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The Unexpected Bride
Did family honor really dictate that he marry the first eligible girl who could make intelligent conversation? The Earl of Darleston certainly hoped not, but there was no denying that he needed a bride. And Miss Phoebe Ffollit seemed the ideal candidate for a marriage in name only.Or so he thought. Until his bride brought a wolfhound to their wedding and he learned that he hadn't married Phoebe--but her twin, Penelope. But when Penelope revealed the reason behind the charade, Darleston knew his "unexpected bride" deserved nothing less than his whole heart. Could he now turn a paper marriage into wedding bliss?
Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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About the author
Elizabeth Rolls
100 books122 followersWe live in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, in a beautiful lush valley full of apple, pear and cherry orchards. We moved here a couple of years back, escaping from the city and it’s just gorgeous. The property is small, only five acres, but we have room for two small noisy boys, three dogs, two cats and several woolly things masquerading a environmentally friendly lawnmowers. Before that we lived in Melbourne, which was fun, but we always wanted to live in the country and now we do.
I’ve been married to an ex-nuclear physicist – don’t ask! for the last 17 years and we have two rowdy little boys, commonly described as “feral”. Most of our friends think we have far too many animals, and everyone knows we have far too many books.I grew up moving around a fair bit. Dad was in the army and every few years we had to up sticks and move on. I was born in England, expelled from kindergarten in Melbourne, started school in Papua New Guinea and finished school in Melbourne. After taking a degree in Music Education I taught music for several years while my husband finished his Ph.D.
How I started writing
I had the writing bug from a very early age. From the time I could read I loved writing stories. Throughout my school days I was nearly always writing something very quietly, and there were several teachers who encouraged me. One student teacher, whose name I have totally forgotten, when I was in sixth grade, as well as a couple of high school English teachers, Mrs Redman and Mrs Mackay.
I started writing my first book after I finished my Masters degree. For one thing I really, really missed my thesis. I’d enjoyed researching it, and I loved writing it. So it seems inevitable now that when I was looking for something to do in the evenings to unwind after work, I started writing again.
I’d been staying with an old school friend. Meg is a fellow Georgette Heyer fan, and she had a very large collection of Regencies on her bookshelves. Well, that was an eye-opener. I’d had no idea anyone else apart from Heyer had actually written them. By the time I went home I had an idea floating around in my brain and I sat down and roughed out some sort of chapter plan. Then I started typing. Six months later I had a story with a beginning a middle and an end which I sent to Meg. After a great deal of talking, she persuaded me to send it off to Harlequin Mills & Boon. After doing the rounds of all three editorial offices and undergoing a major rewrite and extension while I was about seven months pregnant with the second small noisy boy, it was accepted for publication and published as The Unexpected Bride.
Most of my writing friends have threatened to lynch me over that story at one time or another. Personally I envy them for having learnt an enormous amount about writing and the industry before acquiring an editor who understandably expects you to know what you are doing.
I’ve been married to an ex-nuclear physicist – don’t ask! for the last 17 years and we have two rowdy little boys, commonly described as “feral”. Most of our friends think we have far too many animals, and everyone knows we have far too many books.I grew up moving around a fair bit. Dad was in the army and every few years we had to up sticks and move on. I was born in England, expelled from kindergarten in Melbourne, started school in Papua New Guinea and finished school in Melbourne. After taking a degree in Music Education I taught music for several years while my husband finished his Ph.D.
How I started writing
I had the writing bug from a very early age. From the time I could read I loved writing stories. Throughout my school days I was nearly always writing something very quietly, and there were several teachers who encouraged me. One student teacher, whose name I have totally forgotten, when I was in sixth grade, as well as a couple of high school English teachers, Mrs Redman and Mrs Mackay.
I started writing my first book after I finished my Masters degree. For one thing I really, really missed my thesis. I’d enjoyed researching it, and I loved writing it. So it seems inevitable now that when I was looking for something to do in the evenings to unwind after work, I started writing again.
I’d been staying with an old school friend. Meg is a fellow Georgette Heyer fan, and she had a very large collection of Regencies on her bookshelves. Well, that was an eye-opener. I’d had no idea anyone else apart from Heyer had actually written them. By the time I went home I had an idea floating around in my brain and I sat down and roughed out some sort of chapter plan. Then I started typing. Six months later I had a story with a beginning a middle and an end which I sent to Meg. After a great deal of talking, she persuaded me to send it off to Harlequin Mills & Boon. After doing the rounds of all three editorial offices and undergoing a major rewrite and extension while I was about seven months pregnant with the second small noisy boy, it was accepted for publication and published as The Unexpected Bride.
Most of my writing friends have threatened to lynch me over that story at one time or another. Personally I envy them for having learnt an enormous amount about writing and the industry before acquiring an editor who understandably expects you to know what you are doing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 9, 2019
A very middle of the road read.
Formulaic, sweet and most bases covered.
The sisters are adorable and quite covet-able. The twin's husband and the H's friend good, strong male characters. The ow and the villain serve a suitable purpose.
Do I see a future romance between stodgy George and the precocious Sarah?
Gelert, the Irish wolfhound saves the day as only a dog his size and measure can. A guide dog and hero par excellence!
Formulaic, sweet and most bases covered.
The sisters are adorable and quite covet-able. The twin's husband and the H's friend good, strong male characters. The ow and the villain serve a suitable purpose.
Do I see a future romance between stodgy George and the precocious Sarah?
Gelert, the Irish wolfhound saves the day as only a dog his size and measure can. A guide dog and hero par excellence!
April 22, 2024
Bloody hell.
Maybe this COULD have been a good romance, but I guess I'll never know.
Spending the first couple of chapters even referencing that the hero HAS a fucking mistress turns me off caring whether he lives or dies, let alone marries someone and has a HEA.
Bad move, author--one apt to turn a good number of your readers PERMANENTLY off.
Maybe this COULD have been a good romance, but I guess I'll never know.
Spending the first couple of chapters even referencing that the hero HAS a fucking mistress turns me off caring whether he lives or dies, let alone marries someone and has a HEA.
Bad move, author--one apt to turn a good number of your readers PERMANENTLY off.
August 2, 2016
Peter and Penelope. Hmmmm.... This is a tough one to decide on. The story seems to jump hurdles as it goes. The first two chapters I hated it. Peter and his mistress seemed to take over and I always hate having authors force me to see the H enjoying other women. just ICK!!!!
Really the first 25% sucked for the most part. It's set up on a rather convoluted plot for what should be a simple story frame work. Then the story is on more of a roll, but still it was a back and forth for the H; I'm so hot for her... I'm so cold... etc.
The last third was fun and almost made up for the first 2/3... but not quite. There are TSTL moments abounding. He grovels. But I don't know if it could ever be enough to compensate for the first quarter of the book.
Peter's heir (an young nephew/cousin???) dies and the next in line is murderous scum. So Peter determines to marry again even though he still hates women because of how his first wife behaved. Overly convoluted circumstances lead to his marrying one of the Ffolliots sisters. Because Phoebe is already promised, he ends up unknowingly marrying her twin sister Penny.... who is blind. Somehow she is able to fool people all the time that she isn't blind (time to exercise suspension of disbelief. I don't think the author did much research into it). She sets him right as soon as they get to his place, but he's a complete ass about it. Luckily he improves soon after. But he is so distrustful of getting close to a woman again that a good part of the book is taken up with him playing hot and cold with his new bride. He realizes he is doing it, but can't seem to stop himself. Rinse and repeat until his heir and ex-mistress start their evil plotting.
You may be wondering why I gave it 3 stars and not less. Well I really did like Penny and I liked the way Peter quickly learns from his mistaken assumptions of her. It was sweet and I really felt he cared. The ending was.... well, unnecessary. Not sure why the author felt she needed to make that leap. .
Really the first 25% sucked for the most part. It's set up on a rather convoluted plot for what should be a simple story frame work. Then the story is on more of a roll, but still it was a back and forth for the H; I'm so hot for her... I'm so cold... etc.
The last third was fun and almost made up for the first 2/3... but not quite. There are TSTL moments abounding. He grovels. But I don't know if it could ever be enough to compensate for the first quarter of the book.
Peter's heir (an young nephew/cousin???) dies and the next in line is murderous scum. So Peter determines to marry again even though he still hates women because of how his first wife behaved. Overly convoluted circumstances lead to his marrying one of the Ffolliots sisters. Because Phoebe is already promised, he ends up unknowingly marrying her twin sister Penny.... who is blind. Somehow she is able to fool people all the time that she isn't blind (time to exercise suspension of disbelief. I don't think the author did much research into it). She sets him right as soon as they get to his place, but he's a complete ass about it. Luckily he improves soon after. But he is so distrustful of getting close to a woman again that a good part of the book is taken up with him playing hot and cold with his new bride. He realizes he is doing it, but can't seem to stop himself. Rinse and repeat until his heir and ex-mistress start their evil plotting.
You may be wondering why I gave it 3 stars and not less. Well I really did like Penny and I liked the way Peter quickly learns from his mistaken assumptions of her. It was sweet and I really felt he cared. The ending was.... well, unnecessary. Not sure why the author felt she needed to make that leap. .
July 31, 2013
I like this better than some people. I agree with those who found it disconcerting that Peter kept calling Penelope "little one". He spoke affectionately but like she was a child not an adult. It was weird having him refer to her that way and then make love to her. Darling or sweetums would have been more appropriate.
What I really liked about this book was that even though there was a good deal of misunderstandings, Peter was honest with himself about his feelings and about his behavior. He apologized when necessary, he thought about his behavior and how it affected others, especially Penelope. This was so refreshing. It proves that conflict does not have to be fabricated within a story, life has enough conflict without the necessity of adding it.
I was on the edge of my seat during the climax. There were strong, interesting secondary characters. I really liked both Peter and Penelope.
What I really liked about this book was that even though there was a good deal of misunderstandings, Peter was honest with himself about his feelings and about his behavior. He apologized when necessary, he thought about his behavior and how it affected others, especially Penelope. This was so refreshing. It proves that conflict does not have to be fabricated within a story, life has enough conflict without the necessity of adding it.
I was on the edge of my seat during the climax. There were strong, interesting secondary characters. I really liked both Peter and Penelope.
July 2, 2012
The Unexpected Bride is the first book I've read by Ms. Elizabeth Rolls. Overall, it was enjoyable. There was a bit of a which-sister to the plot (the heroine Penelope has a twin sister, Phoebe), with a bit of arranged marriage (the Earl of Darleston, Peter, offers marriage in exchange for forgiving their brother's gambling debts), a few secrets which thankfully don't take over the plot, and a little bit of making an arranged marriage into a real one.
There was a good deal of back-and-forth as Peter fights his own feelings for quite some time and Penelope in her naivete doesn't know how to proceed, but overall the story picks up and ends well.
Will certainly try Ms. Rolls' other stories.
There was a good deal of back-and-forth as Peter fights his own feelings for quite some time and Penelope in her naivete doesn't know how to proceed, but overall the story picks up and ends well.
Will certainly try Ms. Rolls' other stories.
July 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the character, especially the sisters, the emotions, the situations and closeness of the friendships. There were parts that made me lol and smile to myself for the mischief caused and mayhem. I liked the characteristics of the female lead and the innate goodness and confusion of the male lead. I would enjoy reading this book again, and if I owned it, it would stay on the shelf. This would be good for a cuddle-up relaxing read. The last chapters were page-turning, and the HEA was a great. I can't really think of anything bad to say about it. The bad guys were completely vile and deserve whatever they got. The dog was a great plus. Enjoy! Way to go girls! Keep up guys. :)
August 11, 2010
EDITED: Re-Read August 2010 -- I still agree with the below review and rating, only this time I was really put off by the enormous amount of exclamation points lol
What other secrets was his bride hiding?
Did family honor really dictate that he marry the first eligible girl who could make intelligent conversation? The Earl of Darleston certainly hoped not, but there was no denying that he needed a bride. And Miss Phoebe Ffolliot seemed the ideal candidate for a marriage in name only.
Or so he thought. Until his bride brought a wolfhound to the wedding and the learned that he hadn’t married Phoebe, but her twin, Penelope. But when Penelope revealed the reason behind the charade, Darleston knew his “unexpected bride” deserved nothing less than his whole heart. Could he now turn a paper marriage into wedding bliss?
If you've read any other books by Elizabeth Rolls, you'll recognize a lot of elements of this book. First, there's the bitter mistress plotting with some evil somebody to do harm to our Heroine. You've also got her typical Hero who just refuses to admit that he's falling for his wife. And then there's the bit about the horse at the end which reminded me a lot of the climax of His Lady Mistress...
That said though, I was quite pleased with our Heroine, Penny. She wasn't nearly as much of a doormat as some of ER's other heroines which was quite refreshing. While I was a bit surprised by a physical condition of hers (that I'm going to make you read to discover -- bad me!), I was also thrilled to see that it didn't make her weak as it might have any other character.
One thing that bothered me though was that during the first three chapters, our Hero had an active sexual relationship with another woman. Now, I realize that part of the fun of those Reformed-Rake stories is that the Hero previously was a man-slut.. However, I don't particularly want to read about it in the present tense, no matter how hard the author tries to allude to it without going into an actual "love scene"...
Having his mistress (who is, of course, not our Heroine) change into a very revealing night robe and him remove his cravat and start kissing her on the sofa before they fade to black and then have the narrative comment the next morning about how late he got home? Yeah. Not my thing.
I actually cringed to hear the mistresses' POV about how our hero was "distant while making love" or somesuch nonsense. Blech. I would have been much happier had ER left that out, and merely given us the history as she did in The Dutiful Rake which of course had a similar bitter-mistress-turned-villainess plot (though I actually LIKED the villainess in TDR lol) At least in TDR, when the Hero was still macking it with his mistress, he hadn't yet met our Heroine..
Don't get me wrong -- he's not cheating on Penny. In fact, they'd only met once (maybe twice by this point?), and it's not as though they'd started to express any interest in each other except for the casual social chatter you would expect from passing acquaintances.
The ending left me a bit... I don't know.. "Not Surprised" I guess... I don't want to spoil it completely but let's just say that I had a sneaking suspicion all along that things would end up exactly the way they did. You'll see what I'm talking about if you read it :)
Overall I did enjoy it. I still prefer His Lady Mistress, though it was pretty equal to the other ER works that I've read.
While all of ER's books seem to have similar plot elements and tend to be a bit formulaic, it's the needless angst brought about by lack of communication and even self-loathing and insecurity that make me keep reading anyway. This book had the formula, but not as much of the angst.
For many readers, however, that will actually be a positive point. Had I not read her other works, I think I might have enjoyed it a bit more because of this. The simple fact that I recognized similar plot elements from her other books did detract from the story a bit, which is why it got a lower score than some of her other books that I've rated. If I work to put those similarities out of my mind, then the book really does become more enjoyable (starting with Chapter 4, for reasons I mentioned above ;)).
Overall a nice summer read, despite the fact it's December ;)
What other secrets was his bride hiding?
Did family honor really dictate that he marry the first eligible girl who could make intelligent conversation? The Earl of Darleston certainly hoped not, but there was no denying that he needed a bride. And Miss Phoebe Ffolliot seemed the ideal candidate for a marriage in name only.
Or so he thought. Until his bride brought a wolfhound to the wedding and the learned that he hadn’t married Phoebe, but her twin, Penelope. But when Penelope revealed the reason behind the charade, Darleston knew his “unexpected bride” deserved nothing less than his whole heart. Could he now turn a paper marriage into wedding bliss?
If you've read any other books by Elizabeth Rolls, you'll recognize a lot of elements of this book. First, there's the bitter mistress plotting with some evil somebody to do harm to our Heroine. You've also got her typical Hero who just refuses to admit that he's falling for his wife. And then there's the bit about the horse at the end which reminded me a lot of the climax of His Lady Mistress...
That said though, I was quite pleased with our Heroine, Penny. She wasn't nearly as much of a doormat as some of ER's other heroines which was quite refreshing. While I was a bit surprised by a physical condition of hers (that I'm going to make you read to discover -- bad me!), I was also thrilled to see that it didn't make her weak as it might have any other character.
One thing that bothered me though was that during the first three chapters, our Hero had an active sexual relationship with another woman. Now, I realize that part of the fun of those Reformed-Rake stories is that the Hero previously was a man-slut.. However, I don't particularly want to read about it in the present tense, no matter how hard the author tries to allude to it without going into an actual "love scene"...
Having his mistress (who is, of course, not our Heroine) change into a very revealing night robe and him remove his cravat and start kissing her on the sofa before they fade to black and then have the narrative comment the next morning about how late he got home? Yeah. Not my thing.
I actually cringed to hear the mistresses' POV about how our hero was "distant while making love" or somesuch nonsense. Blech. I would have been much happier had ER left that out, and merely given us the history as she did in The Dutiful Rake which of course had a similar bitter-mistress-turned-villainess plot (though I actually LIKED the villainess in TDR lol) At least in TDR, when the Hero was still macking it with his mistress, he hadn't yet met our Heroine..
Don't get me wrong -- he's not cheating on Penny. In fact, they'd only met once (maybe twice by this point?), and it's not as though they'd started to express any interest in each other except for the casual social chatter you would expect from passing acquaintances.
The ending left me a bit... I don't know.. "Not Surprised" I guess... I don't want to spoil it completely but let's just say that I had a sneaking suspicion all along that things would end up exactly the way they did. You'll see what I'm talking about if you read it :)
Overall I did enjoy it. I still prefer His Lady Mistress, though it was pretty equal to the other ER works that I've read.
While all of ER's books seem to have similar plot elements and tend to be a bit formulaic, it's the needless angst brought about by lack of communication and even self-loathing and insecurity that make me keep reading anyway. This book had the formula, but not as much of the angst.
For many readers, however, that will actually be a positive point. Had I not read her other works, I think I might have enjoyed it a bit more because of this. The simple fact that I recognized similar plot elements from her other books did detract from the story a bit, which is why it got a lower score than some of her other books that I've rated. If I work to put those similarities out of my mind, then the book really does become more enjoyable (starting with Chapter 4, for reasons I mentioned above ;)).
Overall a nice summer read, despite the fact it's December ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2014
I loved the whole book, the plot and it's overall story, but I hated the ending. Because the rest of the book was so good, I can't in my right mind give it a bad rating, but I hate how it "fixed" her blindness rather than just allowing her to conquer it. Normal people, like me, don't just get hit on the side of the head, and 'Presto' their fine. Being disabled is about learning to deal with the problems caused by the disability, which she did, and overcoming it. So, I think that the ending wasn't very realistic , but all in all, the book was very captivating and was well written.
did-not-finish
September 1, 2011I liked the heroine. The hero acted like such an idiot that I wanted to thump him over the head. He was such a "dog in the manger". He didn't want the heroine to get close to him, but he didn't want her to be friendly to anyone else, either. And then he blames her for his frustration! It got so irritating that I finally quit reading.
Also, he kept calling her a "silly child" as a term of endearment. I found that a little creepy.
Also, he kept calling her a "silly child" as a term of endearment. I found that a little creepy.
July 28, 2013
Just did not like this book. The story was pretty good but other than that nothing really stood out. I did not like the author's style writing. It seemed like she would write out every little detail like she was happy then she smiled. Really? Usually, you know she is happy from a smile. Maybe it was because it was written in third person I don't know just wont be reading more by this author. Which is a bummer because I did like the story.
April 19, 2016
2.5 stars
January 20, 2020
2.5 rating***
This! Book! Has! So! Many! Explanation! Marks!!!!
I just had to get that off my chest! It was the first thing that annoyed me! I keep on reading the sentences with the characters speaking very loudly or shouting! Alright, I’m taking this a bit too far. Anyways, that is a little grievance of mine with the book.
I didn’t put on the spoiler alert, but I will speak about the plot and the story a bit so you are warned:
The book is sweet. It has a great plot idea. Also, the characters are honest and upfront very early on which was surprising. The plot of the story of based on their resistance on falling in love. This honestly takes a bit too long. I can’t help but be frustrated at the male lead. Yes, he is a gentleman. Yes, I understand why he tries to resist her as much as her does. But he got on my nerves sometimes. I just wanted to strangle him for his stupidity.
He thought about having sex with his wife a lot. If he was ever alone with Penny, his mind always went to seeing her naked and sleeping with her. Heaven forbid you spend time with a woman and you don’t feel the need to sleep with her. And this was why he was resisting her - sleeping with her is some gateway to falling in love with her or something. At least he never cheated I suppose.
The author is consistent with how she writes the speak in the old style of speaking. Honestly, I would have never been able to survive living in a time like that. Saying one simple thing takes so long! Haha!
Overall, the book is good. If it were tweaked and edited differently then I’d give it a better rating. I’d recommend it as a read to fill those quiet times when you don’t have much to read but you’re looking for something romantic.
This! Book! Has! So! Many! Explanation! Marks!!!!
I just had to get that off my chest! It was the first thing that annoyed me! I keep on reading the sentences with the characters speaking very loudly or shouting! Alright, I’m taking this a bit too far. Anyways, that is a little grievance of mine with the book.
I didn’t put on the spoiler alert, but I will speak about the plot and the story a bit so you are warned:
The book is sweet. It has a great plot idea. Also, the characters are honest and upfront very early on which was surprising. The plot of the story of based on their resistance on falling in love. This honestly takes a bit too long. I can’t help but be frustrated at the male lead. Yes, he is a gentleman. Yes, I understand why he tries to resist her as much as her does. But he got on my nerves sometimes. I just wanted to strangle him for his stupidity.
He thought about having sex with his wife a lot. If he was ever alone with Penny, his mind always went to seeing her naked and sleeping with her. Heaven forbid you spend time with a woman and you don’t feel the need to sleep with her. And this was why he was resisting her - sleeping with her is some gateway to falling in love with her or something. At least he never cheated I suppose.
The author is consistent with how she writes the speak in the old style of speaking. Honestly, I would have never been able to survive living in a time like that. Saying one simple thing takes so long! Haha!
Overall, the book is good. If it were tweaked and edited differently then I’d give it a better rating. I’d recommend it as a read to fill those quiet times when you don’t have much to read but you’re looking for something romantic.
November 15, 2020
I downloaded this from Overdrive to my Kindle, not knowing until I finished it that it is a Harlequin romance. That explains a lot about the quality of the story. It is poorly written with trite expressions, silly flowery language, and a groan-worthy ending.
There was promise in a slightly new version of the old trope involving a man being tricked by the presence of identical twin women, but the author did not manage to write anything unique after all.
As in all romance novels, there are misunderstandings and hiding of feelings that lead to constant estrangements between the two parties. This is a very tiresome device and I admire any writer that goes against the grain and writes a different story.
This book did serve as filler while I wait for library holds on physical books.
There was promise in a slightly new version of the old trope involving a man being tricked by the presence of identical twin women, but the author did not manage to write anything unique after all.
As in all romance novels, there are misunderstandings and hiding of feelings that lead to constant estrangements between the two parties. This is a very tiresome device and I admire any writer that goes against the grain and writes a different story.
This book did serve as filler while I wait for library holds on physical books.
February 12, 2020
Hmmm, reread this in one evening. Good characters but quite ridiculous in a good, fun way. over the top but acknowledges it? Also, there's a 12 year who acts like a 25 year old and a 20 year old who acts like a 10 year old so, good luck.
i'm giving it a 3/5 but that's specifically on my romance book rating, so is different than a 3/5 for a non-romance. what i'm trying to say is i'll probably read it again if i have enough white wine or start feeling some type of way
i'm giving it a 3/5 but that's specifically on my romance book rating, so is different than a 3/5 for a non-romance. what i'm trying to say is i'll probably read it again if i have enough white wine or start feeling some type of way
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2018
This was a well written traditional Regency. The hero was flawed with a bitter past and he has a marriage of convenience to young girl who is also blind due to an accident. The story had a villain and a number of misunderstandings and problems before the happy ending. I liked the character of Penelope and how strongly she was able to defend herself every time her husband acted like an idiot.
December 1, 2021
Love this book
I simply love this book I really wish it was a series or at least had a sequel to let us know what became of penny and Peter and the reunion of the sisters and there mama now that penny can see again and I’d love to hear how young Sarah finds her true love as well as if there mama finds love again
I simply love this book I really wish it was a series or at least had a sequel to let us know what became of penny and Peter and the reunion of the sisters and there mama now that penny can see again and I’d love to hear how young Sarah finds her true love as well as if there mama finds love again
January 31, 2018
A Fun and Entertaining read, though with a few editing issues and one or two present day phrases that mangled the Timeline a bit but not a major flaw that would have created a Time Warp. Still a Good read.
October 3, 2020
Love this story
I have probably read this book over five times and I just love it. The characters and storyline are exciting and fun. I love this love story to watch them find their story.
I have probably read this book over five times and I just love it. The characters and storyline are exciting and fun. I love this love story to watch them find their story.
April 19, 2025
Liked this story, h is blind, clever and pragmatic. The H needs an heir so pays off his mistress to marry the h. Of course the ex mistress deccides to hurt the h, but lots of people save her. Good read.
July 12, 2021
This story was cute, but the writing was not top notch. If you're looking for fantastic writing, this isn't the book. If you're looking for a cute love story, then read it.
June 24, 2023
It's ok. Predictable plot with ok characters. The dog Gelert truly steals the show. This works great for challenges.
Recommended : meh 😐
Recommended : meh 😐
October 21, 2024
An enjoyable Regency romance with misunderstandings and villains.
October 20, 2017
This is a very average Regency Romance. That said, it was also pretty fun, being sweet and fluffy. The heroine has an Irish wolfhound, which is so cool, because I have one too and I love her to pieces. The heroine is blind, and her marriage to the hero is kind of a mess. The whole thing is one big cliché, but sometimes you just want to read something average and fluffy.
Warning, there are some marginal love scenes which occur between the married protagonists.
Warning, there are some marginal love scenes which occur between the married protagonists.
September 8, 2015
An enjoyable read once you get to the actual wedding. Unfortunately for the first while it's rather boring as everything is set up. I think everything could've been accomplished in less words, as it was heavy on description. But, like I said it's enjoyable after the actual wedding. Darlestion is a bit of jerk at first, but it's explainable and he does own up to it.
My biggest complaint
But, despite that it was still an okay read.
July 26, 2016
Elizabeth Rolls always puts down exactly what I want to read. Penelope may be one of my favorite characters. Slowed down by her loss of sight, she's as sharp as ever, facing all her issues head on. So when her brother loses an enormous amount to the Earl of Darleson, she helps the family by marrying him. She liked him enormously when she met him, but he isn't aware of her vision.
But when her heart opens to him and she shows him her strength, it wont be long before he's under her spell and so in love he can't see straight.
But when her heart opens to him and she shows him her strength, it wont be long before he's under her spell and so in love he can't see straight.
January 20, 2017
Several things annoyed me about this book. One was the introduction of characters, which I thought were too many at once. In the beginning of the book I could not keep the characters straight. My second complaint is that I felt the author threw in big words, which I thought distracted from the story line. Conversations seemed disjointed. The last thing which I did not like was the fact the heroine just suddenly got her eyesight back at the end of the book. That was unbelievable to me and didn't add anything to the story.
I did enjoy the love story between the hero and heroine.
I did enjoy the love story between the hero and heroine.
November 12, 2021
The first time I read this book I gave it 4 stars. I have decided that was generous. The story itself is fine, however, the characters are off. The leading man is sooo all over the place and emotionally blah. The leading female was very modern for the time, which I did enjoy. However, she was blind from an accident and then gets another head injury and the result is renewed vision... Give.Me.A.Break.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2010
i am a devote fan of elizabeth rolls and this book didn't disappoint in fact i liked it a lot pheobe and penelope are twins and when the earl falls for one without knowing which one... this is really confusing to explain but anyway the earl marries the the wrong twin who is really the right twin and... the book is really good
April 7, 2011
I really enjoyed Elizabeth Rolls' books. She always manages to write an entertaining Regency Romance that has a little angst, a little humor and a good story. This one wasn't as strong as the last two I've read by her, but I enjoyed it nonetheless!
July 3, 2011
I didn't care for the writing style; I found this book to be frustrating and almost gave up a couple of times. While the plot for the book was interesting, it quickly turned predictable and therefore a possibly entertaining story idea became lost.
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