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Forever Yours #3
The Viscount and I
After jilting first a fortune hunter, then a lying libertine, Lady Fanny Dashwood has given up on marrying for love. This time it will be strictly business – a man who’ll agree to her terms, give her the children she craves, but will not trouble her heart.
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title – not nearly good enough for an earl’s daughter. Until a dream opportunity arises: a marriage of convenience with the woman of his dreams. Even as their growing passion unleashes in the bedchamber, his new wife remains at arm’s length. Could a wellborn lady ever fall for an unconventional lord?
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title – not nearly good enough for an earl’s daughter. Until a dream opportunity arises: a marriage of convenience with the woman of his dreams. Even as their growing passion unleashes in the bedchamber, his new wife remains at arm’s length. Could a wellborn lady ever fall for an unconventional lord?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2018
701 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Reid
87 books3,415 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 10, 2020
Refusing to let the certainty of scandal trap her in a marriage which would break her heart/dreams, Lady Fanny Dashwood, after giving her groom a much deserved slap walks away, to the dismay and shock of her family and polite society (I know wouldn't have happened in reality but I don't care). Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar 2 long years, having been . However, he is a factory owner with a new title – considered by many, including her brother, beneath Fanny, but when he has the opportunity to have the woman he hungers for as his wife he grabs it with both hands.
I liked how society's idea of true lady's not having desires, not being sensual was problematised in the book. That type of bull in one way or another can pop up today as well, and it was nice seeing it addressed.
The heat between Fanny and Sebastian was fab. A read that had me smiling and where I enjoyed each interaction between the main characters.
Another lovely little read. So far I'm really liking the hero's in this series of novellas.
Acquired via KU. I can see myself re-reading this.
I liked how society's idea of true lady's not having desires, not being sensual was problematised in the book. That type of bull in one way or another can pop up today as well, and it was nice seeing it addressed.
The heat between Fanny and Sebastian was fab. A read that had me smiling and where I enjoyed each interaction between the main characters.
Another lovely little read. So far I'm really liking the hero's in this series of novellas.
Acquired via KU. I can see myself re-reading this.
October 3, 2019
..
The Viscount and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
After jilting first a fortune hunter, then a lying libertine, Lady Fanny Dashwood has given up on marrying for love. This time it will be strictly business – a man who’ll agree to her terms, give her the children she craves, but will not trouble her heart.
The heroine was crushed after witnessing a tete-a-tete between her fiancee and his pregnant mistress, having an intimate discussion involving not only their own lives but hers as well. Yet, her brother is upset that she walks away The men o that era was very controlling and cared not a wit about the feelings of a woman. They were mere pieces of property and easily disposable when their family wanted something they considered more valuable than their own loved one's emotional well being. Personally, I applaud the difficult decision the heroine made when she walked out of the church without marrying such a deceiving scammer.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title – not nearly good enough for an earl’s daughter.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately. This author is certainly able to express how her characters engage their hearts.
Until a dream opportunity arises: a marriage of convenience with the woman of his dreams. Even as their growing passion unleashes in the bedchamber, his new wife remains at arm’s length. Could a wellborn lady ever fall for an unconventional lord?
I was delighted and impressed with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
Those that prefer a clean read should SKIP this series. It definitely does not fit in that category. Be warned so that you don't deduct points on your reviews. The authors do dedicate their time and effort to research their topics and surroundings, then pour their imagination into their works. I just wish the author's promotions would work together with Amazon and/or Goodreads to provide notification of a category that clarifies sexually explicit content, to better inform the entire reading audience.
------------------------------------------------
The Viscount and I (Forever Yours Book 3) Kindle Edition
by Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 198 pages
..
The Viscount and I is the introductory volume of the Forever Yours series written by Stacy Reid.
This is a novella for ** MATURE AUDIENCES **
After jilting first a fortune hunter, then a lying libertine, Lady Fanny Dashwood has given up on marrying for love. This time it will be strictly business – a man who’ll agree to her terms, give her the children she craves, but will not trouble her heart.
The heroine was crushed after witnessing a tete-a-tete between her fiancee and his pregnant mistress, having an intimate discussion involving not only their own lives but hers as well. Yet, her brother is upset that she walks away The men o that era was very controlling and cared not a wit about the feelings of a woman. They were mere pieces of property and easily disposable when their family wanted something they considered more valuable than their own loved one's emotional well being. Personally, I applaud the difficult decision the heroine made when she walked out of the church without marrying such a deceiving scammer.
Yet, his hero seems to instantly feel a pang in his heart at the sight of the woman he loved and was crushed by so long ago. He rushes to her side to aid her to stumble . . . and the race was on. His heart would not listen to his head. Which one will win?
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title – not nearly good enough for an earl’s daughter.
Although this novella is shorter than I usually prefer, it seemed to cover all the highlights of the storyline adequately. This author is certainly able to express how her characters engage their hearts.
Until a dream opportunity arises: a marriage of convenience with the woman of his dreams. Even as their growing passion unleashes in the bedchamber, his new wife remains at arm’s length. Could a wellborn lady ever fall for an unconventional lord?
I was delighted and impressed with the contents of the epilogue, which reveals a H.E.A. filled with all her dreams come true.
Those that prefer a clean read should SKIP this series. It definitely does not fit in that category. Be warned so that you don't deduct points on your reviews. The authors do dedicate their time and effort to research their topics and surroundings, then pour their imagination into their works. I just wish the author's promotions would work together with Amazon and/or Goodreads to provide notification of a category that clarifies sexually explicit content, to better inform the entire reading audience.
------------------------------------------------
The Viscount and I (Forever Yours Book 3) Kindle Edition
by Stacy Reid (Author)
Length: 198 pages
..
April 8, 2020
3,5 stars
May 19, 2024
4.25 stars
I can always rely on Stacy Reid to deliver a steamy historical romance that also gives me heart eyes!
Here we’ve got a pining hero, a marriage of convenience with his heart’s desire (cue steamy times, because a MOC in a historical romance still equals sex), and a surprising amount of couple-y time for a novella.
All in all, I highly enjoyed this one.
I can always rely on Stacy Reid to deliver a steamy historical romance that also gives me heart eyes!
Here we’ve got a pining hero, a marriage of convenience with his heart’s desire (cue steamy times, because a MOC in a historical romance still equals sex), and a surprising amount of couple-y time for a novella.
All in all, I highly enjoyed this one.
July 25, 2019
I am uber stingy with giving five star reviews and especially in the romance genre. Therefore, I am delighted to have found a historical novel that is of the gold-standard quality in writing, plot, pacing and character development. This book was written with one of my favorite themes, a MOC. However, unlike most books of this genre, the writer didn't bog down the story with a bunch of manufactured drama/separation or create tension with some stupid Seekrit waiting to drop like lead into the plot.
Thankfully, the heroine was intelligent, kind, compassionate, and curious enough to speak up for herself and step outside of the restrictive boundaries of her social class to try to get to know her tradesman and recently titled husband. I cheered when Fanny slapped her disgusting betrothed in the church as she made her exit, I knew that this innocent and sheltered society lady had steel when it came to what she would not settle for.
I loved that the hero, Sebastien, had acquired his vast wealth through hard work, like his father before him, before inheriting a title and that he continued to work. He also respected and encouraged Fanny's input in handling business affairs. Sebastien was a hero in every sense, when it was revealed that he never took a lover in the two years after meeting Fanny. He waited for her despite her becoming engaged twice in those two years; he proved that he was more a man of quality than titled men who had inherited their wealth.
Though there were a few typos and I was a bit disappointed that we never met Sebastian mother to know whether she regrets not appreciating her husband, these tiny quibble took nothing away from this exquisite reading experience.
Highly recommended.
Thankfully, the heroine was intelligent, kind, compassionate, and curious enough to speak up for herself and step outside of the restrictive boundaries of her social class to try to get to know her tradesman and recently titled husband. I cheered when Fanny slapped her disgusting betrothed in the church as she made her exit, I knew that this innocent and sheltered society lady had steel when it came to what she would not settle for.
I loved that the hero, Sebastien, had acquired his vast wealth through hard work, like his father before him, before inheriting a title and that he continued to work. He also respected and encouraged Fanny's input in handling business affairs. Sebastien was a hero in every sense, when it was revealed that he never took a lover in the two years after meeting Fanny. He waited for her despite her becoming engaged twice in those two years; he proved that he was more a man of quality than titled men who had inherited their wealth.
Though there were a few typos and I was a bit disappointed that we never met Sebastian mother to know whether she regrets not appreciating her husband, these tiny quibble took nothing away from this exquisite reading experience.
Highly recommended.
August 6, 2023
A very hot and steamy one from the rest of the series but it's cute. Marriage of convenience and a hero who is ready to teach his wife the ways of the bedroom.
November 14, 2020
Stacy Reid once again strikes gold with this novella. I love to read her steamy, sexy and heartwarming historical romance stories, and I wasn’t disappointed reading this one. The attraction between Fanny and Sebastian was definitely undeniable. The main theme of this story is how Fanny - a lady of the genteel class - could overcome what she was taught about regarding the sexual relationship between a husband and a wife, in which the wife shouldn’t be wanton with her sexual activities - to freely embrace her sexual nature and have an amazing sex life with the man she had come to love. And Sebastian was definitely the ideal hero of any historical romance stories: ever since he fell in love with Fanny, which was two years before the events in this novella took place, he had been practicing abstinence and committed himself only to the love he had for her, although she didn’t know that or return his feelings up until he proposed to her and they got married. That’s my man!
There is one thing I didn’t really like about this story, which make me deduct 1 star from the rating, and which I have to point out: the fact that Fanny’s brother kept a mistress to sexually satisfy what he couldn’t do with his wife, and used that to excuse his cheating behavior is absurd. So you marry someone just to satisfy your sexual desires, and when she didn’t know how to do so, because she was brought up as a genteel woman with no idea of your sexual needs, then you cheated on her by finding a mistress? Wow. You need to be more like Sebastian, who had sexual needs, but didn’t push that or require his wife to meet his sexual demands, and also didn’t find a mistress for that, because he loved his wife for who she was, not for sex part. Women aren’t born with a sole purpose to satisfy men’s sexual desires, you know?
There is one thing I didn’t really like about this story, which make me deduct 1 star from the rating, and which I have to point out: the fact that Fanny’s brother kept a mistress to sexually satisfy what he couldn’t do with his wife, and used that to excuse his cheating behavior is absurd. So you marry someone just to satisfy your sexual desires, and when she didn’t know how to do so, because she was brought up as a genteel woman with no idea of your sexual needs, then you cheated on her by finding a mistress? Wow. You need to be more like Sebastian, who had sexual needs, but didn’t push that or require his wife to meet his sexual demands, and also didn’t find a mistress for that, because he loved his wife for who she was, not for sex part. Women aren’t born with a sole purpose to satisfy men’s sexual desires, you know?
May 1, 2025
KU. Novella.HR. Trope: Victorian Romance. Scandal. Love at First Sight ( Sebastian only).
MC’s h Fanny Dashwood, Runaway bride (Scandal) & Sebastian Rutledge Viscount Shaw wealthy business mogul ( Iron King)?
Sebastian fell in love at first sight with Fanny. He was friends with her brother Colin. Colin thought Sebastian too rough around the edges for Such a genteel lady as his sister. Sebastian just longed for her from afar. Fanny had rejected her last lord at the alter when Sebastian seized the opportunity to offer for her. She didn’t accept immediately but after a week she approached him and accepted his offer. After a month of being married she found out she was too shy in the bedroom to satisfy his deepest sexual longings. She chose to please her husband in all the ways he wanted. Being a lady and so sheltered as all ladies in Society were reared, Fanny wrote a book under a pseudonym about pleasing your husband between the sheets. Fanny and Sebastian have a son and are expecting a second.
MC’s h Fanny Dashwood, Runaway bride (Scandal) & Sebastian Rutledge Viscount Shaw wealthy business mogul ( Iron King)?
Sebastian fell in love at first sight with Fanny. He was friends with her brother Colin. Colin thought Sebastian too rough around the edges for Such a genteel lady as his sister. Sebastian just longed for her from afar. Fanny had rejected her last lord at the alter when Sebastian seized the opportunity to offer for her. She didn’t accept immediately but after a week she approached him and accepted his offer. After a month of being married she found out she was too shy in the bedroom to satisfy his deepest sexual longings. She chose to please her husband in all the ways he wanted. Being a lady and so sheltered as all ladies in Society were reared, Fanny wrote a book under a pseudonym about pleasing your husband between the sheets. Fanny and Sebastian have a son and are expecting a second.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2022
This is a fantastic series and Stacy Reid is a dynamic author, unfortunately this missed the mark for me. Oh well, on to the next!
April 21, 2025
Fanny desea un matrimonio por amor luego de dos compromisos fallidos (el segundo, incluso, a punto de llegar al altar). Pero tras enfrentarse una vez más al escándalo, su hermano mayor decide casarla con un hombre lo bastante mayor como para ser su padre. Por su parte, Sebastian —enamorado de Fanny desde siempre— duda en acercarse, temiendo que ella lo vea como inferior por no ser noble de nacimiento. Aun así, al ver el escándalo al que ella se enfrenta, decide proponerle matrimonio.
Durante una discusión entre Fanny y su hermano Colín, ella le deja claro que no piensa casarse con un hombre que tenga una amante. Colín, con toda la condescendencia del mundo, responde que todos los nobles tienen una. Fanny, indignada, le pregunta si él también tiene una, y Colín deja entrever que sí. Lo peor es que esa conversación la escucha su esposa, Darcy.
Más adelante, Darcy le confiesa a Fanny que estuvo a punto de marcharse, pero que Colín le rogó que se quedara. ¿Y la razón? Porque, aparentemente, Colín tenía deseos sexuales demasiado perversos como para compartirlos con su esposa. Así que, en lugar de comunicarse como un adulto, decidió tener una amante. Pero no se preocupen, el libro nos tranquiliza con la idea de que ahora, gracias a un milagro narrativo, ambos disfrutan juntos de esos actos “prohibidos”. Porque eso es amor, ¿verdad?
(La historia de Fanny y Sebastian es lo mismo pero sin la infidelidad)
Como si eso no fuera suficiente, después de esa conversación, Fanny escucha una charla entre Sebastian y su amigo Percy. Percy —muy consciente de que Fanny está escuchando— le dice a Sebastian que, si su esposa no logra “satisfacerlo”, puede buscar una amante. Sebastian le responde claramente que nunca haría eso, pero Percy sigue insistiendo. Luego se descubre que lo hizo a propósito, para forzarlos para que hablaran del tema.
Y, claro, al final de todo esto, tenemos una escena de sexo que parece insertada sin una conversación emocional previa, como si la historia estuviera buscando resolverlo todo de golpe, sin dar espacio al crecimiento real de la relación entre los personajes.
La historia entre Fanny y Sebastian tiene potencial, pero se ve arrastrada por subtramas mal manejadas y justificaciones pobres que no hacen más que diluir la trama. Lo que podría haber sido una historia sobre el amor y la confianza termina siendo una excusa mal escrita para justificar la infidelidad y la falta de comunicación. Un tema tan complejo como la intimidad y la honestidad en una relación se queda corto, sin explorar realmente las emociones y los dilemas de los personajes.
Durante una discusión entre Fanny y su hermano Colín, ella le deja claro que no piensa casarse con un hombre que tenga una amante. Colín, con toda la condescendencia del mundo, responde que todos los nobles tienen una. Fanny, indignada, le pregunta si él también tiene una, y Colín deja entrever que sí. Lo peor es que esa conversación la escucha su esposa, Darcy.
Más adelante, Darcy le confiesa a Fanny que estuvo a punto de marcharse, pero que Colín le rogó que se quedara. ¿Y la razón? Porque, aparentemente, Colín tenía deseos sexuales demasiado perversos como para compartirlos con su esposa. Así que, en lugar de comunicarse como un adulto, decidió tener una amante. Pero no se preocupen, el libro nos tranquiliza con la idea de que ahora, gracias a un milagro narrativo, ambos disfrutan juntos de esos actos “prohibidos”. Porque eso es amor, ¿verdad?
(La historia de Fanny y Sebastian es lo mismo pero sin la infidelidad)
Como si eso no fuera suficiente, después de esa conversación, Fanny escucha una charla entre Sebastian y su amigo Percy. Percy —muy consciente de que Fanny está escuchando— le dice a Sebastian que, si su esposa no logra “satisfacerlo”, puede buscar una amante. Sebastian le responde claramente que nunca haría eso, pero Percy sigue insistiendo. Luego se descubre que lo hizo a propósito, para forzarlos para que hablaran del tema.
Y, claro, al final de todo esto, tenemos una escena de sexo que parece insertada sin una conversación emocional previa, como si la historia estuviera buscando resolverlo todo de golpe, sin dar espacio al crecimiento real de la relación entre los personajes.
La historia entre Fanny y Sebastian tiene potencial, pero se ve arrastrada por subtramas mal manejadas y justificaciones pobres que no hacen más que diluir la trama. Lo que podría haber sido una historia sobre el amor y la confianza termina siendo una excusa mal escrita para justificar la infidelidad y la falta de comunicación. Un tema tan complejo como la intimidad y la honestidad en una relación se queda corto, sin explorar realmente las emociones y los dilemas de los personajes.
July 14, 2022
Spicy historical romance with an experienced H and an innocent, naive h. Written in third person, dual POV narrative. No ow/om drama, H is not a virgin (he's been celibate since he first saw the h 2 years ago, although he does recollect vaguely how he's usually with women contrasting with how he'll need to be more circumspect with h), h is a virgin and barely knows about sex, no bc.
This is a lighter story focused on the romance between the main characters. The writing style didn't quite work for me and the tone of the story felt more formal which made it harder for me to connect I think. The h is nobility and the H is a successful businessman who recently inherited a title. He was in lust with her at first sight and takes an opportunity of a recent scandal she was involved in (having jilted two men - the most recent at the altar) to finally have her. A lot of the focus of the story was on their bedroom activities, the actual acts but also expectations and adjustments because of how sheltered she was. Sweet epilogue several years down the road.
This is a lighter story focused on the romance between the main characters. The writing style didn't quite work for me and the tone of the story felt more formal which made it harder for me to connect I think. The h is nobility and the H is a successful businessman who recently inherited a title. He was in lust with her at first sight and takes an opportunity of a recent scandal she was involved in (having jilted two men - the most recent at the altar) to finally have her. A lot of the focus of the story was on their bedroom activities, the actual acts but also expectations and adjustments because of how sheltered she was. Sweet epilogue several years down the road.
April 16, 2022
The couple and their issues were frustratingly real.
It made me annoyed I couldn’t even be mad at them because they were so … sensible in their insecurities considering the time period!
That however doesn’t mean I can’t resent them for being completely stupid all the time 😉. Like: I totally get it but also… no thanks.
While the brothers in the other stories were overbearing… Colin was a piece of crap.
Lowest of all contenders not only he cheated on his wife he was more than willing to sell Fanny to the highest bidder (something everyone was willing to forget).
I think worse was when Darcy forgave him… I understand ladies at that time had little choice but fingerprints were not a thing yet.. accidents happen… just saying 🙅🏼♀️.
Especially when the whole claim that he loved her but his needs were not being meet by his wife hence why he had to cheat 😐. How about you teach her sir? Instead of being a complete ass.
Let me tell you I was ready to barge into that book and got those oblivious women in order to make than wake up that excuses such as that did not mean anything. Collin definitely did not respect nor love his wife. 19th century morals were completely wack, whomever started them should get their nails removed with a sledgehammer everyday for a couple thousand years. Maybe a bit more, after all we still have to contend with the vestiges of it.
2 stars ⭐️⭐️ and straight to the limbo!
It made me annoyed I couldn’t even be mad at them because they were so … sensible in their insecurities considering the time period!
That however doesn’t mean I can’t resent them for being completely stupid all the time 😉. Like: I totally get it but also… no thanks.
While the brothers in the other stories were overbearing… Colin was a piece of crap.
Lowest of all contenders not only he cheated on his wife he was more than willing to sell Fanny to the highest bidder (something everyone was willing to forget).
I think worse was when Darcy forgave him… I understand ladies at that time had little choice but fingerprints were not a thing yet.. accidents happen… just saying 🙅🏼♀️.
Especially when the whole claim that he loved her but his needs were not being meet by his wife hence why he had to cheat 😐. How about you teach her sir? Instead of being a complete ass.
Let me tell you I was ready to barge into that book and got those oblivious women in order to make than wake up that excuses such as that did not mean anything. Collin definitely did not respect nor love his wife. 19th century morals were completely wack, whomever started them should get their nails removed with a sledgehammer everyday for a couple thousand years. Maybe a bit more, after all we still have to contend with the vestiges of it.
2 stars ⭐️⭐️ and straight to the limbo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2018
4.5
I absolutely love a self made man as a hero. It must be the American in me rubbing off. But this quick read was enjoyable.
Fanny has jilted 2 men at the alter, she is in love, with love. Sebastian has been in business with her brother for 2 years, he’s very wealthy, and is a new Viscount but he certainly doesn’t embrace it. He’s a made man, thru and thru. But he’s been watching, hopeful, and suddenly she falls right into his plans, he doesn’t waste a moment. He marries her before her brother can sell her off again. Except, she’s always wanted to know him better, there, finally, she feels a connection to a man.
But she’s very, very sheltered.
Our heroine was a little repetitive and yet.....it seemed realistic to the time period that no one helped her out on the birds and bees, so I quite enjoyed watching her fumble around, try to discover the whole marriage bed & 10 huge stars for Sebastian and his amazing patience and love.
At no point in this story did I feel like he wasn’t 100% in love with her. It’s a sweet and Spicey quick read and I enjoyed it. Loved the epilogue. Stacy Reid is always great at giving me that epilogue I crave.
I absolutely love a self made man as a hero. It must be the American in me rubbing off. But this quick read was enjoyable.
Fanny has jilted 2 men at the alter, she is in love, with love. Sebastian has been in business with her brother for 2 years, he’s very wealthy, and is a new Viscount but he certainly doesn’t embrace it. He’s a made man, thru and thru. But he’s been watching, hopeful, and suddenly she falls right into his plans, he doesn’t waste a moment. He marries her before her brother can sell her off again. Except, she’s always wanted to know him better, there, finally, she feels a connection to a man.
But she’s very, very sheltered.
Our heroine was a little repetitive and yet.....it seemed realistic to the time period that no one helped her out on the birds and bees, so I quite enjoyed watching her fumble around, try to discover the whole marriage bed & 10 huge stars for Sebastian and his amazing patience and love.
At no point in this story did I feel like he wasn’t 100% in love with her. It’s a sweet and Spicey quick read and I enjoyed it. Loved the epilogue. Stacy Reid is always great at giving me that epilogue I crave.
February 7, 2021
*4.25stars*
March 11, 2019
The Viscount and I is the third novella in the Forever Yours bundle. London, 1838. I enjoyed it just as much as the second novella but the first is my favorite.
The Marquess and I: 5 stars
The Duke and I: 3 stars
The Viscount and I: 3+ stars
Lady Fanny Dashwood has given up marrying for love. After first jilting a fortune hunter, then a lying libertine, this time it will be strictly business...a marriage of convenience.
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title - not nearly good enough for an Earl’s daughter. Until a dream opportunity arises...a marriage of convenience.
It was an interesting read because the Heroine is the most naive genteel Lady I have ever read in a historical romance story. That’s not a bad thing, as it was indicative of the era, but I suppose I was taken aback at how meticulously she was portrayed as being inexperienced. She had never heard the word cock. She insisted on wearing clothes in darkness during intimacy. She clamped a hand over her mouth to stop herself making any noises. She didn’t understand that sexy times could be had daily or even during daylight hours. Intriguing.
Sebastian’s devotion to Fanny is admirable. His patience and willingness to wait for her shyness to abate is powerfully chivalrous. At least Fanny changes her opinions and changes as she learns about carnal relations in marriage. Their sexy times are intense and the undeniable chemistry between them is great.
I love their names because they are unique and not over-used in this genre.
I recommend this novella. I highly recommend all three novellas in the Forever Yours bundle.
The Marquess and I: 5 stars
The Duke and I: 3 stars
The Viscount and I: 3+ stars
Lady Fanny Dashwood has given up marrying for love. After first jilting a fortune hunter, then a lying libertine, this time it will be strictly business...a marriage of convenience.
Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw, has desired Lady Fanny from afar for years. However, he is a factory owner with a new title - not nearly good enough for an Earl’s daughter. Until a dream opportunity arises...a marriage of convenience.
It was an interesting read because the Heroine is the most naive genteel Lady I have ever read in a historical romance story. That’s not a bad thing, as it was indicative of the era, but I suppose I was taken aback at how meticulously she was portrayed as being inexperienced. She had never heard the word cock. She insisted on wearing clothes in darkness during intimacy. She clamped a hand over her mouth to stop herself making any noises. She didn’t understand that sexy times could be had daily or even during daylight hours. Intriguing.
Sebastian’s devotion to Fanny is admirable. His patience and willingness to wait for her shyness to abate is powerfully chivalrous. At least Fanny changes her opinions and changes as she learns about carnal relations in marriage. Their sexy times are intense and the undeniable chemistry between them is great.
I love their names because they are unique and not over-used in this genre.
I recommend this novella. I highly recommend all three novellas in the Forever Yours bundle.
May 15, 2018
As I turned the last page at 2:00 in the morning, I could not help but smile and know I might dream about this novella. I loved the premise of this story, with the heroine, Lady Fanny Dashwood determined not to marry for strictly money reasons. That is, her money, their reasons! The opening begins with Fanny going to the church to attend her wedding to a man she thinks has true affection for her. But she overhears him talking to his mistress and being excited about the baby they will have! Okay, that definitely pulled me in and at that moment I knew I loved Fanny for leaving him at the alter! But her brother is pushing her to marry and she comes up with a solution. Sebastian (yes one of my favorite names, sigh) Rutledge, Viscount Shaw is considered a commoner. He works for his living and does not have the manners of growing up privileged. But he has desired Fanny since he first saw her a couple of years ago, but feels he is far beneath her notice. Until, Fanny comes up with a scheme for them to be married as a convenience. But as they spend time together, their explosive chemistry ignites and it cannot be contained. This story is so typical of Stacy Reid's magical writing. A beautiful love story that will engage the heart..
May 8, 2018
As I turned the last page and read the last line I could not help but sigh.This is another charming story by Stacy Reid. The Viscount and I is book 3 in the Forever Yours series. Even though this book is in a series it can be a standalone and just a tad steamy. How I just love reading one of Stacy’s story for she is truly a talented writer. She has a true talent in her writing that draws you in from the first page to the last and the descriptions are so vivid that you will have not problem visualizing them in your mind with a true old English feel. This story has deception, 2 broken engagements, ruination, scandal, a marriage between two different stations, family disappointment, bad advise, hard work, respect, kindness, understanding, mistresses and of course love. I highly recommend this book and I hold my breath for the next Stacy Reid book to come out.
Travel back in time with Lady Fanny Dashwood and Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw as they discover if they can find love.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Travel back in time with Lady Fanny Dashwood and Sebastian Rutledge, Viscount Shaw as they discover if they can find love.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
May 16, 2018
I loved Sebastian and Fanny's story!!
After 2 failed attempts at finding her true love, Fanny has given up on marrying for love. So when Sebastian approaches her about a marriage of convenience, she accepts his offer, and resigns herself to a loveless marriage.
Sebastian has loved Fanny from afar for years, but never thought he was good enough for her. After she jilts her second betrothed, her reputation is in tatters. This might be his only chance at securing Fanny as a wife and he is ecstatic when she excepts his proposal.
Sebastian married for love, but for Fanny, this is a marriage of convenience. Can Sebastian turn their growing passion into the loving marriage he craves to have with Fanny?
This was a great addition to Reid's Forever Yours series. I was so enthralled, it had me reading until the early morning hours when I should have been sleeping.
After 2 failed attempts at finding her true love, Fanny has given up on marrying for love. So when Sebastian approaches her about a marriage of convenience, she accepts his offer, and resigns herself to a loveless marriage.
Sebastian has loved Fanny from afar for years, but never thought he was good enough for her. After she jilts her second betrothed, her reputation is in tatters. This might be his only chance at securing Fanny as a wife and he is ecstatic when she excepts his proposal.
Sebastian married for love, but for Fanny, this is a marriage of convenience. Can Sebastian turn their growing passion into the loving marriage he craves to have with Fanny?
This was a great addition to Reid's Forever Yours series. I was so enthralled, it had me reading until the early morning hours when I should have been sleeping.
September 29, 2020
4.5 stars. Fanny and Sebastian. Steamy. The main plot was how this couple worked on getting Fanny over Sebastian's shocking ideas (to her) about what goes on in the bedroom. Hero was kind and patient in that regard as they fell in love. Also, Fanny and Sebastian both worked together on their social class differences to make their marriage work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2019
Great
I found this a really good book. Fanny is a great character. She wants love, companionship and respect in her marriage. Sebastian can give her this but he teaches her something else which is desire in their marriage.
I found this a really good book. Fanny is a great character. She wants love, companionship and respect in her marriage. Sebastian can give her this but he teaches her something else which is desire in their marriage.
August 6, 2018
Loved it! 5☆
September 7, 2020
What a fucking sleeper. This is everything I want from a romance novel. It's sweet, the sex scenes are steamy, and I like all the characters. I need the full Stacy Reid back catalog.
August 25, 2023
I read it a while ago, and I remember liking it somewhat, but there was a lot of "I am not good enough for her drama". Meh!
June 12, 2024
This one started off with a bang. Bride to be catches her betrothed kissing and getting hot & heavy with his mistress and finds out she’s pregnant!!? Needless to say that at the altar the heroine says no and becomes a stain in her family. She gets an interesting proposal though from a self made hero that has secretly wanted her for two years. The song by Jace Everett - Bad Things kept coming to my mind while reading because Sebastian Rutledge wanted to turn Fanny out!! Fanny is the heroine’s name we are not talking British slang for female anatomy. I love when a Virgin gets deflowered and learns how to tap into that baser nature. Okay Fanny, I see you.
November 10, 2022
I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience and make each other better. I also felt that while the conflict wasn't too complicated, it made sense. A gentle and ignorant young lady wouldn't want to be naughty, since they're raised as ladies.
August 28, 2019
I’m in a hacking mood after reading this and forgive my inadequate attempts to cool off before reviewing. This is the first book I read from this author. I was looking for a historical romance with a self-made hero that muscled his way up the ranks of society. Currently the 
has a 4.14 rating on GR and after reading the reviews, I thought to give this a try.
Well first off, I didn’t pick this up because of the title, since it is misleading. I don’t understand why the author wanted to draw attention to the rank of “Viscount” in the title, because Lord Shaw was, in essence, anything but. If anything, Lady Fanny Dashwood was the party associated with nobility, coming from a well-bred family with the squeamish upbringing to prove it and their accompanied objections when she all but announced to them that she is to marry him. The fact that he inherited a patched-up title from some cousin he never met, (twice removed, of course), had nothing to offer to the plot. “Lord” Shaw didn’t speak, act or even aspire to carry himself as a member of nobility. In fact, the first time he talked to Lady Fanny in the book he intended to propose to her. Like this:
“I am not very good at this,” he said gruffly. “I have never done this before.”“Forgive me, my lord, I’ve no notion what you are about.”
“You’ve had a bad run of it.” There could be no mistaking his meaning. [..] “I’ve heard the whispers about your name that insist your reputation is beyond repair.”
She flinched at his lack of delicacy. [..]
“Forgive my bluntness. The thing to do is marry with all haste, and I—” he raked his fingers through his dark hair.
Be still my heart. I couldn’t help but feel that the awkwardness would continue on in their story and I was not disappointed. Both parties had enough of it to make most dialogue jarring and cringeworthy. As for the character of “Lord” Shaw, if he expressed even the slightest desire to mould into the ranks of nobility or even go against it, anything for characterization’s sake, I would have found him interesting. Alas, male lead with no depth, no scenes other than with his friend Percy to sit down and discuss the circumstances or with Lady Fanny. From Fanny’s PoV, most of the time “Lord” Shaw was that of a lower class but still admirable working man, with too much of a sexual appetite that she thought she failed to match.
Now, the Jane Austen references kept piling on to the point I was rolling my eyes heavenward.
1. Lady Frances Elizabeth Dashwood, Fanny to her friends, aka the heroine of “The Viscount and I” carries the name of two quite prominent characters in Jane Austen’s works. Lady Frances “Fanny” Dashwood being the only sister of Robert and Edward Ferrars in “Sense and Sensibility”. I will refrain from where the “Elizabeth” part of her name is found in Jane Austen’s heroines, since it is quite a common and beloved name in historical romances. BUT pile them both together in ONE heroine and I was cringing so much I needed a dentist’s appointment. Like, please, to all authors of HRs worldwide, research is your friend. One search on google can prevent you from folly.
2. Lord Shaw has an estate they plan to visit in (where else?) …Derbyshire. The famed area where Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice Mr. Darcy owns his estate. Good thing I didn’t see “Pemberley” written down or I would have had a fit of the vapours.
3. Darcy is the name of Lady Fanny’s sister-in-law.
4. Camden Place in Bath (of all places) where Lady Fanny’s mother retreats, is the place where Jane Austen’s heroine, Anne Elliott lived with her father in Persuasion.
Please don’t make me go on, I was planning to have lunch after writing the review and it is now clearly a mistake. There’s a difference between paying homage to a literary legend, and carelessly piling on names and places from their books into your own. Even if this author strove to honor Jane Austen’s work with the references, there is one too many littering this story, and it only made me want to disrespect this book. I understand that Jane Austen has influenced numerous authors, and there are countless books that even resort to flat out copy-pasting the formulas set by Austen’s stories. But for the love of all that’s holy, readers are not stupid to not pick up not one, not two, but as many Jane Austen name pluck-outs your literary agent thinks you can get away with before someone feels compelled to call you out. Yes, I’m flaming mad because I hated seeing this pile-on, but rest assured, deep down I am a really nice person. *insert kittens and rainbows gifs*
To the writing. There are a lot of modern writing mistakes that readers can forgive in a Historical Romance. I found myself eyerolling over most of the trite dialogue between the characters. There were passages I had to read over and again to get to what they actually meant when they spoke, paragraphs later.
By 37% of the story, Fanny’s goal of finally marrying is fulfilled and here come the exposition dumps. By the time their wedding night scene is on page things are so awkward and the lack of chemistry between the leads is palpable. No tense build-up, no flow in the writing, and Lady Fanny true to her inhibitions sets a damper in the whole affair. “Lord” Shaw like the placated male that he is, yes you read me correct, there is NO ALPHA MALE to be found in this story, he simply goes along. What genteel Fanny wants, Fanny gets, aka bedding in the dark, nothing “indecent” to be done because… awkwardness, and the inevitable comparison between respectable ladies and wanton mistresses gets an insert enough to ruffle the feathers of the heroine.
Speaking of bedding, I stopped counting after the TENTH time I read the word carnal on page. I kid you not. Whether it was a carnal threat, carnal relations, carnal instinct, carnal way, carnal invitation or carnal encouragement (huh) I just carnally groaned and prayed that may the pleasures of the flesh enlighten Lady Fanny because I was losing my patience.
So time flies by, thanks for telling me again how Lady Fanny is going about, it’s obviously tedious enough and the exposition dumps must be carnally justified. Apologies, I got carried away… Okay, this is a shorter HR being 198 pages on kindle, but in theory, the shortness of it should have worked to its advantage with a plot filled with scenes that show the journey of these characters to the fulfillment of their romance.
Afterall, the plot is quite simple: Lower rank self-made male pines after female of nobility now become a runaway bride and therefore disgraced in the eyes of the ton. Shocking marriage proposal ensues between parties that hardly know each other, wedding of convenience happens and the couple finds love within, with the help of lots of sex.
Instead, quite a chunk of the story is apprised of descriptions of how the married couple finds a routine, how the frowned upon now wedded Lady Fanny is receiving multiple invitations for soirees and balls, how “Lord” Shaw treats his factory employees and that when he wants to fire them he writes them ridiculous for the time severance packages under the proposal of clever and kind Lady Fanny. Everything is fine in historical La La Land except for what happens in their bedroom. Sigh…So after I aired my grievances about “Lord” Shaw’s character, time for Fanny. And Fanny has all the airs of a 21st century heroine and the genteel upbringing of a sheltered 18th century English Lady. She is refreshingly squeamish in her marriage and this is the only thing I liked in the story. I haven’t found many HRs where the female lead is still in a state after her wedding night, and insists on it for several pages after. But I was stacking my bets to see an alpha male to counterbalance her and that’s where the cake flopped.
No being overcome with lust for this heroine, since she didn’t get to indulge feasting on her husband’s physique until many pages later. And it is a universally known truth that as soon as the female gets a glimpse of male muscles she swoons, gets hot all over and starts having vivid mental displays of how he will make her feel in the bedroom. But squeamish Ladies need an alpha male to make romance and “Lord” Shaw is not it. One page she is vehemently declaring to be his wife and she will not be made to wait and on the next she insists on “turning the candles out” during their lovemaking and gets weirded out when “Lord” Shaw gets more physical with his tongue and hands in the dark.
Other than their sexual encounters, she appears to be in a state of blissful ignorance to her non-declining social status, what with the necessary mention of her multiple invitations to soirees and the sort, and that her peers have forgiven her reputation mere days after she is branded the double jilt. Plausible? Yes. Unrealistic? Definitely, but everything has to appear cheery in this historical La La Land and Lady Fanny goes on to merrily plan dinner parties and more balls with the hopes of mixing her husband’s acquaintances of actresses and business people with her more refined social friends. Aka their social surroundings are there for the sheer mention of.
74% into the story “Lord” Shaw has the idea of teaching genteel Lady Fanny self defense in his personal “gym” room so that if she is ever accosted, she will know how to defend herself. In breeches and a shirt. Of course, she objects over the use of such clothes and his recommendation of her undressing in front of him. By this point eyerolling has become a tick my husband had to endure throughout dinner. And I reach the mandatory scene where Fanny realizes that she loves “Lord” Shaw and it has me wanting to howl at the romance of it all.
Fanny smiled at his hopeful look. "You remind me of the cocker spaniel I had as a child. He was always so hopeful I would feed him treats and he softened me up with a similar look!”
“Woof.”
She laughed. “You my lord are outrageous.”
“But you like it.”
“I love everything about you,” she said softly and then stilled at what she implied.
He searched her eyes. “Fanny?”
Her heart pounded, and she stared at him helplessly. I love you. She could not say the words. When did it happen? And how could she be so certain? [..]
Be still my dogged heart, there’s only 25% more to go. By the time he decides he wants to tell her the words, she hushes him with kisses before he finishes his sentence, and she decides she is not ready for the “I love you”.
In a gist, I finish as fast as possible because I HAVE made it so far in a 198 page mere slip of a HR and this will still count in my 2019 reading challenge no matter how many times I wanted to hurl my kindle out the window. So am I normally this bitchy? The uncomplicated answer is no. What was the problem? 4.14 average reviewing on GR that convinced me to pick this up on the first place only to get so incensed after reading it, Jane Austen pluck-out names and all. The truth is, I am a romance stories lover and HRs have a special place in my heart. So I will NOT give up on my quest, and I will still be picking up authors known and unknown to me in hopes of finding a gem that makes me dream. NEXT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
This was my favorite out of this bundle; although they were all seriously good. Something about Sebastian just did it for me. He and Lady Fanny are adorable together. So glad I bought this 3 book series. I will definitely read more from Stacy Reid, she knows how to write a love story with lots of heat and fantastic characters!
October 8, 2018
This novella is the third ones in the Forever Yours series, cute stories of second chance for damaged lovers.
After a blind heroine then a crippled one, here we have a ruined young woman, wounded one more time by her truth in the wrong man and her counterpart, a man belittled by the ton because he is not seen as good enough.
The author also enlightens how the upbringing of the women during this area robbed them of so many things, by keeping them ignorant of the marriage bed, men and the society controlled them, refusing them the right to decide for themselves and rip them off their own body.
Fanny and Sebastian story is about their acquaintance in their wed life, Sebastian was instantly drawn to Fanny as she was intrigued by him but their difference of rank kept them apart until one more scandal and Sebastian’s unexpected proposal.
It is their raising which at first separated them, he afraid to scare her with his needs and she, trying to comfort to what she thinks is expected from her as a well-bred woman, they will need time to accept that love is open door to be its true self, and trusting another.
A beautifully narrated story of two people who will each meet halfway.
After a blind heroine then a crippled one, here we have a ruined young woman, wounded one more time by her truth in the wrong man and her counterpart, a man belittled by the ton because he is not seen as good enough.
The author also enlightens how the upbringing of the women during this area robbed them of so many things, by keeping them ignorant of the marriage bed, men and the society controlled them, refusing them the right to decide for themselves and rip them off their own body.
Fanny and Sebastian story is about their acquaintance in their wed life, Sebastian was instantly drawn to Fanny as she was intrigued by him but their difference of rank kept them apart until one more scandal and Sebastian’s unexpected proposal.
It is their raising which at first separated them, he afraid to scare her with his needs and she, trying to comfort to what she thinks is expected from her as a well-bred woman, they will need time to accept that love is open door to be its true self, and trusting another.
A beautifully narrated story of two people who will each meet halfway.
March 27, 2019
I enjoyed this story a lot and it was just the right length for an long afternoon read. Sebastian Rutledge, newly titled Viscount Shaw. He has worked hard and owns several factories that have brought great wealth but his lower class makes him not good enough for our heroine who is an Earl's daughter and whom he had been in love with for over 2 years.
Lady Fanny Dashwood has jilted 2 men and her reputation is beyond repair. She knows the only thing left to help lessen the scandal for her family, is to find someone to marry, but not for love. Sebastian grabs his chance at winning Fanny and she finally does agree to a marriage of convenience and he takes the chance that maybe he can win her love.
This story has deception, 2 broken engagements, humor, spice, scandal, marriage, love, self made hero, and a match with the man being the one from the lower class. I highly recommend this book and m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Lady Fanny Dashwood has jilted 2 men and her reputation is beyond repair. She knows the only thing left to help lessen the scandal for her family, is to find someone to marry, but not for love. Sebastian grabs his chance at winning Fanny and she finally does agree to a marriage of convenience and he takes the chance that maybe he can win her love.
This story has deception, 2 broken engagements, humor, spice, scandal, marriage, love, self made hero, and a match with the man being the one from the lower class. I highly recommend this book and m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
February 16, 2020
An innocent miss
Sebastian Rutledge has had his eye on Fanny for two and a half years. A self-made man he works for a living and is accepted for his fortune, but not as much as his title ensures him. With that title he can pursue the lady he wants and he better move fast. Fanny's already refused one proposal and refused to marry another man at the altar. She believes marriage is forever and there should be love. With Sebastian, she is willing to take a chance. A delightful romp of a young lady changing her mind on what's important when it comes to keeping her husband away from a mistress.
Sebastian Rutledge has had his eye on Fanny for two and a half years. A self-made man he works for a living and is accepted for his fortune, but not as much as his title ensures him. With that title he can pursue the lady he wants and he better move fast. Fanny's already refused one proposal and refused to marry another man at the altar. She believes marriage is forever and there should be love. With Sebastian, she is willing to take a chance. A delightful romp of a young lady changing her mind on what's important when it comes to keeping her husband away from a mistress.
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