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Spinster Heiresses #2
A Match Made in Bed
Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the marriage mart a bit too long. They were known as “the Spinster Heiresses” . . .
Miss Cassandra Howell is too tall, too bookish, and too smart—but she does have money and a father who wants a grand title for her. Cassandra hasn’t felt a desire to marry until she meets the sinfully handsome Duke of Camberly, who captures her imagination . . . until Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry and her family’s sworn enemy, steps in the way.
The Holwells ruined Soren’s family, and he’s lived on the knife’s edge trying to resurrect their fortunes . . . until he considers marrying the Holwell Heiress. Not only would her dowry give him the funds he needs, he has secretly had an eye on the independent-minded bluestocking since they both first realized the differences between men and women.
She likes to read; he has no patience for books. She knows little of sex; he is a man of the world and willing to school her. Her family destroyed his; his offer of marriage may be her only salvation.
Now Cassandra and Soren must learn to love each other for who they are, not what they are—and the lessons are becoming an exercise in absolute pleasure.
Miss Cassandra Howell is too tall, too bookish, and too smart—but she does have money and a father who wants a grand title for her. Cassandra hasn’t felt a desire to marry until she meets the sinfully handsome Duke of Camberly, who captures her imagination . . . until Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry and her family’s sworn enemy, steps in the way.
The Holwells ruined Soren’s family, and he’s lived on the knife’s edge trying to resurrect their fortunes . . . until he considers marrying the Holwell Heiress. Not only would her dowry give him the funds he needs, he has secretly had an eye on the independent-minded bluestocking since they both first realized the differences between men and women.
She likes to read; he has no patience for books. She knows little of sex; he is a man of the world and willing to school her. Her family destroyed his; his offer of marriage may be her only salvation.
Now Cassandra and Soren must learn to love each other for who they are, not what they are—and the lessons are becoming an exercise in absolute pleasure.
Audible Audio
First published April 24, 2018
218 people are currently reading
1454 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
71 books2,190 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
January 17, 2022
Reread review: 1/17/22
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (They range from 🍑 to 🍑🍑🍑)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (Might feel hotter to you if you’re good with short scenes)
Humor: Yes, just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
So, I did not. This is book 2 of the series, which is all about spinster heiresses that find husbands (I’m sure you could figure that out from the series name :P ) Anyway, this worked really well as a stand alone for me – I don’t even know if there was mention of other characters from the first book here. Most of the book was focused on the hero and heroine together.
Basic plot
Soren is desperate not to lose his estate, Pentreath Castle. But his debts are immense and his options slim. He attempts to rekindle is friendship with Cassandra, an heiress, at a house party only to find she wants nothing to do with him.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1813)
- Lower to mid steam – a handful of open door scenes varying in length and explicitness
- Lots of outside drama/plot devices causing angst
Tropes:
- Hero needs an heiress
- Friends to lovers/Enemies to lovers – They were childhood friends, until they weren’t. Now she hates him, but he fixes it fairly soon in the story.
- A touch of second chance feeling – they were childhood friends that had feelings for each other (but didn’t act on them – they were teenagers)
- Rival families – The Yorks and Howells would never trust each other
- Ruined heroine
My thoughts:
I prefer romance to have a lot of internal angst between the characters. This book does have that in the beginning – then when it’s resolved (and that’s fairly early in the story) that’s when the outside situations take over. This probably won’t be an issue for many of you, it’s just my personal preference.
I did feel like I got to know the characters all right. I wanted more though, especially from Soren. And there were a few things that were thrown in and then not fully developed. I just didn’t think the book needed as much drama as it had – it was too much.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Original thoughts: 8/24/18
I am thinking 3 stars for this. It was a fast, slightly funny, slightly frustrating read 😄
The heroine, Cassandra, is an heiress and the hero, Soren, needs a fortune.
I just couldn’t get into the flow of the book. It felt like it was all over the place. Suddenly something new would be introduced with a brief paragraph explaining its history/place in the story...it just felt weird.
There’s a lot that happens in the book - lies, manipulation, a duel, a disappearance, tons of family drama, family upheaval...it keeps the story flowing but I felt like the characters did get lost in all the action. I didn’t get a good connection with either character but overall they were likable. The story almost felt incomplete at the end.
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑 (They range from 🍑 to 🍑🍑🍑)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (Might feel hotter to you if you’re good with short scenes)
Humor: Yes, just a bit
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
So, I did not. This is book 2 of the series, which is all about spinster heiresses that find husbands (I’m sure you could figure that out from the series name :P ) Anyway, this worked really well as a stand alone for me – I don’t even know if there was mention of other characters from the first book here. Most of the book was focused on the hero and heroine together.
Basic plot
Soren is desperate not to lose his estate, Pentreath Castle. But his debts are immense and his options slim. He attempts to rekindle is friendship with Cassandra, an heiress, at a house party only to find she wants nothing to do with him.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1813)
- Lower to mid steam – a handful of open door scenes varying in length and explicitness
- Lots of outside drama/plot devices causing angst
Tropes:
- Hero needs an heiress
- Friends to lovers/Enemies to lovers – They were childhood friends, until they weren’t. Now she hates him, but he fixes it fairly soon in the story.
- A touch of second chance feeling – they were childhood friends that had feelings for each other (but didn’t act on them – they were teenagers)
- Rival families – The Yorks and Howells would never trust each other
- Ruined heroine
My thoughts:
I prefer romance to have a lot of internal angst between the characters. This book does have that in the beginning – then when it’s resolved (and that’s fairly early in the story) that’s when the outside situations take over. This probably won’t be an issue for many of you, it’s just my personal preference.
I did feel like I got to know the characters all right. I wanted more though, especially from Soren. And there were a few things that were thrown in and then not fully developed. I just didn’t think the book needed as much drama as it had – it was too much.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Original thoughts: 8/24/18
I am thinking 3 stars for this. It was a fast, slightly funny, slightly frustrating read 😄
The heroine, Cassandra, is an heiress and the hero, Soren, needs a fortune.
I just couldn’t get into the flow of the book. It felt like it was all over the place. Suddenly something new would be introduced with a brief paragraph explaining its history/place in the story...it just felt weird.
There’s a lot that happens in the book - lies, manipulation, a duel, a disappearance, tons of family drama, family upheaval...it keeps the story flowing but I felt like the characters did get lost in all the action. I didn’t get a good connection with either character but overall they were likable. The story almost felt incomplete at the end.
December 17, 2022
⭐
1 star.
➕ What I Liked :
Tall heroine.
➖ What I Disliked:
The chemistry and the romantic build up was forced/rushed and very lacking.
Unlikable heroine. (self-centered,narrow-minded, conceited, supercilious etc.)
The heroine is also too naive and foolish/slow-witted to see what was happening to her...though these things were very obvious.
The hero was kind of annoying and nonchalant.
Anachronistic.
Rushed/underdeveloped and jumbled plot and weird pacing.
Flat and bland main characters.
Lacking communication between the main characters.
The main characters (most especially the heroine) were contradictory.
The heroines awful father never got his comeuppance.
Weird ending with no real resolution to many of the problems/issues in the story.
1 star.
➕ What I Liked :
Tall heroine.
➖ What I Disliked:
The chemistry and the romantic build up was forced/rushed and very lacking.
Unlikable heroine. (self-centered,narrow-minded, conceited, supercilious etc.)
The heroine is also too naive and foolish/slow-witted to see what was happening to her...though these things were very obvious.
The hero was kind of annoying and nonchalant.
Anachronistic.
Rushed/underdeveloped and jumbled plot and weird pacing.
Flat and bland main characters.
Lacking communication between the main characters.
The main characters (most especially the heroine) were contradictory.
The heroines awful father never got his comeuppance.
Weird ending with no real resolution to many of the problems/issues in the story.
June 30, 2024
Review from 2018
I've given this an A for narration and a B- for content at Audiogals/
In A Match Made in Bed, the second instalment of Cathy Maxwell’s Spinster Heiresses series, attention turns to Miss Cassandra Holwell, the tall, bookish daughter of a rather bombastic MP. Like her two friends – heroines of the other books in the series – Cass has been ‘out’ for several seasons and even though she is heiress to a great fortune, remains unmarried.
Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry, wants to marry an heiress and he needs to do it quickly – but more specifically, he wants to marry Cassandra Holwell, whom he’s known and liked since childhood. He hopes to propose to her while they’re both attending the Duke of Camberley’s house party, but two things seem destined to foil his plans. One – Cass seems to be deliberately avoiding him; and two, the long-standing feud between the Yorks and the Holwells means her father is unlikely to approve the match. Still, Soren is convinced that if he can just talk to her, he’ll be able to persuade her; after all she’s been on the marriage mart for three seasons and needs a husband as much as he needs a wife.
Cassandra knows Soren is in need of money, thanks to generations of poor decisions and unwise gambling, and that he’s in pursuit of her fortune. She and Soren met when they were younger – she was eleven, he thirteen – and were solid friends for a few years until his father suddenly shipped him off to Canada, where he’s lived for the past decade. But he hurt her feelings badly before he left, and she hasn’t forgiven or forgotten his betrayal. I admit that her grudge does initially seem to be rather trivial, but once they do finally get to talk face-to-face and she explains the reasons behind it, her reaction makes sense and Soren understands and makes his apology. But even so, she doesn’t want to marry him. She has no wish to return to Cornwall, where she’s never fit in and where few have use “for an outspoken, headstrong woman”; her father’s election to parliament meant she was able to escape to London where she is determined to make her mark by setting up an important literary salon for the discussion of great ideas.
Mr Holwell (who is referred to throughout the book as “MP Holwell”, which is incredibly irritating, because that’s not how MPs are referred to) is gleeful at Cass’s rejection of Soren. He’s got his sights set on Camberley for her, but things change suddenly when Cass is caught in a compromising situation – through no fault of her own – with Soren. Cass is ruined and there’s only one thing to be done. He offers marriage, but surprisingly, Holwell seems completely unconcerned for his daughter’s reputation and insists she refuse him, even going so far as to threaten to cut her off from her family if she accepts. Mortified and confused, Cass is relieved to discover that her step-mother and her step-sisters will rally round and support her – until her father tells her she cannot remain in London and seems unconcerned about her ever getting married. Cass is still reeling from the suddenness with which her situation has changed but starts to suspect that something isn’t quite right. Her substantial fortune – left her by her late mother – will not be hers until she is married, but her father cheerily tells her she’s beyond redemption and it seems that her fate is to be that of a maiden aunt.
It’s not a spoiler to say that things change again, and Cass and Soren are married shortly after this, much to her father’s dismay. Soren is keen to return to Cornwall to begin restoring his home and estate, while Cassandra is adamant that she doesn’t want to leave London – but their first disagreement is quickly overshadowed when a devastating truth comes to light that completely changes their plans for the future.
The first half of the book sets up the central relationship very well and shows clearly that while Soren is in desperate need of money, he’s a thoroughly decent man who genuinely likes Cassandra and is strongly attracted to her – he wants to marry her for her own sake as well as for her fortune. I also liked that this is a couple who communicates with each other openly and honestly and who, when things don’t turn out as expected, metaphorically roll up their sleeves and just… get on with it. The second half, however, is weaker than the first and seems to be treading water until the last few chapters, when another secret is revealed, and the solution to the couple’s problems arrives like the eleventh-hour cavalry. I liked both central characters, although Cass is sometimes ridiculously clueless, and while the author does provide an explanation for why it takes Soren so long to tell her about his late wife and son, it’s still an obviously contrived plot-anvil just waiting to drop at the right (or wrong) moment to create a bit of conflict in what is otherwise a fairly low-angst story.
Mary Jane Wells is once again at the helm, and I’m sure that my ability to overlook some of the flaws in the story was down to her thoroughly engaging performance. Her pacing in narrative and dialogue is just right, and she differentiates skilfully between the various characters, utilising a variety of different regional accents when called for. She creates distinct male voices through tone and timbre rather than by a great variation in pitch, but even so, her heroes always sound attractively masculine, and the secondary male roles – such as Cassandra’s father and Camberley – are easily recognisable. Ms. Wells expertly conveys the warmth and affection Cass and Soren share, imbuing their interactions with humour and tenderness – or with anger and frustration – as they adjust to their unexpected circumstances.
If you’re in the mood for a low-angst romance with minimal conflict that focuses firmly on the central couple, then A Match Made in Bed is worth checking out. The story has its flaws – the ending is too pat, and the final secret Cass uncovers about her past is perhaps unnecessary in the grand scheme of things – but Mary Jane Wells’ excellent performance is a definite plus and tips the scales in favour of a recommendation overall.
I've given this an A for narration and a B- for content at Audiogals/
In A Match Made in Bed, the second instalment of Cathy Maxwell’s Spinster Heiresses series, attention turns to Miss Cassandra Holwell, the tall, bookish daughter of a rather bombastic MP. Like her two friends – heroines of the other books in the series – Cass has been ‘out’ for several seasons and even though she is heiress to a great fortune, remains unmarried.
Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry, wants to marry an heiress and he needs to do it quickly – but more specifically, he wants to marry Cassandra Holwell, whom he’s known and liked since childhood. He hopes to propose to her while they’re both attending the Duke of Camberley’s house party, but two things seem destined to foil his plans. One – Cass seems to be deliberately avoiding him; and two, the long-standing feud between the Yorks and the Holwells means her father is unlikely to approve the match. Still, Soren is convinced that if he can just talk to her, he’ll be able to persuade her; after all she’s been on the marriage mart for three seasons and needs a husband as much as he needs a wife.
Cassandra knows Soren is in need of money, thanks to generations of poor decisions and unwise gambling, and that he’s in pursuit of her fortune. She and Soren met when they were younger – she was eleven, he thirteen – and were solid friends for a few years until his father suddenly shipped him off to Canada, where he’s lived for the past decade. But he hurt her feelings badly before he left, and she hasn’t forgiven or forgotten his betrayal. I admit that her grudge does initially seem to be rather trivial, but once they do finally get to talk face-to-face and she explains the reasons behind it, her reaction makes sense and Soren understands and makes his apology. But even so, she doesn’t want to marry him. She has no wish to return to Cornwall, where she’s never fit in and where few have use “for an outspoken, headstrong woman”; her father’s election to parliament meant she was able to escape to London where she is determined to make her mark by setting up an important literary salon for the discussion of great ideas.
Mr Holwell (who is referred to throughout the book as “MP Holwell”, which is incredibly irritating, because that’s not how MPs are referred to) is gleeful at Cass’s rejection of Soren. He’s got his sights set on Camberley for her, but things change suddenly when Cass is caught in a compromising situation – through no fault of her own – with Soren. Cass is ruined and there’s only one thing to be done. He offers marriage, but surprisingly, Holwell seems completely unconcerned for his daughter’s reputation and insists she refuse him, even going so far as to threaten to cut her off from her family if she accepts. Mortified and confused, Cass is relieved to discover that her step-mother and her step-sisters will rally round and support her – until her father tells her she cannot remain in London and seems unconcerned about her ever getting married. Cass is still reeling from the suddenness with which her situation has changed but starts to suspect that something isn’t quite right. Her substantial fortune – left her by her late mother – will not be hers until she is married, but her father cheerily tells her she’s beyond redemption and it seems that her fate is to be that of a maiden aunt.
It’s not a spoiler to say that things change again, and Cass and Soren are married shortly after this, much to her father’s dismay. Soren is keen to return to Cornwall to begin restoring his home and estate, while Cassandra is adamant that she doesn’t want to leave London – but their first disagreement is quickly overshadowed when a devastating truth comes to light that completely changes their plans for the future.
The first half of the book sets up the central relationship very well and shows clearly that while Soren is in desperate need of money, he’s a thoroughly decent man who genuinely likes Cassandra and is strongly attracted to her – he wants to marry her for her own sake as well as for her fortune. I also liked that this is a couple who communicates with each other openly and honestly and who, when things don’t turn out as expected, metaphorically roll up their sleeves and just… get on with it. The second half, however, is weaker than the first and seems to be treading water until the last few chapters, when another secret is revealed, and the solution to the couple’s problems arrives like the eleventh-hour cavalry. I liked both central characters, although Cass is sometimes ridiculously clueless, and while the author does provide an explanation for why it takes Soren so long to tell her about his late wife and son, it’s still an obviously contrived plot-anvil just waiting to drop at the right (or wrong) moment to create a bit of conflict in what is otherwise a fairly low-angst story.
Mary Jane Wells is once again at the helm, and I’m sure that my ability to overlook some of the flaws in the story was down to her thoroughly engaging performance. Her pacing in narrative and dialogue is just right, and she differentiates skilfully between the various characters, utilising a variety of different regional accents when called for. She creates distinct male voices through tone and timbre rather than by a great variation in pitch, but even so, her heroes always sound attractively masculine, and the secondary male roles – such as Cassandra’s father and Camberley – are easily recognisable. Ms. Wells expertly conveys the warmth and affection Cass and Soren share, imbuing their interactions with humour and tenderness – or with anger and frustration – as they adjust to their unexpected circumstances.
If you’re in the mood for a low-angst romance with minimal conflict that focuses firmly on the central couple, then A Match Made in Bed is worth checking out. The story has its flaws – the ending is too pat, and the final secret Cass uncovers about her past is perhaps unnecessary in the grand scheme of things – but Mary Jane Wells’ excellent performance is a definite plus and tips the scales in favour of a recommendation overall.
February 13, 2020
A Match Made in Bed by Cathy Maxwell
Historical romance. 2nd book in the Spinster Heiresses series.
I read romance for the happy endings. This book definitely has that.
I really liked the hero for the straight up and honorable man he was. The heroine, on the other hand was difficult to admire. I did appreciate that once their secrets were out, the two were able to talk openly and freely. That’s a powerful relationship in my eyes.
I didn’t agree with the lawyers lack of paperwork or that the “bad guy” didn’t resolve.
But romance wins and a happy couple ending.
Historical romance. 2nd book in the Spinster Heiresses series.
I read romance for the happy endings. This book definitely has that.
I really liked the hero for the straight up and honorable man he was. The heroine, on the other hand was difficult to admire. I did appreciate that once their secrets were out, the two were able to talk openly and freely. That’s a powerful relationship in my eyes.
I didn’t agree with the lawyers lack of paperwork or that the “bad guy” didn’t resolve.
But romance wins and a happy couple ending.
March 5, 2018
The romance is hurried, the main characters' opinions change too rapidly to be believed. I also couldn't believe that no one would go looking for the will. Maybe it still wouldn't be found, but I'm sure there were places to try. Overall this book felt like it needed another 100 pages, so that the story could be developed properly.
July 26, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
*May Contain Spoilers*
A Match Made In Bed is book two in Cathy Maxwell's "Spinster Heiresses" series and I saw this one available at my public library through their Overdrive and I grabbed it right up. I have been in a historical listening mood lately and with Mary Jane Wells as the narrator for this book I just knew it would be a keeper and I definitely should be listening to my instincts more because this because packed quite a punch and in some ways, I never really expected to see coming. The one true talent (there are many) but what I have truly come to admire about this author over the years is the unique style of storytelling and the way she grabs the readers attention and the levels of emotion that sneak up on you.
Miss Cassandra Howell has come to London with her father and step mother to find a man to marrry, she has a fortune gifted to her by her grandfather and her father seeks a good match for her. When Cass runs into an old flame, her life is about to change in ways that she doesn't see coming. Soren York, the Duke of Camberly and Cassandra were once very good friends but then a foolish stunt from Soren hurt their friendship and Cass has never been able to forgive him. But now Soren and Cass are in close proximity to each other and the tension fly's between them. What starts as a book finding mission, Cass ends up in a compromised position and the only way to save her reputation will be to marry. Cassandra agrees, because she doesn't want to be hidden away in the country side, and seeing the way that Soren tried to protect her emboldened her resolve to pave her own life and her own decisions. But her life changes when she learns that her father has spent her whole fortune and there is nothing and has even sold off all of her possessions except for her mother's pearl necklace. Cassandra's life has turned upside down as she is betrayed by the man she trusted the most. But Soren and Cass find their own way in their lives, one where their love is reignited and a family is formed.
The second book in the Spinster Heiresses series is a truly passion ignited love tale that breathes life into a fobidden tale of a Romeo and Juliet retelling. Soren and Cassandra's friendship was forbidden, but they didn't let the hate their families had for each other to stop them. They were practically inseperable until their teens and Soren made a stupid boyhood mistake that cost him the best person in his life, a girl he loved with hair like the sun and he never forgot her. Now its been years since they have seen each other. Soren and Cassandra are both different people. Soren has cultivated businesses in the America's, a widower with a son to raise in a land where his son's heritage won't be welcome by everyone. But Soren is determined to raise his son in England and show him to be the best man he can be. As Soren and Cass reconnect, their love story we see is just beginning as Cassandra finds her own place in the world and builds her own dreams with the loving support of Soren and the creation of their family.
I truly was astounded by this book, I never expected the level of emotion that I saw coming into this story. I also love a solid retelling especially with a Romeo and Juliet retelling where we see a happy ending develop and boy does that happen. We see the forbidden love that they have paved, how they have both gone against their families to be together. What is truly remarkable in their story is the ways that they don't let the past deter them from a happy future and aren't afraid of working together to carve their own path.
Overall I found A Match Made In Bed to be a story of layers of emotion, reconnecting friendships, levels of true sacrifice and perserverance and the love tale that is empowering to its readers! SUPERB!
*May Contain Spoilers*
A Match Made In Bed is book two in Cathy Maxwell's "Spinster Heiresses" series and I saw this one available at my public library through their Overdrive and I grabbed it right up. I have been in a historical listening mood lately and with Mary Jane Wells as the narrator for this book I just knew it would be a keeper and I definitely should be listening to my instincts more because this because packed quite a punch and in some ways, I never really expected to see coming. The one true talent (there are many) but what I have truly come to admire about this author over the years is the unique style of storytelling and the way she grabs the readers attention and the levels of emotion that sneak up on you.
Miss Cassandra Howell has come to London with her father and step mother to find a man to marrry, she has a fortune gifted to her by her grandfather and her father seeks a good match for her. When Cass runs into an old flame, her life is about to change in ways that she doesn't see coming. Soren York, the Duke of Camberly and Cassandra were once very good friends but then a foolish stunt from Soren hurt their friendship and Cass has never been able to forgive him. But now Soren and Cass are in close proximity to each other and the tension fly's between them. What starts as a book finding mission, Cass ends up in a compromised position and the only way to save her reputation will be to marry. Cassandra agrees, because she doesn't want to be hidden away in the country side, and seeing the way that Soren tried to protect her emboldened her resolve to pave her own life and her own decisions. But her life changes when she learns that her father has spent her whole fortune and there is nothing and has even sold off all of her possessions except for her mother's pearl necklace. Cassandra's life has turned upside down as she is betrayed by the man she trusted the most. But Soren and Cass find their own way in their lives, one where their love is reignited and a family is formed.
The second book in the Spinster Heiresses series is a truly passion ignited love tale that breathes life into a fobidden tale of a Romeo and Juliet retelling. Soren and Cassandra's friendship was forbidden, but they didn't let the hate their families had for each other to stop them. They were practically inseperable until their teens and Soren made a stupid boyhood mistake that cost him the best person in his life, a girl he loved with hair like the sun and he never forgot her. Now its been years since they have seen each other. Soren and Cassandra are both different people. Soren has cultivated businesses in the America's, a widower with a son to raise in a land where his son's heritage won't be welcome by everyone. But Soren is determined to raise his son in England and show him to be the best man he can be. As Soren and Cass reconnect, their love story we see is just beginning as Cassandra finds her own place in the world and builds her own dreams with the loving support of Soren and the creation of their family.
I truly was astounded by this book, I never expected the level of emotion that I saw coming into this story. I also love a solid retelling especially with a Romeo and Juliet retelling where we see a happy ending develop and boy does that happen. We see the forbidden love that they have paved, how they have both gone against their families to be together. What is truly remarkable in their story is the ways that they don't let the past deter them from a happy future and aren't afraid of working together to carve their own path.
Overall I found A Match Made In Bed to be a story of layers of emotion, reconnecting friendships, levels of true sacrifice and perserverance and the love tale that is empowering to its readers! SUPERB!
January 8, 2019
Cathy Maxwell is something of a hit-or-miss author for me and this was a miss. I read The Duke That I Marry before this and loved it. I’ll read it again to get Cassandra and her awful personality out of my head.
March 3, 2018
I liked Cass and Soren, but it needed a few more pages to deal with the familial relationships and to develop the relationship between Cass and Logan.
June 16, 2020
This was a strange mix of insta love/friends to lovers/ I have always loved you/hate to love. The pacing was off and I'm not sure when Soren and Cassandra feel in love or why. Cass was hard to connect with and I wish that we were shown more about her qualities than just being told every other line how much she liked to read or how tall she was. Soren said his son was the most important thing to him but he only made a few appearances in the last 20% of the book. My biggest annoyance was that Cassandra's father never got is comeuppance and it was very unsatisfying to have him get off scot-free and Soren do nothing about him. It was a dull and frustrating story with good narration.
April 12, 2018
Series: Spinster Heiresses #2
Publication Date: 4/17/18
*** 3.5 Star Rating ***
We were introduced to Cassandra in the first book of the series, If Ever I Should Love You, Three unimaginably rich wallflower heiresses (Leonie, Cassandra, and Willa) just can’t seem to find a match, but they do find a great friendship with each other. In order to relieve the monotony of standing about a ballroom, they create a contest – each interaction with the Duke of Camberly gets them points. Different types of interactions gain different amount of points. The first book in the series is wonderful and deals with alcohol addiction. The author handles that very well and I admire her for tackling it – especially when it isn’t the hero who is addicted. To me, this book isn’t her best work and doesn’t measure up to that first book. I’m pretty solid on my 3.5 rating – my quandary has been whether to round up to 4 or down to 3. If I rounded up to 4, it would only be because I liked Soren so well – even though I did have a few issues with him. I usually avoid the trope where the hero was previously married and loved his spouse. That is great in the real world, but I’d like the fairy tale in my romance books. I didn’t realize that trope was in this book. I always feel like the heroine misses out on being first, her children never have a chance to be first, etc. Another thing that bothers me is that the villain really doesn’t get any punishment – he gets away with everything. I absolutely dislike that in a book – as I said, I want the fairy tale. So, drop the villain down a mine shaft, have him fall off a cliff, make him walk the plank – whatever – just make him pay! Too many authors give the villains a slap on the wrist – or less.
Cassandra Holwell enjoys their little game of points, but actually, she really wants to win the heart of the newly minted Duke of Camberly because he is “the one”. So, why does Soren York keep popping up at every ball where she gets a chance to make points with Camberly. Why won’t he get out of her way! Then, totally by accident, she is ruined and Soren is fighting a duel for her honor. After a confrontation with her father she and Soren marry and the rollercoaster ride begins.
The book begins at a house party at the country estate of the Duke of Camberly – “Soren York, Lord Dewsberry, was determined to marry the Holwell Heiress. He needed her money. Desperately.” “The problem was, Miss Cassandra Holwell appeared equally tenacious in avoiding him.” While it appears that his sole interest is the money, it really isn’t. He’s been fond of Cassandra since they were children growing up in Cornwall. Their families are also longstanding enemies. There is no way they can marry, her father would never allow it.
After they marry, she realizes that she could come to care for Soren and that they could have a happy life together – in London – not Cornwall. Then, they are dealt some really hard blows and it would have been so easy for Soren to just give up or to resent her – but he doesn’t. He is so very patient with her and – can you believe it – they actually talk openly and honestly with each other. In his case, some of it comes a bit later than it should, but at least it does come. Cassandra had a lot of angst about Mary, Soren’s first wife, and I totally sympathized with her about that. Their road to their HEA is a difficult one, but their love is real and complete.
I thought the end was a little too neat and too quick. Rather than his Canadian business helping them, I would have preferred that the villain is forced to help – he could fall down a mine shaft and when they were recovering the body, they could discover gold or something. I’d also like that lawyer they talked to in London to fall in a hole as well. Just because one old lawyer has died doesn’t mean there would be no records or documents. Somebody would still have them.
We learn more about the Duke of Camberly in this book and I’m not sure that is a good thing. I liked him okay in the first book, but this one makes me think he’s a real twit. So, it might be fun to see if our intrepid author can redeem him and really make him into a hero in the next book. Time will tell!
The book is well written and I would recommend it – I just had some issues with a few things. My friend and I had a discussion about the rating and she felt what was said in the Author’s Notes would move the rating to a 4. I didn’t necessarily agree with that because the Author’s Notes aren’t part of the story and may not even be read by many readers. Had the author written those things into the story, then maybe I would have ended up giving it a 5-star rating.
At any rate – I am going to round up to a 4 because I really liked Soren and Cassandra. I hope you will read it and enjoy it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 4/17/18
*** 3.5 Star Rating ***
We were introduced to Cassandra in the first book of the series, If Ever I Should Love You, Three unimaginably rich wallflower heiresses (Leonie, Cassandra, and Willa) just can’t seem to find a match, but they do find a great friendship with each other. In order to relieve the monotony of standing about a ballroom, they create a contest – each interaction with the Duke of Camberly gets them points. Different types of interactions gain different amount of points. The first book in the series is wonderful and deals with alcohol addiction. The author handles that very well and I admire her for tackling it – especially when it isn’t the hero who is addicted. To me, this book isn’t her best work and doesn’t measure up to that first book. I’m pretty solid on my 3.5 rating – my quandary has been whether to round up to 4 or down to 3. If I rounded up to 4, it would only be because I liked Soren so well – even though I did have a few issues with him. I usually avoid the trope where the hero was previously married and loved his spouse. That is great in the real world, but I’d like the fairy tale in my romance books. I didn’t realize that trope was in this book. I always feel like the heroine misses out on being first, her children never have a chance to be first, etc. Another thing that bothers me is that the villain really doesn’t get any punishment – he gets away with everything. I absolutely dislike that in a book – as I said, I want the fairy tale. So, drop the villain down a mine shaft, have him fall off a cliff, make him walk the plank – whatever – just make him pay! Too many authors give the villains a slap on the wrist – or less.
Cassandra Holwell enjoys their little game of points, but actually, she really wants to win the heart of the newly minted Duke of Camberly because he is “the one”. So, why does Soren York keep popping up at every ball where she gets a chance to make points with Camberly. Why won’t he get out of her way! Then, totally by accident, she is ruined and Soren is fighting a duel for her honor. After a confrontation with her father she and Soren marry and the rollercoaster ride begins.
The book begins at a house party at the country estate of the Duke of Camberly – “Soren York, Lord Dewsberry, was determined to marry the Holwell Heiress. He needed her money. Desperately.” “The problem was, Miss Cassandra Holwell appeared equally tenacious in avoiding him.” While it appears that his sole interest is the money, it really isn’t. He’s been fond of Cassandra since they were children growing up in Cornwall. Their families are also longstanding enemies. There is no way they can marry, her father would never allow it.
After they marry, she realizes that she could come to care for Soren and that they could have a happy life together – in London – not Cornwall. Then, they are dealt some really hard blows and it would have been so easy for Soren to just give up or to resent her – but he doesn’t. He is so very patient with her and – can you believe it – they actually talk openly and honestly with each other. In his case, some of it comes a bit later than it should, but at least it does come. Cassandra had a lot of angst about Mary, Soren’s first wife, and I totally sympathized with her about that. Their road to their HEA is a difficult one, but their love is real and complete.
I thought the end was a little too neat and too quick. Rather than his Canadian business helping them, I would have preferred that the villain is forced to help – he could fall down a mine shaft and when they were recovering the body, they could discover gold or something. I’d also like that lawyer they talked to in London to fall in a hole as well. Just because one old lawyer has died doesn’t mean there would be no records or documents. Somebody would still have them.
We learn more about the Duke of Camberly in this book and I’m not sure that is a good thing. I liked him okay in the first book, but this one makes me think he’s a real twit. So, it might be fun to see if our intrepid author can redeem him and really make him into a hero in the next book. Time will tell!
The book is well written and I would recommend it – I just had some issues with a few things. My friend and I had a discussion about the rating and she felt what was said in the Author’s Notes would move the rating to a 4. I didn’t necessarily agree with that because the Author’s Notes aren’t part of the story and may not even be read by many readers. Had the author written those things into the story, then maybe I would have ended up giving it a 5-star rating.
At any rate – I am going to round up to a 4 because I really liked Soren and Cassandra. I hope you will read it and enjoy it.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
February 19, 2019
It was really good until things got resolved too quickly and the story started dragging and the ending turned meh
March 9, 2018
My first thought is why is Jennifer Lawrence having a pillow fight on the cover of this book? Also, it is super hard to decide whether this is a historical or a contemporary. Maybe the finished version will have a step-back? I'd recommend it.
Any way, A Match Made in Bed is the second in the Spinster Heiresses series by Cathy Maxwell. We've met Miss Cassandra Holwell in Book 1, so we already know she is rich as sin, super tall, really into books, and lacking a prestigious title.
Soren, the newly minted Earl of Dewsberry is Cassandra's opposite in many ways, but he's wanted her since childhood, family rivalry be damned. With her money and his title, they can make a real life.
But while Cassandra's father is a slimy politician who desperately wants a title for his daughter, he seems to be thwarting every suitor who comes her way. And there is no way Cassandra's father would ever allow her to marry a Dewsberry, no matter how lofty the title.
Risking being disowned, Cassandra and Dewsberry elope, but soon find out there is a real big reason why her father never actually wished her to marry. Plus, Soren has some pretty big secrets of his own.
Like the first in the series, I enjoyed the build up to this story, but alas I found the execution of the story-arc to be pretty blah. The pay-off was just never there for me. Maxwell makes major issues disappear with a magical sexy-time or two, the characters are immediately in love, and a lot of action happens off page.
I'm thinking Maxwell just may not be the right fit for me.
Thank you to Avon for the ARC!
Any way, A Match Made in Bed is the second in the Spinster Heiresses series by Cathy Maxwell. We've met Miss Cassandra Holwell in Book 1, so we already know she is rich as sin, super tall, really into books, and lacking a prestigious title.
Soren, the newly minted Earl of Dewsberry is Cassandra's opposite in many ways, but he's wanted her since childhood, family rivalry be damned. With her money and his title, they can make a real life.
But while Cassandra's father is a slimy politician who desperately wants a title for his daughter, he seems to be thwarting every suitor who comes her way. And there is no way Cassandra's father would ever allow her to marry a Dewsberry, no matter how lofty the title.
Risking being disowned, Cassandra and Dewsberry elope, but soon find out there is a real big reason why her father never actually wished her to marry. Plus, Soren has some pretty big secrets of his own.
Like the first in the series, I enjoyed the build up to this story, but alas I found the execution of the story-arc to be pretty blah. The pay-off was just never there for me. Maxwell makes major issues disappear with a magical sexy-time or two, the characters are immediately in love, and a lot of action happens off page.
I'm thinking Maxwell just may not be the right fit for me.
Thank you to Avon for the ARC!
March 30, 2018
I thought this story was fun. I haven’t been reading much historical lately, but I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. In the spirit of receiving a complementary book, I thought I would read and post a review. I really liked Soren, our hero. He’s a good guy, through and through. Cassandra took me a little longer to warm up to, but in the end she won me over as well. There was an interesting twist in the story, and the reason I gave three stars instead of more, I didn’t like how it wasn’t resolved. This is not a spoiler, but it is hard for me to believe that even in that time period, if a lawyer dies, all their client files are just suddenly non-existent, really? No one would have tucked them away, no family or partner? I didn’t buy into it. Other than that, I found this an enjoyable read.
May 18, 2019
Disappointing
April 4, 2018
This is the second installment of Cathy Maxwell's Spinster Heiresses series featuring a group of three heroines with "new money" so to speak, and less-than-desirable family connections. Our spinsters, Leonie, Cassandra and Willa bonded over their struggle on the marriage mart, each with a father seeking to purchase a title with his daughter's life. Last season, when the newly-appointed Duke of Camberly appeared on the scene, our trio made a game of his attention.
Despite the game in play, Cassandra Holwell is carrying a torch for the Duke of Camberly - if only Soren York would stop popping up at all the social events. But when Cassandra learns the truth about the duke and Soren is out to defend her honor, she starts to see him in a different light. I didn't always like Cassandra and felt she was unfairly hard on Soren at times, but she seemed to work through it within a reasonable time. I did feel bad for her at one point in the story, but I admired her willingness to keep moving on despite a huge setback.
Soren York is trying his best to save his birthright and restore the family coffers after the spendthrift ways and gambling of his father and grandfather. While he needs to marry a heiress, he only has eyes for Cassandra Holwell. I enjoyed Soren's flirtations and wooing attempts, rebuffed as they were. Despite the way Cassandra treated him, he was still willing to come to her defense when it mattered, which was commendable. I liked his grit and open-mindedness. His first marriage and business dealings in Canada showed that, unlike most of society at the time, he was accepting of individual and cultural difference. I really liked him as a hero, especially that he worked so hard to make the marriage with Cassandra work.
I thought our couple would have more trouble rubbing along given the long-standing feud between their families. But both showed maturity and unwillingness to repeat past mistakes. Soren was definitely more invested in the relationship on the front end, but Cassandra caught up without dragging it out too far. I did feel like this couple communicated at a better-than-average level. They didn't attempt to keep malicious secrets, and were able to come to a reasonable conclusion to any disagreements they had.
I still wish we had more interaction between our spinster heiresses, as I did enjoy their friendship at the beginning of If Ever I Should Love You. Leonie didn't appear in this installment at all, and we only got small snatches of Willa.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
June 18, 2018
Total ho-hum-dom reigns here. I would've given it 2stars were it not for what was an intriguing premise and opening. Alas, this was leeched of all tension and conflict soon thereafter. If you'd like to read a review that outlines what I liked and definitely didn't like, as well as where and why the romance novel lost me, you're welcome to read an extensive review on my blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
Please note that I received an e-ARC of MATCH MADE IN BED from Avon Books, via Edelweiss+.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/201...
Please note that I received an e-ARC of MATCH MADE IN BED from Avon Books, via Edelweiss+.
August 31, 2018
It’s not a good sign when you can’t remember what a book is about and you just read it.
By the way, the cover of this book insinuates that this is a hilariously funny story – don’t be fooled, my little Petunia’s.
Cathy Maxwell is one of my auto-buys, but I will be the first to admit that sometimes she writes wonderful books and sometimes…
Cassandra Holwell is a rich heiress, and Soren, the Earl of Dewsberry needs a rich wife, and he has his eye on Cassandra, aka Cass. Evidently, Cass and Soren have a history. Cass had crush on him when he was 13 and she was 11. Then he did something and she hatesssssss him forever. Soren is puzzled as to the cold shoulder he’s receiving from Cassandra; he always has been. He has no idea what he did when he was 13 to make her hate him. Eventually, we find out what he did and I was struck dumb – for a minute. Think about it. He did something stupid when he was 13…thirteen!!! She is 11, that’s e-l-e-v-e-n and she can’t get over it. It’s been ten years since the silly, childish incident and she’s still holding a grudge. This was in the beginning of the book, so right away I was dazed by the incredible stupidity of it all. A Match Made in Bed almost hit the wall at that time. But I persevered. I kept hoping.
Cassandra. What can I say about Cassandra? Well, I can say she was an incredibly short-sighted, selfish, haughty, snobbish woman. She was incredibly difficult to like. She viewed herself as better than everyone else, and she just could not marry anyone who would want to live in the country. Puleese, how could she stand to be away from the city culture and gaiety? Who would ever want to be out in the fresh air? There are cows out there mooing, after all. Even when it is made very, very clear that her father is horrible, I could not stir up any kind of sympathy for her. She was just dreadful. When she eventually turned around and became nice person, it was tooooo late. The author waited tooooo long to redeem her. I never understood why Soren wanted Cassandra so badly.
Soren. Soren has a secret. A big secret. SPOILER! Even after Cassandra and he are caught in a compromising position, forced to marry, and travel over hill and dale to get to his estate, he doesn’t say piddly-diddly to her about his secret. I know I’d want to know that the man I married had an approximately six-year old son. Surprise, surprise, surprise. But there is more. Logan, the boy, is of mixed blood. His mother was a Lenape Indian and was married to Soren. Oh yeah, Soren ran away to the states or Canada or the new world when he was young. Anyway, Soren wants Logan to be accepted into British society and that’s why he is desperate to have a wife. Why he would pick a mean, selfish woman to become Logan’s step-mother was bewildering. However, even if she was self-centered, she deserved to be told about Soren’s son a little sooner than she was.
Soren and Cass didn’t have any chemistry. I could not understand why Soren had his eye on Cass. He didn’t really seem to even have a childhood crush on her. She wasn’t someone who he couldn’t forget. She irritated him, he knew she was selfish, but somehow she would make a good mother for his son. The story didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me and I had a hard time finishing it.
I was very disappointed in A Match Made in Bed.
By the way, the cover of this book insinuates that this is a hilariously funny story – don’t be fooled, my little Petunia’s.
Cathy Maxwell is one of my auto-buys, but I will be the first to admit that sometimes she writes wonderful books and sometimes…
Cassandra Holwell is a rich heiress, and Soren, the Earl of Dewsberry needs a rich wife, and he has his eye on Cassandra, aka Cass. Evidently, Cass and Soren have a history. Cass had crush on him when he was 13 and she was 11. Then he did something and she hatesssssss him forever. Soren is puzzled as to the cold shoulder he’s receiving from Cassandra; he always has been. He has no idea what he did when he was 13 to make her hate him. Eventually, we find out what he did and I was struck dumb – for a minute. Think about it. He did something stupid when he was 13…thirteen!!! She is 11, that’s e-l-e-v-e-n and she can’t get over it. It’s been ten years since the silly, childish incident and she’s still holding a grudge. This was in the beginning of the book, so right away I was dazed by the incredible stupidity of it all. A Match Made in Bed almost hit the wall at that time. But I persevered. I kept hoping.
Cassandra. What can I say about Cassandra? Well, I can say she was an incredibly short-sighted, selfish, haughty, snobbish woman. She was incredibly difficult to like. She viewed herself as better than everyone else, and she just could not marry anyone who would want to live in the country. Puleese, how could she stand to be away from the city culture and gaiety? Who would ever want to be out in the fresh air? There are cows out there mooing, after all. Even when it is made very, very clear that her father is horrible, I could not stir up any kind of sympathy for her. She was just dreadful. When she eventually turned around and became nice person, it was tooooo late. The author waited tooooo long to redeem her. I never understood why Soren wanted Cassandra so badly.
Soren. Soren has a secret. A big secret. SPOILER! Even after Cassandra and he are caught in a compromising position, forced to marry, and travel over hill and dale to get to his estate, he doesn’t say piddly-diddly to her about his secret. I know I’d want to know that the man I married had an approximately six-year old son. Surprise, surprise, surprise. But there is more. Logan, the boy, is of mixed blood. His mother was a Lenape Indian and was married to Soren. Oh yeah, Soren ran away to the states or Canada or the new world when he was young. Anyway, Soren wants Logan to be accepted into British society and that’s why he is desperate to have a wife. Why he would pick a mean, selfish woman to become Logan’s step-mother was bewildering. However, even if she was self-centered, she deserved to be told about Soren’s son a little sooner than she was.
Soren and Cass didn’t have any chemistry. I could not understand why Soren had his eye on Cass. He didn’t really seem to even have a childhood crush on her. She wasn’t someone who he couldn’t forget. She irritated him, he knew she was selfish, but somehow she would make a good mother for his son. The story didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me and I had a hard time finishing it.
I was very disappointed in A Match Made in Bed.
December 10, 2018
My second read by Cathy Maxwell, and I do loved this one too, it seems I’m reading this story backwards, but it is no problems, even if some of the characters are recurrent from one book to another.
I do love how the author deals with the protagonists feelings, they do not shy away their angst, resentment nor sadness, they are not perfect but once they accept to talk they are rather frank, even if it is to say things the other would not like or to discuss about matters they may hide.
Cassandra has always felt like an outsider, she is too tall, too smart, why she had tried to please her family even when she sensed it will not gain anything. Why she cherished her childhood friendship with Soren, the one she should hate because of a family’s feud. Until he hurt her then left. So when ten years have gone by, she is first stone wrapped to avoid him at all cost, after all, he is her family’s nemesis. Plus he is only interested in her dowry.
Soren York, The Earl Of Dewsberry, has only his tittle as a remembrance of what his family was, but now that he has a goal, he will try his best to reach him, and for it, he needs Cassandra Holwell, the woman who seems to avoid him whenever possible. Once he has set his sight on her, he won’t give up, even after each rejection, he stands for her.
I do loved them both, Cassandra has a lot coming to her, she will have to rethink everything she has known, by so she will grew up a lot. While Soren is rather resilient, he makes things do and follows the road life appears to want for him even if he bents it at most he can.
It was good to see them, once they were able to sort out their past issues, taking their life in hands, discussing the pros and cons of what they will do.
« “We’ll have differences, Cass. That is the way of things, but as long as I can reach for you and you reach for me, there is nothing we can’t weather together.” »
Yes, the vilain of the story did not get his right reward, but it is also how life is, and who knows what the future has in stock for him.
They will band together to built a new destiny for themselves. Soren will do anything to protect those he loves, he went back to England to give his son his birthrights and also made up things with Cassandra, he knows what he wants but he is also able to listen, he learned the hard way that being deaf can cause a great deal of pain. As for Cassandra, once her world turned upside down, she will have to learn to trust again.
« “Why not? We could use great ideas. This will be a new life for both of us. We are both feeling our way.” “This is not what I expected my marriage to be,” she confessed. “Life rarely meets our expectations. But sometimes, when we are lucky, we discover things are better than we could have imagined.” »
Now I will have to read the first book in this series.
I do love how the author deals with the protagonists feelings, they do not shy away their angst, resentment nor sadness, they are not perfect but once they accept to talk they are rather frank, even if it is to say things the other would not like or to discuss about matters they may hide.
Cassandra has always felt like an outsider, she is too tall, too smart, why she had tried to please her family even when she sensed it will not gain anything. Why she cherished her childhood friendship with Soren, the one she should hate because of a family’s feud. Until he hurt her then left. So when ten years have gone by, she is first stone wrapped to avoid him at all cost, after all, he is her family’s nemesis. Plus he is only interested in her dowry.
Soren York, The Earl Of Dewsberry, has only his tittle as a remembrance of what his family was, but now that he has a goal, he will try his best to reach him, and for it, he needs Cassandra Holwell, the woman who seems to avoid him whenever possible. Once he has set his sight on her, he won’t give up, even after each rejection, he stands for her.
I do loved them both, Cassandra has a lot coming to her, she will have to rethink everything she has known, by so she will grew up a lot. While Soren is rather resilient, he makes things do and follows the road life appears to want for him even if he bents it at most he can.
It was good to see them, once they were able to sort out their past issues, taking their life in hands, discussing the pros and cons of what they will do.
« “We’ll have differences, Cass. That is the way of things, but as long as I can reach for you and you reach for me, there is nothing we can’t weather together.” »
Yes, the vilain of the story did not get his right reward, but it is also how life is, and who knows what the future has in stock for him.
They will band together to built a new destiny for themselves. Soren will do anything to protect those he loves, he went back to England to give his son his birthrights and also made up things with Cassandra, he knows what he wants but he is also able to listen, he learned the hard way that being deaf can cause a great deal of pain. As for Cassandra, once her world turned upside down, she will have to learn to trust again.
« “Why not? We could use great ideas. This will be a new life for both of us. We are both feeling our way.” “This is not what I expected my marriage to be,” she confessed. “Life rarely meets our expectations. But sometimes, when we are lucky, we discover things are better than we could have imagined.” »
Now I will have to read the first book in this series.
November 27, 2018
This is the second book in the Spinster Heiresses series and a fairly cute and quick read. The thing about these spinster heiresses is well, they're really flawed heroines. I'm down with a flawed heroine - Emma Woodhouse, anyone? - but she also needs to be likable. I don't dislike Cass so much as a I just don't really care. She was raised a spoiled, sheltered rich girl, and while she didn't have a perfect family life, I found it difficult to feel much sympathy for her when she has a few shocking things revealed to her about her past. She thinks herself smarter (and better) than she is (I feel like we were told she was smart more than we were shown). I did like Soren - he's loyal to Cass (way more than she deserves) as well as his family - and I felt like the two main characters communicated well. After their initial secrets are revealed, they're actually very honest with each other, which is a nice change from a lot of romances that use miscommunication as the main catalyst for conflict.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
ARC provided by publisher for honest review.
April 20, 2018
See the full review at HarlequinJunkie.com
A marriage of convenience turned into romance filled with passion and fire in A Match Made in Bed. Cathy Maxwell’s second book in her Spinster Heiresses series took me by surprise a few times with the revelations our hero and heroine both uncovered, and boy did it keep things interesting.
I was quite interested to see how things would play out between Cassandra and Soren after getting a few glimpses of them in book one. Their romance turned out to be a combination of many things: opposites attract, former friends turned lovers, and they had a lot family drama going on in both their lives. Read More
A marriage of convenience turned into romance filled with passion and fire in A Match Made in Bed. Cathy Maxwell’s second book in her Spinster Heiresses series took me by surprise a few times with the revelations our hero and heroine both uncovered, and boy did it keep things interesting.
I was quite interested to see how things would play out between Cassandra and Soren after getting a few glimpses of them in book one. Their romance turned out to be a combination of many things: opposites attract, former friends turned lovers, and they had a lot family drama going on in both their lives. Read More
October 2, 2018
Wow, I really loved this book!!
Two rational humans do sensible things and take on the world together. What a concept!
Some of the tried and true romance tropes get under my skin. The fabricated conflict, grand misunderstanding, and flawed characters fixed by love tend to wear thin. Here, we have normal people who have a believable relationship, and the bulk of the conflict comes from outside.
Not super accurate historically, but a wonderful story!
Two rational humans do sensible things and take on the world together. What a concept!
Some of the tried and true romance tropes get under my skin. The fabricated conflict, grand misunderstanding, and flawed characters fixed by love tend to wear thin. Here, we have normal people who have a believable relationship, and the bulk of the conflict comes from outside.
Not super accurate historically, but a wonderful story!
July 25, 2021
Love this series by Cathy Maxwell. Delightful read.
April 12, 2018
When this book starts Cassandra Holwell, one of the Spinster Heiresses, is still intent on marrying the Duke of Camberly, but Soren York, the Earl of Dewberry has other ideas and with the help of the Duke and his grandmother, he sets out to win his heiress.
Cass has known Soren for years, they grew up together in Cornwall and their families are well known enemies. She has her own reasons for avoiding Soren, she knows he needs money, but she is not going to be the one who gives it to him! When he finally corners her and they talk, she begins to rethink her reasons for avoiding him, she likes Soren, but she can't marry him, her father would never allow it and she is still sure the duke is "the one". But later when she catches the duke in a compromising situation, she radically revises her opinion of him and isn't sure what she will do. But fate has decided for her, when while trying to evade other houseguests on the way back to her room, she enters Soren's room and is caught with a very naked Soren. He proposes and her father has a fit, threatening to disown her. She tells Soren she can't decide now and runs after her father.
Her father tells her she did the right thing by refusing Soren, she is ruined, but her family will not desert her, she can go back to Cornwall and live a quiet life of a spinster. Cass is not happy with this option, she wants to stay in London and hopes to never return to Cornwall. So when she learns that Soren is fighting a duel to preserve her honor, she decides he is the lesser of two evils and agrees to marry him, much to her father's disgust.
They marry and she is sure she has made the right choice, she begins to envision her future and the fruition of all her dreams coming true. But the road to HEA seems impassable for them when some startling truths are revealed and the detour leads them to Cornwall.
I really liked this book, but there were a few things that just didn't sit right with me, I couldn't believe that her father was the only one with a copy of her grandfather's will and I think Soren should have been upfront with her about his first marriage before he married her. I did enjoy seeing Cass transform from pampered princess to a true helpmate, I also commiserated with her feelings about his first wife and I didn't feel like Soren did anything to dispel her insecurities - (But, Ms. Maxwell's author note at the end made me feel a lot better and is the reason I decided on a four star rating vs a three star rating). I loved Soren, he was an almost perfect hero and I love how he treated Cass, his patience, understanding and positive attitude were a refreshing change from the typical HR hero. I loved that these two actually TALKED! I am not sure how I feel about Camberly, I liked him in the first book, but thought he was a bit of twit in this one and I feel sorry for Willa! I also felt like the ending of this story was just a little too quick and tied up a bit too neatly. But the book was well written, flowed nicely, had a lot of twists and turns, steamy love scenes, some shocking secrets and a villain that got off way to easy.
This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I am happy to recommend the book and am very interested in finding out if Ms. Maxwell can change my opinion of Camberly yet again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher*
Cass has known Soren for years, they grew up together in Cornwall and their families are well known enemies. She has her own reasons for avoiding Soren, she knows he needs money, but she is not going to be the one who gives it to him! When he finally corners her and they talk, she begins to rethink her reasons for avoiding him, she likes Soren, but she can't marry him, her father would never allow it and she is still sure the duke is "the one". But later when she catches the duke in a compromising situation, she radically revises her opinion of him and isn't sure what she will do. But fate has decided for her, when while trying to evade other houseguests on the way back to her room, she enters Soren's room and is caught with a very naked Soren. He proposes and her father has a fit, threatening to disown her. She tells Soren she can't decide now and runs after her father.
Her father tells her she did the right thing by refusing Soren, she is ruined, but her family will not desert her, she can go back to Cornwall and live a quiet life of a spinster. Cass is not happy with this option, she wants to stay in London and hopes to never return to Cornwall. So when she learns that Soren is fighting a duel to preserve her honor, she decides he is the lesser of two evils and agrees to marry him, much to her father's disgust.
They marry and she is sure she has made the right choice, she begins to envision her future and the fruition of all her dreams coming true. But the road to HEA seems impassable for them when some startling truths are revealed and the detour leads them to Cornwall.
I really liked this book, but there were a few things that just didn't sit right with me, I couldn't believe that her father was the only one with a copy of her grandfather's will and I think Soren should have been upfront with her about his first marriage before he married her. I did enjoy seeing Cass transform from pampered princess to a true helpmate, I also commiserated with her feelings about his first wife and I didn't feel like Soren did anything to dispel her insecurities - (But, Ms. Maxwell's author note at the end made me feel a lot better and is the reason I decided on a four star rating vs a three star rating). I loved Soren, he was an almost perfect hero and I love how he treated Cass, his patience, understanding and positive attitude were a refreshing change from the typical HR hero. I loved that these two actually TALKED! I am not sure how I feel about Camberly, I liked him in the first book, but thought he was a bit of twit in this one and I feel sorry for Willa! I also felt like the ending of this story was just a little too quick and tied up a bit too neatly. But the book was well written, flowed nicely, had a lot of twists and turns, steamy love scenes, some shocking secrets and a villain that got off way to easy.
This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I am happy to recommend the book and am very interested in finding out if Ms. Maxwell can change my opinion of Camberly yet again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher*
March 7, 2018
This review was copied from my romance novel review blog: Romantically Inclined Reviews
Prior to reading A Match Made in Bed I had never read a book by Cathy Maxwell, nor heard of her. I love regency romances though and I was more than excited to open myself up to a new author. The first thing I liked about her second book in her spinster series is that the font is large. Is that weird? It’s not like I have particularly bad eyesight—I mean, I do but it doesn’t affect my reading—I just really liked how easy it was to keep my place. Now, on to the rest of the things I enjoyed (there were many!)
I adore spinster tales. Maybe it’s the ‘finding love when you’ve given up’ thing, I don’t know, but they’re some of my favorite stories. Pair a spinster plotline with a heroine who loves to read and doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind and I reach peak enjoyment. Not that Cassandra is as outspoken as some of the other women I’ve read about in my book travels—she’s actually quite down the middle, constantly struggling to toe the line between what she believes and what society expects—but she’s refreshingly bold and doesn’t pretend to be someone she isn’t.
Soren won my heart through the simple act of being amazing with children. I’m a nanny though and have spent my life around children, so that’s what is most attractive to me in a man. Soren isn’t the type of hero who is going to swoop in and kidnap his bride in the middle of a night but he was fabulous all the same. He was kind, understanding, strong, and sneaky with the way he pursues Cassandra.
I loved the speed with which the book progressed. It was quick without feeling unrealistic and without sacrificing the character development. The Romeo and Juliet plot is fantastic but there’s enough original content to keep you wondering what will happen next. The only thing that frustrated me was that I could have read another four books solely focused on this adorable couple. Any regency fan will enjoy this novel filled with colorful characters, witty banter, and ludicrous family members. I cannot wait for the next book focusing on the handsome, but moral-stunted Duke of Camberly.
Prior to reading A Match Made in Bed I had never read a book by Cathy Maxwell, nor heard of her. I love regency romances though and I was more than excited to open myself up to a new author. The first thing I liked about her second book in her spinster series is that the font is large. Is that weird? It’s not like I have particularly bad eyesight—I mean, I do but it doesn’t affect my reading—I just really liked how easy it was to keep my place. Now, on to the rest of the things I enjoyed (there were many!)
I adore spinster tales. Maybe it’s the ‘finding love when you’ve given up’ thing, I don’t know, but they’re some of my favorite stories. Pair a spinster plotline with a heroine who loves to read and doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind and I reach peak enjoyment. Not that Cassandra is as outspoken as some of the other women I’ve read about in my book travels—she’s actually quite down the middle, constantly struggling to toe the line between what she believes and what society expects—but she’s refreshingly bold and doesn’t pretend to be someone she isn’t.
Soren won my heart through the simple act of being amazing with children. I’m a nanny though and have spent my life around children, so that’s what is most attractive to me in a man. Soren isn’t the type of hero who is going to swoop in and kidnap his bride in the middle of a night but he was fabulous all the same. He was kind, understanding, strong, and sneaky with the way he pursues Cassandra.
I loved the speed with which the book progressed. It was quick without feeling unrealistic and without sacrificing the character development. The Romeo and Juliet plot is fantastic but there’s enough original content to keep you wondering what will happen next. The only thing that frustrated me was that I could have read another four books solely focused on this adorable couple. Any regency fan will enjoy this novel filled with colorful characters, witty banter, and ludicrous family members. I cannot wait for the next book focusing on the handsome, but moral-stunted Duke of Camberly.
June 4, 2025
This was, in a word, so completely unsatisfying. Really, the 2 stars are for the iconic MJW who narrates this series and so far, both book 1 and 2 have been so beneath her talents. Especially this book. I really disliked most of the main characters and felt extremely sorry for Logan. I couldn’t stand the MMC and the description of his first marriage irritated me so much. Of course she left him! Honestly, I can’t imagine how he ever convinced her to marry him. The FMC was also annoying but I did like how she loved Logan and protected and nurtured him. What I couldn’t understand was the way her father’s storyline played out. He steals her entire inheritance and there’s not even a smidgen of vengeance to be had?!? F*%# that. And then reveals he’s not her real father and then at the very end, the revelation of who her real father is. It was all so terrible. And the way Soren just tells her he loved her. I don’t know that this author is for me.
April 15, 2018
A Match Made in Bed by Cathy Maxwell is book Two in the Spinster Heiresses series. This is the story of Cassandra Howell and Soren York, Earl of Dewsberry. I haven't yet read the previous book so for me this was easily a standalone book.
Soren is need of a wife with money and thinks that Cass would make a good fit for his needs. Cass has been on the marriage mart for a few years and he fells the marriage would work toward her needs too.
Although their is a family history of upset it doesn't sway Soren thoughts of making Cass his wife.
Cass thinks she has feeling for the Duke of Camberly and is frustrated when Soren keeps popping up at the same functions as the Duke.
Cass doesn't get her ending with the Duke but she does start to have real feeling for Soren and so does he.
Enjoyed their story!
Soren is need of a wife with money and thinks that Cass would make a good fit for his needs. Cass has been on the marriage mart for a few years and he fells the marriage would work toward her needs too.
Although their is a family history of upset it doesn't sway Soren thoughts of making Cass his wife.
Cass thinks she has feeling for the Duke of Camberly and is frustrated when Soren keeps popping up at the same functions as the Duke.
Cass doesn't get her ending with the Duke but she does start to have real feeling for Soren and so does he.
Enjoyed their story!
April 23, 2018
I enjoyed this second installment of A Spinster Heiresses series. I really liked Soren and I appreciated Cassandra's growth in this book. I think Cathy characterized her in a way that makes her believable. She was young and pampered to start and it's perfectly fine for her to be naïve and unfocused. She didn't mature overnight, but she learned to adapt.
I'd have loved for the villain to have been more severely punished and for Cassandra's friendship with both Leonie and Willa to have gotten more pages. Overall, it's a fun book.
My favorite thing about this book is the step back cover. And the cover also, I suppose. It stands out among shirtless men and couples in a clinch. I really loved that it shows the couple's chemistry in a natural way that's not overtly sexy, but still intimate.
Note: Thanks to Avon for providing me a copy for review through Edelweiss.
I'd have loved for the villain to have been more severely punished and for Cassandra's friendship with both Leonie and Willa to have gotten more pages. Overall, it's a fun book.
My favorite thing about this book is the step back cover. And the cover also, I suppose. It stands out among shirtless men and couples in a clinch. I really loved that it shows the couple's chemistry in a natural way that's not overtly sexy, but still intimate.
Note: Thanks to Avon for providing me a copy for review through Edelweiss.
April 5, 2020
Lovely light romance, provided a nice escape from the pandemic's effects on the world
February 27, 2018
Cassandra Holwell is an heiress. Her mother died when she was young. She grew up in Cornwell with Soren, who inherits the title of an Earl and a property that had been drained of funds. Soren needs to marry an heiress to save his castle. Cass's family and Soren's have had a feud for 3 generations. So, of course, you know they'll end up together.
What I really liked about this book was the very frank and open discussion that these two had early on in the story that cleared the air between them. There was a time when their friendship broke and it could have been a big misunderstanding, but instead, the author let them clear the air early on. I also liked Cassandra's ability to adjust, grow, and speak up for herself. Finally, our hero was a decent man and not an asshat.
What has bothered me about this story is the way in which Cassandra was cheated. It's a large part of the plot of the story, so it was necessary, but I'm frustrated with the way women were treated during that time. I feel that her family should have done a better job of protecting her. I'm also seriously bothered by the person who betrayed her, not that the author let me have any expectations that he'd be honorable or upright. It was actually a plot point that was fairly obvious.
Considering two days after reading this, I'm still annoyed with many of the characters, I'd have to say that the author did a really good job of writing the story. There are no perfect people in the story, but Cass shines as a person who is willing to put people before things. Soren shows he is of good character, having grown into it, by also putting others first. His flaw is the classic male belief that he knows best because he is a man. I do wish they could have had more upfront conversations before the wedding about expectations and past experiences.
There is a lot in this book. Many subplots. All are neatly wrapped up except the ones for other characters who will be part of a sequel. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series about Willa and Camberly. As I mentioned elsewhere, the problem with reading an advanced reader's copy is that you have extra long to wait for the sequel. (I got the arc at ALA's midwinter conference.)
What I really liked about this book was the very frank and open discussion that these two had early on in the story that cleared the air between them. There was a time when their friendship broke and it could have been a big misunderstanding, but instead, the author let them clear the air early on. I also liked Cassandra's ability to adjust, grow, and speak up for herself. Finally, our hero was a decent man and not an asshat.
What has bothered me about this story is the way in which Cassandra was cheated. It's a large part of the plot of the story, so it was necessary, but I'm frustrated with the way women were treated during that time. I feel that her family should have done a better job of protecting her. I'm also seriously bothered by the person who betrayed her, not that the author let me have any expectations that he'd be honorable or upright. It was actually a plot point that was fairly obvious.
Considering two days after reading this, I'm still annoyed with many of the characters, I'd have to say that the author did a really good job of writing the story. There are no perfect people in the story, but Cass shines as a person who is willing to put people before things. Soren shows he is of good character, having grown into it, by also putting others first. His flaw is the classic male belief that he knows best because he is a man. I do wish they could have had more upfront conversations before the wedding about expectations and past experiences.
There is a lot in this book. Many subplots. All are neatly wrapped up except the ones for other characters who will be part of a sequel. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series about Willa and Camberly. As I mentioned elsewhere, the problem with reading an advanced reader's copy is that you have extra long to wait for the sequel. (I got the arc at ALA's midwinter conference.)
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