 stars. I enjoyed this, but feel like I've read it before, like the exact story. I'm pretty sure I read the paperback and forgot to log it here on goodreads
November 16, 2020
Καλό για το είδος του
August 11, 2016
I do love a regency romance and was thoroughly surprised and captivated by this tale by Virginia Heath. This is the first book I’ve read by Virginia Heath and I’m already considering downloading her debut novel ‘That Despicable Rogue’.
Virginia transported me back in time to when courtships were taken place in ballrooms and ladies were like a commodity to suitable suitors to help bring wealth to estates. I was soon transfixed to this romantic tale that was filled with obligations and responsibilities, to feuds and entitlement, to respect and honour, to innocent wanting’s and raw longings. I loved how the author dealt so sensitively with difficult subject matters. Emotional bullying was quite common place many years ago and women especially felt first hand the taunting effects of this. Virginia also broached the subject of PTSD, which is quite a relatively new recognised condition however, as humans the shock and trauma of terrible ordeals will not have been felt differently decades ago to what they are now. I loved how the male and female characters had certain strengths dealing with these two unpleasant experiences. I was completely romanticised by this historical read and at times wished the shy and stubborn characters would just open up to each other … but then there wouldn’t be much of a story. A mesmerising regency romp to fall in love with 5/5*.
Virginia transported me back in time to when courtships were taken place in ballrooms and ladies were like a commodity to suitable suitors to help bring wealth to estates. I was soon transfixed to this romantic tale that was filled with obligations and responsibilities, to feuds and entitlement, to respect and honour, to innocent wanting’s and raw longings. I loved how the author dealt so sensitively with difficult subject matters. Emotional bullying was quite common place many years ago and women especially felt first hand the taunting effects of this. Virginia also broached the subject of PTSD, which is quite a relatively new recognised condition however, as humans the shock and trauma of terrible ordeals will not have been felt differently decades ago to what they are now. I loved how the male and female characters had certain strengths dealing with these two unpleasant experiences. I was completely romanticised by this historical read and at times wished the shy and stubborn characters would just open up to each other … but then there wouldn’t be much of a story. A mesmerising regency romp to fall in love with 5/5*.
October 25, 2020
Missed the mark for me.
I love the "Star-crossed lovers from feuding families" trope, and there were things about this book I liked, but ultimately there were some things that let me down:
I would have liked to see more interactions between Connie and Aaron BEFORE they are forced into marriage. There are passing references to them sparring at various social events for two months prior, and Aaron later talks about his immediate attraction to her the first time they met years before. Why didn't I get to see any of that? It felt like I missed out on the beginning of their story.
The ending felt incredibly rushed. A little lovemaking solves both her insecurity about her looks and his persistent PTSD, and all it took for her brother to put her dad in his place was to realize that the estate is entailed. It all felt too easy.
Two words: copy editing. Invest.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and it kept me engaged, but if you are looking for a great feuding families story that gives you the whole romantic arc and isn't riddled with typos I recommend "A Matter of Class" by Mary Balogh.
I love the "Star-crossed lovers from feuding families" trope, and there were things about this book I liked, but ultimately there were some things that let me down:
I would have liked to see more interactions between Connie and Aaron BEFORE they are forced into marriage. There are passing references to them sparring at various social events for two months prior, and Aaron later talks about his immediate attraction to her the first time they met years before. Why didn't I get to see any of that? It felt like I missed out on the beginning of their story.
The ending felt incredibly rushed. A little lovemaking solves both her insecurity about her looks and his persistent PTSD, and all it took for her brother to put her dad in his place was to realize that the estate is entailed. It all felt too easy.
Two words: copy editing. Invest.
All in all, I did enjoy the book and it kept me engaged, but if you are looking for a great feuding families story that gives you the whole romantic arc and isn't riddled with typos I recommend "A Matter of Class" by Mary Balogh.
March 24, 2017
As always beautifully written. I completely adored this book, characters to love and yes some I would love to slap silly and quite rightly so being the ones I would slap are bullies. Thank you for another amazing read xxxx
August 6, 2016
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews