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Forbidden Love #5
Rules to Be Broken
A scandalous lady. A virtuous gentleman. And rules that need to be broken.
After a minor faux-pas, DIANA LAWSON finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience in order to save her reputation. However, London society still talks, and no matter how hard Diana tries, the whispers and stares never cease.
After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone.
ARTHUR ABBOTT, EARL OF STANHOPE, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves a young widow from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own. Convinced that he is only lending a hand out of duty, Arthur agrees to a daring compromise.
For Diana to uphold society's rules, Arthur has to break them.
Can scandalous and virtuous ever walk hand in hand?
This tale by a USA TODAY bestselling author shows that love sometimes takes a detour…but it’ll find you nonetheless.
If you like bittersweet stories about a love so deep and compelling that it unhinges your whole world and leaves you reeling, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Forbidden Love Novella Series. Buy RULES TO BE BROKEN, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!
A Forbidden Love Novella Series
#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#5 Rules to Be Broken
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
To Follow:
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart
Love's Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife
More to follow:
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Bonus Novella)
After a minor faux-pas, DIANA LAWSON finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience in order to save her reputation. However, London society still talks, and no matter how hard Diana tries, the whispers and stares never cease.
After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone.
ARTHUR ABBOTT, EARL OF STANHOPE, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves a young widow from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own. Convinced that he is only lending a hand out of duty, Arthur agrees to a daring compromise.
For Diana to uphold society's rules, Arthur has to break them.
Can scandalous and virtuous ever walk hand in hand?
This tale by a USA TODAY bestselling author shows that love sometimes takes a detour…but it’ll find you nonetheless.
If you like bittersweet stories about a love so deep and compelling that it unhinges your whole world and leaves you reeling, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Forbidden Love Novella Series. Buy RULES TO BE BROKEN, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!
A Forbidden Love Novella Series
#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#5 Rules to Be Broken
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
To Follow:
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart
Love's Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife
More to follow:
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Bonus Novella)
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
320 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Bree Wolf
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Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:
An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.
Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:
An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 5, 2018
What can you say about a story with an unlikable heroine and an implausible plot.
4 years earlier Miss Diana Lawson was chasing a Lord and in a darkened garden he kissed her; when her father demanded he marry her the Viscount refused and abandoned her. When the story spreads her parents arrange a marriage to a friend of her father's but the town continues to shun her. Even after her crush marries another, her cousin, poor Mrs. Reignold is still shunned.
[RN: Another reason to thank God I live in the 21st century. If I was caught [anything] a guy and he refused to marry me no one would care and if I was famous (like a member of the ton) I'd probably get a reality show]
If after 4 years no one spoke to me I would refuse to go to their ridiculous parties and tell them all to F-off. When her husband dies in the arms of a lover she is still treated like shite. Now at this point I would have packed up the household and headed for the country but our heroine is a bit daft and she decides to flaunt her dislike of the ton by flouting their rules. She accessorizes her mourning with bright colors, dresses up and goes to the theater there she meets the Earl of Stanhope, now he is advertised as the most correct man in London who never puts a foot wrong.
The Earl's mother is a complete and utter witch who wants to control her children completely. He of course falls in love with Diana and shows her how to be a good parent to her child that she ignores because he reminds her of her late husband...
I really didn't ever feel any of these characters and I didn't understand their actions of motivations
4 years earlier Miss Diana Lawson was chasing a Lord and in a darkened garden he kissed her; when her father demanded he marry her the Viscount refused and abandoned her. When the story spreads her parents arrange a marriage to a friend of her father's but the town continues to shun her. Even after her crush marries another, her cousin, poor Mrs. Reignold is still shunned.
[RN: Another reason to thank God I live in the 21st century. If I was caught [anything] a guy and he refused to marry me no one would care and if I was famous (like a member of the ton) I'd probably get a reality show]
If after 4 years no one spoke to me I would refuse to go to their ridiculous parties and tell them all to F-off. When her husband dies in the arms of a lover she is still treated like shite. Now at this point I would have packed up the household and headed for the country but our heroine is a bit daft and she decides to flaunt her dislike of the ton by flouting their rules. She accessorizes her mourning with bright colors, dresses up and goes to the theater there she meets the Earl of Stanhope, now he is advertised as the most correct man in London who never puts a foot wrong.
The Earl's mother is a complete and utter witch who wants to control her children completely. He of course falls in love with Diana and shows her how to be a good parent to her child that she ignores because he reminds her of her late husband...
I really didn't ever feel any of these characters and I didn't understand their actions of motivations
November 26, 2018
.
This was an entertaining historical romance series, albeit each installment was relatively short, not allowing the characters to grow effectively. The characters each had distinct personalities and the bits of humor were welcoming. Strange incidents were proposed that I had never heard of before, some of which were totally believable and some which were absolutely not. It was not always easy to understand or empathize with the characters. There were some grammatical errors and some did lead to distraction. This author does have a strange imagination.
The characters in this installment were oddly believable. Although the characters lacked some depth, they were daring and witty. The heroine's father forced her to marry an older man, his friend, to save her reputation after she was shunned by society for a single indiscretion when she kissed a man in the gardens. For four years, she lived under the strict rules of her cold and calculating husband before he dies in the bed of his mistress. Since she has been shunned by society, she no longer feels honor bound to follow their rules. Look out world!
Each story is able to stand on its own, however, characters do crossover within the installments, so the reader is offered more insight by reading the books in the order they were presented. On the positive side, these books are clean, which I personally prefer. Each conclusion contains its own unique H.E.A.
This was an entertaining historical romance series, albeit each installment was relatively short, not allowing the characters to grow effectively. The characters each had distinct personalities and the bits of humor were welcoming. Strange incidents were proposed that I had never heard of before, some of which were totally believable and some which were absolutely not. It was not always easy to understand or empathize with the characters. There were some grammatical errors and some did lead to distraction. This author does have a strange imagination.
The characters in this installment were oddly believable. Although the characters lacked some depth, they were daring and witty. The heroine's father forced her to marry an older man, his friend, to save her reputation after she was shunned by society for a single indiscretion when she kissed a man in the gardens. For four years, she lived under the strict rules of her cold and calculating husband before he dies in the bed of his mistress. Since she has been shunned by society, she no longer feels honor bound to follow their rules. Look out world!
Each story is able to stand on its own, however, characters do crossover within the installments, so the reader is offered more insight by reading the books in the order they were presented. On the positive side, these books are clean, which I personally prefer. Each conclusion contains its own unique H.E.A.
July 10, 2018
At first I didn't really like Diana. But, reading on, I came to understand her better. And even like her! It is not easy, being a woman in a men's world. Men make the rules, and women get punished for breaking them, while men get away with a lot more misbehavior. Women even get punished for their husbands misdeeds. Sadly, this still happens in many 'civilizations' around the world...
I began to appreciate Diana's courage. Why let society decide she should mourn a husband she did not love and who never treated her right? Diana chooses her own happiness, in spite of what everyone else thinks she should do.
Beautiful story! I'm glad Eleanor's HEA is waiting for her in the next book!
I began to appreciate Diana's courage. Why let society decide she should mourn a husband she did not love and who never treated her right? Diana chooses her own happiness, in spite of what everyone else thinks she should do.
Beautiful story! I'm glad Eleanor's HEA is waiting for her in the next book!
February 19, 2018
I didn’t like Diana from the beginning.. she is so spoilt and immature.. Didn’t t like her story that much either..
November 16, 2017
I would like to thank the author Bree Wolf for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the fifth book in the A forbidden Love Novella series. All of the books deal with two protagonists who end up switching places with some interesting effects.
This wasn't one of my favourites in the series, but it is interesting and well written none the less.
This is the fifth book in the A forbidden Love Novella series. All of the books deal with two protagonists who end up switching places with some interesting effects.
This wasn't one of my favourites in the series, but it is interesting and well written none the less.
November 26, 2018
.
This was an entertaining historical romance series, albeit each installment was relatively short, not allowing the characters to grow effectively. The characters each had distinct personalities and the bits of humor were welcoming. Strange incidents were proposed that I had never heard of before, some of which were totally believable and some which were absolutely not. It was not always easy to understand or empathize with the characters. There were some grammatical errors and some did lead to distraction. This author does have a strange imagination.
The characters in this installment were oddly believable. Although the characters lacked some depth, they were daring and witty. The heroine's father forced her to marry an older man, his friend, to save her reputation after she was shunned by society for a single indiscretion when she kissed a man in the gardens. For four years, she lived under the strict rules of her cold and calculating husband before he dies in the bed of his mistress. Since she has been shunned by society, she no longer feels honor bound to follow their rules. Look out world!
Each story is able to stand on its own, however, characters do crossover within the installments, so the reader is offered more insight by reading the books in the order they were presented. On the positive side, these books are clean, which I personally prefer. Each conclusion contains its own unique H.E.A.
December 31, 2021
After a minor faux-pas, DIANA LAWSON finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience in order to save her reputation. However, London society still talks, and no matter how hard Diana tries, the whispers and stares never cease.
After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone.
ARTHUR ABBOTT, EARL OF STANHOPE, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves a young widow from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own. Convinced that he is only lending a hand out of duty, Arthur agrees to a daring compromise.
For Diana to uphold society's rules, Arthur has to break them.
This is an amazing novella filled with daring and caring.
Bree Wolf writes an amazing story!
After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone.
ARTHUR ABBOTT, EARL OF STANHOPE, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves a young widow from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own. Convinced that he is only lending a hand out of duty, Arthur agrees to a daring compromise.
For Diana to uphold society's rules, Arthur has to break them.
This is an amazing novella filled with daring and caring.
Bree Wolf writes an amazing story!
Want to read
May 6, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/6/2020)! 🎁
January 4, 2018
Utter fluff. But I started and I ain’t no quitter. Added to the reading challenge. Boom.
November 5, 2017
I got this book as an ARC. Bree Wolf continues to improve in her writing. This novelette was entertaining and well - paced.
November 1, 2017
5 stars
I received a free copy of Rules to Be Broken by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
I enjoyed seeing the change in Diana from being a jealous embittered mother who ignored her son Benedict and lusted after her cousin Rose's husband Lord Norwood to a loving mother and a caring wife to Arthur the Earl of Stanhope.
I received a free copy of Rules to Be Broken by Bree Wolf and this review was given freely.
I enjoyed seeing the change in Diana from being a jealous embittered mother who ignored her son Benedict and lusted after her cousin Rose's husband Lord Norwood to a loving mother and a caring wife to Arthur the Earl of Stanhope.
March 12, 2020
3 Stars
May 22, 2019
First the things I did like, I enjoyed being able to read about Rose and 'Robert' again, meeting Stanhope and Eleanor. I actually look forward to reading what will happen in regards to Eleanor in the next novella, she was sweet and genuinely kind and deserves to be happy. I appreciated that Diana was brave enough to bend the oppressive rules of mourning for women by adding brightly colored accessories to her wardorbe. Standing up for herself in this small why when she knew it would just make her more unpopular with the ton.
This is a good novella, just not quite for me.
Diana, however, is an absolutely miserable character. Just a complete and utter toxic, black cloud of a character. It's great that she finds her happiness and won't have to miserable for the rest of her life, but she was not enjoyable to read about. I liked every single other character in this book more than I liked her. I didn't like her in the second in the series when we met her and I didn't like her now. She did not grow at all from the end of that book to this one. She is petulant and whiny. She doesn't appreciate her cousin in the least! Rose is constantly just trying to make her life better and cheer her up and all she does is snap at her and complain in return.
She has completely created her own misery, making no attempt to draw herself out of her misery and look for things to be happy about with what she has. She has a son and refuses to love him just because he was fathered by her deceased husband, a man she hated.
She just continues dwelling on a past imagined slight. All her troubles started on one night four years ago when she jumped to a naive conclusion and tried to unwittingly trap a man into marriage. The propsal was not forthcoming and her reputation suffered. She saw that as crushing bretrayal even though she invented the whole romance in her head. She comes to this realization in the second book, but I gues she finds it easier just to blame everyone else because she isn't moving past it.
I was able to sypthize with her more in this book from know more of her perspective and feelings, but I wasn't able to sympthize with her enough to like her. She does somehow come around by the end of the novella, but it's not because of any real growth on her part. Although I admit she did follow through on spending an entire day with her son and was attempting to bond with him. Stanhope was definitely way too good for her, he believed in trying to do the right thing and judging things based on their own merit. She almost ruins everything for herself again because she jumps to yet another conclusion, this time regarding Stanhope. But luckly he is willing to brave her fury and set the record straight to try to fix things between them.
Thank you to Bree Wolf who shared this book with me, this is my honest review.
This is a good novella, just not quite for me.
Diana, however, is an absolutely miserable character. Just a complete and utter toxic, black cloud of a character. It's great that she finds her happiness and won't have to miserable for the rest of her life, but she was not enjoyable to read about. I liked every single other character in this book more than I liked her. I didn't like her in the second in the series when we met her and I didn't like her now. She did not grow at all from the end of that book to this one. She is petulant and whiny. She doesn't appreciate her cousin in the least! Rose is constantly just trying to make her life better and cheer her up and all she does is snap at her and complain in return.
She has completely created her own misery, making no attempt to draw herself out of her misery and look for things to be happy about with what she has. She has a son and refuses to love him just because he was fathered by her deceased husband, a man she hated.
She just continues dwelling on a past imagined slight. All her troubles started on one night four years ago when she jumped to a naive conclusion and tried to unwittingly trap a man into marriage. The propsal was not forthcoming and her reputation suffered. She saw that as crushing bretrayal even though she invented the whole romance in her head. She comes to this realization in the second book, but I gues she finds it easier just to blame everyone else because she isn't moving past it.
I was able to sypthize with her more in this book from know more of her perspective and feelings, but I wasn't able to sympthize with her enough to like her. She does somehow come around by the end of the novella, but it's not because of any real growth on her part. Although I admit she did follow through on spending an entire day with her son and was attempting to bond with him. Stanhope was definitely way too good for her, he believed in trying to do the right thing and judging things based on their own merit. She almost ruins everything for herself again because she jumps to yet another conclusion, this time regarding Stanhope. But luckly he is willing to brave her fury and set the record straight to try to fix things between them.
Thank you to Bree Wolf who shared this book with me, this is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2018
Bree Wolf once again does a good job of changing one's opinion formed of a character introduced in a previous novel and setting it on end in a later book. That is what was done with Diana Lawson, our heroine in Rules to be Broken, book 5 of A Forbidden Love series. In an earlier novel in the series, she is portrayed as a spoiled, self-centered debutante that is forced to marry an older man (friend of her father) when a well-known rake refuses to marry her when she mistakenly forced him into a compromising situation. Even though she married and birthed a son to her husband, she continued to be semi-ostracized by society due to the original compromising situation. Bree deftly portrays the angst Diana continually experiences from the double-standards prevalent during the Regency period. After her husband passes away in the arms of his mistress, Diana, though officially still in mourning, tries to experience some sort of freedom, though she almost goes beyond the point to total ostracism. It is at that time she meets Arthur Abbott, Earl of Stanhope, who strikes up an indeterminate friendship with her. Arthur is known as a stickler for propriety but after seeing and speaking with Diana, he feels that she has been unfairly treated over the years. He guards his feelings carefully as his mother is totally against association with anyone who has any kind of gossip spoken or known about them. Because of her dislike for her husband, Diana had never established a bond with her little boy after he was born. It is through Arthur's urging and encouragement that she develops a relationship with her child, as she is the one who will have the most influence over him in his young life, and how he will treat women when he matures.
I found myself liking the person that Diana became by the end of this novella. She was able to focus on and be grateful for what she did have and come to love her son and Arthur.
There were a few typos in this book. It is a standalone novella although it might enhance the reading pleasure if one reads the previous books in the series, especially book 2, before this one.
I found myself liking the person that Diana became by the end of this novella. She was able to focus on and be grateful for what she did have and come to love her son and Arthur.
There were a few typos in this book. It is a standalone novella although it might enhance the reading pleasure if one reads the previous books in the series, especially book 2, before this one.
February 5, 2020
Childish, Spiteful Heroine Grows Up
This book was a little off-putting at the start. First, I felt the language describing the disgrace scene was a bit precious; should the unusual word "dainty" be used twice. At least, the author didn’t continue in that mode, which I appreciated.
What were more off-putting, though, were the heroine's personality and character flaws before she improved over the course of the book. Ruined for a minor indiscretion, she is forced to marry a crony of her father's in a marriage that drains all the joy out of her young life. She cannot even enjoy her son because he is a reminder of all that she has lost and all that her life has become.
In fact, I would say her main struggle in this book is accepting her role as a mother (specifically) and choosing to be a good person despite how she perceives her life to be (generally). Not common themes in a romance! I have to admit that I didn't like the heroine very much in the first part of the book. You can understand why she is the way she is, but the way she acts is not sympathetic.
The hero, Lord Stanhope, is a delightful hero. He is a man who prides himself on propriety, but he profoundly cares about those he loves even if they are sometimes improper. He has a heartfelt compassion and wisdom that not only helps his younger sister (who is in love with a man her mother cannot accept) but also helps the heroine through his acceptance of her conflicting and conflicted character as well as prodding her to be the better woman he knows that she can be. (I’ve always been a believer that truly loving another brings out our best selves.) I loved, too, the honesty of his own conflicting thoughts and emotions; it seemed realistic and artistic at the same time.
I ended up quite enjoying the story, even with a rocky start. The author has an inherent good sense of plot structure, which I find enjoyable. She had all the right incidents and turning points, and she even had a beautiful parallelism of events that happened in the gazebo.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
This book was a little off-putting at the start. First, I felt the language describing the disgrace scene was a bit precious; should the unusual word "dainty" be used twice. At least, the author didn’t continue in that mode, which I appreciated.
What were more off-putting, though, were the heroine's personality and character flaws before she improved over the course of the book. Ruined for a minor indiscretion, she is forced to marry a crony of her father's in a marriage that drains all the joy out of her young life. She cannot even enjoy her son because he is a reminder of all that she has lost and all that her life has become.
In fact, I would say her main struggle in this book is accepting her role as a mother (specifically) and choosing to be a good person despite how she perceives her life to be (generally). Not common themes in a romance! I have to admit that I didn't like the heroine very much in the first part of the book. You can understand why she is the way she is, but the way she acts is not sympathetic.
The hero, Lord Stanhope, is a delightful hero. He is a man who prides himself on propriety, but he profoundly cares about those he loves even if they are sometimes improper. He has a heartfelt compassion and wisdom that not only helps his younger sister (who is in love with a man her mother cannot accept) but also helps the heroine through his acceptance of her conflicting and conflicted character as well as prodding her to be the better woman he knows that she can be. (I’ve always been a believer that truly loving another brings out our best selves.) I loved, too, the honesty of his own conflicting thoughts and emotions; it seemed realistic and artistic at the same time.
I ended up quite enjoying the story, even with a rocky start. The author has an inherent good sense of plot structure, which I find enjoyable. She had all the right incidents and turning points, and she even had a beautiful parallelism of events that happened in the gazebo.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
February 26, 2018
I absolutely loved Diana's philosophy of why the men were permitted to write the rules for women to follow while it was quite ok for those same men to break the very same rules and do as they pleased and get away with it.
Diana and Arthur learn very quickly that in heir lives thee rules are meant to be broken and that both of them could break them and they could still live happily.
She is still trying to recover from being compromised and married in haste to a friend of her father with whom she has a baby. Then her husband dies...
He has a meddling mother who wants him married to a lady of her choice. He watches as his mother interferes in his sister Eleanor's love life and is aware of how miserable this situation is making her and is not sure what to do about it and certainly doesn't want mother dearest to have a say in his own choice of a wife.
And so the story begins.
Once more, a beautifully written novella which can be read either as part of this series or as a stand-alone.
It gripped me from the very beginning and I had to finish it (cursing the bit of tutoring and the lift-schemes I had to stop and do) but finish it I did!
It is full of the angst of two people who were thinking they shouldn't care for each other at all because of their circumstances while deep down they both were falling totally in love. I love the games they played, the attempts to hide their true feelings, the arrogance of his mother, Diana's young son's cuteness and the bond of friendship Diana and Rose have for each other.
A very pleasing and entertaining story which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
I read a free copy of this ebook which was supplied by the author and this is my unsolicited and unbiased review of it.
Diana and Arthur learn very quickly that in heir lives thee rules are meant to be broken and that both of them could break them and they could still live happily.
She is still trying to recover from being compromised and married in haste to a friend of her father with whom she has a baby. Then her husband dies...
He has a meddling mother who wants him married to a lady of her choice. He watches as his mother interferes in his sister Eleanor's love life and is aware of how miserable this situation is making her and is not sure what to do about it and certainly doesn't want mother dearest to have a say in his own choice of a wife.
And so the story begins.
Once more, a beautifully written novella which can be read either as part of this series or as a stand-alone.
It gripped me from the very beginning and I had to finish it (cursing the bit of tutoring and the lift-schemes I had to stop and do) but finish it I did!
It is full of the angst of two people who were thinking they shouldn't care for each other at all because of their circumstances while deep down they both were falling totally in love. I love the games they played, the attempts to hide their true feelings, the arrogance of his mother, Diana's young son's cuteness and the bond of friendship Diana and Rose have for each other.
A very pleasing and entertaining story which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
I read a free copy of this ebook which was supplied by the author and this is my unsolicited and unbiased review of it.
March 3, 2018
As a young debutante, Diana makes a foolish mistake, one which could have been overlooked except for the malicious gossip that it generated, which in turn forced her into a marriage with a man she despised. When he obligingly dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finds that in a world where men rule, she is somehow still to blame for his death while he is buried smelling of roses. Being widowed brings Diana to a new cross roads in her life, one where she refuses to bow down to the restrictions society has placed on her, and reckons that if her reputation has already been destroyed she has nothing to lose. She doesn't take into account the Earl of Stanhope's intervention and his protective nature. For every daring act Diana commits, Arthur is there to ward off possible repercussions. Having been introduced to Diana in previous books where she was a self-pitying and rather miserable young lady, I enjoyed reading about her transformation and the growth of a spine. I also enjoyed the unravelling of Arthur Abbott as he came to realise that when the heart is involved, rules have to take second place. It helps to read these books in sequence as many of the characters in this book have appeared before, but the story can nevertheless be read as a standalone. The plot has redeeming qualities, although the text does need some additional editing. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
February 4, 2018
4.25 Stars
After a minor indiscretion, Diana Lawson finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience in order to save her reputation. However even four years later London society still talks, and no matter how hard Diana tries, the whispers and stares never cease. After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone. Arthur Abbott, Earl of Stanhope, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves Diana from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own.
I felt for Diana who was naïve & in love when she kissed who she believed to be her soul mate only to be rejected & ruined, at last she can be herself. Arthur wasn’t my favourite hero in the beginning as he was definitely under his mother’s thumb but he did ‘grow a pair’ to protect Diana. A short sweet well written book that was a very enjoyable read, I now need to read Eleanor’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
After a minor indiscretion, Diana Lawson finds herself forced into a marriage of convenience in order to save her reputation. However even four years later London society still talks, and no matter how hard Diana tries, the whispers and stares never cease. After her well-respected husband dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana finally resigns herself to her fate and decides to live by her own rules alone. Arthur Abbott, Earl of Stanhope, is a stickler for propriety and has never met a rule he did not feel compelled to uphold. However, when he saves Diana from a most inappropriate situation, he is drawn into a world quite unlike his own.
I felt for Diana who was naïve & in love when she kissed who she believed to be her soul mate only to be rejected & ruined, at last she can be herself. Arthur wasn’t my favourite hero in the beginning as he was definitely under his mother’s thumb but he did ‘grow a pair’ to protect Diana. A short sweet well written book that was a very enjoyable read, I now need to read Eleanor’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 7, 2018
This is the fifth book in the Forbidden Love Novella series by Bree Wolf and it is just as good as the first four. In this book Diana Reignold was forced to marry after a big mistake she made following a man she thought she was in love with and being compromised in the process. The 'gentleman' refused to marry her and so her father made her marry an old friend of hers. Diana was miserable until after her husband died and she ran into Lord Arthur Abbott at the theater. An instant attraction was born between the two of them.
However, Lord Abbott is one to follow the rules and Diana has decided she doesn't want to follow the rules any more, as they have gotten her nowhere. Together, these two take us on a wild ride of adventure, intrigue and a few broken rules. What will happen to Diana and Arthur? Will they fall in love or go their separate ways? What lessons will be learned and by whom? Get yourself a copy of Rules to Be Broken and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
However, Lord Abbott is one to follow the rules and Diana has decided she doesn't want to follow the rules any more, as they have gotten her nowhere. Together, these two take us on a wild ride of adventure, intrigue and a few broken rules. What will happen to Diana and Arthur? Will they fall in love or go their separate ways? What lessons will be learned and by whom? Get yourself a copy of Rules to Be Broken and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!
October 4, 2019
Rules To Be Broken by Bree Wolf is a fantastic historical romance. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Wolf has again delivered a book that is well-written and loaded with outstanding characters. Diana made the mistake of kissing Lord Norwood and getting caught. Her father promptly married her off to someone else but the whispers never stopped. Now her husband has died while with his mistress and the whispers follow her again. Arthur follows the rules and when Diana once more acts inappropriate, he saves her. Diana and Arthur's story is packed with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to my next book by Bree Wolf. Rules To Be Broken is book 5 of the Forbidden Love Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
April 27, 2022
Diana Lawson, a foolish 19 year old debutante, rushes outside to follow the man she believes loves her. When discovered with "Notorious Norwood", he refuses to marry her, saying it was all a misunderstanding. Rumors throughout the ton have ruined Diana and her father convinced an old friend to marry Diana. When her husband, Lord Reignold, suddenly dies in the arms of his mistress, Diana continues to be plagued by her bad reputation and society seems to blame her for her husbands demise. In order to thwart society standards, Diana goes to the theatre dressed scandalously, not in mourning. Lord Stanhope, an honorable man who upholds all societies edicts completely, sees her and rushes to protect her from herself. I love the changes that Diana makes in this novella. Arthur Stanhope is a gem and loyal and protective.
August 2, 2019
Rules Broken – Hearts Mended
In nineteenth century London society, just one rule broken meant certain ruin and a life forever changed. Such is the premise of this clean and sweet book.
I love Bree Wolf's writing style, which is descriptive, insightful and character driven. It especially suits the story in Rules to Be Broken. The heroine is the hero's complete opposite, yet it is their differences that attract them. The story centers on life after ruin and moves towards the decision to live life to its fullest.
I enjoyed this easy read. It is clean and suitable for all ages.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
In nineteenth century London society, just one rule broken meant certain ruin and a life forever changed. Such is the premise of this clean and sweet book.
I love Bree Wolf's writing style, which is descriptive, insightful and character driven. It especially suits the story in Rules to Be Broken. The heroine is the hero's complete opposite, yet it is their differences that attract them. The story centers on life after ruin and moves towards the decision to live life to its fullest.
I enjoyed this easy read. It is clean and suitable for all ages.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
May 31, 2018
Heart warming
She is broken. Her reputation was ruined after one night. She was forced to marry someone she didn't love. And the one she thought she loved married her cousin!!! Even after years whenever she walks through a ballroom they whisper about her. She has given up.
Then one night changes everything. Her husband dies.
He is the epitome of social rules and etiquette. He never gossips or breaks a rule. Then one night changes everything!
While on the stairs leading to the opera he sees her OUT OF MOURNING!!!!. He is curious. They talk, then he protects her when they could be discovered. She doesn't know what to make of him.
Start the journey
She is broken. Her reputation was ruined after one night. She was forced to marry someone she didn't love. And the one she thought she loved married her cousin!!! Even after years whenever she walks through a ballroom they whisper about her. She has given up.
Then one night changes everything. Her husband dies.
He is the epitome of social rules and etiquette. He never gossips or breaks a rule. Then one night changes everything!
While on the stairs leading to the opera he sees her OUT OF MOURNING!!!!. He is curious. They talk, then he protects her when they could be discovered. She doesn't know what to make of him.
Start the journey
April 25, 2022
Read as part of the Forbidden Love Novella Box Set Two.
Impulsive, reckless and spoilt Diana Lawson had never been denied anything she desired. Convincing herself that the man on whom her heart was set was also in love with her led her to ruin her reputation in the eyes of Society and a loveless marriage with a man twenty years her senior. Now after four long years her husband has died but she is still persona non grata to the Ton. However her reckless streak resurfaces and she decides that she is done trying to kowtow to them, and then she meets a man who always follows the rules and instead of being censuring, he in instead concerned for her.
Impulsive, reckless and spoilt Diana Lawson had never been denied anything she desired. Convincing herself that the man on whom her heart was set was also in love with her led her to ruin her reputation in the eyes of Society and a loveless marriage with a man twenty years her senior. Now after four long years her husband has died but she is still persona non grata to the Ton. However her reckless streak resurfaces and she decides that she is done trying to kowtow to them, and then she meets a man who always follows the rules and instead of being censuring, he in instead concerned for her.
November 21, 2017
I did not like the self-centered and childish Diana in "A Brilliant Rose" so I may be a bit prejudiced. Now she has her own story. Much has changed for her. She's extremely unhappy and bitter after being forced to wed a much older man. She ignores her little son. After the death of her unloved husband, she slowly makes an about-face which I found a bit extreme.
Lord Stanhope is hen-pecked by his mother, who prides herself on her propriety, however she is more rude than well-mannered.
I received an advance copy from the author.
Lord Stanhope is hen-pecked by his mother, who prides herself on her propriety, however she is more rude than well-mannered.
I received an advance copy from the author.
November 23, 2017
Thank you Bree Wolf for letting me read this wonderful book for an honest opinion of how well I did or did not like it.
Excellent book!! This is a great story and shows just how rude the upper crust of society can be to one of its own. Diana, though doesn't fold to their gossip and stares and commits many society no-no's, because of her boredom at home. She meets a royal who is the epitome of what to and not to do when out and about with the ton. It is full of action and is hard to put down once you start reading it. Another hit by Bree Wolf!!
Excellent book!! This is a great story and shows just how rude the upper crust of society can be to one of its own. Diana, though doesn't fold to their gossip and stares and commits many society no-no's, because of her boredom at home. She meets a royal who is the epitome of what to and not to do when out and about with the ton. It is full of action and is hard to put down once you start reading it. Another hit by Bree Wolf!!
January 17, 2018
A bit disappointed at the number of mistakes and typos in the book as they were quite distracting when reading.
However, the book - wow! This series is definitely one that gets better with each new book and this one was just amazing!
From previous books I wasn't sure I would be able to like the character of Diana, but boy was I wrong. The emotions in the story are just so real and raw and completely relatable!
Really enjoyed this book, definitely wish it were longer, and simply CANNOT wait for the next one! (my heart nearly broke when I realized it's not yet released!!)
However, the book - wow! This series is definitely one that gets better with each new book and this one was just amazing!
From previous books I wasn't sure I would be able to like the character of Diana, but boy was I wrong. The emotions in the story are just so real and raw and completely relatable!
Really enjoyed this book, definitely wish it were longer, and simply CANNOT wait for the next one! (my heart nearly broke when I realized it's not yet released!!)
March 13, 2018
First of all, please forgive my grammar or spelling mistakes, since I’m ESL.
This is Diana’ HEA. If you are reading in order you will remember her as Rose’s cousin on “ A brilliant Rose”.
The main characters are well develop, they are deep, they grow, they have some weakness and try to outcome that. It’s cute to see how she changes him and him her.
There’s no cliffhanger, but I strongly suggest you keep reading.
If you like a good historical romance, if you like a book you can put it down I fiercely recommend go for it. I must admit that I’m becoming a really fan of Bree Wolf.
This is Diana’ HEA. If you are reading in order you will remember her as Rose’s cousin on “ A brilliant Rose”.
The main characters are well develop, they are deep, they grow, they have some weakness and try to outcome that. It’s cute to see how she changes him and him her.
There’s no cliffhanger, but I strongly suggest you keep reading.
If you like a good historical romance, if you like a book you can put it down I fiercely recommend go for it. I must admit that I’m becoming a really fan of Bree Wolf.
April 24, 2018
Diana has in the previous novellas has gotten on my nerves a bit. So I was interested to see if my thoughts would change since she’s the heroine of this story. By the end I felt like she had changed a good bit. No longer so self pitying but happier. Some of her views on men of the times I felt was pretty spot on. This was another quick read and while most of Bree Wolf’s novels I feel can be read in any order, these novellas are best if they are read in order. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2018
A strong addition to Bree Wolf's novella Series
Once again Bree has drawn you in with another couple as they try for their HEA. We have met both of these characters in prior books and I am sure they will pop up again in future stories. Diane was actually found in the first book in this series and she has had quite the life of complete snubbery (if there is such a word) by the rest of society. Another very entertaining and very clean, quick read that I would definitely recommend it you enjoy regency romance.
Vicki from Wyoming
Once again Bree has drawn you in with another couple as they try for their HEA. We have met both of these characters in prior books and I am sure they will pop up again in future stories. Diane was actually found in the first book in this series and she has had quite the life of complete snubbery (if there is such a word) by the rest of society. Another very entertaining and very clean, quick read that I would definitely recommend it you enjoy regency romance.
Vicki from Wyoming
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