A Raging Madness

The Golden Redepennings #2

by Jude Knight

Their marriage is a fraud. Their enemies are all too real.
Ella survived an abusive and philandering husband, in-laws who hate her, and public scorn. But she’s not sure she will survive love. It is too late to guard her heart from the man forced to pretend he has married such a disreputable widow, but at least she will not burden him with feelings he can never return. She prays he will learn to tolerate her.
Alex understands his supposed wife never wishes to remarry. And if she had chosen to wed, it would not have been to him. He should have wooed her when he was whole, when he could have had her love, not her pity. But it is too late now. She looks at him and sees a broken man. He hopes she will learn to bear him.
In a masquerade of marriage, Ella and Alex soon discover they are more well-matched than they thought possible. But then the couple’s blossoming trust is ripped apart by an enemy determined to destroy them both. Two lost souls must together face the demons of their past to save their lives and give their love a future.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Mystery, Historical

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2017

About the author

Have you ever wanted something so much you were afraid to even try? That was me ten years ago.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a novelist. I even started dozens of stories, over the years.

But life kept getting in the way. A seriously ill child who required years of therapy; a rising mortgage that led to a full-time job; six children, my own chronic illness… the writing took a back seat.

As the years passed, the fear grew. If I didn't put my stories out there in the market, I wouldn't risk making a fool of myself. I could keep the dream alive if I never put it to the test.

Then my mother died. That great lady had waited her whole life to read a novel of mine, and now it would never happen.

So I faced my fear and changed it--told everyone I knew I was writing a novel. Now I'd make a fool of myself for certain if I didn't finish.

My first book came out to excellent reviews in December 2014, and the rest is history. Many books, lots of positive reviews, and a few awards later, I feel foolish for not starting earlier.

I write historical fiction with a large helping of romance, a splash of Regency, and a twist of suspense. I then try to figure out how to slot the story into a genre category. I'm mad keen on history, enjoy what happens to people in the crucible of a passionate relationship, and love to use a good mystery and some real danger as mechanisms to torture my characters.

Dip your toe into my world with one of my lunch-time reads collections or a novella, or dive into a novel. And let me know what you think.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series very much. This involves Alex Redepenning and Eleanor, Lady Melville. They had known each other from their time in the war, but now Alex was out of the army due to his injuries. There was so much in this book from their escape, the canal trip with incidents along the way and to the time spent in London and in Lincolnshire. There was also the relationship between Alex and Ella which was complicated and outside factors didn’t help. There is also the mystery of who is trying to harm them and why. There are a number of interesting secondary characters and I’m looking forward to reading the next book, which will tell more of Alex’s sister, Susan. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jude Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ssshhh. Alex is my favourite hero yet. Just saying.

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like every one of Jude Knight's stories, this one drew me into the world she created. Her books are filled with wonderful, fleshed out, believable characters. "A Raging Madness," is Alex's story. We read about him in "Farewell to Kindness," but now we get to understand why he is bitter. Alex is a beautiful person, inside and out, and I loved him! As the story progressed, each misconception was peeled away to see a beautiful love story that was not contrived, but very convincing.

The story is so REAL. Jude Knight doesn't write like a 21st century author writing about the past, but rather like she is a contemporary of this era. All her allusions are so fitting. She does not try to show off that she knows her history, which apparently she does.

The book has drama, love, humor, and mystery. I would be reading along and there would be a funny, or charming, or very romantic sentence or scene, that was enchanting.

And the plot!!!! The plots in her books are fantastic. I am led through page after page of incredible events that (often) I don't even see coming--this was especially true in "Revealed in Mist." In "A Raging Madness" I could figure out some things ahead of time, but still the unfolding was very satisfying.

I cannot understand why Jude Knight is not better known! She is a marvelous writer and story teller. I try very hard to get my hands on everything she has written, and I am honored to say that she allowed me to read this book ahead of time for this review. HOWEVER, I plan to purchase this book as soon as it is available. I want a complete set of everything she has written.
I highly recommend this and all her books, and although they are connected, I don't think it matters if you read them as stand-alones or in any order. It won't diminish the enjoyment of any of them. I can't wait for the next book: "The Realm of Silence."

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, goodness! What a melodramatic start for the heroine. I actually didn't like this setup for her, and unfortunately, this colored my feelings about the rest of the book. I had just recently finished another novel about someone who suffered in an English asylum in the 1800s. The other book treated the subject very seriously, so in this novel it felt jarring to see it merely used as a plot device to set up the story and elicit empathy from the reader. I felt like the author's writing was a bit stilted, which caused some distance between me and the work. I did like the character of the hero, though. I tend to have a soft spot for the wounded war hero, who believes that his physical issues make him less of a person. I felt like the book needed some editorial pruning. In the middle section especially, the author seemed to have scenes that didn't serve a dramatic purpose.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

The story of Ella and Alex takes readers back to another time and place in England.

Read full review in the 2018 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the series. I did not read the first one (I had no idea there was a first one, oh well), but this did well as a stand-alone; I think the other book followed two other characters - not 100% sure though.

But yes, this story follows Ella and Alex. The two of them have had lots of horrible stuff happen to them from the past and in their present. Ella comes to Alex for help and a part of Alex needed helping too. They had loved each other but never acted on it since Ella had been previously married to a scum-bag. But fate throws them a bone and they really have to work for it. It was not an easy road for them. Which I really do love that in a romance...you know they are going to end up together, but it is fun watching the journey and having that worry that they may not.

There is LOTS of drama and a lot going on. Ella had the roughest time...yes, Alex had a rough patch too, but I feel Ella had a lot on her plate. There were a couple of times I did tear up for her. BUT a lot of it could have been avoided if THEY COMMUNICATED! GAH! *rips hair out of head* Just say what you mean and how you really feel. Gah! Yes, yes, if they did that then there would've never even been a second book. I get it, but still maddening.

Anyways...

It did take me FOREVER to finally get into the book. I had a hard time the first 20 or so pages. Not that the beginning was slow, it just did not grip me right away. I also had an issue with the flow of the story during some parts. It just felt uneven and chunky. The rest of the book flowed well overall. Also, there were some unrealistic parts that had me sigh.

Besides for the first 20 pages, the flow in a couple spots, and a couple cheesy parts I really enjoyed this book. It was sad, but it was a beautiful story of two people going through so many trials and heartaches to finally be together. I do recommend reading this if you love a story about moving forward and finding happiness. Out of five stars, I shall stamp this with....4.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a suspenseful and dramatic saga about love, betrayal, control and jealousy. Alex and Ella met when she was fourteen, she fell in love with him soon after, he resisted the attraction because she was too young for him. They met in a war camp where her father was the doctor, and spent most of Alex's time traveling together. She is tough, stoic and vulnerable. He is stubborn, gullible, caring and patient. One day, while Alex was away on a mission, Ella married a man named Gervais. Alex was shocked and hurt when he found out, so when Gervais told him that she trapped him, and that she was a worthless wife. Eventually he sent her to his home to live, and after he died, she stayed on to nurse his mother. At the funeral Alex asked about her, he hadn't seen her in about 4 years, he was told that she was crazy. He believed it and left, ready to go back to his home. She showed up that night and begged for help. He believed her and helped her escape. After some time they ended up pretending to be married, she wasn't willing to hand her life over to another man, and he wasn't willing to give up on them. After they moved she started acting funny? and there were a lot of accidents around the home. Alex wavered between thinking that she was going crazy, and thinking something was off. But it took the man almost a year to figure out what really should have been obvious to them all.There are twists and shocks, and a lot of drama, throughout the story, and yet there are times that a certain part of the storyline is left unfinished. It's a great story, just a bit long for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Anya Forest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is historical romance, and the hero is called Alex. So I was pretty much sold the first time I even heard about this book. (It shouldn't actually matter what the hero is called, but trust me, it DOES) Then I read the blurb, and that dragged me in too. As a die hard fan of gothic romance and Victoria Holt type plots I then had the whole dark and mysterious family subplot with drama, mystery and yes, even covert laudanum dosing of the heroine to look forward to. I really love these types of stories, and A Raging Madness did not disappoint. The thing that really grabbed me is just the details and intricacy of the story...this type of plot can sometimes get a little bit formulaic - but not here! There was so much detail, and the subplots that were woven in meant nothing was ever really settled but instead other issues kept popping up and more intrigue crept in. So I thought I was settled in for my enjoyable gothic type brooding house and sinister family story - but no. The characters then went on the canal boats and I was swept up into another environment completely, which was equally riveting. The reason I've given it five stars is because of the author's storytelling ability, and the incredible depth she goes into with the main character POV - I really "felt" the character's emotions and perspectives in a very compelling way. It's just a great read, and an authentic "slice of life" story that I could actually imagine happening, despite the drama and mystery. A new author for me, but I'm really pleased I read this book.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think things are calming down, something else happens. Ella, who has been in love with Alex since she was fourteen, followed the army as her doctor father’s assistant. Alex, who was in that same military unit, had admired her for a very long time. However, her father inexplicably married her off to someone else, and a man who was less than kind. Fast forward and Alex attends Ella’s mother-law’s funeral, and is told that Ella is mentally unstable. When she shows up at his inn, desperate and sick, he agrees to get her the help she needs, And so begins a cat and mouse game of keeping Ella safe from her brother-in-law and his wife. This story has everything from greedy unethical relatives, to medical emergencies and a jealous jilted lover. What Ella has to endure is unthinkable, and poor Alex spends his time trying to keep her safe and make things right. The conversations that he and Ella are not having, are louder than the ones they are, and erroneous assumptions are made, leading to more distress than necessary. This story will keep you emotionslly engaged and enraged from beginning to end. It gives us a whole different view of Alex than the first book in the series, and he really is a stand-up guy. Once again his family rallies around one of their own, and it is truly encouraging and heartwarming. The Redepenning men and women are resourceful, loyal, brave and caring…..and fight for what they want.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a via the author in exchange for my honest review.

This one had me glued to it from the start! There is a mystery from the start with why her in-laws hate her so much and why they are doing what they are doing to her. It was clear from the start that they were a perfect match, but so many things were keeping them apart. I kept hoping that they wouldn't be ripped apart. I figured out parts, but still got hit with others and loved it. There are so many details that I loved and once it ended I didn't want it to be over. This is one that you take your time reading for good reasons.

Ella wasn't going to go down without a fight. I loved her spirit from the start because with everything she had been through she kept her head up. She was a fighter and slowly realized that she a lady even without a title and money. You just love her instantly.

Alex has always cared about and loved Ella. I loved him from the start because he didn't let his injury get in his way and knew he had to help her. He was a bit surprising at times, but those surprises make you love him more from how he talks about horses and why he won't breed for the army to the story he told about the lessons his brothers taught him.

I highly recommend this book.

[Venette Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, although I do have book 1 of this series I have not read it yet. But it has been added to my TBR pile and not at the bottom! I so enjoyed this book! The charcters are all so well done, well rounded and brought to life and not just the main characters. The plot is magnificent, it grabs you and doesn't let go. You just have to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next! The way that Ella was treated was horrific! The worst part being that women of that time period had absolutely NO rights and could be abused without recourse! It was so easy for a husband or male head of the family to have a woman put in an asylum as she was. Contempary women have it so much better! We have come a long way! Every aspect of this book was so extremly well done I felt as if I was right there experiencing it all right along with them. I can not praise this book highly enough and recomend it on so many levels there is something for just about everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the series, a bit less cluttered than the last book in the series,and another good read

Alex Redepenning has sold out of the army after being badly injured, in the first book of the series he's on crutches or a chair but now a few months on he's still in pain but is healing. He's been helping his cousin Rede (book one) sort out his new earldom, travelling to all the estates to catalogue issues.
On hearing an old army colleagues mother has died he stops in at the funeral hoping to see his colleagues widow Ella, who has known since she was a young teen when she accompanied her father the army surgeon around the continent. But he's told Ella is unwell and he can't see her.

Ella, now living with her brother in law and wife is confined to a bedroom, forced to stay drugged and his fed she's ready to give up, until she sees her childhood crush leave the funeral. She decided to escape this existence and hopes Alex will help her flee.

some familiar characters, and some new ones, good to see Alex's story. Greed characters so easier to follow than some bits of book one.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and this one was even better. Alex Redepenning was introduced in the first book which gave some insights into his character. this book covers the development of the relationship between Alex and Ella who have known each other for many years and but have a strained relationship due to misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions. Both characters are well written and believable and as always there is a good cast of supporting characters. We catch up with family news and see more of Alex's formidable sister Susan. A beautiful love story with lots of action, villainous relatives and the injustices of regency Britain clearly shown. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago and have now re-read it as part of the Golden Redepennings bundle (#1-#4). The canal boat travels were especially memorable. Again I felt transported in time and place.
It's especially good to binge read a series. I had forgotten how obnoxious Alex was at times in book 1 - Farewell to Kindness. Here he takes on the role of knight errant and is less bitter than in book 1.
This is a sort of second chance story following the years they had known each other in the army, where Ella assisted her physician father. There are secrets to reveal and many obstacles to overcome, including their reluctance to voice their feelings for the other.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue, malicious, and greed.
After reading Farewell to Kindness I could not wait to read this piece and it did not disappoint. Every book I have read of hers has had a fantastic plot and the characters are marvelous. Both of the main characters have experienced a difficult life yet when they come together you know that things just may change for them. It was a beautiful love story and easy to get loss with-in its pages. I highly recommend this gem. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to be intriguing and enjoyed reading it. Neither Ella or Alex believe anyone can love them anymore and so when they get married, they hold back some of themselves. The author did a wonderful job with these two characters and how they learnt to trust and love each other. She also added some mystery to the historical romance and gave them an enemy intent on destroying their marriage and them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable and interesting story.
Ella was forced to marriage with Alex. He is a soldier on duty ,she didn’t see him for years.
He was badly injured,suffering from PTSD. Going home he didn’t expect to see his wife,in his house a
The dangers that Ella and Alex go through,intrigue and no good family. Beautiful journey .
Hope you enjoy this book as I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

they have a fake marriage as they have problems of their own and it seems the best way. someone is out to ruin them both so can they work together to defeat them? Can, in doing so, they become a real couple? See how they get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and mystery

Who doesn't love a good love story, years in the making? Add in mysterious accidents, muddled minds and a deep seated belief in one another, and you have Alex and Ella's HEA. Such a great story full of twists and turns and the discovery of love that's never been lost, just misdirected.

[Penny Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Jude Knight. Well researched - her period detail is impressive, and believable engaging characters. A mystery and a romance, set in the Regency period, what more could you want? I'm very much looking forward to the next in this series.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful romance story. Alex and Ella are meant for each other. The in-laws are horrible people. The storyline is great with mystery, intrigue, and romance. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Raging Madness a great story. Easy to read and great characters. I LOVE this cover! Makes you want to jump into the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes this type of story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside at least a day for this Regency romance with mystery and intrigue which includes lessons on marital relations that I wish I had been given in my own youth. Do NOT read in public as chortles will ensue. I had an ARC via Booksprout and this is my voluntary review.

[Angela Harriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit long but worth the read

I found this one a bit long with a tendency to drone a bit. I liked the characters and it's a good premise but it could have been tied up a little faster. A bit too much detail. Nice ending. I like the wrap up.

[Alda Delicado · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part was very good but I think the story lost steam when they got to London...

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young widow abused by her husband’s family finds protection and hope in an old friend. I was not impressed with the heroine as whole

[Maria]

FREE today (December 13, 2024) on Amazon.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

The dangers that Ella and Alex go through, it is scary. If you enjoy intrigue, malicious family, and greed this is the story for you. Ella is a nice girl, who has been forced into marriage. Alex is a soldier and has been badly Injured, does not feel like a man. The story was marvelous and so well written. The characters were lush and full bodied, so in love. I really loved it. Believe me, I highly recommend the book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes about relationship and true intimacy with depth and sensitivity better than Jude Knight. A Raging Madness has what readers expect in a romance. The hero is flawed—at least in his own mind. He equates his physical injuries with weakness, but this man isn't even a tiny bit weak in any way that matters. The heroine is intrepid and independent, yet frightened underneath it all. She needs his strength and patience. He needs her trust.

The author's carefully researched history, always a Jude Knight specialty, shines through in the setting and above all in the details of life in the Regency era. The use of a canal journey as a metaphor for relationship is brilliant, and the details of life on the boat endearing.

As in all Jude Knight books the hero and heroine are surrounded by a cast of secondary characters, some of the known from other stories, and some of them unique to this book. Each is a well rounded. Not one is a flat stereotype, even the villains.

The suspenseful plot carried me along at a steady pace to a satisfying conclusion. Even when you think you know the villain behind some incidents she keeps you guessing with surprises at several turns.

While I saw two advance versions of this wonderful book, I bought my own to keep. I want more stories of the Golden Redepennings. I can hardly wait.