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The Sutherland Sisters #2
Lady Charlotte's First Love
From spirited young woman to reckless widow, the beautiful Marchioness of Hadley remains a force to be reckoned with. But beneath her antics lies a broken heart . . .
Since her husband’s tragic death, Lady Charlotte Hadley has embarked on a path of careless behavior and dangerous hijinks from which no one can divert her . . . until suddenly, her first—and only—true love reenters her world. Their fiery romance was so scandalous Charlotte had no choice but to marry another, more suitable man. Surely now they are both free to pick up where they left off . . .
Julian West has returned to London a hero after making a name for himself in battle at Waterloo. Every woman is vying for his attention—except the one who stole his heart. No matter, Julian has other obligations. But when Charlotte’s sister, Eleanor, charges him with protecting the widow from ruin, what ensues is another kind of battle—one that leads a chase from London’s bars and brothels to the finest country estate as Julian and Charlotte untangle a host of secrets, regrets, and misunderstandings. For could it be that the love they’ve forced themselves to forget is exactly what they need to remember? . .
Since her husband’s tragic death, Lady Charlotte Hadley has embarked on a path of careless behavior and dangerous hijinks from which no one can divert her . . . until suddenly, her first—and only—true love reenters her world. Their fiery romance was so scandalous Charlotte had no choice but to marry another, more suitable man. Surely now they are both free to pick up where they left off . . .
Julian West has returned to London a hero after making a name for himself in battle at Waterloo. Every woman is vying for his attention—except the one who stole his heart. No matter, Julian has other obligations. But when Charlotte’s sister, Eleanor, charges him with protecting the widow from ruin, what ensues is another kind of battle—one that leads a chase from London’s bars and brothels to the finest country estate as Julian and Charlotte untangle a host of secrets, regrets, and misunderstandings. For could it be that the love they’ve forced themselves to forget is exactly what they need to remember? . .
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
149 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
52 books843 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 22, 2018
I didn’t like this one…
Here we have a ton of angst without two words given as explanation!
I arrived on almost 2/3 of the book and I still didn’t know what were their sins… I understood only that:
She has a secret
She does stupid things because she’s feeling guilty about something
She wants help, but doesn’t want to explain what’s the problem
He has a secret
He does stupid things because he’s feeling guilty about the death of his friend
He doesn’t want help
They both are feeling that they have to atone for their sins
And so they wound each other with mean words and immediately want to unsaid what they said/done a few hours ago…
All that was interspaced by sex scenes that didn’t made sense, but were, IMHO, inserted randomly to give the reader a much needed pause from all that angst!
It was actually a painful read…
And all of this goes on for pages and pages and pages….
Oh, the writing is what made me continue reading, but at the end I didn’t like neither Charlotte nor Julian.
Charlotte was a spoilt lady deeply depressed and unwilling to get help for some misguided idea that she deserved to suffer in punishment for her sins. Julian was the same. Both of them have some very heavy issues and I mean mental issues. Could be PTSD, could be just fragility, at least in Charlotte’s case.
Another thing: their situation and issues were solved in the last 10 pages!!! Can you imagine? She became a strong, courageous woman just because she told the truth to Julian, while he gets to see the light while riding to London to meet his never-seen fiancé, while abandoning Charlotte, but changes his mind mind and instead of formally asking her to marry him retracts his offer and returns to Charlotte!!! All that in 3-4 pages!!!!
It was just too much!!!
Because of all of this I really cannot rate this book more than 2 stars… and I’m being generous…
Here we have a ton of angst without two words given as explanation!
I arrived on almost 2/3 of the book and I still didn’t know what were their sins… I understood only that:
She has a secret
She does stupid things because she’s feeling guilty about something
She wants help, but doesn’t want to explain what’s the problem
He has a secret
He does stupid things because he’s feeling guilty about the death of his friend
He doesn’t want help
They both are feeling that they have to atone for their sins
And so they wound each other with mean words and immediately want to unsaid what they said/done a few hours ago…
All that was interspaced by sex scenes that didn’t made sense, but were, IMHO, inserted randomly to give the reader a much needed pause from all that angst!
It was actually a painful read…
And all of this goes on for pages and pages and pages….
Oh, the writing is what made me continue reading, but at the end I didn’t like neither Charlotte nor Julian.
Charlotte was a spoilt lady deeply depressed and unwilling to get help for some misguided idea that she deserved to suffer in punishment for her sins. Julian was the same. Both of them have some very heavy issues and I mean mental issues. Could be PTSD, could be just fragility, at least in Charlotte’s case.
Another thing: their situation and issues were solved in the last 10 pages!!! Can you imagine? She became a strong, courageous woman just because she told the truth to Julian, while he gets to see the light while riding to London to meet his never-seen fiancé, while abandoning Charlotte, but changes his mind mind and instead of formally asking her to marry him retracts his offer and returns to Charlotte!!! All that in 3-4 pages!!!!
It was just too much!!!
Because of all of this I really cannot rate this book more than 2 stars… and I’m being generous…
September 11, 2017
***ARC provided by publisher through NetGalley***
Julian West returns to London on a hero's welcome and reputation, but he feels a fraud. There's nothing heroic in him, since he left his friend to die in the field. He intends to stay in London just long enough to fulfill his obligation, but his cousin's wife's request proves to be yet another obligation.
Eleanor's younger sister, Charlotte, the one who stole Julian's heart and broke it a year ago, is going through a scandalous phase now that she's out of mourning for her husband, and Ellie and Cam need Julian to curb her impulses. Julian owes Ellie, so he's willing to do anything to repay the debt he feels toward her, so he agrees, knowing that Charlotte's spell won't work on him twice. He's no longer the man she knew...But the first time he lays eyes on her after the year spent apart, Julian realizes, Charlotte is no longer the woman he fell in love with.
Charlotte and Julian's story, this story, is a perfect example of how a single decision can change one of multiple lives and futures.
In the previous book Julian first seduced Charlotte, then she seduced him, they both fell in love, but Charlotte suddenly found out Julian's true role in his cousin's scheme, and, cutting all communications, married another. She sent word of her nuptials to Julian on the day of her wedding, and he went off to war...Charlotte's husband died mere four months after the wedding, and his death, and everything that followed, changed her. Julian had also been changed in the battlefield and its aftermath...Their decisions, spurred by the misunderstanding and lack of trust, shaped them, changed their lives, and their characters.
But in the end, once it all worked out, once these two idiots actually talked to each other without the barriers of resentment, anger, hurt, and betrayal, it turned out the change wasn't that big at all; their new personas were just masks they hid behind, afraid to show their true self with all their flaws. And they ended up being the only ones who could look and actually see behind the other's mask.
This wasn't an easy story to read. It wasn't happy, it wasn't funny, it wasn't carefree. Far from it. It was dark, troubled, angsty, and turbulent. And I loved every single, dark, moody moment of it.
I didn't particularly care for either the protagonists' behavior; the antagonism was grating, especially since I knew their history and what was beneath their animosity. What bothered me the most was Charlotte's blasé attitude toward what her behavior meant for her family and her seemingly complete disregard for her sister's feelings. Yes, she didn't know what she wanted, she felt she deserved to be punished, but I don't understand why she felt her sister needed to be punished as well.
Oh well. She and her reasoning was off, I guess.
Julian, as he hero, was no better, hiding behind his icy veneer, blaming the "vast blackness" inside him for snapping at Charlotte, when it was obvious it all stemmed from his hurt feelings.
These two were so wrong for each other, especially in their initial states of mind, they were absolutely perfect for each other. A match made in dysfunctional Heaven, if you like, and I enjoyed every single bruising, hurtful moment they spent together.
Because I just wanted for them to figure it out, work out whatever bothered them individually and about each other, I wanted the truth to come out, and I wanted the blasted conflict to end. Which would've if they actually talked, communicated.
I usually hate these types of conflicts that stem from miscommunications, but I found myself enjoying this one, looking forward to each scene, each tidbit of truth that was revealed, because as dysfunctional a pair these two were, despite me not approving of all their choices and behavior, I was invested in these two characters.
Which just goes to show, what a great author Anna Bradley is for creating these two heavily layered, flawed, issue-laden characters, enveloping them in a complex, dark, and angsty story, and still making them shine, showing what was beneath their veneer and mask, keeping me rooting for them, keeping my fingers crossed they don't make an even bigger mess of things...
I got my wish. I suffered, but it was worth it.
Damn, what a wonderful story!
Julian West returns to London on a hero's welcome and reputation, but he feels a fraud. There's nothing heroic in him, since he left his friend to die in the field. He intends to stay in London just long enough to fulfill his obligation, but his cousin's wife's request proves to be yet another obligation.
Eleanor's younger sister, Charlotte, the one who stole Julian's heart and broke it a year ago, is going through a scandalous phase now that she's out of mourning for her husband, and Ellie and Cam need Julian to curb her impulses. Julian owes Ellie, so he's willing to do anything to repay the debt he feels toward her, so he agrees, knowing that Charlotte's spell won't work on him twice. He's no longer the man she knew...But the first time he lays eyes on her after the year spent apart, Julian realizes, Charlotte is no longer the woman he fell in love with.
Charlotte and Julian's story, this story, is a perfect example of how a single decision can change one of multiple lives and futures.
In the previous book Julian first seduced Charlotte, then she seduced him, they both fell in love, but Charlotte suddenly found out Julian's true role in his cousin's scheme, and, cutting all communications, married another. She sent word of her nuptials to Julian on the day of her wedding, and he went off to war...Charlotte's husband died mere four months after the wedding, and his death, and everything that followed, changed her. Julian had also been changed in the battlefield and its aftermath...Their decisions, spurred by the misunderstanding and lack of trust, shaped them, changed their lives, and their characters.
But in the end, once it all worked out, once these two idiots actually talked to each other without the barriers of resentment, anger, hurt, and betrayal, it turned out the change wasn't that big at all; their new personas were just masks they hid behind, afraid to show their true self with all their flaws. And they ended up being the only ones who could look and actually see behind the other's mask.
This wasn't an easy story to read. It wasn't happy, it wasn't funny, it wasn't carefree. Far from it. It was dark, troubled, angsty, and turbulent. And I loved every single, dark, moody moment of it.
I didn't particularly care for either the protagonists' behavior; the antagonism was grating, especially since I knew their history and what was beneath their animosity. What bothered me the most was Charlotte's blasé attitude toward what her behavior meant for her family and her seemingly complete disregard for her sister's feelings. Yes, she didn't know what she wanted, she felt she deserved to be punished, but I don't understand why she felt her sister needed to be punished as well.
Oh well. She and her reasoning was off, I guess.
Julian, as he hero, was no better, hiding behind his icy veneer, blaming the "vast blackness" inside him for snapping at Charlotte, when it was obvious it all stemmed from his hurt feelings.
These two were so wrong for each other, especially in their initial states of mind, they were absolutely perfect for each other. A match made in dysfunctional Heaven, if you like, and I enjoyed every single bruising, hurtful moment they spent together.
Because I just wanted for them to figure it out, work out whatever bothered them individually and about each other, I wanted the truth to come out, and I wanted the blasted conflict to end. Which would've if they actually talked, communicated.
I usually hate these types of conflicts that stem from miscommunications, but I found myself enjoying this one, looking forward to each scene, each tidbit of truth that was revealed, because as dysfunctional a pair these two were, despite me not approving of all their choices and behavior, I was invested in these two characters.
Which just goes to show, what a great author Anna Bradley is for creating these two heavily layered, flawed, issue-laden characters, enveloping them in a complex, dark, and angsty story, and still making them shine, showing what was beneath their veneer and mask, keeping me rooting for them, keeping my fingers crossed they don't make an even bigger mess of things...
I got my wish. I suffered, but it was worth it.
Damn, what a wonderful story!
October 8, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2y86cyp
Aaaaahhh, Anna Bradley. It wouldn't be one of her books if I didn't want to stab someone at least once!
Quick of it is that Charlotte's having a wild-widow-loose-in-London breakdown and her family is all ohmahgawd we have to do something so they bring in Julian who has his own holy-shit-I'm-all-fucked-up thing going on and task him with getting Charlotte to leave the city and retire to the country with her family where she'll hopefully not cause her ruin with her crazy antics. Of course last time they saw each other shit did not go down well. So, yes. This will go well. Especially after he finds her smoking and drinking in a whore house. Erms. Yall. Widow-gone-wild. I'm telling you.
I liked Charlotte and Julian. I did. And wanted to throttle them both because good night, yall! Talking would have done both of them a world of good. But no. No, no. These two are stubborn little things. They have their reasons. They do. Really they're both hurting for different reasons and just don't know what to do with themselves.
Their past and all that pesky jump-each-other's-naughty-bits chemistry zinging about when they were trying to keep hating each other was entertainingly frustrating. Whew, yeah.
But I did like them and their difficult selves. Even if Julian did wind up needing a bit of stabbing he made it all the way to 65% before that happened! Not to be outdone, I had a brief oh no you didn't moment with Charlotte, too. lol
Family, drama, crazy friendships, damaged loved trying to mend itself, hurt, sass, the cattiness of the ton all combined for one entertaining read. Lady Charlotte's First Love was classic Bradley. Her characters may be a spot...difficult and drive you crazy now and again but dang if you can resist loving them completely in the end.
December 23, 2017
I think I have found a new writer to follow.
This is a book full of promises. The writer’s style is very readable. I enjoyed her way of visualizing a scene, which always helps me establish some kind of connection to the story. But at the same time, a promise is just a promise. It has not been fulfilled. This is how I feel about this book: it is very promising for a new writer, but it promises, it doesn’t deliver.
For 80% of the story, we are told repeatedly that Charlotte had some dark secrets. But the writer wouldn’t come out and say it. So the readers are kept in the dark but dragged along for this merry chase, where everyone hinted and no one ever said anything useful. After a while I got really annoyed. What’s with all the “i deserve to be punished”? After a while it was just melodramatic. I feel that the writer didn’t really do those pains justice. And she wouldn’t tell the readers what it was about. We are supposed to feel the anguish without knowing what it’s all about. I had my guesses. And if you have read enough HR yes you guessed right. But I got tired of waiting for the writer to finally tell us what it was all about. And when she finally got around to it, I was out of patience.
This book is like a dog chasing its own tail. It kept going in circles. But it’s a pretty dog so you keep looking at it. But it keeps going in circles and you get dizzy trying to follow it. In the end you just throw your hands in the air and say please stop you are driving me nuts.
I will certainly read more from the writer. I just hope her other books have more substance and she doesn’t employ the same trick to keep readers’ interests.
This is a book full of promises. The writer’s style is very readable. I enjoyed her way of visualizing a scene, which always helps me establish some kind of connection to the story. But at the same time, a promise is just a promise. It has not been fulfilled. This is how I feel about this book: it is very promising for a new writer, but it promises, it doesn’t deliver.
For 80% of the story, we are told repeatedly that Charlotte had some dark secrets. But the writer wouldn’t come out and say it. So the readers are kept in the dark but dragged along for this merry chase, where everyone hinted and no one ever said anything useful. After a while I got really annoyed. What’s with all the “i deserve to be punished”? After a while it was just melodramatic. I feel that the writer didn’t really do those pains justice. And she wouldn’t tell the readers what it was about. We are supposed to feel the anguish without knowing what it’s all about. I had my guesses. And if you have read enough HR yes you guessed right. But I got tired of waiting for the writer to finally tell us what it was all about. And when she finally got around to it, I was out of patience.
This book is like a dog chasing its own tail. It kept going in circles. But it’s a pretty dog so you keep looking at it. But it keeps going in circles and you get dizzy trying to follow it. In the end you just throw your hands in the air and say please stop you are driving me nuts.
I will certainly read more from the writer. I just hope her other books have more substance and she doesn’t employ the same trick to keep readers’ interests.
September 15, 2018
3.5
I could read 100 novels in a row from Anna Bradley's pen. And enjoy of all them with a very high probability.
This novel is heart-wrenching, and I'm not really talking about the protagonists' difficult relationship, but about Charlotte's . The part of the novel settled at Hadley House is certainly the most well written in the story, it is particularly poignant, the feeling of bleakness and anguish in that place is something I strongly felt.
I also found the way Charlotte is depicted in this part, as particularly interesting within the world of historical romances, ; which is crucial if you want to make credible the way she acts...but can also be a dangerous decision. The author worked it out perfectly.
There is only one aspect that didn't convinced me as much, .
The novel follows the second option, which is great if you ask me. However, in this case, more plot is generally needed; and here in my opinion it was too rushed.
Moreover, and this is a question I started asking myself in Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor, why did Charlotte hide her pregnancy? I'm aware of all the historical difficulties, and I can also understand that a young woman could be scared, and I would have understood all of it if Julian had decided to leave for the army before she had found out, but I honestly do not find particularly believable that the way Julian behaved in the previous novel, although wrong, is sufficient to justify Charlotte's decision to marry another when Julian had also demonstrated his deep feelings for her and his intention to be honourable.
Of course in this instance we would have not have this novel the way it is but let's say that I would have avoided the pregnancy entirely.
Nevertheless these types of storyline give me great pleasure, and Anna Bradley is a highly skilled author, and I loved Charlotte and Julian from the beginning.
I received an ARC of this novel
I could read 100 novels in a row from Anna Bradley's pen. And enjoy of all them with a very high probability.
This novel is heart-wrenching, and I'm not really talking about the protagonists' difficult relationship, but about Charlotte's . The part of the novel settled at Hadley House is certainly the most well written in the story, it is particularly poignant, the feeling of bleakness and anguish in that place is something I strongly felt.
I also found the way Charlotte is depicted in this part, as particularly interesting within the world of historical romances, ; which is crucial if you want to make credible the way she acts...but can also be a dangerous decision. The author worked it out perfectly.
There is only one aspect that didn't convinced me as much, .
The novel follows the second option, which is great if you ask me. However, in this case, more plot is generally needed; and here in my opinion it was too rushed.
Moreover, and this is a question I started asking myself in Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor, why did Charlotte hide her pregnancy? I'm aware of all the historical difficulties, and I can also understand that a young woman could be scared, and I would have understood all of it if Julian had decided to leave for the army before she had found out, but I honestly do not find particularly believable that the way Julian behaved in the previous novel, although wrong, is sufficient to justify Charlotte's decision to marry another when Julian had also demonstrated his deep feelings for her and his intention to be honourable.
Of course in this instance we would have not have this novel the way it is but let's say that I would have avoided the pregnancy entirely.
Nevertheless these types of storyline give me great pleasure, and Anna Bradley is a highly skilled author, and I loved Charlotte and Julian from the beginning.
I received an ARC of this novel
April 24, 2019
Somebody said Anna Bradley’s Lady Charlottes First Love was absolutely tragic. I can’t help but agree.
This book utterly broke my heart. And it’s still broken. I’m not happy. The hero is not redeemed in my eyes. The heroine is not healed. I give 🌟🌟🌟 for the emotional turmoil but cannot give above that for multiple reasons.
Lady Charlotte and Julian have a messy history. This history begins in book one (Lady Eleanor’s Seventh Suitor) yet you don’t get all the details of it. You can make assumptions for what happens, and I was correct in them, but it’s almost like you are looking through a foggy glass. I was hoping this book would provide more details to that history, at least one good flashback but I didn’t get it. I think I would have been extremely annoyed if I read this as a stand-alone, especially as I’m already annoyed and DID get whatever history was offered.
The book starts many months after their separation from book one. Julian returns from war and the drama between them begins again. I feel like I cannot really discuss this book without giving away spoilers. Lots of drama. Lots of angst. Secrets. Lies. Hurt. Betrayal. Tears.
This hero is a complete jerk. He says awful, unforgivable things. I am okay with this if it’s a heart wrenching scene that he is then crawling on his knees for forgiveness. I didn’t feel that. He says horrible things not once, or twice, but multiple times to the heroine. He is hurt and lashes out. She has wronged him as well and is punishing herself. It’s just such a dark book.
The character development is deep. I enjoy her writing. I do get immersed in the story (however, I did find this book a little boring until about 100 pages in). But I felt no tension. I didn’t care at all about the sex. In fact it felt WRONG. No sex, more groveling is what I wanted.
They get their happily ever after but I want to leave a book feeling like there’s no loose ends. They truly love each other. They understand and have healed from their past hurts between them. I didn’t feel like that.
I seriously feel so depressed. 😭 I’m going to read the fortnight read, which is by Tessa Dare and will hopefully cheer me up.
This book utterly broke my heart. And it’s still broken. I’m not happy. The hero is not redeemed in my eyes. The heroine is not healed. I give 🌟🌟🌟 for the emotional turmoil but cannot give above that for multiple reasons.
Lady Charlotte and Julian have a messy history. This history begins in book one (Lady Eleanor’s Seventh Suitor) yet you don’t get all the details of it. You can make assumptions for what happens, and I was correct in them, but it’s almost like you are looking through a foggy glass. I was hoping this book would provide more details to that history, at least one good flashback but I didn’t get it. I think I would have been extremely annoyed if I read this as a stand-alone, especially as I’m already annoyed and DID get whatever history was offered.
The book starts many months after their separation from book one. Julian returns from war and the drama between them begins again. I feel like I cannot really discuss this book without giving away spoilers. Lots of drama. Lots of angst. Secrets. Lies. Hurt. Betrayal. Tears.
This hero is a complete jerk. He says awful, unforgivable things. I am okay with this if it’s a heart wrenching scene that he is then crawling on his knees for forgiveness. I didn’t feel that. He says horrible things not once, or twice, but multiple times to the heroine. He is hurt and lashes out. She has wronged him as well and is punishing herself. It’s just such a dark book.
The character development is deep. I enjoy her writing. I do get immersed in the story (however, I did find this book a little boring until about 100 pages in). But I felt no tension. I didn’t care at all about the sex. In fact it felt WRONG. No sex, more groveling is what I wanted.
They get their happily ever after but I want to leave a book feeling like there’s no loose ends. They truly love each other. They understand and have healed from their past hurts between them. I didn’t feel like that.
I seriously feel so depressed. 😭 I’m going to read the fortnight read, which is by Tessa Dare and will hopefully cheer me up.
September 22, 2017
I'd actually do 3.5 stars . . .
Series: The Sutherland Sisters #2
Publication Date: 10/3/17
What an emotionally wrenching ride to reach a Happily Ever After! Toward the end of the first book in the series, Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor, you got an inkling of the issues that permeate this book. There are multiple issues but you could discern them from the first book’s story. This book deals with the aftermath and reactions of each of the main characters. You really do need to read the first book in order to gain a full appreciation for and understanding of this story. I liked these characters in the first book but somehow couldn’t come to like or be invested in them in this one. They are broken individuals and remain that way through the majority of the book – well, maybe the whole book except for perhaps the epilogue. There is a lot of melodrama.
Recap from the first book: Charlotte Sutherland was madly, deeply, passionately in love with Julian West. They had an intimate relationship until she overheard something that made her believe that he had pursued her only because it made things easier for his cousin Cam to pursue her sister. That is true, to a point. Julian did start pursuing her for that reason, but he came to love her as much as she loved him. When she announces her engagement to another man, Julian heads off to war.
A year later Julian returns from the war, except he isn’t the same Julian who left. That Julian was joyous, happy, humorous and loved life. This Julius is hard and joyless. This Julius is Captain West.
Charlotte is leading a frenetic life in London. She is courting scandal at every turn and each thing she does is more outrageous than the last. She hates to be alone. As you read the book, you’ll find out the reasons for this.
There is a new character introduced in this book and I really liked him. His name is Devon and he is an Earl. He knew all of Charlotte’s secrets and pains and helped her deal with them – he also wanted to marry her. He will be the hero in the next book and that one looks like it will be a good one. Maybe not quite so dark and angsty.
I find this review a bit hard to write without including spoilers – which I won’t do. I have a number of concerns and questions around the book and the plot and the characters, but they all hinge on those spoilers as well. The bottom line is that I liked both of these characters in the first book and was disappointed in them in this book. I did enjoy the story but don’t pick it up looking for a lighthearted, happy read because you won’t find it here.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Series: The Sutherland Sisters #2
Publication Date: 10/3/17
What an emotionally wrenching ride to reach a Happily Ever After! Toward the end of the first book in the series, Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor, you got an inkling of the issues that permeate this book. There are multiple issues but you could discern them from the first book’s story. This book deals with the aftermath and reactions of each of the main characters. You really do need to read the first book in order to gain a full appreciation for and understanding of this story. I liked these characters in the first book but somehow couldn’t come to like or be invested in them in this one. They are broken individuals and remain that way through the majority of the book – well, maybe the whole book except for perhaps the epilogue. There is a lot of melodrama.
Recap from the first book: Charlotte Sutherland was madly, deeply, passionately in love with Julian West. They had an intimate relationship until she overheard something that made her believe that he had pursued her only because it made things easier for his cousin Cam to pursue her sister. That is true, to a point. Julian did start pursuing her for that reason, but he came to love her as much as she loved him. When she announces her engagement to another man, Julian heads off to war.
A year later Julian returns from the war, except he isn’t the same Julian who left. That Julian was joyous, happy, humorous and loved life. This Julius is hard and joyless. This Julius is Captain West.
Charlotte is leading a frenetic life in London. She is courting scandal at every turn and each thing she does is more outrageous than the last. She hates to be alone. As you read the book, you’ll find out the reasons for this.
There is a new character introduced in this book and I really liked him. His name is Devon and he is an Earl. He knew all of Charlotte’s secrets and pains and helped her deal with them – he also wanted to marry her. He will be the hero in the next book and that one looks like it will be a good one. Maybe not quite so dark and angsty.
I find this review a bit hard to write without including spoilers – which I won’t do. I have a number of concerns and questions around the book and the plot and the characters, but they all hinge on those spoilers as well. The bottom line is that I liked both of these characters in the first book and was disappointed in them in this book. I did enjoy the story but don’t pick it up looking for a lighthearted, happy read because you won’t find it here.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 18, 2017
This story took me on such a journey - from 'what a wicked games you play', to 'love is a battelfield' and at the end 'you never forget your first love'.
I loved the hero and the heroine. He was not the man Charlotte used to know. Since he came back from the battle, he was now dark, troubled, angsty, and moody. And Charlotte has built a wall around her (heart).
But their story was a beautiful one. And I really liked the authors writting style.
I loved the hero and the heroine. He was not the man Charlotte used to know. Since he came back from the battle, he was now dark, troubled, angsty, and moody. And Charlotte has built a wall around her (heart).
But their story was a beautiful one. And I really liked the authors writting style.
October 5, 2017
Originally posted on < a href="https://adriasromancereviews.blogspot... Musings and Reviews Review to come soon. (Blog post MAY have additional content such as playlists, interviews, giveaways, etc).
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? A year ago Lady Charlotte thought she had found love with Julian West, then she found out he was part of a revenge plan and she was his target. Her heart broke and she married someone else. Julian on the other hand went off to war with a broken heart because he truly did love Charlotte only she wouldn’t see him after they spent a night together and then she married someone else. Now he’s back from the war wracked with guilt and not in the mood to help his cousin Cam, who is married to Charlotte’s sister Ellie. They want Julian to find Charlotte and convince her to join them in their country estate. Since Charlotte was widowed she’s been acting reckless and while Julian is sure he doesn’t care for the woman he thought he loved a year ago, he reluctantly agrees to bring her home. Well, he finds her and her wicked widows club in a brothel and when he sees Charlotte again he can’t help but feel again.
Overall reaction to the story? The angst and heartache almost did me in! Lady Charlotte’s First Love has so much emotion bursting from the pages and I couldn’t help but be drawn into Julian and Charlotte’s conflicted romance. These two had so much to work through because so much had happened in the year since they last saw each other. This book is definitely high on the angst and heartbreak but to me that made the romance so much sweeter, so much more earned if that makes sense. Their inner demons weren’t easy and the guilt they suffered for their individual mistakes was the biggest threat to them individually and as a whole but by the end I was so happy for Julian and Charlotte because they’re that kind of couple that you know loves with everything they have.
Describe the hero in five words: Stubborn. Kind. Loyal. Loving. Damaged.
Did you like him? Yes.
Why? I liked Julian when I first met him in his cousin Cam’s book, Lady Eleanor’s Seventh Suitor. Julian lacked the ruthlessness of his cousin and had a kind of poetic, gentle lover kind of vibe about him. He fell so hard for Charlotte in that book and when she turned away from him he was broken. Now Julian’s experiences as a soldier have turned him more like his cousin used to be. He’s bitter, wracked with guilt, and determined to stay away from Charlotte. He was so different but I still liked him, he loved his cousin and was genuinely happy for him and Ellie but he was totally broken. I have a soft spot for broken characters like Julian. He was a good guy who saw horrible things and was haunted by them and he just forgot who he was for awhile, but that’s what made him such a good character. There was still some of that gentle, passionate, kind man in there somewhere that needed to come out so he could truly join the living again.
Describe the heroine in five words: Caring. Destroyed. Stubborn. Lost. Smart.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Charlotte bore the brunt of her falling out with Julian and she bore it alone. That really had me feeling for her because it totally changed her. I missed that spirited, mischievous young girl she used to be but it was clear early on that she wasn’t that person anymore. No matter that she married someone else, Charlotte truly believed that Julian didn’t love her like she loved him and how could she believe him? He had played a part in his cousin’s stupid revenge plan and while Julian soon backed off of the plan and really did fall in love with Charlotte, the damage was already done. I felt for her, she was alone in her grief and unrequited love because she never stopped loving Julian. That’s a torture in itself. I wanted Charlotte to overcome her grief because it wasn’t just the loss of Julian that was tormenting her and I understood why she felt so guilty, she was a good person and she felt like she could have been better for her late husband.
Let’s talk about the romance: There was no question that Julian and Charlotte belonged together. I fell in love with their sweet romance in the first book and had my heart broken right along with theirs but these two were special. They had a connection that was impossible to deny and difficult to describe. Not all couples have this special magic that comes from a sweetly passionate first love gone wrong. There was just something so dang solid about their feelings for each other even when they were fighting not to feel it again. Julian was just so hopelessly in love with Charlotte and she desperately wanted to love him again it was just so powerful. I fell in love with their second chance romance. It was like watching a dying garden being touched by sunlight for the first time in long while.
How about that supporting cast? There isn’t much by way of supporting cast except for Cam and Ellie and Charlotte’s wicked widows club which consists of three other women who are for their own reasons engaging in risky (for their reputations) behavior. By all accounts they seemed to be good friends though and I’d love for them to get their own stories soon. Then there was Charlotte’s other friend Lord Devon who seemed to be fighting a bad reputation and his own demons. Heavens but I can’t resist those kinds of characters!
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Lady Charlotte’s First Love is a sigh worthy emotional romance that I wouldn’t pass up for anything.
* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
What’s it About? A year ago Lady Charlotte thought she had found love with Julian West, then she found out he was part of a revenge plan and she was his target. Her heart broke and she married someone else. Julian on the other hand went off to war with a broken heart because he truly did love Charlotte only she wouldn’t see him after they spent a night together and then she married someone else. Now he’s back from the war wracked with guilt and not in the mood to help his cousin Cam, who is married to Charlotte’s sister Ellie. They want Julian to find Charlotte and convince her to join them in their country estate. Since Charlotte was widowed she’s been acting reckless and while Julian is sure he doesn’t care for the woman he thought he loved a year ago, he reluctantly agrees to bring her home. Well, he finds her and her wicked widows club in a brothel and when he sees Charlotte again he can’t help but feel again.
Overall reaction to the story? The angst and heartache almost did me in! Lady Charlotte’s First Love has so much emotion bursting from the pages and I couldn’t help but be drawn into Julian and Charlotte’s conflicted romance. These two had so much to work through because so much had happened in the year since they last saw each other. This book is definitely high on the angst and heartbreak but to me that made the romance so much sweeter, so much more earned if that makes sense. Their inner demons weren’t easy and the guilt they suffered for their individual mistakes was the biggest threat to them individually and as a whole but by the end I was so happy for Julian and Charlotte because they’re that kind of couple that you know loves with everything they have.
Describe the hero in five words: Stubborn. Kind. Loyal. Loving. Damaged.
Did you like him? Yes.
Why? I liked Julian when I first met him in his cousin Cam’s book, Lady Eleanor’s Seventh Suitor. Julian lacked the ruthlessness of his cousin and had a kind of poetic, gentle lover kind of vibe about him. He fell so hard for Charlotte in that book and when she turned away from him he was broken. Now Julian’s experiences as a soldier have turned him more like his cousin used to be. He’s bitter, wracked with guilt, and determined to stay away from Charlotte. He was so different but I still liked him, he loved his cousin and was genuinely happy for him and Ellie but he was totally broken. I have a soft spot for broken characters like Julian. He was a good guy who saw horrible things and was haunted by them and he just forgot who he was for awhile, but that’s what made him such a good character. There was still some of that gentle, passionate, kind man in there somewhere that needed to come out so he could truly join the living again.
Describe the heroine in five words: Caring. Destroyed. Stubborn. Lost. Smart.
Did you like her? Yes.
Why? Charlotte bore the brunt of her falling out with Julian and she bore it alone. That really had me feeling for her because it totally changed her. I missed that spirited, mischievous young girl she used to be but it was clear early on that she wasn’t that person anymore. No matter that she married someone else, Charlotte truly believed that Julian didn’t love her like she loved him and how could she believe him? He had played a part in his cousin’s stupid revenge plan and while Julian soon backed off of the plan and really did fall in love with Charlotte, the damage was already done. I felt for her, she was alone in her grief and unrequited love because she never stopped loving Julian. That’s a torture in itself. I wanted Charlotte to overcome her grief because it wasn’t just the loss of Julian that was tormenting her and I understood why she felt so guilty, she was a good person and she felt like she could have been better for her late husband.
Let’s talk about the romance: There was no question that Julian and Charlotte belonged together. I fell in love with their sweet romance in the first book and had my heart broken right along with theirs but these two were special. They had a connection that was impossible to deny and difficult to describe. Not all couples have this special magic that comes from a sweetly passionate first love gone wrong. There was just something so dang solid about their feelings for each other even when they were fighting not to feel it again. Julian was just so hopelessly in love with Charlotte and she desperately wanted to love him again it was just so powerful. I fell in love with their second chance romance. It was like watching a dying garden being touched by sunlight for the first time in long while.
How about that supporting cast? There isn’t much by way of supporting cast except for Cam and Ellie and Charlotte’s wicked widows club which consists of three other women who are for their own reasons engaging in risky (for their reputations) behavior. By all accounts they seemed to be good friends though and I’d love for them to get their own stories soon. Then there was Charlotte’s other friend Lord Devon who seemed to be fighting a bad reputation and his own demons. Heavens but I can’t resist those kinds of characters!
Click It or Skip It? Click It. Lady Charlotte’s First Love is a sigh worthy emotional romance that I wouldn’t pass up for anything.
September 3, 2017
The is the second book in THE SUTHERLAND SISTERS series and it's not a lighthearted regency romance. This book is filled with so much guilt, misunderstandings and pain. Charlotte Sutherland was just a wonderful character in the first book, but in this book, she's broken and filled with guilt over the way her life has turned out over the past year. Julian West loved Charlotte from the moment he saw her, but when she unexpectantly turns around and marries Lord Hadley, he devastated and joins the army. When he returns to London hailed as a hero, it only adds to his guilt that he couldn't save his best friend on the battlefield. He's no hero, just a shell of the man he used to be.
Two broken characters filled with so much pain makes this book darker than most Regency romances. Ms. Bradley teases out details how they both have suffered during the last year and their unyielding guilt begins to make sense--Charlotte for her husbands early death and Julian for not saving his friend. When Julian is tasked with getting Charlotte to agree to leave London and return to her childhood home with her family, the battle of the wills begins. Who is stronger? Will Julian ever discover why Charlotte deserted him a year ago? And will Charlotte ever comes to terms with the ghosts of her past? This book is a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you turning the pages until the very end to see if Charlotte and Julian can rekindle the love they once knew again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Two broken characters filled with so much pain makes this book darker than most Regency romances. Ms. Bradley teases out details how they both have suffered during the last year and their unyielding guilt begins to make sense--Charlotte for her husbands early death and Julian for not saving his friend. When Julian is tasked with getting Charlotte to agree to leave London and return to her childhood home with her family, the battle of the wills begins. Who is stronger? Will Julian ever discover why Charlotte deserted him a year ago? And will Charlotte ever comes to terms with the ghosts of her past? This book is a roller coaster of emotions that will keep you turning the pages until the very end to see if Charlotte and Julian can rekindle the love they once knew again.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 23, 2017
Charlotte Sutherland was in love with her brother-in-law’s cousin, Julian West, but when he joined the army to fight Napoleon, she married the Marquess of Hadley. She didn’t love Hadley as she did Julian and feels guilty over his accidental death from a fall off his horse. She avoids her family by staying to herself and her 3 widowed friends. Her sister and brother-in-law, Ellie and Cam, are very concerned over the places she and her friends go and don’t understand why she won’t come with them to the country estate.
Julian returned from war with survivor’s guilt and pain. His best friend died in battle and Julian thinks he should have saved him. He wants to make it up to his friend by taking care of his sister, which he thinks includes marrying her. When Cam asks him to help Charlotte, he reluctantly agrees as he still hurts over her marrying another man. They still love each other, but won’t admit it.
The rest of this very good story is for you to read. I enjoyed it very much and can easily recommend it. I can’t wait for the next book, Twelfth Night with the Earl, about Lord Devon, one of the secondary characters in this book (Nov. 14th).
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC. Release date is October 3rd!
Julian returned from war with survivor’s guilt and pain. His best friend died in battle and Julian thinks he should have saved him. He wants to make it up to his friend by taking care of his sister, which he thinks includes marrying her. When Cam asks him to help Charlotte, he reluctantly agrees as he still hurts over her marrying another man. They still love each other, but won’t admit it.
The rest of this very good story is for you to read. I enjoyed it very much and can easily recommend it. I can’t wait for the next book, Twelfth Night with the Earl, about Lord Devon, one of the secondary characters in this book (Nov. 14th).
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC. Release date is October 3rd!
October 21, 2017
Love's tragedy!
A Shakespearean tragedy if ever there was one. Enmeshed in the emotional harrowing web that pulls at Julian West and Lady Charlotte Hadley I found it hard to put this down.
West returns from the war a broken man, followed by nightmares, and yet feted as a hero--a sobriquet he detests and knows in his inner being is a lie.
Charlotte is a widow with devastating memories of her relationship with West, the blame she carries for her husband's death, and the betrayal she feels West dealt her.
Charged by his cousin Cam who is Charlotte's brother-in-law, to to bring Charlotte home to her family, the last thing West wants to do is face down the troublesome, brittle marchioness. A woman who is constantly outraging the ton, cutting a swathe through high society with her equally outrageous friends, and who is a step away from being rejected by this august group. A woman who has always been the light of West's life no matter how he tries to deny it.
When I previously said I could hardly wait for Charlotte's story I didn't realize the depth of pain that would be forthcoming.
Two broken people condemning themselves to unsatisfactory lives through misunderstanding and on West's part, misplaced duty.
A NetGalley ARC
A Shakespearean tragedy if ever there was one. Enmeshed in the emotional harrowing web that pulls at Julian West and Lady Charlotte Hadley I found it hard to put this down.
West returns from the war a broken man, followed by nightmares, and yet feted as a hero--a sobriquet he detests and knows in his inner being is a lie.
Charlotte is a widow with devastating memories of her relationship with West, the blame she carries for her husband's death, and the betrayal she feels West dealt her.
Charged by his cousin Cam who is Charlotte's brother-in-law, to to bring Charlotte home to her family, the last thing West wants to do is face down the troublesome, brittle marchioness. A woman who is constantly outraging the ton, cutting a swathe through high society with her equally outrageous friends, and who is a step away from being rejected by this august group. A woman who has always been the light of West's life no matter how he tries to deny it.
When I previously said I could hardly wait for Charlotte's story I didn't realize the depth of pain that would be forthcoming.
Two broken people condemning themselves to unsatisfactory lives through misunderstanding and on West's part, misplaced duty.
A NetGalley ARC
October 4, 2017
'Lady Charlotte's First Love' by Anna Bradley is Book Two in "The Sutherland Sisters" series. This is the story of Lady Charlotte Hadley and Julian West. I feel you can make this a standalone book if you choose to do so but totally enjoy their story you might want to.
Charlotte and Julian have met earlier in the previous book "Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor" and Julian was helping his cousin become closer to Charlotte's sister. Charlotte found out and felt hurt and went a married someone else. Julian left for Waterloo and that was it until now. Charlotte is a widow and starting to do scandalous things to keep from being alone. Julian too has changed after returning home. No longer the fun and funny guy he is hurt and serious. Loved watching these tow come together and heal each other.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Charlotte and Julian have met earlier in the previous book "Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor" and Julian was helping his cousin become closer to Charlotte's sister. Charlotte found out and felt hurt and went a married someone else. Julian left for Waterloo and that was it until now. Charlotte is a widow and starting to do scandalous things to keep from being alone. Julian too has changed after returning home. No longer the fun and funny guy he is hurt and serious. Loved watching these tow come together and heal each other.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR...
June 18, 2018
4.25 stars
Another good read by Anna Bradley. This is the second one I read this week and I’ve loved them both. So much more pain and angst in this one than the first book and so much sadness. I keep telling myself I need to savor the book and not read it all in one sitting, but just as I put the book down to do something else, it calls back to me. Same with the first book..... this author’s books have the perfect recipe for just the right amount of angst and romance.
Definitely recommend if you’re into historicals.
Another good read by Anna Bradley. This is the second one I read this week and I’ve loved them both. So much more pain and angst in this one than the first book and so much sadness. I keep telling myself I need to savor the book and not read it all in one sitting, but just as I put the book down to do something else, it calls back to me. Same with the first book..... this author’s books have the perfect recipe for just the right amount of angst and romance.
Definitely recommend if you’re into historicals.
January 23, 2019
Anna Bradley does a wonderful job of writing men who need to be redeemed because I pretty much despised the male main characters for both Sutherland Sisters books. I know that it isn't all that en vogue for women to fall in love with and forgive assholes, but Ms. Bradley manages to take what is an overused (and not often well done ) trope and write a story that is heartbreaking, bittersweet, and then offers redemption for both main characters. Absolutely loved this!
September 8, 2017
Enjoyed this book immensely, I knocked off a star as I think the hero was a bit rash in some of the situations.
Looking forward to Devons story.
4 Stars
Arc received from NetGalley for an honest review
Looking forward to Devons story.
4 Stars
Arc received from NetGalley for an honest review
August 2, 2020
3.5 stars. Such a sad book. The whole second half was very emotional. It took me until about the 70% mark to figure out what was driving Charlotte’s sadness.
I’d love to read the books of all of the side characters. Now to research and see if they exist...
I’d love to read the books of all of the side characters. Now to research and see if they exist...
September 27, 2018
This one gave me anxiety. I think Charlotte and Julian had way too many disagreements. Also I hate this trope of not telling a man you're carrying his child. For goodness sake.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2017
4.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-DY
We met our heroine, Charlotte Sutherland, in LADY ELEANOR'S SEVENTH SUITOR, where she was part of a revenge plot by Camden West and his cousin, Julian West. Julian's task was to compromise Charlotte, which he did, but with disastrous consequences. Charlotte fell immediately and genuinely in love with Julian, and to his surprise, he fell in love also. When Charlotte learns that her seduction was part of a scheme, she is devastated, and refuses all further contact with Julian. In what is no doubt an act of desperation, Charlotte immediately marries Lord Hadley, and a heartbroken Julian goes off to war.
In the intervening year, the lives of Charlotte and Julian have changed drastically. Julian fought in the battle of Waterloo, and has returned to be hailed as a hero. Yet, he's a different man - he suffers guilt and nightmares, and he's not the charming, carefree man he was. As for Charlotte, her husband tragically died after only four months of marriage. Rather than remain in mourning, Charlotte has returned to town with a vengeance. She keeps company with three other "wicked" widows and Lord Devon, who has a reputation as a debauched rake and a possible murderer. Their escapades get more daring and scandalous every day, and Charlotte is teetering on the edge of social ruin.
Charlotte's sister, Eleanor, and her now-husband, Cam, beg Julian to try to bring Charlotte to heel, before she takes an irrevocable step. The last thing Julian wants is to see the woman who broke his heart, but he agrees, and begins to dog her steps, rescuing her from outlandish situations. Charlotte doesn't want to be rescued, and doesn't want to see Julian, but he won't stay away.
It's clear that there is definitely more to Charlotte's story. Her actions are caused by a desperation that is tearing her apart. While she is battling the demons from her past and her brief marriage, Julian is suffering from PTSD and fighting his own ghosts. His new personality can be cruel, while Charlotte's flightiness and disregard for seemingly everything but excitement is painful and hard to read. While I could sympathize with both of them, I was torn between wanting to shake them and hug them. I had a hard time liking the people this couple had become.
We do get occasional glimpses of the people Charlotte and Julian used to be. When the details of Charlotte's marriage are revealed, her actions become understandable. It seems impossible that this couple could ever find a way back to each other, through the pain and betrayals and the obstacles now in their path. Yet, they do, and the journey is very rough. This is not a light or easy read, but it is emotional and powerful and impacted me greatly. LADY CHARLOTTE'S FIRST LOVE is an intense read, one that I won't forget, and one that I recommend for the reader who wants a compelling story that will totally envelop you.
We met our heroine, Charlotte Sutherland, in LADY ELEANOR'S SEVENTH SUITOR, where she was part of a revenge plot by Camden West and his cousin, Julian West. Julian's task was to compromise Charlotte, which he did, but with disastrous consequences. Charlotte fell immediately and genuinely in love with Julian, and to his surprise, he fell in love also. When Charlotte learns that her seduction was part of a scheme, she is devastated, and refuses all further contact with Julian. In what is no doubt an act of desperation, Charlotte immediately marries Lord Hadley, and a heartbroken Julian goes off to war.
In the intervening year, the lives of Charlotte and Julian have changed drastically. Julian fought in the battle of Waterloo, and has returned to be hailed as a hero. Yet, he's a different man - he suffers guilt and nightmares, and he's not the charming, carefree man he was. As for Charlotte, her husband tragically died after only four months of marriage. Rather than remain in mourning, Charlotte has returned to town with a vengeance. She keeps company with three other "wicked" widows and Lord Devon, who has a reputation as a debauched rake and a possible murderer. Their escapades get more daring and scandalous every day, and Charlotte is teetering on the edge of social ruin.
Charlotte's sister, Eleanor, and her now-husband, Cam, beg Julian to try to bring Charlotte to heel, before she takes an irrevocable step. The last thing Julian wants is to see the woman who broke his heart, but he agrees, and begins to dog her steps, rescuing her from outlandish situations. Charlotte doesn't want to be rescued, and doesn't want to see Julian, but he won't stay away.
It's clear that there is definitely more to Charlotte's story. Her actions are caused by a desperation that is tearing her apart. While she is battling the demons from her past and her brief marriage, Julian is suffering from PTSD and fighting his own ghosts. His new personality can be cruel, while Charlotte's flightiness and disregard for seemingly everything but excitement is painful and hard to read. While I could sympathize with both of them, I was torn between wanting to shake them and hug them. I had a hard time liking the people this couple had become.
We do get occasional glimpses of the people Charlotte and Julian used to be. When the details of Charlotte's marriage are revealed, her actions become understandable. It seems impossible that this couple could ever find a way back to each other, through the pain and betrayals and the obstacles now in their path. Yet, they do, and the journey is very rough. This is not a light or easy read, but it is emotional and powerful and impacted me greatly. LADY CHARLOTTE'S FIRST LOVE is an intense read, one that I won't forget, and one that I recommend for the reader who wants a compelling story that will totally envelop you.
October 4, 2017
This is one of those "book two in a series" stories where you technically don't have to have read the first in order to be able to understand and enjoy this one, but it will give you more of an in-depth back-story between Julian and Charlotte if you do.
That being said, this is not your average historical romance. To begin with both Julian as well as Charlotte are deeply flawed. They are NOT the same people we met and enjoyed in book one. Julian has just returned from experiencing firsthand the horrors of war. He has to live with the things he has seen and the choices he has had to make. I would go as far as to say he experiences a form of PTSD. And what does he come home to? A world where people look upon him as a hero (something he does not see himself as) while they beg to hear stories he would rather not talk about. Charlotte is no longer the young girl who was completely smitten with Julian either. She harbors some dark secrets herself, including the fear that she was the cause of her husband's death.
Unfortunately for Charlotte, no one seems to think to ask her what she wants, or even takes a good long look into what she does to try and figure out the why of it. They just attempt to order her about because they "know what is best for her". Thankfully, even if his original motive is a bit misguided, Julian does eventually see Charlotte as she is, and even more, who she is now. And even then, they still have to fight for their happily ever after. And that fight ventures into some pretty dark places.
Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novel that deal with some "darker" topics.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
That being said, this is not your average historical romance. To begin with both Julian as well as Charlotte are deeply flawed. They are NOT the same people we met and enjoyed in book one. Julian has just returned from experiencing firsthand the horrors of war. He has to live with the things he has seen and the choices he has had to make. I would go as far as to say he experiences a form of PTSD. And what does he come home to? A world where people look upon him as a hero (something he does not see himself as) while they beg to hear stories he would rather not talk about. Charlotte is no longer the young girl who was completely smitten with Julian either. She harbors some dark secrets herself, including the fear that she was the cause of her husband's death.
Unfortunately for Charlotte, no one seems to think to ask her what she wants, or even takes a good long look into what she does to try and figure out the why of it. They just attempt to order her about because they "know what is best for her". Thankfully, even if his original motive is a bit misguided, Julian does eventually see Charlotte as she is, and even more, who she is now. And even then, they still have to fight for their happily ever after. And that fight ventures into some pretty dark places.
Overall, I am sure this story may still appeal to those who enjoy a well written historical romance novel that deal with some "darker" topics.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
September 1, 2017
Wow, what a heartbreaking story. Don't worry, you'll still get your HEA but this was definitely one of the more heartbreaking stories in The Sutherland Series. This is the second in The Sutherland Sisters series but these follow The Sutherland Scandals series which was focused on the older brothers in the family. This one is about Charlotte Sutherland who we got to know in Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor. While this book can be read stand alone, there is actually quite a bit of history between Charlotte and Julian which actually drive the story of the last book. It also sets up the relationship for this book so I'd highly recommend reading Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor first. It's also a great story so you can't go wrong. The tone of this story though is not as light and silly as the first book. After seeing how carefree and fun Charlotte used to be it was heartbreaking to see her now after she's been widowed. In this story, Charlotte has been widowed in the last year and she's been on a self destructive path. Her family has tried everything they could think of to help her. When Julian returns as a hero from war, he is coerced by his cousin, who is Charlotte's brother in law, to help. The path they go down had me feeling every emotion from anger and frustration to hopeful. Both Charlotte and Julian have been through a lot and despite everything between them, you can't help but be invested in their HEA as you're reading this. Loved this second chance love story.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 4, 2017
The relationship between Lady Charlotte Hadley and Julian West, was first revealed in “Lady Eleanor’s Seventh Suitor. The intensity of their relationship was obvious in the first book but so was their downfall. In “Lady Charlotte’s First Love”, Charlotte and Julian demonstrate how love is often thought of as “akin to hate”. They are so determined to hurt the other whilst it is obvious, that they still love each other. Charlotte has married but has found herself a widow whilst Julian has returned from the Battle of Waterloo, a hero, but believing himself a fraud. Julian’s brother and sister-in -law have asked him to protect Charlotte, but their past hurts make for a difficult situation.
The hurt and despair surrounding Charlotte and Julian is palpable. It was difficult not to be drawn into the sadness of this relationship. Ms Bradley gradually reveals the tender feelings between them, giving the reader hope. I loved it! Since reading the first in The Sutherland Sisters series, I have gone and found the previous series about Charlotte and Eleanor’s brothers. I can’t wait for the third installment in this series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The hurt and despair surrounding Charlotte and Julian is palpable. It was difficult not to be drawn into the sadness of this relationship. Ms Bradley gradually reveals the tender feelings between them, giving the reader hope. I loved it! Since reading the first in The Sutherland Sisters series, I have gone and found the previous series about Charlotte and Eleanor’s brothers. I can’t wait for the third installment in this series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 1, 2017
Definitely a good book. Quite a few difficult issues are tackled (ptsd, death, guilt) - and how these life altering issues can completely change a person. I did have a few issues with this book though:
I get that Julian has issues, but I think there was one too many scenes of him flying off the handle and saying cruel, despicable things. It made it hard to believe they could ever heal as a couple. Also, as a reader I didn't trust him to not hurt Charlotte again.
And then when they finally forgave each other.... It happened way too fast. They're both broken shells of humans, but they find love and it's all cool? It's a lovely thought, but doesn't mesh with the rest of the story.
Julian's father plays a roll in the first book, but is complete absent in this one. It's a storyline that's unfinished.
I get that Julian has issues, but I think there was one too many scenes of him flying off the handle and saying cruel, despicable things. It made it hard to believe they could ever heal as a couple. Also, as a reader I didn't trust him to not hurt Charlotte again.
And then when they finally forgave each other.... It happened way too fast. They're both broken shells of humans, but they find love and it's all cool? It's a lovely thought, but doesn't mesh with the rest of the story.
Julian's father plays a roll in the first book, but is complete absent in this one. It's a storyline that's unfinished.
September 1, 2017
How in the world are Julian and Charlotte going to get their HEA? Wow, that is hard to figure out while reading this book. It is so full of emotion. There is heartache for both Julian and Charlotte and you just do not know if they can make a go of it. This is darker than the other books in the series but stick with it to the end – it is definitely worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 19, 2017
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Sutherland series. We first met charlotte in book one where she fell in love with Julian. They had a brief affair but he went off to war and she got married. Now a widow Charolotte is determined to live in the moment and Julian wants to protect her. The story was well done. I laughed and cried and enjoyed it a great deal.
May 25, 2019
What a depressing story!!
In previous book theirs seems to be a great love story to come! Not really! While reading I couldn’t picture them together and I couldn’t picture them apart. They were far too damaged souls. Julian said so many hurtful things to Charlotte during the book that when he actually regretted and tried to make up for it, it seemed unreal. They had their HEA but it felt so unnatural, so unconvincing!
Too bad! I had such big expectations for their love story.
I’m disappointed!
In previous book theirs seems to be a great love story to come! Not really! While reading I couldn’t picture them together and I couldn’t picture them apart. They were far too damaged souls. Julian said so many hurtful things to Charlotte during the book that when he actually regretted and tried to make up for it, it seemed unreal. They had their HEA but it felt so unnatural, so unconvincing!
Too bad! I had such big expectations for their love story.
I’m disappointed!
October 3, 2023
I LOve Anna Bradley's writing style, she is an accomplished writer and her characters are round and deep.
I don't really care for her love scenes, though.
I don't really care for her love scenes, though.
December 31, 2017
This book had a lot of potentials, but the repetition of the same scene made the book in some how boring and dull.
August 31, 2017
I received this book from net galley for an honest review. Thank you!!
This novel was a great read. It is filled with much angst. Both characters have suffered greatly for over a year, each in different ways. Lies and secrets caused their downfall, but maybe it can mended. This novel can be read separately but if you want a better understanding of Charlotte and Julian's beginnings and what led to their falling out, you should read the first novel.
Lady Charlotte Sutherland Hadley is running amok around London. She has joined with the "wicked widows" and does not refuse a challenge. Charlotte is suffering internally and London is her escape. She fell in love with Julian West, but married another man, who died after only a few months of marriage. Charlotte felt betrayed by Julian, after he and his cousin tried to blackmail her sister.
Captain Julian West fell in love with Charlotte Sutherland but was angered when she married another man, which caused him to join the army. He was a rogue, but meeting Charlotte changed everything. Julian blames himself for the death of his friend and does not like being called a hero, for he believes it is a lie. To disperse some of the guilt, he betrothed himself to his friend's sister. When Julian is asked to reign in Charlotte, he reluctantly agrees. Julian follows Charlotte all through London. He knows she is destroying her reputation, but does not understand why. Charlotte's friend, Lord Devon, has been with Charlotte and Julian is jealous. This jealously causes him to strike at Charlotte in cruel ways, which breaks her, for Julian does not know what happened to her in the last year. This causes much turmoil in him since he loves Charlotte with a passion and she loves him, her first love. But Charlotte is still keeping secrets from Julian. When Julian discovers the truth, how will he handle it and where does it leave him and Charlotte?
This novel was a great read. It is filled with much angst. Both characters have suffered greatly for over a year, each in different ways. Lies and secrets caused their downfall, but maybe it can mended. This novel can be read separately but if you want a better understanding of Charlotte and Julian's beginnings and what led to their falling out, you should read the first novel.
Lady Charlotte Sutherland Hadley is running amok around London. She has joined with the "wicked widows" and does not refuse a challenge. Charlotte is suffering internally and London is her escape. She fell in love with Julian West, but married another man, who died after only a few months of marriage. Charlotte felt betrayed by Julian, after he and his cousin tried to blackmail her sister.
Captain Julian West fell in love with Charlotte Sutherland but was angered when she married another man, which caused him to join the army. He was a rogue, but meeting Charlotte changed everything. Julian blames himself for the death of his friend and does not like being called a hero, for he believes it is a lie. To disperse some of the guilt, he betrothed himself to his friend's sister. When Julian is asked to reign in Charlotte, he reluctantly agrees. Julian follows Charlotte all through London. He knows she is destroying her reputation, but does not understand why. Charlotte's friend, Lord Devon, has been with Charlotte and Julian is jealous. This jealously causes him to strike at Charlotte in cruel ways, which breaks her, for Julian does not know what happened to her in the last year. This causes much turmoil in him since he loves Charlotte with a passion and she loves him, her first love. But Charlotte is still keeping secrets from Julian. When Julian discovers the truth, how will he handle it and where does it leave him and Charlotte?
September 2, 2017
I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This book is the second in the series The Sutherland Sisters and I do think you need to read the first one Lady Eleanor's Seventh Suitor first. There are also 2 related books Sutherland Scandals: A Wicked Way to Win an Earl and A Season of Ruin. In this book the heroine and hero who were quite wonderful characters in the first book are quite broken and remain that way for most of the book. I was a bit disappointed that they took so long to find their way again and there is a lot of melodrama if you haven't read the first book you will have no idea why Charlotte is so shattered because she is not telling anyone. I expected more from this book because Charlotte was such a wonderful character in the first book. I wanted her to lead Justin on a merry dance in order to win back her love but she cannot as she is unable to stop punishing herself. In the end I did enjoy reading the story but it is not one to read when you are looking for something lighthearted.
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