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Improper Wives for Proper Lords #1
Dealing with the Viscount
After making a wager of marriage to settle her father's gambling debts, Ella Bowen-Thorn Renwick escaped the husband she foolishly began to fall for and disappeared into the Scottish countryside carrying a secret. Four years later, and the owner of her own bakery, she is still not free of the demands of men when a violent and anonymous blackmailer threatens her, her livelihood...and her daughter. And then, there is him... Viscount Renwick still mourns the wife he began to love before her untimely death--that is until he discovers her alive and well living in Scotland. Now, Devon's face to face with the wife he thought he'd buried and the daughter he never knew existed. He'd like nothing more than to welcome Ella back into his arms, but mysterious and troubling incidents and a history with an unloving father have Ella trusting no one. But, if Renwick convinces his wife he's the husband she always dreamed of and the father their daughter deserves, will the scandalous secret the blackmailer is holding threaten their future together once more?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
674 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Clair Brett
16 books80 followersFur baby wrangler and historical romance author of 7 published novels, Clair Brett lives in NH with her hard-working husband of 23 years. Her office staff during the day consists of Cinta, a black cat and the matriarch of the fur babies, Mojo, a yellow kitten who spends his day holding Clair down in her seat to get her word count in, a boxer/beagle mix puppy named Willow, who sleeps next to her chair to make it hard to do an Oreo run without doing a pee run as well, Sanibel, a lab mix, who is the HR dept. keeping moral up, and sometimes her “grand dog”, Bailey, an 80 pound shepherd mix who is always up for a good time. When not writing, she tries to keep tabs on her newly minted adult daughters who are working on figuring it all out.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 1, 2020
Unexpected
This was my first book by the author. I downloaded expecting something more erotic. Although there are sexually explicit scenes, the story was much more. There were a few typos and editing issues, but I overall enjoyed the writing. My main complaint is the ending was too abrupt. I would have liked one more chapter plus an epilogue. I definitely would read more by Clair Brett.
This was my first book by the author. I downloaded expecting something more erotic. Although there are sexually explicit scenes, the story was much more. There were a few typos and editing issues, but I overall enjoyed the writing. My main complaint is the ending was too abrupt. I would have liked one more chapter plus an epilogue. I definitely would read more by Clair Brett.
April 16, 2019
Some years ago, Ella and Devon made a business agreement. They agreed to marry. Her dowry would pay off her father's gambling debts to Devon and get out from under her father, and Devon would marry before the age of 25 as was required before he could come into his fortune. They planted that she would leave for Scotland soon after their marriage, and she would fake her death. Instead, when she went away, it appears that she died for real. Some years later now, Devon is surprised to find her actually alive running a small bakery in a remote part of Scotland with a small child who resembles him.
How did all this come about? Is the child his? Do the two have any feelings for each other? What will become of this family unit?
While I expect a certain unreality in my romance fiction and am willing to suspend disbelief to a point, this book struck me wrong on several levels. The entire premise for their fake marriage—a trope often seen in historical romance fiction—just didn't seem right. Since this book takes place wholly after the heroine’s supposed death, we don't see the original stage of the marriage itself; we know of it from characters talking and thinking about it. In this setup, why would Ella need to fake her death in the first place? If they had enough feeling for each other to consummate their marriage, why wouldn't they stay together? Or he could have chosen to set her up in another house somewhere in the country while he lived whatever life he wanted to live that didn't include a female. Why would a woman go along with selling herself to pay off her family's debts and choose to live a life cut off from all she knew as they would think she was dead? That's just all kinds of wrong. Also, what woman of her station would know much about baking and especially enough for it to be a passion of hers?
Some of the “growth” of the characters seemed unrealistic as well. It is clear that Devon didn't want a wife and a family before, but when he sees Ella again and their child, he suddenly wants to be a family man.
There are also more than the average amount of errors with grammar, punctuation, and usage that is typical of self-published books these days. Comma errors were rife, including ones lacking between independent clauses in compound sentences. The word discourse was mistaken for discord.
In all, the setup and characterization strained my credulity further than I find acceptable.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review--obviously.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
How did all this come about? Is the child his? Do the two have any feelings for each other? What will become of this family unit?
While I expect a certain unreality in my romance fiction and am willing to suspend disbelief to a point, this book struck me wrong on several levels. The entire premise for their fake marriage—a trope often seen in historical romance fiction—just didn't seem right. Since this book takes place wholly after the heroine’s supposed death, we don't see the original stage of the marriage itself; we know of it from characters talking and thinking about it. In this setup, why would Ella need to fake her death in the first place? If they had enough feeling for each other to consummate their marriage, why wouldn't they stay together? Or he could have chosen to set her up in another house somewhere in the country while he lived whatever life he wanted to live that didn't include a female. Why would a woman go along with selling herself to pay off her family's debts and choose to live a life cut off from all she knew as they would think she was dead? That's just all kinds of wrong. Also, what woman of her station would know much about baking and especially enough for it to be a passion of hers?
Some of the “growth” of the characters seemed unrealistic as well. It is clear that Devon didn't want a wife and a family before, but when he sees Ella again and their child, he suddenly wants to be a family man.
There are also more than the average amount of errors with grammar, punctuation, and usage that is typical of self-published books these days. Comma errors were rife, including ones lacking between independent clauses in compound sentences. The word discourse was mistaken for discord.
In all, the setup and characterization strained my credulity further than I find acceptable.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review--obviously.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 17, 2021
I suppose one could call this novel “different”, as it certainly was not what I expected. Viscount Devon Renwick had a brief marriage to Ella, and then as originally planned, she disappeared. He thought she had found her way to Scotland until her remains are delivered to him in a coffin. Years later an interfering friend demands that he journey to Scotland, where he discovers that not only is his wife alive, but that he has a child as well. What he still had to find out was that his wife is being blackmailed and is in danger. I found this novel disjointed and the modern language jarred on my senses, making it difficult to get my head around the plot at times. Fortunately, the book does come to a successful conclusion and the faithful Devon wins the day.
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February 3, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/3/2020)! 🎁
November 1, 2017
Noticed this book listed as a Goodreads giveaway and the description drew me in. Decided to go ahead and download a copy and I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed the characters - they seemed real and acted in a reasonable way. He's still in love with the wife who he thought died. She's still in love with her husband, but she's also hiding a secret. Four years after believing she died, he learns that she's not only still alive, but they have a beautiful daughter. As rich as the hero is, she doesn't want his money, only wants to live as an independent woman. Now he'll have to fight to win her back if he can...
I love stories where both of the main characters are good people, just stubborn in that they have to change their ideas of what they want most to finally allow themselves to be happy.
I love stories where both of the main characters are good people, just stubborn in that they have to change their ideas of what they want most to finally allow themselves to be happy.
January 11, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars.
Review to follow
Review to follow
January 25, 2017
Devon, Lord Renwick has been called to Scotland by a friend who believes he has seen Devon's supposedly dead wife. Before she "died" they had a made a deal . Should he allow her to stay dead in the eyes of the world?
Ella has made a new life for herself, and it was going well until someone starts blackmailing her. Now she by as to deal with her husband turning up and the danger from the blackmailer.
Both our protagonists have serious trust issues due to bad family relationships. Our hero is very sneaky, but with a good heart. Our heroine is incredibly brave and trying to be independent.
An exciting and fun filled historical romance, with a nasty secret behind our heroines troubles. A very entertaining read. I loved it.
Ella has made a new life for herself, and it was going well until someone starts blackmailing her. Now she by as to deal with her husband turning up and the danger from the blackmailer.
Both our protagonists have serious trust issues due to bad family relationships. Our hero is very sneaky, but with a good heart. Our heroine is incredibly brave and trying to be independent.
An exciting and fun filled historical romance, with a nasty secret behind our heroines troubles. A very entertaining read. I loved it.
April 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, such a heartwarming story!! Ella had married Viscount Devon Renwick 4 years ago as part of a deal and then disappeared, believed to have died in a highwaymen robbery. Now Devon learns that Ella is alive, owns her own bakery in Scotland and has a 3 year old daughter....their daughter!!!! She is such a delightful little girl and I just love how she manages to wrap Devon around her little finger:)
Not only is Devon trying to show Ella that he can be a good husband, as well as a good father, he must now protect them as well from someone who is blackmailing Ella and is threatening to harm her and their daughter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Not only is Devon trying to show Ella that he can be a good husband, as well as a good father, he must now protect them as well from someone who is blackmailing Ella and is threatening to harm her and their daughter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 23, 2017
Ella Bowen-Thorn Renwick runs a bakery in Scotland while raising her daughter, Maddie. Yet lately Ella finds herself the victim of a blackmailing scheme that puts her in more and more danger. The blackmailers are taking all of her money and she has no clue on who is after her.
Devon, Lord Renwick, has been in mourning for the past 4 years since his wife died. Yet his best friend, Clive, Lord Breakerton, has just told him that Ella may in fact be alive.
As Devon and Clive travel to Ella they are surprised to learn the truth. When Devon realizes that Ella is hiding something he vows to discover what she is hiding. Devon wants Ella and Maddie back in his life and will do anything to prove his love to her. Yet Ella doesn't want Devon to know what she's hiding.
Will Devon and Ella be able to sort out their feelings for one another before it's too late?
I enjoyed this book and was surprised by the ending for sure.
I liked Ella and felt bad that she felt like she had to run in the first place and never realized how much Devon cared for her. Ella did work hard to establish her own business but knew she was in over her head when her business began to be sabotaged. Ella's first priority was Maddie and she knew that she couldn't protect her own her own and therefore relied on Devon.
I thought Devon was awesome and that he really loved Ella and wanted to prove it to her. He did everything he can to keep her and Maddie safe. I loved how far he was willing to go.
This was a great historical romance.
Devon, Lord Renwick, has been in mourning for the past 4 years since his wife died. Yet his best friend, Clive, Lord Breakerton, has just told him that Ella may in fact be alive.
As Devon and Clive travel to Ella they are surprised to learn the truth. When Devon realizes that Ella is hiding something he vows to discover what she is hiding. Devon wants Ella and Maddie back in his life and will do anything to prove his love to her. Yet Ella doesn't want Devon to know what she's hiding.
Will Devon and Ella be able to sort out their feelings for one another before it's too late?
I enjoyed this book and was surprised by the ending for sure.
I liked Ella and felt bad that she felt like she had to run in the first place and never realized how much Devon cared for her. Ella did work hard to establish her own business but knew she was in over her head when her business began to be sabotaged. Ella's first priority was Maddie and she knew that she couldn't protect her own her own and therefore relied on Devon.
I thought Devon was awesome and that he really loved Ella and wanted to prove it to her. He did everything he can to keep her and Maddie safe. I loved how far he was willing to go.
This was a great historical romance.
April 25, 2019
Ella married Devon Viscount Renwick to settle her father's gambling debt and since she always wanted to marry for love they agree to one night together and then she leaves faking her own death. Four years later Devon goes to Scotland after a friend tells him his wife is there with a three year old girl. Devon finds out she is being threatened and blackmailed by someone but they do not know who. Devon wants to protect Ella and Maddie and be have the family he always wanted since he knows he loves them both. Loved this book with romance and suspense with great characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
Loved it. Historical romance. Ella and Devon’s story. They had an agreement to marry and Ella was to fake her death. Four years later Devon finds out that she didn’t really die when her father was killed
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2017
Dealing with The Viscount is the debut Historical Romance novel of author Clair Brett. Set in the Regency era of England, the book claims Scotland for its setting. Ella, Viscountess Renwick, staged her death four years ago after a marriage of convenience to Devon, Viscount Renwick. Both viewed the marriage as a business contract, neither claiming love for the other. Ella promised to leave Devon and disappear from his life, something he agreed to. But, for one passionate night before her departure, Ella and Devon both lost their hearts, something neither would admit to the other. Or themselves.
Once Ella left London, the tale of her accidental death began circulating and Devon was led to believe he truly was a widower. Four years later, his best friend informs him his long lost wife is living in Scotland, running a bakery of all things, and has a small daughter in tow.
Believing Ella dead, Devon flees to Scotland to prove his friend wrong. He is the one who is proven wrong, though, when he meets Ella, and their daughter Maddie – a child he never knew existed - a product of he and his wife’s one night together.
Determined to be a true husband to Ella and a father to Maddie, Devon sets out on a course that brings him face to face with blackmail, attempted murder, and a love so profound, it changes everything he has ever thought of concerning marriage, and he is never the same man again.
This debut novel was rich with emotion, passion, and adventure. Ms. Brett weaves a complicated backstory into the evolving plot, helping us see why Devon and Ella made their agreement upon their marriage, and how important it was to the both of them that the charade of a marriage between them succeed, socially.
Told in revolving third person between Devon and Ella, the story is captivating and enjoyable. Ella is somewhat of an anachronism for the time period – a woman, gently bred, who learns to make her own way in the world without the help or assistance of any man. It was a pleasure to read a historical romance where the woman was fully able to take care of herself and her daughter financially and literally.
I think you will be hearing about Clair Brett and her Improper Wives for Proper Lords series a great deal in the future.
4.5 well deserved stars for me.
February 5, 2017
This was an amazing book! I was hooked from the start and loved every single thing. It is extremely well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I could not for the life of me figure out the reason for the blackmail and that is rare for me and that made me love it even more. I read it in one sitting glued to the pages loving their interaction and all of the characters. The agreements that they made were shocking but fun at the same time.
Ella is so independent and strong that you love her right away. She did not want to be owned by anyone and her wager with Devon she got away from her father and got her freedom, but lost her heart without fully realizing it. She had her fears when it came to men and protecting her daughter, but she slowly realized not all men are her father.
Devon is a man that's heart was crushed when she left and he thought died, but he couldn't believe he really loved her until he saw her again. I loved him from the start and how much he interacted with Maddie. He never pushed her on anything and was always there when she needed him even if she didn't know it yet.
I can't wait to see what else Clair Brett has in store because I want to know more about everyone is this book.
Ella is so independent and strong that you love her right away. She did not want to be owned by anyone and her wager with Devon she got away from her father and got her freedom, but lost her heart without fully realizing it. She had her fears when it came to men and protecting her daughter, but she slowly realized not all men are her father.
Devon is a man that's heart was crushed when she left and he thought died, but he couldn't believe he really loved her until he saw her again. I loved him from the start and how much he interacted with Maddie. He never pushed her on anything and was always there when she needed him even if she didn't know it yet.
I can't wait to see what else Clair Brett has in store because I want to know more about everyone is this book.
February 4, 2017
I really enjoy reading historical romance book. The only think I do not like is that so many women are weak and cant really do anything on their own. When I started reading “Dealing with the Viscount” I was afriad it will be like any other book but I was wrong .The story and build-up is perfect and we have a strong female character who can take care of her and her daugher, both financially and literally. When you have great characters in a book you tend to like the book better and so is the case for me.
I wish I would be able to write a long review but pain makes it hard and I dont want to retell the story as in so many other review. I hope I will one day to be able to go back and write a longer review.
I will end it will that I really enjoyed reading this book and I really hope Clair Brett will write more stories like this, in this world because I really enjoyed it, and love this story! A really good read that I can recommend.
I wish I would be able to write a long review but pain makes it hard and I dont want to retell the story as in so many other review. I hope I will one day to be able to go back and write a longer review.
I will end it will that I really enjoyed reading this book and I really hope Clair Brett will write more stories like this, in this world because I really enjoyed it, and love this story! A really good read that I can recommend.
February 3, 2017
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book. The trope may not be a new one, but the author makes it fresh and interesting.
Viscount Renwick is called to Scotland by his trusted friend with no idea as to the reason. Being one of his true friends he goes.
What he finds makes his heart stop, then beat so hard it feels like it may fly out of his chest.
You have read the blurb and I don't want to add possible spoilers. I will say that the writing was well done. the characters were well rounded, thought out people They have flaws like we all do. I will look for more by this Author.
I give it 4.5 stars.
Viscount Renwick is called to Scotland by his trusted friend with no idea as to the reason. Being one of his true friends he goes.
What he finds makes his heart stop, then beat so hard it feels like it may fly out of his chest.
You have read the blurb and I don't want to add possible spoilers. I will say that the writing was well done. the characters were well rounded, thought out people They have flaws like we all do. I will look for more by this Author.
I give it 4.5 stars.
January 6, 2017
My first foray into Clair Brett's written world was an amazing journey. My intentions were to spend a couple of days reading this new-to-me author but from the moment Devon, Lord Renwick, set foot in Scotland I was completely immersed in the story and didn't stop until "the end".
An agreement, a misunderstanding, a secret, Devon's devotion to winning Ella's love and Ella's determination to keep from getting her heart broken had me running the range of emotions. Something a talented writer can accomplish.
I'm honored to be one of the first readers of Ms. Brett's foray into the world of historical romance with her 5 star Dealing With the Viscount and am looking forward to see what she brings out next.
An agreement, a misunderstanding, a secret, Devon's devotion to winning Ella's love and Ella's determination to keep from getting her heart broken had me running the range of emotions. Something a talented writer can accomplish.
I'm honored to be one of the first readers of Ms. Brett's foray into the world of historical romance with her 5 star Dealing With the Viscount and am looking forward to see what she brings out next.
January 26, 2018
Wonderful read!
This book was a great read, and I especially liked the connection between mother and daughter. It's listed as a historical romance, and that's only part of it. There is a big part that is romance, but I find it was more about self-discovery. First, Ella takes off, and her husband thinks she's dead. Then he finds her. The essence of the story is romance, but I see it as more of discovery, and opening yourself up for love and romance. It's a great story that has many notes and points in it.
This book was a great read, and I especially liked the connection between mother and daughter. It's listed as a historical romance, and that's only part of it. There is a big part that is romance, but I find it was more about self-discovery. First, Ella takes off, and her husband thinks she's dead. Then he finds her. The essence of the story is romance, but I see it as more of discovery, and opening yourself up for love and romance. It's a great story that has many notes and points in it.
June 17, 2021
I was not previously familiar with this author, but I enjoyed this book immensely. I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the familiar way in which Devon and Clive bantered with one another. For example, early on Clive shows his humor by telling Devon, “I am sorry to interrupt your woolgathering. However, I was beginning to feel neglected.” Later, there’s a part where Clive is annoyed with something but before he can devote his attention to how he feels about it, he is interrupted. “Clive dearly wanted to get back to his pouting, and he was about to hit his stride.”
Devon, who believes his wife died four years ago, is surprised to discover, with Clive’s intervention, that she is actually still alive and living in Scotland, working hard as a baker. Although they had an agreement that their marriage was one of convenience, Devon wants Ella back. However, he refuses to admit he might actually care about her because that goes against the image he has always portrayed of a man above affairs of the heart. While talking with Clive about how he is going to win Ella’s affections, Clive asks how he can be certain he won’t fall into his own trap. Devon explains: “I can, without a doubt, guarantee I will be in no such danger as falling into my own trap. For if I did, wouldn’t I be the biggest of fools?”
Clive responds: “Well, I can see your point. After all, who would want to fall in love with a beautiful, smart, strong, articulate woman who has proven she can give you heirs and will hold to a bargain struck? It is preposterous really.”
It was snark like this that caused me to chuckle and built a particular affinity for Clive. I would be interested in a book about him. As for this one, I definitely recommend it.
Devon, who believes his wife died four years ago, is surprised to discover, with Clive’s intervention, that she is actually still alive and living in Scotland, working hard as a baker. Although they had an agreement that their marriage was one of convenience, Devon wants Ella back. However, he refuses to admit he might actually care about her because that goes against the image he has always portrayed of a man above affairs of the heart. While talking with Clive about how he is going to win Ella’s affections, Clive asks how he can be certain he won’t fall into his own trap. Devon explains: “I can, without a doubt, guarantee I will be in no such danger as falling into my own trap. For if I did, wouldn’t I be the biggest of fools?”
Clive responds: “Well, I can see your point. After all, who would want to fall in love with a beautiful, smart, strong, articulate woman who has proven she can give you heirs and will hold to a bargain struck? It is preposterous really.”
It was snark like this that caused me to chuckle and built a particular affinity for Clive. I would be interested in a book about him. As for this one, I definitely recommend it.
September 18, 2021
I’m a sucker for a second chance romance. And a second chance for an emotionally scarred hero is just about my Kryptonite. I pretty much adored Devon. He’s not perfect and there are some of his actions that had me looking at him through a jaded side-eye, but I felt like he was trying to bring his family back together. Ella left me wanting to tear my hair out by the roots. She was so determined to cut off her nose to spite her face and that drove me completely batty. These two really just needed to sit down and have an adult conversation without worrying about who ‘won the round’. There are some unusual grammar and spelling usages in this book. I’m not sure if they were on purpose or by accident, but they sort of made my brain hurt and frequently pulled me out of the story. Also, by starting where it does, the whole book felt like it was missing large portions of the backstory. Almost as if this was “part II” and there was a “part I” we should have read somewhere else. We get tiny pieces of the missing knowledge, but I never felt like I got enough to really understand what brought these characters to this place in time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Romancing the Past anthology.
February 9, 2020
Engaging bit sometimes silly
There is a lot to enjoy in this novel, with fluent writing and some good characters but the plot is a bit crazy and the characters make many stupid decisions.
In a gripping beginning Viscount Devon discovers the wife he thought dead is still alive and has a child. Despite being indifferent about his marriage of convenience he pursues the wife and finds her living as a baker in Scotland while facing extortionists.
The best moments in the book come from an adorable child character and the hero’s friend. Other secondary characters are intriguing but not fully formed.
On the exasperating side are the mood changes from both lead characters and the unconvincing baddies. This feels like a promising first draft that does not yet have a clear direction.
There is a lot to enjoy in this novel, with fluent writing and some good characters but the plot is a bit crazy and the characters make many stupid decisions.
In a gripping beginning Viscount Devon discovers the wife he thought dead is still alive and has a child. Despite being indifferent about his marriage of convenience he pursues the wife and finds her living as a baker in Scotland while facing extortionists.
The best moments in the book come from an adorable child character and the hero’s friend. Other secondary characters are intriguing but not fully formed.
On the exasperating side are the mood changes from both lead characters and the unconvincing baddies. This feels like a promising first draft that does not yet have a clear direction.
May 1, 2019
Second Chances/ Scottish Historical Romance
Book 1 in the "Improper Wives for Proper Lords" series
Can a English Lord admit his love to his Viscountess
Our British/ English Lord hero for the last four years has believed he buried his wife in name only
He learned when he arrived in Scotland to visit a friend that his wife and a daughter he never knew about is alive in a nearby village and owns the local bakery
Can he win back his wife
Be a father to his young daughter
Help his wife discover who is blackmailing her and why
Discover these answers as you read
If you love historical and second chance romances you will love this one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 1 in the "Improper Wives for Proper Lords" series
Can a English Lord admit his love to his Viscountess
Our British/ English Lord hero for the last four years has believed he buried his wife in name only
He learned when he arrived in Scotland to visit a friend that his wife and a daughter he never knew about is alive in a nearby village and owns the local bakery
Can he win back his wife
Be a father to his young daughter
Help his wife discover who is blackmailing her and why
Discover these answers as you read
If you love historical and second chance romances you will love this one
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2020
3.5 stars (4 stars enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
I enjoyed the main charters H/H; both were likeable, their romance was engaging and I found the humour in the book to my liking.
Secondary charters were also engaging and fun to read.
I found the movement of the book ‘choppy at times’ and slow especially around the story telling overall.
This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down (skimmed through parts of the book).
There are romantic/sexual content throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making).
I think most people could read this book in a few sittings or one all day sitting.
overall i would recommend this book and author.
I enjoyed the main charters H/H; both were likeable, their romance was engaging and I found the humour in the book to my liking.
Secondary charters were also engaging and fun to read.
I found the movement of the book ‘choppy at times’ and slow especially around the story telling overall.
This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down (skimmed through parts of the book).
There are romantic/sexual content throughout the book (kissing, oral, love making).
I think most people could read this book in a few sittings or one all day sitting.
overall i would recommend this book and author.
February 24, 2020
Entertaining but lacking
Shocking twists, danger, fierce protectiveness, loyal friends,second chance, action, longing, passion, and a long awaited love. Ella is a strong, independent woman who has made a good life for herself and her daughter but someone is blackmailing her and getting more demanding. Devon has been completely shocked but is determined to do whatever is necessary to win back and protect what is most important to him. Both have bad parents to blame for their lack of belief in or distrust of love, which left them with serious trust issues.
Most of this story was entertaining and the main characters were quite likeable. However, I felt the first half of the book dragged, it needs editing, and the ending was lacking.
Shocking twists, danger, fierce protectiveness, loyal friends,second chance, action, longing, passion, and a long awaited love. Ella is a strong, independent woman who has made a good life for herself and her daughter but someone is blackmailing her and getting more demanding. Devon has been completely shocked but is determined to do whatever is necessary to win back and protect what is most important to him. Both have bad parents to blame for their lack of belief in or distrust of love, which left them with serious trust issues.
Most of this story was entertaining and the main characters were quite likeable. However, I felt the first half of the book dragged, it needs editing, and the ending was lacking.
February 25, 2020
Pretty good story but....
It’s never good to annoy one’s readers. In this case, the book is replete with editing (or lack thereof) issues. These include: sentence fragments and run-on sentences; misplaced commas; too many awkward perspective issues to count (including some in the same paragraph); wrong word usage or misspellings such as “ques” for cues; redundancies abound especially related to the personal histories of the main characters; and the use of language not appropriate for the time period. Also, if this is in Scotland, shouldn’t all the local people speak with Scottish accents?
Show some self-respect and pay an editor. In fact, even beta readers could have spotted some of these.
It’s never good to annoy one’s readers. In this case, the book is replete with editing (or lack thereof) issues. These include: sentence fragments and run-on sentences; misplaced commas; too many awkward perspective issues to count (including some in the same paragraph); wrong word usage or misspellings such as “ques” for cues; redundancies abound especially related to the personal histories of the main characters; and the use of language not appropriate for the time period. Also, if this is in Scotland, shouldn’t all the local people speak with Scottish accents?
Show some self-respect and pay an editor. In fact, even beta readers could have spotted some of these.
March 3, 2020
I am not a writer and never could be. Even reading hundreds of books a year, I could never write like these authors do. With that being said, I don’t write great reviews. If I liked or loved a book; I used to just say “Love this book. Get it” or something along those lines. I am trying to be better about my reviews because I noticed some authors do actually see them.
I have also recently started reading some new authors. Some good and some not so good. It gets frustrating when you read a new author and don’t like the book.
That is not the case here. I was really surprised and glad I chose this book. I will be adding Clair Brett to my own list of good reads. I am so glad I chose this book and can’t wait for the next one.
I have also recently started reading some new authors. Some good and some not so good. It gets frustrating when you read a new author and don’t like the book.
That is not the case here. I was really surprised and glad I chose this book. I will be adding Clair Brett to my own list of good reads. I am so glad I chose this book and can’t wait for the next one.
September 19, 2021
This book either gave too much information or not enough. Maybe it should have started when they first met, married and then she disappeared. Granted once Devon reaches Scotland the story moves at a nice pace. Building trust between them is not easy, but Ella went way off base later in the book. I was very disappointed that after everything Devon had already done for her, she still did not trust him. Lack of communication? A nice novella for a second chance romance and I'm not discouraged enough to not read her other books, especially AN HEIRESS BY MIDNIGHT. Clive is one of my favorite characters from this book. WHERE IS THE EPILOGUE?
This novella in included in the anthology ROMANCING THE PAST.
This novella in included in the anthology ROMANCING THE PAST.
March 6, 2020
This is the first historical romance I have read by author Clair Brett, and I was not disappointed. I have to be in the mood for a historical romance, and this story was engaging and satisfying from beginning to end. I was drawn in by the premise of an estranged wife who the Viscount Devon had married in a mutual satisfying business deal. One who supposedly died, but turns up and is discovered by the Viscount's friend to be alive with his secret child. How delightful! I love books full with mystery and intrigue, ones, which keep you entertained this one certainly does. I shall look forward to reading more of the author's books.
August 18, 2020
It's more of a 2.5, but giving it a 2 star rating felt mean when there isn't anything glaringly wrong from a strictly technical point of view. There's a good attempt at making the characters grow and such, but the setting just doesn't seem right.
I simply can't imagine historical characters interacting in the way that they do here, without the strict class distinctions and the judgements that came with it. I think the plot idea was quite nice, but perhaps a historical novel just isn't the right place for it, not with the gulf of class between these characters.
I simply can't imagine historical characters interacting in the way that they do here, without the strict class distinctions and the judgements that came with it. I think the plot idea was quite nice, but perhaps a historical novel just isn't the right place for it, not with the gulf of class between these characters.
May 1, 2019
This was a very different story than I am used to reading but I was not putting it down until I had finished reading. Ella Bowen-Thorn Renwick and Devon Viscount Renwick's story has some very good twists and turns. Those where two very sick men I am glad they got what they deserved. This is a new Author for me and I know I want to read more of her books. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2020
My first book but the author and I loved it. Ella left her husband 4 years ago and he thought she was dead. When Devons friend tells him his wife is alive and had a child, his child he doesn’t believe it. But when he comes face to face with her, he wants s second chance. He needs to find what love is. There is a problem Ella is being blackmailed but she doesn’t know why. Devon will do anything to save his wife and child! A great story.
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