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Game of Dukes #3
Regarding the Duke
She married him for love. He married her for money. Can a marriage that started with lies turn into a ravishing love story for all time?
For the eight years of their marriage, sweet, innocent Gabriella Garrity has adored her powerful and darkly handsome husband Adam, whose moneylending empire has earned him the moniker of Duke of the City. Her domestic bliss is shattered when Adam suffers a traumatic accident. Although his life is saved, he loses his memory. Gabby dedicates herself to nursing him back to health…until devastating revelations destroy her illusions about their marriage.
From the moment he met lovely redheaded Gabriella, Adam knew that she would make him the perfect wife. Guileless, biddable, and sweetly unaware of her own charms, she also holds the key to his secret plot for vengeance. A self-made man who rose from the darkest streets of London, he values control above all and will stop at nothing to gain his justice—until an accident robs him of his memory. As he fights to remember his past, he comes to a stunning whoever he is, he is passionately in love with his own wife.
One by one, dark secrets emerge from Adam’s past as well as Gabby’s. The lovers struggle to steer a relationship gone off course…only to discover steamy marital adventures they never expected to find. All the while, a deadly villain lies in wait. Will husband and wife find the courage to trust one another and their love—before time runs out?
Find out in this scorching, long-awaited love story featuring anti-hero Adam Garrity and his beloved Gabby!
Full-length novel
Heat This is a hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes.
Regarding the Duke is the 3rd book in the Game of Dukes series, which features hot, sexy romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and intriguing mystery and adventure. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and is also part of a series. The chronological order for Grace's series follows
Game of Dukes series (hot Victorian romance):
Book 1: The Duke Identity (Harry &Tessa)
Book 2: Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie)
Book 3: Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby, Preorder now!)
For the eight years of their marriage, sweet, innocent Gabriella Garrity has adored her powerful and darkly handsome husband Adam, whose moneylending empire has earned him the moniker of Duke of the City. Her domestic bliss is shattered when Adam suffers a traumatic accident. Although his life is saved, he loses his memory. Gabby dedicates herself to nursing him back to health…until devastating revelations destroy her illusions about their marriage.
From the moment he met lovely redheaded Gabriella, Adam knew that she would make him the perfect wife. Guileless, biddable, and sweetly unaware of her own charms, she also holds the key to his secret plot for vengeance. A self-made man who rose from the darkest streets of London, he values control above all and will stop at nothing to gain his justice—until an accident robs him of his memory. As he fights to remember his past, he comes to a stunning whoever he is, he is passionately in love with his own wife.
One by one, dark secrets emerge from Adam’s past as well as Gabby’s. The lovers struggle to steer a relationship gone off course…only to discover steamy marital adventures they never expected to find. All the while, a deadly villain lies in wait. Will husband and wife find the courage to trust one another and their love—before time runs out?
Find out in this scorching, long-awaited love story featuring anti-hero Adam Garrity and his beloved Gabby!
Full-length novel
Heat This is a hot historical romance with sizzling love scenes.
Regarding the Duke is the 3rd book in the Game of Dukes series, which features hot, sexy romance, fun and feel-good happily ever afters, and intriguing mystery and adventure. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel and is also part of a series. The chronological order for Grace's series follows
Game of Dukes series (hot Victorian romance):
Book 1: The Duke Identity (Harry &Tessa)
Book 2: Enter the Duke (Ransom & Maggie)
Book 3: Regarding the Duke (Garrity & Gabby, Preorder now!)
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2019
524 people are currently reading
1800 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
51 books1,083 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
May 31, 2019
Gabriella Garrity is in an “adequate marriage”. She has been married to a handsome and wealthy man for the last eight years. She cannot complain about her lot in life. She has a husband that treats her okay and two beautiful children. She has anything she could possibly want materially, but not love and passion.
Adam Garrity escaped a horrific childhood and became a successful and well-respected man. He sees Gabriella as the perfect wife. She is attractive, biddable and nice. He goes through the motions of how he believes a “gentleman” should treat his wife. Then he gets clubbed on the head and gets some sense knocked into him.
Yes, it is an amnesia story. I have read them before too and they can be a little unrealistic ,but this one was sweet. Adam’s transformation was wonderful to witness and he absolutely wooed his wife. You actually cheered for this couple and their HEA.
The author is an excellent story teller and pulled me into the story. As I mentioned before I have read numerous amnesia stories but somehow this story was still fresh and interesting. Overall a great romance.
Adam Garrity escaped a horrific childhood and became a successful and well-respected man. He sees Gabriella as the perfect wife. She is attractive, biddable and nice. He goes through the motions of how he believes a “gentleman” should treat his wife. Then he gets clubbed on the head and gets some sense knocked into him.
Yes, it is an amnesia story. I have read them before too and they can be a little unrealistic ,but this one was sweet. Adam’s transformation was wonderful to witness and he absolutely wooed his wife. You actually cheered for this couple and their HEA.
The author is an excellent story teller and pulled me into the story. As I mentioned before I have read numerous amnesia stories but somehow this story was still fresh and interesting. Overall a great romance.
February 27, 2022
“You say my journey has been harrowing, but I regret none of it since it brought me to you. You are my reward, and loving you is my true purpose, what gives my life meaning. My heart is yours until it stops beating and beyond.” Gabriella Billings had been married to Adam Garrity for eight years. What Adam expected of their union had been made clear to her when he made an offer, and Gabriella never dared ask for more. She loved her enigmatic and invincible husband and although he did not feel the same romantic affection for her, their marriage had been enough. He was a good husband and father, and Gabriella had felt safe. But everything changes when Adam loses his memories. The husband that Gabriella knew and adored is nowhere to be found; who was once a controlled man became someone who paid her sweet compliments and actually wanted their marriage to be more than what it was…but as they form a stronger bond, secrets from Adam’s past emerge and threatens to ruin the life they’ve built together and everything Gabriella had thought to be true about their marriage.
Regarding the Duke is the third book from Grace Callaway’s historical romance series, Game of Dukes. This one tells the story of Gabriella Billings and Adam Garrity. This is my first Grace Callaway book. I was initially planning on reading ‘The Duke who Knew too much’ because I already had it on my kindle (it’s a free one, thanks to Emtee’s review last year) But I was drawn to this book instead because of the blurb. A self-made man is always a favorite! And this set-up seemed unique (although I’m not sure, you be the judge. I’ve only read a handful of HRs). A couple who had been married for eight years and amnesia? Yes, sign me up! Sounds like the perfect read for a well balanced romance and angst. And of course, I was interested because of the ‘revenge’ premise. And as I’ve said in my recent update, this author did not shy away from writing very explicit scenes!
Meet Gabriella Billings: Gabriella’s father is a wealthy banker. Even as a young girl, she had been eager to please people, especially her father. She was a wallflower who got snubbed even at her own party. She was shy and insecure. When she’s nervous, she tends to chatter incessantly which doesn’t help her case. Her father wanted her to make an aristocratic match but she ended up marrying the handsome and wealthy moneylender, Adam Garrity.
Meet Adam Garrity: From the prologue, I’m quite sure his actual name is Anthony Hale. But for the whole book, he was, of course, referred to as Adam Garrity. For six years, he lived in Italy and had been raised by his mother, Seraphina Hale. But when she got sick and was on the verge of dying, she told Adam the truth about his father who left them to fend for themselves. When he reached the English shores, he was deceived by a couple and was instead made to work as a climbing boy. The rest is history. Now, he is a powerful man who can finally exact the revenge that he’d been waiting for ever since he met his sire.
When Gabriella had been snubbed and made fun of at her own party, she sought a breath of fresh air in the courtyard of their country estate. That same afternoon, she made the acquaintance of Adam Garrity who followed her into the courtyard that night, it seemed. Although puzzled that he cared enough to ask of her state and to listen to her thoughts, she was instantly mesmerized with the man who offered to champion and defend her. When he made an offer for her, she was eager to accept because she loved him by that time. But there was a catch: he didn’t believe in any romantic notions and he made clear what he wanted in a wife and in his marriage. Although initially taken aback, Gabriella still accepted Adam’s offer when he said that although he’s not a romantic sort of man, he believed that affection is a desirable quality in marriage. And eight years later, they were married and had two children. Gabriella was content in her marriage with Adam. He was a generous provider, he was a good husband and father, and he made her feel loved in his own way. But when he suffered from a traumatic incident, all of Adam’s memories were erased and he had no idea about who he was or the man he had been. There is only one thing Adam was sure of, he had been an ass back then, and he planned to rectify the situation. This time around, he wanted a marriage with love, for he had been endeared with his sweet wife from the moment he woke up. As they try to make their union be something more than it had been before, hints and secrets about Adam’s past appear one by one…and Gabriella fears that she may not have truly known the husband she loved and built a life with for eight years.
I really loved the heroine! I think it is no surprise though. I always enjoy sweet heroines and she was exactly that. Although she was a little naive, she was adorable. I loved how she was a solid heroine. This is the type of heroine that I love reading about. She is devoted to her husband and for that, I was eager to see how she’d get her happily ever after. She was full of love; that was her strength. She loved people and when she loved someone, she loved them dearly. I find it really cute! I think she’s realistic in a way. She’s insecure, she experiences so much anxiety about her life (me too girl), and eager to please the people she loves. Many might find that annoying, but I honestly loved her more for it. She was practically an open book and did not hesitate letting the people she loved know how she feels about them. I think she’s relatable in many ways. She’s a romantic at heart. She wanted to marry a man who loved her and build a life with him. And although she ended up marrying someone who didn’t believe in the notion of love, she appreciates what he could give her and the ways he showed his affection. She had such steadfast devotion to Adam. Makes for a good heroine, don’t you think so too? Although she had insecurities and was painfully shy, she tried her best to be a good wife. To make Adam proud. She even mentioned how the only thing she was good at was being Mrs. Garrity. She self-deprecates a lot. Perhaps it is annoying at times but her insecurities were valid and we all have something we’re insecure over so it’s understandable. I loved how as the chapters went on, she grew a bit more confident! I adored her as she was but of course, gaining confidence isn’t a bad thing. Also, this is one heroine who matches the hero’s deepest darkest desires when it comes to their marital bed. She was as wild as Adam was. Anyway, read the book to see if you’d like her as I did. I always say this but I can’t pinpoint exactly why I come to love certain characters, I just do.
I’ve read so much about “Anti-heroes” lately. Adam was different in a way that he was a moneylender (They’re always gambling hell owners, I’m not tired of that trope but this is refreshing, Ha) But like most, he is driven by his desire for revenge. He had been fucked over by his first wife and was left dealing with the guilt of her death. His childhood was traumatic. He had experienced many things that shaped him into the man that he is now. He was also on the older side. He was thirty-five when the book started and was forty-three by the time he and Gabriella were married for eight years. He was not a cold man during the marriage. He treated his wife well and spoiled his children. But as he once learned from his cold-hearted father, “A powerful man isn’t blinded by sentiment.” And so, he applied that to every aspect of his life. He lived and imposed a routine in his life. One example is his schedule of only bedding his wife every wednesday. Although he shared a glimpse of his past with Gabby before they got married, he never talked about it again. In a way, he is a mystery even to his own family. He had made a life for himself, built an empire, took a wife and fathered two children. His life is good. He worked for it. And yet, it is not enough. He wanted revenge on his father. He had been so blinded by his desire for retribution that he failed to appreciate the life he had and the wife who loved him. His temporary amnesia definitely remedied that. Since he has no memories of who he was, it’s like starting anew. He was definitely a better husband to Gabby and appreciated what he has. Although I do think Adam loved his wife even back then…(The schedule he makes for Gabby every day because she was overwhelmed). He may not be the most vocal but I think he showed his love and care for Gabby in ways that he could and was capable of considering what he went through. I did not really hate the old Adam nor was I overly fond of the new Adam. I think I liked him no matter who he was? I seem so blindly devoted to him as Gabby was in the beginning but there you had it. From the beginning to the end. Amnesia Adam or not, he was likeable and he had his reasons for why he was the way he is. For such a tragic life, It is indeed a wonder that a man like him could be a good husband and a good father. Let’s blame it on my daddy issues but I wouldn’t mind for Adam to either be my dad or daddy.
I loved Gabriella and Adam individually so of course, I loved them as a couple. I think they were the perfect match for each other. Although Gabby is much more innocent than Adam was, she was a match for him. Their desires and kinks definitely were in agreement. At one point, I was thinking whether I was reading a historical romance or historical erotica. This one was so explicit. Adam was definitely a dominant one while Gabby liked submitting to him. I usually just skim over bed scenes when it comes to HRs (I get tired sometimes, especially when it does not add anything to the plot) but for this book, I was interested enough even in the smut scenes. I wanted to read it for the sole reason; I wanted to see how far Grace Callaway would go. I am sure she had a nice little smile while she was typing those scenes. I get so embarrassed just by thinking about it. Adam even fashioned himself as Gabby’s sultan…so funny yet so cringe…but if that’s their kink then good for them. Although this “Sultan” nickname does make some scenes funnier, especially that scene with poor Mr. Murray! If you’re looking for historical romance which is spicier than average, then I think you’d like this one or any of Grace Callaway’s books.
Although this one had many explicit scenes, the plot was decent enough and the characters are interesting. It never felt shallow. The events leading up to the ending were so stressful. Oh dear, just when Gabby thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. Secrets after secrets were revealed and I was so stressed out thinking about how Gabby would be able to trust her husband again. I was frustrated with Adam too because he could’ve just told his wife when one of his first secrets was revealed! But then again, what would a book be without a conflict? Boring. I don't know how Gabby was still able to trust Adam, I know I wouldn’t if I were in her situation. But she is a better person than I am. Wow this makes me think, I’d definitely not be a good heroine because I have such bad trust issues and I am incapable of letting things go.
Thankfully, they were able to patch things up. Although I did not like how it was resolved. Ugh, I don’t like the kidnapping trope by the villain. But then because of that kidnapping they were able to fix things and the funny moment with Mr. Murray occurred. I was also confused at first about the whole revenge plan; I just didn’t know how his marriage to Gabby benefitted Adam in that aspect but it all became clear sooner. The most unrealistic part of this book was the epilogue. Out of everything that happened, the epilogue takes the cake. It was cute and smutty but I was hoping for more….sometimes less is more? I wanted some sweet family updates but I guess that type of epilogue this book had was to be expected considering the whole story and this couple’s hunger for each other.
I really liked this one! Although I am not the biggest fan of heavy smut in general. I do love passion in books but one or two scenes are usually enough for me. I like romance books for romance and not just the physical aspects of the relationship. I want the angst, the love, the passion and yearning. I want everything to be equally balanced. Although this one had more smut than I was used to, the plot and the characters did not suffer for it. It still managed to be an enjoyable read and I do not regret reading it. I would definitely be interested to check out more of this author’s work!
Some quotes:
“She’d cried for the loss of her girlhood dreams, for her shattered heart in the present, and for the uncertainty of her future. Her sorrow had felt like a dark and bottomless well, one from which there was no escape.” (this quote really resonated with me.)
“She was his wife, and he loved her—he saw that now. Accepted it as one accepts that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If anything, he regretted that he’d not realized it sooner.”
“After Max was born, I fell into a period of doldrums. I was overwhelmed, bursting into tears over the slightest thing. Many men would have run from their wives at that point, but you didn’t.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “Do you know what you did?” He lifted his brows. “You made me a schedule.” “That’s bloody romantic, isn’t it?” he muttered. “It was. That schedule showed me that you were thinking of me, taking care of me. You were attentive to my needs even when I, myself, was not.” (This part. )
“From now on, you’ll wake up in my arms every morning,” he said. “And you’ll wake up knowing that you hold my heart. Do you hear me, Gabby?” “I hear you.” Her shining eyes clogged his throat. “And I love you.”
“From the start, his heart had known what his head had been afraid to believe. That there could be more to life than an eye for an eye…that there existed a kind of love so pure and beautiful that it would never let him down. That would give meaning to his existence, explain the suffering and pain, and conquer the chaos inside him in a way that no amount of control ever could. His wife had given him that love. In return, he’d given her duplicity.”
Regarding the Duke is the third book from Grace Callaway’s historical romance series, Game of Dukes. This one tells the story of Gabriella Billings and Adam Garrity. This is my first Grace Callaway book. I was initially planning on reading ‘The Duke who Knew too much’ because I already had it on my kindle (it’s a free one, thanks to Emtee’s review last year) But I was drawn to this book instead because of the blurb. A self-made man is always a favorite! And this set-up seemed unique (although I’m not sure, you be the judge. I’ve only read a handful of HRs). A couple who had been married for eight years and amnesia? Yes, sign me up! Sounds like the perfect read for a well balanced romance and angst. And of course, I was interested because of the ‘revenge’ premise. And as I’ve said in my recent update, this author did not shy away from writing very explicit scenes!
Meet Gabriella Billings: Gabriella’s father is a wealthy banker. Even as a young girl, she had been eager to please people, especially her father. She was a wallflower who got snubbed even at her own party. She was shy and insecure. When she’s nervous, she tends to chatter incessantly which doesn’t help her case. Her father wanted her to make an aristocratic match but she ended up marrying the handsome and wealthy moneylender, Adam Garrity.
Meet Adam Garrity: From the prologue, I’m quite sure his actual name is Anthony Hale. But for the whole book, he was, of course, referred to as Adam Garrity. For six years, he lived in Italy and had been raised by his mother, Seraphina Hale. But when she got sick and was on the verge of dying, she told Adam the truth about his father who left them to fend for themselves. When he reached the English shores, he was deceived by a couple and was instead made to work as a climbing boy. The rest is history. Now, he is a powerful man who can finally exact the revenge that he’d been waiting for ever since he met his sire.
When Gabriella had been snubbed and made fun of at her own party, she sought a breath of fresh air in the courtyard of their country estate. That same afternoon, she made the acquaintance of Adam Garrity who followed her into the courtyard that night, it seemed. Although puzzled that he cared enough to ask of her state and to listen to her thoughts, she was instantly mesmerized with the man who offered to champion and defend her. When he made an offer for her, she was eager to accept because she loved him by that time. But there was a catch: he didn’t believe in any romantic notions and he made clear what he wanted in a wife and in his marriage. Although initially taken aback, Gabriella still accepted Adam’s offer when he said that although he’s not a romantic sort of man, he believed that affection is a desirable quality in marriage. And eight years later, they were married and had two children. Gabriella was content in her marriage with Adam. He was a generous provider, he was a good husband and father, and he made her feel loved in his own way. But when he suffered from a traumatic incident, all of Adam’s memories were erased and he had no idea about who he was or the man he had been. There is only one thing Adam was sure of, he had been an ass back then, and he planned to rectify the situation. This time around, he wanted a marriage with love, for he had been endeared with his sweet wife from the moment he woke up. As they try to make their union be something more than it had been before, hints and secrets about Adam’s past appear one by one…and Gabriella fears that she may not have truly known the husband she loved and built a life with for eight years.
I really loved the heroine! I think it is no surprise though. I always enjoy sweet heroines and she was exactly that. Although she was a little naive, she was adorable. I loved how she was a solid heroine. This is the type of heroine that I love reading about. She is devoted to her husband and for that, I was eager to see how she’d get her happily ever after. She was full of love; that was her strength. She loved people and when she loved someone, she loved them dearly. I find it really cute! I think she’s realistic in a way. She’s insecure, she experiences so much anxiety about her life (me too girl), and eager to please the people she loves. Many might find that annoying, but I honestly loved her more for it. She was practically an open book and did not hesitate letting the people she loved know how she feels about them. I think she’s relatable in many ways. She’s a romantic at heart. She wanted to marry a man who loved her and build a life with him. And although she ended up marrying someone who didn’t believe in the notion of love, she appreciates what he could give her and the ways he showed his affection. She had such steadfast devotion to Adam. Makes for a good heroine, don’t you think so too? Although she had insecurities and was painfully shy, she tried her best to be a good wife. To make Adam proud. She even mentioned how the only thing she was good at was being Mrs. Garrity. She self-deprecates a lot. Perhaps it is annoying at times but her insecurities were valid and we all have something we’re insecure over so it’s understandable. I loved how as the chapters went on, she grew a bit more confident! I adored her as she was but of course, gaining confidence isn’t a bad thing. Also, this is one heroine who matches the hero’s deepest darkest desires when it comes to their marital bed. She was as wild as Adam was. Anyway, read the book to see if you’d like her as I did. I always say this but I can’t pinpoint exactly why I come to love certain characters, I just do.
I’ve read so much about “Anti-heroes” lately. Adam was different in a way that he was a moneylender (They’re always gambling hell owners, I’m not tired of that trope but this is refreshing, Ha) But like most, he is driven by his desire for revenge. He had been fucked over by his first wife and was left dealing with the guilt of her death. His childhood was traumatic. He had experienced many things that shaped him into the man that he is now. He was also on the older side. He was thirty-five when the book started and was forty-three by the time he and Gabriella were married for eight years. He was not a cold man during the marriage. He treated his wife well and spoiled his children. But as he once learned from his cold-hearted father, “A powerful man isn’t blinded by sentiment.” And so, he applied that to every aspect of his life. He lived and imposed a routine in his life. One example is his schedule of only bedding his wife every wednesday. Although he shared a glimpse of his past with Gabby before they got married, he never talked about it again. In a way, he is a mystery even to his own family. He had made a life for himself, built an empire, took a wife and fathered two children. His life is good. He worked for it. And yet, it is not enough. He wanted revenge on his father. He had been so blinded by his desire for retribution that he failed to appreciate the life he had and the wife who loved him. His temporary amnesia definitely remedied that. Since he has no memories of who he was, it’s like starting anew. He was definitely a better husband to Gabby and appreciated what he has. Although I do think Adam loved his wife even back then…(The schedule he makes for Gabby every day because she was overwhelmed). He may not be the most vocal but I think he showed his love and care for Gabby in ways that he could and was capable of considering what he went through. I did not really hate the old Adam nor was I overly fond of the new Adam. I think I liked him no matter who he was? I seem so blindly devoted to him as Gabby was in the beginning but there you had it. From the beginning to the end. Amnesia Adam or not, he was likeable and he had his reasons for why he was the way he is. For such a tragic life, It is indeed a wonder that a man like him could be a good husband and a good father. Let’s blame it on my daddy issues but I wouldn’t mind for Adam to either be my dad or daddy.
I loved Gabriella and Adam individually so of course, I loved them as a couple. I think they were the perfect match for each other. Although Gabby is much more innocent than Adam was, she was a match for him. Their desires and kinks definitely were in agreement. At one point, I was thinking whether I was reading a historical romance or historical erotica. This one was so explicit. Adam was definitely a dominant one while Gabby liked submitting to him. I usually just skim over bed scenes when it comes to HRs (I get tired sometimes, especially when it does not add anything to the plot) but for this book, I was interested enough even in the smut scenes. I wanted to read it for the sole reason; I wanted to see how far Grace Callaway would go. I am sure she had a nice little smile while she was typing those scenes. I get so embarrassed just by thinking about it. Adam even fashioned himself as Gabby’s sultan…so funny yet so cringe…but if that’s their kink then good for them. Although this “Sultan” nickname does make some scenes funnier, especially that scene with poor Mr. Murray! If you’re looking for historical romance which is spicier than average, then I think you’d like this one or any of Grace Callaway’s books.
Although this one had many explicit scenes, the plot was decent enough and the characters are interesting. It never felt shallow. The events leading up to the ending were so stressful. Oh dear, just when Gabby thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. Secrets after secrets were revealed and I was so stressed out thinking about how Gabby would be able to trust her husband again. I was frustrated with Adam too because he could’ve just told his wife when one of his first secrets was revealed! But then again, what would a book be without a conflict? Boring. I don't know how Gabby was still able to trust Adam, I know I wouldn’t if I were in her situation. But she is a better person than I am. Wow this makes me think, I’d definitely not be a good heroine because I have such bad trust issues and I am incapable of letting things go.
Thankfully, they were able to patch things up. Although I did not like how it was resolved. Ugh, I don’t like the kidnapping trope by the villain. But then because of that kidnapping they were able to fix things and the funny moment with Mr. Murray occurred. I was also confused at first about the whole revenge plan; I just didn’t know how his marriage to Gabby benefitted Adam in that aspect but it all became clear sooner. The most unrealistic part of this book was the epilogue. Out of everything that happened, the epilogue takes the cake. It was cute and smutty but I was hoping for more….sometimes less is more? I wanted some sweet family updates but I guess that type of epilogue this book had was to be expected considering the whole story and this couple’s hunger for each other.
I really liked this one! Although I am not the biggest fan of heavy smut in general. I do love passion in books but one or two scenes are usually enough for me. I like romance books for romance and not just the physical aspects of the relationship. I want the angst, the love, the passion and yearning. I want everything to be equally balanced. Although this one had more smut than I was used to, the plot and the characters did not suffer for it. It still managed to be an enjoyable read and I do not regret reading it. I would definitely be interested to check out more of this author’s work!
Some quotes:
“She’d cried for the loss of her girlhood dreams, for her shattered heart in the present, and for the uncertainty of her future. Her sorrow had felt like a dark and bottomless well, one from which there was no escape.” (this quote really resonated with me.)
“She was his wife, and he loved her—he saw that now. Accepted it as one accepts that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If anything, he regretted that he’d not realized it sooner.”
“After Max was born, I fell into a period of doldrums. I was overwhelmed, bursting into tears over the slightest thing. Many men would have run from their wives at that point, but you didn’t.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “Do you know what you did?” He lifted his brows. “You made me a schedule.” “That’s bloody romantic, isn’t it?” he muttered. “It was. That schedule showed me that you were thinking of me, taking care of me. You were attentive to my needs even when I, myself, was not.” (This part. )
“From now on, you’ll wake up in my arms every morning,” he said. “And you’ll wake up knowing that you hold my heart. Do you hear me, Gabby?” “I hear you.” Her shining eyes clogged his throat. “And I love you.”
“From the start, his heart had known what his head had been afraid to believe. That there could be more to life than an eye for an eye…that there existed a kind of love so pure and beautiful that it would never let him down. That would give meaning to his existence, explain the suffering and pain, and conquer the chaos inside him in a way that no amount of control ever could. His wife had given him that love. In return, he’d given her duplicity.”
May 9, 2023
Oh sweet merciful yes
I’m totally buying this
I loved the narrator
It was HOT
The plot was fun and a mix of cute and angsty
I will immediately be listening to every book available and reading the rest by Grace Callaway
I apparently got a kindle copy of this for free during a sale so go me for being incredibly smart
I want it to be Wednesday every day
I’m totally buying this
I loved the narrator
It was HOT
The plot was fun and a mix of cute and angsty
I will immediately be listening to every book available and reading the rest by Grace Callaway
I apparently got a kindle copy of this for free during a sale so go me for being incredibly smart
I want it to be Wednesday every day
January 24, 2021
This is pretty much a rant on how much I hated this book. I picked it up as a light read between my fantasy marathon and all it did was piss me the fuck off. So, here is a very informal list of the things this book does wrong and how:
The Heroine:
-The heroine is an absolute ninny. She’s not sweet. From the first time you are introduced to her character she passes well over the realm of sweet into tstl territory and does not improve a jolt thereafter. Gabe is the definition of dumb bitch. She chatters on about the most inane shit and I seriously don't blame the other people for making fun of her at the ball? She’s genuinely dumb as rocks with no fathomable charms beyond her huge tits and ass??
-She’s a naïve fool with zero self esteem who worships the ground her husband walks on and takes any scraps of affection he throws her way like he’s doing her a favor.
-Gabe is so fucking scared of her husband leaving her that she never questions him and follows along with every single rule of his like a freaking doormat! Even when he only sleeps with her on Wednesdays. Even when he refuses to tell her about his past or really give her any information about him past/present. Girl put up with this shit for 8 flipping years and never questioned how shitty their marriage is! It takes her husband losing his memory, and pointing how gross his behavior was for her to actually realize “yeah that's kinda fucked up.”
-Also, throughout this book Gabe is, what i suspect, possessed by the ghost of a southern belle because i cannot think of what other reason there could possibly be for her to talk like that! If i hear another “ever so kind” “ever so much” “ever so” anything ever again I’ll throw something. Possibly myself off the nearest staircase. This book isn’t worth me losing my life but a limb should be a good enough sacrifice to the gods to please erase my memory of reading this book.
-My girl has been married for 8 years and yet still somehow manages to act like a simpering virgin who blushes at the merest eye contact from her husband, gets wet as a bloody hose whenever he so much as touches her, and just basically blushes and stammers her way in the bedroom. How did she have not 1 but 2 kids when she basically acts like a freaking child the whole ass time??? How is this attractive to anyone??
-Also, that god damned sexual fantasy where she compares her husband to a sultan and keeps bringing up 1001 Arabian Nights like it's the ultimate romance to aspire to. If I hear one her comparing her husband to a damn sultan one more time or him calling her Shahrazad, of all things, I’m gonna run into the woods and start screaming!
-Somehow, this leads to BDSM and Roleplaying at which point I gave up like:
Like, I was straight up not having a good time well before this but then this shit happened and I questioned why I was here just to suffer???
-When not comparing her husband to a Sultan, she straight up thinks he’s a God and that the sun shines out of his ass. Like he can do no wrong in her eyes. Even when he’s being hella sus (which he is pretty much this whole entire book) and may or may not be having an affair. No she decides if he says he isn’t then he isn’t. Nevermind that your whole entire relationship is based on nothing but lies and deceit! Nope. She trusts him and promptly files away all her doubts into the “Ignorance is Bliss” category in her head. I’m-
-Let’s not forget how she constantly thinks of her husband’s probable mistress as a “whore” “harlot” and a “lightskirt.” Her husband’s infidelity is clearly on these women and no fault of his own.
-I was excited for a minute because we rarely get plus size/curvy women with body or self esteem issues in historical romances. But Gabe is one of those snowflakes who are beautiful goddesses but don't know it.
I rolled my eyes so hard they almost got stuck in the back of my head.
Hero:
-Adam is a manipulative lying piece of shit with zero redeeming qualities. I respect that he’s hell bent on revenge and will do anything to bring down the people who tried to kill him as a kid. Truly, I get it. But he’s such an entitled asshole that it’s really hard to root for him. Instead, I spent most of this book in a violent rage just wanting to kick his balls in.
-His whole marriage is based on lies. From the very beginning he manipulates Gabe into marriage as part of his revenge plan. He keeps insisting he didn’t marry her for the money. While I believe he really did come to love her, and was attracted to her from the beginning, these are happy coincidences. If he didn’t need her father’s bank for his revenge I don't believe he would have ever given her a second thought.
-Adam spends the entirety of their marriage lying to Gabe, keeping his distance, and generally making her feel unwanted and unloved. Her self confidence is so low she doesn't believe she's desirable to her husband, let alone anyone else, and is an insecure mess who’s scared of saying or doing the wrong this least it makes her husband leave her.
-And yet, these are traits Adam has himself cultivated and encouraged in her. He does not do much to dissuade her of the notion that she is unattractive. He does not openly show his attraction to her, performing his “husbandly duties” once every Wednesday as scheduled, leaving after their lovemaking, eating one meal with her and his kids, and generally being an all round dick in every conceivable way. The result is that she thinks she is tolerated, trying to hide away herself in frumpy oversized clothing in garish colors that does nothing for her figure or complexion. And yet Adam never says anything to her about it since he prefers that only he knows how beautiful his wife looks. Nevermind that she spends all social gatherings self conscious. Nevermind that it makes her a wallflower that no one except her husband and her friends' spouses have ever asked to dance with. He let her continue on like this because it suited his purposes.
-Not to mention the fact that Adam has been manipulating everyone behind the scenes and is planning to take complete control of her money, that her father put in a trust only for her, for revenge. He actually even wishes for her father to up and die already so he can out his plans into action.
-When confronted about this he calls his wife a “traitorous bitch” with zero hesitation, reminding her that he owns her and can do whatever the fuck he wants. After which he promptly leaves without explaining anything.
-This to his wife after he just promised not to lie to her again.
-Oh, also the fact that among his many lies he had a whole ass WIFE before he married Gabe that he never told her about. Seems like something a spouse should know about before she marries you, you absolute twat!
-He also slut shames his ex for being into kinky shit even though that’s the very thing that attracts him to her. Even though he himself consented to having orgies. But nope, suddenly he gets too possessive and all her actions are slutty. And the fact that he actually paints her as such, a blinding contract to the angelic and virtuous Gabe, and manipulates the story so he’s more sympathetic to Gabe.
-One might be mistaken for thinking his lies are based on love or affection and the fear of losing his wife. But Adam doesn't give two shits about her. When his lies catch up with him his only instinct is to placate Gabe with half truths so she can continue to love him and he can continue on his path for revenge, going back to ignoring her again for days.
Ending:
-Gabe grows a backbone around 70% of this book for about 0.5 seconds at the end of the book only to then promptly forgive her husband because: sad backstory. This, despite knowing he has been manipulating and lying to her for 8 years. Despite him calling her a traitorous bitch the second she does something of her own accord that doesn’t follow his plans.
-He never apologizes for any of his bullshit because he thinks he shouldn't have to. Because tragic backstory. But his tragic background didn't have to make you an absolute dickwad and he was that from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts:
The only highlight of this book is amnesia Adam who is a sweetheart untainted by thoughts of revenge who has never done anything wrong in his whole life. I loved him. So much so that I actually wish this was a case of mistaken identity and he was a twin pretending to be the real Adam because at least then this whole fiasco of a book could have ended with Gabe running away with her real man and leaving her toxic ass marriage.
I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to stay in such a toxic relationship. All these lies and deceit cannot make for a healthy marriage. I would ask how anyone could ever regain their trust in a man who has proven himself to be a pathological liar, but that would be forgetting that the heroine only has two brain cells and those rarely see anything beyond her husband’s cock.
I hate women like this. I’ve known women like this. Most of my life I have been brainwashed to be this type of woman who sees her husband as her everything, whose only goal in life is to serve his needs and forgo her own. I hate women like this who are conditioned to believe in their husbands and cling onto a broken marriage for the sake of their children. Being a dutiful, biddable wife, their sexuality is repressed, their identities revolving around taking care of the home and children, fully complacent in the belief that if they sacrifice enough their cold, indifferent husbands will someday change for the better.
Like Gabe, most often these women have no choice to leave. But damn, the fact that she didn't even try. Rather, she welcomed him with open arms and an apology for ever doubting him. Made me throw up a little in my mouth when I read that.
The Heroine:
-The heroine is an absolute ninny. She’s not sweet. From the first time you are introduced to her character she passes well over the realm of sweet into tstl territory and does not improve a jolt thereafter. Gabe is the definition of dumb bitch. She chatters on about the most inane shit and I seriously don't blame the other people for making fun of her at the ball? She’s genuinely dumb as rocks with no fathomable charms beyond her huge tits and ass??
-She’s a naïve fool with zero self esteem who worships the ground her husband walks on and takes any scraps of affection he throws her way like he’s doing her a favor.
-Gabe is so fucking scared of her husband leaving her that she never questions him and follows along with every single rule of his like a freaking doormat! Even when he only sleeps with her on Wednesdays. Even when he refuses to tell her about his past or really give her any information about him past/present. Girl put up with this shit for 8 flipping years and never questioned how shitty their marriage is! It takes her husband losing his memory, and pointing how gross his behavior was for her to actually realize “yeah that's kinda fucked up.”
-Also, throughout this book Gabe is, what i suspect, possessed by the ghost of a southern belle because i cannot think of what other reason there could possibly be for her to talk like that! If i hear another “ever so kind” “ever so much” “ever so” anything ever again I’ll throw something. Possibly myself off the nearest staircase. This book isn’t worth me losing my life but a limb should be a good enough sacrifice to the gods to please erase my memory of reading this book.
-My girl has been married for 8 years and yet still somehow manages to act like a simpering virgin who blushes at the merest eye contact from her husband, gets wet as a bloody hose whenever he so much as touches her, and just basically blushes and stammers her way in the bedroom. How did she have not 1 but 2 kids when she basically acts like a freaking child the whole ass time??? How is this attractive to anyone??
-Also, that god damned sexual fantasy where she compares her husband to a sultan and keeps bringing up 1001 Arabian Nights like it's the ultimate romance to aspire to. If I hear one her comparing her husband to a damn sultan one more time or him calling her Shahrazad, of all things, I’m gonna run into the woods and start screaming!
-Somehow, this leads to BDSM and Roleplaying at which point I gave up like:
Like, I was straight up not having a good time well before this but then this shit happened and I questioned why I was here just to suffer???
-When not comparing her husband to a Sultan, she straight up thinks he’s a God and that the sun shines out of his ass. Like he can do no wrong in her eyes. Even when he’s being hella sus (which he is pretty much this whole entire book) and may or may not be having an affair. No she decides if he says he isn’t then he isn’t. Nevermind that your whole entire relationship is based on nothing but lies and deceit! Nope. She trusts him and promptly files away all her doubts into the “Ignorance is Bliss” category in her head. I’m-
-Let’s not forget how she constantly thinks of her husband’s probable mistress as a “whore” “harlot” and a “lightskirt.” Her husband’s infidelity is clearly on these women and no fault of his own.
-I was excited for a minute because we rarely get plus size/curvy women with body or self esteem issues in historical romances. But Gabe is one of those snowflakes who are beautiful goddesses but don't know it.
I rolled my eyes so hard they almost got stuck in the back of my head.
Hero:
-Adam is a manipulative lying piece of shit with zero redeeming qualities. I respect that he’s hell bent on revenge and will do anything to bring down the people who tried to kill him as a kid. Truly, I get it. But he’s such an entitled asshole that it’s really hard to root for him. Instead, I spent most of this book in a violent rage just wanting to kick his balls in.
-His whole marriage is based on lies. From the very beginning he manipulates Gabe into marriage as part of his revenge plan. He keeps insisting he didn’t marry her for the money. While I believe he really did come to love her, and was attracted to her from the beginning, these are happy coincidences. If he didn’t need her father’s bank for his revenge I don't believe he would have ever given her a second thought.
-Adam spends the entirety of their marriage lying to Gabe, keeping his distance, and generally making her feel unwanted and unloved. Her self confidence is so low she doesn't believe she's desirable to her husband, let alone anyone else, and is an insecure mess who’s scared of saying or doing the wrong this least it makes her husband leave her.
-And yet, these are traits Adam has himself cultivated and encouraged in her. He does not do much to dissuade her of the notion that she is unattractive. He does not openly show his attraction to her, performing his “husbandly duties” once every Wednesday as scheduled, leaving after their lovemaking, eating one meal with her and his kids, and generally being an all round dick in every conceivable way. The result is that she thinks she is tolerated, trying to hide away herself in frumpy oversized clothing in garish colors that does nothing for her figure or complexion. And yet Adam never says anything to her about it since he prefers that only he knows how beautiful his wife looks. Nevermind that she spends all social gatherings self conscious. Nevermind that it makes her a wallflower that no one except her husband and her friends' spouses have ever asked to dance with. He let her continue on like this because it suited his purposes.
-Not to mention the fact that Adam has been manipulating everyone behind the scenes and is planning to take complete control of her money, that her father put in a trust only for her, for revenge. He actually even wishes for her father to up and die already so he can out his plans into action.
-When confronted about this he calls his wife a “traitorous bitch” with zero hesitation, reminding her that he owns her and can do whatever the fuck he wants. After which he promptly leaves without explaining anything.
-This to his wife after he just promised not to lie to her again.
-Oh, also the fact that among his many lies he had a whole ass WIFE before he married Gabe that he never told her about. Seems like something a spouse should know about before she marries you, you absolute twat!
-He also slut shames his ex for being into kinky shit even though that’s the very thing that attracts him to her. Even though he himself consented to having orgies. But nope, suddenly he gets too possessive and all her actions are slutty. And the fact that he actually paints her as such, a blinding contract to the angelic and virtuous Gabe, and manipulates the story so he’s more sympathetic to Gabe.
-One might be mistaken for thinking his lies are based on love or affection and the fear of losing his wife. But Adam doesn't give two shits about her. When his lies catch up with him his only instinct is to placate Gabe with half truths so she can continue to love him and he can continue on his path for revenge, going back to ignoring her again for days.
Ending:
-Gabe grows a backbone around 70% of this book for about 0.5 seconds at the end of the book only to then promptly forgive her husband because: sad backstory. This, despite knowing he has been manipulating and lying to her for 8 years. Despite him calling her a traitorous bitch the second she does something of her own accord that doesn’t follow his plans.
-He never apologizes for any of his bullshit because he thinks he shouldn't have to. Because tragic backstory. But his tragic background didn't have to make you an absolute dickwad and he was that from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts:
The only highlight of this book is amnesia Adam who is a sweetheart untainted by thoughts of revenge who has never done anything wrong in his whole life. I loved him. So much so that I actually wish this was a case of mistaken identity and he was a twin pretending to be the real Adam because at least then this whole fiasco of a book could have ended with Gabe running away with her real man and leaving her toxic ass marriage.
I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to stay in such a toxic relationship. All these lies and deceit cannot make for a healthy marriage. I would ask how anyone could ever regain their trust in a man who has proven himself to be a pathological liar, but that would be forgetting that the heroine only has two brain cells and those rarely see anything beyond her husband’s cock.
I hate women like this. I’ve known women like this. Most of my life I have been brainwashed to be this type of woman who sees her husband as her everything, whose only goal in life is to serve his needs and forgo her own. I hate women like this who are conditioned to believe in their husbands and cling onto a broken marriage for the sake of their children. Being a dutiful, biddable wife, their sexuality is repressed, their identities revolving around taking care of the home and children, fully complacent in the belief that if they sacrifice enough their cold, indifferent husbands will someday change for the better.
Like Gabe, most often these women have no choice to leave. But damn, the fact that she didn't even try. Rather, she welcomed him with open arms and an apology for ever doubting him. Made me throw up a little in my mouth when I read that.
March 28, 2022
Solid 4.5*
First things first, I like the cover - as the regency h is actually shown wearing a stocking! Unlike her such sisters who show skin both above and below. Strange though as this is a heat-level-high smutty read.
The h is a trusting, sweet, awkward aaand plumpish ingenue. The H is an older, commanding and controlling man who has risen from the streets and is now a wealthy moneylender. (They are present in previous books as well- with her cutting a sorry figure and him being his usual villainous self.) He decides she'd make him a suitable wife and proposes a moc and she accepts. The connection is genuine, hot and instant. But while the h gives her all to the marriage, the H holds back.
Fast forward 8 years, these two have a 'happy' marriage with two beautiful kids. But the H keeps his emotions and passion reigned in and allows only regulated and vanilla marital relations - once a week on Wednesdays! We also learn despite a devoted husband and a happy marriage, the h still lacks confidence, has anxiety and self-doubt issues. The H helps and lends support when he can but I guess as their relationship lacks depth because of him keeping his real self under lock and key, the issues are inevitable.
Then he gets in an accident, loses his memory and the h sees a new (better, warmer, more open) side of husband. The side, that's actually his true self, that he has ruthlessly controlled and put away because of lessons learned as a child. On one side, their relation (sexual and emotional) blossoms and improves, and they both find growth as persons. The h finds her inner strength as she deals with her husband's accident and becomes the shoulder he can lean on, and her personal insecurities slowly seep away. On the other hand, many mysterious happenings and secrets come tumbling out from his past. And doubt sets in, in the h's mind - about her husband's fidelity and the real reason why he married her.
We have an evil and monstrous villain.
All said, I love love this couple. There's something about an innocent sweetheart h and a cold, controlling alpha guy that hooks you right in. Add in an obvious and strong chemistry, secrets that keep tumbling out, a reckoning and a suddenly desperate-to-not-lose-his-beloved-wife H - all adds up to >>> Magic.
The epilogue is unintentionally humorous because of an implausible scene.
First things first, I like the cover - as the regency h is actually shown wearing a stocking! Unlike her such sisters who show skin both above and below. Strange though as this is a heat-level-high smutty read.
The h is a trusting, sweet, awkward aaand plumpish ingenue. The H is an older, commanding and controlling man who has risen from the streets and is now a wealthy moneylender. (They are present in previous books as well- with her cutting a sorry figure and him being his usual villainous self.) He decides she'd make him a suitable wife and proposes a moc and she accepts. The connection is genuine, hot and instant. But while the h gives her all to the marriage, the H holds back.
Fast forward 8 years, these two have a 'happy' marriage with two beautiful kids. But the H keeps his emotions and passion reigned in and allows only regulated and vanilla marital relations - once a week on Wednesdays! We also learn despite a devoted husband and a happy marriage, the h still lacks confidence, has anxiety and self-doubt issues. The H helps and lends support when he can but I guess as their relationship lacks depth because of him keeping his real self under lock and key, the issues are inevitable.
Then he gets in an accident, loses his memory and the h sees a new (better, warmer, more open) side of husband. The side, that's actually his true self, that he has ruthlessly controlled and put away because of lessons learned as a child. On one side, their relation (sexual and emotional) blossoms and improves, and they both find growth as persons. The h finds her inner strength as she deals with her husband's accident and becomes the shoulder he can lean on, and her personal insecurities slowly seep away. On the other hand, many mysterious happenings and secrets come tumbling out from his past. And doubt sets in, in the h's mind - about her husband's fidelity and the real reason why he married her.
We have an evil and monstrous villain.
All said, I love love this couple. There's something about an innocent sweetheart h and a cold, controlling alpha guy that hooks you right in. Add in an obvious and strong chemistry, secrets that keep tumbling out, a reckoning and a suddenly desperate-to-not-lose-his-beloved-wife H - all adds up to >>> Magic.
The epilogue is unintentionally humorous because of an implausible scene.
November 18, 2020
Gabby married Adam knowing he doesn't believe in love. But he promised he would be affectionate, faithful, and would take care of her. Adam is a man bent on revenge. He has very good reasons for his anger. But he's also keeping a lot of secrets and living a half-life with his wife and children when his focus and priority is his vengeance.
8 years into their marriage, Gabby lives a very regimented life. She has big insecurities, lives by a schedule, and is grateful for whatever Adam will give her to keep her feeling safe and secure. But lately it hasn't been enough. Adam works long hours, is rarely home, and isn't very involved in his wife and children's lives. Adam visits his wife every Wednesday for their weekly bedding, where he pleases her with some nice, sedate lovemaking. Adam is actually crazy attracted to his wife but thinks that a wise man keeps his emotions to a minimum. He can't let his passions take over. He's a good provider and an affectionate man but there is always a barrier preventing anyone from getting too close.
When Adam has an accident, he gets amnesia and doesn't remember his family, his life, or even who he is. As Gabby and Adam get to know each other with the "new" Adam, they fall deeply in love. Gabby has always loved her husband and told him so. But with this new husband she begins to wonder why she settled for so little and sees how little she even knows her own husband and how little he bothered to get to know her. Adam realizes the old him was a major arse. It's funny to read his POV where he wonders just what was wrong with him. (The more we find out about how things were versus how they are now, the more the reader can see just how messed up this marriage is and what a mess Adam is.)
Of course, Adam will regain his memory at some point. But how will that affect the marriage, the relationship with the kids? Will Adam just go back to how things use for be? And what will happen with his grand plan of revenge? Has his time away ruined years of planning?
I really did enjoy this book. The writing was top notch, the characterization was excellent and the romance was sweet and steamy. But I was mostly left feeling sad. Sad for all those years wasted. Sad for a sweet and good woman who put up with crumbs when she deserved a feast. Who didn't know what she was missing until she had a taste of a real marriage. And Adam does a great job redeeming himself. He grovels well. But Gabby was a little too sweet and understanding. I wanted a little more blood before the big forgiveness in the end, after all the secrets he kept.
This was part of a series, with side characters from other books. Apparently Adam was a villain in the other books, but he redeems himself here. I did fine jumping into the middle of the series. The author did a good job of keeping things in context so everything makes sense.
Safety
8 years into their marriage, Gabby lives a very regimented life. She has big insecurities, lives by a schedule, and is grateful for whatever Adam will give her to keep her feeling safe and secure. But lately it hasn't been enough. Adam works long hours, is rarely home, and isn't very involved in his wife and children's lives. Adam visits his wife every Wednesday for their weekly bedding, where he pleases her with some nice, sedate lovemaking. Adam is actually crazy attracted to his wife but thinks that a wise man keeps his emotions to a minimum. He can't let his passions take over. He's a good provider and an affectionate man but there is always a barrier preventing anyone from getting too close.
When Adam has an accident, he gets amnesia and doesn't remember his family, his life, or even who he is. As Gabby and Adam get to know each other with the "new" Adam, they fall deeply in love. Gabby has always loved her husband and told him so. But with this new husband she begins to wonder why she settled for so little and sees how little she even knows her own husband and how little he bothered to get to know her. Adam realizes the old him was a major arse. It's funny to read his POV where he wonders just what was wrong with him. (The more we find out about how things were versus how they are now, the more the reader can see just how messed up this marriage is and what a mess Adam is.)
Of course, Adam will regain his memory at some point. But how will that affect the marriage, the relationship with the kids? Will Adam just go back to how things use for be? And what will happen with his grand plan of revenge? Has his time away ruined years of planning?
I really did enjoy this book. The writing was top notch, the characterization was excellent and the romance was sweet and steamy. But I was mostly left feeling sad. Sad for all those years wasted. Sad for a sweet and good woman who put up with crumbs when she deserved a feast. Who didn't know what she was missing until she had a taste of a real marriage. And Adam does a great job redeeming himself. He grovels well. But Gabby was a little too sweet and understanding. I wanted a little more blood before the big forgiveness in the end, after all the secrets he kept.
This was part of a series, with side characters from other books. Apparently Adam was a villain in the other books, but he redeems himself here. I did fine jumping into the middle of the series. The author did a good job of keeping things in context so everything makes sense.
Safety
May 19, 2022
(4.5 stars)
Read this in one sitting on a long plane ride. SO GOOD, as Grace Callaway almost always is. This proved to be no exception. She took on a really, really rare setup, in that the story takes place 8 years after the hero and heroine have already married. We see the very beginning of their relationship, and then it skips to "present day," which is 8 years later, they've settled down, have 2 kids, etc.
Throughout their marriage, Adam has been very restrained in all things. He is ruthless, commanding, feared far and wide—and with good reason. Gabby, on the other hand, is his opposite in all ways—she is shy, unassuming, worries constantly, and doesn't think much of herself. She is grateful for the small pieces of care that she receives from Adam, because although she doesn't realize it until after the amnesia, the truth is that she never saw herself as his equal. She felt a sense of gratitude that he had picked her, and she does take pride in the fact that she fulfills what he wanted when they married: she is a virtuous and dutiful wife, and a loving and caring mother. Adam has also never made her feel that he was disappointed with his choice in her; he has always been careful and tender with her.
But during all these 8 years, there have always been walls between them. Adam, withholding himself emotionally, though accepting all of Gabby's love and support; Gabby, not demanding what she wants from the relationship and asking for more, while giving all of herself to him and her family. It has worked for them, to an extent, but it's not the fairy-tale marriage a woman would hope for.
Adam's amnesia gives them another chance at all of this, because all the things that made him distant and restrained were a result of how he grew up and the way he was forced to be in order to be successful in life. Because of the amnesia, he starts with a blank slate, essentially, and is open to Gabby in a way he had never been and would never have WANTED to be. This also gives Gabby the opening she needs to feel comfortable asking for more, and finally pursuing the kind of relationship that she wants to have, one with equal give and take on both sides, and where they are more open and communicative with one another.
There were parts of this book that got me quite emotional, especially once things start to come back and Adam has to contend with his old self and his new self, and how to blend them together. The instincts that created him and led to all his success are long ingrained, and they've served him well. My heart broke for Gabby from the beginning, really, because I hated that she was basically satisfied with scraps. I was so excited when she started to assert herself and stand up for her own wants and needs. And then there's a big standing up thing she has to do and that entire piece of the story is very angsty and horrifying and moving and all emotions one can imagine.
The only thing I found a little difficult to believe was that he was able to restrain his sexual appetites so well during all those 8 years, with only one slip-up. Background: they have sex on a schedule, believe it or not—every Wednesday. There is blazing chemistry between them and on both their parts they're in the mood to do it more, but for Adam, this is part of his whole restrained/in control/not falling in love or being ruled by passion/emotions THING. The saving grace in that is that he was already 34 or 35 when they met, so I do see how it would be possible that he is so controlled at that point that it's not a huge stretch for him to continue that tight reign on his passions. Still though, 8 years is a super long time, especially if there is so much heat between the two of them. A minor thing, I know, but it stood out to me.
In addition to that, given the changes that are undergone, it is kind of crazy that for 8 years they had such a restrained and one-sided (in terms of affectionate and openly loving) relationship. That is a LONG ASS time. The only way that could have changed was with the amnesia plot-twist; any other "wake up call" would have been too much of a stretch. When his memory does come back, the mix of him before and after is SUPER well done and totally believable, which I think was a key transition that Callaway had to pull off well.
Note on Series.
Callaway's series are all quite tied together, even when she starts a new series, there are crossovers and ties to past series, however I do think this could be read alone. Make no mistake, there are numerous couples and characters who reappear here, but it's been awhile since I've read her other books, I don't remember much of the first book in this series (though I adored it, so count that against me, not the book itself), and I haven't read book 2 yet, but I was still fully able to enjoy this one.
Recommendation.
If you enjoyed this book (and let's be honest, how could you not??), then I highly recommend Meredith Duran's A Lady's Code of Misconduct . It follows a similar path, in terms of the hero being a bit of an anti-hero until a case of amnesia really changes how he interacts with the heroine.
Read this in one sitting on a long plane ride. SO GOOD, as Grace Callaway almost always is. This proved to be no exception. She took on a really, really rare setup, in that the story takes place 8 years after the hero and heroine have already married. We see the very beginning of their relationship, and then it skips to "present day," which is 8 years later, they've settled down, have 2 kids, etc.
Throughout their marriage, Adam has been very restrained in all things. He is ruthless, commanding, feared far and wide—and with good reason. Gabby, on the other hand, is his opposite in all ways—she is shy, unassuming, worries constantly, and doesn't think much of herself. She is grateful for the small pieces of care that she receives from Adam, because although she doesn't realize it until after the amnesia, the truth is that she never saw herself as his equal. She felt a sense of gratitude that he had picked her, and she does take pride in the fact that she fulfills what he wanted when they married: she is a virtuous and dutiful wife, and a loving and caring mother. Adam has also never made her feel that he was disappointed with his choice in her; he has always been careful and tender with her.
But during all these 8 years, there have always been walls between them. Adam, withholding himself emotionally, though accepting all of Gabby's love and support; Gabby, not demanding what she wants from the relationship and asking for more, while giving all of herself to him and her family. It has worked for them, to an extent, but it's not the fairy-tale marriage a woman would hope for.
Adam's amnesia gives them another chance at all of this, because all the things that made him distant and restrained were a result of how he grew up and the way he was forced to be in order to be successful in life. Because of the amnesia, he starts with a blank slate, essentially, and is open to Gabby in a way he had never been and would never have WANTED to be. This also gives Gabby the opening she needs to feel comfortable asking for more, and finally pursuing the kind of relationship that she wants to have, one with equal give and take on both sides, and where they are more open and communicative with one another.
There were parts of this book that got me quite emotional, especially once things start to come back and Adam has to contend with his old self and his new self, and how to blend them together. The instincts that created him and led to all his success are long ingrained, and they've served him well. My heart broke for Gabby from the beginning, really, because I hated that she was basically satisfied with scraps. I was so excited when she started to assert herself and stand up for her own wants and needs. And then there's a big standing up thing she has to do and that entire piece of the story is very angsty and horrifying and moving and all emotions one can imagine.
The only thing I found a little difficult to believe was that he was able to restrain his sexual appetites so well during all those 8 years, with only one slip-up. Background: they have sex on a schedule, believe it or not—every Wednesday. There is blazing chemistry between them and on both their parts they're in the mood to do it more, but for Adam, this is part of his whole restrained/in control/not falling in love or being ruled by passion/emotions THING. The saving grace in that is that he was already 34 or 35 when they met, so I do see how it would be possible that he is so controlled at that point that it's not a huge stretch for him to continue that tight reign on his passions. Still though, 8 years is a super long time, especially if there is so much heat between the two of them. A minor thing, I know, but it stood out to me.
In addition to that, given the changes that are undergone, it is kind of crazy that for 8 years they had such a restrained and one-sided (in terms of affectionate and openly loving) relationship. That is a LONG ASS time. The only way that could have changed was with the amnesia plot-twist; any other "wake up call" would have been too much of a stretch. When his memory does come back, the mix of him before and after is SUPER well done and totally believable, which I think was a key transition that Callaway had to pull off well.
Note on Series.
Callaway's series are all quite tied together, even when she starts a new series, there are crossovers and ties to past series, however I do think this could be read alone. Make no mistake, there are numerous couples and characters who reappear here, but it's been awhile since I've read her other books, I don't remember much of the first book in this series (though I adored it, so count that against me, not the book itself), and I haven't read book 2 yet, but I was still fully able to enjoy this one.
Recommendation.
If you enjoyed this book (and let's be honest, how could you not??), then I highly recommend Meredith Duran's A Lady's Code of Misconduct . It follows a similar path, in terms of the hero being a bit of an anti-hero until a case of amnesia really changes how he interacts with the heroine.
February 14, 2021
4 Not Just on Wednesdays Anymore ;) Stars
Adam Garrity has a schedule for everything, and though he finds his wife Gabriella highly desirable, they limit marital activities to Wednesday evenings because he must have control over all aspects of his life. He learned very early in life that "a powerful man isn't blinded by sentiment," something his birth father said when he ordered the death of 9 year old Adam (his inconvenient son), and it is a lesson he has never forgotten. Though it took many years to pull himself out of the stews, Adam is one of the most successful moneylenders in England, and he is so close to having his revenge against the man that rejected him all those years ago....
Gabby Billings was shocked when the handsome and powerful Adam Garrity showed interest in her of all people. After all, she has been unsuccessful in pursuing any of the titled gentlemen her father (a wealthy banker) asked her to set her cap for - what could someone who could have anyone he wanted possibly see in her? And when he tells her that he is aware he will not inherit her father's fortune upon his death, she falls instantly in love with him. And while Gabby knows Adam cares for her, she has always felt he is holding something back, even after 8 years of marriage. But when Adam is seriously injured while undertaking a mission to help one of his friends, he awakens a few days later with no memory of who he is.... or of the goddess of a woman who has been caring for him that he learns is his wife. What a lucky man he is to have such a dedicated, loving, and gorgeous woman by his side! So why does she seem startled when he pays her compliments or wants to show affection openly? What kind of man would ever neglect such a treasure? When Adam learns he was that man, he vows to make changes immediately, including showing Gabby what an amazing woman she truly is... and the whole Wednesday schedule one of the first things to go.
But as Adam woos his wife and she falls even more deeply in love with him, Gabby can't help but worry what might happen when and if his memory returns. Can their newfound wedded bliss last? Why did Adam keep so many secrets from her? And what will happen when all is revealed?
What I liked:
--- Gabby has been in the books since the Hearts of Inquiry series, so it was nice to get her story
--- Several characters from earlier books and series were interspersed throughout this story which was nice to be able to revisit some favorites and see what they are up to years later
--- When there was angst, it was quickly resolved, which I appreciated bc I greatly dislike unnecessarily dragged out drama
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - a LOT of it!!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Adam was hard to like at first bc he was so rigid and bc of his reputation that preceded him in the early books in this series and in the Hearts of Enquiry books
--- There were flashbacks that were scattered throughout going back to different times (ex, when Adam was a boy; then when Adam and Gabby first meet when he is 35 years old; then when he is about 20; then back to when he was first wooing her; then to a few months ago....) - I wish the author would have spent a little more time when they were first together and then moved forward instead of flashing back
--- Given the rabbit-like procreating these two were doing
Overall, this was another enjoyable installment with some mystery and intrigue, plus some seriously steamy goodness!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.25/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Adam Garrity has a schedule for everything, and though he finds his wife Gabriella highly desirable, they limit marital activities to Wednesday evenings because he must have control over all aspects of his life. He learned very early in life that "a powerful man isn't blinded by sentiment," something his birth father said when he ordered the death of 9 year old Adam (his inconvenient son), and it is a lesson he has never forgotten. Though it took many years to pull himself out of the stews, Adam is one of the most successful moneylenders in England, and he is so close to having his revenge against the man that rejected him all those years ago....
Gabby Billings was shocked when the handsome and powerful Adam Garrity showed interest in her of all people. After all, she has been unsuccessful in pursuing any of the titled gentlemen her father (a wealthy banker) asked her to set her cap for - what could someone who could have anyone he wanted possibly see in her? And when he tells her that he is aware he will not inherit her father's fortune upon his death, she falls instantly in love with him. And while Gabby knows Adam cares for her, she has always felt he is holding something back, even after 8 years of marriage. But when Adam is seriously injured while undertaking a mission to help one of his friends, he awakens a few days later with no memory of who he is.... or of the goddess of a woman who has been caring for him that he learns is his wife. What a lucky man he is to have such a dedicated, loving, and gorgeous woman by his side! So why does she seem startled when he pays her compliments or wants to show affection openly? What kind of man would ever neglect such a treasure? When Adam learns he was that man, he vows to make changes immediately, including showing Gabby what an amazing woman she truly is... and the whole Wednesday schedule one of the first things to go.
But as Adam woos his wife and she falls even more deeply in love with him, Gabby can't help but worry what might happen when and if his memory returns. Can their newfound wedded bliss last? Why did Adam keep so many secrets from her? And what will happen when all is revealed?
What I liked:
--- Gabby has been in the books since the Hearts of Inquiry series, so it was nice to get her story
--- Several characters from earlier books and series were interspersed throughout this story which was nice to be able to revisit some favorites and see what they are up to years later
--- When there was angst, it was quickly resolved, which I appreciated bc I greatly dislike unnecessarily dragged out drama
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - a LOT of it!!
What I didn't like as much:
--- Adam was hard to like at first bc he was so rigid and bc of his reputation that preceded him in the early books in this series and in the Hearts of Enquiry books
--- There were flashbacks that were scattered throughout going back to different times (ex, when Adam was a boy; then when Adam and Gabby first meet when he is 35 years old; then when he is about 20; then back to when he was first wooing her; then to a few months ago....) - I wish the author would have spent a little more time when they were first together and then moved forward instead of flashing back
--- Given the rabbit-like procreating these two were doing
Overall, this was another enjoyable installment with some mystery and intrigue, plus some seriously steamy goodness!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.25/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
December 19, 2019
4.5 stars
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a fan of the Heart of Enquiry series like me, then you've probably been waiting for Gabby and Adam's book. I'm happy to say that I absolutely enjoyed their story. The romance is both heartfelt and steamy — you always get the best of both worlds with Grace Callaway. The mystery surrounding Adam's past is also very intriguing and engaging.
How does an author write a romance about a couple who's been married for 8 years? Callaway did with The Lady Who Came In From The Cold and she successfully did it again with Regarding the Duke. I'm impressed with how she wrote such a fulfilling romance between a couple who's been married for so long. I was always so curious about how Adam and Gabby ended up getting married and I'm so glad that we got flashbacks of pivotal moments that shaped their marriage and changed the direction of their relationship.
The amensia trope was used expertly to add a whole new layer to the relationship between Gabby and Adam. Amnesia Adam is the Adam he would have been if he hadn't been betrayed countless times and thus driven by revenge. Amnesia Adam was still himself, motivated by his ambition and his need to be succesful. But he also became a lot more open to his wife. Doors that were previously closed were opened and our couple explored newfound intimacy, both physical and emotional. I was thoroughly engaged with their romance and character development. Gabby coming out of her shell and finally seeing her self-worth and Adam realizing that he is already at peace with his past — both character arcs made the relationship development that much more emotional and special.
I should note that this book can definitely be read as a standalone. Just keep in mind that multiple characters from the previous two books and from the Heart of Enquiry series make several appearances, so it might take a while for a new reader to keep track of them.
I'm SO excited for Wick's book!!!
P.S. I also most definitely need the young Dr. Abernathy's book lol
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a fan of the Heart of Enquiry series like me, then you've probably been waiting for Gabby and Adam's book. I'm happy to say that I absolutely enjoyed their story. The romance is both heartfelt and steamy — you always get the best of both worlds with Grace Callaway. The mystery surrounding Adam's past is also very intriguing and engaging.
How does an author write a romance about a couple who's been married for 8 years? Callaway did with The Lady Who Came In From The Cold and she successfully did it again with Regarding the Duke. I'm impressed with how she wrote such a fulfilling romance between a couple who's been married for so long. I was always so curious about how Adam and Gabby ended up getting married and I'm so glad that we got flashbacks of pivotal moments that shaped their marriage and changed the direction of their relationship.
The amensia trope was used expertly to add a whole new layer to the relationship between Gabby and Adam. Amnesia Adam is the Adam he would have been if he hadn't been betrayed countless times and thus driven by revenge. Amnesia Adam was still himself, motivated by his ambition and his need to be succesful. But he also became a lot more open to his wife. Doors that were previously closed were opened and our couple explored newfound intimacy, both physical and emotional. I was thoroughly engaged with their romance and character development. Gabby coming out of her shell and finally seeing her self-worth and Adam realizing that he is already at peace with his past — both character arcs made the relationship development that much more emotional and special.
I should note that this book can definitely be read as a standalone. Just keep in mind that multiple characters from the previous two books and from the Heart of Enquiry series make several appearances, so it might take a while for a new reader to keep track of them.
I'm SO excited for Wick's book!!!
P.S. I also most definitely need the young Dr. Abernathy's book lol
March 5, 2024
~actual rating, 4.5 stars
Heath levels of bonkers plot ~ he has a massive revenge scheme, of which she is peripheral to it but her father is involved; he offers to marry this "new" money heiress after surviving a horrible childhood on the streets and making himself into a rich man. He promises her his fealty, but also promises her he can never romantically love her (but hooo boy howedy does he lust after her). She is anxious, nervous, and all around doubtful that such a handsome man could ever desire her, but she agrees.
cut to eight years later, and they have two kids, a boring marriage that still satisfies (especially on Wednesdays, wink) and two gorgeous kids. Then, business and trouble call, landing him into a bad case of amnesia.
the newly amnesiatic Adam Garrity is absolutely awestruck by the sheer luck the Adam Garrity he's fogotten has the most beautiful wife, and he's shocked and appalled that they had APPOINTMENT SEX and he's determined to woo his woman back into his bed, and his heart (having conveniently forgotten the reasons why he doesn't believe in love).
Gabriella is absolutely astounded by the new man she's found herself wedded too, and let's be honest, a bit delighted? but also confused??? Plus, Adam let loose a name, jezebel, that is most definitely not her.
What follows is such a wild romp, i had the best time with these married idiots. The mystery plot was pretty basic, but i was here for the amnesia and the husband seducing his pretty wife. I ate it up!
The narrator is also very good, more books from her please!
Heath levels of bonkers plot ~ he has a massive revenge scheme, of which she is peripheral to it but her father is involved; he offers to marry this "new" money heiress after surviving a horrible childhood on the streets and making himself into a rich man. He promises her his fealty, but also promises her he can never romantically love her (but hooo boy howedy does he lust after her). She is anxious, nervous, and all around doubtful that such a handsome man could ever desire her, but she agrees.
cut to eight years later, and they have two kids, a boring marriage that still satisfies (especially on Wednesdays, wink) and two gorgeous kids. Then, business and trouble call, landing him into a bad case of amnesia.
the newly amnesiatic Adam Garrity is absolutely awestruck by the sheer luck the Adam Garrity he's fogotten has the most beautiful wife, and he's shocked and appalled that they had APPOINTMENT SEX and he's determined to woo his woman back into his bed, and his heart (having conveniently forgotten the reasons why he doesn't believe in love).
Gabriella is absolutely astounded by the new man she's found herself wedded too, and let's be honest, a bit delighted? but also confused??? Plus, Adam let loose a name, jezebel, that is most definitely not her.
What follows is such a wild romp, i had the best time with these married idiots. The mystery plot was pretty basic, but i was here for the amnesia and the husband seducing his pretty wife. I ate it up!
The narrator is also very good, more books from her please!
March 25, 2022
Perfection. 😭✌🏽
Initial thoughts. Another story featuring my favourite hero-heroine combos (Cold hero who has to be in control but clearly loves his woman, sweet and biddable heroine who grows into her own sense of self worth). This reminded me a lot of Run Posy Run in the perfection of second chances but only when it’s second chances between a happy couple who love each other but don’t actually know each other. Ahhh love this and even the revenge plot had a satisfying ending. There are erotic scenes here, and while I enjoyed the very light sultan/slave roleplay, I found the tension more squirmy than most of the sex scenes here. Review to come!
Initial thoughts. Another story featuring my favourite hero-heroine combos (Cold hero who has to be in control but clearly loves his woman, sweet and biddable heroine who grows into her own sense of self worth). This reminded me a lot of Run Posy Run in the perfection of second chances but only when it’s second chances between a happy couple who love each other but don’t actually know each other. Ahhh love this and even the revenge plot had a satisfying ending. There are erotic scenes here, and while I enjoyed the very light sultan/slave roleplay, I found the tension more squirmy than most of the sex scenes here. Review to come!
not-interested
December 28, 2020Insipid, colourless, simple-sounding heroine in the sample who inserts ‘ever’ in practically every sentence, because that was apparently the author’s idea of how innocent young ladies spoke.
“You are ever so kind, sir.”
“That’s ever so considerate of you to ask, sir.”
“I’d like to stroll with you, sir, ever so much...”
“You’re ever so nice to say so.”
“Father would be ever so pleased...”
“That’s ever so kind of you to say, sir.” (No, I did not accidentally duplicate this. The author really is this repetitive.)
“Because I’m ever so boring, you see...”
Yes, you most certainly are! And that’s not even all the examples from the first 2 chapters. Enough, I say!!! My first sampling of this author’s writing and I don’t think, I’ll be back for more.
“You are ever so kind, sir.”
“That’s ever so considerate of you to ask, sir.”
“I’d like to stroll with you, sir, ever so much...”
“You’re ever so nice to say so.”
“Father would be ever so pleased...”
“That’s ever so kind of you to say, sir.” (No, I did not accidentally duplicate this. The author really is this repetitive.)
“Because I’m ever so boring, you see...”
Yes, you most certainly are! And that’s not even all the examples from the first 2 chapters. Enough, I say!!! My first sampling of this author’s writing and I don’t think, I’ll be back for more.
November 17, 2020
5 Solid stars!I LOVED IT!Loved it,Loved it,LOVED IT!
Apparently I cannot stress this out too strongly :P
No flaws,Steamy hot,Great side characters.I loved the friendship between the pairs and the men's conversations.
PS:Big Alpha Male alert and a submissive heroine,well at least for most of the book that is,so it might tingle with your feminist selsibilities.I'd advice that if you are getting your hand on it you should just read it for what it is.
Apparently I cannot stress this out too strongly :P
No flaws,Steamy hot,Great side characters.I loved the friendship between the pairs and the men's conversations.
PS:Big Alpha Male alert and a submissive heroine,well at least for most of the book that is,so it might tingle with your feminist selsibilities.I'd advice that if you are getting your hand on it you should just read it for what it is.
May 17, 2020
4.5..
Gabby and Adam's book.
Enjoyed it!
Gabby and Adam's book.
Enjoyed it!
July 15, 2021
2.75 stars. Word of warning, this is a "feelings" review. What a frustrating read! The story had an interesting premise, but I spent way too much time annoyed with our MCs.
Gabby is a lovely but extremely insecure, self-effacing heroine who desperately loves her husband and wants to be loved. And Adam actually loves Gabby, but is unaware of it and builds these impenetrable walls to keep her at a distance. Add in a healthy dose of miscommunication, dark secrets and our hero's single-minded focus on revenge and voila! You have a recipe for an "adequate" marriage prior to Adam's amnesia.
And then post-amnesia Adam discovers all these feelings for Gabby! And that he used to be a jerk. He learns all these surprising things about his former self such as the fact that he never let his wife know how intelligent, beautiful, and wonderful a wife and mother she is. He wonders why allowed her to continue to feel so insecure and didn't do anything to bolster her confidence. He also wonders why he scheduled sex once a week (Wednesdays only folks!).
Anyway, by the time Adam's dark past and revenge plot were revealed, I was skimming through the book.
The steam level. Once again Grace Callaway delivers plenty of steamy, full length love scenes. Also quite a bit of dirty talk this time as well, which I think was supposed to be D/s lite? And there's this weird sultan/Arabian Nights fantasy that's repeated quite a bit.
Gabby is a lovely but extremely insecure, self-effacing heroine who desperately loves her husband and wants to be loved. And Adam actually loves Gabby, but is unaware of it and builds these impenetrable walls to keep her at a distance. Add in a healthy dose of miscommunication, dark secrets and our hero's single-minded focus on revenge and voila! You have a recipe for an "adequate" marriage prior to Adam's amnesia.
And then post-amnesia Adam discovers all these feelings for Gabby! And that he used to be a jerk. He learns all these surprising things about his former self such as the fact that he never let his wife know how intelligent, beautiful, and wonderful a wife and mother she is. He wonders why allowed her to continue to feel so insecure and didn't do anything to bolster her confidence. He also wonders why he scheduled sex once a week (Wednesdays only folks!).
Anyway, by the time Adam's dark past and revenge plot were revealed, I was skimming through the book.
The steam level. Once again Grace Callaway delivers plenty of steamy, full length love scenes. Also quite a bit of dirty talk this time as well, which I think was supposed to be D/s lite? And there's this weird sultan/Arabian Nights fantasy that's repeated quite a bit.
June 3, 2022
4 Stars
Grace Callaway is such a solid author. She never disappoints. I don't believe I have ever given any of her books a low rating.
Highlights
- A second chancer of sorts that I did not hate
- The journey from a satisfactory marriage to a loving one
- Real, vulnerable, loveable characters
- The steam
- A plot more complicated than anticipated that was handled deftly
As an Indian woman who has grown up watching Bollywood & Desi soap operas, I have a more than a healthy dose of scepticism about amnesia. I was so glad to be proven wrong. Ms Callaway managed this trope beautifully and romantically.
I read this story in part because I was curious about Fiona's parents after I read Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl, and mostly because GC is an auto-buy, auto-read author for me.
Note - Excuse my bland reviews, my creative writing is suffering badly.
Grace Callaway is such a solid author. She never disappoints. I don't believe I have ever given any of her books a low rating.
Highlights
- A second chancer of sorts that I did not hate
- The journey from a satisfactory marriage to a loving one
- Real, vulnerable, loveable characters
- The steam
- A plot more complicated than anticipated that was handled deftly
As an Indian woman who has grown up watching Bollywood & Desi soap operas, I have a more than a healthy dose of scepticism about amnesia. I was so glad to be proven wrong. Ms Callaway managed this trope beautifully and romantically.
I read this story in part because I was curious about Fiona's parents after I read Fiona and the Enigmatic Earl, and mostly because GC is an auto-buy, auto-read author for me.
Note - Excuse my bland reviews, my creative writing is suffering badly.
May 19, 2022
My first Grace Callaway and definitely not my last!
This has so many elements I adore in romances:
-revenge
-amnesia
-marriage in trouble
-plus sized heroine
-hot morally grey hero
-🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Seriously, Callaway knows how to write sex scenes and there was even some roleplay 🥵🥵🥵)
I think it was either the pacing or the writing that kept me from giving this a full 5 star rating, but overall I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it!
This has so many elements I adore in romances:
-revenge
-amnesia
-marriage in trouble
-plus sized heroine
-hot morally grey hero
-🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Seriously, Callaway knows how to write sex scenes and there was even some roleplay 🥵🥵🥵)
I think it was either the pacing or the writing that kept me from giving this a full 5 star rating, but overall I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it!
October 23, 2025
Adam and Gabriella Garrity have been married for 8 years. In that time, Adam has established a routine to prevent himself from getting sentimental: he has sex on Wednesdays; he goes to visit his (former) SIL on Fridays; he's a dick the rest of the time. Then he gets walloped in the head and forgets his routine!! Suddenly he's a new man!! Also, enter sultan/slave sex games just to ~spice things up, I guess.
1. Seriously: the sultan/slave overtones are TERRIBLE, explicitly because it wants to introduce Dom/sub elements without ANY of the context, conversation, or boundaries necessary for a healthy BDSM relationship. It's just Spicy Hetero-normative Sex Games For The Normies, and it's gross. Adam straight up refers to Gabriella as his slave, with several asides about wanting to dominate her, wanting to prove his ownership of her, knowing she'll do whatever he tells her to do, reveling in her obedience, etc.
And I want to be clear: I judge because this is IRRESPONSIBLE kink. This attempts to portray domineering, controlling men who don't communicate their desires outside of ACTUAL SEX ACTS as good partners. Which: NOPE. Not without proper negotiation!! Get out of here!!
2. Gabriella was a doormat of a heroine, who gets the magic penis cure and turns into a Feisty Powerful Woman©. I never connected to her. I wanted her to find a better man.
3. Adam had a shitty childhood! He takes it out on everyone! I despised him!
4. So, yeah, I read this. I regret this. The end.
1. Seriously: the sultan/slave overtones are TERRIBLE, explicitly because it wants to introduce Dom/sub elements without ANY of the context, conversation, or boundaries necessary for a healthy BDSM relationship. It's just Spicy Hetero-normative Sex Games For The Normies, and it's gross. Adam straight up refers to Gabriella as his slave, with several asides about wanting to dominate her, wanting to prove his ownership of her, knowing she'll do whatever he tells her to do, reveling in her obedience, etc.
And I want to be clear: I judge because this is IRRESPONSIBLE kink. This attempts to portray domineering, controlling men who don't communicate their desires outside of ACTUAL SEX ACTS as good partners. Which: NOPE. Not without proper negotiation!! Get out of here!!
2. Gabriella was a doormat of a heroine, who gets the magic penis cure and turns into a Feisty Powerful Woman©. I never connected to her. I wanted her to find a better man.
3. Adam had a shitty childhood! He takes it out on everyone! I despised him!
4. So, yeah, I read this. I regret this. The end.
March 6, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. What can I say, I love a good ol' romance amnesia plot. I'm basic like that.
July 15, 2024
Taciturn H loves his wife but uses her low self esteem to achieve his goals. She's very compliant until an event reveals his secrets. Now she has power, he's vulnerable and frightened he might lose her. Loved this OTT story.
March 20, 2023
4.75 stars
Premise: MMC gets amnesia, forgets that he has a distant marriage because he married the FMC as part of a revenge plot (unbeknownst to her), and then spends much all of his time trying to seduce/woo his wife.
First off, OMG I was not prepared for all instructional dirty talk 😳🥵🥵🥵. That was great. (And yes, I’m now going to check out Grace Callaway’s backlist.)
Putting the steaminess to one side, I loved this book. The writing was engaging and the pacing was great, so I was immersed in the story and not at all tempted to skip ahead (as I sometimes do when the main conflict is A Big Secret). The whole smitten/possessive MMC in pursuit + sweet/insecure FMC dynamic was totally elevated by the marriage in trouble trope (cue angsty pangs).
The narrator (Marian Hussey) for the audiobook was also great. Might bump this up to 5 stars if I get around to re-reading or re-listening to this.
Premise: MMC gets amnesia, forgets that he has a distant marriage because he married the FMC as part of a revenge plot (unbeknownst to her), and then spends much all of his time trying to seduce/woo his wife.
First off, OMG I was not prepared for all instructional dirty talk 😳🥵🥵🥵. That was great. (And yes, I’m now going to check out Grace Callaway’s backlist.)
Putting the steaminess to one side, I loved this book. The writing was engaging and the pacing was great, so I was immersed in the story and not at all tempted to skip ahead (as I sometimes do when the main conflict is A Big Secret). The whole smitten/possessive MMC in pursuit + sweet/insecure FMC dynamic was totally elevated by the marriage in trouble trope (cue angsty pangs).
The narrator (Marian Hussey) for the audiobook was also great. Might bump this up to 5 stars if I get around to re-reading or re-listening to this.
July 10, 2019
https://twitter.com/Limecello/status/...
ugh. I have SO MANY FEELINGS about this book. 😒 unfortunately that emoji conveys most of them.
I'm SO SAD AND DISAPPOINTED AND JUST UGH. ... UGGGGGHHHHHHH.
First of all, I've been meaning to read Grace Callaway. I've liked what I've seen of her social media presence, and our interactions etc. Then, the premise of this book really interested me and I also wanted to read a historical. The stars were aligning! (I was assuming there would be a massive grovel based on the premise of the book.)
AND THEN! The beginning! OMG! IT WAS FANTASTIC! I literally - LITERALLY was clutching my chest in shock and O_O and so engaged!
... And then we meet the heroine who is a fucking idiot. >.< Which, I get the point is "oh she's so sad and too nice and nobody appreciates her and everyone is a bully." I. Get. That.
... >.> Doesn't mean she has to be dumb. [I also R E A L L Y started hating the phrase "ever so" which she "only" uses 45 times in the book but SEEMS to come out of her mouth every other time she speaks, which considering she's the heroine, is a lot.
Uggggh. I'm really trying to talk myself out of 1 starring this book but I mean ... ugh I kinda hated it.
I even kinda hated their daughter. And them. And the little girl is only 7!!! But here's the thing - don't tell me how great she is and what WONDERFUL loving parents they are when your kid is a shit and it's entirely due to correctable behavior and bad parenting. The girl is utterly spoiled, and her mom just lets her bully her younger brother. Literally it's not curtailed until Adam gets AMNESIA and starts correcting her behavior. Are you kidding me. (Like, no wonder the younger kid - a 5 year old boy is a crybaby? Which also ... parenting.)
I actually LIKED part - PART of Gabby being so accommodating - like it's realistic this sweet girl who is a people pleaser with no self confidence would just go along with what her husband says. (And of course there's all the wink wink we on the outside all know he's in love with her but he's just too strict and emotionally stupid to know/admit to himself, so it's all ok, nudge nudge.) So, that was actually fine - their nice life but not perfect.
Even the amnesia stuff - but here's the thing - I don't know if it's because the blurb or what but like ... "the game" is given away early, so I KNEW there'd have to be conflict and the big reveal - and I kept waiting for it to happen, and was getting ~anxious actually around 55% because I was like "WHEN IS IT GOING TO HAPPEN?! WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF BOOK REAL ESTATE AND HOW IS HE GOING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS ASSHATTERY?!"
y'all. Well. 😒 it doesn't happen until about 88% in and they're both so TSTL -but at that point I'd read too far to just quit.
I will say I did start paging through the sex scenes, because some of them were hot, but some were just ... ugh. I hated the "sultan" thing - I think because the whole appropriation and ick factor/feeling there - had it been other roleplaying or ... addressed differently? Anyway the "sultan" thing and "master" and this BDSM just slipped in there is not something I enjoyed.
I REALLY liked how Adam was like "geez I was an idiot" and makes all these changes - and Gabby is like "huh I *do* deserve better!" there was a lot of great change... and then when he realizes/regains his memory and they're all "no more secrets" BUT FOR THE BIGGEST FUCKING SECRET AND THEY'RE ALL FUCKING IDIOTS AND OMFG.
>.> low key would not have minded if they all died other than knowing this is a romance so none of them would die. Still. <.<
I also was annoyed Gabby was all "oh no he's THE BEST AND SWEETEST AND MOST WONDERFUL" but then was so quick and easy to believe the absolute worst of him. Even after hearing about Jessamine. (And then also like - did Adam bring his guards? I get they're super hot for each other but fucking instead of using your brain in a fraught situation/LITERALLY having a whole big talk about "lives are at risk" and then doing nothing about it to have sex :| also didn't impress me.)
[But back to the "betrayal"/Gabby judging him - sure he should have told her all the things - but also she should've known it wasn't just money motivating him and there's a lot more going on?]
I did like seeing how Adam spent time with the kids, and the kids changed - like I get the whole "see this is how it really could/should be" with the kids but I was already 😒 at the daughter.
And the whole requisite wardrobe change/makeover "montage." 😐
I did like the big gesture with the "my revenge doesn't matter more than you" [>.> I don't REALLY consider that a spoiler because duh of course there'd have to be a big thing?]
Just ... blergh.
these two definitely deserve each other and I don't exactly mean that in the most complimentary way. And I know they're super in love and disgustingly happy - and richer than Midas, so ... they're fine. They don't need me to like them. :P
I seriously also thought this book was much much older. Like, I'd have thought it was written over a decade ago if I didn't know Grace Callaway was a relatively newer author. I still thought it was older and then like 80% in or so I was shocked to see it was just published a few months ago.
D--
ugh. I have SO MANY FEELINGS about this book. 😒 unfortunately that emoji conveys most of them.
I'm SO SAD AND DISAPPOINTED AND JUST UGH. ... UGGGGGHHHHHHH.
First of all, I've been meaning to read Grace Callaway. I've liked what I've seen of her social media presence, and our interactions etc. Then, the premise of this book really interested me and I also wanted to read a historical. The stars were aligning! (I was assuming there would be a massive grovel based on the premise of the book.)
AND THEN! The beginning! OMG! IT WAS FANTASTIC! I literally - LITERALLY was clutching my chest in shock and O_O and so engaged!
... And then we meet the heroine who is a fucking idiot. >.< Which, I get the point is "oh she's so sad and too nice and nobody appreciates her and everyone is a bully." I. Get. That.
... >.> Doesn't mean she has to be dumb. [I also R E A L L Y started hating the phrase "ever so" which she "only" uses 45 times in the book but SEEMS to come out of her mouth every other time she speaks, which considering she's the heroine, is a lot.
Uggggh. I'm really trying to talk myself out of 1 starring this book but I mean ... ugh I kinda hated it.
I even kinda hated their daughter. And them. And the little girl is only 7!!! But here's the thing - don't tell me how great she is and what WONDERFUL loving parents they are when your kid is a shit and it's entirely due to correctable behavior and bad parenting. The girl is utterly spoiled, and her mom just lets her bully her younger brother. Literally it's not curtailed until Adam gets AMNESIA and starts correcting her behavior. Are you kidding me. (Like, no wonder the younger kid - a 5 year old boy is a crybaby? Which also ... parenting.)
I actually LIKED part - PART of Gabby being so accommodating - like it's realistic this sweet girl who is a people pleaser with no self confidence would just go along with what her husband says. (And of course there's all the wink wink we on the outside all know he's in love with her but he's just too strict and emotionally stupid to know/admit to himself, so it's all ok, nudge nudge.) So, that was actually fine - their nice life but not perfect.
Even the amnesia stuff - but here's the thing - I don't know if it's because the blurb or what but like ... "the game" is given away early, so I KNEW there'd have to be conflict and the big reveal - and I kept waiting for it to happen, and was getting ~anxious actually around 55% because I was like "WHEN IS IT GOING TO HAPPEN?! WE'RE RUNNING OUT OF BOOK REAL ESTATE AND HOW IS HE GOING TO MAKE UP FOR HIS ASSHATTERY?!"
y'all. Well. 😒 it doesn't happen until about 88% in and they're both so TSTL -but at that point I'd read too far to just quit.
I will say I did start paging through the sex scenes, because some of them were hot, but some were just ... ugh. I hated the "sultan" thing - I think because the whole appropriation and ick factor/feeling there - had it been other roleplaying or ... addressed differently? Anyway the "sultan" thing and "master" and this BDSM just slipped in there is not something I enjoyed.
I REALLY liked how Adam was like "geez I was an idiot" and makes all these changes - and Gabby is like "huh I *do* deserve better!" there was a lot of great change... and then when he realizes/regains his memory and they're all "no more secrets" BUT FOR THE BIGGEST FUCKING SECRET AND THEY'RE ALL FUCKING IDIOTS AND OMFG.
>.> low key would not have minded if they all died other than knowing this is a romance so none of them would die. Still. <.<
I also was annoyed Gabby was all "oh no he's THE BEST AND SWEETEST AND MOST WONDERFUL" but then was so quick and easy to believe the absolute worst of him. Even after hearing about Jessamine. (And then also like - did Adam bring his guards? I get they're super hot for each other but fucking instead of using your brain in a fraught situation/LITERALLY having a whole big talk about "lives are at risk" and then doing nothing about it to have sex :| also didn't impress me.)
[But back to the "betrayal"/Gabby judging him - sure he should have told her all the things - but also she should've known it wasn't just money motivating him and there's a lot more going on?]
I did like seeing how Adam spent time with the kids, and the kids changed - like I get the whole "see this is how it really could/should be" with the kids but I was already 😒 at the daughter.
And the whole requisite wardrobe change/makeover "montage." 😐
I did like the big gesture with the "my revenge doesn't matter more than you" [>.> I don't REALLY consider that a spoiler because duh of course there'd have to be a big thing?]
Just ... blergh.
these two definitely deserve each other and I don't exactly mean that in the most complimentary way. And I know they're super in love and disgustingly happy - and richer than Midas, so ... they're fine. They don't need me to like them. :P
I seriously also thought this book was much much older. Like, I'd have thought it was written over a decade ago if I didn't know Grace Callaway was a relatively newer author. I still thought it was older and then like 80% in or so I was shocked to see it was just published a few months ago.
D--
March 5, 2025
Delicious!
Marriage in trouble is not my fave and I usually avoid it. But I was immediately interested in Adam and Gabby when they made their appearance in book one, I was so excited to get their backstory and Grace Callaway did not disappoint.
Adam and Gabby have a marriage of convenience, only Gabby is in love with her husband even though he told her when he proposed that he didn't believe in love. They've been married eight years and have two children and a perfectly pleasant union, Adam is a dutiful husband and a good father He keeps his wife at arms length by limiting the time he spends with her. He schedules everything down to the minute even sexy times. Only on Wednesdays and only missionary because he cannot afford to lose control and let out his inner freak. And then he has an accident and loses his memory and the inner freak goes buck wild.
Amnesia Adam is everything normal Adam is not. He lost his memory and the giant stick up his ass along with it. Without all the baggage, he lets himself love his wife and bang her every day of the week until she can't walk straight. Reader, it is immaculate. Of course he regains his memory and realizes that ooops the real reason for his MOC is revealed to Gabby and all hell breaks loose.
I LOVE a morally grey hero who is actually morally grey (too much morally grey baiting for my tastes nowadays 😒) and I am absolute trash for a MOC where one side is doing all the pining while the other is pretending they can't feel a thing. The Marriage in Trouble trope normally bugs me because I feel like we miss the Falling in Love part and that's literally why I'm reading a romance. But here we see Gabby and Adam get out of their rut and rediscover each other and fall in love and it was so emotionally satisfying. Also this was a super horny book as are all Grace Callaway books I've read 🥵 The dirty talk is immaculate. My one quibble was that there were some slight time jumps and telling instead of showing of a few important moments. But overall this book was a banger, literally.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
MOC
Wallflower
Morally grey
Second chance elements
Amnesia
CW: death of a parent, child abuse descriptions (in the past) and violence
Marriage in trouble is not my fave and I usually avoid it. But I was immediately interested in Adam and Gabby when they made their appearance in book one, I was so excited to get their backstory and Grace Callaway did not disappoint.
Adam and Gabby have a marriage of convenience, only Gabby is in love with her husband even though he told her when he proposed that he didn't believe in love. They've been married eight years and have two children and a perfectly pleasant union, Adam is a dutiful husband and a good father He keeps his wife at arms length by limiting the time he spends with her. He schedules everything down to the minute even sexy times. Only on Wednesdays and only missionary because he cannot afford to lose control and let out his inner freak. And then he has an accident and loses his memory and the inner freak goes buck wild.
Amnesia Adam is everything normal Adam is not. He lost his memory and the giant stick up his ass along with it. Without all the baggage, he lets himself love his wife and bang her every day of the week until she can't walk straight. Reader, it is immaculate. Of course he regains his memory and realizes that ooops the real reason for his MOC is revealed to Gabby and all hell breaks loose.
I LOVE a morally grey hero who is actually morally grey (too much morally grey baiting for my tastes nowadays 😒) and I am absolute trash for a MOC where one side is doing all the pining while the other is pretending they can't feel a thing. The Marriage in Trouble trope normally bugs me because I feel like we miss the Falling in Love part and that's literally why I'm reading a romance. But here we see Gabby and Adam get out of their rut and rediscover each other and fall in love and it was so emotionally satisfying. Also this was a super horny book as are all Grace Callaway books I've read 🥵 The dirty talk is immaculate. My one quibble was that there were some slight time jumps and telling instead of showing of a few important moments. But overall this book was a banger, literally.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes
MOC
Wallflower
Morally grey
Second chance elements
Amnesia
CW: death of a parent, child abuse descriptions (in the past) and violence
May 25, 2019
An amnesia and a different slant on second chance ...
This is part of a series and the H is not actually a Duke, not unless you count the underworld kind ...
Dominant and very intelligent, moneylender H marries sweet, naive h ... when the book starts they have been married for 8 years and have 2 children ...
H believes in keeping his life regimented and scheduled and even makes love to h every Wednesday on a schedule ... its no surprise to see that he keeps secret, many of them ...
h is sweet, kind and is battling major insecurity issues ... she is a great organizer and hostess, has good taste in everything except for her clothes as she wants to hide her full figure ...
H knows his wife's issues and doesn't push her to dress differently; he is possessive of her and thinks its better if no one knows her charms ... otherwise, he is a kind and caring husband ...
Early on in the story, the H is involved in an accident. In a classic twist, he loses his memory ....
The memory loss forms the main basis of the story ...
H wakes up with no memory but sharp instincts ... he thinks he is onto a good thing ... beautiful house, lovely and caring wife, beautiful children and he is very wealthy ...
Once he loses his memory, we see his real self; the one who is openly dominant, lusts after his wife, sees that she cares so much and also sees her insecurity ... he is more openly caring and loving, he doesn't understand why he would keep lovemaking with his wife on a schedule and thinks he is an idiot as he sees the gaps in his marriage ...
He feels guilty for the neglect and lack of care his other self may have displayed towards h ...
h, who has always been very demure and keeps to the boundaries her husband sets as she wants safety and security, also starts realising that her husband may have kept secrets ... she also realises that she has been too timid and always hid, which she makes efforts to change ... H is the one who, very sternly, tells her to stop discounting the compliments he pays her ... her confidence grows from there ... she also tells H that she never felt neglected by him and always knew she could count on him. She was used to being neglected by her father and tells him he did more for her than anyone else .... She also feels that she could have taken action earlier and attempted a close relationship with him instead of settling for bits of his time ...
H gets his memory back at the same time h realises H used to visit a brothel / sex club ... she visits the club and H follows ... at this point we see the growth in her; instead of hiding in her head, she takes action .... needless to say, H is not a cheater and visited the club as it was owned by a very good friend and her husband ... he went to see them...
H's secrets are revealed and they were big ones ... but he had good reasons for his secrets and the revenge he was planning on his enemy ...
The plot is fast moving and characters well crafted ... we see sufficient character growth ... the chemistry between them is intense and intimacy is rather erotic ...
I had some issues with the writing; at certain points, the phrases and words used by the H and h are very modern ... like use of the word vacation ... which always seems rather American to me ... at one point, H says "That's me, the soul of kindness" and this sentence seemed very contemporary to me ...
Apart from these issues, the book is well written and fun to read ...
This is part of a series and the H is not actually a Duke, not unless you count the underworld kind ...
Dominant and very intelligent, moneylender H marries sweet, naive h ... when the book starts they have been married for 8 years and have 2 children ...
H believes in keeping his life regimented and scheduled and even makes love to h every Wednesday on a schedule ... its no surprise to see that he keeps secret, many of them ...
h is sweet, kind and is battling major insecurity issues ... she is a great organizer and hostess, has good taste in everything except for her clothes as she wants to hide her full figure ...
H knows his wife's issues and doesn't push her to dress differently; he is possessive of her and thinks its better if no one knows her charms ... otherwise, he is a kind and caring husband ...
Early on in the story, the H is involved in an accident. In a classic twist, he loses his memory ....
The memory loss forms the main basis of the story ...
H wakes up with no memory but sharp instincts ... he thinks he is onto a good thing ... beautiful house, lovely and caring wife, beautiful children and he is very wealthy ...
Once he loses his memory, we see his real self; the one who is openly dominant, lusts after his wife, sees that she cares so much and also sees her insecurity ... he is more openly caring and loving, he doesn't understand why he would keep lovemaking with his wife on a schedule and thinks he is an idiot as he sees the gaps in his marriage ...
He feels guilty for the neglect and lack of care his other self may have displayed towards h ...
h, who has always been very demure and keeps to the boundaries her husband sets as she wants safety and security, also starts realising that her husband may have kept secrets ... she also realises that she has been too timid and always hid, which she makes efforts to change ... H is the one who, very sternly, tells her to stop discounting the compliments he pays her ... her confidence grows from there ... she also tells H that she never felt neglected by him and always knew she could count on him. She was used to being neglected by her father and tells him he did more for her than anyone else .... She also feels that she could have taken action earlier and attempted a close relationship with him instead of settling for bits of his time ...
H gets his memory back at the same time h realises H used to visit a brothel / sex club ... she visits the club and H follows ... at this point we see the growth in her; instead of hiding in her head, she takes action .... needless to say, H is not a cheater and visited the club as it was owned by a very good friend and her husband ... he went to see them...
H's secrets are revealed and they were big ones ... but he had good reasons for his secrets and the revenge he was planning on his enemy ...
The plot is fast moving and characters well crafted ... we see sufficient character growth ... the chemistry between them is intense and intimacy is rather erotic ...
I had some issues with the writing; at certain points, the phrases and words used by the H and h are very modern ... like use of the word vacation ... which always seems rather American to me ... at one point, H says "That's me, the soul of kindness" and this sentence seemed very contemporary to me ...
Apart from these issues, the book is well written and fun to read ...
January 13, 2022
I did like this. The husband was a jerk but he definitely made up for it when he lost his memory. Then he totally wooed his wife back. He really loved her, thought she was beautiful but he was so rigid. Couple has been married 8 years and have sex on a schedule once a week. They have two children. The wife is happy and so is the husband but he has to have such rigid control over his life it sucked. He wanted vengeance on the Father that didn't want him. He had lots of secrets. I love sweet heroines and she was definitely very sweet and very in love with her husband but in the end you know there is happy, and then there is HAPPY! Their sex life became quite inventive from mating in the dark to porn style after his amnesia. She really enjoyed it and I like the people they became by the end of the book. And this book is safe. You think something is going on but it's not what it looks like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 30, 2025Patreon Exclusive Sept 2025
October 30, 2023
DNF 80%
he was really sexy when he completely lost his memory and formed an entirely new personality completely opposite of how he used to act and then immediately became less sexy when he got his memories back
he was really sexy when he completely lost his memory and formed an entirely new personality completely opposite of how he used to act and then immediately became less sexy when he got his memories back
May 20, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Grace Callaway is wonderful, her books are something else,and the characters she writes about are adorable.
In past books the little wallflower Of Gabriela has been a sad sort of figure in the background , now she starts to bloom and grow into one hell of a woman .
Adam Garrity is a dark figure , a man with underworld connections, moneylender and a man you don’t mess with , god forbid If you cross him .
The two marry and are happy for the first 8 years , him with his biddable wife , she in her ignorance.
When he suffers memory loss , the past starts to rise up and invade their lives , can their marriage survive the truth ?
Don’t miss this exciting, sensual and emotional book from this brilliant author.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋
Grace Callaway is wonderful, her books are something else,and the characters she writes about are adorable.
In past books the little wallflower Of Gabriela has been a sad sort of figure in the background , now she starts to bloom and grow into one hell of a woman .
Adam Garrity is a dark figure , a man with underworld connections, moneylender and a man you don’t mess with , god forbid If you cross him .
The two marry and are happy for the first 8 years , him with his biddable wife , she in her ignorance.
When he suffers memory loss , the past starts to rise up and invade their lives , can their marriage survive the truth ?
Don’t miss this exciting, sensual and emotional book from this brilliant author.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
July 16, 2023
I am obsessed with this book. Thank you Ms Callway, thank you !
March 27, 2022
emotionally gripping but not safe
This is a hard book for me to review. I feel kinda conflicted about it. There are parts I loved and parts I hated. What drew me in was the plot—a ruthless and scheming man with the soul of a villain draws a sweet and innocent heroine into marriage for the purposes of revenge. And falls in love along the way. The story picks up when the MCs have been married for many years and delivered on emotional oomph, angst and my kryptonite—a stoic, tightly controlled hero who melts for that one special, innocent, sweet woman. I understood and cheered for the reason the hero was seeking revenge. If anyone deserved to be avenged, it was him and my heart broke for what he went thru. What I really intensely disliked was that in his character arc of being forged into hard, cold steel was betrayal by a woman. He not only loved a trashy, sleazy whore who went to orgies—and he went along with her—but married her. My skin absolutely crawled over this element in the story and it’s the reason I’m so conflicted. I get that because he loved and was betrayed by a skank, thats why he can’t trust his wife, but I still hated every mention of his dead wife. Hated that he loved her, hated that he participated in degrading acts with her, hated it all. Hated that it was described how “passionate” he was with her but withheld passion from his wife until amnesia knocked some sense into his brain. And the only reason I continued with the story was the sweetness and gentleness of the heroine—I wanted her to win, to get the belonging and love she deserved. I also really appreciated that the author didn’t transform her personality and crush her sweet gentleness—I’m so tired of obnoxious Karen heroines being normalized as “strong and independent.” The heroine’sappeal was her beautiful sweet nature and I’m really glad she didn’t lose that. The hero needed her light to his darkness. This story would’ve been perfection without the hero having been married to a slimy skank. And I feel like his personality, his aloofness and control and restraint could’ve been forged without a whoring dead wife. Bottom line: an emotional read, but not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned repeatedly, but he is faithful to heroine after meeting her and in their marriage. Heroine is innocent and belongs only to the hero. No others, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
This is a hard book for me to review. I feel kinda conflicted about it. There are parts I loved and parts I hated. What drew me in was the plot—a ruthless and scheming man with the soul of a villain draws a sweet and innocent heroine into marriage for the purposes of revenge. And falls in love along the way. The story picks up when the MCs have been married for many years and delivered on emotional oomph, angst and my kryptonite—a stoic, tightly controlled hero who melts for that one special, innocent, sweet woman. I understood and cheered for the reason the hero was seeking revenge. If anyone deserved to be avenged, it was him and my heart broke for what he went thru. What I really intensely disliked was that in his character arc of being forged into hard, cold steel was betrayal by a woman. He not only loved a trashy, sleazy whore who went to orgies—and he went along with her—but married her. My skin absolutely crawled over this element in the story and it’s the reason I’m so conflicted. I get that because he loved and was betrayed by a skank, thats why he can’t trust his wife, but I still hated every mention of his dead wife. Hated that he loved her, hated that he participated in degrading acts with her, hated it all. Hated that it was described how “passionate” he was with her but withheld passion from his wife until amnesia knocked some sense into his brain. And the only reason I continued with the story was the sweetness and gentleness of the heroine—I wanted her to win, to get the belonging and love she deserved. I also really appreciated that the author didn’t transform her personality and crush her sweet gentleness—I’m so tired of obnoxious Karen heroines being normalized as “strong and independent.” The heroine’sappeal was her beautiful sweet nature and I’m really glad she didn’t lose that. The hero needed her light to his darkness. This story would’ve been perfection without the hero having been married to a slimy skank. And I feel like his personality, his aloofness and control and restraint could’ve been forged without a whoring dead wife. Bottom line: an emotional read, but not safe. Hero’s past is mentioned repeatedly, but he is faithful to heroine after meeting her and in their marriage. Heroine is innocent and belongs only to the hero. No others, no cheating or abuse. HEA with epilogue
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