What do you think?
Rate this book
Devoted Hearts #3
His Bluestocking Bride
He vows to never risk his heart again. She hides her love to avoid rejection. A marriage of convenience is not what either of them wished for.
Overlooked by society and underappreciated in her family, Ellen Bringhurst has resigned herself to spinsterhood and a life of reading. Until her match-making friends contrive to reintroduce Ellen to the man she has secretly loved since their shared childhood.
As the younger son to an earl, Marcus Calvert must wed in order to inherit his estate. Still nursing a broken heart, he prefers a practical approach to matrimony rather than romantic love. When Ellen is presented as a possible bride, he proposes a marriage of convenience.
Ellen accepts his hand, hiding her feelings rather than risking her husband’s rejection. Marcus, though determined not to expose his heart again, finds more to admire in his childhood friend with each passing day. What began as a sensible arrangement now has the possibility to become so much more. But is Marcus willing to risk his heart a second time?
Overlooked by society and underappreciated in her family, Ellen Bringhurst has resigned herself to spinsterhood and a life of reading. Until her match-making friends contrive to reintroduce Ellen to the man she has secretly loved since their shared childhood.
As the younger son to an earl, Marcus Calvert must wed in order to inherit his estate. Still nursing a broken heart, he prefers a practical approach to matrimony rather than romantic love. When Ellen is presented as a possible bride, he proposes a marriage of convenience.
Ellen accepts his hand, hiding her feelings rather than risking her husband’s rejection. Marcus, though determined not to expose his heart again, finds more to admire in his childhood friend with each passing day. What began as a sensible arrangement now has the possibility to become so much more. But is Marcus willing to risk his heart a second time?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
1374 people are currently reading
900 people want to read
About the author
Sally Britton
47 books1,261 followersSally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
August 7, 2018
Kindle freebie Regency romance, sweet but a little tepid and forgettable. Ellen is 25 and pretty much considered a spinster, on the shelf. Marcus suddenly gets pressure from his mother to marry; until then she won’t give him the estate he’s to inherit. So he decides to marry ASAP, and since he’s been burned in the romance department before, he has no plans to fall in love again, ever. He and Ellen are childhood friends, and she’s been quietly in love with him for years, though he’s unaware of it. So (like a doofus) he blithely announces to her in his proposal that He. Will. Never. Love. Again. (famous last words and all that).
It’s competently written but doesn’t do anything new with these standard tropes, and there’s not enough kissing or sexual tension to make up for it. I guess I like my marriage of convenience stories to have a little more heat to them. :) I mean, even if it’s a marriage of convenience, if it’s supposed to be a real, permanent marriage, why not begin as you mean to go on? I’m not sure what Marcus was waiting for. Ellen and Marcus are painfully polite to each other but have trouble really communicating honestly.
It had its moments, but I probably won’t remember them in a few weeks.
It’s competently written but doesn’t do anything new with these standard tropes, and there’s not enough kissing or sexual tension to make up for it. I guess I like my marriage of convenience stories to have a little more heat to them. :) I mean, even if it’s a marriage of convenience, if it’s supposed to be a real, permanent marriage, why not begin as you mean to go on? I’m not sure what Marcus was waiting for. Ellen and Marcus are painfully polite to each other but have trouble really communicating honestly.
It had its moments, but I probably won’t remember them in a few weeks.
September 17, 2018
This is third in a series, but I could see no trace of the others in this one. I looked because there are a couple young(ish) couples that felt like leftovers from other stories but if they are, it isn't this series. They worked just fine as simply characters and I didn't feel I was missing anything so I'm happy to say you don't need to read the others to enjoy this one.
I really enjoyed this but there are two problems that go deep enough that it wasn't an entirely comfortable read, even so. I liked the bookish Ellen and her determination to find happiness where she can. I liked how her bookishness was much more than a mere veneer to make her interesting and I loved how Marcus ends up as drawn to her mind as to any other of her characteristics. She gets a little mopey in the end, but she has cause enough so I let that pass.
Marcus is much more problematic and the first major cause of discontent. He was spurned by someone he "fell in love with" years ago and now he can never love again™. In addition to being enough melodrama to drive an episode of a telenovela, it's also a monster negative motivation* with the kicker of being a bit silly. He's a grown man and that's a really dumb thing to believe and an even stupider one to tell your betrothed before she marries you. Yeah, it's a trope in romance stories, but that doesn't mean it isn't stupid and the reason for that is illustrated admirably in this story. Britton bends the narrative into pretzels to support his belief and it never manages to feel real.
The second is maybe related, but more likely comes from a desire to keep the story chaste. Marcus and Ellen are married pretty early in the story and even their casual touches are furtive and jerky. This is weird enough that I, at least, felt like I needed some kind of an explanation. I mean, sex is an expectation of marriage and having them not even talk about it felt abnormal and distanced me from the characters. They both have to be thinking about it. Only they don't. Never. Sex is a thing tied inextricably to marriage! Address it! I don't really mind chaste or steamy as long as the characters make sense and the author keeps the story flowing but this limbo of not knowing why they aren't doing the obvious bugged me for way too much of this story.
Okay, those are some big things that pushed me out of the story. So it's with some chagrin that I admit I enjoyed it very well, anyway. Britton is good enough that I'm going to go explore her backlist and see if she does better with other stories. Who knows if I'll get to those early or late, but she's on my radar, now.
In the end, this is 3½ stars that I'm rounding up, despite the huge flaws. Most of this is Ellen. I just really liked her. And the central story was good and the resolution outstanding.
A note about Historical Accuracy: Britton ends with a note about how historical accuracy is important to her and I can see that's true. I'm no expert or scholar but she got all the details I'm familiar with right, including some common gotchas. I manage to catch at least a few gaffs in most Regency romances so this was a welcome surprise.
A note about Chaste: Totally and completely chaste. There's an awesome kiss at the end, but that's it. Seriously. Oh, and they fall into an exhausted, fully-clothed sleep together at one point. Zero hanky, less panky.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
I really enjoyed this but there are two problems that go deep enough that it wasn't an entirely comfortable read, even so. I liked the bookish Ellen and her determination to find happiness where she can. I liked how her bookishness was much more than a mere veneer to make her interesting and I loved how Marcus ends up as drawn to her mind as to any other of her characteristics. She gets a little mopey in the end, but she has cause enough so I let that pass.
Marcus is much more problematic and the first major cause of discontent. He was spurned by someone he "fell in love with" years ago and now he can never love again™. In addition to being enough melodrama to drive an episode of a telenovela, it's also a monster negative motivation* with the kicker of being a bit silly. He's a grown man and that's a really dumb thing to believe and an even stupider one to tell your betrothed before she marries you. Yeah, it's a trope in romance stories, but that doesn't mean it isn't stupid and the reason for that is illustrated admirably in this story. Britton bends the narrative into pretzels to support his belief and it never manages to feel real.
The second is maybe related, but more likely comes from a desire to keep the story chaste. Marcus and Ellen are married pretty early in the story and even their casual touches are furtive and jerky. This is weird enough that I, at least, felt like I needed some kind of an explanation. I mean, sex is an expectation of marriage and having them not even talk about it felt abnormal and distanced me from the characters. They both have to be thinking about it. Only they don't. Never. Sex is a thing tied inextricably to marriage! Address it! I don't really mind chaste or steamy as long as the characters make sense and the author keeps the story flowing but this limbo of not knowing why they aren't doing the obvious bugged me for way too much of this story.
Okay, those are some big things that pushed me out of the story. So it's with some chagrin that I admit I enjoyed it very well, anyway. Britton is good enough that I'm going to go explore her backlist and see if she does better with other stories. Who knows if I'll get to those early or late, but she's on my radar, now.
In the end, this is 3½ stars that I'm rounding up, despite the huge flaws. Most of this is Ellen. I just really liked her. And the central story was good and the resolution outstanding.
A note about Historical Accuracy: Britton ends with a note about how historical accuracy is important to her and I can see that's true. I'm no expert or scholar but she got all the details I'm familiar with right, including some common gotchas. I manage to catch at least a few gaffs in most Regency romances so this was a welcome surprise.
A note about Chaste: Totally and completely chaste. There's an awesome kiss at the end, but that's it. Seriously. Oh, and they fall into an exhausted, fully-clothed sleep together at one point. Zero hanky, less panky.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
May 12, 2024
A charming and sweet H could not save the book from a boring h.
He tries, she doesn't reciprocate. It gets wearying.
In a minority but is barely 2.5* for me.
Timid and quiet and self-effacing is all well but but a h so devoid of spine and spunk is boring (especially when the story is devoid of angst and is only layered with tedium). And she did not have that much of a reason. She runs away from her own emotions, her husband's overtures and from society's barbs. FGS, you are 26, not 16.
I prefer a shy h any day over a loud, unrestrained harpy. But shy I like, ninny I don't.
For a woman who has dreamt of the H as her husband for years, she treats him with wary distance for far too long despite his sweet gestures and overtures. She is more invested and happy in now having a house of her own as a married woman, discussing menus with a housekeeper and being the benevolent lady of the manor to the tenants, than the other things that a marriage brings - like a husband or the marital bed.
I know this is a 'clean' romance but I don't think a marriage or a husband would wait so long for sex and without any reasonable reasoning holding him back.
Like everyone else, I love when the h/H shun the urbanity of London and the shallowness of the ton for the bucolic calm of their estate, but to leave with dignity and even in triumph, not wish to do so with her tail between her leg. So juvenile and pitiful. I did not like the demonizing of London to this extent. It is not as if she's much of a success in the country society either (not her blame, of course). So, it hardly matters where you are. I'd have liked her to cement her relations with her in-laws while in town, rather than generalizing.
Incidentally, this book is very similar to the previous book I read, by another author - Flame and Ember
Both have a moc between a spinster h, unappreciated at home and a hurt in love H who needs a helpmate wife to run his estate. The ow come back to create trouble. Both are clean romances.
But where the H in this is sweet, the other H clutches to the ow's image till the death throes of the book. I liked the other h for walking away and that book had heap loads of angst.
Here, it's the h who ruins the book without any tangible reason.
I believe he loved her more. And thought more of her and about her.
He tries, she doesn't reciprocate. It gets wearying.
In a minority but is barely 2.5* for me.
Timid and quiet and self-effacing is all well but but a h so devoid of spine and spunk is boring (especially when the story is devoid of angst and is only layered with tedium). And she did not have that much of a reason. She runs away from her own emotions, her husband's overtures and from society's barbs. FGS, you are 26, not 16.
I prefer a shy h any day over a loud, unrestrained harpy. But shy I like, ninny I don't.
For a woman who has dreamt of the H as her husband for years, she treats him with wary distance for far too long despite his sweet gestures and overtures. She is more invested and happy in now having a house of her own as a married woman, discussing menus with a housekeeper and being the benevolent lady of the manor to the tenants, than the other things that a marriage brings - like a husband or the marital bed.
I know this is a 'clean' romance but I don't think a marriage or a husband would wait so long for sex and without any reasonable reasoning holding him back.
Like everyone else, I love when the h/H shun the urbanity of London and the shallowness of the ton for the bucolic calm of their estate, but to leave with dignity and even in triumph, not wish to do so with her tail between her leg. So juvenile and pitiful. I did not like the demonizing of London to this extent. It is not as if she's much of a success in the country society either (not her blame, of course). So, it hardly matters where you are. I'd have liked her to cement her relations with her in-laws while in town, rather than generalizing.
Incidentally, this book is very similar to the previous book I read, by another author - Flame and Ember
Both have a moc between a spinster h, unappreciated at home and a hurt in love H who needs a helpmate wife to run his estate. The ow come back to create trouble. Both are clean romances.
But where the H in this is sweet, the other H clutches to the ow's image till the death throes of the book. I liked the other h for walking away and that book had heap loads of angst.
Here, it's the h who ruins the book without any tangible reason.
I believe he loved her more. And thought more of her and about her.
June 30, 2018
After seeing so many positive reviews from my friends I had to read this one! This is my first book by Ms. Britton and I was pleasantly surprised. It was well written and really captured the regency feel. It was sweet, had likable characters and a good plot. I've always been sucker for a marriage of convenience storyline. I enjoyed the characters of Ellen and Marcus and how their friendship slowly turns in to love. I look forward to going back and reading the other books in the series.
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Branches of Love, Book Three (stands very well on its own)
Source: Amazon
Content
Romance: Squeaky clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Series: Branches of Love, Book Three (stands very well on its own)
Source: Amazon
August 6, 2018
This story was a total delight to read. I love a strong leading lady who has real insecurity and issues that they fight to overcome. I love a strong but clueless leading man who barley even knows he is falling in love. And I love an arranged marriage story with great tension and deep feeling. Sally is one of my new favorite authors I will be reading for a long time to come. She writes a little like Sarah Eden or Julianne Donnaldson. The writing is so well done and the history so right on. Everything was true to the time. The love story was so well put together and real! If you love regency England do yourself a favor and grab up all of her books:}
April 13, 2022
She will die if you love her not, And she will die ere she might make her love known…
/ Shakespeare
/ Shakespeare
August 15, 2021
.
I read this is clean and wholesome series through the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon, and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. The characters and settings are unique to the era, individual plots are interesting, all combined they compel the reader to continue long past their appointed time frame, and you don't have to contend with long, drawn-out twists and turns. I'm looking forward to more of this author's works.
Each character is built with depth, situations are unique, each plot was interesting, all combined they compel the reader to continue long past their appointed time frame, and you don't see the twists and turns coming until they manifest before our eyes.
The H/H agreed to a marriage of convenience, even though the heroine had secretly been in love with the hero for years. This book portrays how difficult it was to live with the one you love, as his wife, without the reciprocation of any real affection. The reader experiences their doubts and triumphs. Hopefully, hope blooms with the promise of love.
The romance portion was abnormally clean (totally glossed over = so if you prefer steamy, which I don't, you will be disappointed), with no question about it. There is so much love and devotion portrayed that you will be grateful you were able to experience it for yourself (if only for this moment in time).
Each story is able to stand on its own, but it intertwines with the characters in different segments. And of course, they each delivered a tremendous H.E.A.
.
I read this is clean and wholesome series through the Kindle Unlimited program on Amazon, and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. The characters and settings are unique to the era, individual plots are interesting, all combined they compel the reader to continue long past their appointed time frame, and you don't have to contend with long, drawn-out twists and turns. I'm looking forward to more of this author's works.
Each character is built with depth, situations are unique, each plot was interesting, all combined they compel the reader to continue long past their appointed time frame, and you don't see the twists and turns coming until they manifest before our eyes.
The H/H agreed to a marriage of convenience, even though the heroine had secretly been in love with the hero for years. This book portrays how difficult it was to live with the one you love, as his wife, without the reciprocation of any real affection. The reader experiences their doubts and triumphs. Hopefully, hope blooms with the promise of love.
The romance portion was abnormally clean (totally glossed over = so if you prefer steamy, which I don't, you will be disappointed), with no question about it. There is so much love and devotion portrayed that you will be grateful you were able to experience it for yourself (if only for this moment in time).
Each story is able to stand on its own, but it intertwines with the characters in different segments. And of course, they each delivered a tremendous H.E.A.
.
August 28, 2021
Loved it. It was a quick read.
August 3, 2018
Pleasant read
I bought this on accident but it was a very sweet romance. I loved the heroine and her love for her husband. I really liked the H too. He was an honorable man but I agreed with his wife that he flirted way too much. She didn't believe him sincere when he complimented her. There is a kiss at the 95% Mark but that is it. Very clean. Very safe. I loved when she looked in his sketch book. It was romantic but again there is nothing but a kiss in the entire book. It was kind of refreshing after reading so many new adult novels that are filled with raunchy "gymnastics" and crude words. Believe me they have their place and fans but it was a nice read. My Mother would have loved it. I know have to read Lucas, his brothers story because I really liked him in this book. But he loved his wife who died so that is the least favorite of tropes but I will endeavor to get through it. She's a widow too. Can't wait. Something different as I said.
I bought this on accident but it was a very sweet romance. I loved the heroine and her love for her husband. I really liked the H too. He was an honorable man but I agreed with his wife that he flirted way too much. She didn't believe him sincere when he complimented her. There is a kiss at the 95% Mark but that is it. Very clean. Very safe. I loved when she looked in his sketch book. It was romantic but again there is nothing but a kiss in the entire book. It was kind of refreshing after reading so many new adult novels that are filled with raunchy "gymnastics" and crude words. Believe me they have their place and fans but it was a nice read. My Mother would have loved it. I know have to read Lucas, his brothers story because I really liked him in this book. But he loved his wife who died so that is the least favorite of tropes but I will endeavor to get through it. She's a widow too. Can't wait. Something different as I said.
March 4, 2019
This was a delightful sweet romance! In a word: adorable! I loved how Marcus slowly, step by step, fell in love with his wife, Ellen. After offering her a marriage of convenience−quite rational-minded-Marcus comes to realize that he might not be able to do without love after all. I loved how he slowly realizes that she is not simply a part of his life, but life itself to him. When she is snowed in at a neighbor’s home, he all but rushes out into a snow storm to bring her home…not because she’s in any danger, but simply because he misses her! Very sweet!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
June 9, 2019
I cannot believe I spent 2 hours reading this book. Kindle Unlimited why do you do this to me?
While this is a sweet, benign marraige of convenience story between a wallflower and a sweet, gentle flirty second son of an earl - it's squeaky clean. Like they kiss for like 20 seconds in like the 95% mark in the book. There is no heat, no passion and no desire in this relationship. To me, at least.
I suppose I'm being too mean but this ain't my cup of tea.
While this is a sweet, benign marraige of convenience story between a wallflower and a sweet, gentle flirty second son of an earl - it's squeaky clean. Like they kiss for like 20 seconds in like the 95% mark in the book. There is no heat, no passion and no desire in this relationship. To me, at least.
I suppose I'm being too mean but this ain't my cup of tea.
January 5, 2019
4.5 Stars
Marcus Calvert is none too pleased when his mother tells him that before he can inherit and run Orchard Hill, he must first marry. When he shares this with his friend, Collin Falkham, he is sent an invitation to visit. He can't get there fast enough. Surely the time away will help him clear his head and figure out what he's going to do.
Ellen Bringhurst is the last single person in her family. She has resigned herself to becoming a spinster. She tells herself that she will be happy to be at her family's beck and call but, inside her heart, she's sad and lonely. When she receives a letter from her dear friend, Marianne Falkham, with an invitation to come visit, she jumps at the chance for a break.
When it's proposed that Marcus and Ellen should enter into a marriage of convenience, Ellen is torn. She has been in love with Marcus for years. She has always been careful to keep her feelings hidden. But if she marries him, it will be a lot harder to keep her secret. Marcus has been straight forward about there being no romantic involvement. His heart has been broken in the past and he refuses to open himself back up for another heartbreak. But Ellen knows, in her heart, marrying Marcus is right. She'll just have to build up her walls and do her best to not let her feelings show.
The more time they spend together, the closer they become. Marcus starts questioning if he can keep romance out of his marriage. He's starting to have real feelings for his wife but without the knowledge of whether she returns his feelings, he doesn't think he can say them out loud. But when Ellen announces that she's leaving London alone to spend some time with her sister, Marcus starts to panic. He can't live without his wife by his side. He'll need to risk his heart one more time and hope that together, he and Ellen can find their HEA.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun getaway from reality. I found myself loving Ellen and Marcus instantly. I loved that they were childhood friends and that, as adults, they took the time to get to know one another better. I loved watching their relationship grow from friends to lovers. :)
I am really enjoying this series. I'm totally reading them out of order but I'm okay with that. I don't feel lost at all. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sally Britton! I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
And can I just tell you that I adore these two! I think they are perfect! What do you think?
Marcus Calvert is none too pleased when his mother tells him that before he can inherit and run Orchard Hill, he must first marry. When he shares this with his friend, Collin Falkham, he is sent an invitation to visit. He can't get there fast enough. Surely the time away will help him clear his head and figure out what he's going to do.
Ellen Bringhurst is the last single person in her family. She has resigned herself to becoming a spinster. She tells herself that she will be happy to be at her family's beck and call but, inside her heart, she's sad and lonely. When she receives a letter from her dear friend, Marianne Falkham, with an invitation to come visit, she jumps at the chance for a break.
When it's proposed that Marcus and Ellen should enter into a marriage of convenience, Ellen is torn. She has been in love with Marcus for years. She has always been careful to keep her feelings hidden. But if she marries him, it will be a lot harder to keep her secret. Marcus has been straight forward about there being no romantic involvement. His heart has been broken in the past and he refuses to open himself back up for another heartbreak. But Ellen knows, in her heart, marrying Marcus is right. She'll just have to build up her walls and do her best to not let her feelings show.
The more time they spend together, the closer they become. Marcus starts questioning if he can keep romance out of his marriage. He's starting to have real feelings for his wife but without the knowledge of whether she returns his feelings, he doesn't think he can say them out loud. But when Ellen announces that she's leaving London alone to spend some time with her sister, Marcus starts to panic. He can't live without his wife by his side. He'll need to risk his heart one more time and hope that together, he and Ellen can find their HEA.
I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun getaway from reality. I found myself loving Ellen and Marcus instantly. I loved that they were childhood friends and that, as adults, they took the time to get to know one another better. I loved watching their relationship grow from friends to lovers. :)
I am really enjoying this series. I'm totally reading them out of order but I'm okay with that. I don't feel lost at all. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by Sally Britton! I can't wait to see where she takes us next!
And can I just tell you that I adore these two! I think they are perfect! What do you think?
June 17, 2019
A slow beginning but soon turned to a great Regency romance. Loved that the heroins was a bluestocking. Her intelligence endeared me to her. The romance was solid and the ending superb.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
April 14, 2019
My first read of Ms. Britton's and certainly not my last. I really enjoyed this book.
December 30, 2020
Marriage of convenience with tons of unrequited love. Lovely!
I love stories in which the characters know one another forever, and one of them is clueless about the other one’s feelings.
Ellie and Marcus’s story is lovely, and I truly enjoyed witnessing their connection deep.
Another sweet installment in the series.
I love stories in which the characters know one another forever, and one of them is clueless about the other one’s feelings.
Ellie and Marcus’s story is lovely, and I truly enjoyed witnessing their connection deep.
Another sweet installment in the series.
November 16, 2018
One the things I like in books in general is to listen to new, interesting voices, to read interesting thoughts about the human condition, to feel the characters have more depth than the story allows them to show. In my opinion that is what makes a book interesting, what adds an extra layer to a story whatever the genre, whatever the plot. That said I usually don’t trust “clean” stories because they subtly imply that sex is something dirty and I usually stay away from them.
But this is not the first book by Sally Britton I read. My first was The Gentleman Physician and I have to write a review for that because I really owe it one.
I started this one-- my second-- with the worry that I’d be disappointed after the first good impression but thankfully that wasn’t the case.
Even though we deal with a “marriage of convenience” story (a classic theme in romances but also one of my favorite for reasons I’ll refrain to share here to avoid inevitable snores) the surprising factor is that the romance element exists and develops gradually in a step-by-step basis.
“And suddenly without warning Marcus wondered if he pleased her.”
Affection starts so naturally, so slowly… making him feel alone and full of doubts when he appeared so confident of his wishes in the beginning. (No comment on these wishes.)
The writer manages to create suspense out of the most trivial things (a short separation) and lets her characters firstly enjoy themselves in their new situations and slowly approach each other while remaining in character.
Ellen is a bluestocking bride in the sense that she is educated and has scholarly interests and her husband’s admiration of her intellect makes me think she’s the brain in the family--I have no problem with that at all. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that Marcus is stupid but he’s also not the usual macho stereotype. He won’t force his will on his wife thinking he knows best and that’s endearing. At times, Ellen is judgmental of the role he’s decided to play in society even though she sees firsthand what a zoo that is. The refreshing part is that she doesn’t transform into a dazzling peacock or a femme fatale.
Even though they are in the marriage no thoughts of sex enter their minds (I accepted that as a conscious decision by the writer to conform to the guidelines of a certain genre even though adding it --the thought not the act-- to the equation would add an extra layer to the story. Anyway, there are a lot of stories out there with the misconception that romance=instant lust so…)
Sally Britton knows her romance and she offers it in generous, delicious doses (something one perhaps misses in The Gentleman Physician but it works perfectly in that book.)
So it’s 5 stars from me. How can it not be in a story where books bring the two characters closer? Or Art replaces words that cannot be believed? Or where one finds that “To be understood was almost, she told herself, as wonderful as being loved”
(what a gem this is! A writer who knows the human soul.)
Or
“Reality has a way of putting aside dreams as easily as an adult putting away child’s playthings.”
But this is not the first book by Sally Britton I read. My first was The Gentleman Physician and I have to write a review for that because I really owe it one.
I started this one-- my second-- with the worry that I’d be disappointed after the first good impression but thankfully that wasn’t the case.
Even though we deal with a “marriage of convenience” story (a classic theme in romances but also one of my favorite for reasons I’ll refrain to share here to avoid inevitable snores) the surprising factor is that the romance element exists and develops gradually in a step-by-step basis.
“And suddenly without warning Marcus wondered if he pleased her.”
Affection starts so naturally, so slowly… making him feel alone and full of doubts when he appeared so confident of his wishes in the beginning. (No comment on these wishes.)
The writer manages to create suspense out of the most trivial things (a short separation) and lets her characters firstly enjoy themselves in their new situations and slowly approach each other while remaining in character.
Ellen is a bluestocking bride in the sense that she is educated and has scholarly interests and her husband’s admiration of her intellect makes me think she’s the brain in the family--I have no problem with that at all. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that Marcus is stupid but he’s also not the usual macho stereotype. He won’t force his will on his wife thinking he knows best and that’s endearing. At times, Ellen is judgmental of the role he’s decided to play in society even though she sees firsthand what a zoo that is. The refreshing part is that she doesn’t transform into a dazzling peacock or a femme fatale.
Even though they are in the marriage no thoughts of sex enter their minds (I accepted that as a conscious decision by the writer to conform to the guidelines of a certain genre even though adding it --the thought not the act-- to the equation would add an extra layer to the story. Anyway, there are a lot of stories out there with the misconception that romance=instant lust so…)
Sally Britton knows her romance and she offers it in generous, delicious doses (something one perhaps misses in The Gentleman Physician but it works perfectly in that book.)
So it’s 5 stars from me. How can it not be in a story where books bring the two characters closer? Or Art replaces words that cannot be believed? Or where one finds that “To be understood was almost, she told herself, as wonderful as being loved”
(what a gem this is! A writer who knows the human soul.)
Or
“Reality has a way of putting aside dreams as easily as an adult putting away child’s playthings.”
May 1, 2019
This the third in my HR Series Challenge. I thought this read by Sally Britton was just okay. It was not as interesting as the last that I've read, however I thought the heroine, Ellen Bringhurst, in this story was much stronger than what I was reading into her.
Marcus Calvert, the hero must wed to inherit his estate. Having had his heart broken, he opts for alternative approach to marriage and not a romantic one. Alternatively, the simple arrangement between the H/h grows to much more.
This was a good read and the series is good also. It is nicely written for a clean historical romance.
3-Stars
Marcus Calvert, the hero must wed to inherit his estate. Having had his heart broken, he opts for alternative approach to marriage and not a romantic one. Alternatively, the simple arrangement between the H/h grows to much more.
This was a good read and the series is good also. It is nicely written for a clean historical romance.
3-Stars
November 20, 2021
I have to say this was a very sweet story. I really enjoyed it, but anyone who follows my reviews will know that I'm a sucker for a good spinster story. Overall, this was a great story. It's a sweet marriage of convenience story with a satisfying resolution. I liked the characters and the plot, and it sucked me right in.
August 23, 2021
Unrequited love is how this marriage of convenience starts.
Great characters and story. I must keep reading the series.
Great characters and story. I must keep reading the series.
did-not-finish
August 26, 2021DNRF @ 65%
I'm just a little bored with it but I may come back and finish it up.
I'm just a little bored with it but I may come back and finish it up.
June 16, 2024
Halfway through the book, and I still was unsure if they consumed the marriage? All we are told is that they didn't on the wedding night and then nothing is mentioned again. Maybe it is brought up later (checked reviews but don't think so), but I didn't finish the book. Probably would have given up sooner, but I was listening to the audio book and was busy in the kitchen. Had I stopped to look for a new book, I would have got distracted from what I was doing.
February 10, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Overlooked by society and underappreciated in her family, Ellen Bringhurst has resigned herself to spinsterhood and a life of reading. Until her match-making friends contrive to reintroduce Ellen to the man she has secretly loved since their shared childhood.
As the younger son to an earl, Marcus Calvert must wed in order to inherit his estate. Still nursing a broken heart, he prefers a practical approach to matrimony rather than romantic love. When Ellen is presented as a possible bride, he proposes a marriage of convenience.
Ellen accepts his hand, hiding her feelings rather than risking her husband’s rejection. Marcus, though determined not to expose his heart again, finds more to admire in his childhood friend with each passing day. What began as a sensible arrangement now has the possibility to become so much more. But is Marcus willing to risk his heart a second time?
MY TAKE
This was a bit of a tough read. I thought Ellen was a stronger character than she turned out to be. At first, there were memories of when they were younger and were friends. But then they both threw up walls that really began to wear on me. Later in the book, Marcus's brother makes a suggestion on how to fix things between them, making an excellent point that they had not idea how much time they might have. I expected him to court her. But Marcus does nothing. When he does try to talk to Ellen, she doesn't give him a chance. It's something a simple conversation would have remedied. Some misunderstanding I could handle, but this just went too long.
Overlooked by society and underappreciated in her family, Ellen Bringhurst has resigned herself to spinsterhood and a life of reading. Until her match-making friends contrive to reintroduce Ellen to the man she has secretly loved since their shared childhood.
As the younger son to an earl, Marcus Calvert must wed in order to inherit his estate. Still nursing a broken heart, he prefers a practical approach to matrimony rather than romantic love. When Ellen is presented as a possible bride, he proposes a marriage of convenience.
Ellen accepts his hand, hiding her feelings rather than risking her husband’s rejection. Marcus, though determined not to expose his heart again, finds more to admire in his childhood friend with each passing day. What began as a sensible arrangement now has the possibility to become so much more. But is Marcus willing to risk his heart a second time?
MY TAKE
This was a bit of a tough read. I thought Ellen was a stronger character than she turned out to be. At first, there were memories of when they were younger and were friends. But then they both threw up walls that really began to wear on me. Later in the book, Marcus's brother makes a suggestion on how to fix things between them, making an excellent point that they had not idea how much time they might have. I expected him to court her. But Marcus does nothing. When he does try to talk to Ellen, she doesn't give him a chance. It's something a simple conversation would have remedied. Some misunderstanding I could handle, but this just went too long.
May 2, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much. I like a good marriage of convenience story but this story is also a friends to lover type story. Ellen and Marcus were friends in their youth and although this isn’t a best friends to lover situation as Ellen was cousin to Marcus’s best friend they spent many summers together, Ellen being the little cousin that tagged along in their play. But Ellen had tender feelings for Marcus in her youth that was unknown to Marcus. When Marcus finds himself in need of a wife and Collin, his friend, and his Cousin’s wife play match maker Marcus is happy to have found a sensible woman who meets his requirements for marriage. But Marcus tells Ellen that he has no desire for a love match so Ellen suppresses her feelings for Marcus. I can understand why Ellen would try to protect her heart and pull away from Marcus as he occasionally flirts with Ellen but I am somewhat surprised that she keeps pulling away without putting herself a bit more on the line through the book. But I love the sweet HEA that goes with this story. I have been intrigued with Lucas, Marcus’s brother since he was introduced in the Social Tutor and am excited that his story is next in the series.
December 18, 2020
Marriage of convenience tropes have always had a special place in my heart. I absolutely love them, especially when they’re well executed. Ellen has always been in love with Marcus but she hides her true feelings so she doesn’t risk getting hurt. Marcus, having experienced love and suffering terribly for it, never wants to experience such heartache again, so he refuses to love again. When they realize that they both need something the other can provide, a marriage of convenience is the only option.
What I really like about this story was that they weren’t complete strangers. Because they grew up together, there was also a “Friends to lovers” vibe about it which made me love it even more. I liked that they were both practical, sensible and honest with each other. Watching their romance progress and turn into something beautiful was so satisfying. I also loved that both Ellen and Marcus stayed true to themselves and grew to love each other for who they really were. Very sweet story with an even sweeter HEA.
Content: Squeaky Clean
What I really like about this story was that they weren’t complete strangers. Because they grew up together, there was also a “Friends to lovers” vibe about it which made me love it even more. I liked that they were both practical, sensible and honest with each other. Watching their romance progress and turn into something beautiful was so satisfying. I also loved that both Ellen and Marcus stayed true to themselves and grew to love each other for who they really were. Very sweet story with an even sweeter HEA.
Content: Squeaky Clean
August 24, 2018
I concur with the many reviewers who awarded 5-stars for this sweet romance. I was particularly impressed with the way Ms. Brinton treated the relationship between Ellen and Marcus. Although they have known each other since childhood, Marcus views Ellen only as a means to an end when his mother pressures him to wed as a condition to receiving his inheritance. He has no clue of the feelings Ellen has held for him since childhood. My heart goes out to Ellen as she elects to help Marcus obtain his inheritance by marrying him while knowing he has no interest in the romantic relationship she has desired for many years. She loves him enough to sacrifice her happiness for his. As the story progresses and Marcus slowly begins to recognize what Ellen means to him, it was fascinating to watch him overcome his faults and failings as he became the perfect match for Ellen. If you enjoy clean, well-written Regency romance, I highly recommend Sally Britton.
November 2, 2019
Excellent
Oh how I enjoyed Marcus and Ellen's story. It was beautiful and sweet, with just enough discord in the relationship to keep things interesting. I will definitely read some more of Sally Britton's clean romances.
Oh how I enjoyed Marcus and Ellen's story. It was beautiful and sweet, with just enough discord in the relationship to keep things interesting. I will definitely read some more of Sally Britton's clean romances.
June 14, 2018
Talk!
It is amazing how often in stories and in life that no communication is the root of problems. Very sweet and clean.
It is amazing how often in stories and in life that no communication is the root of problems. Very sweet and clean.
April 11, 2020
I liked this one. While I do enjoy spunky heroines, I feel like the literary world is inundated with them. I appreciated Ellen's quiet naturalness and the fact that a quiet girl can get a good guy!
March 31, 2022
oh my goodness
This might be one of my favorites by Sally! I loved every moment and was rooting for Ellen and Marcus before they even became reacquainted. Full of wit, humor, gallantry, and tender romance. Did I mention I loved this story?
Ellen has loved Marcus since childhood. Marcus is in need of a wife, but has shelved his heart from the equation. Marriage to Ellen seems practical, and it is, until he falls in love with her. But living life among the Ton can be difficult, especially for a young woman with no experience with a London season. Will Marcus confess his feelings and protect Ellen from the wolves of society before he loses her?
1000% recommend
Also, the snuggles in the couch scene might be one of my all time favorites like ever.
This might be one of my favorites by Sally! I loved every moment and was rooting for Ellen and Marcus before they even became reacquainted. Full of wit, humor, gallantry, and tender romance. Did I mention I loved this story?
Ellen has loved Marcus since childhood. Marcus is in need of a wife, but has shelved his heart from the equation. Marriage to Ellen seems practical, and it is, until he falls in love with her. But living life among the Ton can be difficult, especially for a young woman with no experience with a London season. Will Marcus confess his feelings and protect Ellen from the wolves of society before he loses her?
1000% recommend
Also, the snuggles in the couch scene might be one of my all time favorites like ever.
April 23, 2019
3,5
Very sweet but forgettable.
Very sweet but forgettable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews