A Lady's Reluctant Heart

by Caroline Johnson

The chase is on. The Earl of Malmesbury is determined to have her. Lady Elizabeth wants nothing to do with him. Who will win?

Lady Elizabeth finds herself caught in a hunt by one of the most eligible bachelors of England. However, it seems that young Lizzie is determined to refute his advances. A whirlwind of romance, drama and tragedy reveals a story where a young girl is scarred by her past and fears her future.

The Earl of Malmesbury is used to getting what he wants and he has set his sights on Lady Elizabeth, who consistently demonstrates her strong-willed nature. What started out as a simple curiosity grew into a love that has him chasing her all across the country. Lady Elizabeth’s family is against the match and the earl doesn’t understand their reluctance. Despite Lady Elizabeth spurning his advances at every moment, the earl becomes even more determined to make this stunning butterfly his own.

Let the games begin.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a short, stand-alone story. Bonus books are included for your enjoyment.

636 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2017

About the author

Caroline Johnson originally hails from the Midwest, but now enjoys the warmer temperatures and hospitality of the South. She is a firm believer that everybody deserves a happy ending. As a lover of romance, Caroline is passionate about touching other people’s hearts with messages that true love always prevails.

Caroline’s stories run the gamut of historical tales of love to modern romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Because of her strong faith, Caroline’s stories are clean, wholesome and often Christian-based.

When she’s not writing, Caroline is volunteering with her church or spending time with her husband, children and rescued pets. She loves hiking, biking, and exploring the beauty of nature, but is equally as fulfilled curled up on the couch with an almond milk latte and a good book.

Reviews

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally avoid tragic stories such as this but Ms. Johnson touched on a delicate subject that do happen in real life, and frequently it seems, just that most cases are undocumented. But what I do not understand is that why did the treatment of the daughter of a Duke in the hands of her kidnapper/rapist/husband went unpunished. Dukes have more clout than any other peer of lower rank except royalty so I wondered why the s.o.b. who forced Lizzie into marriage got away with it with impunity. If the incident was hushed up, why was the culprit still left alive with his complete body parts (castration would have served) to prey on other unsuspecting women? Since it is her dowry that interested him in the first place, bankrupt the s.o.b., cut~off his resources (this one will definitely hurt), Something (cut~off his tongue, perhaps)! Good thing Lizzie's next husband (legitimate and beloved, this time) would do the honors eventually. So ....

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good, especially for a novella. My heart broke for Lizzie and what she'd been through. Matthew grew on me, I didn't like his arrogant attitude at first. Would have loved for this to be a full-length novel.

CONTENT
Romance - Sweet and Clean Romance
Language - None
Violence - Mild ( non-descriptive reference to rape)

[Heidi Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Regency Short Stories are becoming some of my favorite reads right now. I was able to read a copy of this book via Overdrive, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.