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Wicked Husbands #2
Her Lovestruck Lord
She married him for his title… Maggie, Marchioness of Sandhurst, is trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. Her husband refused to consummate their union, and she hasn’t seen him in over a year. But she has a plan to win back her freedom. All she needs to do is create the scandal of the century. He married her for her fortune… Simon, the Marquis of Sandhurst, vowed he’d never touch the wife he didn’t want. When he seeks pleasure in the arms of a masked siren at a wicked country house party, he’s shocked to discover the woman in question is actually his marchioness. Will their marriage of convenience become a love match? As the truth unravels, husband and wife are estranged no longer, spending their days and nights exploring the desire burning hot between them. But when Simon’s past comes back to haunt them both, their newfound happiness could be forever dashed.
244 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2013
2485 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,566 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
January 11, 2018
This was another "hero" who is similar to the one in "Her Errant Earl" by the same author. I suppose it fits because the title of this series is, after all, "Wicked Husbands". This H is in love with a vapid, c**t of a woman who is married to a fat Viscount. God I hated how this H had blinders over his eyes when it came to his mistress. The stupid fucker did not even know that she had cheated on him until a friend told him. And I really LOVED Maggie, the heroine. She was a ravishing sexy red haired beauty and this STUPID asshole treated her like crap because of his "love" for his mercenary bitch OW. Maggie was awesome ! She tolerated his shit and cheating until she got fed up after 2 years of an unconsummated marriage. Maggie was also an American heiress like the heroine in Her Errant Earl. When she realized that Simon was a loser, Maggie decided to cuckhold him in an effort to force the bastard to divorce her. Normally I would not approve of her plan but in her case, I think she deserved to get her freedom. She lived in an era where a husband would only divorce a wife for adultery and she loathed her unhappy marriage so much that she was willing to face public shame just to be free. That's how hateful Simon had behaved towards her.
Maggie actually goes through with her plan but ended up having sex with Simon. That was such an unfortunate coincidence. Simon's OW had dumped him because her fat husband had told her it was time to produce an heir. Simon was so depressed he attended the same weekend house party where people wore masks and engaged in wicked flirtation and even sexual activity. Ironically, Simon felt himself lusting after only one woman there and that happened to be Maggie. She'd been wearing a mask that covered her upper face so the dumbass didn't recognize her and vice versa. It was also interesting that the sex with Maggie was the best sex of his life. Simon ended up seeing her face after she fell asleep and he removed the mask. He got mad and jealous because he's another slumlord of Double Standards Central. He even got mad at Maggie when she decided to cuckhold him with a hot duke who was lusting after her. He nearly fought with the duke and then he and Maggie decided to pursue a sexual relationship that will allow them to get their mutual lust out of their systems. Maggie also stands up to him and insists that she doesn't want to spend the rest of her life as his wife. It was great that she made him aware that she was only using him for sex. As time passed, Simon was the one who started wanting more out of their relationship. I still hated him but he wasn't quite as hateful as the H in the first book.
The only reason I gave this 3 stars instead is due to the heroine. She had more backbone than the spineless heroine in the first novel. This heroine, Maggie, actually made sure to make the dumb bastard grovel like the undeserving pussy he deserves to be called. The other reason I gave this 3 stars is because the crazy, delusional c**ty bitch OW committed gruesome suicide after the H dumped her slutty ass, because he loved the heroine. There was a fabulous comeuppance scene where the OW is begging Simon to take her back since she's left her fat husband for good. Simon doesn't even reconsider; he tells her that he's aware of how she had been cheating on him during their sordid mutually adulterous relationship. He also reveals his feelings for Maggie to her. I gave him a tiny point for that. This novel has one of the best endings for an OW. I laughed like a hyena when I read the part where the OW jumped from an upper level window and impaled herself on a fence post. That should happen more often to these whores in romancelandia. I really hope the next book in this series has a H who is less hateful than this one and easier to redeem.
Maggie actually goes through with her plan but ended up having sex with Simon. That was such an unfortunate coincidence. Simon's OW had dumped him because her fat husband had told her it was time to produce an heir. Simon was so depressed he attended the same weekend house party where people wore masks and engaged in wicked flirtation and even sexual activity. Ironically, Simon felt himself lusting after only one woman there and that happened to be Maggie. She'd been wearing a mask that covered her upper face so the dumbass didn't recognize her and vice versa. It was also interesting that the sex with Maggie was the best sex of his life. Simon ended up seeing her face after she fell asleep and he removed the mask. He got mad and jealous because he's another slumlord of Double Standards Central. He even got mad at Maggie when she decided to cuckhold him with a hot duke who was lusting after her. He nearly fought with the duke and then he and Maggie decided to pursue a sexual relationship that will allow them to get their mutual lust out of their systems. Maggie also stands up to him and insists that she doesn't want to spend the rest of her life as his wife. It was great that she made him aware that she was only using him for sex. As time passed, Simon was the one who started wanting more out of their relationship. I still hated him but he wasn't quite as hateful as the H in the first book.
The only reason I gave this 3 stars instead is due to the heroine. She had more backbone than the spineless heroine in the first novel. This heroine, Maggie, actually made sure to make the dumb bastard grovel like the undeserving pussy he deserves to be called. The other reason I gave this 3 stars is because the crazy, delusional c**ty bitch OW committed gruesome suicide after the H dumped her slutty ass, because he loved the heroine. There was a fabulous comeuppance scene where the OW is begging Simon to take her back since she's left her fat husband for good. Simon doesn't even reconsider; he tells her that he's aware of how she had been cheating on him during their sordid mutually adulterous relationship. He also reveals his feelings for Maggie to her. I gave him a tiny point for that. This novel has one of the best endings for an OW. I laughed like a hyena when I read the part where the OW jumped from an upper level window and impaled herself on a fence post. That should happen more often to these whores in romancelandia. I really hope the next book in this series has a H who is less hateful than this one and easier to redeem.
April 20, 2023
3-Not. Enough. Grovelling-Stars
Merry & I decided to do a buddy read of this book on account of its controversial plot. Somehow, I had a feeling that my opinion would change on this "fortune-hunting marriage of convenience" trope.
Why do we read romance novels? To experience men as written by women (so, unreal). Then along comes a story such as this, and it douses this imaginary flame, makes you aware of the cold reality, that men are men, that they rarely grovel and women in love forgive and forget far too much, far too easily. Maybe that is why many did not like this book. Put the story in context with the time period, and the way the aristocracy behaved, this plot, is not far off from the way things would have been.
My Thoughts, the second time around...
- I think that my affront was on behalf of Maggie. She did understand that she was married off to Simon for a title in exchange for her dowry. She did not care about what he did and with whom. But what about the blatant disregard and the humiliation?
- I also noted that she was not above having an affair to seek a divorce, and found a guy to sleep with too, he just turned out to be her husband, unfortunately.
- I have to hand one thing to her though, she killed it with kindness, instead of anger. I had thought her spineless, but she handled the majority of this debacle with poise, and she had a quiet strength about her.
- I still think Simon was a jackass. I concede that he loved Elenor for years, he did not know Maggie and had spent less than a month with her, so I grudgingly let the cheating aspect slide. In a demented way, it shows that the fucker is at least capable of commitment. What bothered me most, and still does, is the drama after Elenor's death, and the way he went bonkers. I would actually have liked to read about how he came to terms. But I still feel he acted very entitled, expecting everyone to dance in attendance upon his whims and fancies.
- I find the beginnings of romance here and not a complete one.
This was an interestingly thought-provoking plot to be sure, nor do I have a problem with high angst dramas, my issue was the OW nonsense and pure selfishness on Simon's part. Great writing, but this story does not work well for me.
2 Extremely angry stars.
I am seething. This review will contain an inordinate amount of unsavoury swear words.
My Thoughts
- If there ever was an undeserving HEA, it was this one. I say, "FUCK OFF" to this plot. What a pile of shit, and I am supposed to buy this as a romance?
- I am all for the angsty plotlines, but this one scraped on my nerves, as it was pure selfishness and hurt, with nary a shred of tenderness in sight. I am sorry but I do not believe that fucking makes for love.
Why the 2 paltry stars?
- I like the way this book is written, horrible though the plot may have been, I still wanted to know what happened next. Or maybe it was my obsessive need to finish every book I start, I don't know which one was it, but I did finish it in one sitting.
- It inspired an extreme reaction. After reading 100s of books of a particular genre, the reactions of a reader may be jaded or tepid. Oh, but not this one.
The Asshole (I refuse to call him hero)
- Simon was arrogant, selfish, spineless, cheating, whoring, bastard of a man. I tried to be as open-minded as possible, but this one went even beyond my acceptance levels. All this without a good excuse, mind you.
- Am I supposed to sympathise with him for being conflicted about his feeling between his wife and his fucking manipulative mistress? Fuck no. Make up your mind asshole.
- His guilt levels were so low, that I wanted to kick him in his balls. What else can you anticipate from a jackass who set such lowly expectations?
- Lovestruck Lord, my ass.
I can go on about his many shortcomings, but I am afraid this will turn into more rant than review
The Heroine?
- She is the reason I have not rated this book with a single star. How was she able to see the good in him is beyond me.
- What I liked was that most of the time she was respectful of her feelings and cautious too, thank god. I did not think I could abide a milksop, whiny female. Then there were times when my heart broke for her.
- I admired Maggie's honesty and candour, but she gave in too easily. I blame lust. For most of the story, she kept her head, small mercy, earning her my grudging star.
My Recommendation
If you are looking for a jarring read, then look no further. I hadn't expected this kind of darkness from Scarlett Scott, but not giving up yet, one bad book out of 20 does not a bad author make. I am going to be reading the next one in the series hoping for the best!
Merry & I decided to do a buddy read of this book on account of its controversial plot. Somehow, I had a feeling that my opinion would change on this "fortune-hunting marriage of convenience" trope.
Why do we read romance novels? To experience men as written by women (so, unreal). Then along comes a story such as this, and it douses this imaginary flame, makes you aware of the cold reality, that men are men, that they rarely grovel and women in love forgive and forget far too much, far too easily. Maybe that is why many did not like this book. Put the story in context with the time period, and the way the aristocracy behaved, this plot, is not far off from the way things would have been.
My Thoughts, the second time around...
- I think that my affront was on behalf of Maggie. She did understand that she was married off to Simon for a title in exchange for her dowry. She did not care about what he did and with whom. But what about the blatant disregard and the humiliation?
- I also noted that she was not above having an affair to seek a divorce, and found a guy to sleep with too, he just turned out to be her husband, unfortunately.
- I have to hand one thing to her though, she killed it with kindness, instead of anger. I had thought her spineless, but she handled the majority of this debacle with poise, and she had a quiet strength about her.
- I still think Simon was a jackass. I concede that he loved Elenor for years, he did not know Maggie and had spent less than a month with her, so I grudgingly let the cheating aspect slide. In a demented way, it shows that the fucker is at least capable of commitment. What bothered me most, and still does, is the drama after Elenor's death, and the way he went bonkers. I would actually have liked to read about how he came to terms. But I still feel he acted very entitled, expecting everyone to dance in attendance upon his whims and fancies.
- I find the beginnings of romance here and not a complete one.
This was an interestingly thought-provoking plot to be sure, nor do I have a problem with high angst dramas, my issue was the OW nonsense and pure selfishness on Simon's part. Great writing, but this story does not work well for me.
2 Extremely angry stars.
I am seething. This review will contain an inordinate amount of unsavoury swear words.
My Thoughts
- If there ever was an undeserving HEA, it was this one. I say, "FUCK OFF" to this plot. What a pile of shit, and I am supposed to buy this as a romance?
- I am all for the angsty plotlines, but this one scraped on my nerves, as it was pure selfishness and hurt, with nary a shred of tenderness in sight. I am sorry but I do not believe that fucking makes for love.
Why the 2 paltry stars?
- I like the way this book is written, horrible though the plot may have been, I still wanted to know what happened next. Or maybe it was my obsessive need to finish every book I start, I don't know which one was it, but I did finish it in one sitting.
- It inspired an extreme reaction. After reading 100s of books of a particular genre, the reactions of a reader may be jaded or tepid. Oh, but not this one.
The Asshole (I refuse to call him hero)
- Simon was arrogant, selfish, spineless, cheating, whoring, bastard of a man. I tried to be as open-minded as possible, but this one went even beyond my acceptance levels. All this without a good excuse, mind you.
- Am I supposed to sympathise with him for being conflicted about his feeling between his wife and his fucking manipulative mistress? Fuck no. Make up your mind asshole.
- His guilt levels were so low, that I wanted to kick him in his balls. What else can you anticipate from a jackass who set such lowly expectations?
- Lovestruck Lord, my ass.
I can go on about his many shortcomings, but I am afraid this will turn into more rant than review
The Heroine?
- She is the reason I have not rated this book with a single star. How was she able to see the good in him is beyond me.
- What I liked was that most of the time she was respectful of her feelings and cautious too, thank god. I did not think I could abide a milksop, whiny female. Then there were times when my heart broke for her.
- I admired Maggie's honesty and candour, but she gave in too easily. I blame lust. For most of the story, she kept her head, small mercy, earning her my grudging star.
My Recommendation
If you are looking for a jarring read, then look no further. I hadn't expected this kind of darkness from Scarlett Scott, but not giving up yet, one bad book out of 20 does not a bad author make. I am going to be reading the next one in the series hoping for the best!
December 18, 2025
5 heartbreaking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The unwanted wife is the theme of this story, and your heart is going to break for her. Tears will threaten to make their appearance.
In general this book does have a Natasha Anders vibe to it, which is 🙌
Angst, anger, love. This was a ride. It deserves 5 ⭐️, but some readers will unfairly give it 1 or 2 ⭐️ (according to me🤪) because it contains a difficult subject matter. When I write it, I fear this book will be added in a “ not for me” shelf. And you would be making a mistake. 😥
Here goes: There is a lot of OW drama. It’s simply so heartbreaking and so well written. It’s like watching an avalanche roll down a mountain and watching both the beauty and the havoc it causes.
The angst is tangible and I don’t think I have felt this much from an HR, since I started reading romance novels in the early 90’s.( no rules ) Weeping into a pillow so my brother wouldn’t tease me for days. This is not safely catered to the requirements of the usual modern HR. It is more like a film noir, than Disney. In the best way!
Simon married for money, even though he loved someone else, ( bold decision and I love when authors dare to do so) Maggie’s father married her off, for the title. They didn’t know each other. They never consummate the marriage and Simon disappears completely for a year while he is with his girlfriend.
Maggie, an American heiress, decides she wants a scandal so she can get a divorce. They meet accidentally at a masquerade sex party 😳
I think you can call it that. She is a virgin and you can guess what happens next.
Simon’s mistress has left him for her husband, yes that’s right and he is sad. He did love her, and it gets very complicated in a delicious way!
Maggie and Simon agree to continue their sexcapades for a month. Naturally they fall madly in love but not without obstacles.
Ms. Scott turned up the steam on this one 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know how I rant about the label “Hea guaranteed “ written on newer books. 🤦♀️ This book is a great example of why a HEA shouldn’t be guaranteed. I, a grown ass woman, would have personally picked Maggie up and swept her back to NYC where she belongs, if I could have. And that would have been a great ending for me. So now you know how I feel.
I loved this book. Truly loved. Did I love Simon? No not even a little and as well as the author took care of my fragile heart, I think Maggie would have better off without him. But I am a harsh woman. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. I absolutely want everyone to read this!
Should you read it? 🔝 yes definitely ❤️
The unwanted wife is the theme of this story, and your heart is going to break for her. Tears will threaten to make their appearance.
In general this book does have a Natasha Anders vibe to it, which is 🙌
Angst, anger, love. This was a ride. It deserves 5 ⭐️, but some readers will unfairly give it 1 or 2 ⭐️ (according to me🤪) because it contains a difficult subject matter. When I write it, I fear this book will be added in a “ not for me” shelf. And you would be making a mistake. 😥
Here goes: There is a lot of OW drama. It’s simply so heartbreaking and so well written. It’s like watching an avalanche roll down a mountain and watching both the beauty and the havoc it causes.
The angst is tangible and I don’t think I have felt this much from an HR, since I started reading romance novels in the early 90’s.( no rules ) Weeping into a pillow so my brother wouldn’t tease me for days. This is not safely catered to the requirements of the usual modern HR. It is more like a film noir, than Disney. In the best way!
Simon married for money, even though he loved someone else, ( bold decision and I love when authors dare to do so) Maggie’s father married her off, for the title. They didn’t know each other. They never consummate the marriage and Simon disappears completely for a year while he is with his girlfriend.
Maggie, an American heiress, decides she wants a scandal so she can get a divorce. They meet accidentally at a masquerade sex party 😳
I think you can call it that. She is a virgin and you can guess what happens next.
Simon’s mistress has left him for her husband, yes that’s right and he is sad. He did love her, and it gets very complicated in a delicious way!
Maggie and Simon agree to continue their sexcapades for a month. Naturally they fall madly in love but not without obstacles.
Ms. Scott turned up the steam on this one 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know how I rant about the label “Hea guaranteed “ written on newer books. 🤦♀️ This book is a great example of why a HEA shouldn’t be guaranteed. I, a grown ass woman, would have personally picked Maggie up and swept her back to NYC where she belongs, if I could have. And that would have been a great ending for me. So now you know how I feel.
I loved this book. Truly loved. Did I love Simon? No not even a little and as well as the author took care of my fragile heart, I think Maggie would have better off without him. But I am a harsh woman. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. I absolutely want everyone to read this!
Should you read it? 🔝 yes definitely ❤️
March 9, 2020
Maggie and Simon's book...
I love a good angsty story,the more angst,the more I enjoy the story.
Needless to say,this had angst galore,and I had so much sympathy for this long suffering heroine.
This story has 2 of my most hated tropes..CHEATING and a prior "great love".
Backstory...
H/h marry for convience,she is a very rich American heiress,and he a destitute English Marquess.He also has a long time mistress.The heroine also had someone she fell in love with back in New York.But marry they did.
Before the ink was dry on the marriage licence, the Marquess left his minutes old Marchioness and took up housekeeping with his married mistress.
So the marriage was not consummated, and the heroine is a wife in name only, and is made a laughing stock in front of the ton as her husband is openly living with his mistress,this is all on the heroine's dowry.
The story opens roughly a year or so later and the now thoroughly fed up and disillusioned heroine wants a divorce from her cheating bastard of a husband.The cheater louse Marquees was dumped by his mistress as she went back to her old husband and is now pregnant with the old man's heir.
She goes to a masked house party that is thrown by a very infamous hostess where the wine flows and everything goes .Sex on tap with random people abounds.She has a plan to cockhold her husband,thus shaming him to divorce her,she just needs to find a man,have sex,and reveal herself as his wife.
She finds someone to have sex with,he takes her virginity in a passion filled night, and by morning he is intrigued by his masked lover.He wants to know his mystery lover and slowly unmasked her,to his great shock,it is his wife,the woman he has hated from the moment he was forced to marry her.So husband and wife unknowingly had their long awaited wedding night not knowing who the other was.
Like a thief in the night,he scurries out the room leaving his sleeping Marchioness unawares.
Later on in the day,the cat is out of the bag and his identity is revealed,the heroine is shocked and hurt.
She bargains with him and a month is agreeded upon in which they will live as man and wife.
I really hated this hero,I felt that if the mistress did not dump his ass,he would have still been with her,but then we would not have a story :).He still has feelings for the ex I felt as he had built her up to be this paragon.
The mistress was a conniving witch,hated her.She shows up unannounced at the couple's estate and makes the moves on the hero who now is having deep feelings for the heroine. She even attempts to seduce the hero while he is sleeping ,he wakes up thinking it is his wife wanting more,but it is the ex,he tells her no and says he will not disrespect his wife in her own home.He leaves when she just won't get the message.
The heroine fed up with all the ow is doing decides to leave the hero to his one true love after she is given some love letters that the zero had written to her.
She leaves,the hero comes home after his morning ride and is looking for his wife,he is horny for her.He is told she has left,he then storms off after the ex mistress and she pleads with him,she loves him,her husband beat her up and she lost the baby.He tells her she needs to leave,his wife is the one for him now,not her deceitful self.( she slept with someone else while they were together).
He goes after her,finds her,professes that she is it for him, and takes her back home.
Bad news upon their return,seems like the ex mistress jumped out the window and is now impaled on a fence,dead she is.
Conflict again as he grieves thinking that he is the one to push her out the window to her death....he leaves not to return a month later to find his wife gone.
He finds her,confesses all,love is declared,and epilogue with pregnant heroine.
I love a good angsty story,the more angst,the more I enjoy the story.
Needless to say,this had angst galore,and I had so much sympathy for this long suffering heroine.
This story has 2 of my most hated tropes..CHEATING and a prior "great love".
Backstory...
H/h marry for convience,she is a very rich American heiress,and he a destitute English Marquess.He also has a long time mistress.The heroine also had someone she fell in love with back in New York.But marry they did.
Before the ink was dry on the marriage licence, the Marquess left his minutes old Marchioness and took up housekeeping with his married mistress.
So the marriage was not consummated, and the heroine is a wife in name only, and is made a laughing stock in front of the ton as her husband is openly living with his mistress,this is all on the heroine's dowry.
The story opens roughly a year or so later and the now thoroughly fed up and disillusioned heroine wants a divorce from her cheating bastard of a husband.The cheater louse Marquees was dumped by his mistress as she went back to her old husband and is now pregnant with the old man's heir.
She goes to a masked house party that is thrown by a very infamous hostess where the wine flows and everything goes .Sex on tap with random people abounds.She has a plan to cockhold her husband,thus shaming him to divorce her,she just needs to find a man,have sex,and reveal herself as his wife.
She finds someone to have sex with,he takes her virginity in a passion filled night, and by morning he is intrigued by his masked lover.He wants to know his mystery lover and slowly unmasked her,to his great shock,it is his wife,the woman he has hated from the moment he was forced to marry her.So husband and wife unknowingly had their long awaited wedding night not knowing who the other was.
Like a thief in the night,he scurries out the room leaving his sleeping Marchioness unawares.
Later on in the day,the cat is out of the bag and his identity is revealed,the heroine is shocked and hurt.
She bargains with him and a month is agreeded upon in which they will live as man and wife.
I really hated this hero,I felt that if the mistress did not dump his ass,he would have still been with her,but then we would not have a story :).He still has feelings for the ex I felt as he had built her up to be this paragon.
The mistress was a conniving witch,hated her.She shows up unannounced at the couple's estate and makes the moves on the hero who now is having deep feelings for the heroine. She even attempts to seduce the hero while he is sleeping ,he wakes up thinking it is his wife wanting more,but it is the ex,he tells her no and says he will not disrespect his wife in her own home.He leaves when she just won't get the message.
The heroine fed up with all the ow is doing decides to leave the hero to his one true love after she is given some love letters that the zero had written to her.
She leaves,the hero comes home after his morning ride and is looking for his wife,he is horny for her.He is told she has left,he then storms off after the ex mistress and she pleads with him,she loves him,her husband beat her up and she lost the baby.He tells her she needs to leave,his wife is the one for him now,not her deceitful self.( she slept with someone else while they were together).
He goes after her,finds her,professes that she is it for him, and takes her back home.
Bad news upon their return,seems like the ex mistress jumped out the window and is now impaled on a fence,dead she is.
Conflict again as he grieves thinking that he is the one to push her out the window to her death....he leaves not to return a month later to find his wife gone.
He finds her,confesses all,love is declared,and epilogue with pregnant heroine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
Another historical “second-best/ H doesn’t want her” reread. Much like my last read Surrender to Ruin this has an H hung up on another and loads of smut. The main differences are that Maggie has a spine and speaks her mind, and the OW (ex-mistress Eleanor) is around some, and she’s a manipulating bitch. (no perfect Anne here)
I still agree with my review. Things pick up around 60% when Eleanor shows up, but then things go a smidge sideways. I felt like both Maggie and Simon had major personality changes to accommodate the drama provoking plot twist, and it felt forced. Then even more drama is crammed in by Simon acting irrational at the eleventh hour (was never thoroughly explained) that made the ending feel rushed, and IMO took away from Maggie and Simon’s epic love declarations.
*****Original Review*****
Short, historical KU read with some angsty drama. Maggie and Simon married the previous year. Her family (wealthy Americans) wanted a title, and he needed her money. Despite the arranged marriage, she was hoping it could grow to love, but Simon was in love with another, and left her without even consummating the marriage. The book opens with Maggie on a mission to embarrass her husband into granting her a divorce by attending a swinger party. Unfortunately, these two have a Zorro moment and fail to recognize the other, and accidentally consummate the unwanted marriage. (all in blurb) The rest is their road to HEA.
On paper this looked juicy AF, but I got medium simmer feels. I really like Maggie, she had a backbone and a pair of lady balls, but with a strong h, I need conflict/drama coming from somewhere, and this is where it fell off a bit for me. The drama should’ve come from Simon/Eleanor, but they were already broken up at the start of the book. She did have the type of crazy I like to see in my wannabe OW, and she did get some comeuppance, but she isn’t around much.
Bottom Line- It was ok, but we skipped over (IMO) the juiciest parts… the abandonment and mistress break up… occur before the book starts. It’s a quick read on KU. I skipped the first book and didn’t feel like I missed anything.
I still agree with my review. Things pick up around 60% when Eleanor shows up, but then things go a smidge sideways. I felt like both Maggie and Simon had major personality changes to accommodate the drama provoking plot twist, and it felt forced. Then even more drama is crammed in by Simon acting irrational at the eleventh hour (was never thoroughly explained) that made the ending feel rushed, and IMO took away from Maggie and Simon’s epic love declarations.
*****Original Review*****
Short, historical KU read with some angsty drama. Maggie and Simon married the previous year. Her family (wealthy Americans) wanted a title, and he needed her money. Despite the arranged marriage, she was hoping it could grow to love, but Simon was in love with another, and left her without even consummating the marriage. The book opens with Maggie on a mission to embarrass her husband into granting her a divorce by attending a swinger party. Unfortunately, these two have a Zorro moment and fail to recognize the other, and accidentally consummate the unwanted marriage. (all in blurb) The rest is their road to HEA.
On paper this looked juicy AF, but I got medium simmer feels. I really like Maggie, she had a backbone and a pair of lady balls, but with a strong h, I need conflict/drama coming from somewhere, and this is where it fell off a bit for me. The drama should’ve come from Simon/Eleanor, but they were already broken up at the start of the book. She did have the type of crazy I like to see in my wannabe OW, and she did get some comeuppance, but she isn’t around much.
Bottom Line- It was ok, but we skipped over (IMO) the juiciest parts… the abandonment and mistress break up… occur before the book starts. It’s a quick read on KU. I skipped the first book and didn’t feel like I missed anything.
April 11, 2022
This is a reread for me. I did not leave a review with my first read. I actually liked this book more the second time as it has everything. Mistress, American marries for title and to save a bankrupt Lord, Virgin unconsummated marriage, dumps wife for mistress, mystery sex party, and not enough groveling. Plus, the mistress arrives at the castle (it doesn't end well). I originally gave it 3* now its moved up to 3.5* Update I need to add that it has a hea!
August 22, 2025
5 heartbreaking ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The unwanted wife is the theme of this story, and your heart is going to break for her. Tears will threaten to make their appearance.
In general this book does have a Natasha Anders vibe to it, which is 🙌
Angst, anger, love. This was a ride. It deserves 5 ⭐️, but some readers will unfairly give it 1 or 2 ⭐️ (according to me🤪) because it contains a difficult subject matter. When I write it, I fear this book will be added in a “ not for me” shelf. And you would be making a mistake. 😥
Here goes: There is a lot of OW drama. It’s simply so heartbreaking and so well written. It’s like watching an avalanche roll down a mountain and watching both the beauty and the havoc it causes.
The angst is tangible and I don’t think I have felt this much from an HR, since I started reading romance novels in the early 90’s.( no rules ) Weeping into a pillow so my brother wouldn’t tease me for days. This is not safely catered to the requirements of the usual modern HR. It is more like a film noir, than Disney. In the best way!
Simon married for money, even though he loved someone else, ( bold decision and I love when authors dare to do so) Maggie’s father married her off, for the title. They didn’t know each other. They never consummate the marriage and Simon disappears completely for a year while he is with his girlfriend.
Maggie, an American heiress, decides she wants a scandal so she can get a divorce. They meet accidentally at a masquerade sex party 😳
I think you can call it that. She is a virgin and you can guess what happens next.
Simon’s mistress has left him for her husband, yes that’s right and he is sad. He did love her, and it gets very complicated in a delicious way!
Maggie and Simon agree to continue their sexcapades for a month. Naturally they fall madly in love but not without obstacles.
Ms. Scott turned up the steam on this one 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know how I rant about the label “Hea guaranteed “ written on newer books. 🤦♀️ This book is a great example of why a HEA shouldn’t be guaranteed. I, a grown ass woman, would have personally picked Maggie up and swept her back to NYC where she belongs, if I could have. And that would have been a great ending for me. So now you know how I feel.
I loved this book. Truly loved. Did I love Simon? No not even a little and as well as the author took care of my fragile heart, I think Maggie would have better off without him. But I am a harsh woman. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. I absolutely want everyone to read this!
Should you read it? 🔝 yes definitely ❤️
The unwanted wife is the theme of this story, and your heart is going to break for her. Tears will threaten to make their appearance.
In general this book does have a Natasha Anders vibe to it, which is 🙌
Angst, anger, love. This was a ride. It deserves 5 ⭐️, but some readers will unfairly give it 1 or 2 ⭐️ (according to me🤪) because it contains a difficult subject matter. When I write it, I fear this book will be added in a “ not for me” shelf. And you would be making a mistake. 😥
Here goes: There is a lot of OW drama. It’s simply so heartbreaking and so well written. It’s like watching an avalanche roll down a mountain and watching both the beauty and the havoc it causes.
The angst is tangible and I don’t think I have felt this much from an HR, since I started reading romance novels in the early 90’s.( no rules ) Weeping into a pillow so my brother wouldn’t tease me for days. This is not safely catered to the requirements of the usual modern HR. It is more like a film noir, than Disney. In the best way!
Simon married for money, even though he loved someone else, ( bold decision and I love when authors dare to do so) Maggie’s father married her off, for the title. They didn’t know each other. They never consummate the marriage and Simon disappears completely for a year while he is with his girlfriend.
Maggie, an American heiress, decides she wants a scandal so she can get a divorce. They meet accidentally at a masquerade sex party 😳
I think you can call it that. She is a virgin and you can guess what happens next.
Simon’s mistress has left him for her husband, yes that’s right and he is sad. He did love her, and it gets very complicated in a delicious way!
Maggie and Simon agree to continue their sexcapades for a month. Naturally they fall madly in love but not without obstacles.
Ms. Scott turned up the steam on this one 🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know how I rant about the label “Hea guaranteed “ written on newer books. 🤦♀️ This book is a great example of why a HEA shouldn’t be guaranteed. I, a grown ass woman, would have personally picked Maggie up and swept her back to NYC where she belongs, if I could have. And that would have been a great ending for me. So now you know how I feel.
I loved this book. Truly loved. Did I love Simon? No not even a little and as well as the author took care of my fragile heart, I think Maggie would have better off without him. But I am a harsh woman. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it. I absolutely want everyone to read this!
Should you read it? 🔝 yes definitely ❤️
November 26, 2017
Man, the Heroes from the first two books in this series are both lucky bastards. They could cheat and humiliate their wives and all it takes for them to get their wives back are with their d**k and some sweet words. No grovelling necessary! Lucky :)
January 22, 2021
So okay, a risqué and masqued house party where the forgotten and fuming wife ends up in bed with her own husband. How original!
The book has its moments but generally irks at multiple places.
The book has its moments but generally irks at multiple places.
December 9, 2018
3 stars
A much better effort than book 1 in this series. A fast read and not very much angst considering the tropes used - events take place over days - this is why I can't rate higher - if the characters were given time to interact, the emotional depth would make this better.
A much better effort than book 1 in this series. A fast read and not very much angst considering the tropes used - events take place over days - this is why I can't rate higher - if the characters were given time to interact, the emotional depth would make this better.
February 21, 2022
Another reread 2/20/2022… like book 1 in the series, I had very little memory of the story.
Another not so wicked husband, more of a self indulgent ass.
Another disingenuous swine, who would have happily stayed with his mistress if she hadn’t gone back to her husband.
I’m not sure what the goal is here, is it forgiveness? Is it redemption?
He unknowingly seduces his wife. And decides he likes it enough to keep her. At times, he has to work for it, but not enough to consider it remotely redemptive.
Still 2 stars and the original review stands.
Trigger warning… suicide.
This hero was even less likable than the hero from book 1. He marries an American heiress for her money, abandons her to live openly with his married mistress. He’s heartbroken when the mistress goes back to her husband, leaving him one of the most pathetic heroes I can remember. Though much of the story was predictable, it had a few compelling moments.
Another not so wicked husband, more of a self indulgent ass.
Another disingenuous swine, who would have happily stayed with his mistress if she hadn’t gone back to her husband.
I’m not sure what the goal is here, is it forgiveness? Is it redemption?
He unknowingly seduces his wife. And decides he likes it enough to keep her. At times, he has to work for it, but not enough to consider it remotely redemptive.
Still 2 stars and the original review stands.
Trigger warning… suicide.
This hero was even less likable than the hero from book 1. He marries an American heiress for her money, abandons her to live openly with his married mistress. He’s heartbroken when the mistress goes back to her husband, leaving him one of the most pathetic heroes I can remember. Though much of the story was predictable, it had a few compelling moments.
June 9, 2021
-H and h are married for a year(I guess).
-H, married to h, is in love with married OW and had a LOVE affair,
-Married OW dump the H because husband ask for heir.
-Depressed H visit a days house party affair where everyone wears a mask and gets to f**k who they want without removing mask.
-Meanwhile h decided t have an affair of her own and attend the days house party .
- H and h sleeps together without knowing each other, in the morning H slid off h mask and recognized her as his wife.
-H didn't pursue one week party f**ng with h.
-h pursue duke instead because masked H ignore her.
-At dinner H asked the duke for a duel (not because of jealousy for sure, he still in love with OW) because h and duke are very close and is sure to sleep later.
-Duke doesn't want a duel, He's like "You're not worth my time" to the H.
-H and h decided to try living as husband and wife for ONE MONTH instead.
-On 14th day, OW came to their home and ask H to take her Back right away because she is
done with husband, and no where else to go.
-H told OW, h and He are living as husband and wife and wife for a month, she can stay at their home of course. And she did, three of them of course share meals...F****k
-One night, OW initiate sex with H, he said no because it's not a month yet (duration H and h agreed before calling it quits) and h in is the connecting room. h hear voices of H and OW at H's room.
- h decided to leave the H, H said no and told OW to leave because they are done.
-H told h, OW and he are done.
-OW commit suicide, H was devastated.
-H left h for a month and MOURNS the OW. H thoughts during those time is of OW and whiskey.
There was NO DOUBT in the books internal narration that H is still very in love with OW. Even if
He claims to loved the h.
-h goes back to house party to seek an affair, after a moths of mourning OW H follows her
-DNF goddammit.
As a reader I develop a connection and empathy towards the character in the book (after all, its their POV I'm reading ). And sometimes, its really hard to root for them to be together at the end because if this real life? Will the woman stays to have a relationship with a man in love with another. Will she stays with a man who cheated on her during marriage. Not me for sure, I don't fall in love, I lost interest.
-H, married to h, is in love with married OW and had a LOVE affair,
-Married OW dump the H because husband ask for heir.
-Depressed H visit a days house party affair where everyone wears a mask and gets to f**k who they want without removing mask.
-Meanwhile h decided t have an affair of her own and attend the days house party .
- H and h sleeps together without knowing each other, in the morning H slid off h mask and recognized her as his wife.
-H didn't pursue one week party f**ng with h.
-h pursue duke instead because masked H ignore her.
-At dinner H asked the duke for a duel (not because of jealousy for sure, he still in love with OW) because h and duke are very close and is sure to sleep later.
-Duke doesn't want a duel, He's like "You're not worth my time" to the H.
-H and h decided to try living as husband and wife for ONE MONTH instead.
-On 14th day, OW came to their home and ask H to take her Back right away because she is
done with husband, and no where else to go.
-H told OW, h and He are living as husband and wife and wife for a month, she can stay at their home of course. And she did, three of them of course share meals...F****k
-One night, OW initiate sex with H, he said no because it's not a month yet (duration H and h agreed before calling it quits) and h in is the connecting room. h hear voices of H and OW at H's room.
- h decided to leave the H, H said no and told OW to leave because they are done.
-H told h, OW and he are done.
-OW commit suicide, H was devastated.
-H left h for a month and MOURNS the OW. H thoughts during those time is of OW and whiskey.
There was NO DOUBT in the books internal narration that H is still very in love with OW. Even if
He claims to loved the h.
-h goes back to house party to seek an affair, after a moths of mourning OW H follows her
-DNF goddammit.
As a reader I develop a connection and empathy towards the character in the book (after all, its their POV I'm reading ). And sometimes, its really hard to root for them to be together at the end because if this real life? Will the woman stays to have a relationship with a man in love with another. Will she stays with a man who cheated on her during marriage. Not me for sure, I don't fall in love, I lost interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
“He had hurt her too many times to hope she could forgive him, but he was a selfish bastard and he was willing to try to earn her forgiveness anyway.”
This inner monologue of H was the summary of the book. And this was the third or fourth time the jerk seriously hurt her. Though I hated him, the book was hot. That’s why I’ve gave it 3 stars.
This inner monologue of H was the summary of the book. And this was the third or fourth time the jerk seriously hurt her. Though I hated him, the book was hot. That’s why I’ve gave it 3 stars.
June 14, 2020
Okay. I thought the h a little too mistress pleasing.
July 4, 2023
I cannot for the life of me tell you 1 romantic scene the book has. The mmc is a useless disrespectful loser who was only ever nice to his wife when he didn't know who she was not only that but the author plagued us with his pov where you can the very different ways he thinks of her as nothing but an object at his disposal.
I felt bad for the fmc but God she's so fucking pathetic it's not funny. He keeps treating her horribly he doesn't even grovel for any of his actions and then the minute he says sorry there goes her gown on the floor. Have some self respect an ounce of dignity i beg
I felt bad for the fmc but God she's so fucking pathetic it's not funny. He keeps treating her horribly he doesn't even grovel for any of his actions and then the minute he says sorry there goes her gown on the floor. Have some self respect an ounce of dignity i beg
December 8, 2025
⚠️ This book starts with the MMC, Simon, dumped by his longtime love and mistress. Simon has been married to the FMC, Maggie, for a year ⚠️
I knew this book had infidelity, so I was prepared for that and my rating is not because of it.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I knew this book had infidelity, so I was prepared for that and my rating is not because of it.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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January 21, 2019
When Maggie, Marchioness of Sandhurst, attended the masquerade party she only had one goal to succeed- to find a lover and scandalize herself enough so her husband has no other choice than to divorce her. After a year of being abandoned and ignored she wants her freedom back. What a surprise welcomes her when she finds out who really hides under her lover's mask...
This was a very touching book. Touching, sometimes sad and full of moments when you just think. And I am not talking about love situations... To be honest I thought I was going to stop reading it because the first half is just the heroine's and hero's passion, but then the story started and what a story it was. I wasn't expecting that and I wasn't expecting that it will actually make me consider myself and actions that I make in my life. This is certainly a surprise of the month. Especially going from hate to Simon the Marquis of Sandhurst to actually trying to understand him.
“My wife. A woman who made me dance in the rain, who made me laugh, who taught me that life need not be so very serious after all or so very lonely.”
Scarlett Scott has left me speechless and full of words at the same time again. She writes beautifully and when reader would consider her books just hot I also consider them with depth and emotion. How in only so many pages did she manage to put so much? I can only congratulate her for a great work once again!
This was a very touching book. Touching, sometimes sad and full of moments when you just think. And I am not talking about love situations... To be honest I thought I was going to stop reading it because the first half is just the heroine's and hero's passion, but then the story started and what a story it was. I wasn't expecting that and I wasn't expecting that it will actually make me consider myself and actions that I make in my life. This is certainly a surprise of the month. Especially going from hate to Simon the Marquis of Sandhurst to actually trying to understand him.
“My wife. A woman who made me dance in the rain, who made me laugh, who taught me that life need not be so very serious after all or so very lonely.”
Scarlett Scott has left me speechless and full of words at the same time again. She writes beautifully and when reader would consider her books just hot I also consider them with depth and emotion. How in only so many pages did she manage to put so much? I can only congratulate her for a great work once again!
April 5, 2019
3.5 stars, kinda reminds me of An Improper Wife by Tarah Scott
Imagine the horror of giving her maidenhead to the very man she was trying to cuckold.
Imagine the horror of giving her maidenhead to the very man she was trying to cuckold.
July 6, 2023
Ughhh..this book made me so mad. I normally love Scarlet Scott but seriously what was she thinking?The h was wonderful, although a bit of a wimp. The H was awful..married the h for her money , then left her to be with his mistress for a year, so we're well into adultery now. Even when he comes back to be with her for a month, he still is conflicted about his mistress. He goes back and forth, even letting the conniving mistress stay in his house ,with his wife! Then she dies and he's in deep grief and pushes away his wife! Honestly at this point Maggie, who does leave him , should never have gone back to him. He even accuses her of sleeping around when he meets her at a party! Talk about the pot calling the kettle. I hated how easily she forgave him when he went back to her. It seemed like a cop out, that he was able to confess his love to her only when the mistress was dead! Bad story. So many of these plots seem to revolve arounf heroes who are obnoxious jerks and the heroines who are so wonderful but weak. I really dont get some of the 5 star reviews!
April 20, 2023
I liked the plot and characters at the beginning, but as the story progressed, the book started to get boring, and the ending was just a giant mess. The MMC became quite "childish," and their romance seemed barely believable to me.
By giving three, I am being very generous. The writing in these books just can't hold me as a reader, although they are full of steamy scenes. The next book is the one that has been on my to-read list, so for that reason, I will continue in this series.
By giving three, I am being very generous. The writing in these books just can't hold me as a reader, although they are full of steamy scenes. The next book is the one that has been on my to-read list, so for that reason, I will continue in this series.
April 15, 2020
This should have been a short, perfectly serviceable read from Kindle Unlimited to distract me. Despite the low ratings from a couple of my GR friends, I was intrigued by the premise. I am actually a fan of the romance-after-marriage trope. I like the proximity the marriage forces between the couple and the stakes are usually appropriately high.
This premise reminded me of Measure for Measure, which despite being a darker comedy is one of my favourites. There is also an old Hollywood classic film (which I don't remember the name for) where this post marriage trick appears. The plot here was not exactly that as the couple was clueless and therefore veered into adultery. I actually didn’t mind that as I didn’t think there was a relationship there in the first place - the author was quite clever to start the book 1 year into the marriage so you never actually saw the hero on page sleeping with his mistress.
In fact, I was predisposed to give him a pass on this given that he was in love with his mistress and faithful to her. It could have been like Dangerous Beauty but unfortunately, that plot thread was dropped too quickly. It could have been a source of angst and conflict for the hero but the plot devolved to a sudden infatuation and possessiveness with his wife for no real reason.
The book ended up being a lot more conventional that I was expected which was a shame but not a real issue for me. And then, somewhere around the last 30% of the book - the plot and writing went off the rails. There was so much happening that I felt like the author was playing whack-a-mole with the plot threads as they unravelled.
For the odd pacing and the missed opportunity I am giving this a 2 stars.
This premise reminded me of Measure for Measure, which despite being a darker comedy is one of my favourites. There is also an old Hollywood classic film (which I don't remember the name for) where this post marriage trick appears. The plot here was not exactly that as the couple was clueless and therefore veered into adultery. I actually didn’t mind that as I didn’t think there was a relationship there in the first place - the author was quite clever to start the book 1 year into the marriage so you never actually saw the hero on page sleeping with his mistress.
In fact, I was predisposed to give him a pass on this given that he was in love with his mistress and faithful to her. It could have been like Dangerous Beauty but unfortunately, that plot thread was dropped too quickly. It could have been a source of angst and conflict for the hero but the plot devolved to a sudden infatuation and possessiveness with his wife for no real reason.
The book ended up being a lot more conventional that I was expected which was a shame but not a real issue for me. And then, somewhere around the last 30% of the book - the plot and writing went off the rails. There was so much happening that I felt like the author was playing whack-a-mole with the plot threads as they unravelled.
For the odd pacing and the missed opportunity I am giving this a 2 stars.
October 24, 2018
Ok "Her Lovestruck Lord" Simon Marquis of Sandhurst was written much better and made more tolerable then Will in bk 1. Her Errant Earl.
Simon had been in love with his mistress for many years. His father left him broke so he had to Marry an Heiress from America. One of the "Dollar Princess". His mistress had to marry for money to. So they just became lovers for many years and Simon loved his mistress.
But He married the Beautiful Young and Intelligent Very Rich America Margaret Emilia Desmond aka Maggie. He meets her as soon as she arrives in London, marries her and leaves her all in a matter of 3 hours. Simon has vowed never to consummate his marriage with Maggie. But one faithful night at a Masked House Party they meet. But don't know who the other is because of the mask and the brief encounter of there marriage. Maggie is tiered of waiting for Simon. Some word or kindness from Simon her husband and decided she will create a big Scandal making Simon divorce her.
Well Maggie has her first sensual, erotic experience with her very own husband. This sets off a journey that leads the couple to a great romance and love. Simon has never had this kind of happiness with his mistress Eleanor. He has become very sorry for the last year leaving Maggie to live with his mistress. Maggie is everything he has ever needed in a women an he realizes this pretty quickly and tries to make amends for all the hurt and harm he has caused his beautiful lovely wife.
What I didn't like was the suicide of the mistress at there home. Then Simon leaving Maggie again. I know he had to be upset because he was once in love with the mistress. But he should Not have ever let her come into him and Maggie's home. N ot even for a minute. He should have sent her to and Inn. She had broken up with Simon and went back to her husband. Now she is claiming the husband abuses her. She is deranged as proof her suicide. So I didn't like that the mistress had taken another month of happiness away from Maggie. A better ending would have been that Simon denounced his love for his mistress in front of his wife and embarrassed her into leaving his home. Instead of letting her stay overnight.
The conflict in Simon was believable as love is never easy to get over. But Simon did get over it!! He realized how much he truly needed and loved his wife Maggie. He does a pretty good job of making it up to her. Maggie is beautiful and so compassionate but she does not take any crap off that mistress. Well Done Maggie!! She puts the Bitch in her place! Then with Simon saying he wanted to try with this wife cause the dummy to kill herself to destroy Simon and Maggie's happiness. Well Bitch it didn't happen!! The Joke is on You!! Your skank butt died for nothing.
Maggie and Simon get there much deserved HEA!!
.
Simon had been in love with his mistress for many years. His father left him broke so he had to Marry an Heiress from America. One of the "Dollar Princess". His mistress had to marry for money to. So they just became lovers for many years and Simon loved his mistress.
But He married the Beautiful Young and Intelligent Very Rich America Margaret Emilia Desmond aka Maggie. He meets her as soon as she arrives in London, marries her and leaves her all in a matter of 3 hours. Simon has vowed never to consummate his marriage with Maggie. But one faithful night at a Masked House Party they meet. But don't know who the other is because of the mask and the brief encounter of there marriage. Maggie is tiered of waiting for Simon. Some word or kindness from Simon her husband and decided she will create a big Scandal making Simon divorce her.
Well Maggie has her first sensual, erotic experience with her very own husband. This sets off a journey that leads the couple to a great romance and love. Simon has never had this kind of happiness with his mistress Eleanor. He has become very sorry for the last year leaving Maggie to live with his mistress. Maggie is everything he has ever needed in a women an he realizes this pretty quickly and tries to make amends for all the hurt and harm he has caused his beautiful lovely wife.
What I didn't like was the suicide of the mistress at there home. Then Simon leaving Maggie again. I know he had to be upset because he was once in love with the mistress. But he should Not have ever let her come into him and Maggie's home. N ot even for a minute. He should have sent her to and Inn. She had broken up with Simon and went back to her husband. Now she is claiming the husband abuses her. She is deranged as proof her suicide. So I didn't like that the mistress had taken another month of happiness away from Maggie. A better ending would have been that Simon denounced his love for his mistress in front of his wife and embarrassed her into leaving his home. Instead of letting her stay overnight.
The conflict in Simon was believable as love is never easy to get over. But Simon did get over it!! He realized how much he truly needed and loved his wife Maggie. He does a pretty good job of making it up to her. Maggie is beautiful and so compassionate but she does not take any crap off that mistress. Well Done Maggie!! She puts the Bitch in her place! Then with Simon saying he wanted to try with this wife cause the dummy to kill herself to destroy Simon and Maggie's happiness. Well Bitch it didn't happen!! The Joke is on You!! Your skank butt died for nothing.
Maggie and Simon get there much deserved HEA!!
.
April 2, 2016
The heart is a Pandora's Box that fears being opened.
At once the most capricious and eternal of things, it only brings pain to Maggie, whose loneliness is equally matched by her American wealth. Her husband, the Marquess of Sandhurst, had mercenarily courted and married her for her money, then promptly abandoned her in his estate while he went about his affair with a married countess, whom he claims to love.
Fate is a curious conductor of mischief.
When Maggie finally gains the courage to attend a scandalous party to experience life, the handsome, mysterious stranger to whom she becomes attracted just happened to be her neglectful, unloving husband, Simon. But is he really unloving?
Blindness can be cured.
Simon was nursing a bruised pride from his lover returning to her husband, and having had a glimpse of his enchanting wife through her mask (literally and figuratively), he is determined to give his marriage another try. His passion and gentleness astound Maggie, just as he saw the intelligence, peace, and spirit that makes his American bride every bit a marchioness as there is. She alone gave him the courage to confront his painful past, and connected with him on a level far beyond physical.
Surprises come in many forms.
Just as wonderful memories continue to be created between Simon and Maggie, their blissful days came to be tested in myriad ways. And this is what I truly love about this book -- the way in which Simon questioned himself, reflected upon his own feelings, and made a choice that was genuine to both his character and the changes in his life. In accompaniment to that, his willingness to admit his mistakes and beg forgiveness from Maggie were not only a sign of his complexity, but of proving that love is a wonderfully, unique entity that is given not freely, for it comes with the burden of a whole spectrum of visceral emotions. And that, was likely the theme of this book.
Prior to reading this, I have read no other by this author. Her eloquent writing and characterization won me over in this book, and I will definitely watch out for her future books, as there is a secondary character in this book whose story I would dearly like to read.
*Originally published on Buried Under Romance as part of a blog tour; purchased previously so it's my own copy.
At once the most capricious and eternal of things, it only brings pain to Maggie, whose loneliness is equally matched by her American wealth. Her husband, the Marquess of Sandhurst, had mercenarily courted and married her for her money, then promptly abandoned her in his estate while he went about his affair with a married countess, whom he claims to love.
Fate is a curious conductor of mischief.
When Maggie finally gains the courage to attend a scandalous party to experience life, the handsome, mysterious stranger to whom she becomes attracted just happened to be her neglectful, unloving husband, Simon. But is he really unloving?
Blindness can be cured.
Simon was nursing a bruised pride from his lover returning to her husband, and having had a glimpse of his enchanting wife through her mask (literally and figuratively), he is determined to give his marriage another try. His passion and gentleness astound Maggie, just as he saw the intelligence, peace, and spirit that makes his American bride every bit a marchioness as there is. She alone gave him the courage to confront his painful past, and connected with him on a level far beyond physical.
Surprises come in many forms.
Just as wonderful memories continue to be created between Simon and Maggie, their blissful days came to be tested in myriad ways. And this is what I truly love about this book -- the way in which Simon questioned himself, reflected upon his own feelings, and made a choice that was genuine to both his character and the changes in his life. In accompaniment to that, his willingness to admit his mistakes and beg forgiveness from Maggie were not only a sign of his complexity, but of proving that love is a wonderfully, unique entity that is given not freely, for it comes with the burden of a whole spectrum of visceral emotions. And that, was likely the theme of this book.
Prior to reading this, I have read no other by this author. Her eloquent writing and characterization won me over in this book, and I will definitely watch out for her future books, as there is a secondary character in this book whose story I would dearly like to read.
*Originally published on Buried Under Romance as part of a blog tour; purchased previously so it's my own copy.
April 27, 2023
Re-read 4/26/23 and it’s still 5 stars!
This is my favorite book by Mrs. Scott. I love a good angst fix, and in my opinion, this one delivers the best heartstring tugs. Our hero, Simon, is a complete cad to Maggie. He abandons his American heiress Dollar Princess her after marrying her for her fortune. There is so much to Maggie besides her wealth. She's a brilliant poet and she is beautiful. Simon eventually realizes the error of his ways, but boy does he mess up a lot. There is nice groveling at the end. Five stars!
This is my favorite book by Mrs. Scott. I love a good angst fix, and in my opinion, this one delivers the best heartstring tugs. Our hero, Simon, is a complete cad to Maggie. He abandons his American heiress Dollar Princess her after marrying her for her fortune. There is so much to Maggie besides her wealth. She's a brilliant poet and she is beautiful. Simon eventually realizes the error of his ways, but boy does he mess up a lot. There is nice groveling at the end. Five stars!
May 4, 2023
This is a favorite of mine. Maggie and Simon the Earl of Sandhurst. A second chance romance!
This story made me feel so much! It has it all, drama, secrets, hot love scenes, and romance!
I would definitely recommend this book. I read it twice, just noticed I never left a review. 12/9/18-12/12/18.
May 1, 2023 I’m listening to this book on Audible and of course I am loving it!!
This story made me feel so much! It has it all, drama, secrets, hot love scenes, and romance!
I would definitely recommend this book. I read it twice, just noticed I never left a review. 12/9/18-12/12/18.
May 1, 2023 I’m listening to this book on Audible and of course I am loving it!!
February 28, 2022
2.5 stars Maggie and Simon. What the title does not show at first is that her lovestruck lord is in love with his lover for the majority of the story not Maggie. For me, there was little joy in this one. His married lover leaves him to go have a baby with her husband. Since he is already married to Maggie they decide to make a pledge to have sex and to get to know each other for a MONTH. Two weeks this pledge in his lover shows up and Simon is all emotional (at this point Maggie is still sloppy seconds) and is still sorting out his feelings so he lets his lover stay in their home. This is a big no for me because the heroine agrees to let him have his mistress in their home (have a backbone Maggie) and he is so weak that he allows it (have a backbone Simon). Heck, even when he awoke naked in bed with his lover in his own home with Maggie next door--he was wishy washy about why he could not have sex with her. Anyways, he never did have prove his commitment to Maggie before he realized he did love her because his lover dies. Simon in his over abundant grief over his lover's death once again leaves Maggie. Even though this is near the end of the story the hero still has not decided if he loves Maggie or not. He was not shy earlier in the story about proclaiming his love for his mistress--which also brought me no joy for chapters and chapters of this story. Unlike the first one in this series. Their hea is wishy washy. He supposedly figures out he loves Maggie after he is over his grief from his lover's death and away from Maggie for weeks. Personally, I would like to see him fall in love with Maggie not have him figure it out off screen or in the fade away black moment so to speak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
If you like smut with barely any plot and horribly written characters, than look no farther, this is the book for you! God, I hardly know where to begin with just how bad this one is. And a part of me hates saying something like that because I know how much work goes into writing a story, but this was just a trainwreck of epic proportions.
Let's start by discussing the characters. In a typical historical romance trope, Simon needed the biggest dowry he could find, and Margaret (Maggie to her close friends and family who also happens to be an American) was "sold" by her father for a title. Where this book differs from others of the same trope, is that instead of trying to find some common ground, Simon leaves his new wife immediately after the wedding to go back to his mistress (who while she was the woman he loved, she was also married to another peer of the realm). Not only did he abandon his wife, but he even refused to consummate the marriage, saying that he never would because if he couldn't marry and have children with his mistress, he wanted neither.
Fast forward A YEAR. Yes, for an entire year, this man played house with another man's wife and apparently, no one batted an eye. At least until the mistress "was summoned back home" to her husband because he wanted an heir. Heartbroken because she left him, Simon takes himself off for a weekend of debauchery at a house party known for two things. Masks and anonymous sex. Unfortunately for him, his abandoned wife has decided to attend the same house party in order to cuckold her husband which she hoped would force him into divorcing her. Unfortunately for them, after a year of being apart, not only can they not recognize each others with the masks on, but they don't remember how the other sounds either because they end up sleeping together. Random stuff happens and they end up making an agreement. For the next month they will live together as man and wife. And because the only thing they have between them is disike, hurt feelings, and apparently amazing sex, at the end of the month they will go their separate ways.
Except two weeks into this arrangement, they begin to think they might like having sex with each other enough to stay together (to be fair we are told they start to like each other, they open up to each other, and we do get a glimpse of that potential here and there, but honestly its just more pages of them having sex at every available opportunity without actually forming a believable relationship outside of it). In fact, Simon seems to make it a point to remind her that he didn't want her as his wife. I kid you not at one point he asks her point blank "why are you being so good to the man who never wanted you?"
But of course, just as these two decide that the sex is enough (because I've still not seen anything that makes me think their relationship goes beyond this no matter what the author tries to portray), the mistress shows up. Apparently things did not go well with her brute of a husband and she needs a place to stay. And of course, Simon allows her to stay at his home.
To save you the trouble of reading, Elenor (the mistress) tries things with Simon in his bed-chamber, Simon kicks her out. But not before Maggie overhears "voices" in his room. She can't make out what is being said and she's too cowardly to burst in and see for herself what is happening. Instead, she lets the hurts fester. For his part, Simon gets drunk, Maggie confronts him and is too stupid to realize that her husband is now drunk on top of stupid, and believes that what she sees is his turmoil over still being in love with his mistress (which to be fair he IS, but Maggie doesn't know it as he swears to everyone including himself that he's not). Elenor then approaches Maggie and gives her the love letters that Simon has written to her over the years (although they aren't dated because why would anyone date a letter?).
Obviously, this upsets Maggie and she does the first sensible thing of the story and leaves his sorry ass. But of course, Simon can't have that, and he not only finally, I mean firmly, ends things with Elenor once and for all, he takes off after Maggie DEMANDING (and yes it is important to note that he DEMANDED) she come home. Only once they arrive they find out that Elenor has killed herself on his estate. Which of course sends Simon into a tailspin (even though by this point he has come to supposedly realize that not only was she not the woman he thought she was, but they he had come to have feelings for his wife). I think the worst part of this novel is when during all of this Simon tells his wife "I chose it for her. I left her. My God, if I had realized how delicate she was, I never would have gone."
If you had realized your EX would kill herself because you chose your WIFE over her, you would have let your wife leave you in order to stay with your ex? I'm sorry, this was supposed to be a romance right?"
It was at to the point he not only yells at and berates Maggie (who is only trying to comfort him despite his harsh words and her once again broken heart), that he also shoves her to the point she "trips and falls" (her words not mine). Of course this makes him realize he's a monster because he might hurt Maggie, so after he orders her to leave him (and she goes to bed), he then leaves her.
For a month. No communication. She had no way of knowing if was was okay, much less if he was coming back to her. But then in true this author makes me worry for her mental health if she thinks this is okay, Simon barges in on the place where his wife is, gives her more half-assed apologies, claims to be in love with her, then has sex with her. So of course, even though at first she holds out against him, his superior prowess in the bedroom wins out and I'm supposed to believe they live happily ever after? And fell in love?
I need to remember to add this author to my do-not-read list. As this is the second time I've been taken in by a decently written synopsis just to have trash to read.
Let's start by discussing the characters. In a typical historical romance trope, Simon needed the biggest dowry he could find, and Margaret (Maggie to her close friends and family who also happens to be an American) was "sold" by her father for a title. Where this book differs from others of the same trope, is that instead of trying to find some common ground, Simon leaves his new wife immediately after the wedding to go back to his mistress (who while she was the woman he loved, she was also married to another peer of the realm). Not only did he abandon his wife, but he even refused to consummate the marriage, saying that he never would because if he couldn't marry and have children with his mistress, he wanted neither.
Fast forward A YEAR. Yes, for an entire year, this man played house with another man's wife and apparently, no one batted an eye. At least until the mistress "was summoned back home" to her husband because he wanted an heir. Heartbroken because she left him, Simon takes himself off for a weekend of debauchery at a house party known for two things. Masks and anonymous sex. Unfortunately for him, his abandoned wife has decided to attend the same house party in order to cuckold her husband which she hoped would force him into divorcing her. Unfortunately for them, after a year of being apart, not only can they not recognize each others with the masks on, but they don't remember how the other sounds either because they end up sleeping together. Random stuff happens and they end up making an agreement. For the next month they will live together as man and wife. And because the only thing they have between them is disike, hurt feelings, and apparently amazing sex, at the end of the month they will go their separate ways.
Except two weeks into this arrangement, they begin to think they might like having sex with each other enough to stay together (to be fair we are told they start to like each other, they open up to each other, and we do get a glimpse of that potential here and there, but honestly its just more pages of them having sex at every available opportunity without actually forming a believable relationship outside of it). In fact, Simon seems to make it a point to remind her that he didn't want her as his wife. I kid you not at one point he asks her point blank "why are you being so good to the man who never wanted you?"
But of course, just as these two decide that the sex is enough (because I've still not seen anything that makes me think their relationship goes beyond this no matter what the author tries to portray), the mistress shows up. Apparently things did not go well with her brute of a husband and she needs a place to stay. And of course, Simon allows her to stay at his home.
To save you the trouble of reading, Elenor (the mistress) tries things with Simon in his bed-chamber, Simon kicks her out. But not before Maggie overhears "voices" in his room. She can't make out what is being said and she's too cowardly to burst in and see for herself what is happening. Instead, she lets the hurts fester. For his part, Simon gets drunk, Maggie confronts him and is too stupid to realize that her husband is now drunk on top of stupid, and believes that what she sees is his turmoil over still being in love with his mistress (which to be fair he IS, but Maggie doesn't know it as he swears to everyone including himself that he's not). Elenor then approaches Maggie and gives her the love letters that Simon has written to her over the years (although they aren't dated because why would anyone date a letter?).
Obviously, this upsets Maggie and she does the first sensible thing of the story and leaves his sorry ass. But of course, Simon can't have that, and he not only finally, I mean firmly, ends things with Elenor once and for all, he takes off after Maggie DEMANDING (and yes it is important to note that he DEMANDED) she come home. Only once they arrive they find out that Elenor has killed herself on his estate. Which of course sends Simon into a tailspin (even though by this point he has come to supposedly realize that not only was she not the woman he thought she was, but they he had come to have feelings for his wife). I think the worst part of this novel is when during all of this Simon tells his wife "I chose it for her. I left her. My God, if I had realized how delicate she was, I never would have gone."
If you had realized your EX would kill herself because you chose your WIFE over her, you would have let your wife leave you in order to stay with your ex? I'm sorry, this was supposed to be a romance right?"
It was at to the point he not only yells at and berates Maggie (who is only trying to comfort him despite his harsh words and her once again broken heart), that he also shoves her to the point she "trips and falls" (her words not mine). Of course this makes him realize he's a monster because he might hurt Maggie, so after he orders her to leave him (and she goes to bed), he then leaves her.
For a month. No communication. She had no way of knowing if was was okay, much less if he was coming back to her. But then in true this author makes me worry for her mental health if she thinks this is okay, Simon barges in on the place where his wife is, gives her more half-assed apologies, claims to be in love with her, then has sex with her. So of course, even though at first she holds out against him, his superior prowess in the bedroom wins out and I'm supposed to believe they live happily ever after? And fell in love?
I need to remember to add this author to my do-not-read list. As this is the second time I've been taken in by a decently written synopsis just to have trash to read.
August 12, 2021
A sweet story
Her lovestruck lord had its up and downs heartaches and thrills and kept me hanging on until the very end 🥰🥰🥰
Her lovestruck lord had its up and downs heartaches and thrills and kept me hanging on until the very end 🥰🥰🥰
April 12, 2024
This couple had a lot of miscommunication but upon his return, Simon managed to redeem himself and win his wife back.
April 18, 2020
3.5 stars
Un-realistic plot but steamy and entertaining. Good characterization.
A few hours of relax in these hard times...
Un-realistic plot but steamy and entertaining. Good characterization.
A few hours of relax in these hard times...
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