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Love's Second Chance Complete Series #0.5

Ignored & Treasured - The Duke's Bookish Bride

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A bookish lady. A reticent duke.
And a heart-shattering misunderstanding.

After having been overlooked as the bookish sister all her life, LADY HELEN, eldest daughter to the Earl of Hargreaves, finds herself swept into a fairy tale romance when she encounters a reticent stranger at a ball. Like herself, he seemed to have retreated from the hustle bustle of the crowded ballroom in order to find solitude.

However, when their eyes meet, it is as though their souls recognise one another as kindred spirits.

In order to placate his mother, who sternly orders him to finally choose a bride, ALEXANDER ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON, begrudgingly attends two or three balls a season, always retreating from the crowded noise once he deems his social obligations fulfilled. However, one night, a young lady stumbles upon his hiding place, and before Alexander knows what is happening, her enchanting smile and intelligent, bright eyes awaken his heart from its deep slumber.

Can there be a happily-ever-after for a bookish lady and a reticent duke?

This exclusive prequel is not for sale.
To receive your own copy, just let me know where to send it and sign up to my mailing list!

94 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2020

442 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Bree Wolf

94 books929 followers
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5 stars
279 (37%)
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228 (30%)
3 stars
169 (22%)
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54 (7%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Anna Maria.
207 reviews
June 13, 2019
I received a free copy and I am giving an honest review.
This story is well written and very romantic. A simple mistake nearly cost the Duke the woman who he fell in love with. Helen's sister comes in help and gives a hand solving the misunderstanding. I loved the story especially the ending.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
June 23, 2020
Ignored & Treasured – The Duke’s Bookish Bride
Love's Second Chance Series 0 (prequel)
Bree Wolf
Free novella for newsletter subscribers
https://www.subscribepage.com/signup_...

Blurb :

A bookish lady. A reticent duke.
And a heart-shattering misunderstanding.
After having been overlooked as the bookish sister all her life, LADY HELEN, eldest daughter to the Earl of Hargreaves, finds herself swept into a fairy tale romance when she encounters a reticent stranger at a ball. Like herself, he seemed to have retreated from the hustle bustle of the crowded ballroom in order to find solitude.
However, when their eyes meet, it is as though their souls recognise one another as kindred spirits.
In order to placate his mother, who sternly orders him to finally choose a bride, ALEXANDER ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON, begrudgingly attends two or three balls a season, always retreating from the crowded noise once he deems his social obligations fulfilled. However, one night, a young lady stumbles upon his hiding place, and before Alexander knows what is happening, her enchanting smile and intelligent, bright eyes awaken his heart from its deep slumber.
Can there be a happily-ever-after for a bookish lady and a reticent duke?

My review :

When circumstances lead them to false expectations but true sentiments ...

I have read only a few books in this series, still this free novella is very sweet.
Alexander and Helen are two very shy persons on the bookish side, it is even astonishing they were able to meet as they both linger at the fringes of the ballrooms.
Yet when misunderstandings stand between them, they were lucky two very determined persons set their mind to help them to sort out their own misconception.
While Helen and Alexander are adorable, Sophie, Helen younger’s sister is so full of life and fun and Pierce by following her lead is quite sweet.
Do not deprive you from this lovely fast read.


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Profile Image for Sarah.
554 reviews35 followers
June 24, 2020
A sweet novella that leads into the first full length book of Bree Wolf's Love's Second Cance series by way of the second epilogue. We learn some family history, two generations removed and at the very end, three of the main characters from The Duke's Late Wife come toddling into frame. We get to see how long standing of a frienship they all had making the connections between the characters that must more signifigant when you get to know them. We also see how Graham's deep love for his first wife stemmed from his looking out for her his entire life and therefore a light is shed on many of his actions at the beginning of Forgotten & Remembered: The Duke's Late Wife

I really like that there was no anger or cruelty in this sweet little novella. No betrayals or cheating. Everyone was simply trying to do right by everyone else and a healthy dose of misunderstanding got in the way. It's a great intoduction into the series and a very quick read.
Profile Image for Leandra Azer.
330 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2023
Meet cute over artifact room in a ball with a kiss. She leaves, he follows and find her with her sister. A random person tells him the sisters name instead. He calls on sister next day. Needless drama and pointless misunderstandings follow. I like drama, but not drama that's solved with a single conversation.

Upon meeting wrong sister, instead of being a normal person and saying "apologies I did not intend to call on you as we've never met" and asking for right girl. He asks sister out again. Sister meanwhile plays a weird game trying to get h to admit she likes him while not explaining anything, letting her think he's courting her. Hero stays a coward saying nothing until sister forces him to admit his "love". He does, h says I love you too [2 conversations ppl], the end.

Second star because I didn't hate it or the writing. Just a silly story.
Profile Image for Rachel.
366 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2020
I was annoyed by our heroine throughout this whole book. Instead of fighting to what she wanted and feeling worthy to have it she constantly stepped aside. I would have understood this feeling in her if her parents had somehow encouraged this belief that she was not worth it but they didn’t. So it was annoying to see her act that way time and again for seemingly no reason.
Profile Image for Susie Newton.
2 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The story was short but sweet and very cute.
Profile Image for Mya.
1,502 reviews59 followers
December 26, 2021
The misunderstanding based on this story was wonderfully develop.
1,646 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2020
I have read a few of these stories in the series and they are stand alone.

I detest stories with misunderstandings that last forever. Nice thing about a novella, it must end quickly, as it does here.

You get a sense of the H/h and because I enjoyed them and they seemed a perfect match, I wanted a little more in character development. Still a sweet story of two sister's who would do anything for each other. Even though they are so different in personalities, they only want what is best for the other. It was heart warming!

We are treated to 2 epilogues. One epilogue is 3 years in the future and we discover the sister's are still close as are their families. Then the 2nd epilogue goes 25 years ahead to their grandchildren and the closeness is still there.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, fast on romance and clean. This is a short novella. I received a free copy from Bookfunnel. Review is voluntarily given and my own opinions. (ljb)
1,168 reviews13 followers
May 27, 2019
This delightful historical romance is a prequel to Ms. Wolf's Love's Second Chance series. Set in London, 1750, it sets the stage for the series that begins in 1801 by introducing the forefathers of several characters. Bookish Lady Helen meets the very reticent Duke of Kensington when she looks for a quiet place to escape the noise of a ball at her sister's season debut. Neither has any intention of marrying, and so are quite surprised to find a like soul of the opposite sex. Seemingly meant for each other, an innocent mistake gives way to a different set of circumstances that might derail this couple's chance at happiness.

The characters are likable and enjoyable in this novella that has a fairy tale quality. I really enjoy Bree Wolf's writing style as she very accurately brings to life the English beau monde.
206 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2020
This prequel was very cute and short. It is nice to meet the ancestors of the characters you meet later in the series and also how they were friends during childhood. The love between the two sisters, Helen and Sophie, was the focus of this book. They are the complete opposite and balance each other out very well. Helen is more a bookworm, while Sophie is more social. I am glad the miscommunication got solved quickly and dragged not on for 300 pages. Overall, I think it is a nice start to the series. I only read the first 6 books, so I am very excited to read the complete series!

*I received a free ebook, but that has not impacted my review*
Profile Image for Stephanie Williams.
992 reviews10 followers
August 20, 2020
Short but good. Didnt have any of the hot stuff but still made a great romance. Can't wait to read the other stories in the series.
Profile Image for Zete.
173 reviews
April 16, 2021
A book can work magic!!! I was so into this story when I was reading it!!! So many feelings. I loved it from the start to the end!
2,148 reviews30 followers
November 19, 2020
Helen (h) is a quiet, bookish young lady, one who prefers to blend into the background, rather than revel in the hustle and busyness of balls. When taking a moment of calm in the library during a ball, she meets Alexander (H), a shy Duke who was also escaping the ball. A connection is made, but without names being exchanged. In trying to track down his mysterious lady, Alexander creates a misunderstanding that might end up destroying their romance before it can even begin. Is there any hope for their future together?

A prequel novella to Wolf's Love Second Chance series. Book 1 in the series - Forgotten & Remembered: The Duke's Late Wife - stars Alex and Helen's grandson (and, indirectly, Leonora, Sophie's granddaughter).

I'm sorry, but Helen was a complete idiot and killed the book for me. No matter how well written, a complete idiot for an h (especially when she should be an "intelligent" character) will make even a shorter read a struggle.

While the mistaken identity was an understandable mix-up, and could have been forgiven, Helen's extreme reaction was too much. Sobbing to the point of nausea? At the first meeting and hint of the potential mix-up? She never even stayed for an introduction and possible explanation. She jumps to conclusions left and right and center, and completely ignores what was actually happening around her! For example, Sophie's obviously twitterpated over Cromwell, but Helen only sees that it's a manipulation. Helen and Sophie are super close, but Helen never talks to her sister - not really talking. For as much as Sophie understands Helen, Helen has no clue about her sister or her personality. Does she really feel that Sophie is so callous and shallow as to play two men off each other 'to prove their feelings'? That's not romantic - it's mean and manipulative. And yet Helen thinks that's exactly what her sister is doing, no other possible explanations.

And for all her insecurity, there doesn't seem to be a reason! It's not that her parents neglected her or made her feel inferior or something to give her such a complex, or that Sophie was an evil stepsister (well, sister) sort of character. Helen has brought this all on herself and drags everyone along with her.

And to just add insult to injury, she's supposed to be this clever, intelligent, bookish character. I know (Lord, I know) that intelligent does not mean having common sense, but Helen just took that and ran.

Only small redeeming detail about it all was that, as a novella, things couldn't drag on for too long.

The writing was comfortable and actually pretty enjoyable, just a couple minor issues, nothing too big. Just a complete idiot for a lead character.

Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating or OW/OM drama. Love triangle via misunderstanding, not in actuality. Immature and idiotic h killed the story. Frankly, Sophie was a much more interesting character, and her romance (reforming the rake Cromwell) would have been a much, much more interesting read. Unfortunately, we get Helen and her worries instead. HEA with epilogues and no cliffhangers.

Would I read more in the series/by the author? Maybe. I get the feeling that Graham's story (widower finding new love) will be rather angst-filled. But I did like the actual writing style, and it's a free Kindle book already sitting in my library. So who knows - maybe.
Profile Image for Megan.
20 reviews
June 4, 2024
Forgettable characters, nothing plot, boring conflict.
Just so, so, so boring.
247 reviews3 followers
October 5, 2020
Clean series

I have already read this whole series without the prequel. I love the series, but unfortunately the prequel appears kind of thrown in as an after thought which I believe it was.
This story was sort of annoying to me, the misunderstanding at first understandable, but the continuation of the misunderstanding and Alexander again calling on the sister on purpose the last time instead of Helen just was stupid.
I like characterless to be smart not ridiculous.
However, that being said the rest of the loves second chance books were super good and well developed. The author always focused on relationships and how they develop from difficult starts.
So continue reading even if the prequel puts you off a little.
Profile Image for Debbie.
237 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2018
As a prequel to Bree’s Love's Second Chance Series, this book is about the grandparents of Graham, (Forgotten & Remembered: The Duke's Late Wife) and Edmond (Cursed & Cherished: The Duke's Wilful Wife).

Sisters Helen and Sophie Archer attend their debut’s one year apart, but it’s Sophie’s debut that puts both girl’s heads in orbit. First we find Helen talking to a man in the library during a ball. Sparks ignite and there is a kiss. However, due to a misunderstanding, Alexander Astor, Duke of Kensington arrives at the Archer home to see one Lady Sophie. He realizes his mistake when the real Lady Sophie enters the room and is not the woman he kissed. What will he do?

Lady Sophie realizes pretty much what has happened and tries to get her sister with Alexander so she can have Pierce Dunsworth, Duke of Cromwell, a well known rake. She believes he truly loves her and has changed his ways. Sophie brings Pierce into her plot to get Helen with Alexander. Will it work?

It seems that honesty from the very beginning, by all parties involved, about what happened would have solved the issue. However, that would have made for a very short, dull novella. This one is far from dull. I enjoyed the way Sophie finally got things straightened out. I especially liked the Epilogue, but you will have to get the book to find out what is in the Epilogue, not to mention the rest of the story. Enjoy!

I received a copy of this book from the author without expectation of a positive review. The opinions I have shared are purely my own.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
June 23, 2020
ONE ENCHANTING ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Oh my L-A-W-D! Bree brings it when she comes and she comes out swinging, packing a punch and revving it up with this sensational dynamo, blasting this impressive thrill ride to life spectacularly. Racing forward with so much zeal and gusto, showcasing an amazing imagination, touching and sincere, highlighting all the right places and just as heart melting with passion and style, blowing this little fella wide open. Coiled, bound and tightly woven, noting the thrilling ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe inspiring in it's depth. Twixt and twinned and intermingled, along with a slew of astonishing twists and shocking turns, rolling with the current and breaking waves, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are pushed and manipulated, booting this baby forward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with an life-changing realization. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting the drama, intrigue, danger, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a double dose of chicanery while dodging calamity, you have one sensational experience. The characters are complex and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and blend smoothly. Remarkable job Bree, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,193 reviews64 followers
June 23, 2020
After having been overlooked as the bookish sister all her life, Lady Helen, eldest daughter to the Earl of Hargreaves, finds herself swept into a fairy tale romance when she encounters a reticent stranger at a ball. Like herself, he seemed to have retreated from the hustle bustle of the crowded ballroom in order to find solitude. However, when their eyes meet, it is as though their souls recognise one another as kindred spirits. In order to placate his mother, who sternly orders him to finally choose a bride, Alexander Astor, Duke Of Kensington, begrudgingly attends two or three balls a season, always retreating from the crowded noise once he deems his social obligations fulfilled. However, one night, a young lady stumbles upon his hiding place, and before Alexander knows what is happening, her enchanting smile and intelligent, bright eyes awaken his heart from its deep slumber.
A truly lovely novella as with all the author’s books the characters have lots of depth. The pace is good. I loved both Helen & Alexander both very shy but so adorable. A misunderstanding threatens to railroad their budding romance. A well written engrossing prequel
Profile Image for Martha B..
836 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2019
A Legacy of Love Continues Through Generations

It only took a few times for Helen to realize that no gentleman wanted to hear about her thoughts or interests...until she accidentally met him.

He knew he needed to wed, but he could not imagine who would have anything in common with him...until he accidentally met her.

Whether or not you have read the first two books in the Love's Second Chance Series, you really must read this stand-alone sweet and clean prequel. Ignored and Treasured, by Bree Wolf, tells the romantic story of how two sisters and two dukes began the legacy of love for both their grandsons, the Duke of Kensington and the Duke of Cromwell. This lovely prequel makes me want to go back and read again the next two books in this series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Profile Image for ☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾.
1,092 reviews44 followers
August 19, 2022
My low rating might be a bit unfair, especially as it’s a newsletter bonus read and not a full-on novella - I knew how short it was going in! It spends a fair bit of time setting up the series, and with the super-short page count, I felt like some of Helen and Lord Kensington’s story was rushed to make room for it. I know instalove is kind of inevitable in such short stories, but this was just too insta for me. Literally five minutes and there’s a kiss and True Love. I have a hard time believing in that, sorry! Also, I picked it up hoping for an insecure, maybe even plain heroine, but despite the blurb (and the title!), Helen is not really overlooked or ignored. One (pretty obvious) mistake is the sole source of angst in this story, and while I do love drama, it felt a bit contrived. Still, I’ll check out more from this author if she has any heroines who are up my alley! (2.5 stars)
Profile Image for Jane.
1,313 reviews46 followers
July 3, 2019
Ignored and Treasured - The Duke’s Bookish Bride is the novella prequel to Bree Wolf’s Love’s Second Change series. Having not yet read any of the other books in the series, it was enough of a taste to make me want to read the whole series. Bree does a great job with character development and making the reader care about the characters. Readers will empathize with the main characters who are shy around members of the opposite sex - at least the one they are attracted to.

I would not hesitate to place Ignored and Treasured in my K-12 Christian School library. I think some of my high school girls would love it. Unfortunately, Ignored and Treasured is not available for sale and only available in e-copy. To receive your own copy you can sign up for Bree’s mailing list
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
731 reviews14 followers
May 6, 2020
A wonderful story. It is very romantic, touching, and warmhearted. Helen spends her first season not finding a man to love. When her sister joins her for her first season, she meets Lord Kensington. Sophia, her sister, Meets Lord Cromwell. Cromwell is a rake but Lord Kensington is a gentleman and never thought he would find a lady to hold his interest.
The characters are engaging and fun. The plot is well written, easy to read, and entertaining. I enjoyed it when her sister needed to correct a misunderstanding. Sophia has a bright disposition and seems very happy. I highly recommend this excellent novel and hope you like it as much as I do.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
425 reviews9 followers
June 25, 2020
This is a really sweet romance but it is more than that it is also a story showing the never ending love of sisters and family. When a little mistake happens it looks like Helen will not have her dream come true. When her sister Sophie steps in , it becomes even more of a muddle. Will quiet Lord Kensington be able to overcome his difficulties or should he listen to Lord Cromwell a known take. Twists and turns makes this story comical and interesting. The only thing that bothered me was how fast love happened but other than that a really great story. I love Ms. Wolf's books, they are always fun and interesting.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Laura.
339 reviews16 followers
August 5, 2020
I received this prequel novella as a free gift for signing up for the author's newsletter. It is the first book of hers that I have read, and I have to say that I think I've found another must-read author! This book was completely clean - I'm not certain yet whether that's true of all Ms. Wolf's novels, but it's always a plus for me.

It's love at first sight when Helen and Alexander meet at a ball neither one of them particularly wanted to attend. The problem is neither one of them thinks to ask the other's name, and confusion ensues involving Helen's younger sister, Sophie. Thankfully all ends well, and the ending beautifully sets up the two subsequent books in the series, which I now can't wait to read.
Profile Image for Kim.
239 reviews46 followers
January 20, 2022
Prequel love stories of the two sisters who are the grandmothers/great aunts of the heroes in the first two books of the Love's Second Chance series. Liked that the smart book loving heroine got her man's heart first cute meet and that he wasn't an alpha male or rake reformed by love, but a genuinely from the beginning great man of character. I like how they are both break the mold introverts and found each other. Like the description said, though they had instantaneous love, a misunderstanding separates them (but hey you have to have some conflict and drama). Liked the 2 epilogues 3 years and 25 years later.

Language: No profanity.

Sensuality content: Clean traditional Georgian era romance with kisses only.

Source: Free ebook gift to new subscribers of the author's newsletter.
Profile Image for Stacey.
288 reviews17 followers
July 6, 2019
Helen and Sophie are sisters who couldn't be more different. Helen is older, plain, and would rather be reading than twirling around on the dance floor. Sophie is one year younger, beautiful, and longing to attend balls. Despite their differences, they are the closest of friends. Each is concerned with the other's happiness as their own depends on it. When Helen meets a handsome man who is as annoyed with balls as she is, a case of mistaken identity could prove to be the end of any possibility of happiness for Helen and her mystery man.

This is the first Bree Wolf story I have read and I am looking forward to reading more.
2,319 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2020
In The Beginning....!
This is a short but very enjoyable story written in Bree Wolf's usual, fast paced and entertaining way and it held my attention throughout.
I particularly loved the way Sofie cleverly manipulates her sister and the two new men in their lives. She sees exactly what is going on in the situation they all find themselves in and cleverly corrects the misunderstanding so that all parties go on to live the lives they were really meant to.
I am more than happy to recommend this prequel and hope you enjoy it as much as I have. It certainly gives one a good idea of how it all began.
I read an Advance Copy and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,565 reviews89 followers
June 23, 2020
A sweet Regency romance, wherein Lady Helen discovers the Duke of Kinsington retreating from the masses, much in the same way she is doing. Although this is a fairly short novelette, it is nevertheless heartwarming and romantic and in a case of mistaken identity, the young couple struggles to come to grips with their feelings. It takes the intervention of Helen's sister to help them come to the understanding that they were meant for each other. I received a copy of this heartwarming story as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Emma.
2,864 reviews39 followers
June 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this short sweet intro to Bree Wolf's "Love's Second Chance Series". It never ceases to amaze me how little time young men and women have to find if they suit one another for marriage. It is reassuring that some young people do not want to play the games others play to attract a match. What I got to know of the two main characters they had honest down-to-earth personalities. This is a delight to read and I do recommend it.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Borthwick.
456 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2020
A sweet, short prequel to a series with the grandchildren & ancestors of the main characters. It is fun to read how the families started, reading the history of the family tree. It was too short, I would have liked a longer story about the sisters and their HEAs, but I do understand as a novella, it is meant to tease you for the next books. I do know the full length novels in the series are great and well worth reading, too. Have a quick read and you will be pulled into reading more of these families.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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