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The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square #2
The Long Return
My only true love is gone. I only wish he knew how much I loved him.Arabella Marchmont was destroyed when she found out that Jacob died in the war. It was her fault he was there in the first place. She just couldn’t take him seriously when he proposed, and before she could rectify her mistake he was already gone. The agonizing wait for him to return began, but tragedy struck leaving Arabella to only wonder what could have been.Jacob was gone from this world, and life had to move on.A long time later, when the Earl of Winchester proposes, everyone understood that it was time, finally even Arabella. A simple life, free of heartache, might be just all that she could hope for.But just as she starts to set her mind to the marriage, a familiar face limps back to Grosvenor Square. Shockingly, her Jacob has returned, but is he even the same Jacob that left all that time ago?Could he ever even be the same Jacob that proposed to her? And even if he could be, was he already too late?The Long Return is the second book in the series, The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square. Welcome to the exciting world of Regency London!
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
445 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Rose Pearson
189 books1,013 followersRose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.
She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.
She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.
On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!
She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.
She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.
On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 25, 2021
A proposal spoken in earnest but taken as a jest led Jacob to ask his father to purchase his colors to enter the war. Before Arabella could right the wrong she had done, Jacob was gone, thought to have died in the war. More than a year later, Arabella's mother forced her to accept a proposal from the Earl of Winchester only for Arabella to learn that Jacob was, indeed, still alive.
I will admit that I absolutely, totally detested Arabella's mother! Such a controlling, manipulative .... busybody! She was very harsh with Arabella in every way, from what the girl ate to what she wore and to whom she should or should not marry. She controlled every aspect of Arabella's life, and not in a good way.
But Arabella had a backbone and, although she had just misplaced it in her grief of having supposedly lost Jacob. But when he returns from war, a little damaged but still the man she had loved, she managed to find it again. And boy, did she find it in spades!
There was always chemistry between the two main characters, even though at times it was overlooked by one or the other.
There was loads of drama and angst, a small bit of humor, and a subtle passion in this story. The author chose a great villain(ness) too, one that was a bit unexpected if the reader wasn't paying too close attention, but not really a great surprise either.
I loved the way the author chose to bring the story to a close. It was, for want of a better word, appropriate. I will leave the next reader to figure it out though. ;) That being said, this book definitely earned its spot amongst the Keeper for the Shelves books.
I will admit that I absolutely, totally detested Arabella's mother! Such a controlling, manipulative .... busybody! She was very harsh with Arabella in every way, from what the girl ate to what she wore and to whom she should or should not marry. She controlled every aspect of Arabella's life, and not in a good way.
But Arabella had a backbone and, although she had just misplaced it in her grief of having supposedly lost Jacob. But when he returns from war, a little damaged but still the man she had loved, she managed to find it again. And boy, did she find it in spades!
There was always chemistry between the two main characters, even though at times it was overlooked by one or the other.
There was loads of drama and angst, a small bit of humor, and a subtle passion in this story. The author chose a great villain(ness) too, one that was a bit unexpected if the reader wasn't paying too close attention, but not really a great surprise either.
I loved the way the author chose to bring the story to a close. It was, for want of a better word, appropriate. I will leave the next reader to figure it out though. ;) That being said, this book definitely earned its spot amongst the Keeper for the Shelves books.
February 26, 2019
Arabella Marchmont was destroyed when she found out that Jacob died in the war. Especially as it was her fault he was there in the first place. She just couldn’t take her best friend seriously when he proposed, and before she could rectify her mistake he was already gone.
The agonizing wait for him to return began, but tragedy struck leaving Arabella to only wonder what could have been. Jacob was gone from this world, and life had to move on.
When the Earl of Winchester proposes, everyone understood that it was time, even Arabella.
But just as she starts to set her mind to the marriage, a familiar face limps back to Grosvenor Square.
Shockingly, her Jacob has returned, but is he even the same Jacob that left all that time ago.
Dilemmas, threats & a vengeful suitor all add to this page turning novel. The pace is good & the characters well fleshed. Arabella is no shrinking violet & is willing to fight for Jacob. I liked Jacob but at times wished he’d been more decisive, I felt he relied on his damaged leg a little too much & thought of himself as flawed rather than a returning soldier who had everything to live for. I felt the ending was a little rushed & bloodthirsty me wanted the villain to suffer far more!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The agonizing wait for him to return began, but tragedy struck leaving Arabella to only wonder what could have been. Jacob was gone from this world, and life had to move on.
When the Earl of Winchester proposes, everyone understood that it was time, even Arabella.
But just as she starts to set her mind to the marriage, a familiar face limps back to Grosvenor Square.
Shockingly, her Jacob has returned, but is he even the same Jacob that left all that time ago.
Dilemmas, threats & a vengeful suitor all add to this page turning novel. The pace is good & the characters well fleshed. Arabella is no shrinking violet & is willing to fight for Jacob. I liked Jacob but at times wished he’d been more decisive, I felt he relied on his damaged leg a little too much & thought of himself as flawed rather than a returning soldier who had everything to live for. I felt the ending was a little rushed & bloodthirsty me wanted the villain to suffer far more!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 7, 2020
Arabella and Jacob grew up together. The pair have a friendship based on jokes and teasing. That is Until Jacob proposes and Arabella thinks it’s all a joke not realising her friends seriousness until it’s too late
Heartbroken by Arabella’s refusal of his proposal, Jacob goes off to war.
Realising her mistake she pines after her best friend until new of his death reaches her. At which time her mother insists that as a young woman who is out in society she must find a husband. Still broken Arabella begins being courted by another, whom she’s not that keen on but powerless to say no to and whom she is forced into an engagement with.
Jacob arrives back in London to the surprise of everyone, including his family, who has all considers him gone for good.
This is where the story gets good. As Jacob and Arabella begin to realise that their feelings for one another are still very much apparent, the question becomes what will happen to her engagement and her reputation?.
The story has a brilliant bad guy who sends chills down the spine and makes you uncomfortable to read about. Mainly because he is a reflection of so much of our modern white Privileged Male culture where the expectation is they deserve the best even if they haven’t worked for it.
I really enjoyed that, Jacob, the MMC was physically weak but not emotionally so. He was open and willing to admit his own mistakes. He is self aware in a way the villain is not. I love stories where the love story exists not between two perfect people but two imperfect people as it is much more realistic.
The hardest thing about this book was that it was almost painful to see the mother figure be so manipulative and controlling. I know some people have relationships with their parents like that but it was frustrating, her I’ll admit that added to the story too.
This book is sweet, clean, romance story filed with unrequited love, heartbreak, scandal, death, disability, love, compassion, society balls, gossip, a dash of controversy and a lot of desperation. It was a good read overall. Much better than the flesh one in this series, in my opinion.
Heartbroken by Arabella’s refusal of his proposal, Jacob goes off to war.
Realising her mistake she pines after her best friend until new of his death reaches her. At which time her mother insists that as a young woman who is out in society she must find a husband. Still broken Arabella begins being courted by another, whom she’s not that keen on but powerless to say no to and whom she is forced into an engagement with.
Jacob arrives back in London to the surprise of everyone, including his family, who has all considers him gone for good.
This is where the story gets good. As Jacob and Arabella begin to realise that their feelings for one another are still very much apparent, the question becomes what will happen to her engagement and her reputation?.
The story has a brilliant bad guy who sends chills down the spine and makes you uncomfortable to read about. Mainly because he is a reflection of so much of our modern white Privileged Male culture where the expectation is they deserve the best even if they haven’t worked for it.
I really enjoyed that, Jacob, the MMC was physically weak but not emotionally so. He was open and willing to admit his own mistakes. He is self aware in a way the villain is not. I love stories where the love story exists not between two perfect people but two imperfect people as it is much more realistic.
The hardest thing about this book was that it was almost painful to see the mother figure be so manipulative and controlling. I know some people have relationships with their parents like that but it was frustrating, her I’ll admit that added to the story too.
This book is sweet, clean, romance story filed with unrequited love, heartbreak, scandal, death, disability, love, compassion, society balls, gossip, a dash of controversy and a lot of desperation. It was a good read overall. Much better than the flesh one in this series, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
This is a sweet clean romance of a second chance romance. The H/h grew up together. As adults the H found out he was in love with the h. When he proposed she thought he was jesting? He was not. He took his broken heart and joined the Army. Since then the h regretted turning him away as she too realized she was in love with him. There is so much pain and suffering in this story. When the H was declared dead, the h was devastated. Her mother insisted she marry and connected her with a wolf in sheep's clothing. When the H returned alive everyone was ecstatic. But the h's mother had already promised her to the wolf. The H thought he no longer had a chance with the h and let her go. The h did not like the wolf and broke up with him. The wolf knew that the h was in love with the H and would do anything and would stoop so low to sabotage their relationship anyway possible. The wolf made good on his threats and endangered many. But how could they fight back? A very good story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2020
Loved this second book in The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square series. In this story, Arabella and Jacob have grown up together and when Jacob proposes to Arabella, she thinks he's teasing her and doesn't take him seriously. Hurt and upset, Jacob decides to join the war effort. Arabella realizes her mistake too late and is destroyed when Jacob is presumed dead. She is being pushed by her mother to accept a marriage proposal despite the fact that she doesn't love the gentleman. When Jacob appears back from the dead, Arabella immediately wants to reconnect with him, but it is not as easy as it seems.
Loved Arabella who is a strong smart heroine. I liked Jacob, but at times he bugged me because he seemed like he was a pushover. I enjoyed the story though and appreciated the villain. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Loved Arabella who is a strong smart heroine. I liked Jacob, but at times he bugged me because he seemed like he was a pushover. I enjoyed the story though and appreciated the villain. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 1, 2022
There is nothing to indicate they care for each other
the author made no effort to actually establish a relationship between the characters so the rest of the book was useless
she vaguely paints a picture of them playing hide and seek when children and from that she must have thought it would be very clear they love each other
the whole premisse that she rejected him because he is always telling her jokes and lies makes no sense
because we see nothing of it previously
their dialogues are stiff and boring
very predictable
the author made no effort to actually establish a relationship between the characters so the rest of the book was useless
she vaguely paints a picture of them playing hide and seek when children and from that she must have thought it would be very clear they love each other
the whole premisse that she rejected him because he is always telling her jokes and lies makes no sense
because we see nothing of it previously
their dialogues are stiff and boring
very predictable
March 1, 2019
This was an enjoyable Regency romance. Arabella was a great character not at all in line with expectations for young ladies in the era. Jacob was a worthy hero. He made a snap decision while hurt and then circumstances became tragic for him. The book showed clearly how deceptive appearances can be. Lots of twists and turns and great supporting characters. A great short story with a lovely epilogue.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2019
The Long Return by Rose Pearson is a wonderful regency romance. This story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me enthralled and entertained until the end. This second chance love story of Arabella and Jacob is filled with many emotions. I enjoy the well developed characters. Some you just love and some you just love to hate. Will it all work out for this couple? Is marriage in their future? Please read this fantastic book to find out!
April 2, 2019
Tension Builder
The story started a little predictable, then the situation changed. I could feel the tension build as the hero, facing more than one challenge, struggled with the best way to solve his dilemma. True to the times, he avoided burdening the heroine, which added to the tension. Well-written characters and an interesting plot with interesting secondary characters (I'm glad her mother wasn't mine) contributed to a great read.
The story started a little predictable, then the situation changed. I could feel the tension build as the hero, facing more than one challenge, struggled with the best way to solve his dilemma. True to the times, he avoided burdening the heroine, which added to the tension. Well-written characters and an interesting plot with interesting secondary characters (I'm glad her mother wasn't mine) contributed to a great read.
May 1, 2023
This book is not very well written. The way the characters speak is unnatural like the author is trying to forcefully make them sound like from the Regency era but is overdoing it. It was very hard to read and kept spoiling the atmosphere as I kept getting shocked out of the immersion by the strange overdone wording.
October 16, 2024
Lost in Love
I can't even imagine the thought of one's true love dying in a fear of war. Arabella struggles to grow up fast and fight against her mother's determination to see her married even though she believed her Jacob was gone. This back and forth story is sure to please. Reunited, and lost no more, their hearts are completely healed.
I can't even imagine the thought of one's true love dying in a fear of war. Arabella struggles to grow up fast and fight against her mother's determination to see her married even though she believed her Jacob was gone. This back and forth story is sure to please. Reunited, and lost no more, their hearts are completely healed.
January 7, 2026
Healing after Dispare
I am so glad the parties in the story found a way to end the threats to their happiness. Madness on the part of the jilted fiancé when the mistakenly counted dead soldier returns from the war was very convincing! The commitment to love each other over time was very inspiring!!
I am so glad the parties in the story found a way to end the threats to their happiness. Madness on the part of the jilted fiancé when the mistakenly counted dead soldier returns from the war was very convincing! The commitment to love each other over time was very inspiring!!
March 1, 2019
Book two in The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square is well written and a book that held my interest. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and liked it so much I had to buy it, to read at a later time.
March 6, 2019
Loved it
Well written enjoyable love story, with many twists and turns. The heroine turns the first proposal aside with nearly dire consequences. Pushy mother insists she become engaged. The adventure begins.
Well written enjoyable love story, with many twists and turns. The heroine turns the first proposal aside with nearly dire consequences. Pushy mother insists she become engaged. The adventure begins.
March 6, 2019
A wonderful, well written, Regency novel by Rose Pearson. Misunderstandings, injuries, slights, and the ruthlessness of the TON or Mothers, can not deter true love! This second in the Returning Lords series, can be a stand alone read with an HEA and no cliffhangers.
March 20, 2019
Lovely story about a second chance romance. I appreciated how the characters really dealt with one another through honest and open communication. You weren't waiting until the last pages for them to declare their feelings. Very sweet historical romance that I enjoyed very much. Absolutely lovely.
April 2, 2019
AMAZING STORY
I really enjoyed this story of love, laughter, and sorrow. It brings to mind what we call childhood sweethearts! What war can do to families and lovers! But care and love always prevails!
I really enjoyed this story of love, laughter, and sorrow. It brings to mind what we call childhood sweethearts! What war can do to families and lovers! But care and love always prevails!
May 27, 2020
Best childhood friends. A proposal gone wrong. Life continuing on after death only for the dead to return. Can the past be rewritten? There were amazing characters and quite the engaging storyline. It most definitely pulled at my heartstrings.
August 14, 2021
Clean romance
A sweet story of love that has a hard time of being realized due to human error, fate and human pride.
Well developed plot and characters kept me reading as they scale the various obstacles they face.
I recommend the series and the author.
A sweet story of love that has a hard time of being realized due to human error, fate and human pride.
Well developed plot and characters kept me reading as they scale the various obstacles they face.
I recommend the series and the author.
August 1, 2022
truth and courage with love
Arabella and Jacob made the perfect couple from childhood and forever. The struggles seemed real but they overcame the challenges. A short but delightful read.
Arabella and Jacob made the perfect couple from childhood and forever. The struggles seemed real but they overcame the challenges. A short but delightful read.
October 10, 2022
The Long Return
Rose surely had a lot of tough situations for Arabella and Jacob to work through. At times I was a little anxious for them. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance.
Rose surely had a lot of tough situations for Arabella and Jacob to work through. At times I was a little anxious for them. I recommend this book to all lovers of romance.
March 6, 2023
Love overcomes evil.
The H and h were made for each other. The H wasn’t as brave as the h due to the agony of war and his limp occurring during the war. They were able to overcome the evil Earl and find happiness.
The H and h were made for each other. The H wasn’t as brave as the h due to the agony of war and his limp occurring during the war. They were able to overcome the evil Earl and find happiness.
May 14, 2024
Wonderful
I always enjoy a friends to more romance. Arabella and Jacob, having more than their share of hurdles to overcome, have an unbreakable b9nd forged in childhood. Definitely worth reading.
I always enjoy a friends to more romance. Arabella and Jacob, having more than their share of hurdles to overcome, have an unbreakable b9nd forged in childhood. Definitely worth reading.
December 16, 2024
Enjoyable (mostly) read
I enjoyed Arabella and Jacob's story but for a while there he made me so mad! But in the end love prevailed and the villain received his comeuppance by 'falling into the hole he dug for others'. The ending is very sweet. Enjoy!
I enjoyed Arabella and Jacob's story but for a while there he made me so mad! But in the end love prevailed and the villain received his comeuppance by 'falling into the hole he dug for others'. The ending is very sweet. Enjoy!
March 2, 2019
The Long Return
A fascinating blend of anger, grief, love and pain b?ended together. Naturally there is a villain to stir up trouble until he meets his match.
A fascinating blend of anger, grief, love and pain b?ended together. Naturally there is a villain to stir up trouble until he meets his match.
March 10, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
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April 18, 2020Couldn't wrap my mind around this one .
August 8, 2020
Great love story
Sometimes true love takes a lot of trials and tribulations. The war is hard on so many and jealousy hurts.
Sometimes true love takes a lot of trials and tribulations. The war is hard on so many and jealousy hurts.
September 30, 2020
Very good
This is a well written romance. The author brought the characters to life. The storyline was quite good. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is a well written romance. The author brought the characters to life. The storyline was quite good. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 14, 2024
The truth be known
This was an ok Recency romance. I thought it was a bit naive and childish. I did finish it, but sorry to say i didn't enjoyed it much.
This was an ok Recency romance. I thought it was a bit naive and childish. I did finish it, but sorry to say i didn't enjoyed it much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews