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Vawdrey Brothers #1
Her Baseborn Bridegroom
Lady Linnet Cadwallader has been raised a helpless invalid in her own castle. Brought up to believe she will 'never make old bones' she lives a quiet and lonely existence, hiding away her excessive freckles and red hair from a world that believes her to be hideously misshapen and ugly.
Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom... but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his base-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one's puppet.
Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.
This is a full length novel of over 80,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.
This is a new release of an edition previously published by Alice Coldbreath.
Until one day her uncle arranges a marriage of convenience for her, a marriage in name only with a young puppet groom... but Sir Roland does not show up. In his place turns up his base-born brother Mason Vawdrey. And dark, forceful Mason is no-one's puppet.
Things are about to get interesting at Cadwallader Castle. And Linnet is about to discover that maybe a golden leopardess does not need to change her glorious spots.
This is a full length novel of over 80,000 words set in a medieval style landscape in the fictional kingdom of Karadok. Please do not purchase if you are offended by strong language and or sex scenes.
This is a new release of an edition previously published by Alice Coldbreath.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
1199 people are currently reading
4608 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,141 reviews
November 29, 2020
3 Stars
This was a light and enjoyable historical romance read and I enjoyed it. I think my expectations might have been a little too high though, thus my rating. I really enjoyed the beginning and the fact that things got going right off the bat; however, I found myself heavily skimming toward the end. Oh well. It was cute.
This was a light and enjoyable historical romance read and I enjoyed it. I think my expectations might have been a little too high though, thus my rating. I really enjoyed the beginning and the fact that things got going right off the bat; however, I found myself heavily skimming toward the end. Oh well. It was cute.
June 2, 2025
“You took one look at Linnet and saw your future.”
Her Baseborn Bridegroom was everything I've been in the mood for lately - a simple character driven romance full of sweet moments. Of all the time periods in historical romances, medieval romance is probably my least favorite but at this point if Alice Coldbreath decided to write an alien romance full of tropes I hated, I’d probably read it too… albeit grudgingly.
Due to being locked up in a tower, the heroine Linnet Cadwallader (24) has become a timid and insecure damsel in distress. My heart broke for her and all the lies she had been told by her uncle and aunt. We don’t get to see much of her character development and as much as I wanted Linnet to grow in confidence, I understood why it wasn’t possible. It also would’ve been completely unrealistic if she had changed so much in such a short period of time. Either way, I really enjoyed her innocence and naivety!
Mason Vawdrey (28) definitely takes ‘grumpy hero’ to a whole new level. He’s very controlling and asshole-ish… BUT I LOVED IT. I loved seeing him get all jealous when Linnet brought up other men. But it was ultimately his unfailing devotion to Linnet that made me swoon! He was truly perfect for her. Can this author please stop fueling my unrealistic expectations of men?!
“When you’re in my bed, that’s what I expect. You, naked and wet. Not to hear you talking about other men.”
Also, I couldn’t help but think of this image. It's so them! (fyi, it’s fanart from a Korean web novel)
I loved every moment of Mason and Linnet's sweet romance! The ending was perfect. PERFECT I TELL YOU! The way Mason made Linnet feel so confident about her appearance, especially her freckles (which she was incredible self-conscious about) made me so happy. Plain Jane romances always get bonus points from me!
Also the honey salve scene... if you know, you know... 😉
“And to think,” he echoes lightly. “I thought it just an irritating errand. Little did I know my destiny was waiting here for me.”
I had trouble rating this book because there were definitely some editing issues and language that didn’t fit in with the medieval setting, but I loved the story so much, so… the rating is what it is.
If you don’t like timid and shy heroines or gruff and controlling heroes, you might want to skip this one but I personally enjoy all kinds of characters (except for Mary Sues– yikes)!
Rating: 4.75/5
November 26, 2018
There are not enough stars to rate this book! I’ve seen it recommended over and over, I’ve purchased it and stored it on my Kindle, but I never took the time to read it. I am kicking myself for my stupidity now. This was absolutely the most perfect book in this genre, ever!
I love a growly, obstinate hero and Mason was certainly that and much more. He is rude and boorish, demanding and determined to get his way in all things that pertained to his wife. I adored watching him struggle with his feelings as they slowly emerged. He was totally possessive and incredibly jealous, even when it came to a fictional character. I can’t give words to how perfect his actions and reactions were for me as a reader who enjoys this type of hero.
Linnet’s character begins as a weak and frail heroine who grows into her own woman. Not directly because of the hero which I appreciated, but because it is the woman she was always meant to be. She just needed the opportunity to find that out for herself. I laughed at some of the naïve things she believed and the way Mason used those times for his own desires. Her internal strength becomes evident before the great conflict and is then released in all its splendor when she needed it the most.
This doesn’t read as an insta-love story making the progression of Linnet’s and Mason’s relationship all the more entertaining. What starts as an arrangement evolves into moments of passion, uncalled for jealousy, eye opening wonder and heartbreaking decisions. Gah! It was freaking amazing!
While this wasn’t necessarily a short book, it has a fast pace that I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The secondary characters were just as wonderful as the hero and heroine. I fell in love with them just as much, and I’m not only referring to the Vawdrey brothers. This story has a rich, full feel to it that added to my overall enjoyment as it pulled me into a new time and place and I already miss everything about it.
If there is anyone, like myself, who has put this book aside, I’m urgently encouraging you to jump into it ASAP. If you haven’t heard of this book before, do not hesitate if anything about it intrigues you. You will not be disappointed.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
I love a growly, obstinate hero and Mason was certainly that and much more. He is rude and boorish, demanding and determined to get his way in all things that pertained to his wife. I adored watching him struggle with his feelings as they slowly emerged. He was totally possessive and incredibly jealous, even when it came to a fictional character. I can’t give words to how perfect his actions and reactions were for me as a reader who enjoys this type of hero.
Linnet’s character begins as a weak and frail heroine who grows into her own woman. Not directly because of the hero which I appreciated, but because it is the woman she was always meant to be. She just needed the opportunity to find that out for herself. I laughed at some of the naïve things she believed and the way Mason used those times for his own desires. Her internal strength becomes evident before the great conflict and is then released in all its splendor when she needed it the most.
This doesn’t read as an insta-love story making the progression of Linnet’s and Mason’s relationship all the more entertaining. What starts as an arrangement evolves into moments of passion, uncalled for jealousy, eye opening wonder and heartbreaking decisions. Gah! It was freaking amazing!
While this wasn’t necessarily a short book, it has a fast pace that I couldn’t stop reading once I started. The secondary characters were just as wonderful as the hero and heroine. I fell in love with them just as much, and I’m not only referring to the Vawdrey brothers. This story has a rich, full feel to it that added to my overall enjoyment as it pulled me into a new time and place and I already miss everything about it.
If there is anyone, like myself, who has put this book aside, I’m urgently encouraging you to jump into it ASAP. If you haven’t heard of this book before, do not hesitate if anything about it intrigues you. You will not be disappointed.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 20, 2020
This is a little more like it. After some well done but sad books, this sweet and unrealistic romance between the gruff, rough and tough rampaging bastard hero and the sheltered heroine was a lot of fun.
Mason arrives at the estate to break off his younger brother’s engagement to what everyone thinks is an invalided hunchback on her deathbed. Linnet, ironically the second redheaded and freckled heroine in a week, is not quite on her deathbed. She proposes to the hero who is glad to marry a bride with an estate larger than his father’s. Given Linnet’s greedy aunt and uncle who’ve been gaslighting the heroine as well as defrauding the estate, the hero commands instant marital consummation. It’s not as awful as it sounds. The hero is one big tough guy, but pretty quickly becomes overly protective and besotted with the naive heroine.
Linnet is a fun heroine. She moves to set right the damage her uncle has done to her reputation by his high taxes to the serfs, and she makes an effort to get stronger and banish the whole hunchback rep. When one of the neighbors come to visit, the dowager is infuriated to see that the heroine is not an invalid, is now married as she would have married her off to her son. Linnet is pretty taken with the hero who has no idea.
Conflict comes when the aunt and uncle appeal to the king to have the marriage annulled so they can go back and “rescue” the heroine. Fun secondary characters as well.
The dialogue is a little too modern and it’s a little fluffy at times, but huzzah for a fun and sweet romance.
Mason arrives at the estate to break off his younger brother’s engagement to what everyone thinks is an invalided hunchback on her deathbed. Linnet, ironically the second redheaded and freckled heroine in a week, is not quite on her deathbed. She proposes to the hero who is glad to marry a bride with an estate larger than his father’s. Given Linnet’s greedy aunt and uncle who’ve been gaslighting the heroine as well as defrauding the estate, the hero commands instant marital consummation. It’s not as awful as it sounds. The hero is one big tough guy, but pretty quickly becomes overly protective and besotted with the naive heroine.
Linnet is a fun heroine. She moves to set right the damage her uncle has done to her reputation by his high taxes to the serfs, and she makes an effort to get stronger and banish the whole hunchback rep. When one of the neighbors come to visit, the dowager is infuriated to see that the heroine is not an invalid, is now married as she would have married her off to her son. Linnet is pretty taken with the hero who has no idea.
Conflict comes when the aunt and uncle appeal to the king to have the marriage annulled so they can go back and “rescue” the heroine. Fun secondary characters as well.
The dialogue is a little too modern and it’s a little fluffy at times, but huzzah for a fun and sweet romance.
June 28, 2022
“Nice?” he echoed. “Only you could think that about me, Linnet. I’m not nice. I just happen to be in love with you.”
Lady Linnet Cadwallader is believed by everyone, including herself, to be sickly and hideous just as her guardians intended. She is someone easily manipulated by her dishonorable aunt and uncle, hence, her impending marriage to a puppet groom from a prominent family. Sir Mason Vawdrey has been tasked by his father to jilt his younger brother’s betrothed in Roland’s stead and although he has more important things to do, he sets out to make the journey to Cadwallader castle and break the news to the lady and her guardian. But when he meets Lady Linnet, the noblewoman surprises him by asking for his hand in marriage instead. Good thing that Mason isn’t a bastard for nothing…what else would he do but accept the lady’s proposal?
Her Baseborn Bridegroom is the first book from Alice Coldbreath’s series, Vawdrey brothers. This one tells the story of Lady Linnet Cadwallader and Mason Vawdrey. This is my first Alice Coldbreath book and I had the highest expectations because I have seen nothing but praises for her from my Goodreads friends. I’ve wanted to read this book for so long but the mood never called for it - except the mood finally did. I have been in a medieval era binge for this month and it felt like the perfect time to finally read Her Baseborn Bridegroom so I finally did. On a side note, I haven’t read in two weeks due to life being busy and that put me in a slump as well and I needed a good book to recover. Pardon this review because I haven’t had much luck with collecting my thoughts lately but I’ll try to write what I loved about this anyway. If you are reading this, I would highly appreciate it if you can leave recommendations for HRs set during the medieval era and preferably with a sweet heroine and alpha hero. They’re very much my thing as of late. Thank you.
Linnet is our heroine. Contrary to popular belief, I thought she was gorgeous. Her guardians made her believe that she was sickly and would probably die young but the truth is that she’s not sick, she is just a ginger haired girl covered with freckles everywhere. Due to her being kept in tower all her life, it was understandable that she was naive and unaware that she was being taken advantage of. Linnet was both bold and meek. I loved her character and how she went for what she wanted in her own way. She was intelligent, creative and a real gentle woman. I thought her relationship with her page Cuthbert was super cute. With characters like Linnet, who start off very shy and insecure, it is always good to see their transformation while also staying true to who they are. I loved how she came to stand up for herself when at court didn’t let anyone make her cower in fear. As an individual character, she was extremely likeable. She was a good heroine as well. She was both protective and defensive of the hero in her cute little ways which I thought was adorable. She also wanted to be a good wife because she saw the hero as her savior (He said her hair color didn’t matter and for someone like her who was taught to believe herself ugly, it was a big deal). I honestly have nothing more to say except I loved her from the moment she boldly proposed to the hero and I was truly delighted with her character until the end. What a super sweet and nice heroine! She might not be everyone’s cup of tea but she was mine. I’m always down for sweet natured heroines.
Mason is the hero of the book. He was the illegitimate middle son of a baron and was quite successful in his own rights. At twenty eight he was a general and a very impressive one at that. I feel like a reader might either love / hate him and it all depends on your preferences. He is a greedy man, especially at the beginning of the book. He married Linnet because it’s not a bad bargain at all. But of course, there was also some sort of protectiveness even when he just met her. I loved him. He was very possessive but it doesn’t get annoying, in fact, I found it very funny. He was surly, so it was fun to see him try to decipher why he acts in a certain way when it comes to his wife. He can be unreasonably jealous (he got jealous of a fictional character that he thought Linnet loved more than him) but that aspect of him just made him more likeable. He was very in love with Linnet and it was so obvious! But of course it took him a while before he could come to that conclusion. He’s definitely very alpha and he can be overbearing and possessive but it didn’t really bother me at all. He treated the heroine well and that’s what is important for me. So yes, I did like the hero.
From the moment Linnet asked Mason to marry her instead, I was hooked! Even when Mason married her for a more greedy reason, it still made me feel giddy. They made such a cute couple. When they were finally married, the heroine started building a new life (improving her health, making friends, being seen by servants and actually managing her castle) and the hero was there to check her holdings (he was doing it for selfish reasons at first) but he was still very helpful. Mason was no one’s puppet and it was obvious to him that his wife’s guardian was taking advantage of Linnet and stealing from her so he kicked them out immediately. That’s a man! He said he cares for the wealth she brought him but to be honest I didn’t really believe him at all. It’s not like he’d be staying at the castle all the time since he was a high ranking officer. I think Oswald was right and Mason’s love declaration at the end proved that although he might have married her for her wealth, there was also an immediate sense of protectiveness over Linnet who was all things sweet and gentle in the world, that he, a hulking brute, wanted selfishly for himself.
I was moderately interested when they were at Cadwallader estate and at the early stages of their marriage. I am glad Oswald and their sire, Baron Vawdrey were in the picture because it made things more interesting. Can I just quickly mention how much I loved Oswald? I really liked his character. I was also curious about the youngest, Roland, and would love to see him as a hero because he was not the most hero-like character in this book. I thought he was quickly forgiven but I guess it’s all good since everything worked out in the end. I enjoyed the family dynamics. I thought Baron Vawdrey would be some evil villain but he was not and I actually ended up loving his appearances in the book. The Jevonses / Linnet’s evil guardian did get their comeuppance but they weren’t very prominent / present in the book like one would expect especially when they were at court.
Their time at court definitely made the book more gripping. It was good to change the setting for a while and I loved the events that happened during their time at the royal court. I loved the symbolism of Linnet’s dowry and how it played a part in the progression of the h and H’s marriage. From Mason insisting he only married Linnet for her dowry to him not caring at all about her wealth and choosing their marriage’s validity. It goes to show that he isn’t as greedy as he portrays himself to be and that he actually cared for his wife, with or without dowry. Of course, I loved their HEA and I thought it was well-deserved. It can be a bit sweet towards the end but nothing that is cringe-worthy. It’s actually a delight to see Mason being so openly in love with Linnet. I loved Mason’s love declaration! He didn’t spout poems or said anything that would make Jane Austen quiver but it was still very sweet. I loved how very Mason-like it was. When he goes “not nice, I just happen to be in love with you” it was probably the most romantic thing he said in the book. Even more romantic than I love you.
I’ve no complaints. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the book. The beginning had me so hooked and glued to my kindle, some parts were a bit dull but still interesting and the time at court was even more compelling but that’s about it. Alice Coldbreath’s writing was pleasant and I would most likely read more of her books. I loved this introduction to this fictional kingdom set during medieval times. It was a good read and I do not regret the time spent reading Her Baseborn Bridegroom. The title is a bit too long and the cover isn’t the most appealing (That looks like a priest’s costume) but that’s it. I am glad I finally read this book and I can’t wait to further dip my toes in Alice Coldbreath’s universe.
Some Quotes:
“Don’t cry,” he said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips. “I don’t like it when you’re upset. It makes me want to do crazy things, like kill people.”
“And if I was dazzling in beauty people wouldn’t be saying I looked like a toad in a dress!” That got his attention. “Who the fuck said that?” he asked angrily, his eyes bright. “I don’t know. Everyone apparently. At least it explains why your brother jilted me.” “They’re all fools,” said Mason, his eyes drifting shut again. “And Roland’s the biggest one of all . . . don’t know what they’re talking about.”
“Brace yourself, Love,” he said. “I’m about to fuck you like Sir Maurency did that tavern wench.” → “What if Sir Maurency was married?” she blurted. He didn’t miss a beat. “I saw her freckles, Linnet. They are married,” he groaned and thrust. Linnet clung to him. “You noticed the freckles,” she said in slight dismay. She tipped her head back until it bumped against the wooden door. “Of course I noticed them,” he grunted, pounding his hips into her. “I’m obsessed with them. I only wish you’d given her more.” He kissed her neck, her cheek, her forehead.
“You just gave me all that sweetness you’d stored up all those years as though I . . . as though I deserved it. And . . . almost in spite of myself, I found I wanted it. I wanted that sweetness so badly.” He looked up at her. “I still want it, Linnet. I want all of it. All to myself. And I’m having it. I don’t care what anyone else says. It’s all mine.”
“Husband?” For some twisted reason, he felt pure pleasure at being addressed thus whilst deep inside her. “Wife,” he whispered huskily, lowering his brow until their foreheads touched.
Lady Linnet Cadwallader is believed by everyone, including herself, to be sickly and hideous just as her guardians intended. She is someone easily manipulated by her dishonorable aunt and uncle, hence, her impending marriage to a puppet groom from a prominent family. Sir Mason Vawdrey has been tasked by his father to jilt his younger brother’s betrothed in Roland’s stead and although he has more important things to do, he sets out to make the journey to Cadwallader castle and break the news to the lady and her guardian. But when he meets Lady Linnet, the noblewoman surprises him by asking for his hand in marriage instead. Good thing that Mason isn’t a bastard for nothing…what else would he do but accept the lady’s proposal?
Her Baseborn Bridegroom is the first book from Alice Coldbreath’s series, Vawdrey brothers. This one tells the story of Lady Linnet Cadwallader and Mason Vawdrey. This is my first Alice Coldbreath book and I had the highest expectations because I have seen nothing but praises for her from my Goodreads friends. I’ve wanted to read this book for so long but the mood never called for it - except the mood finally did. I have been in a medieval era binge for this month and it felt like the perfect time to finally read Her Baseborn Bridegroom so I finally did. On a side note, I haven’t read in two weeks due to life being busy and that put me in a slump as well and I needed a good book to recover. Pardon this review because I haven’t had much luck with collecting my thoughts lately but I’ll try to write what I loved about this anyway. If you are reading this, I would highly appreciate it if you can leave recommendations for HRs set during the medieval era and preferably with a sweet heroine and alpha hero. They’re very much my thing as of late. Thank you.
Linnet is our heroine. Contrary to popular belief, I thought she was gorgeous. Her guardians made her believe that she was sickly and would probably die young but the truth is that she’s not sick, she is just a ginger haired girl covered with freckles everywhere. Due to her being kept in tower all her life, it was understandable that she was naive and unaware that she was being taken advantage of. Linnet was both bold and meek. I loved her character and how she went for what she wanted in her own way. She was intelligent, creative and a real gentle woman. I thought her relationship with her page Cuthbert was super cute. With characters like Linnet, who start off very shy and insecure, it is always good to see their transformation while also staying true to who they are. I loved how she came to stand up for herself when at court didn’t let anyone make her cower in fear. As an individual character, she was extremely likeable. She was a good heroine as well. She was both protective and defensive of the hero in her cute little ways which I thought was adorable. She also wanted to be a good wife because she saw the hero as her savior (He said her hair color didn’t matter and for someone like her who was taught to believe herself ugly, it was a big deal). I honestly have nothing more to say except I loved her from the moment she boldly proposed to the hero and I was truly delighted with her character until the end. What a super sweet and nice heroine! She might not be everyone’s cup of tea but she was mine. I’m always down for sweet natured heroines.
Mason is the hero of the book. He was the illegitimate middle son of a baron and was quite successful in his own rights. At twenty eight he was a general and a very impressive one at that. I feel like a reader might either love / hate him and it all depends on your preferences. He is a greedy man, especially at the beginning of the book. He married Linnet because it’s not a bad bargain at all. But of course, there was also some sort of protectiveness even when he just met her. I loved him. He was very possessive but it doesn’t get annoying, in fact, I found it very funny. He was surly, so it was fun to see him try to decipher why he acts in a certain way when it comes to his wife. He can be unreasonably jealous (he got jealous of a fictional character that he thought Linnet loved more than him) but that aspect of him just made him more likeable. He was very in love with Linnet and it was so obvious! But of course it took him a while before he could come to that conclusion. He’s definitely very alpha and he can be overbearing and possessive but it didn’t really bother me at all. He treated the heroine well and that’s what is important for me. So yes, I did like the hero.
From the moment Linnet asked Mason to marry her instead, I was hooked! Even when Mason married her for a more greedy reason, it still made me feel giddy. They made such a cute couple. When they were finally married, the heroine started building a new life (improving her health, making friends, being seen by servants and actually managing her castle) and the hero was there to check her holdings (he was doing it for selfish reasons at first) but he was still very helpful. Mason was no one’s puppet and it was obvious to him that his wife’s guardian was taking advantage of Linnet and stealing from her so he kicked them out immediately. That’s a man! He said he cares for the wealth she brought him but to be honest I didn’t really believe him at all. It’s not like he’d be staying at the castle all the time since he was a high ranking officer. I think Oswald was right and Mason’s love declaration at the end proved that although he might have married her for her wealth, there was also an immediate sense of protectiveness over Linnet who was all things sweet and gentle in the world, that he, a hulking brute, wanted selfishly for himself.
I was moderately interested when they were at Cadwallader estate and at the early stages of their marriage. I am glad Oswald and their sire, Baron Vawdrey were in the picture because it made things more interesting. Can I just quickly mention how much I loved Oswald? I really liked his character. I was also curious about the youngest, Roland, and would love to see him as a hero because he was not the most hero-like character in this book. I thought he was quickly forgiven but I guess it’s all good since everything worked out in the end. I enjoyed the family dynamics. I thought Baron Vawdrey would be some evil villain but he was not and I actually ended up loving his appearances in the book. The Jevonses / Linnet’s evil guardian did get their comeuppance but they weren’t very prominent / present in the book like one would expect especially when they were at court.
Their time at court definitely made the book more gripping. It was good to change the setting for a while and I loved the events that happened during their time at the royal court. I loved the symbolism of Linnet’s dowry and how it played a part in the progression of the h and H’s marriage. From Mason insisting he only married Linnet for her dowry to him not caring at all about her wealth and choosing their marriage’s validity. It goes to show that he isn’t as greedy as he portrays himself to be and that he actually cared for his wife, with or without dowry. Of course, I loved their HEA and I thought it was well-deserved. It can be a bit sweet towards the end but nothing that is cringe-worthy. It’s actually a delight to see Mason being so openly in love with Linnet. I loved Mason’s love declaration! He didn’t spout poems or said anything that would make Jane Austen quiver but it was still very sweet. I loved how very Mason-like it was. When he goes “not nice, I just happen to be in love with you” it was probably the most romantic thing he said in the book. Even more romantic than I love you.
I’ve no complaints. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about the book. The beginning had me so hooked and glued to my kindle, some parts were a bit dull but still interesting and the time at court was even more compelling but that’s about it. Alice Coldbreath’s writing was pleasant and I would most likely read more of her books. I loved this introduction to this fictional kingdom set during medieval times. It was a good read and I do not regret the time spent reading Her Baseborn Bridegroom. The title is a bit too long and the cover isn’t the most appealing (That looks like a priest’s costume) but that’s it. I am glad I finally read this book and I can’t wait to further dip my toes in Alice Coldbreath’s universe.
Some Quotes:
“Don’t cry,” he said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips. “I don’t like it when you’re upset. It makes me want to do crazy things, like kill people.”
“And if I was dazzling in beauty people wouldn’t be saying I looked like a toad in a dress!” That got his attention. “Who the fuck said that?” he asked angrily, his eyes bright. “I don’t know. Everyone apparently. At least it explains why your brother jilted me.” “They’re all fools,” said Mason, his eyes drifting shut again. “And Roland’s the biggest one of all . . . don’t know what they’re talking about.”
“Brace yourself, Love,” he said. “I’m about to fuck you like Sir Maurency did that tavern wench.” → “What if Sir Maurency was married?” she blurted. He didn’t miss a beat. “I saw her freckles, Linnet. They are married,” he groaned and thrust. Linnet clung to him. “You noticed the freckles,” she said in slight dismay. She tipped her head back until it bumped against the wooden door. “Of course I noticed them,” he grunted, pounding his hips into her. “I’m obsessed with them. I only wish you’d given her more.” He kissed her neck, her cheek, her forehead.
“You just gave me all that sweetness you’d stored up all those years as though I . . . as though I deserved it. And . . . almost in spite of myself, I found I wanted it. I wanted that sweetness so badly.” He looked up at her. “I still want it, Linnet. I want all of it. All to myself. And I’m having it. I don’t care what anyone else says. It’s all mine.”
“Husband?” For some twisted reason, he felt pure pleasure at being addressed thus whilst deep inside her. “Wife,” he whispered huskily, lowering his brow until their foreheads touched.
March 20, 2021
Postreading thoughts April 2
I think this one is safe and isn't triggering, there's a virgin heroine, my favorite kind of heroine when heroine isn't stupid and this girl is not sexually passive. Mason isn't a manwhore, and their consumation!!!! so so cute. It's like he was amazed she was taking baby steps. I loved that!
Thanks to the mexican beer virus I got time to read Her baseborn bridgegroom and guess what? I really enjoyed this book, so happy I finally could read from start to finish, so rare to have time to read in one sitting.
*kisses corona virus*
Aw! If you think about it, the small thing it's kinda cute and so powerful...it has all worldwide leaders at its feet. So so cool. Gimme a book where corona virus is the hero!!!
But anyway, a longer review for this fabulous historical might be on its way.
This was a recommendation from the fabulous Sweety-chan, girl you nailed it!!! I'm ready for your other recs!
Prereading thoughts
Note to self: Give priority to this one cuz Sweety loves it.
Sweety recommends, I read.
* aims*
*throws to TBR pile*
There's another edition with a different cover
I think this one is safe and isn't triggering, there's a virgin heroine, my favorite kind of heroine when heroine isn't stupid and this girl is not sexually passive. Mason isn't a manwhore, and their consumation!!!! so so cute. It's like he was amazed she was taking baby steps. I loved that!
Thanks to the mexican beer virus I got time to read Her baseborn bridgegroom and guess what? I really enjoyed this book, so happy I finally could read from start to finish, so rare to have time to read in one sitting.
*kisses corona virus*
Aw! If you think about it, the small thing it's kinda cute and so powerful...it has all worldwide leaders at its feet. So so cool. Gimme a book where corona virus is the hero!!!
But anyway, a longer review for this fabulous historical might be on its way.
This was a recommendation from the fabulous Sweety-chan, girl you nailed it!!! I'm ready for your other recs!
Prereading thoughts
Note to self: Give priority to this one cuz Sweety loves it.
Sweety recommends, I read.
* aims*
*throws to TBR pile*
There's another edition with a different cover
November 2, 2020
2.5 stars
The male lead, Mason, was too controlling. I know it was done on purpose to show how he actually cared for her deep down even if he didn’t quite understand what it meant yet (all his psycho behaviour) but it was wrong.
He came off as insensitive, controlling and not much better than her aunt and uncle who tried to manipulate and dictate her life to their advantage.
Saying that she can’t see a friend (when she has no one and is quite lonely) or saying that she can’t do one thing or the other just because he is her husband and he can make her do whatever he wants... it felt so wrong.
He dictates the when and how of their “intimate” times and every aspect involved in that. I’m not saying it’s not consensual or well written, but there was something wrong with the whole thing. That’s not how love starts. The author tried to make those actions of his be some sort of testimony of the fact that he started falling for her because it was out of character for him to behave like that.. but if that’s love then, I think Linnet is better off.
Of course, in the last 20% those things are addressed or shall I say explained by saying he was always in love with her and didn’t even realise it which was the reason for his behaviour. But.. God, I really didn’t like how he treated her.
Like a possession which he can place wherever or dress however and show to whomever. He didn’t treat her like his wife and didn’t respect her as such. She gave him riches beyond what he could have ever achieved and a dignified position in society and he treated her like property, but he did get so high and mighty when others badmouthed her looks or other aspects about her. I truly disliked him.
Ugh, this is the first book by this author which I truly disliked. Mason was not my type of hero. Nu-uh.
The male lead, Mason, was too controlling. I know it was done on purpose to show how he actually cared for her deep down even if he didn’t quite understand what it meant yet (all his psycho behaviour) but it was wrong.
He came off as insensitive, controlling and not much better than her aunt and uncle who tried to manipulate and dictate her life to their advantage.
Saying that she can’t see a friend (when she has no one and is quite lonely) or saying that she can’t do one thing or the other just because he is her husband and he can make her do whatever he wants... it felt so wrong.
He dictates the when and how of their “intimate” times and every aspect involved in that. I’m not saying it’s not consensual or well written, but there was something wrong with the whole thing. That’s not how love starts. The author tried to make those actions of his be some sort of testimony of the fact that he started falling for her because it was out of character for him to behave like that.. but if that’s love then, I think Linnet is better off.
Of course, in the last 20% those things are addressed or shall I say explained by saying he was always in love with her and didn’t even realise it which was the reason for his behaviour. But.. God, I really didn’t like how he treated her.
Like a possession which he can place wherever or dress however and show to whomever. He didn’t treat her like his wife and didn’t respect her as such. She gave him riches beyond what he could have ever achieved and a dignified position in society and he treated her like property, but he did get so high and mighty when others badmouthed her looks or other aspects about her. I truly disliked him.
Ugh, this is the first book by this author which I truly disliked. Mason was not my type of hero. Nu-uh.
November 1, 2019
re-read 11/1/19
Audio 5 Stars It took me a bit to warm up to the narrator, but she ended up doing a great job!
Story - 4.5 stars
I don't if it's because the audio was really good or if the story got the editing it needed, but I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time around.
I'd forgotten what a brutish asshole the hero was, but I still loved him. His personality fit who he was, a warlord.
I still adored the heroine who led a very sheltered life because of her deceitful guardians. I usually can't tolerate innocence and naiveté, but I found those qualities endearing in this heroine. When it counted she was fierce.
The story was mostly low angst and relationship focused. I loved it!!
I'm so excited that the next two books will be out on audio soon. :-)
________
Truly enjoyable read. Minus 1 star because of editing...or lack of ...
Audio 5 Stars It took me a bit to warm up to the narrator, but she ended up doing a great job!
Story - 4.5 stars
I don't if it's because the audio was really good or if the story got the editing it needed, but I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time around.
I'd forgotten what a brutish asshole the hero was, but I still loved him. His personality fit who he was, a warlord.
I still adored the heroine who led a very sheltered life because of her deceitful guardians. I usually can't tolerate innocence and naiveté, but I found those qualities endearing in this heroine. When it counted she was fierce.
The story was mostly low angst and relationship focused. I loved it!!
I'm so excited that the next two books will be out on audio soon. :-)
________
Truly enjoyable read. Minus 1 star because of editing...or lack of ...
September 7, 2025
— 3.5 stars ★
why was the ending so hurried??
yesss i teared up several times, but i needed moreee; esp Mason's character arc. Like ik he was jealous whenever he was rude to her and that he liked her from the very first meetup, but still this was not enough 😭 or maybe my expectations were just damn high cz this lowk had same tropes as this book; which is one of my fav 😔
why was the ending so hurried??
yesss i teared up several times, but i needed moreee; esp Mason's character arc. Like ik he was jealous whenever he was rude to her and that he liked her from the very first meetup, but still this was not enough 😭 or maybe my expectations were just damn high cz this lowk had same tropes as this book; which is one of my fav 😔
March 17, 2025
classic marriage of convenience between a bastard warrior & “disfigured” maiden *spoiler alert she was just a ginger with freckles* 🧡✨
THE WAY EVERYONE called Lynette sickly/dying, disfigured & unsightly meanwhile this poor girl was just a full on ginger with freckles all over her face. They literally locked her in the tower BECAUSE OF HER FRECKLES! In exchange for protection against her evil family, Lynette marries Mason and promises him lots and lots of sons…
Memorable moments:
🧡 Mason went from “ya she is a bit fugly with her freckles” to postioning Lynette’s ass in the sun just so she could get more freckles on her booty cheeks
✨ he goes nuts when they question the validity of their marriage
🧡 when Lynette wants bigger boobs and goes to a local witch woman that just sells her honey & tells her Lynette’s husband has to put it on in clock wise motion for it to work *Mason doesn’t complain*
While I prefered the Prizefighter series I found the relationship between Mason & Lynette surpassingly endearing. Lynette’s guileless nature served us some hilariously clueless moments that had me cackling.
Surprisingly spicy! I know the author likes to “keep it real” and let’s just say Mason got to work on those sons IMMEDIATELY. I loved the book used modern smutty/curse language!
I rated it 4.5⭐️ because of Mason’s despicable behavior when he first met Lynette. This man said “at least she is beautiful in the dark” 🫢🙃 I wanted to slap his cheeks!!
marriage of convenience
possessive mmc
warrior mmc
sheltered fmc
virgin fmc
pregnancy
found family
royal interference
familial abuse
HEA
THE WAY EVERYONE called Lynette sickly/dying, disfigured & unsightly meanwhile this poor girl was just a full on ginger with freckles all over her face. They literally locked her in the tower BECAUSE OF HER FRECKLES! In exchange for protection against her evil family, Lynette marries Mason and promises him lots and lots of sons…
Memorable moments:
🧡 Mason went from “ya she is a bit fugly with her freckles” to postioning Lynette’s ass in the sun just so she could get more freckles on her booty cheeks
✨ he goes nuts when they question the validity of their marriage
🧡 when Lynette wants bigger boobs and goes to a local witch woman that just sells her honey & tells her Lynette’s husband has to put it on in clock wise motion for it to work *Mason doesn’t complain*
While I prefered the Prizefighter series I found the relationship between Mason & Lynette surpassingly endearing. Lynette’s guileless nature served us some hilariously clueless moments that had me cackling.
Surprisingly spicy! I know the author likes to “keep it real” and let’s just say Mason got to work on those sons IMMEDIATELY. I loved the book used modern smutty/curse language!
I rated it 4.5⭐️ because of Mason’s despicable behavior when he first met Lynette. This man said “at least she is beautiful in the dark” 🫢🙃 I wanted to slap his cheeks!!
marriage of convenience
possessive mmc
warrior mmc
sheltered fmc
virgin fmc
pregnancy
found family
royal interference
familial abuse
HEA
February 7, 2019
This took me back to my historical romance days. It was a great reminder as to why I love them so much and makes me want to dive into more. I really loved this book.
This book started on shaky ground for me. I struggle when the heroine is talked about due to body issues or lack of beauty. I just hate when that is a focus, because to me that has nothing to do with romance. I'm telling you right now to hang in there.
What started with me being outraged for Linnet, ended up me swooning over what happens as the story progresses. I've never read a better book that completely turned an issue like this around without the heroine going through some major transformation. What you get here is a man who falls in love with a woman without realizing it and finds her utterly beautiful by the end of the book.
Mason is actually one of my favorite types of heroes (except for a few things he said in the beginning.) I just like the men who are very much a man's man but also clueless to how he should be with a good woman.
As the story progresses, his callous words start showing what he was really feeling. His jealousy and possessiveness of her start to shine through. And the fact that he isn't even realizing that's why he is behaving that way just tickled me.
Linnet was fantastic. She handled so many scenes in this story perfectly. I loved her and loved that she caused a man like Mason to fall hard. I could keep going but I probably should stop before I give the whole book away. Let's just say that it's a must read!
This book started on shaky ground for me. I struggle when the heroine is talked about due to body issues or lack of beauty. I just hate when that is a focus, because to me that has nothing to do with romance. I'm telling you right now to hang in there.
What started with me being outraged for Linnet, ended up me swooning over what happens as the story progresses. I've never read a better book that completely turned an issue like this around without the heroine going through some major transformation. What you get here is a man who falls in love with a woman without realizing it and finds her utterly beautiful by the end of the book.
Mason is actually one of my favorite types of heroes (except for a few things he said in the beginning.) I just like the men who are very much a man's man but also clueless to how he should be with a good woman.
As the story progresses, his callous words start showing what he was really feeling. His jealousy and possessiveness of her start to shine through. And the fact that he isn't even realizing that's why he is behaving that way just tickled me.
Linnet was fantastic. She handled so many scenes in this story perfectly. I loved her and loved that she caused a man like Mason to fall hard. I could keep going but I probably should stop before I give the whole book away. Let's just say that it's a must read!
March 18, 2022
A Comfy 3.5 Stars
An enjoyable light read, which is well paced.
Both main characters work well, Lady Linnet starts of shy and uncertain but comes into her own, and then you have Sir Mason Vawdrey who is gruff but importantly accepting of Linnet.
The language in this is for the most part modern, but in this instance I didn't care, it didn't deter from my enjoyment.
An enjoyable light read, which is well paced.
Both main characters work well, Lady Linnet starts of shy and uncertain but comes into her own, and then you have Sir Mason Vawdrey who is gruff but importantly accepting of Linnet.
The language in this is for the most part modern, but in this instance I didn't care, it didn't deter from my enjoyment.
January 9, 2022
“Don’t cry,” he said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips. “I don’t like it when you’re upset. It makes me want to do crazy things, like kill people.”
This book broke my dreadful holiday slump. I laughed, I swooned, I was on the edge of my seat. A medieval-era historical fantasy with lots of humor and charm and two protagonists you can equally root for. A marriage of convenience that rescues both main characters from a dreary life, she from her cold tower-prison and he from the cold prison his heart was encased in. I won’t give any spoilers just go read it please: it’s a gem!
This book broke my dreadful holiday slump. I laughed, I swooned, I was on the edge of my seat. A medieval-era historical fantasy with lots of humor and charm and two protagonists you can equally root for. A marriage of convenience that rescues both main characters from a dreary life, she from her cold tower-prison and he from the cold prison his heart was encased in. I won’t give any spoilers just go read it please: it’s a gem!
November 18, 2019
Oh, this is so... adorable! I liked it very, very much!
Since the start I was afraid that the Linnet's naivete would bother me, but it was not so! I wanted to hug her! She was so sweet and so adorable that I couldn't not love her!
Linnet's first loyalty toward Mason, then tenderness, then love was a pleasure to read!
Mason's treatment of Linnet could be a trigger for someone since he treats her like a property first, but soon he gets almost obsessed with her and it was funny to read how his emotions were developing!
Also Oswald, Mason't half-brother was a very nice character. He was a mitigator of Mason's explosive character!
Mason's father, on the other hand, was a typical product of that period: he thought about women like brood mares! It was hilarious to read how Mason reacted to some of his opinions!
There was a teeny, tiny thing that bothered me: once, when Mason asked Linnet to do something, she relied: Okey. !!!! I'm sure that "Okey" was not a word in use during medieval times!!!
Apart from that the books is worth reading!
Since the start I was afraid that the Linnet's naivete would bother me, but it was not so! I wanted to hug her! She was so sweet and so adorable that I couldn't not love her!
Linnet's first loyalty toward Mason, then tenderness, then love was a pleasure to read!
Mason's treatment of Linnet could be a trigger for someone since he treats her like a property first, but soon he gets almost obsessed with her and it was funny to read how his emotions were developing!
Also Oswald, Mason't half-brother was a very nice character. He was a mitigator of Mason's explosive character!
Mason's father, on the other hand, was a typical product of that period: he thought about women like brood mares! It was hilarious to read how Mason reacted to some of his opinions!
There was a teeny, tiny thing that bothered me: once, when Mason asked Linnet to do something, she relied: Okey. !!!! I'm sure that "Okey" was not a word in use during medieval times!!!
Apart from that the books is worth reading!
November 27, 2019
4 STARS!
Plot: Linnet is an heiress who's been convinced by her guardians that she suffers from a heart condition that prevents her from leaving her dark tower. Mason is the bastard born brother of her betrothed who's sent to jilt her.
They strike a marriage bargain of their own.
Gah! I loved how these two turned out to be so perfect together!
But poor Linnet. When the story begins . . .
There were problems, though. I wasn't thrilled with the lack of world building. The vague medieval setting turned out to be some kind of fantasy/quasi-parallel universe in which modern-day expressions would show up every so often.
However, that did not stop me from staying up late to finish this one. The author has a great sense of romance and she knows how to write interesting characters who come into their own. I recommend!
"You just gave me all that sweetness you'd stored up all those years as though I . . . as though I deserved it."Completely entertaining!
Plot: Linnet is an heiress who's been convinced by her guardians that she suffers from a heart condition that prevents her from leaving her dark tower. Mason is the bastard born brother of her betrothed who's sent to jilt her.
They strike a marriage bargain of their own.
Gah! I loved how these two turned out to be so perfect together!
But poor Linnet. When the story begins . . .
She had absolutely no guile, no defense, and no insight into the harsh realities of life.. . . and Mason was her complete opposite.
Her husband did look rather sinister, she recognized, as he prowled up the shadowy corridors with a menacing glint in his eye.Despite the differences in their personalities (or maybe because of them), they created a little bit of magic together. The way they both blossomed under the influence of the other was such a pleasure to read.
There were problems, though. I wasn't thrilled with the lack of world building. The vague medieval setting turned out to be some kind of fantasy/quasi-parallel universe in which modern-day expressions would show up every so often.
However, that did not stop me from staying up late to finish this one. The author has a great sense of romance and she knows how to write interesting characters who come into their own. I recommend!
March 25, 2022
Third read: 5 stars. I loved it. I’ve reread this book once a year since I first stumbled upon this author. Still loving it just as much as I did the first time. This has definitely become a comfort read for me.
Second read: I liked it a tiny bit more the first time around, but I’m still leaving this at the same rating. Def worth reading!
Pretty dang safe; hero’s past isn’t really discussed much and heroine was a virgin. No om/ow drama
4.5 stars. This book was so much more than I expected... it has strong MCs, interesting secondary characters, a good plot, some humor, a sweet romance, and so much more. This book isn’t overly angsty but still has a good flow with a story that kept my attention. And best of all, the HEA felt extremely satisfying, the story didn’t just end at the point of conflict resolution but continued with the epilogue and the beginning of the next book.
There’s really no reason for too much more info about this book... This is definitely worth the read for fans of HR, even though the story isn’t really historical in that the kingdom is imaginary. There’s a virgin heroine & no major triggers that I can think of otherwise.
Second read: I liked it a tiny bit more the first time around, but I’m still leaving this at the same rating. Def worth reading!
Pretty dang safe; hero’s past isn’t really discussed much and heroine was a virgin. No om/ow drama
4.5 stars. This book was so much more than I expected... it has strong MCs, interesting secondary characters, a good plot, some humor, a sweet romance, and so much more. This book isn’t overly angsty but still has a good flow with a story that kept my attention. And best of all, the HEA felt extremely satisfying, the story didn’t just end at the point of conflict resolution but continued with the epilogue and the beginning of the next book.
There’s really no reason for too much more info about this book... This is definitely worth the read for fans of HR, even though the story isn’t really historical in that the kingdom is imaginary. There’s a virgin heroine & no major triggers that I can think of otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
➳
5 stars!
I fear this is my type.
┈┈・୨✦୧・┈┈
I pen this review in the midst of grievous academic torment - exams, alas! - and having completed the second book in this series. But let us cast aside such trivial sufferings and attend to the tale at hand: this most enchanting book.
༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Tropes and things that I loved:
🧡 marriage of convenience
🏰 medieval setting
🧡 soft grumpy x sunshine
🏰 found family
🧡 complex family dynamics
🏰 possessive MMC (deliciously, some would say ✨unreasonably✨ possessive)
🧡 court drama and royal meddling
Everyone kept calling her sickly, disfigured, dying. I was prepared for bubonic boils. A twisted spine. A face devoured by pestilence.
Nay.
Linnet Cadwallader was cast aside by her kin for the dire crime of… being ginger. And freckled. Verily, she was locked in a tower for possessing excessive melanin in the form of charming speckles. I simply cannot. 🤚🏻 Meanwhile, the populace whispers of her as if she were a beast conjured from shadow and plague. Her aunt and uncle? The puppetmasters behind these dark rumors.
She is promised to the infamous Roland Vawdrey. But Roland - petulant knave that he is - refuses to wed a so-called "toad in a dress," and thus sends forth his elder brothers to dissolve the arrangement. Linnet, having viewed the union as a passage to freedom from her odious relations, is undone by this news. So she does what any desperate yet clear-minded heroine might do:
She proposes to his brother, Mason Vawdrey.
In return for their futureson sons to bear the noble title of "Duke."
Mason, most inexplicably persuaded, assumes the mantle of gallant fiancé with alarming swiftness - warming her cold hands by the hearth, placing his hands "comfortingly" (👀) upon her hips, vanquishing vile relatives, and claiming her hand in holy matrimony - all within the span of a single day..
I did not foresee swooning for a man who once thought, "At least she's beautiful in the dark," and yet here we are. (To clarify: I wished, in that moment, to throttle him. And yet he grew upon me like ivy upon stone. Also, may I add - Linnet does not find him particularly handsome either. The petty glee I felt? Unholy.)
✿₊˚⊹༉ Linnet Cadwallader:
Linnet is gentle, reticent - the kind of heroine fools might dismiss as dull. But I adored her. She has been gaslit into believing she is hideous, unworthy, and it broke me how deeply she believed it. Yet she does not wail nor wallow. Instead, she illustrates picture books. She blushes when Mason looks at her too long. And slowly, she learns how deeply lovable she truly is.
✦⭑⋆༉₊˚ Mason's Possessiveness:
Mason's possessiveness is not a trait — nay, ‘tis a full-fledged character in its own right. ✨
He growls when men dare glance upon her. He sulks. He becomes green-eyed over fictional rivals.
Linnet draws picture books, and this man prepares to duel "Sir bloody Maurency of Jorde," a made-up hero, no less. (A hero who, mayhap, embodies every trait Mason lacks - a vexation, indeed.)
➙ SIR👹BLOODY👹MAURENCY👹OF👹JORDE.
— mason, probably
➙ "You've been like a dog with a bone with her from day one. Anyone so much as looks at her too long and you growl. You’re insanely possessive."
➙ "You took one look at Linnet and saw your future."
➙ te he he he he
— me, each time Linnet innocently incites chaos within his soul.
The found family and other characters:
Every soul in this tale had a voice, a presence - and I loved them all. The maids, the household staff, the 12-year-old page named Cuthbert, the brothers, the father-in-law, even. He was chaotic in the best way. None were mere background filler. They all had flesh and spirit.
This book? Precisely what my soul craved: character-driven, swoon-inducing, spicy, and genuinely hilarious. There were moments where I left my corporeal shell, hovered near the rafters, and witnessed myself wheezing like a consumptive Victorian orphan glimpsing her first crumpet.
I so wish you would read it.
"Only you could think that about me, Linnet. I'm not nice. I just happen to be in love with you."
I fear this is my type.
┈┈・୨✦୧・┈┈
I pen this review in the midst of grievous academic torment - exams, alas! - and having completed the second book in this series. But let us cast aside such trivial sufferings and attend to the tale at hand: this most enchanting book.
༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Tropes and things that I loved:
🧡 marriage of convenience
🏰 medieval setting
🧡 soft grumpy x sunshine
🏰 found family
🧡 complex family dynamics
🏰 possessive MMC (deliciously, some would say ✨unreasonably✨ possessive)
🧡 court drama and royal meddling
Everyone kept calling her sickly, disfigured, dying. I was prepared for bubonic boils. A twisted spine. A face devoured by pestilence.
Nay.
Linnet Cadwallader was cast aside by her kin for the dire crime of… being ginger. And freckled. Verily, she was locked in a tower for possessing excessive melanin in the form of charming speckles. I simply cannot. 🤚🏻 Meanwhile, the populace whispers of her as if she were a beast conjured from shadow and plague. Her aunt and uncle? The puppetmasters behind these dark rumors.
She is promised to the infamous Roland Vawdrey. But Roland - petulant knave that he is - refuses to wed a so-called "toad in a dress," and thus sends forth his elder brothers to dissolve the arrangement. Linnet, having viewed the union as a passage to freedom from her odious relations, is undone by this news. So she does what any desperate yet clear-minded heroine might do:
She proposes to his brother, Mason Vawdrey.
In return for their future
Mason, most inexplicably persuaded, assumes the mantle of gallant fiancé with alarming swiftness - warming her cold hands by the hearth, placing his hands "comfortingly" (👀) upon her hips, vanquishing vile relatives, and claiming her hand in holy matrimony - all within the span of a single day..
I did not foresee swooning for a man who once thought, "At least she's beautiful in the dark," and yet here we are. (To clarify: I wished, in that moment, to throttle him. And yet he grew upon me like ivy upon stone. Also, may I add - Linnet does not find him particularly handsome either. The petty glee I felt? Unholy.)
✿₊˚⊹༉ Linnet Cadwallader:
Linnet is gentle, reticent - the kind of heroine fools might dismiss as dull. But I adored her. She has been gaslit into believing she is hideous, unworthy, and it broke me how deeply she believed it. Yet she does not wail nor wallow. Instead, she illustrates picture books. She blushes when Mason looks at her too long. And slowly, she learns how deeply lovable she truly is.
✦⭑⋆༉₊˚ Mason's Possessiveness:
Mason's possessiveness is not a trait — nay, ‘tis a full-fledged character in its own right. ✨
He growls when men dare glance upon her. He sulks. He becomes green-eyed over fictional rivals.
Linnet draws picture books, and this man prepares to duel "Sir bloody Maurency of Jorde," a made-up hero, no less. (A hero who, mayhap, embodies every trait Mason lacks - a vexation, indeed.)
"Mason, I don't know what you're talking about. Linnet thinks the sun rises and sets with you."
"You didn't read that fucking book."
Oswald looked bewildered. "Book? What book?"
"Sir bloody Maurency of Jorde."
➙ SIR👹BLOODY👹MAURENCY👹OF👹JORDE.
— mason, probably
➙ "You've been like a dog with a bone with her from day one. Anyone so much as looks at her too long and you growl. You’re insanely possessive."
➙ "You took one look at Linnet and saw your future."
➙ te he he he he
— me, each time Linnet innocently incites chaos within his soul.
The found family and other characters:
Every soul in this tale had a voice, a presence - and I loved them all. The maids, the household staff, the 12-year-old page named Cuthbert, the brothers, the father-in-law, even. He was chaotic in the best way. None were mere background filler. They all had flesh and spirit.
This book? Precisely what my soul craved: character-driven, swoon-inducing, spicy, and genuinely hilarious. There were moments where I left my corporeal shell, hovered near the rafters, and witnessed myself wheezing like a consumptive Victorian orphan glimpsing her first crumpet.
I so wish you would read it.
July 3, 2020
I liked the first title better ("Her Bastard Bridegroom"... cause it's 'tongue in cheek')
I've read this and listened to the audiobook. Enjoyed both formats!
Mason 'the Despoiler of Demoyne' and Linnet the 'hunchbacked toad in a a dress'... or so everyone says...
I really enjoyed this refreshing spin on fairy tale classics involving damsels in distress trapped in a tower. The premise of the story is kinda ridiculous, but don't let that stop you. The characters were nicely drawn and grow as the story progresses.
Linnet has been trapped in her tower since she was a sickly girl when her father died. Now she is fine but her evil aunt and uncle have convinced her that her heart is weak and that she is ugly. Well she isn't the ideal of beauty. She's one of those red heads that has more freckles than plain skin.
Mason is no great catch either. He's a rough hewn bastard with no manners and plain spoken to the point of pain.
Mason and his older brother, Oswald have come to tell Linnet that her bridegroom, their younger brother Roland, is jilting her at the altar. Linnet isn't bothered as she has never met Roland, but she needs to wed. So she propositions Mason to take his brother's place. Mason takes in the wealth of the castle and says yes.
What follows is a highly entertaining story of the MCs getting to know each other, the evil aunt and uncle getting the heave ho, and justice being served. The supporting characters are various and only somewhat predictable. In fact, I would not call the story predictable, yet it never made me uncomfortable either.
Just as Linnet and Mason make some headway in righting the wrongs wrought by her family, Roland, realizing what he could have had (in marrying her) decides to make trouble.
This is a very safe read. No OW. No OM. A devoted bridegroom, even if he doesn't realize it at first. A practical and very resilient bride who doesn't come across as an invalid at all. Just a wee bit naive.
I've read this and listened to the audiobook. Enjoyed both formats!
Mason 'the Despoiler of Demoyne' and Linnet the 'hunchbacked toad in a a dress'... or so everyone says...
I really enjoyed this refreshing spin on fairy tale classics involving damsels in distress trapped in a tower. The premise of the story is kinda ridiculous, but don't let that stop you. The characters were nicely drawn and grow as the story progresses.
Linnet has been trapped in her tower since she was a sickly girl when her father died. Now she is fine but her evil aunt and uncle have convinced her that her heart is weak and that she is ugly. Well she isn't the ideal of beauty. She's one of those red heads that has more freckles than plain skin.
Mason is no great catch either. He's a rough hewn bastard with no manners and plain spoken to the point of pain.
Mason and his older brother, Oswald have come to tell Linnet that her bridegroom, their younger brother Roland, is jilting her at the altar. Linnet isn't bothered as she has never met Roland, but she needs to wed. So she propositions Mason to take his brother's place. Mason takes in the wealth of the castle and says yes.
What follows is a highly entertaining story of the MCs getting to know each other, the evil aunt and uncle getting the heave ho, and justice being served. The supporting characters are various and only somewhat predictable. In fact, I would not call the story predictable, yet it never made me uncomfortable either.
Just as Linnet and Mason make some headway in righting the wrongs wrought by her family, Roland, realizing what he could have had (in marrying her) decides to make trouble.
This is a very safe read. No OW. No OM. A devoted bridegroom, even if he doesn't realize it at first. A practical and very resilient bride who doesn't come across as an invalid at all. Just a wee bit naive.
May 16, 2022
Maybe it was my mood, maybe it was the string of terrible books I've recently read, but I absolutely adored this story.
Mason is such an excellent H. He's a brute on the battlefield, with zero filter on his mouth. Uncaring of popular opinion or conventions, but he's a huge softy for our h.
Highly recommended for fans of steamier historical romances.
She was not a beauteous maiden and he had not rescued her from her tower. If anything, she had called down to him and he had pointed out there was a door.Linnet is a wonderful h. Although she is the typical old-school historical romance heroine. (virginal, been abused by relatives, blazing red hair, etc) Don't care, loved her firery but sweet personality.
Mason is such an excellent H. He's a brute on the battlefield, with zero filter on his mouth. Uncaring of popular opinion or conventions, but he's a huge softy for our h.
“Don’t cry,” he said, leaning in to kiss her gently on the lips. “I don’t like it when you’re upset. It makes me want to do crazy things, like kill people.Coldbreath's writing keeps the plot moving along quickly, and the steam level is MUCH higher than old historicals, this is a huge positive. The side characters are wonderful as well, and it had such a sweet friendship between the two brothers.
Highly recommended for fans of steamier historical romances.
August 29, 2018
Loved the H
Mason was the greatest H and he loved her so much. He didn't know it of course but he did. And the h was remarkable to. Linnet had been locked in her tower by her evil relatives and did not get to experience much of a life but once she 'escaped' she made up for lost times. The scene at court was a little too cheesy for me and it reminded me of Julie Garwood scenes where the king and queen help the lovers stay together but it still was a cute read. Mason is just awesome. And the ending was perfect.
Mason was the greatest H and he loved her so much. He didn't know it of course but he did. And the h was remarkable to. Linnet had been locked in her tower by her evil relatives and did not get to experience much of a life but once she 'escaped' she made up for lost times. The scene at court was a little too cheesy for me and it reminded me of Julie Garwood scenes where the king and queen help the lovers stay together but it still was a cute read. Mason is just awesome. And the ending was perfect.
April 11, 2020
An enjoyable, happy read.
A perfect blend of mild smut and medieval romance with a plain Jane, heavily freckled h and an uber dominant, super macho, me-mine warrior H! And they find their super sweet super satisfying hea!
Swoon worthy and drool worthy stuff!
Only that cover needs a re-think and re-do. Looks like a guy in drag!
A perfect blend of mild smut and medieval romance with a plain Jane, heavily freckled h and an uber dominant, super macho, me-mine warrior H! And they find their super sweet super satisfying hea!
Swoon worthy and drool worthy stuff!
Only that cover needs a re-think and re-do. Looks like a guy in drag!
June 20, 2020
Cute and safe
June 24, 2020
Love it. This is my first book by Alice Coldbreath but it won't be my last.
One little detail, the language at times didn't match the time period.
One little detail, the language at times didn't match the time period.
October 29, 2024
SECOND read:
I upgraded to 4 stars because I’ve read all of the other books in the associated series! And I’m familiar with the context and the evolution of all of the characters, so nowhere did I feel I was lost or some detail was boring. I might have still skimmed those but I wasn’t irritated.
A few thoughts:
I like Linnet’s backbone BUT if she always had a backbone how could she let her relatives sequester away in a tower with gruel to eat and not even TRY to walk around and be a little more robust? It seems she might have a backbone but she’s kinda stupid.
Which is a theme for the women of these books. Naive to the point of stupidity.
Mason is the typical Hero of this author’s novels. Straight shooter. Won’t try to preserve your feelings. But when he decides you’re worth his time, he gives it unstintingly. Possessive to a fault.
I think across all of the books with the exception of the couple I rated 5 stars, it’s hard to see why exactly the Hero fell in love with the heroine from their POV. What exactly made him think she’s not ugly when initially they all thought she was unfortunate in looks? Just bc he had sex with her and she’s “his” and the second time they both got off?
It comes down apparently to some kind of fated thing - bc these men always claim they knew from the start, looking back. A kind of instinctive thing. Which I just don’t buy to a certain point.
It’s like, if you’re a half way decent women, with a brain, plain looks, and have the fortune to get wed to one of these men, you’re golden. They’ll automatically fall in love with you.
So, 4 stars.
FIRST read:
Meh. Could have been good. Too “old school” in terms of writing style. Very straightforward and primary school esque
Update: I’ve actually read 2 other books by this author and loved one of them! Didn’t even recall ever reading her before. Now I know! But the second book was only a 3 star as well. Hmm… hit and miss.
I upgraded to 4 stars because I’ve read all of the other books in the associated series! And I’m familiar with the context and the evolution of all of the characters, so nowhere did I feel I was lost or some detail was boring. I might have still skimmed those but I wasn’t irritated.
A few thoughts:
I like Linnet’s backbone BUT if she always had a backbone how could she let her relatives sequester away in a tower with gruel to eat and not even TRY to walk around and be a little more robust? It seems she might have a backbone but she’s kinda stupid.
Which is a theme for the women of these books. Naive to the point of stupidity.
Mason is the typical Hero of this author’s novels. Straight shooter. Won’t try to preserve your feelings. But when he decides you’re worth his time, he gives it unstintingly. Possessive to a fault.
I think across all of the books with the exception of the couple I rated 5 stars, it’s hard to see why exactly the Hero fell in love with the heroine from their POV. What exactly made him think she’s not ugly when initially they all thought she was unfortunate in looks? Just bc he had sex with her and she’s “his” and the second time they both got off?
It comes down apparently to some kind of fated thing - bc these men always claim they knew from the start, looking back. A kind of instinctive thing. Which I just don’t buy to a certain point.
It’s like, if you’re a half way decent women, with a brain, plain looks, and have the fortune to get wed to one of these men, you’re golden. They’ll automatically fall in love with you.
So, 4 stars.
FIRST read:
Meh. Could have been good. Too “old school” in terms of writing style. Very straightforward and primary school esque
Update: I’ve actually read 2 other books by this author and loved one of them! Didn’t even recall ever reading her before. Now I know! But the second book was only a 3 star as well. Hmm… hit and miss.
July 1, 2020
Finally a really good book after a long time. I enjoy reading historical romance. The language isn't hard either which made it more enjoyable as English isn't my first language. I enjoyed watching Mason struggle with his feelings and how naive but fierce Linnet is.
I laughed and swooned at the same time in this scene. I laughed cause Linned was really naive. She didn't understand that he wanted her to tell "I am Yours". At the same time, I adored them, as Mason got really confused about this, He didn't understand the effect Linnet have on him. It's just too good. I loved how possessive he is, and how fierce Linnet becomes. I never felt bored while reading this. Even though it was predictable, i still enjoyed the book.
“You’re mine,” he said darkly against her ear. Then he pulled back, looking at her through unfathomable, dark eyes. “Now you say it, Linnet.” She leant up on her tip toes, bringing her mouth close to his ear. “You’re mine,” she whispered and felt him go still before his breathing caught. When she leant back he had the strangest, conflicted look on his face. But he’d wanted to hear the words, she thought in puzzlement. Hadn’t he? “Let’s try again,” he said tightly.”
I laughed and swooned at the same time in this scene. I laughed cause Linned was really naive. She didn't understand that he wanted her to tell "I am Yours". At the same time, I adored them, as Mason got really confused about this, He didn't understand the effect Linnet have on him. It's just too good. I loved how possessive he is, and how fierce Linnet becomes. I never felt bored while reading this. Even though it was predictable, i still enjoyed the book.
April 20, 2023
All the stars - wonderfully grumpy H is sent to jilt his brother's bride. She's said to be an invalid and quite deformed, but he finds a sweet girl imprisoned by her evil family. The writing is outstanding, the plot is fast paced and the characters are all entertaining. For me this is a perfect example of romance, written by a very talented author. Loved the H being ridiculously j/p, and the sweetly earnest heroine.
January 2, 2020
5 STARS
I absolutely adored this book! So creative, and funny! The characters were fantastic. Mason was PERFECTION. Oh how I love a bastard! The witty dialogue was so addictive. The story was of course, predictable, but thankfully, in a good way. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
This was what she had spent a decade dreaming about in her tower? Being rescued by some paragon of virtue? And instead she had gotten him. The Despoiler of Demoyne. Wymer’s most savage hound of war.
I absolutely adored this book! So creative, and funny! The characters were fantastic. Mason was PERFECTION. Oh how I love a bastard! The witty dialogue was so addictive. The story was of course, predictable, but thankfully, in a good way. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
December 9, 2021
“Do you want to know the truth?” He moved his mouth to her ear. “I’d be disappointed if anything changed about you Linnet. Anything at all.”
Her Baseborn Bridegroom is a fluffy marriage of convenience romance set in the Middle Ages.
Mason is a brutish, baseborn hero who is a general in the king’s army. He comes to Linnet’s sprawling estate to break his younger brother’s engagement to her. Linnet’s aunt and uncle led everyone to believe she was a malformed invalid and kept her in seclusion. Mason astutely realizes she is not hideous like they thought. He wonders why her only family would lie. Linnet has no feeling about a broken engagement to a man she has never met. She bravely bargains for a husband of her choosing. Mason accepts her proposal to become her husband. After all he wants to gain an estate grander than that of his neglectful father.
The MCs were opposites in demeanor and status. Linnet is a wealthy, naïve, but weak heroine who finds her strength slowly as she learns about the world around her. She is generous and kind to all and not afraid of hardship. Mason felt shunned by his father and brothers due to his birth and wants to prove himself worthy in their eyes. He starts off focused on the gains the marriage brought him and softens toward Linnet before falling for her completely.
The story is hopeful and sweet (and a little predictable) as Mason and Linnet faced uncertainty, jealously, and joy. The best part was the choice Mason made in full view of the royal court (and Linnet not hearing it all thus drawing out the suspense another day). I liked how protective Mason was of Linnet and kept her family from taking further advantage of her. The old wise woman on Linnet’s estate was a sly one. Her remedies served to create foreplay between Linnet and Mason. No closed door intimacy here.
🎧I listened to the audio book narrated by Anne Flosnik and would definitely recommend this format.
This was a good solid romance, my third Coldbreath novel. While this was enjoyable, The Unlovely Bride was better. I now see a familiar pattern in her books. The MCs of this author’s books all have similar enough traits that I would want to ensure a couple of months between reads.
Safe
Her Baseborn Bridegroom is a fluffy marriage of convenience romance set in the Middle Ages.
Mason is a brutish, baseborn hero who is a general in the king’s army. He comes to Linnet’s sprawling estate to break his younger brother’s engagement to her. Linnet’s aunt and uncle led everyone to believe she was a malformed invalid and kept her in seclusion. Mason astutely realizes she is not hideous like they thought. He wonders why her only family would lie. Linnet has no feeling about a broken engagement to a man she has never met. She bravely bargains for a husband of her choosing. Mason accepts her proposal to become her husband. After all he wants to gain an estate grander than that of his neglectful father.
The MCs were opposites in demeanor and status. Linnet is a wealthy, naïve, but weak heroine who finds her strength slowly as she learns about the world around her. She is generous and kind to all and not afraid of hardship. Mason felt shunned by his father and brothers due to his birth and wants to prove himself worthy in their eyes. He starts off focused on the gains the marriage brought him and softens toward Linnet before falling for her completely.
The story is hopeful and sweet (and a little predictable) as Mason and Linnet faced uncertainty, jealously, and joy. The best part was the choice Mason made in full view of the royal court (and Linnet not hearing it all thus drawing out the suspense another day). I liked how protective Mason was of Linnet and kept her family from taking further advantage of her. The old wise woman on Linnet’s estate was a sly one. Her remedies served to create foreplay between Linnet and Mason. No closed door intimacy here.
🎧I listened to the audio book narrated by Anne Flosnik and would definitely recommend this format.
This was a good solid romance, my third Coldbreath novel. While this was enjoyable, The Unlovely Bride was better. I now see a familiar pattern in her books. The MCs of this author’s books all have similar enough traits that I would want to ensure a couple of months between reads.
Safe
June 2, 2018
5 Jealous/Possessive Hero Yumminess Stars
July 27, 2019
My first book from this author.
Loves it!
Gave me plenty giggles and it made me stay awake till 3 am this morning to finish, Lol.
I want to read Oswald’s story too, now.
❤️❤️❤️
Loves it!
Gave me plenty giggles and it made me stay awake till 3 am this morning to finish, Lol.
I want to read Oswald’s story too, now.
❤️❤️❤️
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