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Never the Bride #2
Always the Chaperone
Always the chaperone and never the bride - until she catches the eye of the very man whose courtship she's supposed to be helping...
Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?
This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2020
1167 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
149 books282 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 13, 2023
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older heroine (35)
➖ What I disliked:
Too much push and pull.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying hero.
Age obsessed heroine.
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking and unconvincing.
Thin and clichéd plot.
Anachronistic.
Repetitive.
Bland main characters.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Older heroine (35)
➖ What I disliked:
Too much push and pull.
Annoying heroine.
Annoying hero.
Age obsessed heroine.
The chemistry and romantic build up was lacking and unconvincing.
Thin and clichéd plot.
Anachronistic.
Repetitive.
Bland main characters.
Did Not Finish
July 11, 2024DNF at 56% (end of chapter 10). July 10, 2024. Two DNFs in a row! That’s gotta be a first for me.
The writing is not engaging and felt modern at times. I do like that the hero pursues the heroine but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them. The heroine’s refusal to take his courtship seriously got repetitive, boring, frustrating, and really dragged the story. Nothing exciting occurs.
Mostly kisses for now. Based on the tone, it gives off a clean romance vibe, but there are two sex scenes (I skipped ahead to confirm).
The writing is not engaging and felt modern at times. I do like that the hero pursues the heroine but I didn’t feel the chemistry between them. The heroine’s refusal to take his courtship seriously got repetitive, boring, frustrating, and really dragged the story. Nothing exciting occurs.
Mostly kisses for now. Based on the tone, it gives off a clean romance vibe, but there are two sex scenes (I skipped ahead to confirm).
May 8, 2020
'Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?'
________________________
Always the Chaperone is the second book in Emily E.K. Murdoch's Never the Bride series.
I was really pulled in by the blurb and premise for this book and I thought the writing style and historical tone was great with a really strong strat to the book, but I found William extremely unlikable and it really prevented me from engaging with this story and enjoying it as I expected to. He gave me a real creep vibe, but I seem to be in the minority here based on how well received this book has been by other reviewers.
For me, William had a real king-of-the-world, do-no-wrong attitude that was off-putting to me and his behavior toward Charlotte to be markedly selfish. Throughout this short book, he consistently behaves in ways that show his disregard for taking her emotions or reputation into account. I will admit that as the story progress he is a little more prone to consider her side of things and her emotions, but overall she is an afterthought to his needs and comforts.
He seems convinced that this spinster will just fall at his feet and be thankful for his attention. Sounds like some mixed messaging and gaslighting to me and I was NOT here for it.
An aspect of this book that I enjoyed was Charlotte's character. Most books with a spinster female have a young woman who barely qualifies as a spinster or is just now approaching spinsterhood and is by all accounts still very young. Therefore it was refreshing to see a main character dubbed a spinster that is actually a spinster and didn't simply commit the sin of being a young woman who did not marry straight from the schoolroom.
It was a little unclear to me as to why Charlotte was a 35 year old spinster. She is beautiful, well-connected, noble, and the daughter and sister of a duke. I know the family suffered earlier financial hardship and her dowry was used to rescue the family so this would make a match more difficult. But not even any social climbers? Seems unlikely. Further with her social position, how do people think they can get away with treating her as poorly and speaking to her as cruelly as they do?
It read as a bit of a shallow attempt to give these characters more depth and felt like lazy writing to me.
I cannot recommend Always the Chaperone as I really had to push myslf to finish this book and, had it been longer, I likely would have just ditched it. I will not be going back to read the previous book in the series, but at the same time, based solely on the flow of the author's writing, I would give another book by her a try if it caught my attention.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?'
________________________
Always the Chaperone is the second book in Emily E.K. Murdoch's Never the Bride series.
I was really pulled in by the blurb and premise for this book and I thought the writing style and historical tone was great with a really strong strat to the book, but I found William extremely unlikable and it really prevented me from engaging with this story and enjoying it as I expected to. He gave me a real creep vibe, but I seem to be in the minority here based on how well received this book has been by other reviewers.
For me, William had a real king-of-the-world, do-no-wrong attitude that was off-putting to me and his behavior toward Charlotte to be markedly selfish. Throughout this short book, he consistently behaves in ways that show his disregard for taking her emotions or reputation into account. I will admit that as the story progress he is a little more prone to consider her side of things and her emotions, but overall she is an afterthought to his needs and comforts.
He seems convinced that this spinster will just fall at his feet and be thankful for his attention. Sounds like some mixed messaging and gaslighting to me and I was NOT here for it.
An aspect of this book that I enjoyed was Charlotte's character. Most books with a spinster female have a young woman who barely qualifies as a spinster or is just now approaching spinsterhood and is by all accounts still very young. Therefore it was refreshing to see a main character dubbed a spinster that is actually a spinster and didn't simply commit the sin of being a young woman who did not marry straight from the schoolroom.
It was a little unclear to me as to why Charlotte was a 35 year old spinster. She is beautiful, well-connected, noble, and the daughter and sister of a duke. I know the family suffered earlier financial hardship and her dowry was used to rescue the family so this would make a match more difficult. But not even any social climbers? Seems unlikely. Further with her social position, how do people think they can get away with treating her as poorly and speaking to her as cruelly as they do?
It read as a bit of a shallow attempt to give these characters more depth and felt like lazy writing to me.
I cannot recommend Always the Chaperone as I really had to push myslf to finish this book and, had it been longer, I likely would have just ditched it. I will not be going back to read the previous book in the series, but at the same time, based solely on the flow of the author's writing, I would give another book by her a try if it caught my attention.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
June 15, 2021
I enjoyed this novella by Murdoch, however at times the heroine was a bit frustrating as she defeated her own capabilities with relegating herself to chaperone. She had built up a big enough persona for herself that everyone only knew her as a spinster who could only do anything but tag behind the younger women of the ton. I was glad to see the hero not caring one bit about what people thought and seeing the heroine for what she truly was. Although he made mistakes and she too, they redeemed themselves to understanding that love can happen regardless of any age. Nice read.
July 14, 2020
“Always the Chaperone” is a satisfying, slow-burn regency romance. Both Charlotte and William have complicated pasts which the author uses to develop their characters.
Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 6, 2020
You know that book that you don't love but you don't hate? That's how I feel about this book. Aside from the fact of being embarrassed about a couple of public fights/display on both their parts, it was an okay book.
I did not read the first one and I didn't feel left out. I guess you can read this as a stand alone.
I did not read the first one and I didn't feel left out. I guess you can read this as a stand alone.
July 30, 2021
Nice story.
April 2, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋💋
A brilliant and moving story that really tugs at your heartstrings .
These two had chemistry from the beginning, but Charlotte refused all advances because of her age and position as a chaperone.
It really broke my heart and brought home to me the differences in our times.
Nowadays this would not exist.
She’d not be ostracised for her age , or have people look down on her.
He’s always been a bit of a Rogue, but his soldering days are over and even he has a past he feels like forgetting.
The two of them have so much in common but so much that separates them.
A HEA is something I really feel was needed in this book, and I was so happy to see the end result.
A beautiful story and another wonderful book by Emily.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
A brilliant and moving story that really tugs at your heartstrings .
These two had chemistry from the beginning, but Charlotte refused all advances because of her age and position as a chaperone.
It really broke my heart and brought home to me the differences in our times.
Nowadays this would not exist.
She’d not be ostracised for her age , or have people look down on her.
He’s always been a bit of a Rogue, but his soldering days are over and even he has a past he feels like forgetting.
The two of them have so much in common but so much that separates them.
A HEA is something I really feel was needed in this book, and I was so happy to see the end result.
A beautiful story and another wonderful book by Emily.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 28, 2020
Always the Chaperone
Never the Bride Series #2
Emily EK Murdoch
https://www.facebook.com/theemilyekmu...
Release date 04/03/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Always the chaperone and never the bride - until she catches the eye of the very man whose courtship she's supposed to be helping…
Book 2 in the Never the Bride series is now available! Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?
My review :
Will she be able to let her past grief go to open herself to a better future...
I have been a while I wanted to read a book by Mrs Emily EK Murdoch, so this new release popped up in my list of interest, I decided to give it a try. And I so love story of older persons, a change from the usual debutantes.
Just, while I am not an historian, I do wonder how the brother of a duke could be a marquess , I thought it was the courtesy title for the future heir, so his brother would only be a lord, even if he was the potential heir, it was only until the duke might sire a son.
After, it was fun to see both brothers navigate the intricate and deceit full web of the marriage mart, making errors after mistakes, being louder, less quiet, speaking their mind ...
William has known battlefields and loss, and he also lived the full life of a man without a care for his reputation, he was at that time only Major Lennox, now as a duke, he is assaulted by the mamas throwing their daughters at his feet in hope they might become the future duchess of Mercia. So when his eyes caught those of a woman so very different from the debutantes trying to ensnare him. He is set on pursuing her.
He has no interest in fresh of the schoolroom, he wants a true woman, and Lady Charlotte is perfect for him, if only she would believe he is truly wooing her.
Charlotte is so settled in her position as a Thank chaperone, she is unable to understand nor accept a man would be interest in her.
And while she falls for William and his charms, she has difficulties to comprehend it is not a jest, he walks the ballroom with an air of amusement as he sees society with the eyes of someone who did not grew up in.
It was fun to see them interact, he is very determined to make her his wife, but his way of gliding through his peers, he might make it seems like everything amuses him.
I just thought Charlotte was a bit too stubborn, blind and deaf to not realize how much William cared for her. Sure he is not the usual duke but he is true about his feelings, and thus from the very beginning of their relationship.
4 stars for this fun read.
Never the Bride Series #2
Emily EK Murdoch
https://www.facebook.com/theemilyekmu...
Release date 04/03/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Always the chaperone and never the bride - until she catches the eye of the very man whose courtship she's supposed to be helping…
Book 2 in the Never the Bride series is now available! Read for Free with Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Charlotte St Maur is a spinster. Invited to dances as a chaperone rather than a dance partner, it's all she can do to keep back tears as match after match is made - with her help. But a lady over thirty, no matter the title, doesn't find true love.
William Lennox, Duke of Mercia, never expected to come to fame and fortune, and never thought anything could be more tiring than soldiering - except the marriage market. He needs to make a good match, but no matter how many young chits he's introduced to, it's always the chaperone who catches his eye.
He's determined to convince her. She finds the idea of anyone courting her laughable. This soldier has never been defeated, and he won't now. A seduction is the only recourse.
Can Charlotte allow herself to be loved or will the Duke of Lennox be tempted away by a bright young thing?
My review :
Will she be able to let her past grief go to open herself to a better future...
I have been a while I wanted to read a book by Mrs Emily EK Murdoch, so this new release popped up in my list of interest, I decided to give it a try. And I so love story of older persons, a change from the usual debutantes.
Just, while I am not an historian, I do wonder how the brother of a duke could be a marquess , I thought it was the courtesy title for the future heir, so his brother would only be a lord, even if he was the potential heir, it was only until the duke might sire a son.
After, it was fun to see both brothers navigate the intricate and deceit full web of the marriage mart, making errors after mistakes, being louder, less quiet, speaking their mind ...
William has known battlefields and loss, and he also lived the full life of a man without a care for his reputation, he was at that time only Major Lennox, now as a duke, he is assaulted by the mamas throwing their daughters at his feet in hope they might become the future duchess of Mercia. So when his eyes caught those of a woman so very different from the debutantes trying to ensnare him. He is set on pursuing her.
He has no interest in fresh of the schoolroom, he wants a true woman, and Lady Charlotte is perfect for him, if only she would believe he is truly wooing her.
Charlotte is so settled in her position as a Thank chaperone, she is unable to understand nor accept a man would be interest in her.
And while she falls for William and his charms, she has difficulties to comprehend it is not a jest, he walks the ballroom with an air of amusement as he sees society with the eyes of someone who did not grew up in.
It was fun to see them interact, he is very determined to make her his wife, but his way of gliding through his peers, he might make it seems like everything amuses him.
I just thought Charlotte was a bit too stubborn, blind and deaf to not realize how much William cared for her. Sure he is not the usual duke but he is true about his feelings, and thus from the very beginning of their relationship.
4 stars for this fun read.
August 14, 2020
This book was kind of disappointing for me. A lot of it didn't make sense historically and wasn't very satisfying even from a plot perspective. With historical fiction I feel like if you're sacrificing historical accuracy it should at least be a fun and dramatic plot, and if it's boring it should at least be historically accurate. To be neither was just a recipe for disaster.
Lady Charlotte is 35, firmly off the marriage market in England in the 1800s. As such, she's a respectable chaperone whom many young women rely on. She's obviously not satisfied with this lot in life but feels as though she can't do much to change it at this point. I don't really understand why she's not married, she didn't make a pledge not to marry like her brother did it seems like she just accidentally ended up in this position. She's the daughter of a duke, I feel like someone would marry her on that position alone. Maybe not another duke but like a baron or something at least come on. She wasn't described as especially ugly, ugly characters were obviously not allowed. It just felt like there was no justification for it.
Her romance with William was weak too. It was very insta-love, not a slow-burn at all. Considering she waited twenty years to get married you'd think she'd want to spend a little more time with him. And she asked to spend time with him and he was like marriage or I'm leaving Bath forever. He had no consideration for how she was feeling and the situation that she was in. I don't think that he ever really came to understand it either. He was just like I think you're desirable so you're desirable shut up and ignore everyone else.
Not a super enjoyable regency romance. It does get some points for being short enough that I was able to finish it without DNF but at like 180 pages it shouldn't have felt so long.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
June 25, 2020
I had such high hopes for this one, but I was sadly disappointed.
Lady Charlotte is 35 and has always been invited to serve as chaperone to the young ladies who are in search of a husband. It is not until she meets the Duke of Mercia, William, that her chaperone duties come to an end.
It was an insta love for William. He was so attracted to her and asked for her hand in marriage a little too soon for Charlotte’s liking. He was very sweet and always enjoyed flirting with her. He just might of moved too fast and made Charlotte uncomfortable with his attentions.
The two star rating was because it got a little repetitive. Charlotte kept saying that she didn’t believe his feelings for her. When she is told about his past she judges him unfairly. In all of their encounters he was always very nice and honest. Also, Charlotte seemed to be a little snobby towards William. Since her family has been for many years part of the aristocracy she felt that William did not do things the right way. He was a soldier then a major who until recently gained the title of Duke. He was not very familiar in how things were done in the aristocracy. He at times felt that he might embarrass her.
He begged her too many times to marry him. He was too persistent and when he wanted to walk away she held on to him. Make up your mind!
Lady Charlotte is 35 and has always been invited to serve as chaperone to the young ladies who are in search of a husband. It is not until she meets the Duke of Mercia, William, that her chaperone duties come to an end.
It was an insta love for William. He was so attracted to her and asked for her hand in marriage a little too soon for Charlotte’s liking. He was very sweet and always enjoyed flirting with her. He just might of moved too fast and made Charlotte uncomfortable with his attentions.
The two star rating was because it got a little repetitive. Charlotte kept saying that she didn’t believe his feelings for her. When she is told about his past she judges him unfairly. In all of their encounters he was always very nice and honest. Also, Charlotte seemed to be a little snobby towards William. Since her family has been for many years part of the aristocracy she felt that William did not do things the right way. He was a soldier then a major who until recently gained the title of Duke. He was not very familiar in how things were done in the aristocracy. He at times felt that he might embarrass her.
He begged her too many times to marry him. He was too persistent and when he wanted to walk away she held on to him. Make up your mind!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2021
This was such a cute read!!!
Everything that I had a problem with in the last book was gone in this one. There were still some problems, but, overall, very cute.
The heroine's complexes sometimes came back for the sake of convenience and drama, which, after some time, was annoying, especially with the hero's constant reassurances. In the end, she somewhat overcomes that and does something about it, but that scene in particular was quite cheesy.
The hero was in love with her and, for the most part, went after her and really showed her that he was interested. Their banter was amusing, though the hero still seemed a bit immature.
The dialogues between the brothers sometimes was a bit irrealistic.
I don't know if it was because the last book was a total disaster or if I just enjoyed the cute romance, but I'd recommend this book - but please keep in mind the heroine can be a bit of a pain.
Everything that I had a problem with in the last book was gone in this one. There were still some problems, but, overall, very cute.
The heroine's complexes sometimes came back for the sake of convenience and drama, which, after some time, was annoying, especially with the hero's constant reassurances. In the end, she somewhat overcomes that and does something about it, but that scene in particular was quite cheesy.
The hero was in love with her and, for the most part, went after her and really showed her that he was interested. Their banter was amusing, though the hero still seemed a bit immature.
The dialogues between the brothers sometimes was a bit irrealistic.
I don't know if it was because the last book was a total disaster or if I just enjoyed the cute romance, but I'd recommend this book - but please keep in mind the heroine can be a bit of a pain.
February 22, 2022
Adding this only coz it helps my GR challenge. Story is pretty bland and clichéd with miscommunication trope and "oh woe is me" being the winner of tropes here. A person who hasn't read a lot of Historical romances would find this okay I guess. But as someone who had read Tessa Dare and Julia Quinn HRs galore, this had nothing new in terms of story, romance or feels.
2.5 stars 💕
2.5 stars 💕
September 3, 2020
This was very exhausting.
Our chaperone was exhausting.
I understand insecurities will make a person very rigid, but this was something else...
Its a yes this time, next time a no. The back and forth was truly exhausting.
It actually exposed the limited story. To a point, the author had really nothing to add to the drama.
How sad that was...
Our chaperone was exhausting.
I understand insecurities will make a person very rigid, but this was something else...
Its a yes this time, next time a no. The back and forth was truly exhausting.
It actually exposed the limited story. To a point, the author had really nothing to add to the drama.
How sad that was...
May 2, 2020
Good story, but ruined love scene
This is my first time reading this author and her writing is on point, very well done with only a few typos. The story was amusing, and there were moments of humor throughout it all. It was the usual trope of a jaded manwhore who finally meets his match and experiences love for the first time with a good woman.
Unfortunately, it fell flat with me and was ruined by the first love scene, where the hero wore a condom when taking the heroines virginity. I can’t think of anything more distasteful, like tossing cold water on a fire. Condom use, always a huge no no in romance in general when passion, heat and intimacy is to be demonstrated, is doubly more horrible in an historical romance. It takes away from the connection between the two, creates an artificial barrier between the man and his woman, prevents him from feeling her intimately, dulls his sensation while keeping her from taking his release, connecting the two of them.
Just no. And for this reason, because the love scene was ruined, the book gets 3 stars. Had the author written a scene with the two of them truly sharing and connecting their bodies and souls together, skin to skin, without any barriers to protect one from the other, it would have gotten 5 stars.
This is my first time reading this author and her writing is on point, very well done with only a few typos. The story was amusing, and there were moments of humor throughout it all. It was the usual trope of a jaded manwhore who finally meets his match and experiences love for the first time with a good woman.
Unfortunately, it fell flat with me and was ruined by the first love scene, where the hero wore a condom when taking the heroines virginity. I can’t think of anything more distasteful, like tossing cold water on a fire. Condom use, always a huge no no in romance in general when passion, heat and intimacy is to be demonstrated, is doubly more horrible in an historical romance. It takes away from the connection between the two, creates an artificial barrier between the man and his woman, prevents him from feeling her intimately, dulls his sensation while keeping her from taking his release, connecting the two of them.
Just no. And for this reason, because the love scene was ruined, the book gets 3 stars. Had the author written a scene with the two of them truly sharing and connecting their bodies and souls together, skin to skin, without any barriers to protect one from the other, it would have gotten 5 stars.
April 16, 2023
A proposal
Charlotte was treated as a Dowager! I loved her fierce independent spirit she was 35 which is positively ancient when most of the young ladies she chaperone were 17 if that!! William was a rake in the military and after listening to chits rattle on about the weather, the dresses, bonnets etc he was willing to scream!! But across a crowded room he met Charlotte and his world tilted in its axis! She saw him too but Charlotte has dressed as a chaperone been over looked and made fun of for years! William saw her as beautiful, fun and his? But until Charlotte starts to see that she is beautiful and worthy of William love than all is lost! Or is it see what happens when Charlotte decides she is worthy of love!! William has all but given up but then.... HEA is within their grasp if they reach for it!!! Just one more time....
Charlotte was treated as a Dowager! I loved her fierce independent spirit she was 35 which is positively ancient when most of the young ladies she chaperone were 17 if that!! William was a rake in the military and after listening to chits rattle on about the weather, the dresses, bonnets etc he was willing to scream!! But across a crowded room he met Charlotte and his world tilted in its axis! She saw him too but Charlotte has dressed as a chaperone been over looked and made fun of for years! William saw her as beautiful, fun and his? But until Charlotte starts to see that she is beautiful and worthy of William love than all is lost! Or is it see what happens when Charlotte decides she is worthy of love!! William has all but given up but then.... HEA is within their grasp if they reach for it!!! Just one more time....
June 13, 2020
DNF at nearly 90%.
normally a dnf = 1 star for me however this one did have some things I liked.
1 - the h being 35 was quite nice.
2 - the H being happy to meet a woman who was an actual adult with thoughts in her head.
The basic premise of the story was fine and I enjoyed the beginning. There were some minor editing issues and historical anomalies but that was also bearable. Until the sheer weight of the things that would never have occurred in this period just became too overwhelming. There were so many non-proposals it became boring. And then our h demands a public proposal on bended knee as this is the only proper way. WTF? I called it quits at the proposal in the ballroom
normally a dnf = 1 star for me however this one did have some things I liked.
1 - the h being 35 was quite nice.
2 - the H being happy to meet a woman who was an actual adult with thoughts in her head.
The basic premise of the story was fine and I enjoyed the beginning. There were some minor editing issues and historical anomalies but that was also bearable. Until the sheer weight of the things that would never have occurred in this period just became too overwhelming. There were so many non-proposals it became boring. And then our h demands a public proposal on bended knee as this is the only proper way. WTF? I called it quits at the proposal in the ballroom
October 13, 2021
Things I like:
1. Actual spinsterish age (35)
2. Misunderstanding and confusion about his interest in her
3. Angsty roller coaster
Some complaints:
1. This need some editing. Nothing super egregious, but repeated words and phrases within the same sentence read awkwardly to me.
2. Why would Charlotte insist that a month isn’t enough time to court someone? This is the era of arranged marriages, when it was treated as a business transaction
3. One mention of a physically abusive father and then it is never relevant again. A bit disappointing.
4. Why is she a spinster??? Did I miss something by not reading the first book? She is beautiful and titled.
1. Actual spinsterish age (35)
2. Misunderstanding and confusion about his interest in her
3. Angsty roller coaster
Some complaints:
1. This need some editing. Nothing super egregious, but repeated words and phrases within the same sentence read awkwardly to me.
2. Why would Charlotte insist that a month isn’t enough time to court someone? This is the era of arranged marriages, when it was treated as a business transaction
3. One mention of a physically abusive father and then it is never relevant again. A bit disappointing.
4. Why is she a spinster??? Did I miss something by not reading the first book? She is beautiful and titled.
April 20, 2020
Everything I could dislike in a book was here. I love a story with an "older" woman but this book was hi horrible. I did not like the hero, he did not go after her when he humiliated her and actually blames her.🤦♀️ The heroine did not do much better nor did any of the secondary characters (or extras.) Everything felt badly done in this book.
November 14, 2020
Some good points, some really weak points. I'm splitting the difference at 3 stars - overall, I did enjoy it, even if it wasn't my favorite.
Charlotte (h) has found herself single and on the far side of 30, solidly on the shelf and relegated to the role of chaperone in society. William (H) was a career soldier who has been suddenly thrust into high society after the death of a relative brought him a dukedom. They meet at a wedding, brought into each other's orbit when Charlotte is asked to chaperone a young miss interested in the new duke. Yet the more they meet, the more William is interested in the chaperone and not whatever young lady she is accompanying. Is she truly on the shelf after all? Or could she possibly be the star of her own story and not just a side character in someone else's?
I enjoyed having an older heroine. So often "older" Regency heroines are all of *gasp* 22 or 24 and considered spinsters or on the shelf. Here, she was actually old enough to 'deserve' the comments about being 'not in the bloom of youth' and such nonsense. It also meant she was a more adult h in a lot of ways. And I liked some of William's awkwardness (though it didn't help their communication issues). He wasn't brought up to all this; he was a soldier who'd spent more time away on campaigns, so it made some sense that he often stuck his foot in things.
However...
For two older leads, there was a ridiculous amount of insecure miscommunication and lack of communication between them. So much back and forth nonsense. How many times did William have to tell Charlotte of his intentions before she starts to believe him? Or for her to have him talk to her family (I mean, if she's unsure of his intentions, that's one way to know for sure!). Yes, I know - signs of the times and societal expectations and all that. But still. It got tiring.
And there were a number of plot points which were never fully developed. I get that William's sister's story was setting up a later book, but there were other things that were mentioned and then just glossed over. Like Charlotte's abusive family background. Or why she hadn't actually married - mentioned once and then never really brought up again. Left you wondering why a titled, attractive, intelligent woman would be on the shelf for so long. Not even social climbers circling? And why people were so rude to her (even to her face!!). I mean, she might be older, but she's still a duke's sister!
Also, totally not slow-burn. It's insta-love from when their eyes meet at Charlotte's brother's wedding. The slow part is them having to actually communicate. Not quite the same thing.
For the most part, no glaring historical anachronisms or horrible editing issues. Except the public proposal thing. That one really got me. He hasn't talked to her family at all, and for her to ask that of him, and even more to do that herself in such a public place? Seemed jarringly modern, especially when it was flipped at the final ball.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No real OW/OM drama, just societal Mean Girl (intentional and unintentional both) antics. No love triangles, and no cheating. HEA and no real cliffhangers. The epilogue does set up the next book in the series, though. And one of the plot threads introduced here (William's sister) is set up to be a larger theme in a later book - not really a cliffhanger, though, just unresolved here.
Would I read more in this series? Sure. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite. But it was still a nice escape, a quick read, and (bonus!) a free find on Kindle. Would certainly read more, especially if others in the series are on Kindle special.
Charlotte (h) has found herself single and on the far side of 30, solidly on the shelf and relegated to the role of chaperone in society. William (H) was a career soldier who has been suddenly thrust into high society after the death of a relative brought him a dukedom. They meet at a wedding, brought into each other's orbit when Charlotte is asked to chaperone a young miss interested in the new duke. Yet the more they meet, the more William is interested in the chaperone and not whatever young lady she is accompanying. Is she truly on the shelf after all? Or could she possibly be the star of her own story and not just a side character in someone else's?
I enjoyed having an older heroine. So often "older" Regency heroines are all of *gasp* 22 or 24 and considered spinsters or on the shelf. Here, she was actually old enough to 'deserve' the comments about being 'not in the bloom of youth' and such nonsense. It also meant she was a more adult h in a lot of ways. And I liked some of William's awkwardness (though it didn't help their communication issues). He wasn't brought up to all this; he was a soldier who'd spent more time away on campaigns, so it made some sense that he often stuck his foot in things.
However...
For two older leads, there was a ridiculous amount of insecure miscommunication and lack of communication between them. So much back and forth nonsense. How many times did William have to tell Charlotte of his intentions before she starts to believe him? Or for her to have him talk to her family (I mean, if she's unsure of his intentions, that's one way to know for sure!). Yes, I know - signs of the times and societal expectations and all that. But still. It got tiring.
And there were a number of plot points which were never fully developed. I get that William's sister's story was setting up a later book, but there were other things that were mentioned and then just glossed over. Like Charlotte's abusive family background. Or why she hadn't actually married - mentioned once and then never really brought up again. Left you wondering why a titled, attractive, intelligent woman would be on the shelf for so long. Not even social climbers circling? And why people were so rude to her (even to her face!!). I mean, she might be older, but she's still a duke's sister!
Also, totally not slow-burn. It's insta-love from when their eyes meet at Charlotte's brother's wedding. The slow part is them having to actually communicate. Not quite the same thing.
For the most part, no glaring historical anachronisms or horrible editing issues. Except the public proposal thing. That one really got me. He hasn't talked to her family at all, and for her to ask that of him, and even more to do that herself in such a public place? Seemed jarringly modern, especially when it was flipped at the final ball.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No real OW/OM drama, just societal Mean Girl (intentional and unintentional both) antics. No love triangles, and no cheating. HEA and no real cliffhangers. The epilogue does set up the next book in the series, though. And one of the plot threads introduced here (William's sister) is set up to be a larger theme in a later book - not really a cliffhanger, though, just unresolved here.
Would I read more in this series? Sure. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite. But it was still a nice escape, a quick read, and (bonus!) a free find on Kindle. Would certainly read more, especially if others in the series are on Kindle special.
November 22, 2021
Always the Chaperone, Book 2 of the Never the Bride series, was about Lady Charlotte "Lotty" St Maur, the only daughter, and sister, of the Dukes of Axwick, and His Grace William Lennox, the Duke of Mercia (or was it Richmond? Seems the author has both stated as being his title).
Charlotte, being 35 years old and considered "well on the shelf", had never truly had a man show any interest in her. She was so much on the shelf that, for the past several years, all the younger ladies of the ton looked to her to chaperone their dates with eligible gentlemen, none of them taking into consideration just how rude and disrespectful they were being to Charlotte.
William, only just recently having risen in the ranks to the dukedom of Mercia, was more used to being a soldier than a nobleman. He and his brother John, the new Marquess of Gloucester, had never expected to gain a title, having been raised only as high as a gentleman's upbringing and not that of nobility. As they both learned to navigate the new waters of pomp and circumstance, they each stumbled a little along the way.
Having been told he needed to procure a wife and an heir, William began the ritual of traversing the marriage mart, only to be stifled by all of the title-hunting mamas and the irritating giggles of the debutantes. When he received the invite to attend the Duke of Axwick's wedding, William hadn't expected to be swamped by the many young ladies seeking a wealthy husband. However, when he noticed Lady Charlotte standing by her brother, he became quite intrigued. She didn't seem to be the usual debutante and, she wasn't since she was much older and more mature. The more time he spent with her, the more determined he was to marry her.
For some reason, Charlotte was extremely hesitant to believe that William actually loved her and wanted to marry her. No matter how many times he asked, she turned him down.
The angst and drama of the story were enough to send the reader into an anxiety attack. One never knew what would happen next with all the twists and turns the book made. The emotions were rough sometimes but there was plenty to lighten the mood. There was even a touch of humor.
The characters were well developed, though some might find William to be an anomaly for a Duke. When one realized that he hadn't been born to fill such a role, that he was just an ordinary guy that was elevated to a title he never even knew existed, then his character made sense. He had a habit of being not so proper in Society, but that made him all the more endearing. Charlotte, on the other hand, was every bit the noble lady one would expect to meet in real life, with all the hauteur and arrogance, but tinged with a bit of self-doubt to make her amenable. The uncertainty both main characters felt when it came to their feelings for each other softened the reader's heart towards them, for sure. While the book won't make the Keeper for the Shelves collection, it definitely earned a five-star rating.
Charlotte, being 35 years old and considered "well on the shelf", had never truly had a man show any interest in her. She was so much on the shelf that, for the past several years, all the younger ladies of the ton looked to her to chaperone their dates with eligible gentlemen, none of them taking into consideration just how rude and disrespectful they were being to Charlotte.
William, only just recently having risen in the ranks to the dukedom of Mercia, was more used to being a soldier than a nobleman. He and his brother John, the new Marquess of Gloucester, had never expected to gain a title, having been raised only as high as a gentleman's upbringing and not that of nobility. As they both learned to navigate the new waters of pomp and circumstance, they each stumbled a little along the way.
Having been told he needed to procure a wife and an heir, William began the ritual of traversing the marriage mart, only to be stifled by all of the title-hunting mamas and the irritating giggles of the debutantes. When he received the invite to attend the Duke of Axwick's wedding, William hadn't expected to be swamped by the many young ladies seeking a wealthy husband. However, when he noticed Lady Charlotte standing by her brother, he became quite intrigued. She didn't seem to be the usual debutante and, she wasn't since she was much older and more mature. The more time he spent with her, the more determined he was to marry her.
For some reason, Charlotte was extremely hesitant to believe that William actually loved her and wanted to marry her. No matter how many times he asked, she turned him down.
The angst and drama of the story were enough to send the reader into an anxiety attack. One never knew what would happen next with all the twists and turns the book made. The emotions were rough sometimes but there was plenty to lighten the mood. There was even a touch of humor.
The characters were well developed, though some might find William to be an anomaly for a Duke. When one realized that he hadn't been born to fill such a role, that he was just an ordinary guy that was elevated to a title he never even knew existed, then his character made sense. He had a habit of being not so proper in Society, but that made him all the more endearing. Charlotte, on the other hand, was every bit the noble lady one would expect to meet in real life, with all the hauteur and arrogance, but tinged with a bit of self-doubt to make her amenable. The uncertainty both main characters felt when it came to their feelings for each other softened the reader's heart towards them, for sure. While the book won't make the Keeper for the Shelves collection, it definitely earned a five-star rating.
April 3, 2020
Always the Chaperone by Emily E K Murdoch is the second in her Never the Bride series. This is a very cute book. He tells her multiple times he's going to marry her. She never believes him, maybe because he never actually asks her. Lady Charlotte is older than the typical debutante. She really doesn't intend to ever marry but that doesn't mean she enjoys knowing no one would want her. People now see her as a spinster, a safe chaperone for themselves or their daughters as they pursue eligible men. Miss Darby is the newest one to request her assistance. She wants to attend a performance of The Magic Flute in the company of William Lennox, the Duke of Mercia. She does indeed accompany them and finds herself on the receiving end of the Duke's attentions; Miss Darby appears to be enthralled by his younger brother, John. Charlotte finds herself extremely attracted to Mercia, but continues to tell herself it is ridiculous: she is too old.
The story unfolds as do all romances but it is fun. It is fun to hear her responses to William. It is interesting to hear her excuses to herself, even after they have been intimate. It is a nicely executed plot. The characters, Charlotte and William are well-rounded and interesting characters, as are Miss Darby and John Lennox, for all that their relationship is a subplot. It is both romantic and sexy. Always the Chaperone highlights some of the expectations of this period, of both ladies and gentlemen. It also stresses the importance of an heir, which is an all-consuming desire for most noblemen. I enjoyed this, the second in the series, as much as I did the first. I heartily recommend it to readers of the genre.
I received a free ARC of Always the Chaperone from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
The story unfolds as do all romances but it is fun. It is fun to hear her responses to William. It is interesting to hear her excuses to herself, even after they have been intimate. It is a nicely executed plot. The characters, Charlotte and William are well-rounded and interesting characters, as are Miss Darby and John Lennox, for all that their relationship is a subplot. It is both romantic and sexy. Always the Chaperone highlights some of the expectations of this period, of both ladies and gentlemen. It also stresses the importance of an heir, which is an all-consuming desire for most noblemen. I enjoyed this, the second in the series, as much as I did the first. I heartily recommend it to readers of the genre.
I received a free ARC of Always the Chaperone from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
January 11, 2021
Find another book
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Charlotte is at her brother's wedding. Miss Darby asks her to chaperone her outing with the Duke of Mercia and his brother, to the opera. Charlotte looks at him, gets a jolt, and escapes to the music room. William follows her.
At the opera, William doesn't sit according to protocol. Miss Darby and John, William's brother, hit it off. Charlotte and William flirt. Miss Darby asks Charlotte to chaperone her and John on a carriage ride. William says they will join them. Charlotte clarifies she'll go as the chaperone, not William's companion.
The men arrive in two two-seaters, not a four-seater. Miss Darby and John ride in the front carriage, William and Charlotte in the rear. People stare at her because she's with a gentleman.
EVALUATION
This historical romance is boring because of the lack of dialog. So much is repetitive thoughts from both characters. The chapter at 50% was well done.
RECOMMENDATION
I'd say find another historical romance. I recommend Patricia Rice, Erica Ridley, or Maggie Fenton.
FAVORITE QUOTES
How could anyone look at her and not see her worth? How could they look and laugh?
What did she care for the opinions of people she did not even like?
Why did every second not in Charlotte’s company seem like time completely wasted?
The ground cracking open and swallowing her up was the only solution to this situation.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: multiple scenes
Language: 0 F words, 55 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: gossip, possible past abduction
MY RATING SYSTEM
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good, won't read again
2 stars--read it, but didn't enjoy it
1 star--didn't finish, it was so awful
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no
SUMMARY
Charlotte is at her brother's wedding. Miss Darby asks her to chaperone her outing with the Duke of Mercia and his brother, to the opera. Charlotte looks at him, gets a jolt, and escapes to the music room. William follows her.
At the opera, William doesn't sit according to protocol. Miss Darby and John, William's brother, hit it off. Charlotte and William flirt. Miss Darby asks Charlotte to chaperone her and John on a carriage ride. William says they will join them. Charlotte clarifies she'll go as the chaperone, not William's companion.
The men arrive in two two-seaters, not a four-seater. Miss Darby and John ride in the front carriage, William and Charlotte in the rear. People stare at her because she's with a gentleman.
EVALUATION
This historical romance is boring because of the lack of dialog. So much is repetitive thoughts from both characters. The chapter at 50% was well done.
RECOMMENDATION
I'd say find another historical romance. I recommend Patricia Rice, Erica Ridley, or Maggie Fenton.
FAVORITE QUOTES
How could anyone look at her and not see her worth? How could they look and laugh?
What did she care for the opinions of people she did not even like?
Why did every second not in Charlotte’s company seem like time completely wasted?
The ground cracking open and swallowing her up was the only solution to this situation.
POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (spoilers)
Sex: multiple scenes
Language: 0 F words, 55 Lord's name in vain, 0 S words
Violence: gossip, possible past abduction
April 6, 2020
Instant attraction, funny moments too.
Lady Charlotte St. Maur is both the daughter and sister of a duke. As such, she is a woman of lofty position in London society, and her reputation is spotless. But Charlotte is getting up in years and has not had an offer of marriage, in fact in her day, she’s pretty much considered too old to go down that road. So she assists other, younger girls in their marital quests by acting as a chaperone for them as they are courted by eligible gentlemen who continue to overlook Charlotte herself.
One afternoon at the wedding of her brother she is caught by a glance rom an attractive man. A former military commander, William Lennox, the new Duke of Merica. He has not been raised in the gentility, and has only recently come into his inheritance from an unknown and distant relative. He is being chased by every doting mother and daughter team in London, and beyond- all looking to marry his title.
But William doesn’t want a girl straight out of the schoolroom, and he can’t seem to stop thinking of Charlotte.
This is a story of instant attraction between two people, hesitant to trust each other, yet some invisible pull leads them down that path to romance. It has moments of humor and sadness, as well wonderful characters throughout. I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next in this series too.
Lady Charlotte St. Maur is both the daughter and sister of a duke. As such, she is a woman of lofty position in London society, and her reputation is spotless. But Charlotte is getting up in years and has not had an offer of marriage, in fact in her day, she’s pretty much considered too old to go down that road. So she assists other, younger girls in their marital quests by acting as a chaperone for them as they are courted by eligible gentlemen who continue to overlook Charlotte herself.
One afternoon at the wedding of her brother she is caught by a glance rom an attractive man. A former military commander, William Lennox, the new Duke of Merica. He has not been raised in the gentility, and has only recently come into his inheritance from an unknown and distant relative. He is being chased by every doting mother and daughter team in London, and beyond- all looking to marry his title.
But William doesn’t want a girl straight out of the schoolroom, and he can’t seem to stop thinking of Charlotte.
This is a story of instant attraction between two people, hesitant to trust each other, yet some invisible pull leads them down that path to romance. It has moments of humor and sadness, as well wonderful characters throughout. I enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next in this series too.
November 14, 2020
A spoilt romance.
A lighthearted Regency romance with a chaperone/spinster being courted by a newly raised Duke.
SPOILER ALERT
The problem is that William, Duke of Mercia, was at first described as inheriting the dukedom from his great uncle. Later on he says that his mother was disowned for falling in love with a soldier but her brother (i.e. William’s uncle) died without having children. There of course is the next problem - the dukedom couldn’t pas through the sister! Therefore, William couldn’t inherit the dukedom. It would have made more sense if William’s grandfather had run off with some totally ineligible girl and been cut off. Then William’s father would have been unaware of the connection.
The next problem is the ridiculous thought of Charlotte, a duke’s daughter, ever being looked down on by society! It wouldn’t matter if they were poor at one time she is still the daughter and sister of a duke! Even at 35 she would be respected and given her due. No one of lesser station would insult her as was the case in the Pump Room even if she had acted as a chaperone as a favour.
Of course, I suppose that Americans don’t know enough about the British aristocracy (especially during the Regency and Victorian eras) to recognise these errors.
A pity really as it was quite a nice story otherwise.
A lighthearted Regency romance with a chaperone/spinster being courted by a newly raised Duke.
SPOILER ALERT
The problem is that William, Duke of Mercia, was at first described as inheriting the dukedom from his great uncle. Later on he says that his mother was disowned for falling in love with a soldier but her brother (i.e. William’s uncle) died without having children. There of course is the next problem - the dukedom couldn’t pas through the sister! Therefore, William couldn’t inherit the dukedom. It would have made more sense if William’s grandfather had run off with some totally ineligible girl and been cut off. Then William’s father would have been unaware of the connection.
The next problem is the ridiculous thought of Charlotte, a duke’s daughter, ever being looked down on by society! It wouldn’t matter if they were poor at one time she is still the daughter and sister of a duke! Even at 35 she would be respected and given her due. No one of lesser station would insult her as was the case in the Pump Room even if she had acted as a chaperone as a favour.
Of course, I suppose that Americans don’t know enough about the British aristocracy (especially during the Regency and Victorian eras) to recognise these errors.
A pity really as it was quite a nice story otherwise.
February 10, 2021
As the second book in the series, I has my fingers crossed I'd find a flow and enjoy these books. I think Always the Chaperone did improve upon Always the Bridesmaid but not enough to keep me trading further.
I read this book because I liked the premise, certainly more than book one. I don't think I've read a historical era book with a female lead over 30 and while I've read many of girls worried about being on the shelf I haven't read one where the female lead was socially treated as a full spinster. I really wanted to enjoy this, part of me was hoping for a surprise pregnancy premise but it is not that at all.
This author seems obsessed with the precise language of getting married and much like book one they live in limbo without a commitment for longer than I felt necessary. I did like the final close of that issue like, I consider it to be slightly redemning.
I don't comment on historical accuracy, it isn't a thing I look for or demand. However, in this book I found the inconsistency between a society apparently out to gossip and ruin people that also seems blind to the actions of a Duke in public to be baffling. It's a continuation of book 1 in that respect though so maybe it's intentional.
I read this book because I liked the premise, certainly more than book one. I don't think I've read a historical era book with a female lead over 30 and while I've read many of girls worried about being on the shelf I haven't read one where the female lead was socially treated as a full spinster. I really wanted to enjoy this, part of me was hoping for a surprise pregnancy premise but it is not that at all.
This author seems obsessed with the precise language of getting married and much like book one they live in limbo without a commitment for longer than I felt necessary. I did like the final close of that issue like, I consider it to be slightly redemning.
I don't comment on historical accuracy, it isn't a thing I look for or demand. However, in this book I found the inconsistency between a society apparently out to gossip and ruin people that also seems blind to the actions of a Duke in public to be baffling. It's a continuation of book 1 in that respect though so maybe it's intentional.
March 22, 2026
This historical novel is about a duke's daughter, Lady Charlotte St Maur, who is on the shelf due to her being thirty five years of age. The only time she goes out is if she is invited as a chaperone and she has resigned herself to being a spinster for the rest of her life.
Newcomer to the Ton, is soldier Major William Lennox and also the newly minted Duke of Mercia. He has inherited the title unexpectedly and is now in search of a wife. But after setting eyes on Lady Charlotte, his interest in any other lady wanes and he is enamoured with her.
However, he lacks some social graces and he is quite unaware and obtuse in a lot of their social situations putting Charlotte in an awkward position. Charlotte is intelligent, witty and independent and she is very sceptical of William's attention.
I found the main characters' behaviour to be erratic. They blew hot and cold with each other for a lot of the book, I did find that tiresome. William could be so oblivious with his behaviour and he was rather callous too, albeit unknowingly. Charlotte was a bit too much in her head about her fixation of being a chaperone only.
The book was well written and the storyline was interesting enough. This is not a clean book and I rate this book 3.75*.
Newcomer to the Ton, is soldier Major William Lennox and also the newly minted Duke of Mercia. He has inherited the title unexpectedly and is now in search of a wife. But after setting eyes on Lady Charlotte, his interest in any other lady wanes and he is enamoured with her.
However, he lacks some social graces and he is quite unaware and obtuse in a lot of their social situations putting Charlotte in an awkward position. Charlotte is intelligent, witty and independent and she is very sceptical of William's attention.
I found the main characters' behaviour to be erratic. They blew hot and cold with each other for a lot of the book, I did find that tiresome. William could be so oblivious with his behaviour and he was rather callous too, albeit unknowingly. Charlotte was a bit too much in her head about her fixation of being a chaperone only.
The book was well written and the storyline was interesting enough. This is not a clean book and I rate this book 3.75*.
May 11, 2020
I was rather disappointed with this story. The synopsis sounded really good and promising. I bougjt it but did not feel the $2.99 was worth the money after reading the story. One of my issues is the fact that, even though she is a daughter of a Duke and her brother is now the Duke, she a titled, well connected lady - how come the ton is able to laugh in her face!? I agree there will be people, many I am sure, who will laugh and talk about her behind her back but in her face and much lower in rank? Also, she tends to make a specticle of herself with raising her voice and telling this rather presumptious older lady seeking her assistance to be a chaperone for her daughter, and then running off?! Why?? The other issue is that she is able to kiss William on the road on the mouth! They are able to have a quick grope fest - once again on the street - no doubt in a corner. REALLY?!!?! I find this very far fetched. There were phrases the author used that were invented fairly recently. If you look beyond all these details and don't see this as a historical romance, then it's a fair read.
November 14, 2020
Charlotte is 35, unmarried and elder sister to the recently married Duke of Axwick (who was the main character in book 1 of the series). Her age and social standing make her the perfect chaperone for younger courting couples while she fades more and more into the background.
Her self-perception has been so influenced by society's expectations of her remaining a spinster that when she catches the eye of the handsome and eligible Duke of Mercia she doesn't believe his sincerity.
William was not born to a title, but when his estranged uncle dies without an heir, he is thrust into the world of high society. His background is as a Major in the army. When he first sees Charlotte he is captivated, and then becomes more attached to her as the book progresses and they have more opportunities to talk together.
William tries and tries to break through Charlotte's idea that she is ineligible. He tells her he wants her, wants to marry her etc and she thinks he's not serious. The poor guy! I felt for him. He really was at wit's end with her and her hangups.
The book was well formatted and edited. There are some descriptive love scenes.
Her self-perception has been so influenced by society's expectations of her remaining a spinster that when she catches the eye of the handsome and eligible Duke of Mercia she doesn't believe his sincerity.
William was not born to a title, but when his estranged uncle dies without an heir, he is thrust into the world of high society. His background is as a Major in the army. When he first sees Charlotte he is captivated, and then becomes more attached to her as the book progresses and they have more opportunities to talk together.
William tries and tries to break through Charlotte's idea that she is ineligible. He tells her he wants her, wants to marry her etc and she thinks he's not serious. The poor guy! I felt for him. He really was at wit's end with her and her hangups.
The book was well formatted and edited. There are some descriptive love scenes.
February 10, 2021
When I read my first book by E.K. Murdoch Always The Bridesmaid I didn't feel the characters were fleshed out enough. In this second book, I feel she did a better job.
When I met Lady Charlotte in book 1 I thought she was a quiet yet spunky character. In book 2 which focused on her, I got to know her better and though I love her she was a wee bit of a self victim. I mean I get insecurities as I am learning to overcome mine but she seemed to always be winning about being a chaperone yet here was a handsome Duke dotting on her. I think I really just wanted her to own who she was. I older woman who knows her mind and wasn't settling for just any guy.
As for our hero William I loved he saw Charlotte as a mature, strong, beautiful woman that was intelligent., I loved that he liked her for her ability to carry a conversation and had wisdom. That she didn't spend her time talking fashion, and tea parties.
I was also impressed that we got to learn more about Charlotte and her upbringing which in turn made me understand Richard more from the first book.
Overall a good book. I won't say I loved it unconditionally but nor did I hate it. It was a pleasant afternoon read.
When I met Lady Charlotte in book 1 I thought she was a quiet yet spunky character. In book 2 which focused on her, I got to know her better and though I love her she was a wee bit of a self victim. I mean I get insecurities as I am learning to overcome mine but she seemed to always be winning about being a chaperone yet here was a handsome Duke dotting on her. I think I really just wanted her to own who she was. I older woman who knows her mind and wasn't settling for just any guy.
As for our hero William I loved he saw Charlotte as a mature, strong, beautiful woman that was intelligent., I loved that he liked her for her ability to carry a conversation and had wisdom. That she didn't spend her time talking fashion, and tea parties.
I was also impressed that we got to learn more about Charlotte and her upbringing which in turn made me understand Richard more from the first book.
Overall a good book. I won't say I loved it unconditionally but nor did I hate it. It was a pleasant afternoon read.
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