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The Brides of Belgravia #1
Any Groom Will Do
Lady Willow Hunnicut has always dreamed of living in London. With design talent and aspirations grander than London’s finest houses, she knows an unmarried heiress will never be allowed to live in the capital alone. But a married woman may come and go as she pleases. With a little imagination, a lot of courage, and one carefully worded advertisement, Willow concocts a plan to get everything she wants… even if she must take a husband in exchange.
Lord Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin, is destitute, his Yorkshire castle is crumbling, and his tenants are without work. He has an ingenious scheme that’s a surefire moneymaker—if only someone would invest. When he discovers an advertisement seeking adventurers to fund, he is determined to claim the money. But his world is turned upside down when the investor turns out to be a flame-haired heiress.
The deal is simple: In return for marrying Willow, Cassin will receive her substantial dowry—and nothing else. All she asks is that after the wedding, each go their separate ways. But for all her careful preparation, the one thing Willow couldn’t have planned is the way she feels about Cassin… or the desire that threatens to enflame them both.
Lord Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin, is destitute, his Yorkshire castle is crumbling, and his tenants are without work. He has an ingenious scheme that’s a surefire moneymaker—if only someone would invest. When he discovers an advertisement seeking adventurers to fund, he is determined to claim the money. But his world is turned upside down when the investor turns out to be a flame-haired heiress.
The deal is simple: In return for marrying Willow, Cassin will receive her substantial dowry—and nothing else. All she asks is that after the wedding, each go their separate ways. But for all her careful preparation, the one thing Willow couldn’t have planned is the way she feels about Cassin… or the desire that threatens to enflame them both.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 13, 2018
159 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Charis Michaels
13 books502 followersCHARIS MICHAELS is thrilled to be making her debut with Avon Impulse. Prior to writing romance, she studied Journalism at Texas A&M and managed PR for a trade association. She has also worked as a tour guide at Disney World, harvested peaches on her family’s farm, and entertained children as the “Story Godmother” at birthday parties. She has lived in Texas, Florida, and London, England. She now makes her home in the Washington, D.C.-metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 13, 2018
Bless Charis Michaels for having the balls to skip the miracle baby epilogue.
February 15, 2024
3,75 ⭐️
July 22, 2021
Lady Wilhelmina "Willow" Hunnicut has Design Skillz and a yearning to be free of a limiting-yet-completely-removed (??) family. So she (and her two girlfriends, who barely feature even though they're apparently In On The Scheme, Too) write up an advert asking for "gentleman sailors" to apply for "investment funds"—except PSYCH THE FUNDS COME WITH WIVES?? So Brent Caulder, Earl of Cassin, rolls up to apply for the money and instead finds himself engaged.
Their mutual boners grow too quickly for true Strife, so Cassin removes himself to Barbadoes [sic] to mine bird shit and flex hot, tan muscles under the hot, tan sun. They write six (6) letters and then Cassin returns to London to save his family from an evil Uncle...oh, yeah, and also to take his wife to Pound Town for a quick visit.
1. I have to give this book props for NOT resolving with a Magic Baby epilogue. I was honestly terrified that either Cassin's Magic Wang or Willow's Magic Womb would result in baby-fever and never has being wrong felt so right.
1.5 HOWEVER, the angst over Willow's barrenness was...really kind of gross? Mostly because the drama hangs so heavily on Cassin's perceived need for heirs (which he shuts down almost immediately). My problem is that WILLOW, Y'KNOW, THE WOMAN WITH THE WOMB IN QUESTION never truly seems to have any reaction to the state of things. It's all about how it impacts her functionality (?????????) to Cassin / other men.
And yes, the text does point out again and again that Willow is fulfilled by her work as a designer / decorator, but that's almost worse because it seems to put forward the idea that women can EITHER be career-focused OR mothers BUT NEVER BOTH. Which is obviously BULLSHIT, so setting up Willow to 100% fall into that dichotomy without any actual emotional introspection or growth concerning her barrenness does a huge disservice to romance heroines who are childless the world over.
2. Other than the above, this book is a lot of setup for future books: there's Willow's girlfriends who marry Cassin's partners; there's context for the boys' business which is a huge success; and there's a lot of banging once the banging happens.
3. The heroine and hero are pretty dull, all things considered.
4. Seriously, the obsession with Willow's hair was kind of obnoxious?? It sounded like she was one hairpin away from drowning in it.
5. I'm likely skipping Tessa's book for now since liars aren't much fun, and I might read Sabine's, and then I might ghost on Michaels for a few books. I enjoy her prose and the world she spins her romances in but her tropes are feeling a little cloying at the mo'.
6. Also the idea that the evil Uncle just gives up and walks away is truly a sad trombone noise on an otherwise meandering little book.
Their mutual boners grow too quickly for true Strife, so Cassin removes himself to Barbadoes [sic] to mine bird shit and flex hot, tan muscles under the hot, tan sun. They write six (6) letters and then Cassin returns to London to save his family from an evil Uncle...oh, yeah, and also to take his wife to Pound Town for a quick visit.
1. I have to give this book props for NOT resolving with a Magic Baby epilogue. I was honestly terrified that either Cassin's Magic Wang or Willow's Magic Womb would result in baby-fever and never has being wrong felt so right.
1.5 HOWEVER, the angst over Willow's barrenness was...really kind of gross? Mostly because the drama hangs so heavily on Cassin's perceived need for heirs (which he shuts down almost immediately). My problem is that WILLOW, Y'KNOW, THE WOMAN WITH THE WOMB IN QUESTION never truly seems to have any reaction to the state of things. It's all about how it impacts her functionality (?????????) to Cassin / other men.
And yes, the text does point out again and again that Willow is fulfilled by her work as a designer / decorator, but that's almost worse because it seems to put forward the idea that women can EITHER be career-focused OR mothers BUT NEVER BOTH. Which is obviously BULLSHIT, so setting up Willow to 100% fall into that dichotomy without any actual emotional introspection or growth concerning her barrenness does a huge disservice to romance heroines who are childless the world over.
2. Other than the above, this book is a lot of setup for future books: there's Willow's girlfriends who marry Cassin's partners; there's context for the boys' business which is a huge success; and there's a lot of banging once the banging happens.
3. The heroine and hero are pretty dull, all things considered.
4. Seriously, the obsession with Willow's hair was kind of obnoxious?? It sounded like she was one hairpin away from drowning in it.
5. I'm likely skipping Tessa's book for now since liars aren't much fun, and I might read Sabine's, and then I might ghost on Michaels for a few books. I enjoy her prose and the world she spins her romances in but her tropes are feeling a little cloying at the mo'.
6. Also the idea that the evil Uncle just gives up and walks away is truly a sad trombone noise on an otherwise meandering little book.
April 18, 2018
Originally reviewed here @ Angieville
So, for the past few weeks, I have basically been on one massive historical bender. It has been rather wonderful, really. And it's probably worth warning you that the highlights are going to be making their way here over the next few weeks. The whole thing began with a Laura Lee Guhrke reread, which led to a binge of her recent books, which led to one headlong Julie Anne Long tear. Somehow, I'd only read three of her Pennyroyal Green books and inexplicably decided that was as far as I was going? Utter nonsense, that. I happily downed at least five more charming entries in the series and, somewhere along the way, I discovered Charis Michaels. For which thing I am absolutely delighted. Because Ms. Michaels has just a lovely touch. I started with her first series and moved on to her most recent release Any Groom Will Do―the first in her new Brides of Belgravia series. While I've enjoyed each of her books, this one is my favorite. Allow me to tell you why.
Willow has a plan. She is getting herself (and her two best friends) out for good. And if she has to advertise for husbands for all three of them, then so be it. She has lived the life her dead father and indifferent mother laid out for her long enough, and she will have no more of this lifeless inactivity. She is putting her considerable dowry up for grabs in the hopes of securing an inoffensive husband in need of ready cash who will allow her to live her own life―separate from his―in London, where she will be able to pursue her vocation as a designer. One who will, perhaps, not mind that children will never be a part of the deal. Time is, of course, of the essence. And so when one Lord Brent Caulder, Earl of Cassin, arrives on her doorstep in answer to her advertisement, Willow is determined he will be their ticket out. Caulder, unfortunately, is not nearly so sure. Desperate to save his failing estates and prevent his mother and sisters from destitution, Caulder hopes the advertisement's mysterious investor will finance his long shot business venture to the Caribbean. Marriage was not in any of Caulder's cards. And yet. Despite the patent insanity of Willow's plan, he finds it difficult to walk away from this isolated young woman intent on living her life, with or without him.
That is one of my favorite (of many) things about Cassin. He does not go. If you enjoy a good marriage of convenience tale, then you do not want to miss this one. I fell instantly in love with Willow and Cassin and their avid (on her part), if unwilling (on his) alliance. The two of them (both individually and collectively) are so ridiculously endearing, it was pure pleasure following them along on their unexpected journey. Neither of their lives resemble the ones they ever saw themselves leading. And these unfulfilling, at times impossible, existences wind up converging in something of a grey area―one which Willow is convinced will lead to mutual (albeit separate) satisfaction and which Brent is certain will lead to naught but ruin. But it turns out that, when pressed, they neither of them are willing to give up on those lost lives. And, to his chagrin, Brent realizes he is willing to do rather more than he thought previously possible to support his family and give Willow a chance at independence. Solid sterling, is Cassin.
It's just every scene with these two. And the fact that they are straight with each other. From the start. Theirs is a genuine arc, its sweetness most essential to its success. And succeed it does. Michaels's dialogue is first rate, imbued with every complex layer of emotions her characters carry. Each restrained gesture, each quiet glance is delineated with grace. Her writing is at once light and certain, possessed of the emotional weight I always seek when I come to any story. I'm so pleased to have discovered her work this year, so looking forward to more to come.
So, for the past few weeks, I have basically been on one massive historical bender. It has been rather wonderful, really. And it's probably worth warning you that the highlights are going to be making their way here over the next few weeks. The whole thing began with a Laura Lee Guhrke reread, which led to a binge of her recent books, which led to one headlong Julie Anne Long tear. Somehow, I'd only read three of her Pennyroyal Green books and inexplicably decided that was as far as I was going? Utter nonsense, that. I happily downed at least five more charming entries in the series and, somewhere along the way, I discovered Charis Michaels. For which thing I am absolutely delighted. Because Ms. Michaels has just a lovely touch. I started with her first series and moved on to her most recent release Any Groom Will Do―the first in her new Brides of Belgravia series. While I've enjoyed each of her books, this one is my favorite. Allow me to tell you why.
Willow has a plan. She is getting herself (and her two best friends) out for good. And if she has to advertise for husbands for all three of them, then so be it. She has lived the life her dead father and indifferent mother laid out for her long enough, and she will have no more of this lifeless inactivity. She is putting her considerable dowry up for grabs in the hopes of securing an inoffensive husband in need of ready cash who will allow her to live her own life―separate from his―in London, where she will be able to pursue her vocation as a designer. One who will, perhaps, not mind that children will never be a part of the deal. Time is, of course, of the essence. And so when one Lord Brent Caulder, Earl of Cassin, arrives on her doorstep in answer to her advertisement, Willow is determined he will be their ticket out. Caulder, unfortunately, is not nearly so sure. Desperate to save his failing estates and prevent his mother and sisters from destitution, Caulder hopes the advertisement's mysterious investor will finance his long shot business venture to the Caribbean. Marriage was not in any of Caulder's cards. And yet. Despite the patent insanity of Willow's plan, he finds it difficult to walk away from this isolated young woman intent on living her life, with or without him.
The risk of discovery by Lady Lytton was a welcome new source of panic, but Willow was too preoccupied to really care about her mother. Against all odds, the Earl of Cassin held great potential. His reserve. His caution. His willingness to flee the house. Very great potential, indeed.
And flee they did, down the corridor, through the ballroom, and out onto the terrace that led to the garden. They did not run, precisely, but they were hardly strolling.
The new location meant there would be less time for everything, of course, no more beating around the bush. He would have to declare himself, yea or nay. But perhaps this, too, was preferred. In Willow's view, she'd already said enough. All the while, he'd said―well, what had he said? He'd done little more than challenge her.
But he did not go, she thought.
Even now, he did not go.
That is one of my favorite (of many) things about Cassin. He does not go. If you enjoy a good marriage of convenience tale, then you do not want to miss this one. I fell instantly in love with Willow and Cassin and their avid (on her part), if unwilling (on his) alliance. The two of them (both individually and collectively) are so ridiculously endearing, it was pure pleasure following them along on their unexpected journey. Neither of their lives resemble the ones they ever saw themselves leading. And these unfulfilling, at times impossible, existences wind up converging in something of a grey area―one which Willow is convinced will lead to mutual (albeit separate) satisfaction and which Brent is certain will lead to naught but ruin. But it turns out that, when pressed, they neither of them are willing to give up on those lost lives. And, to his chagrin, Brent realizes he is willing to do rather more than he thought previously possible to support his family and give Willow a chance at independence. Solid sterling, is Cassin.
"I'm leaving," he announced, resuming his prowl, "and I won't be back. I believe we've said all available words on the matter." When he came to the glass-paned terrace door, he stopped and tested the knob. The door yawned open to the cool morning. He remained where he stood and slammed it shut.
She watched his struggle. He'd said no in so many ways she'd lost count.
He went on, "Marrying a stranger for dowry money is utterly out of the question." He embarked on another lap of the room. He was a tiger in a cage.
Willow said, "Perhaps you should reconvene with your partners to gauge their current feeling on the matter."
"You've selective hearing," he said. "Or perhaps you think I'm coming 'round."
"What I think," she said, gathering her nerve," is that you do not not like me."
He stopped walking. He was behind her now.
"Is that what you think?" he whispered.
It's just every scene with these two. And the fact that they are straight with each other. From the start. Theirs is a genuine arc, its sweetness most essential to its success. And succeed it does. Michaels's dialogue is first rate, imbued with every complex layer of emotions her characters carry. Each restrained gesture, each quiet glance is delineated with grace. Her writing is at once light and certain, possessed of the emotional weight I always seek when I come to any story. I'm so pleased to have discovered her work this year, so looking forward to more to come.
February 15, 2018
1813
Lady Wilhelmina (Willow) Hunnicut, age 8, is very ill with peritonitis. Her parents, Lord and Lady Lytton, have brought in the best doctors to treat her. She survives but learns she will never be able to have children. Thus, some years later, Willow vows to never marry as that would deprive her husband of an heir and family. Instead, she finds happiness and fulfillment in designing and decorating the rooms of her family home, Leland Park. But as an unmarried woman, she is limited in the independence she wants.
1830 - Surrey
Unbeknownst to her widowed mother and brother, Phillip, Willow has decided to advertise for a husband and her friends, Tessa and Sabine plan to join her in her scheme. Her idea is to find three gentlemen sailors who are in need of their dowries. They will wed the men and send them away allowing the young ladies their freedom. When the men have sailed, the three women will live with Willow’s aunt and uncle in Belgravia. There, Willow can pursue her love of decorating all of these lavish homes in the area.
Responses to the ad have arrived by post, but one day Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin, arrives in person. He and his two friends need money for a business venture taking them to the Caribbean. Brent’s family is depending upon him to support them. Willow explains that he simply has to marry her to get the money and then go on his way. But her mother must not find out the truth.
It all goes as planned but they never realized they might fall in love. Oh dear, not what will they do?
This is truly a wonderful story. I found it to be very touching and the characters are real. Don’t miss this one. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lady Wilhelmina (Willow) Hunnicut, age 8, is very ill with peritonitis. Her parents, Lord and Lady Lytton, have brought in the best doctors to treat her. She survives but learns she will never be able to have children. Thus, some years later, Willow vows to never marry as that would deprive her husband of an heir and family. Instead, she finds happiness and fulfillment in designing and decorating the rooms of her family home, Leland Park. But as an unmarried woman, she is limited in the independence she wants.
1830 - Surrey
Unbeknownst to her widowed mother and brother, Phillip, Willow has decided to advertise for a husband and her friends, Tessa and Sabine plan to join her in her scheme. Her idea is to find three gentlemen sailors who are in need of their dowries. They will wed the men and send them away allowing the young ladies their freedom. When the men have sailed, the three women will live with Willow’s aunt and uncle in Belgravia. There, Willow can pursue her love of decorating all of these lavish homes in the area.
Responses to the ad have arrived by post, but one day Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin, arrives in person. He and his two friends need money for a business venture taking them to the Caribbean. Brent’s family is depending upon him to support them. Willow explains that he simply has to marry her to get the money and then go on his way. But her mother must not find out the truth.
It all goes as planned but they never realized they might fall in love. Oh dear, not what will they do?
This is truly a wonderful story. I found it to be very touching and the characters are real. Don’t miss this one. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
Copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 25, 2019
I was due to read a book by Mrs Michaels as I wanted to know her work before I was able to maybe meet her during a romance book festival, so as the clock was tickling, two weeks before the event, here I am with the one book I purchased last year when I saw her name on the list of the attendees.
I confess Charis Michaels has her own writing style, it was new to me, but after few pages, I was in.
I didn’t know what to really expect with the details given by the blurb, but I thought about a more angsty story (anger is far from my favorite way to express thing) but she used discussions, exchange of opinion and time to give the characters their right reward.
The author did not use stratagems to manipulate her characters, they are straightforward and say what they have in mind. She gave them time to settle and understand what they really want instead of what they expect.
Willow is a strong woman, she accepts compromises and is ready to alter her path if it is to help her friends (who are really more in need of rescue than her) or those who might need her but she won’t accept half commitment.
Brent is ready to bury his own need if he can find a mean to save those under his care, so when in his way to fulfill his goal, he comes face to face with Willow and her incredible offer. He felt so entranced by her mere presence, that he did try to fight his attraction but was lost after a simple kiss.
It was a beautiful tale of two persons hazard put on the same path and were fated to complete each other. Brent accepts who is Willow while she understands him, it is up to them to find a way to fulfill their dreams and duties together.
I can’t wait to read Sabine’s story.
I’m more dubious about Tessa as I disliked she lied even by omission, plus I suspect her story deals with something that is triggering for me.
I confess Charis Michaels has her own writing style, it was new to me, but after few pages, I was in.
I didn’t know what to really expect with the details given by the blurb, but I thought about a more angsty story (anger is far from my favorite way to express thing) but she used discussions, exchange of opinion and time to give the characters their right reward.
The author did not use stratagems to manipulate her characters, they are straightforward and say what they have in mind. She gave them time to settle and understand what they really want instead of what they expect.
Willow is a strong woman, she accepts compromises and is ready to alter her path if it is to help her friends (who are really more in need of rescue than her) or those who might need her but she won’t accept half commitment.
Brent is ready to bury his own need if he can find a mean to save those under his care, so when in his way to fulfill his goal, he comes face to face with Willow and her incredible offer. He felt so entranced by her mere presence, that he did try to fight his attraction but was lost after a simple kiss.
It was a beautiful tale of two persons hazard put on the same path and were fated to complete each other. Brent accepts who is Willow while she understands him, it is up to them to find a way to fulfill their dreams and duties together.
I can’t wait to read Sabine’s story.
I’m more dubious about Tessa as I disliked she lied even by omission, plus I suspect her story deals with something that is triggering for me.
February 23, 2018
I've enjoyed books by Charis Michaels before and while I did enjoy this one, I didn't' like it as well as books from her previous series.
Still, Michaels is a good writer and weaves a good story. This was almost love at first sight but in a different way. Our hero and heroine fought against initially, more so the hero, than our heroine. Their interactions were always full of sparks as Michaels is very good at writing those moments.
This book is loosely tied to the second book in the Bachelor Lords of London series but you don't have to read that book to enjoy this one.
Still, Michaels is a good writer and weaves a good story. This was almost love at first sight but in a different way. Our hero and heroine fought against initially, more so the hero, than our heroine. Their interactions were always full of sparks as Michaels is very good at writing those moments.
This book is loosely tied to the second book in the Bachelor Lords of London series but you don't have to read that book to enjoy this one.
August 15, 2020
J'ai acheté ce livre à l'occasion du Festival du Roman Féminin (édition 2019) pour pouvoir le faire dédicacer, sans avoir lu un seul livre de cette auteure avant.
Je dois dire que c'est une très bonne surprise ! J'ai trouvé l'histoire intéressante, peut-être un peu trop moderne dans les pensées des héros qui frôlent l'anachronisme à certains moments, et très bien écrite. De plus, chose importante en romance, j'ai trouvé qu'on sentait bien l'alchimie entre les personnages.
En revanche, autre petit bémol, je n'ai pas trop apprécié la construction du récit, on sent que l'auteure a voulu écrire une trilogie dont les trois histoires se déroulent en même temps, d'où des ellipses un peu artificielles (à noter que les deux tomes suivants n'ont pas été traduits en français...).
NB : j'ai voulu lire cette romance parce que le résumé indique que l'histoire se passe en 1818, alors que le premier chapitre se passe en 1813 quand l'héroïne est une enfant et le deuxième en 1830...
Je dois dire que c'est une très bonne surprise ! J'ai trouvé l'histoire intéressante, peut-être un peu trop moderne dans les pensées des héros qui frôlent l'anachronisme à certains moments, et très bien écrite. De plus, chose importante en romance, j'ai trouvé qu'on sentait bien l'alchimie entre les personnages.
En revanche, autre petit bémol, je n'ai pas trop apprécié la construction du récit, on sent que l'auteure a voulu écrire une trilogie dont les trois histoires se déroulent en même temps, d'où des ellipses un peu artificielles (à noter que les deux tomes suivants n'ont pas été traduits en français...).
NB : j'ai voulu lire cette romance parce que le résumé indique que l'histoire se passe en 1818, alors que le premier chapitre se passe en 1813 quand l'héroïne est une enfant et le deuxième en 1830...
May 30, 2018
I’m going to admit, I had some grave reservations about this book after reading the prologue. It sets up the heroine as barren from an illness she had when she was eight years old, with what seemed like very little evidence to support it. Then, it made it sound like she grew up without ever getting her period. Does this happen from illness? Can it? I felt like this was all an elaborate set-up for a miracle baby after the woman lives to the ripe age of 27 as a spinster. I couldn’t be more happy to report that I was wrong and I could have let myself enjoy this book (even more than I did, which was quite a but) without my suspicions hanging over my head.
So the heroine is Willow, the (really) barren daughter of an earl and all she wants out of life is to go live with her aunt and uncle in London and be an apprentice in their design business. Unfortunately, her aunt is a bit of a pariah in the family and as an unmarried woman, Willow doesn’t get to make any choices about her own life. Add to that, two of her friends are just as desperate for their freedom, and she is sufficiently motivated to come up with a scheme to save them all.
That scheme: put out an advertisement for three “gentlemen sailors” in need of an investor. Assuming they weren’t bottom feeders, Willow and their friends would marry the men, in name only, exchanging their dowries for a life of freedom.
Brent, the Earl of Cassin, needs that money to fund a venture he has going with his friends, which–if successful–could save his tenants from working a dangerous mine to make ends meet. At first, he rejects Willow’s plan out of hand, but he can’t bring himself to walk away from her. There is an attraction between them he can’t deny. The story follows their marriage of convenience as they fall for each other against their best laid plans. All while Cassin’s evil uncle plots to bring the coal operations back to life.
I liked Willow quite a bit. She is smart and self aware. Not only is she willing to fight for her own future, but the futures of her best friends, even when it seems impossible. I also appreciate her honesty, even when it’s painful. She never hid her barrenness and while I kept rolling my eyes thinking it wasn’t real, I should have been applauding her more, because it was a huge thing she had to come to grips with.
Cassin is a good man. Everything he does is for the people who depend on him, which is what makes it even more enjoyable when he can’t fight his own desires for Willow. They make a great pair and there is such a fun dynamic between them. I especially appreciated how much he respected her intelligence and ability to make a sound argument.
If I have any small complaint is that I felt like what happened to Cassin’s brother was a bit of a red herring. I kept waiting for a deeper explanation that never came. But maybe the whole thing was supposed to be a fake-out and give more gravitas to Willow’s situation. Even still, it felt like a hanging thread, even with the explanation given.
Overall, though, I found this to be a very engaging book and one I read in a single sitting. I’ll definitely be back for the author to reveal the secret stories of Willow’s two friends.
Would recommend.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by Avon
So the heroine is Willow, the (really) barren daughter of an earl and all she wants out of life is to go live with her aunt and uncle in London and be an apprentice in their design business. Unfortunately, her aunt is a bit of a pariah in the family and as an unmarried woman, Willow doesn’t get to make any choices about her own life. Add to that, two of her friends are just as desperate for their freedom, and she is sufficiently motivated to come up with a scheme to save them all.
That scheme: put out an advertisement for three “gentlemen sailors” in need of an investor. Assuming they weren’t bottom feeders, Willow and their friends would marry the men, in name only, exchanging their dowries for a life of freedom.
Brent, the Earl of Cassin, needs that money to fund a venture he has going with his friends, which–if successful–could save his tenants from working a dangerous mine to make ends meet. At first, he rejects Willow’s plan out of hand, but he can’t bring himself to walk away from her. There is an attraction between them he can’t deny. The story follows their marriage of convenience as they fall for each other against their best laid plans. All while Cassin’s evil uncle plots to bring the coal operations back to life.
I liked Willow quite a bit. She is smart and self aware. Not only is she willing to fight for her own future, but the futures of her best friends, even when it seems impossible. I also appreciate her honesty, even when it’s painful. She never hid her barrenness and while I kept rolling my eyes thinking it wasn’t real, I should have been applauding her more, because it was a huge thing she had to come to grips with.
Cassin is a good man. Everything he does is for the people who depend on him, which is what makes it even more enjoyable when he can’t fight his own desires for Willow. They make a great pair and there is such a fun dynamic between them. I especially appreciated how much he respected her intelligence and ability to make a sound argument.
If I have any small complaint is that I felt like what happened to Cassin’s brother was a bit of a red herring. I kept waiting for a deeper explanation that never came. But maybe the whole thing was supposed to be a fake-out and give more gravitas to Willow’s situation. Even still, it felt like a hanging thread, even with the explanation given.
Overall, though, I found this to be a very engaging book and one I read in a single sitting. I’ll definitely be back for the author to reveal the secret stories of Willow’s two friends.
Would recommend.
Rating: B/B+
*ARC provided by Avon
January 20, 2018
I still consider myself new to the historical game and basically I just want stories with fluff and banter and this premise was promising to me.
I loved Willow and Cassin. She’s smart and sassy and knows exactly what she wants out of life. He’s loyal and driven and reluctant to Willow’s business deal. Together they have intelligent and honest conversations and soooooo much chemistry.
Plot wise there were a few bumps, but it was mostly fluff and I relished it. This is a couple who talks frequently and hashes things out and it was absolutely enjoyable to see that there weren’t any miscommunications in the story.
Overall, it was a light and fun read and I’ll definitely be looking at others in the series.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Willow and Cassin. She’s smart and sassy and knows exactly what she wants out of life. He’s loyal and driven and reluctant to Willow’s business deal. Together they have intelligent and honest conversations and soooooo much chemistry.
Plot wise there were a few bumps, but it was mostly fluff and I relished it. This is a couple who talks frequently and hashes things out and it was absolutely enjoyable to see that there weren’t any miscommunications in the story.
Overall, it was a light and fun read and I’ll definitely be looking at others in the series.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
July 9, 2019
This writing style is so bizarre. It felt too abstract for me to connect with the characters. I couldn't get far into this since it felt more like non fiction instead of a fiction romance novel. It lacked emotion and atmosphere. I loosen the blurb and wanted to like the concept but I don't think this author is for me.
February 17, 2018
Loved, loved, loved!
Willow and Brent definitely have an unconventional meeting--he refuses to listen to the specifics of her advertisement and shows up at her home instead of writing a letter (LOL when their initial conversation is repeated later on--highlighted moment!) and it doesn't take long to see that the two of them are amazingly well suited for each other, business arrangement or no.
Naturally it takes them a tad bit longer--and a minor crisis--to figure out the same. But oh, the journey--absolutely worth it.
The other two Brides of Belgravia's stories, Willow's BFFs and Brent's business partners' stories--take place concurrently with this one. We get hints of them here, at least until Willow and Brent are distracted by other events, and they promise to be just as delightful as this one with their unconventional heroines and the two men who married them to help finance their bat and bird dropping mining expedition. (Really. You can't make this guano up. Well, okay, you can--but it really was a thing, as Ms. Michaels explains in her notes. And she puts her research to such good use here!)
The rest of this series cannot come out soon enough ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Willow and Brent definitely have an unconventional meeting--he refuses to listen to the specifics of her advertisement and shows up at her home instead of writing a letter (LOL when their initial conversation is repeated later on--highlighted moment!) and it doesn't take long to see that the two of them are amazingly well suited for each other, business arrangement or no.
Naturally it takes them a tad bit longer--and a minor crisis--to figure out the same. But oh, the journey--absolutely worth it.
The other two Brides of Belgravia's stories, Willow's BFFs and Brent's business partners' stories--take place concurrently with this one. We get hints of them here, at least until Willow and Brent are distracted by other events, and they promise to be just as delightful as this one with their unconventional heroines and the two men who married them to help finance their bat and bird dropping mining expedition. (Really. You can't make this guano up. Well, okay, you can--but it really was a thing, as Ms. Michaels explains in her notes. And she puts her research to such good use here!)
The rest of this series cannot come out soon enough ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 15, 2018
4.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Iq
As a young child, Willow Hunnicut was stricken with an illness that almost took her life. Though she survived, the doctor informed her and her parents that she would never be able to bear a child of her own. Eight year old Willow then stoically packed up all her dolls, vowed never to marry, and began to develop her artistic talent. Over the years, her wealthy parents indulged her by letting her redesign their home several times. Now at age twenty-five, and with her father deceased, Willow longs to travel to London to apprentice with her aunt and uncle, who have a successful design and furniture building business. Unfortunately, Willow's mother won't allow this, and Willow longs for the freedom that a married woman has. Only - she doesn't want the husband that goes along with that freedom. Then she and her two friends come up with a scheme...
Brent Caulder, Earl Cassin, and his two friends and business partners have the opportunity to make themselves a fortune if they can find a wealthy investor. When Cassin spies an advertisement posted on the docks, offering financial backing for gentleman sailors who travel abroad, he is quick to investigate. Rather than reply by mail, Cassin travels directly to the address, which happens to be Willow's home. Her scheme was to offer her substantial dowry in exchange for marriage with a man who will be content to live apart and stay away. Her advertisement was intentionally written very vaguely, so that Willow could weed out the unfavorable replies. Cassin is shocked to be met by a beautiful young woman, and even more so when he learns the true terms of her offer. He has every intention of refusing, but he finds himself returning, and accepting.
Though Cassin tells himself he only agreed to the marriage to protect Willow from unscrupulous or dangerous characters, he is very strongly attracted to her. As they work out the details of their upcoming wedding, they share some surprising kisses that affect both of them deeply. Cassin longs for a physical relationship, but Willow is not willing to gamble with her heart unless Cassin wants to change their terms to a real marriage. Cassin backs down, and continues with his plans to sail with his two friends to Barbados, where they begin their project. Meanwhile, Willow, now a married woman, travels to London, and begins living her dream of apprenticing as a designer.
As Cassin and Willow correspond, their letters change from formal to friendly to affectionate. Oh, those letters! I loved watching them fall in love via the post. They were both already half in love when they married, but the beautifully written words have sent them both tumbling, and longing for the time when they'll see each other again. When a family emergency calls Cassin home, he first stops to see Willow. Their reunion is sweet and warm, and they finally have their long overdue wedding night. They then set out to travel to Cassin's home, only to find tragedy waiting for them, and a situation that could change everything.
There are so many things I loved about ANY GROOM WILL DO. First, it is so refreshing that this couple was totally honest with each other from the beginning. Willow never hid her inability to have children, and Cassin was always honest about his situation and his developing feelings. That honesty played so beautifully into their romance as it developed. Both Cassin and Willow are honorable, genuinely likeable, and so perfect for each other. This is my first experience reading Charis Michaels, and I am bowled over by her lovely writing and the emotions she generated. A couple of the scenes were truly heart-wrenching, and I was totally captivated. I believe I've found a new must-read author, and look forward to the upcoming books which feature Willow's two friends, who have married Cassin's two friends. ANY GROOM WILL DO is a beautifully written, genuinely romantic, and emotional story that I loved and highly recommend.
As a young child, Willow Hunnicut was stricken with an illness that almost took her life. Though she survived, the doctor informed her and her parents that she would never be able to bear a child of her own. Eight year old Willow then stoically packed up all her dolls, vowed never to marry, and began to develop her artistic talent. Over the years, her wealthy parents indulged her by letting her redesign their home several times. Now at age twenty-five, and with her father deceased, Willow longs to travel to London to apprentice with her aunt and uncle, who have a successful design and furniture building business. Unfortunately, Willow's mother won't allow this, and Willow longs for the freedom that a married woman has. Only - she doesn't want the husband that goes along with that freedom. Then she and her two friends come up with a scheme...
Brent Caulder, Earl Cassin, and his two friends and business partners have the opportunity to make themselves a fortune if they can find a wealthy investor. When Cassin spies an advertisement posted on the docks, offering financial backing for gentleman sailors who travel abroad, he is quick to investigate. Rather than reply by mail, Cassin travels directly to the address, which happens to be Willow's home. Her scheme was to offer her substantial dowry in exchange for marriage with a man who will be content to live apart and stay away. Her advertisement was intentionally written very vaguely, so that Willow could weed out the unfavorable replies. Cassin is shocked to be met by a beautiful young woman, and even more so when he learns the true terms of her offer. He has every intention of refusing, but he finds himself returning, and accepting.
Though Cassin tells himself he only agreed to the marriage to protect Willow from unscrupulous or dangerous characters, he is very strongly attracted to her. As they work out the details of their upcoming wedding, they share some surprising kisses that affect both of them deeply. Cassin longs for a physical relationship, but Willow is not willing to gamble with her heart unless Cassin wants to change their terms to a real marriage. Cassin backs down, and continues with his plans to sail with his two friends to Barbados, where they begin their project. Meanwhile, Willow, now a married woman, travels to London, and begins living her dream of apprenticing as a designer.
As Cassin and Willow correspond, their letters change from formal to friendly to affectionate. Oh, those letters! I loved watching them fall in love via the post. They were both already half in love when they married, but the beautifully written words have sent them both tumbling, and longing for the time when they'll see each other again. When a family emergency calls Cassin home, he first stops to see Willow. Their reunion is sweet and warm, and they finally have their long overdue wedding night. They then set out to travel to Cassin's home, only to find tragedy waiting for them, and a situation that could change everything.
There are so many things I loved about ANY GROOM WILL DO. First, it is so refreshing that this couple was totally honest with each other from the beginning. Willow never hid her inability to have children, and Cassin was always honest about his situation and his developing feelings. That honesty played so beautifully into their romance as it developed. Both Cassin and Willow are honorable, genuinely likeable, and so perfect for each other. This is my first experience reading Charis Michaels, and I am bowled over by her lovely writing and the emotions she generated. A couple of the scenes were truly heart-wrenching, and I was totally captivated. I believe I've found a new must-read author, and look forward to the upcoming books which feature Willow's two friends, who have married Cassin's two friends. ANY GROOM WILL DO is a beautifully written, genuinely romantic, and emotional story that I loved and highly recommend.
February 20, 2018
Set in the years just before Victoria’s ascendancy, this is the tale of Willow and Brent and their unlikely path to a happily ever after. Since an illness changed the course of her life as a child, Willow has been fascinated with designing and beauty. While she has decided she’ll never marry, she does want to join her aunt and uncle in their business – the preeminent interior designers in London’s Belgravia. As a single woman, however, and forbidden by both society and her mother to proceed to London to take up a position, she’s decided, along with her two best friends, to place an advertisement. This advertisement will allow the women, with the respectable title of Mrs., to escape their situations in return for absent husbands who will avail themselves of sizeable dowries in return for the woman’s freedom. Of course, the whole scheme is orchestrated by Willow, the list-maker, cover every eventuality, boldly dreaming of a life of self-determination personality in the group.
Brent, Duke of Cassin has been struggling to get a business venture with his two best friends off the ground. A bit of a desperate struggle as his estate’s former money-maker was coal mining, and the dangers to lives for so little actual return had him desperate for other options. With his two university friends and a Caribbean Island won in a poker game, as well as a seaworthy ship and plenty of desire. Facing failing his mother and sisters, and his uncle’s persistent pestering, he spotted Willow’s advertisement and decided to take a chance to discover more. Face to face with Willow, Brent is alternately horrified by her plan and impressed with her preparation, her boldness and her intelligence. Two days in her company, and Brent can’t see straight – he agrees and dashes off to make arrangements, plans and head for the new business venture.
These two are adorably well-suited: intelligent, stubborn, determined and sure of their own frailties – never once thinking that it is the things they feel the most vulnerable and unable to solve are the pieces that make them human and so wonderfully vulnerable to the emotions they both have agreed to ignore and tamp down in this arrangement. Willow is far more controlled and determined in keeping distance, knowing herself and the potential of developing feelings for Brent, she’s not allowing (or not admitting to allowing) her mind to want him. Brent is completely taken off guard: he desires her yet can’t stop thinking about her and how to keep her safe and protected from half a world away: he’s confused by her pushing him away, and can’t quite reconcile the desire with his growing esteem – and to have both rejected, is too much. Fortunately, with a crisis that only can resolve itself with his return, he rushes to Willow’s London quarters upon his arrival back in England, before heading off to his Yorkshire home to sort out the issues. The time apart had given both he and Willow the opportunity to muse, digest and recognize the love between them, and with that and little else, the challenges are many. Charis Michaels started this series with a wonderful read in one sitting couple, a lovely family and epilogue, and plenty of story to come with her two friends in the scheme, this will be a favorite of many.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at < a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9DU/”> I am, Indeed
Brent, Duke of Cassin has been struggling to get a business venture with his two best friends off the ground. A bit of a desperate struggle as his estate’s former money-maker was coal mining, and the dangers to lives for so little actual return had him desperate for other options. With his two university friends and a Caribbean Island won in a poker game, as well as a seaworthy ship and plenty of desire. Facing failing his mother and sisters, and his uncle’s persistent pestering, he spotted Willow’s advertisement and decided to take a chance to discover more. Face to face with Willow, Brent is alternately horrified by her plan and impressed with her preparation, her boldness and her intelligence. Two days in her company, and Brent can’t see straight – he agrees and dashes off to make arrangements, plans and head for the new business venture.
These two are adorably well-suited: intelligent, stubborn, determined and sure of their own frailties – never once thinking that it is the things they feel the most vulnerable and unable to solve are the pieces that make them human and so wonderfully vulnerable to the emotions they both have agreed to ignore and tamp down in this arrangement. Willow is far more controlled and determined in keeping distance, knowing herself and the potential of developing feelings for Brent, she’s not allowing (or not admitting to allowing) her mind to want him. Brent is completely taken off guard: he desires her yet can’t stop thinking about her and how to keep her safe and protected from half a world away: he’s confused by her pushing him away, and can’t quite reconcile the desire with his growing esteem – and to have both rejected, is too much. Fortunately, with a crisis that only can resolve itself with his return, he rushes to Willow’s London quarters upon his arrival back in England, before heading off to his Yorkshire home to sort out the issues. The time apart had given both he and Willow the opportunity to muse, digest and recognize the love between them, and with that and little else, the challenges are many. Charis Michaels started this series with a wonderful read in one sitting couple, a lovely family and epilogue, and plenty of story to come with her two friends in the scheme, this will be a favorite of many.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at < a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9DU/”> I am, Indeed
December 3, 2019
I don't hate this book, but to be honest I got to 71% and realized I had no interest in continuing. The couple has got together, declared their love, and all that is left is some subplot with the dude's uncle...which I don't actually care about. And tbh, the story didn't exactly do a great job of selling it to me. We've never seen this uncle, he is just lurking in the background, being evil I guess, and the only interaction between him and the main characters has been off stage. I don't know why I should consider him a threat or why I should stick around to see what becomes of him.
It really just feels like the author finished their story, realized they were about 10,000 word short, and slammed this whole subplot onto the end with only the barest of integration into the previous parts of the story.
DNF @71%
On a side note...this isn't a problem with this book, but there seems to be major spoilers for books 2 and 3 inside this story. They appear to run concurrent with this story, and what seems to be major plot points in those books are referenced in this one. Not a huge problem for this book, but I can't help but think it was a bit injurious to the other stories in this series. A bit of a headscratcher, that decision.
It really just feels like the author finished their story, realized they were about 10,000 word short, and slammed this whole subplot onto the end with only the barest of integration into the previous parts of the story.
DNF @71%
On a side note...this isn't a problem with this book, but there seems to be major spoilers for books 2 and 3 inside this story. They appear to run concurrent with this story, and what seems to be major plot points in those books are referenced in this one. Not a huge problem for this book, but I can't help but think it was a bit injurious to the other stories in this series. A bit of a headscratcher, that decision.
February 16, 2018
Any Groom Will Do was a surprisingly funny and sweet historical romance. I enjoyed my time reading it. It is the first in a new series involving Lady Willow and her two friends, Tessa ans Sabine. They all have substantial dowries and need to marry. For Willow, marriage will mean freedom to leave her home and pursue her career dream. Cassin is in need of funds for his mining expedition and marriage for money might be his best bet.
As I said, I enjoyed reading this one. It's well written and flows really smoothly with surprising little angst. I loved the banter between Cassin and Willow. They fit well together. My favorite part of their relationship, was reading their letters to each other while Cassin is overseas. I have always said that sometimes the best way to get to know a person is through letters. I also loved the ending and the plan to save the Caldera estate. I am eagerly looking forward to reading Tessa and Sabine's stories next.
As I said, I enjoyed reading this one. It's well written and flows really smoothly with surprising little angst. I loved the banter between Cassin and Willow. They fit well together. My favorite part of their relationship, was reading their letters to each other while Cassin is overseas. I have always said that sometimes the best way to get to know a person is through letters. I also loved the ending and the plan to save the Caldera estate. I am eagerly looking forward to reading Tessa and Sabine's stories next.
June 22, 2018
A clever heroine and a wonderful hero
This author is new to me and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. Willow is an Earl’s daughter who has a plan to escape her limited options in life. Brent is an Earl with an estate on the verge of financial collapse. Willow comes up with a scheme to marry someone she will find through an advertisement . Although the set up seems silly (and outrageous to Brent), she explains her reasons intelligently. Some of the best parts of the story are Willow and Brent’s conversations and the letters they write to each other.
Unlike most romances, the title of the book makes sense and there is no miracle in the epilogue. Refreshing.
This author is new to me and I am looking forward to reading more of her books. Willow is an Earl’s daughter who has a plan to escape her limited options in life. Brent is an Earl with an estate on the verge of financial collapse. Willow comes up with a scheme to marry someone she will find through an advertisement . Although the set up seems silly (and outrageous to Brent), she explains her reasons intelligently. Some of the best parts of the story are Willow and Brent’s conversations and the letters they write to each other.
Unlike most romances, the title of the book makes sense and there is no miracle in the epilogue. Refreshing.
May 9, 2018
An all night venture come to a close.
February 6, 2018
Any Groom Will Do by Charis Michaels is the First book in "The Brides of Belgravia" series. This is the story of Lady Wilhelmina “Willow” Hunnicut and Lord Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin.
Willow wants to be independent and work at her dream of living in London and being a designer. But as a single women and parents that won't allow her to leave...Willow doesn't have much choice. But when she puts an ad in the paper hoping for the outcome to be a husband in name only she is getting more than she dream of. Brent is responsible for his family and his tenants after closing the dangerous mines that brought money to their estate. Needing money Brent goes to answer the ad that Willow placed and it leads him to more than he every thought possible.
This was a really sweet romance that is such and enjoyable read.
Willow wants to be independent and work at her dream of living in London and being a designer. But as a single women and parents that won't allow her to leave...Willow doesn't have much choice. But when she puts an ad in the paper hoping for the outcome to be a husband in name only she is getting more than she dream of. Brent is responsible for his family and his tenants after closing the dangerous mines that brought money to their estate. Needing money Brent goes to answer the ad that Willow placed and it leads him to more than he every thought possible.
This was a really sweet romance that is such and enjoyable read.
February 12, 2018
Any Groom Will Do is the first book in The Brides of Belgravia series by Charis Michaels.
Lady Wilhelmina (Willow) Hunnicut cannot have children thanks to a childhood illness. She has come to terms with that knowledge and wants nothing more than to move to London to live with her aunt and uncle to help them out with their interior design business. Unfortunately, her parents won't let her move. The only way she would be able to go would be if she was a married woman. She comes up with a plan to offer her substantial dowry to a gentleman sailor or businessman who would marry her but then leave her alone to get on with her life. With that in mind, she advertises as an investor willing to give money to said gentleman traveller.
Lord Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin is desperate for an investment of money into a venture of his that should save his estate, his family and his tenants from falling into the hands of his wicked uncle. So desperate that when he sees Willow's advert rather than waste time writing back and fore he travels in person to her house to inquire about the money. When he discovers that in order to get the investment he must marry and then leave his wife alone he can't believe it. He never thought to marry, and if he did he never thought he would be forced to leave her. But beggars can't be choosers and he agrees to marry her.
There is an instant lustful attraction between them, but despite the occasional passionate kiss before Brent has to leave on his travels, neither seriously thinks that their marriage should be or could be more than a marriage of convenience. Letters are shared between them when they are apart where they get to know more about each other, and when Brent needs to return to England in order to help Willow with an emergency at home with his family, things start to change between them. Can our couple have a real marriage, or will the obstacles in their way be too big to be overcome?
This story was wonderful to read. Brent and Willow were so perfect for each other, and despite them not being honest with their feelings, it was obvious from the start that they would make a perfect couple. It was lovely to see how things developed between them. The perfect villain of the story is Brent's Uncle who is determined to take over the castle and the estate. I couldn't believe how rotten he was and the author wrote his scenes so well that I just wanted to climb into the book and slap the man silly! There were some deep, emotional parts to this story, not least a scene when Willow discovers as a child that she will never have babies. But there were some lovely comical moments too that kept the story from being dark.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the stories about Willow's two friends who also married and moved to London with her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Lady Wilhelmina (Willow) Hunnicut cannot have children thanks to a childhood illness. She has come to terms with that knowledge and wants nothing more than to move to London to live with her aunt and uncle to help them out with their interior design business. Unfortunately, her parents won't let her move. The only way she would be able to go would be if she was a married woman. She comes up with a plan to offer her substantial dowry to a gentleman sailor or businessman who would marry her but then leave her alone to get on with her life. With that in mind, she advertises as an investor willing to give money to said gentleman traveller.
Lord Brent Caulder, the Earl of Cassin is desperate for an investment of money into a venture of his that should save his estate, his family and his tenants from falling into the hands of his wicked uncle. So desperate that when he sees Willow's advert rather than waste time writing back and fore he travels in person to her house to inquire about the money. When he discovers that in order to get the investment he must marry and then leave his wife alone he can't believe it. He never thought to marry, and if he did he never thought he would be forced to leave her. But beggars can't be choosers and he agrees to marry her.
There is an instant lustful attraction between them, but despite the occasional passionate kiss before Brent has to leave on his travels, neither seriously thinks that their marriage should be or could be more than a marriage of convenience. Letters are shared between them when they are apart where they get to know more about each other, and when Brent needs to return to England in order to help Willow with an emergency at home with his family, things start to change between them. Can our couple have a real marriage, or will the obstacles in their way be too big to be overcome?
This story was wonderful to read. Brent and Willow were so perfect for each other, and despite them not being honest with their feelings, it was obvious from the start that they would make a perfect couple. It was lovely to see how things developed between them. The perfect villain of the story is Brent's Uncle who is determined to take over the castle and the estate. I couldn't believe how rotten he was and the author wrote his scenes so well that I just wanted to climb into the book and slap the man silly! There were some deep, emotional parts to this story, not least a scene when Willow discovers as a child that she will never have babies. But there were some lovely comical moments too that kept the story from being dark.
I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to the stories about Willow's two friends who also married and moved to London with her.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
September 23, 2019
Gorgeous book. Read out of order, as I read the last book in this Brides of Belgravia series first: You May Kiss the Duke (I loved it)
Lady Willow Hunnicut, barren through a childhood bout of Peritonitis has decided that she will not marry, and would like to devote her life to becoming an interior designer to the ton. With an uninterested, but benign marriage mother and brother, she has a lot of time and money to explore her interests, but she soon realises that she has no independence as an unmarried woman, and her two friends, Tessa and Sabine, could also do with their own respectability and independence.
She decides to advertise for Gentlemen Sailors as suitors, who would get investment for travel from their dowries, in return for being absent husbands, enabling all three to pursue their personal goals.
I loved the feminist slant on this, Lady Willow is constantly aware of how she is hemmed in by her sex and society’s rules. Her lack of power is explored well without being preachy or distracting.
Brent Caulder, Earl of Cassin has invested in a guano mining venture on an island in Barbadoes (old spelling) together with his untitled friends, Joesph Chance and Jon Stoker. He has closed down the dangerous coal mines on his Yorkshire estate, against the wishes of his uncle and most of his tenants who don’t know anything else. He is trying to keep his large family afloat and support his tenants in difficult circumstances, and his uncle is plotting behind his back.
He sees the advert, and interested in the investment travels to Lady Willow’s estate, where he is dumbfounded to realise that his potential investor is a woman. He is also poleaxed by his attraction to Lady Willow, and though he is outraged at her proposal, he is compelled eventually, despite wrestling with his conscience, to say yes. He hopes for all the benefits of marriage without attachment, but Willow doesn’t want intimacy without affection, and their relationship is forced into a slow burn one, through letters back and forth from Barbados. This was a delicious book in general, and them falling for each other by letter was delightful.
When Brent returns to thwart his uncle, can they work through their issues and find an HEA.
Loved this so much.
Joseph and Tessa’s book is All Dressed in White.
Lady Willow Hunnicut, barren through a childhood bout of Peritonitis has decided that she will not marry, and would like to devote her life to becoming an interior designer to the ton. With an uninterested, but benign marriage mother and brother, she has a lot of time and money to explore her interests, but she soon realises that she has no independence as an unmarried woman, and her two friends, Tessa and Sabine, could also do with their own respectability and independence.
She decides to advertise for Gentlemen Sailors as suitors, who would get investment for travel from their dowries, in return for being absent husbands, enabling all three to pursue their personal goals.
I loved the feminist slant on this, Lady Willow is constantly aware of how she is hemmed in by her sex and society’s rules. Her lack of power is explored well without being preachy or distracting.
Brent Caulder, Earl of Cassin has invested in a guano mining venture on an island in Barbadoes (old spelling) together with his untitled friends, Joesph Chance and Jon Stoker. He has closed down the dangerous coal mines on his Yorkshire estate, against the wishes of his uncle and most of his tenants who don’t know anything else. He is trying to keep his large family afloat and support his tenants in difficult circumstances, and his uncle is plotting behind his back.
He sees the advert, and interested in the investment travels to Lady Willow’s estate, where he is dumbfounded to realise that his potential investor is a woman. He is also poleaxed by his attraction to Lady Willow, and though he is outraged at her proposal, he is compelled eventually, despite wrestling with his conscience, to say yes. He hopes for all the benefits of marriage without attachment, but Willow doesn’t want intimacy without affection, and their relationship is forced into a slow burn one, through letters back and forth from Barbados. This was a delicious book in general, and them falling for each other by letter was delightful.
When Brent returns to thwart his uncle, can they work through their issues and find an HEA.
Loved this so much.
Joseph and Tessa’s book is All Dressed in White.
May 30, 2019
3.5 ★
Le principe de base de cette nouvelle trilogie de Charis Michaels repose sur un principe simple : l'auteur va nous raconter l'histoire de trois femmes qui vont se marier, mais qui vont jeter leur dévolu sur un homme avec qui elles ne partageront jamais rien. Sauf que bien sûr, rien ne va se passer comme prévu !
Ce premier tome est plutôt sympathique, au développement finalement assez classique malgré une rencontre assez saugrenue entre les deux héros. C'est rafraîchissant de voir une femme prendre le "pouvoir" de cette façon, et de la voir prendre son destin, ainsi que celui de ses amies, en main. À cette époque, une femme ne peut être libre, et son seul moyen de pouvoir aller librement à sa guise (ou presque), eh bien c'est d'être mariée, et que ledit mari travaille à Perpète les oies. Voilà pourquoi Willow s'engage dans cette histoire un peu folle ...
Cassin et ses amis, eux, ont d'autres raisons d'accepter cette insolite alliance, et avec eux, on découvre une histoire assez originale, et on voit des hommes faire autre chose que des promenades en cheval, ou autres occupations masculines décrites habituellement dans nos A&P.
Évidemment, Willow et Cassin vont se laisser dépasser par les évènements, et de véritables sentiments naitront de cette union qui n'est à la base qu'une transaction professionnelle. Leur relation évolue joliment, de manière assez courtoise et romantique, ils vivent une jolie histoire, et ils vont apprendre à découvrir l'autre, et c'est au fil du temps que les sentiments prendront de l'ampleur.
En parallèle de la romance, on a une petite histoire secondaire liée à l'héritage familial du héros, que j'ai trouvé un peu grotesque et dont la résolution finale m'a parue simpliste, et on a aussi une belle complicité entre Willow et ses domestiques. L'auteur reste assez discrète sur les amies de Willow, et ceux de Cassin, et je suis très curieuse de lire leurs tomes respectifs.
En résumé, une romance historique sympathique donc, qui ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard, mais qui parle de la liberté des femmes, et montre des héros aux occupations modernes et originales.
Le principe de base de cette nouvelle trilogie de Charis Michaels repose sur un principe simple : l'auteur va nous raconter l'histoire de trois femmes qui vont se marier, mais qui vont jeter leur dévolu sur un homme avec qui elles ne partageront jamais rien. Sauf que bien sûr, rien ne va se passer comme prévu !
Ce premier tome est plutôt sympathique, au développement finalement assez classique malgré une rencontre assez saugrenue entre les deux héros. C'est rafraîchissant de voir une femme prendre le "pouvoir" de cette façon, et de la voir prendre son destin, ainsi que celui de ses amies, en main. À cette époque, une femme ne peut être libre, et son seul moyen de pouvoir aller librement à sa guise (ou presque), eh bien c'est d'être mariée, et que ledit mari travaille à Perpète les oies. Voilà pourquoi Willow s'engage dans cette histoire un peu folle ...
Cassin et ses amis, eux, ont d'autres raisons d'accepter cette insolite alliance, et avec eux, on découvre une histoire assez originale, et on voit des hommes faire autre chose que des promenades en cheval, ou autres occupations masculines décrites habituellement dans nos A&P.
Évidemment, Willow et Cassin vont se laisser dépasser par les évènements, et de véritables sentiments naitront de cette union qui n'est à la base qu'une transaction professionnelle. Leur relation évolue joliment, de manière assez courtoise et romantique, ils vivent une jolie histoire, et ils vont apprendre à découvrir l'autre, et c'est au fil du temps que les sentiments prendront de l'ampleur.
En parallèle de la romance, on a une petite histoire secondaire liée à l'héritage familial du héros, que j'ai trouvé un peu grotesque et dont la résolution finale m'a parue simpliste, et on a aussi une belle complicité entre Willow et ses domestiques. L'auteur reste assez discrète sur les amies de Willow, et ceux de Cassin, et je suis très curieuse de lire leurs tomes respectifs.
En résumé, une romance historique sympathique donc, qui ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard, mais qui parle de la liberté des femmes, et montre des héros aux occupations modernes et originales.
February 15, 2018
This was a brilliant first novel for this series! I have read other stories by this author, and each of them has contained the same kind of witty dialogue and strong characters that I knew I would not be disappointed.
Willow is the kind of woman I can admire. She knows what she wants and she will do whatever it takes to achieve it. Even if her plan probably couldn't have been more unconventional if she had tried. What lady in their right mind advertises (at the docks nonetheless) for a husband? Brent aka Cassin was also an endearing character - he tried to tell himself that he would never marry a stranger, nor would he marry for money - even if that money was just what he and his friends needed to achieve their goals.
The romance between Brent and Willow was one of those passion induced infatuations (with a healthy dose of annoyance and head-butting between the pair) that slowly turns to love that I have come to expect from a well written novel such as this. In fact, watching these two go from a reluctant acquaintance to a fraudulent romance to a full blown relationship was not only enjoyable, but believable as well.
The secondary plot-lines (his troubles with his uncle, his estate and tenants needing funds to survive) were woven together seamlessly throughout the entire story coming together in a beautifully executed ending that I feel will leave the reader very satisfied.
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging historical romance (even moreso if you enjoy stories that take a somewhat unconventional approach). I will definitely read more from this author, and I can't wait to see what happens with the other two "brides"!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Willow is the kind of woman I can admire. She knows what she wants and she will do whatever it takes to achieve it. Even if her plan probably couldn't have been more unconventional if she had tried. What lady in their right mind advertises (at the docks nonetheless) for a husband? Brent aka Cassin was also an endearing character - he tried to tell himself that he would never marry a stranger, nor would he marry for money - even if that money was just what he and his friends needed to achieve their goals.
The romance between Brent and Willow was one of those passion induced infatuations (with a healthy dose of annoyance and head-butting between the pair) that slowly turns to love that I have come to expect from a well written novel such as this. In fact, watching these two go from a reluctant acquaintance to a fraudulent romance to a full blown relationship was not only enjoyable, but believable as well.
The secondary plot-lines (his troubles with his uncle, his estate and tenants needing funds to survive) were woven together seamlessly throughout the entire story coming together in a beautifully executed ending that I feel will leave the reader very satisfied.
I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging historical romance (even moreso if you enjoy stories that take a somewhat unconventional approach). I will definitely read more from this author, and I can't wait to see what happens with the other two "brides"!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 7, 2019
As a rule, I avoid Avon romance novels. But this ebook was cheap, and sounded interesting. And it was very interesting and well-written. There were too many 3-page steamy kisses I had to page through, but the heroine is a clever and charming woman, and her reluctant husband has depth, too. Willow decides she and her two friends desperately need husbands, for different reasons, so she writes an advertisement and has it displayed on the docks (she is looking for "gentlemen sailors"!) They offer to invest in whatever the person proposes, as long as it takes them away from England. The idea is to become married women so they will have at least some rights, without being subjected to the inconvenience of a husband. Willow wants to have the freedom to go to London and join her aunt and uncle in their design business, which her family opposes, since the aunt is persona non grata for marrying a "tradesman." The two friends have their own reasons for wanting absentee husbands. Her ad pulls in an earl who conveniently has two friends and partners who want to start a guano mining business on an island they won in a card game. The ladies' "investment" is their quite substantial dowries, which the men will get when they marry. The earl, of course, is drop-dead handsome, but Willow tries to keep it all on a business level. She finally manages to convince him, both of them falling in love in the process, and after their marriage he goes off to Barbados to mine guano while she and her friends move in with her aunt in London. Complications with the earl's family begin to change things for Willow. Her two friends become fairly peripheral as the story continues, but apparently their stories are told in later books. I enjoyed reading this (other than having the story interrupted by all those steamy kisses) and am even debating trying another book in the series.
May 15, 2019
Premier tome de la nouvelle trilogie de l'auteure. Je me suis laissé tenter par le résumé qui m'a foi est très tentant.
J'avoue, la première partie du livre est celle qui m'a le plus plu avec l'annonce faite par Willow pour trouver à elle et ses amies des "maris" qui en échange de leur contribution, investissement pécuniaire dans l'entreprise de ces candidats en échange de la liberté d'action ou de vie pour les jeunes femmes. Il y a un mélange à la fois comique et triste dans cette tractation car le héros de ce premier tome, Brent (le fait que ce soit son nom de comte qui soit utilisé tout du long-Cassin- m'a horripilé), croyait trouver un investisseur et non une possible "épouse".
Concernant l'histoire, elle est plaisante mais je regrette que l'intrigue passe presque à la trappe et que l'on se concentre surtout sur la relation entre Willow et Brent. Surtout dans la dernière partie de l'histoire où quelque chose m'a interloqué mais personne ne s'y arrête, personne n'a de soupçon... Alors que cet élément aurait pu donner du corps au récit.
Pour conclure même si la fin me laisse un peu mitigé, (j'avais d'autres espoirs concernant le scénario), l'histoire reste sympathique à lire, Willow et Brent sont attachants à leur manière et j'ai quand même envie de savoir ce qu'il va se passer pour Tessa et Sabine.
J'avoue, la première partie du livre est celle qui m'a le plus plu avec l'annonce faite par Willow pour trouver à elle et ses amies des "maris" qui en échange de leur contribution, investissement pécuniaire dans l'entreprise de ces candidats en échange de la liberté d'action ou de vie pour les jeunes femmes. Il y a un mélange à la fois comique et triste dans cette tractation car le héros de ce premier tome, Brent (le fait que ce soit son nom de comte qui soit utilisé tout du long-Cassin- m'a horripilé), croyait trouver un investisseur et non une possible "épouse".
Concernant l'histoire, elle est plaisante mais je regrette que l'intrigue passe presque à la trappe et que l'on se concentre surtout sur la relation entre Willow et Brent. Surtout dans la dernière partie de l'histoire où quelque chose m'a interloqué mais personne ne s'y arrête, personne n'a de soupçon... Alors que cet élément aurait pu donner du corps au récit.
Pour conclure même si la fin me laisse un peu mitigé, (j'avais d'autres espoirs concernant le scénario), l'histoire reste sympathique à lire, Willow et Brent sont attachants à leur manière et j'ai quand même envie de savoir ce qu'il va se passer pour Tessa et Sabine.
February 15, 2018
I found it fascinating to get in on the first of this new series from Charis Michaels. Her work has captivated me in the past and I was so ready to jump in to a new set of romances that will have me wishing for more. I also found it hard to put down. I loved Willow very much. She was smart and resourceful. She wanted something and came up with a way to get what she wanted without having to bow down to anyone. She finds a taker to her offer and thus begins the best relationship she ever had with a stranger, Brent, the Earl of Cassin. Brent wants nothing more than to care for those he is responsible for. He decided as the Earl and head of his estate and it cost much. Now, he needed to make another decision for his estate. This decision would change him and his world.
I enjoyed very much getting to know Willow and Brent. I found the characters were inviting, the setting familiar, and the journey delightful and not full of angst or overly drawn out. I find Charis gave me just what I was looking for in a new historical romance without overwhelming me. I will most certainly pick this up again just before the next installment comes out.
I enjoyed very much getting to know Willow and Brent. I found the characters were inviting, the setting familiar, and the journey delightful and not full of angst or overly drawn out. I find Charis gave me just what I was looking for in a new historical romance without overwhelming me. I will most certainly pick this up again just before the next installment comes out.
December 31, 2020
Having read A Duchess A Day before this book, it pales in comparison. Obviously because Any Groom Will Do is an older book. But I have read The Bachelor Lords of London series as well, so my expectations wasn’t sky high as I knew the standards of Charis’ books.
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book and I really liked the conversations between Brent & Willow. However, I had some issues that prevented me from giving this book a higher rating.
1. I felt they did not interact much before Brent went to his business far away from Willow for them to even ‘miss’ each other & realize they can’t do without each other. Hence, the part when they fell in love was unrealistic to me.
2. I was bored with the descriptions of Willow’s designing & some talk of history with the castle and whatnot so I skimmed.
3. The drama with Brent’s uncle was too draggy = me skimming as I just didn’t bother.
4. I was hoping for a miracle at the end where Willow could actually have children. But alas, they did not. Sadly.
That sums it up. I usually enjoy Charis’ books but there are some books that is just not up to standard with her other better books and Any Groom Will Do is one of those books.
I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book and I really liked the conversations between Brent & Willow. However, I had some issues that prevented me from giving this book a higher rating.
1. I felt they did not interact much before Brent went to his business far away from Willow for them to even ‘miss’ each other & realize they can’t do without each other. Hence, the part when they fell in love was unrealistic to me.
2. I was bored with the descriptions of Willow’s designing & some talk of history with the castle and whatnot so I skimmed.
3. The drama with Brent’s uncle was too draggy = me skimming as I just didn’t bother.
4. I was hoping for a miracle at the end where Willow could actually have children. But alas, they did not. Sadly.
That sums it up. I usually enjoy Charis’ books but there are some books that is just not up to standard with her other better books and Any Groom Will Do is one of those books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Really fun and unique concept. I was wondering how they would balance giving us adequate info on the other 2 couples while not spoiling the next 2 books but I think this struck a good balance. I appreciated that MCs conflicts in this book came from an authentic place - no miscommunication or external wedges but truly a matter of location and learning how to work through your issues. Loved the epistolary aspects and MCs using distance to grow and reflect before coming together. Loved that they were able to converse through any potential issues that arose due to FMC’s health history and MMC’s plans for the future. So nice to see people changing the way they meet their goals without having to give up on them entirely for the sake of love. Michaels tends to let her characters breathe and I love that. Another strong start to a series. If I have to be nitpicky I wish we knew more about if MMC went back to Barbados after their Yorkshire visit and I would have liked to spend more time seeing the friends’ dynamics together. Perhaps this will change as we read on, because again maybe it would be too much of a spoiler!
September 15, 2018
This book could get 5 stars just for having a historical hero who deliberately sets out to have an overseas business venture that has nothing to do with the slave trade. (Also, I won't spoil what he and his friends are doing, but it is a delightful reveal.)
But it's also completely charming, with intelligent and likeable leads, and an intriguing conflict. I also love that her friends are having their love stories in the same timeline, and I look forward to reading those books as well to see the outside perspective on Willow and Cassin's love story. And competence porn alert for both Willow (who's an interior designer, and whom we see in action) and Cassin (as mentioned above, I won't spoil the fun of the reveal, but he's so passionate about his idea and I love it).
Marriages of convenience are nothing new in historicals, but the inventive spin on the trope grabbed me from the beginning (Willow's advertisement is amazing) and I gobbled it up. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
But it's also completely charming, with intelligent and likeable leads, and an intriguing conflict. I also love that her friends are having their love stories in the same timeline, and I look forward to reading those books as well to see the outside perspective on Willow and Cassin's love story. And competence porn alert for both Willow (who's an interior designer, and whom we see in action) and Cassin (as mentioned above, I won't spoil the fun of the reveal, but he's so passionate about his idea and I love it).
Marriages of convenience are nothing new in historicals, but the inventive spin on the trope grabbed me from the beginning (Willow's advertisement is amazing) and I gobbled it up. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
May 28, 2019
I liked this series setup! I'm always a fan of a slightly nerdy or bookish heroine, and Willow fell right into that niche with her love of design and her aim to make a career for herself. Brent is a nice caretaker, beta hero who resists Willow's crazy proposal for such a scant amount of time, but of course they both try to keep the other at arm's length, even though WE know they'll be perfect for each other.
I liked that Willow was in contract with her in-laws and was ready to support them in their time of need - and I really enjoyed the epistolary section where she and Brent write back and forth to each other. The dates and the message content give the reader a good sense of how long it took a letter to get across the ocean, and how you could end up having parallel conversations over multiple letters.
One thing that I wish we saw more of on the page was Willow's friendship with Tessa and Sabine, but since their stories are happening at the same time, that would probably give too much away. I hope that we get a little bit more of that in each of their books!
I liked that Willow was in contract with her in-laws and was ready to support them in their time of need - and I really enjoyed the epistolary section where she and Brent write back and forth to each other. The dates and the message content give the reader a good sense of how long it took a letter to get across the ocean, and how you could end up having parallel conversations over multiple letters.
One thing that I wish we saw more of on the page was Willow's friendship with Tessa and Sabine, but since their stories are happening at the same time, that would probably give too much away. I hope that we get a little bit more of that in each of their books!
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