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London Libertines #3
Roderick's Widow
When trust is betrayed, forgiveness is the only redemption.
Seven years ago, Alice de Grecy's father bullied her into breaking her engagement to businessman Ross Trelawney, an act which left her heartbroken. Now recovering from an abusive marriage to a duke who died in violent circumstances, she finds herself an object of gossip among the ton. Terrified at the notion of remarriage, she spends her time volunteering at a shelter for abused women. When she meets Ross again, their bitter encounter is a reminder of what she has lost.
After Alice rejected him, Ross vowed to marry for convenience, not love. Now widowed with a young daughter, a chance meeting with Alice reignites old passions, but the last thing he needs in his life is the woman he's spent seven years trying to forget.
When Alice's ambitious father arranges her marriage to a viscount twice her age, Alice and Ross seem destined to be apart. Ross must conquer his demons if he does not wish to lose Alice forever, and Alice must learn to trust again if she is to find happiness.
Seven years ago, Alice de Grecy's father bullied her into breaking her engagement to businessman Ross Trelawney, an act which left her heartbroken. Now recovering from an abusive marriage to a duke who died in violent circumstances, she finds herself an object of gossip among the ton. Terrified at the notion of remarriage, she spends her time volunteering at a shelter for abused women. When she meets Ross again, their bitter encounter is a reminder of what she has lost.
After Alice rejected him, Ross vowed to marry for convenience, not love. Now widowed with a young daughter, a chance meeting with Alice reignites old passions, but the last thing he needs in his life is the woman he's spent seven years trying to forget.
When Alice's ambitious father arranges her marriage to a viscount twice her age, Alice and Ross seem destined to be apart. Ross must conquer his demons if he does not wish to lose Alice forever, and Alice must learn to trust again if she is to find happiness.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2019
About the author
Emily Royal
42 books197 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 19, 2021
Such a dilemma
I like this author writing. I have cried through both of the books I have read in this series. The heroes are not celibate though but I knew that coming in. There is a scene with his mistress at the beginning of the book that I could have done without but they were still apart at that point. It's quite the twisted tale.
They were engaged many years ago but her Father made her break up with him and marry a title. A monster was attached to that title and he beat and abused her almost every day. He was the Villain in the second book that died. She was out into an asylum and it was quite tragic. She has come a long way. In this book she married someone else at the beginning. An older man who was dying. He treated her wonderfully. It was a marriage in name only too. His son was a jerk and when the Father died he broke his promises and kicked her out of the house. Ross rescued her and married her before her Evil father could sell her again. He had a little girl from his marriage and there are all manners of trials and tribulations before we get the HEA. I did enjoy this for the most part. He was faithful to her after they married. And a couple of months before that also. It is very sad and what she had to endure was awful. Definitely glad I read it. Now I have to read the first one. It sounds angsty also. I may take a break first.
I like this author writing. I have cried through both of the books I have read in this series. The heroes are not celibate though but I knew that coming in. There is a scene with his mistress at the beginning of the book that I could have done without but they were still apart at that point. It's quite the twisted tale.
They were engaged many years ago but her Father made her break up with him and marry a title. A monster was attached to that title and he beat and abused her almost every day. He was the Villain in the second book that died. She was out into an asylum and it was quite tragic. She has come a long way. In this book she married someone else at the beginning. An older man who was dying. He treated her wonderfully. It was a marriage in name only too. His son was a jerk and when the Father died he broke his promises and kicked her out of the house. Ross rescued her and married her before her Evil father could sell her again. He had a little girl from his marriage and there are all manners of trials and tribulations before we get the HEA. I did enjoy this for the most part. He was faithful to her after they married. And a couple of months before that also. It is very sad and what she had to endure was awful. Definitely glad I read it. Now I have to read the first one. It sounds angsty also. I may take a break first.
March 12, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The one aspect that stands out about this book is Emily Royal taking on the subject of domestic violence in the period.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The one aspect that stands out about this book is Emily Royal taking on the subject of domestic violence in the period.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 11, 2019
Liked the h .... H needed some work .... but an okay read overall ...
January 21, 2026
Reread on the 21/1-2026 for the eleventh hundred time.
I cannot explain the chokehold this book has on me. It is without a doubt one of my absolute favourite books of all time, and I come back to it monthly when I just want to read something that I know I will 100 percent enjoy. While I’m aware that no other person can fully understand my obsession with this book, and would probably not agree with me about its appeal, it is in my opinion a true masterpiece. I enjoyed both Alice’s and Ross’s characters in the previous books (which one needs to read to in my opinion to understand Alice’s and Ross’s motives in this one), this is where they both get to shine. Both of their characters are flawed, but I think their behaviours are justified and they just make the reward in the end all the sweeter. Their storyline is executed to perfection with me bawling my eyes out constantly.
The only downside is that I think this book got the worst cover in the series, but I can overlook that due to the story’s greatness.
I cannot explain the chokehold this book has on me. It is without a doubt one of my absolute favourite books of all time, and I come back to it monthly when I just want to read something that I know I will 100 percent enjoy. While I’m aware that no other person can fully understand my obsession with this book, and would probably not agree with me about its appeal, it is in my opinion a true masterpiece. I enjoyed both Alice’s and Ross’s characters in the previous books (which one needs to read to in my opinion to understand Alice’s and Ross’s motives in this one), this is where they both get to shine. Both of their characters are flawed, but I think their behaviours are justified and they just make the reward in the end all the sweeter. Their storyline is executed to perfection with me bawling my eyes out constantly.
The only downside is that I think this book got the worst cover in the series, but I can overlook that due to the story’s greatness.
August 26, 2020
The ml is a dick. Even after knowing what the fl has gone through in her first marriage he judges her and treats her horribly blaming her own actions as the cause of her current distress. Even after learning why she married the elderly Lord Hartford, he makes cruel remarks and behaves as if he owns her. Literally there was no point, all the way up until the end, where he truly trusted the fl and didn't try to make decisions for her.
December 2, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Heart rending and beautiful , a wonderful story that will have you suffering every emotion you can think of .
The best being satisfaction.
Amelia and Ross we’re engaged to be married but her father felt, due to lack of title and place in the aristocracy, that Ross was not good enough for her.
Marrying her off to Roderick he sent her to a life of abuse and pain, nothing she could do would alter the fact that she must just endure her torment.
Ross in the meantime married Caroline, a woman he tried to love as much as he tried to hate Amelia for her abandoning him.
Now with both spouses dead , can Amelia and Ross fulfil their promises made years earlier and finally find happiness together, or are some mountains just to insurmountable to conquer.
Stunning, tearjerker of a story that’s definitely going to have your emotions running riot .
I loved it .
It felt longer than it was but only in a good way .
So much information and description to this book.
It’s so good it takes your breath away !
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Heart rending and beautiful , a wonderful story that will have you suffering every emotion you can think of .
The best being satisfaction.
Amelia and Ross we’re engaged to be married but her father felt, due to lack of title and place in the aristocracy, that Ross was not good enough for her.
Marrying her off to Roderick he sent her to a life of abuse and pain, nothing she could do would alter the fact that she must just endure her torment.
Ross in the meantime married Caroline, a woman he tried to love as much as he tried to hate Amelia for her abandoning him.
Now with both spouses dead , can Amelia and Ross fulfil their promises made years earlier and finally find happiness together, or are some mountains just to insurmountable to conquer.
Stunning, tearjerker of a story that’s definitely going to have your emotions running riot .
I loved it .
It felt longer than it was but only in a good way .
So much information and description to this book.
It’s so good it takes your breath away !
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
January 6, 2022
terrific Historical romance
This story starts with some tragic events in the background of the story and there is a slow progression towards the very fine HEA at the end. The h endures so much, but in the end finds true happiness.
This story starts with some tragic events in the background of the story and there is a slow progression towards the very fine HEA at the end. The h endures so much, but in the end finds true happiness.
Want to Read
December 31, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/31/2021)! 🎁
December 4, 2019
3.5 Stars
I was eager to read this book after reading the blurb. The plot pulls you in and you will not be able to put this book down because you will be anxious to know what is going to happen to the hero and heroine. But I was also partially disappointed with the story. I'm one of those readers that doesn't like her hero and heroine to constantly be a war with each other when they are adults and can or should be able to talk through their problems. And equally disturbing is when the hero or heroine doesn't resolve those issues until the reader is 80 or 90 percent into the book.
However, even though those things bother me, I commend the author for tackling a serious topic and for giving us a glimpse of what it may have been like for women during that era. I did enjoy when the author introduced Viscount Hartford into the story, I loved his gentle heart. Roderick's Widow is difficult for me to rate. I would give it 4 stars if the conflict between the two main characters hadn't been drawn out. It's a romance, so I would like to see more romance, more gentle and realistic interactions between the hero and heroine. Therefore, I rate it 3.5 stars.
I would recommend Roderick's Widow, but if you are a reader who enjoys a bit more romance in your stories or a reader who likes the hero or heroine to work out their problems as they encounter them, then this book is not for you.
I was eager to read this book after reading the blurb. The plot pulls you in and you will not be able to put this book down because you will be anxious to know what is going to happen to the hero and heroine. But I was also partially disappointed with the story. I'm one of those readers that doesn't like her hero and heroine to constantly be a war with each other when they are adults and can or should be able to talk through their problems. And equally disturbing is when the hero or heroine doesn't resolve those issues until the reader is 80 or 90 percent into the book.
However, even though those things bother me, I commend the author for tackling a serious topic and for giving us a glimpse of what it may have been like for women during that era. I did enjoy when the author introduced Viscount Hartford into the story, I loved his gentle heart. Roderick's Widow is difficult for me to rate. I would give it 4 stars if the conflict between the two main characters hadn't been drawn out. It's a romance, so I would like to see more romance, more gentle and realistic interactions between the hero and heroine. Therefore, I rate it 3.5 stars.
I would recommend Roderick's Widow, but if you are a reader who enjoys a bit more romance in your stories or a reader who likes the hero or heroine to work out their problems as they encounter them, then this book is not for you.
December 3, 2019
Roderick's Widow by Emily Royal is the heartbreaking story of a woman abused by both her father and her husband. It tells a tale of physical abuse, murder, and the horrific misuse of the mental health system, such as it was at the time. Bedlam became a place to send people, women primarily, with whom no one wished to deal. Once there, it was difficult to leave and the primary way of treating an inmate was to keep them drugged. After two years Alice has found her way out, back to her father's house, where it wasn't too long before he had found potential grooms for her. The last thing she wanted was to marry after her first experience, but he wasn't about to let her live off him, either. She had acquiesced to his wishes the first time, spurning the man she loved, Ross, in order to marry a duke: a man who beat her daily, raped her regularly, and beat her into four premature births, killing those children before they had a chance to live. Then he died, and she was sent to Bedlam. Now he was going to force her to marry again. All the while, society believed the horrible stories about her and called her terrible names, including Ross, the man she had loved and lost. Her mother's friend, Viscount Hartford, an ill, elderly man, was one of the two to offer for her. He promised her a life of peace and recovery. She accepted and began her life as a Viscountess, adding months to his life, but not able to stave off death forever. What was to happen to her?
This was a heart-wrenching tale. During this time, it was a husband's right to treat his wife (his property) pretty much any way he liked. There were rules about who thick a stick her could beat her with, assuming anyone over found out. Daughters, in many homes, were looked upon as leeches, costing money. Sons were the important offspring and titles were everything when husband hunting. Character took a distant backseat. Very few people felt the need to intervene in either a marriage or in the treatment of an inmate in Bedlam. Society turned its collective heads away from such unpleasantness. This book may or may not represent and extreme case, but as heartbreaking as it is, there is a huge element of truth. Alice was lucky to escape the cycle and also in her attempts to help others in similar situations. This is a book everyone should read, simply to make themselves aware. I recommend it as creative and different as well a timely and direct.
I received a free ARC of Roderick's Widow from Dragonblade. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
This was a heart-wrenching tale. During this time, it was a husband's right to treat his wife (his property) pretty much any way he liked. There were rules about who thick a stick her could beat her with, assuming anyone over found out. Daughters, in many homes, were looked upon as leeches, costing money. Sons were the important offspring and titles were everything when husband hunting. Character took a distant backseat. Very few people felt the need to intervene in either a marriage or in the treatment of an inmate in Bedlam. Society turned its collective heads away from such unpleasantness. This book may or may not represent and extreme case, but as heartbreaking as it is, there is a huge element of truth. Alice was lucky to escape the cycle and also in her attempts to help others in similar situations. This is a book everyone should read, simply to make themselves aware. I recommend it as creative and different as well a timely and direct.
I received a free ARC of Roderick's Widow from Dragonblade. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
January 9, 2022
4 roses...
Alice loved Ross & was supposed to marry him, but was forced to reject him by her father. Her father then forced her to marry someone else for a title, but to say she was mistreated in this marriage is really underplaying it. After her husband dies, she goes to an asylum for two years. Her father then takes her out & she finds solace in being able to help battered women & their children in a local shelter. She even sees Ross again, although this doesn’t go well, since he never knew why she had rejected him all that time ago, so his view of her is not favorable.
Shortly after this, her father decides she should get married a second time, yet again to someone he (not her) deems worthy, someone who might yet again does not respect her at all.
All the while, she’s just trying to do some good whilst trying to deal with overwhelming loss her past... Maybe with the help of her friend Frederica, along with the second husband she was forced to marry, she begins to recover, begins to trust a man again, especially since her second husband ends up being wonderful after all.
However, her misfortunes continue after her second husband dies when his wishes for her to be independent & not have to be sold into another marriage fail. So she faces yet again having to be forced to marry a third time to someone who may end up mistreating her yet again.
Except... the third time it’s with Ross... Her first love, the one she was originally forced to leave.
This was a very well written book, although there were a few typos at times, mostly related to quotation marks.
I was expecting more details about the atrocities of her first wedding, along with her life with her father before this, but this was only mentioned at times. However, this was quite fitting, as it was more of a book on how to gain trust again, how to find love again after being so cruelly treated by family, life, by society.
4 roses...
1 rose at the end...
Simply beautiful... <3
Wonderful to read, worth reading.
Alice loved Ross & was supposed to marry him, but was forced to reject him by her father. Her father then forced her to marry someone else for a title, but to say she was mistreated in this marriage is really underplaying it. After her husband dies, she goes to an asylum for two years. Her father then takes her out & she finds solace in being able to help battered women & their children in a local shelter. She even sees Ross again, although this doesn’t go well, since he never knew why she had rejected him all that time ago, so his view of her is not favorable.
Shortly after this, her father decides she should get married a second time, yet again to someone he (not her) deems worthy, someone who might yet again does not respect her at all.
All the while, she’s just trying to do some good whilst trying to deal with overwhelming loss her past... Maybe with the help of her friend Frederica, along with the second husband she was forced to marry, she begins to recover, begins to trust a man again, especially since her second husband ends up being wonderful after all.
However, her misfortunes continue after her second husband dies when his wishes for her to be independent & not have to be sold into another marriage fail. So she faces yet again having to be forced to marry a third time to someone who may end up mistreating her yet again.
Except... the third time it’s with Ross... Her first love, the one she was originally forced to leave.
This was a very well written book, although there were a few typos at times, mostly related to quotation marks.
I was expecting more details about the atrocities of her first wedding, along with her life with her father before this, but this was only mentioned at times. However, this was quite fitting, as it was more of a book on how to gain trust again, how to find love again after being so cruelly treated by family, life, by society.
4 roses...
1 rose at the end...
Simply beautiful... <3
Wonderful to read, worth reading.
December 4, 2019
Alice De Grecy was forced to give up the one man she has ever loved and forced into a brutal marriage. After years of marriage to a abusive husband upon his death Alice broken and is sent to Bedlam. Two years later Alice is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. Ross Trelawney was devastated when Alice rejected him and married another. Now years later he is raising his daughter alone when he sees Alice. Not knowing what she has been through and still fighting the hurt of her rejection he is not very nice to her. Alice has been ruled by men telling what to do her whole life and after she was released from Bedlam it has not changed, every man she knows is still making all of her decisions for her and ruling her life. Feeling guilty for the way he has treated Alice, Ross is starting to learn exactly what she has been through and wants to help and take care of her, but that isn’t what Alice wants. This is a very emotional book to read, dealing with the way women were thought of and treated as possessions. I enjoyed watching Ross come to terms with the way women were treated and try to overcome his own way of thinking and watching him and Alice both overcome and grow together.
Read
December 11, 2019"No, Alice, I refuse to believe it. You love me. I know you do!" "I'm sorry Ross," Alice turned her head to conceal her expression. "I've reflected upon my error in judgement." The bruises hidden by the long sleeves of her dress were still fresh from the eductation her father had given her on being a dutiful daughter.
Thus began the journey of Alice and Ross. Alice was forced to wed a Duke, Roderick Markham and her life had been a living hell on earth until he had died and she had been broken and carted off to bedlam. Can you even imagine? After two years her father had agreed to take responsibility for her or she might never have gotten out. The Deranged Duchess
Ross has married and had a daughter although his wife had passed away, but he only felt scorn for Alice. But there was something else there two. She had broken his faith in women.
Intense, heartbreaking at times, filled with emotions that will bring you up and then down at the cruelty of the times when women were thought so much less, this story was mesmorizing. I could only hope Alice and Ross could find the love they still had for each other. I could not put it down until the end!
Thus began the journey of Alice and Ross. Alice was forced to wed a Duke, Roderick Markham and her life had been a living hell on earth until he had died and she had been broken and carted off to bedlam. Can you even imagine? After two years her father had agreed to take responsibility for her or she might never have gotten out. The Deranged Duchess
Ross has married and had a daughter although his wife had passed away, but he only felt scorn for Alice. But there was something else there two. She had broken his faith in women.
Intense, heartbreaking at times, filled with emotions that will bring you up and then down at the cruelty of the times when women were thought so much less, this story was mesmorizing. I could only hope Alice and Ross could find the love they still had for each other. I could not put it down until the end!
December 4, 2019
Greed is all consuming and destroys the soul. Especially when your father uses it for the betterment of his status in society. Alice de Grecy’s father bullied her into breaking her engagement to the love of her life, wealthy businessman, Ross Treiawney. This act left Alice heartbroken and defeated. Her marriage turned out to be violent and abusive from the Duke she was made to marry. After all, women were possessions, met to do whatever bidding her husband and father designed. After the violent death of her first husband, she feared society and life. According to her father, she must marry as soon as possible to another titled man much older that her. Ross, her first love had married also, and his wife gave him a daughter, but died soon after. Emily Royal has given us a look into the society that believed that women must obey whatever the male in their life delicate. However, this is a page turner as Alice and Ross fight to make their love possible. Hopefully, this insight into what could have been; might find a way to become fact.
March 25, 2022
Left me lots to think about.
The heroine of the story had come from an abusive relationship and horrendous ordeal. Unknowing of the full facts, the ton label her the Mad Duchess and cold shoulder her. Her ordeals are far from over and she finds solace in helping in a shelter for abused women of lower class.
However, I felt the story dragged on and that her thoughts about the new relationship thrust on her were misplaced. There is very little evidence in the author's writing as to why she believed she was unloved by her new husband. Her character was dreary and rather than be entertained I was struck by the thought that I was becoming impatient with her.
I was horrified at myself for even labelling her, after all it is just a story, but it highlighted for me what the minds of abused women must go through even today. Having never been in that situation I was appalled at myself for even thinking that her character was dreary. I know it seems a strong reaction to what after all is a fictional story, but it's result left me thinking deeply.
The heroine of the story had come from an abusive relationship and horrendous ordeal. Unknowing of the full facts, the ton label her the Mad Duchess and cold shoulder her. Her ordeals are far from over and she finds solace in helping in a shelter for abused women of lower class.
However, I felt the story dragged on and that her thoughts about the new relationship thrust on her were misplaced. There is very little evidence in the author's writing as to why she believed she was unloved by her new husband. Her character was dreary and rather than be entertained I was struck by the thought that I was becoming impatient with her.
I was horrified at myself for even labelling her, after all it is just a story, but it highlighted for me what the minds of abused women must go through even today. Having never been in that situation I was appalled at myself for even thinking that her character was dreary. I know it seems a strong reaction to what after all is a fictional story, but it's result left me thinking deeply.
January 6, 2022
An Emotional Read
My goodness, it has been quite a while since I have read such an emotionally charged story. While other books may mention or suggest such abuse, this one draws the reader through the dark and challenging journey an abused daughter and wife struggles with as she emerges from a hell that her society refused to acknowledge. The characters created by Ms. Royal are varied in personality and status in society, yet each is strong in their own way, be it for good or evil. The story line is not extremely complex in twists and turns, rather it is the journey toward love and acceptance for both Alice and Ross that draws the reader in, hoping that all will be well by the end. It is sad yet uplifting, powerful and poignant …. not exactly like most romances. But well worth the time to read it!
My goodness, it has been quite a while since I have read such an emotionally charged story. While other books may mention or suggest such abuse, this one draws the reader through the dark and challenging journey an abused daughter and wife struggles with as she emerges from a hell that her society refused to acknowledge. The characters created by Ms. Royal are varied in personality and status in society, yet each is strong in their own way, be it for good or evil. The story line is not extremely complex in twists and turns, rather it is the journey toward love and acceptance for both Alice and Ross that draws the reader in, hoping that all will be well by the end. It is sad yet uplifting, powerful and poignant …. not exactly like most romances. But well worth the time to read it!
May 7, 2025
Can Alice overcome her dreadful past and finally find love?
Alice de Grecy was forced by her abusive father to give up Ross Trelawney (the man she lived) and marry the abusive villain of the previous book. She has spent some time locked away in Bedlam following the death of her first husband.
On her release her father tries to marry her off to another vile man, she is rescued by an elderly but kind man who marries her. However, he is unwell and knows he does not have very long to live. When he dies his unpleasant son refuses to allow her to have the money she was promised.
Ross marries Alice and it takes some time for her to realise she is now safe.
I liked the way the author did not rush Alice’s recovery from the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the various men in her previous life.
Alice de Grecy was forced by her abusive father to give up Ross Trelawney (the man she lived) and marry the abusive villain of the previous book. She has spent some time locked away in Bedlam following the death of her first husband.
On her release her father tries to marry her off to another vile man, she is rescued by an elderly but kind man who marries her. However, he is unwell and knows he does not have very long to live. When he dies his unpleasant son refuses to allow her to have the money she was promised.
Ross marries Alice and it takes some time for her to realise she is now safe.
I liked the way the author did not rush Alice’s recovery from the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the various men in her previous life.
December 5, 2019
Alice de Grecy and Ross Trelawney were in love and ready to marry when her father bullied her into breaking her engagement and marring a Duke. Her marriage was a disaster she was abused and heart broken. She’s at the top of the tons gossip when her husband dies under violent circumstances. Ross and Alice meet again and they both remember what they had, but can they allow their hearts to be broken again. Alice’s father is at it again as he arranges her marriage to a viscount twice her age. This book takes you through many emotions as these two battle their own demons, learn to trust again and finally find the happiness they both deserve. I voluntarily wrote a review for this excellent story.
November 28, 2019
Alice De Grecy is back home in the less than gentle hands of her father, after two years in an asylum. She was sent there after problems with her now dead husband. After years of abuse Alice is hoping for peace, but that is not to be.
Ross Trelawney has only ever loved one woman. She broke his heart years ago when she prefered to marry a Duke. Perhaps she deserves her title as the deranged duchess.
A very emotional story that could contain triggers for some people. Our heroine has suffered horrific abuse and that takes time to recover from. Our hero has no idea what has been happening and can easily make matters worse.
Ross Trelawney has only ever loved one woman. She broke his heart years ago when she prefered to marry a Duke. Perhaps she deserves her title as the deranged duchess.
A very emotional story that could contain triggers for some people. Our heroine has suffered horrific abuse and that takes time to recover from. Our hero has no idea what has been happening and can easily make matters worse.
December 4, 2019
Overcome
This story is about Alice de Grecy and Ross Trelawney. Ross has loved Alice for the past eight years, but her abusive father sells her to the highest bidder!
Her first husband Roderick Markham was very abusive.
She was known as the deranged duchess. She has never known kindness nor freedom until she married a man older than her father,
Viscount George Hartford! Her short marriage to him was just what she needed.
This is a story about overcoming many problems and learning to
Love!!
This story is about Alice de Grecy and Ross Trelawney. Ross has loved Alice for the past eight years, but her abusive father sells her to the highest bidder!
Her first husband Roderick Markham was very abusive.
She was known as the deranged duchess. She has never known kindness nor freedom until she married a man older than her father,
Viscount George Hartford! Her short marriage to him was just what she needed.
This is a story about overcoming many problems and learning to
Love!!
January 17, 2022
Roderick’s Widow is a great example for Ross to work for!
Alice has the heartache of living in a world where women are possessions including fathers who use them as income. Her father sold her first to a monster and then committed her to an insane asylum with all the societal judgments until he could resell her to an older man who could appreciate her wisdom born of pain. When he died, Ross finally learned the value of the love of his life. Great story! I was given a free copy with no expectations of a review. I enjoyed this new to me author immensely!
Alice has the heartache of living in a world where women are possessions including fathers who use them as income. Her father sold her first to a monster and then committed her to an insane asylum with all the societal judgments until he could resell her to an older man who could appreciate her wisdom born of pain. When he died, Ross finally learned the value of the love of his life. Great story! I was given a free copy with no expectations of a review. I enjoyed this new to me author immensely!
March 1, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022
As far as tear-jerkers go, this was a good one! I just discovered this author recently and so far she doesn't disappoint. This book is the third in a series and I wish that I had started from the beginning. Excellent plot and interesting characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
There is one character named Dominic--he is sort of a bad guy. Occasionally he'll have a good moment. Of course he's handsome. I wonder if Emily Royal will manage to rehabilitate him and have his character spin off a new series??
As far as tear-jerkers go, this was a good one! I just discovered this author recently and so far she doesn't disappoint. This book is the third in a series and I wish that I had started from the beginning. Excellent plot and interesting characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
There is one character named Dominic--he is sort of a bad guy. Occasionally he'll have a good moment. Of course he's handsome. I wonder if Emily Royal will manage to rehabilitate him and have his character spin off a new series??
March 16, 2022
Great!
Ross and Alice get a second chance! After her husband's fall and subsequent death, Alice has a nervous breakdown, spends 2 years vin Bedlam, and is released to her father , only to be rubber the Mad Duchess! Ross had married but his wife died in childbirth, leaving him with a 6 year old daughter. He realizes he still loves Alice but her father wants to wed her to an elderly Lord. He fights all obstacles against them so they can finally have their HEA! This is a very involved, complicated story and Alice's awful experiences of the past 7 years bring tears!
Ross and Alice get a second chance! After her husband's fall and subsequent death, Alice has a nervous breakdown, spends 2 years vin Bedlam, and is released to her father , only to be rubber the Mad Duchess! Ross had married but his wife died in childbirth, leaving him with a 6 year old daughter. He realizes he still loves Alice but her father wants to wed her to an elderly Lord. He fights all obstacles against them so they can finally have their HEA! This is a very involved, complicated story and Alice's awful experiences of the past 7 years bring tears!
December 4, 2019
Riveting
A story of strength and bravery. Alice is a study in what it takes to rise above cruelty and pain. Ross is the love of her life but fate has thrown them obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. The journey to learn to trust again is touching and holds you captive from the first page.
A story of strength and bravery. Alice is a study in what it takes to rise above cruelty and pain. Ross is the love of her life but fate has thrown them obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. The journey to learn to trust again is touching and holds you captive from the first page.
December 7, 2019
A Simple Orange
This story of abuse and madness has you on the first chapter. Love can’t survive when one is lacking a title and rendered unworthy. Alice had experienced abuse and so troubled she was unable to love. Ross declaimed his love again hopefully that Alice would trust him and they could find happiness.
This story of abuse and madness has you on the first chapter. Love can’t survive when one is lacking a title and rendered unworthy. Alice had experienced abuse and so troubled she was unable to love. Ross declaimed his love again hopefully that Alice would trust him and they could find happiness.
January 1, 2022
A tale of triumph
An abusive marriage, a time in Bedlam, Alice must learn to trust and live again. Ross her first true love has watched from afar and thought he has fought his true feelings for Alice he has not been able to forget her his own first true love. Love and trust must go hand and hand to survive.
An abusive marriage, a time in Bedlam, Alice must learn to trust and live again. Ross her first true love has watched from afar and thought he has fought his true feelings for Alice he has not been able to forget her his own first true love. Love and trust must go hand and hand to survive.
August 11, 2023
4.5*
Final book in the trilogy, although at some point I'd like to see Dominic Hartfords and Viscount Oakvilles stories.
Easiest book to get into of the series, and tells the story of Alice and Ross which we've been waiting for since the start of the series. To fully appreciate their story I think you need to have read the earlier books in the series.
Final book in the trilogy, although at some point I'd like to see Dominic Hartfords and Viscount Oakvilles stories.
Easiest book to get into of the series, and tells the story of Alice and Ross which we've been waiting for since the start of the series. To fully appreciate their story I think you need to have read the earlier books in the series.
July 16, 2020
Good read.
The Story was Wonderful. It became a bit tedious for a couple of chapters, but ended Wonderfully.
Ross didn't truly understand Alice's fear. Alice's character endured so much pain & hurt throughout her life, it's Amazing she was as strong as she was.
The Story was Wonderful. It became a bit tedious for a couple of chapters, but ended Wonderfully.
Ross didn't truly understand Alice's fear. Alice's character endured so much pain & hurt throughout her life, it's Amazing she was as strong as she was.
July 25, 2020
Tearjerker. Very good!
I do love this author’s style of writing and her stories are so powerful and captivating. I did cry throughout this book as it’s one hell of a story. I now need a couple of days to recover. A great read!
I do love this author’s style of writing and her stories are so powerful and captivating. I did cry throughout this book as it’s one hell of a story. I now need a couple of days to recover. A great read!
February 6, 2022
Strangely compelling
I'm not a fan of historical romances, per se, and I had planned to dip in and out of Alice's story, yet I found myself thinking about it and so reading it non-stop. Not perfect, yet compelling.
I'm not a fan of historical romances, per se, and I had planned to dip in and out of Alice's story, yet I found myself thinking about it and so reading it non-stop. Not perfect, yet compelling.
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