What do you think?
Rate this book
Dancing with a Gracious Lord
After a childhood illness left her with a scarred face, Juliana Rothmond is determined that no man will ever look at her except for her generous dowry. When her father announces that she is soon to marry Ira Galbrathe, an opportunistic and arrogant man, Juliana desperately tries to escape from her future misery. Will she find a way to break an unwanted betrothal? Could she meet a man who will overlook her broken visage and love her for the beauty of her heart?
Before the Earl of Dunville died, his last wish was that his only son should find a suitable wife and shoulder his responsibilities. Following his father's desire, Lord Horatio Vincent decides to stop being a womanizer and find a bride without any delay. After his first dance with Juliana, he is immediately won over by the beauty under her scars, defying all the resentful comments on her appearance. Not long after, he comes up with a plan to rescue her from an insufferable man and meet his father's expectations; to marry Juliana the earliest possible. But, could this deal ever turn out to be a fairytale? Will Horatio manage to love Juliana, or will he be trapped in an emotionless marriage that himself proposed?
By the time their feelings are starting to bloom, their life is about to fall apart. When Ira joins forces with Horatio's past love to break off their marriage and destroy their lives, Juliana and Horatio must prove that nothing can deprive them of their happiness. Will a true romance flourish in such an unfortunate situation, or the barriers they come across are too many to overcome?
Before the Earl of Dunville died, his last wish was that his only son should find a suitable wife and shoulder his responsibilities. Following his father's desire, Lord Horatio Vincent decides to stop being a womanizer and find a bride without any delay. After his first dance with Juliana, he is immediately won over by the beauty under her scars, defying all the resentful comments on her appearance. Not long after, he comes up with a plan to rescue her from an insufferable man and meet his father's expectations; to marry Juliana the earliest possible. But, could this deal ever turn out to be a fairytale? Will Horatio manage to love Juliana, or will he be trapped in an emotionless marriage that himself proposed?
By the time their feelings are starting to bloom, their life is about to fall apart. When Ira joins forces with Horatio's past love to break off their marriage and destroy their lives, Juliana and Horatio must prove that nothing can deprive them of their happiness. Will a true romance flourish in such an unfortunate situation, or the barriers they come across are too many to overcome?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
562 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
164 books206 followersBridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 13, 2020
2.5 /5 Star.s
Mostly just because I didn't feel like giving up. But overall, simplistic writing, plot is too complicated for me to care about, and the characters are just too one dimensional.
Our heroine (I've already forgotten her name and I read this like an hour ago), has a scar on her face - like a small scar on one cheek, but it completely defines her entire character. She almost believes she's unworthy of anything because of her scar. Horacio our hero used to be a whoremonger of the greatest caliber, but then changed and decided to marry our heroine - even though he met her yesterday - mostly because his father told him to get his shit together.
Well, okay. That makes sense.
Mostly, my issue with the story is that there is just too much talking. Like too much. And 0 passion.
Mostly just because I didn't feel like giving up. But overall, simplistic writing, plot is too complicated for me to care about, and the characters are just too one dimensional.
Our heroine (I've already forgotten her name and I read this like an hour ago), has a scar on her face - like a small scar on one cheek, but it completely defines her entire character. She almost believes she's unworthy of anything because of her scar. Horacio our hero used to be a whoremonger of the greatest caliber, but then changed and decided to marry our heroine - even though he met her yesterday - mostly because his father told him to get his shit together.
Well, okay. That makes sense.
Mostly, my issue with the story is that there is just too much talking. Like too much. And 0 passion.
June 11, 2020
Dancing In The Dark🌙🌃
Regency Era Romance💕 Adventure
Lady Juliana Rothman💃💋, the older of two sisters, has an uncertain future. Because of a scar across one cheek, she is mostly snubbed and gossiped about by the ton. Her father, a very wealthy businessman has provided a huge dowry for her, to no avail.
One evening at a ball, she meets Lord Horatio Vincent🐺 while she is hiding in the darkness of the estate's terrace. They both enjoy the conversation and the dance they shared. His friend, Alistair tries to talk him out of the relationship because she isn't nobility and because of the scar.
Soon, Vincent🐺 will become the Earl of Dunville. His father is quite ill and wants to see his rakish son married before he dies.
Another man comes into the picture, he is Ira Galbrath👺, a man she has known since childhood to be arrogant and cruel. He needs her dowry💰 or he faces financial ruin. Juliana💃💋 can't stand to be around the man and refused his suit, but he ignores her and persists! It seems Ira👺 doesn't know what NO means.
Luckily, Juliana's💃💋 relationship with Horatio🐺 is beginning to bud, as he realizes she is much more than just a frivolous society woman. They finally realize if they marry, it will put an end to Ira's👺 unwanted dogged pursuit. WRONG!
Juliana💃💋 has a real complex about her scar and can't imagine why a man like Horatio🐺 would be interested in her. She has low self esteem.
The book has some interesting plot twists !
ARC Provided by Author Barton📚 via Amazon Free.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The book is a Sweet Clean Romance, but filled with angst.
Regency Era Romance💕 Adventure
Lady Juliana Rothman💃💋, the older of two sisters, has an uncertain future. Because of a scar across one cheek, she is mostly snubbed and gossiped about by the ton. Her father, a very wealthy businessman has provided a huge dowry for her, to no avail.
One evening at a ball, she meets Lord Horatio Vincent🐺 while she is hiding in the darkness of the estate's terrace. They both enjoy the conversation and the dance they shared. His friend, Alistair tries to talk him out of the relationship because she isn't nobility and because of the scar.
Soon, Vincent🐺 will become the Earl of Dunville. His father is quite ill and wants to see his rakish son married before he dies.
Another man comes into the picture, he is Ira Galbrath👺, a man she has known since childhood to be arrogant and cruel. He needs her dowry💰 or he faces financial ruin. Juliana💃💋 can't stand to be around the man and refused his suit, but he ignores her and persists! It seems Ira👺 doesn't know what NO means.
Luckily, Juliana's💃💋 relationship with Horatio🐺 is beginning to bud, as he realizes she is much more than just a frivolous society woman. They finally realize if they marry, it will put an end to Ira's👺 unwanted dogged pursuit. WRONG!
Juliana💃💋 has a real complex about her scar and can't imagine why a man like Horatio🐺 would be interested in her. She has low self esteem.
The book has some interesting plot twists !
ARC Provided by Author Barton📚 via Amazon Free.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The book is a Sweet Clean Romance, but filled with angst.
September 3, 2020
A dystopian story, not historical
I love Bridget Barton’s writing! With touching scenes and emotional main characters the story would make a great dystopian or contemporary novel. I have to give this story three stars because the main source of conflict was be solved with a piece of material, skill and imagination in the Regency period.
An entire story built around a scar just didn’t make any sense in this era because everyone had them. If only Ms. Barton would do more research and name secondary characters to make the story realistic. If Julianna is intelligent woman was so desperate to cover that scar, why didn’t she wear veils, makeup, jewelry, masks and scarves instead of her hand?
Scarring was quite common in the past on account of wars, fires, flammable clothing, toxic cosmetics, smallpox, measles accidents and bloodletting. Many women were killed or maimed when skirts and petticoats got near sparks and flames. People hid injuries and deformities with hoods, masks, scarves, clothing, prosthetics and makeup. It would be more realistic and compelling to use one of these and reveal the scar to her love at the end.
The main theme and conflicts are dystopian. The main character wouldn’t have been despised by her closest servant. Every ladies maid became skilled and took great pride in applying these tools to conceal her mistress’ imperfections. Those who were successful were highly sought. Some became famous. Since scars are not deformities. They’re actually evidence of health, the absence of injuries and infection. A limb difference, dark birthmark or spinal deformity would be very plausible and worthy of more than five stars.
Servants are key in any Regency tale. Much of the story and moments of levity were missing because the staff didn’t have any names even though they were vital to show the heroine had allies. Giving staff funny nicknames makes the characters memorable and adds comedy. This one needs it. There way too much drama and not enough laughter. But since the staff was invisible her little sister had to come protect her but never does. It took momentum from the main story and added unneeded drama to an already tense narrative.
I hopefully my review is helpful and the next book is better!
I love Bridget Barton’s writing! With touching scenes and emotional main characters the story would make a great dystopian or contemporary novel. I have to give this story three stars because the main source of conflict was be solved with a piece of material, skill and imagination in the Regency period.
An entire story built around a scar just didn’t make any sense in this era because everyone had them. If only Ms. Barton would do more research and name secondary characters to make the story realistic. If Julianna is intelligent woman was so desperate to cover that scar, why didn’t she wear veils, makeup, jewelry, masks and scarves instead of her hand?
Scarring was quite common in the past on account of wars, fires, flammable clothing, toxic cosmetics, smallpox, measles accidents and bloodletting. Many women were killed or maimed when skirts and petticoats got near sparks and flames. People hid injuries and deformities with hoods, masks, scarves, clothing, prosthetics and makeup. It would be more realistic and compelling to use one of these and reveal the scar to her love at the end.
The main theme and conflicts are dystopian. The main character wouldn’t have been despised by her closest servant. Every ladies maid became skilled and took great pride in applying these tools to conceal her mistress’ imperfections. Those who were successful were highly sought. Some became famous. Since scars are not deformities. They’re actually evidence of health, the absence of injuries and infection. A limb difference, dark birthmark or spinal deformity would be very plausible and worthy of more than five stars.
Servants are key in any Regency tale. Much of the story and moments of levity were missing because the staff didn’t have any names even though they were vital to show the heroine had allies. Giving staff funny nicknames makes the characters memorable and adds comedy. This one needs it. There way too much drama and not enough laughter. But since the staff was invisible her little sister had to come protect her but never does. It took momentum from the main story and added unneeded drama to an already tense narrative.
I hopefully my review is helpful and the next book is better!
September 12, 2020
Although this is a well written book, it was a little too drawn out for my taste. I liked both main characters, although the h, Juliana, grated on my nerves. Throughout the entire book she felt sorry for herself because of her scar, and didn't see herself as worthy of the H's interest. And that was basically the gist of the plot. Juliana acted like a pushover, letting everyone insult and belittle her without complaint, her reasoning being that she had grown accustomed to being treated poorly since childhood when a disease left her with a scarred cheek. Because of her experiences, she developed a hardened shell and therefore learned to ignore the insults. Because she saw herself as ugly she failed to see the H's genuine interest in her. In her mind, he is so handsome and desired by other more beautiful women that he couldn't possibly be genuinely interested in her. She just accepted that she was ugly and never demanded respect. She and the H had a good relationship. They cared for each other, respected each other and grew to have feelings for each other. But it riled me that there was absolutely no romance between them. They only shared their feelings for each other at the very end of the book. I like ROMANCE in my romance novels, not the two main characters hiding their feelings for each other throughout the book. I loved the H, Horatio. He was kind, gentlemanly and respectful towards the h from the very beginning of their meeting. Despite his reputation for being a bit of a rake or scoundrel prior to their meeting, for the entirety of the book, he diaplayed none of the the behaviour one would expect from a man to whom the label was attached. I also loved Penelope, the h's sister, and I was happy to see her get her own happy ending. To be honest, she was a far more interesting character than the h.
All in all, I liked this book
All in all, I liked this book
September 28, 2025
This novel has a heroine that seems to me to be a bit "much" in always being a martyr to the crude remarks made by the ton, Her feeling worthless because of a scar on her face left by illness as a child. Her father tries to do h e tries to do his best, but in reality, just furthers her feeling of not being worthy of love etc.
There are pages and pages of her thoughts and it does get a bit "much" after-while!
Low and behold, one night at a ball she meets a man out on the terrace where neither should be and, keeping in the shadows to hide her scar, she dances with him and they talk for awhile.
That is the start of all kinds of events.
I would give it five stars but I felt the use of modern words (have to give him his "space" for one) and the ending that to me lets you down, is why I gave this gook 4 stars and not 5. I think the author dragged this out, sometimes it seemed she was just adding "filler" to make it book length, with heroine's thoughts, and the Lord's thoughts!
There are pages and pages of her thoughts and it does get a bit "much" after-while!
Low and behold, one night at a ball she meets a man out on the terrace where neither should be and, keeping in the shadows to hide her scar, she dances with him and they talk for awhile.
That is the start of all kinds of events.
I would give it five stars but I felt the use of modern words (have to give him his "space" for one) and the ending that to me lets you down, is why I gave this gook 4 stars and not 5. I think the author dragged this out, sometimes it seemed she was just adding "filler" to make it book length, with heroine's thoughts, and the Lord's thoughts!
July 7, 2020
horatio and jullianna
Well written and wonderful characters I believe the memory for this book and always should be " beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and is only skin deep" oration upon meeting Juliana in the shadows know their was more to her then just a scar on her face they had a common ground and what started out as a name in only marriage became so much more loved the extended epilogue but would have to seem a little more romance but us readers always want more great characters and dialogue would highly recommend
Well written and wonderful characters I believe the memory for this book and always should be " beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and is only skin deep" oration upon meeting Juliana in the shadows know their was more to her then just a scar on her face they had a common ground and what started out as a name in only marriage became so much more loved the extended epilogue but would have to seem a little more romance but us readers always want more great characters and dialogue would highly recommend
June 1, 2020
Dancing with a Gracious Lord A Historical Regency Romance Book
This is a very good story about a young woman that has been traumatized by a scar on on side of her face and the boss of society. Juliana married Vincent the Lord of Dunhill and her enemy followed and collaborated with a woman that wanted Vincent but they survived and their love grew The characters are warm and strong .The extended epilogue is very good and enjoyable and this author is always good
This is a very good story about a young woman that has been traumatized by a scar on on side of her face and the boss of society. Juliana married Vincent the Lord of Dunhill and her enemy followed and collaborated with a woman that wanted Vincent but they survived and their love grew The characters are warm and strong .The extended epilogue is very good and enjoyable and this author is always good
March 5, 2021
The romance was to wishy washy for me. It was a marriage of convenience, after only one week, between Julianna, a woman whose life has been defined by a scars on one side of her face, and Horatio, the man who marries her because his dying father insists that he marry and he see Julianna's depth beyond that scar. But the relationship development was weak. And having to read the disparaging and hurtful comments from others about Julianna's scars was just too much.
July 4, 2020
A sweet story
This story is about a woman who was disfigured when she was very young due to an illness. She and her younger sister like to go to balls. When she went out on a balcony one night to get away from people looking at her face and met a man there she found enjoyable and vice versa.
This story is about a woman who was disfigured when she was very young due to an illness. She and her younger sister like to go to balls. When she went out on a balcony one night to get away from people looking at her face and met a man there she found enjoyable and vice versa.
April 1, 2021
Unexpected twists and a great story
It was hard to put down, because it had a background suspense running through the whole story. It was wonderful that Juliana was loved for her character and because of that she developed into a more confident woman. An added antagonist was surprise. I highly recommend this book.
It was hard to put down, because it had a background suspense running through the whole story. It was wonderful that Juliana was loved for her character and because of that she developed into a more confident woman. An added antagonist was surprise. I highly recommend this book.
May 29, 2021
The h has self esteem issues, but the H is very attracted to her from the first. They marry very quickly, and learn more about each other while others have fun manipulating them. The h is outwardly calm, as she carefully navigates his family. The 'smart' H avoids his wife's bedroom, can't see the evil that surround him or his wife. Others may like this super clean story, I did not.
February 26, 2023
Dancing with a Gracious Lord
A very delightful story about two persons that were caught in a fire as children.That came together by unexpected circumstances.Now this story has a very sad start,but comes together with a twist of circumstances that shocks the family.But shows the love that has developed between the two main characters.
A very delightful story about two persons that were caught in a fire as children.That came together by unexpected circumstances.Now this story has a very sad start,but comes together with a twist of circumstances that shocks the family.But shows the love that has developed between the two main characters.
April 17, 2023
one of the best Regency Romance Books I have ever read!
Couldn't put this down. Got up one night after going to bed to read a few chapters more! Excellent character development and fantastic story about beauty in the eyes of the beholder. The action with two people carrying out a grudge was a brilliant addition. Definitely reading more from Bridget Barton...soon!
Couldn't put this down. Got up one night after going to bed to read a few chapters more! Excellent character development and fantastic story about beauty in the eyes of the beholder. The action with two people carrying out a grudge was a brilliant addition. Definitely reading more from Bridget Barton...soon!
February 25, 2025
She's been put in a bad situation. Even though she comes with a fortune, a childhood illness has left her undesirable according to the ton. Her sister is ready to find a husband but their dad says the oldest must marry first. Will she accept the first guy who asks? What happens when things start going wrong?
June 2, 2020
Love is blind
Juliana has a long scar on her right cheek as the results of a childhood disease. All her life she suffered from leers and disgusting looks, so at balls she hides in the shadows, but that changes one night and her life will never be the same!
Juliana has a long scar on her right cheek as the results of a childhood disease. All her life she suffered from leers and disgusting looks, so at balls she hides in the shadows, but that changes one night and her life will never be the same!
June 5, 2020
A must read
A wonderful written book that shows of that beauty is not only skin deep. The characters are realistic, likable and spunky. In a time like this the plot teaches us, that we need to stop judge people by society standards. The true beauty comes from inside.
A wonderful written book that shows of that beauty is not only skin deep. The characters are realistic, likable and spunky. In a time like this the plot teaches us, that we need to stop judge people by society standards. The true beauty comes from inside.
June 10, 2020
Great Read
I am glad Horatio thought outside the box concerning society's beliefs about how someone's looks...
I am glad she wasn't a mouse but sad that she allowed her
self esteem to be walked all over...
I am glad Horatio thought outside the box concerning society's beliefs about how someone's looks...
I am glad she wasn't a mouse but sad that she allowed her
self esteem to be walked all over...
August 4, 2020
Wonderful and exciting read
The story was a lovely story of two people you may not think would a great match. Surprise, the exciting mystery that surrounds their marriage will keep you up reading later than you intended. Great book to read.
The story was a lovely story of two people you may not think would a great match. Surprise, the exciting mystery that surrounds their marriage will keep you up reading later than you intended. Great book to read.
December 9, 2020
Nice read
To have a child hood injury that kept her in the shadow and to have people talk behind her back made her strong. To have a dance with a stranger that would turn out to be the man she married. To have to the life she though she would never have come true .
To have a child hood injury that kept her in the shadow and to have people talk behind her back made her strong. To have a dance with a stranger that would turn out to be the man she married. To have to the life she though she would never have come true .
February 11, 2021
Kept my attention from the start.
I enjoyed that it was a little different from the usual romance story. The main female character having a scar that she feels sets her apart and lowers her is relatable even today.
I enjoyed that it was a little different from the usual romance story. The main female character having a scar that she feels sets her apart and lowers her is relatable even today.
October 3, 2021
This had an insecure, scarred heroine and a lot of Mean Girls action, so of course I liked it. Only complaints are the total squeaky cleanness, and the abuse of the phrase “she said quietly.” Like every other paragraph.
May 7, 2023
Scared but loved?
Scares have caused a life of misery for a young woman. But she has learned patience and loving
Kindness for others along the way. Can others learn from her example? Can the trials of others be caught in time to save her?
Scares have caused a life of misery for a young woman. But she has learned patience and loving
Kindness for others along the way. Can others learn from her example? Can the trials of others be caught in time to save her?
June 25, 2025
I enjoyed it, despite lots of perhaps unnecessary angst. I liked that it combined some mystery (a spurned bad guy and another surprise as well.) I'm not that critical if some of the language or issues don't quite fit with the era. It kept my interest.
May 30, 2020
A good book. I recommend it.
May 30, 2020
Remarkable
Emotional and heartfelt book. Had tears in a few spots in the book. Joy to read. Remarkable story. Absolutely loved it!
Emotional and heartfelt book. Had tears in a few spots in the book. Joy to read. Remarkable story. Absolutely loved it!
June 7, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
June 16, 2020
Very good book
This is a good book, I enjoyed it very much. It has some romance, some love, some action mixed in with some twists and turns.
This is a good book, I enjoyed it very much. It has some romance, some love, some action mixed in with some twists and turns.
January 30, 2021
Fun story
Bridget Barton has written another great , interesting and clean story.
All the characters are interesting and very well developed.
Bridget Barton has written another great , interesting and clean story.
All the characters are interesting and very well developed.
February 17, 2021
Dancing with the Gracious Lord
I enjoyed reading this story. Very interesting and uplifting. Beauty is not just the outside apppearance. Reccomend it highly to anyone
I enjoyed reading this story. Very interesting and uplifting. Beauty is not just the outside apppearance. Reccomend it highly to anyone
March 21, 2021
Good read
Ms Barton always produces a good read. An interesting twist in the plot towards end the book. Thank you for another good story.
Ms Barton always produces a good read. An interesting twist in the plot towards end the book. Thank you for another good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews