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La Esposa Despreciada
Victorian London is a cruel place for a divorcee, but with the death of Sophie Duthie’s beloved second husband, she is now a widow, and independent for the first time in her life. She might not have much in terms of means, but with the help of her music shop, she can support herself and her son, Alfie. Even though her second marriage was happy, Sophie is done with husbands. Her first marriage taught her well that fairy tales are nothing more than illusions.To Lord Aberley, his former wife is nothing but a scheming pariah, and unfortunately, his subsequent engagement wasn’t successful—not that he’s ever had much delusions about marriage. It is something he now wishes to avoid at all costs, but he needs an heir. It is the one duty he cannot overlook, so learning that his former wife’s son is six years old, creates serious doubt about his true parentage. Seeing the child only confirms it. Alfie Duthie is his child.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
308 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Camille Oster
59 books105 followersI've only been writing original stories for a few years, but I don't think I could live without writing now. I love historicals and the challenging structures of different times.
I live and work in New Zealand. Love travelling and wished I had more opportunity to do it.
I've got a bit of a backlog of stories and am currently writing a new contemporary series.
I live and work in New Zealand. Love travelling and wished I had more opportunity to do it.
I've got a bit of a backlog of stories and am currently writing a new contemporary series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 25, 2018
Sigh...
No one redeems a cad as well as CO.
I loved "The Absent Wife", but in some ways I loved this one more. I thought the h was stronger in character and there was no OW stuff.
Sophie and Tristan were victims of her circumstances, her disreputably selfish brother, and their own obstinance. They married 7 years ago in 1853 and divorced just months later. Basically, he booted her out of the house as soon as the source of his blackmail was no longer valid. Booted her out with not a penny and barred the door to her for evermore. The servants were to not even breath her name. In so doing though, he didn't allow her to tell him that she was pregnant...
She marries Doug, a musician who runs a music shop and claims the boy as his own. They are happy but poor. Then her new husband dies and circumstances lead to Tristan hearing about her having a child that might very well be his.
Sophie is one strong lady for that time period or any time period. In the face of her large ex-husband who has powerful resources and immense wealth, she manages to hold her own. It was awesome!
But of course, he manages to out manoeuvre her eventually. By then though his usual composed nature was in a jumble.
He really is a stuffy prig at the start of the story and you love hating him only because she doesn't let him get away with it. She is honest to the point of being painfully blunt and he isn't used to that.
Even his closest friend, Minette is careful not to be too obvious in her criticisms.
Minette..., I was worried she would be a source of contention between them, but she was a wonderfully clever matchmaker.
By 50% in, they are on his country estate and he is getting to know her/his son, and in so doing, is learning a thing or two about himself.
There really isn't any overt romance til 80% in, but their verbal swordplay was entertaining and CO is a master at unfolding a character's 'character'.
The ending felt fast and yet I savoured every word. There is a sweet little epilogue too.
I was a little teary when just before the second marriage, Tristan talks to their son Alphie about Doug, and how he was a good man and it was OK to remember him fondly.
Safety is good
No one redeems a cad as well as CO.
I loved "The Absent Wife", but in some ways I loved this one more. I thought the h was stronger in character and there was no OW stuff.
Sophie and Tristan were victims of her circumstances, her disreputably selfish brother, and their own obstinance. They married 7 years ago in 1853 and divorced just months later. Basically, he booted her out of the house as soon as the source of his blackmail was no longer valid. Booted her out with not a penny and barred the door to her for evermore. The servants were to not even breath her name. In so doing though, he didn't allow her to tell him that she was pregnant...
She marries Doug, a musician who runs a music shop and claims the boy as his own. They are happy but poor. Then her new husband dies and circumstances lead to Tristan hearing about her having a child that might very well be his.
Sophie is one strong lady for that time period or any time period. In the face of her large ex-husband who has powerful resources and immense wealth, she manages to hold her own. It was awesome!
But of course, he manages to out manoeuvre her eventually. By then though his usual composed nature was in a jumble.
He really is a stuffy prig at the start of the story and you love hating him only because she doesn't let him get away with it. She is honest to the point of being painfully blunt and he isn't used to that.
Even his closest friend, Minette is careful not to be too obvious in her criticisms.
Minette..., I was worried she would be a source of contention between them, but she was a wonderfully clever matchmaker.
By 50% in, they are on his country estate and he is getting to know her/his son, and in so doing, is learning a thing or two about himself.
There really isn't any overt romance til 80% in, but their verbal swordplay was entertaining and CO is a master at unfolding a character's 'character'.
The ending felt fast and yet I savoured every word. There is a sweet little epilogue too.
I was a little teary when just before the second marriage, Tristan talks to their son Alphie about Doug, and how he was a good man and it was OK to remember him fondly.
Safety is good
September 3, 2018
Well, what should I write about this book?
I certainly like it very much, it’s a very slow burn romance.
Also, it’s a second chance romance with a misunderstood hero.
At first, I hate the hero as much as the heroine hated him and like the heroine, slowly, a very slowly I started to see the real him and at the end like him too.
What I love about the story thought, when the hero kicked our heroine out and divorced her, she didn’t feels self pity, she married another and was very happy with her late husband until he died.
When the bastard returned to her life, she made sure, he understood she wasn’t a naive girl like the one he knew anymore and he paid for all the way he mistreated her in the past. She is a bit vindictive in this case 😂.
But I don’t care, served him right and teach him a lesson too, how to treat a woman better! 😘
I think I will check this author other books!
❤️❤️❤️
I certainly like it very much, it’s a very slow burn romance.
Also, it’s a second chance romance with a misunderstood hero.
At first, I hate the hero as much as the heroine hated him and like the heroine, slowly, a very slowly I started to see the real him and at the end like him too.
What I love about the story thought, when the hero kicked our heroine out and divorced her, she didn’t feels self pity, she married another and was very happy with her late husband until he died.
When the bastard returned to her life, she made sure, he understood she wasn’t a naive girl like the one he knew anymore and he paid for all the way he mistreated her in the past. She is a bit vindictive in this case 😂.
But I don’t care, served him right and teach him a lesson too, how to treat a woman better! 😘
I think I will check this author other books!
❤️❤️❤️
October 12, 2022
Nice but not at par with the author’s An Absent Wife that had stunned me with its unusual take on the abandoned/discarded wife trope.
*Spoilers*
Comparisons are inevitable and the present book loses out considerably.
Firstly, maybe because the novelty is lost. And secondly because sadly it is a pale copy as it doesn’t have the angst and the quiet suffering of its predecessor/the original. I don’t mind the author churning out similar books as I love the premise but the emotions are pallid here.
The author does try to show similar tension between the mcs with continual anger, distrust and confrontations that are supposed to represent suppressed/repressed emotions and passion but somehow the potential isn’t achieved. This h evolves from meekness to hotheaded spiritedness (and occasional slapping frenzy) which is okay but is neither here nor there.
Like the first book, the H hates his forced-upon-him wife with a fury.
But in the present, he doesn’t seem like a guy who'd feel anything with such depth. So that should tell me something? Only I didn’t get it! Their interactions somehow missed out the angst and injustice of their past relationship when he had treated her abominably. We are told but it fails to grip me and all this new-fangled intensity only seems to represent repressed sexual tension and nothing more.
We are to believe that he gets so easily smitten by the very wife he had to get sloshed to have sex with? (It was a shame he hadn't seen that seven years ago, but a man wasn’t ready until he was ready.) Simply he didn't want/like her then and now he does. The past is not even touched upon, forget discussed and laid to rest. He doesn’t feel actual or any deep-felt remorse over his past actions and there's certainly no grovel. He’s let off too easily at the end.
And, no mistresses? That's part of the redeeming?
Both the books have a best friend (of the H) who interferes in the h/H relationship. While in the first, the odious Harry is out to ruin the relationship and to belittle and besmirch the h at every opportunity. I never got the why of it.
Here we have the sly but good-hearted Minette, the H’s lady bf. Though she rocks as a character, and acts as a necessary intermediary and later catalyst to prod along the stupid and mulish h/H towards an understanding, I wasn’t quite buying the H/bf’s platonic relationship. Obnoxious and un-pc of me but a man and woman being such exclusive and understand-each-other-so-perfectly friends is out of my small mind’s comprehension. He was friends with her brother at ?Eton but lost touch, but apparently not with Minette. So, there was never a spark, ever? In what 15-20 years? Where is Lord Woolwich, the husband? I think the author should have addressed the evolution of their relationship- either shown a brief and petered out dalliance or actually stated that they never felt anything for each other. These completely opposite personalities with a no-one-understands-me-better-than-her/him tagline made me twitchy - like every time a character who encroaches into that exclusive h/H special space, does.
Strangely the h also accepts that they are just-friends without even a thought/doubt entering her mind. So, it was just me and my fastidious small mindedness that grabbed at this bone and refused to let go.
The things this book does better? The h's rock solid I'm-no-victim-ness and the grouchy H's occasional dry-humor thoughts. (The H from the other book is a complete dry stick with no understanding of humor whatsoever.)
Actually this is a good book that suffers only in comparison.
*Spoilers*
Comparisons are inevitable and the present book loses out considerably.
Firstly, maybe because the novelty is lost. And secondly because sadly it is a pale copy as it doesn’t have the angst and the quiet suffering of its predecessor/the original. I don’t mind the author churning out similar books as I love the premise but the emotions are pallid here.
The author does try to show similar tension between the mcs with continual anger, distrust and confrontations that are supposed to represent suppressed/repressed emotions and passion but somehow the potential isn’t achieved. This h evolves from meekness to hotheaded spiritedness (and occasional slapping frenzy) which is okay but is neither here nor there.
Like the first book, the H hates his forced-upon-him wife with a fury.
But in the present, he doesn’t seem like a guy who'd feel anything with such depth. So that should tell me something? Only I didn’t get it! Their interactions somehow missed out the angst and injustice of their past relationship when he had treated her abominably. We are told but it fails to grip me and all this new-fangled intensity only seems to represent repressed sexual tension and nothing more.
We are to believe that he gets so easily smitten by the very wife he had to get sloshed to have sex with? (It was a shame he hadn't seen that seven years ago, but a man wasn’t ready until he was ready.) Simply he didn't want/like her then and now he does. The past is not even touched upon, forget discussed and laid to rest. He doesn’t feel actual or any deep-felt remorse over his past actions and there's certainly no grovel. He’s let off too easily at the end.
And, no mistresses? That's part of the redeeming?
Both the books have a best friend (of the H) who interferes in the h/H relationship. While in the first, the odious Harry is out to ruin the relationship and to belittle and besmirch the h at every opportunity. I never got the why of it.
Here we have the sly but good-hearted Minette, the H’s lady bf. Though she rocks as a character, and acts as a necessary intermediary and later catalyst to prod along the stupid and mulish h/H towards an understanding, I wasn’t quite buying the H/bf’s platonic relationship. Obnoxious and un-pc of me but a man and woman being such exclusive and understand-each-other-so-perfectly friends is out of my small mind’s comprehension. He was friends with her brother at ?Eton but lost touch, but apparently not with Minette. So, there was never a spark, ever? In what 15-20 years? Where is Lord Woolwich, the husband? I think the author should have addressed the evolution of their relationship- either shown a brief and petered out dalliance or actually stated that they never felt anything for each other. These completely opposite personalities with a no-one-understands-me-better-than-her/him tagline made me twitchy - like every time a character who encroaches into that exclusive h/H special space, does.
Strangely the h also accepts that they are just-friends without even a thought/doubt entering her mind. So, it was just me and my fastidious small mindedness that grabbed at this bone and refused to let go.
The things this book does better? The h's rock solid I'm-no-victim-ness and the grouchy H's occasional dry-humor thoughts. (The H from the other book is a complete dry stick with no understanding of humor whatsoever.)
Actually this is a good book that suffers only in comparison.
January 19, 2026
4 becoming the father he never had ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is about becoming a family against all odds, how a family can ignite true love, despite hurt and cruelty. It’s enemies to lovers done well, and done slowly!🙌
Sophie is an amazing fmc, and they are both giants battling for their son and their pride. Both strong headed and fierce.
Tristan was blackmailed into marrying Sophie which was unbeknownst to her. As soon as he could, he threw her out and divorced her. Soon after Sophie discovered she was pregnant. Being destitute and alone in the streets of London, she remarried Dough a shopkeeper who was full of kindness. And this is where we start. At Doughs funeral 6 years later.
Tristan finds out Sophie has a son, he finds it suspicious and decides to investigate. Not because of love or romantic sentiment, but because he won’t have to bother with an heir. It’s a convenient solution for him
Tristan grew up in the country in complete isolation, with his tutor and staff. He definitely carries trauma regarding human interaction, he doesn’t understand people and tend to analyze and dissect them, to understand them.
When he sees his son, there are no doubts he is his! He will do anything to get him, and this is where the war of the titans begin. Sophie, now a poor shopkeeper, is going to fight him all the way! And she stands toe to toe with him, honestly we are not rooting for Tristian. He is arrogant and really just wants to purchase his son and give him the same fate as he had growing up. Planting him in the country manor.
Tristan is quite the woman hater in general, he has never had a mother or any female presence in his life. He doesn’t understand them, and yet his best friend, only friend, is woman, Minette.
Tristan has never impregnated anyone, and that is also why he so desperately wants his son, what if it’s his only chance for an heir.
Minette tries to guide Tristan to a less aggressive approach, and Tristan realizes that perhaps separating mother and child is a bad idea,
So he proposed they both, mother and son, live on his estate. He manipulates and connives the whole time for this to eventually happen.
He didn’t want a son, he only wanted the heir. He was an object to him, but slowly, his son Alfie gets under his skin, and Tristan creates the first real relationship in his life. He is in awe of how Sophie is with Alfie and watches and learns from a far.🙌❤️
A young handsome tutor, also gets under Tristan’s skin. He is so worried that he will fall in love with Sophie, and he goes quite far to get him out of their lives. This is where he realizes that maybe he is falling in love with his ex wife. Sophie thinks he is doing it to be cruel to her, because it’s the only companion she has in country estate.
This is not the usual HR, it’s more a HF. A story of marriage, and slowly falling in love with your partner through every day efforts, more than big gestures.
Start was a solid 5⭐️
Middle was 3⭐️ it was a little slow moving forward
Ending was 4 ⭐️
Should you read it? Yes it was totally different and I enjoyed it. However it’s not fast and a very slow burn. But there is something completely captivating about the story, it read very old school and I couldn’t put it down.
This is about becoming a family against all odds, how a family can ignite true love, despite hurt and cruelty. It’s enemies to lovers done well, and done slowly!🙌
Sophie is an amazing fmc, and they are both giants battling for their son and their pride. Both strong headed and fierce.
Tristan was blackmailed into marrying Sophie which was unbeknownst to her. As soon as he could, he threw her out and divorced her. Soon after Sophie discovered she was pregnant. Being destitute and alone in the streets of London, she remarried Dough a shopkeeper who was full of kindness. And this is where we start. At Doughs funeral 6 years later.
Tristan finds out Sophie has a son, he finds it suspicious and decides to investigate. Not because of love or romantic sentiment, but because he won’t have to bother with an heir. It’s a convenient solution for him
Tristan grew up in the country in complete isolation, with his tutor and staff. He definitely carries trauma regarding human interaction, he doesn’t understand people and tend to analyze and dissect them, to understand them.
When he sees his son, there are no doubts he is his! He will do anything to get him, and this is where the war of the titans begin. Sophie, now a poor shopkeeper, is going to fight him all the way! And she stands toe to toe with him, honestly we are not rooting for Tristian. He is arrogant and really just wants to purchase his son and give him the same fate as he had growing up. Planting him in the country manor.
Tristan is quite the woman hater in general, he has never had a mother or any female presence in his life. He doesn’t understand them, and yet his best friend, only friend, is woman, Minette.
Tristan has never impregnated anyone, and that is also why he so desperately wants his son, what if it’s his only chance for an heir.
Minette tries to guide Tristan to a less aggressive approach, and Tristan realizes that perhaps separating mother and child is a bad idea,
So he proposed they both, mother and son, live on his estate. He manipulates and connives the whole time for this to eventually happen.
He didn’t want a son, he only wanted the heir. He was an object to him, but slowly, his son Alfie gets under his skin, and Tristan creates the first real relationship in his life. He is in awe of how Sophie is with Alfie and watches and learns from a far.🙌❤️
A young handsome tutor, also gets under Tristan’s skin. He is so worried that he will fall in love with Sophie, and he goes quite far to get him out of their lives. This is where he realizes that maybe he is falling in love with his ex wife. Sophie thinks he is doing it to be cruel to her, because it’s the only companion she has in country estate.
This is not the usual HR, it’s more a HF. A story of marriage, and slowly falling in love with your partner through every day efforts, more than big gestures.
Start was a solid 5⭐️
Middle was 3⭐️ it was a little slow moving forward
Ending was 4 ⭐️
Should you read it? Yes it was totally different and I enjoyed it. However it’s not fast and a very slow burn. But there is something completely captivating about the story, it read very old school and I couldn’t put it down.
November 19, 2023
This was a great CO book! Admittedly, I am a huge fan of CO, but I am not fan of the "discarded wife" trope. However, I took a chance with this one and loved it! I honestly cannot get enough of snobby asshat heroes. The ruder the better. And you know why? Because it makes the groveling soooooo much better.
What I liked about the book....
#1. CO's smooth and easy writing. Dialogue between characters was like butta! I love realistic and matter-of-fact conversations between our MC's. Please, let us not drag out the story with a bunch of tomfoolery (I've always wanted to use that word in a review).
#2. The heroine DID. NOT. TAKE. SHIT!! I love that CO gave the heroine have a damn backbone, but she had manners and made wise decisions. Thank you!
#3. Give me all the jealous and green-eyed men you can! I just swoon when the H has all these confusing and contradictory feelings! "I hate this woman, and yet I want to bang her" Also known as Mr. Darcy 101: Basic introduction into being a stuffy, snobby, pigheaded man.
#4. TENSION, people! There is a bunch of it!. So much that I decided to knock off a star because at 60% I was screaming at my poor phone "JUST BONE ALREEADY!!!!!!!!!" My dear husband was confused and intrigued. I had to explain to him. He did not understand- he just heard "bone".
#5. A man redeeming himself and groveling is always the pièce de résistance. You can be a psycho. You can be a douche. You can do all kinds of nasty crap, but if you grovel properly, I will forgive you on behalf of the heroine.
Anyway, if you want a nice read that has all the above and then some (including a not annoying small child) then this is for you! I
What I liked about the book....
#1. CO's smooth and easy writing. Dialogue between characters was like butta! I love realistic and matter-of-fact conversations between our MC's. Please, let us not drag out the story with a bunch of tomfoolery (I've always wanted to use that word in a review).
#2. The heroine DID. NOT. TAKE. SHIT!! I love that CO gave the heroine have a damn backbone, but she had manners and made wise decisions. Thank you!
#3. Give me all the jealous and green-eyed men you can! I just swoon when the H has all these confusing and contradictory feelings! "I hate this woman, and yet I want to bang her" Also known as Mr. Darcy 101: Basic introduction into being a stuffy, snobby, pigheaded man.
#4. TENSION, people! There is a bunch of it!. So much that I decided to knock off a star because at 60% I was screaming at my poor phone "JUST BONE ALREEADY!!!!!!!!!" My dear husband was confused and intrigued. I had to explain to him. He did not understand- he just heard "bone".
#5. A man redeeming himself and groveling is always the pièce de résistance. You can be a psycho. You can be a douche. You can do all kinds of nasty crap, but if you grovel properly, I will forgive you on behalf of the heroine.
Anyway, if you want a nice read that has all the above and then some (including a not annoying small child) then this is for you! I
July 1, 2022
The H blackmailed into marriage resulting in an unwanted wife situation is probably my very favorite trope, so I one-clicked this bad boy as soon as I saw it on KU. It might be because I set my expectations too high or being a bit under the weather, but The Discarded Wife was just “ok” for me.
Sophie’s brother (unbeknownst to her) blackmailed Tristan, Lord Aberley into marrying his sister. Assuming she was in on it, Tristan wasn’t very kind to Sophie and divorced her at his first opportunity. The book opens several years later with Tristan quickly leaning he has a son and much needed heir.
The Good
✅Tristan is a giant jerk.
✅Sophie has some backbone.
✅ The OW best friend is kind and supportive.
✅ Believable “Hero growth”
The Not-So Good
❌ Not super great chemistry
❌ Not super likable mc’s
❌The conflict/anger parts went on for too long (IMHO)
❌ No deep emotions or feels
Bottom Line- Not bad but not great… just ok. It was slow at times, and I skimmed, it was entertaining at times, but I never really truly connected to the characters.
Sophie’s brother (unbeknownst to her) blackmailed Tristan, Lord Aberley into marrying his sister. Assuming she was in on it, Tristan wasn’t very kind to Sophie and divorced her at his first opportunity. The book opens several years later with Tristan quickly leaning he has a son and much needed heir.
The Good
✅Tristan is a giant jerk.
✅Sophie has some backbone.
✅ The OW best friend is kind and supportive.
✅ Believable “Hero growth”
The Not-So Good
❌ Not super great chemistry
❌ Not super likable mc’s
❌The conflict/anger parts went on for too long (IMHO)
❌ No deep emotions or feels
Bottom Line- Not bad but not great… just ok. It was slow at times, and I skimmed, it was entertaining at times, but I never really truly connected to the characters.
February 17, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I loved this book. I read it in one sitting.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual POV and it is easy to understand both characters’ motivations—though infuriating. There were a few typos, but not so many that it detracted from the story.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the h’s spunk and courage in the face of total ruin. I hate that she fell victim to her brother. I was expecting a big grovel from the H but he redeemed himself in other ways with his steadfast loyalty to his family, and sudden possessiveness.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved when the H revealed his true feelings. I also loved Minette’s advice.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Abandoned wife, secret baby, second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved the epilogue. I had wanted more grovel, but it’s certainly implied the H is doing his damnedest to make things right with the H with the honeymoon and lavishing affection and time on his family.
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy this author’s historical romance. Needs a bit more editing, but I enjoyed the story very much.
* How did the book make you feel?: I loved this book. I read it in one sitting.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It’s told in dual POV and it is easy to understand both characters’ motivations—though infuriating. There were a few typos, but not so many that it detracted from the story.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved the h’s spunk and courage in the face of total ruin. I hate that she fell victim to her brother. I was expecting a big grovel from the H but he redeemed himself in other ways with his steadfast loyalty to his family, and sudden possessiveness.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved when the H revealed his true feelings. I also loved Minette’s advice.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: Abandoned wife, secret baby, second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I loved the epilogue. I had wanted more grovel, but it’s certainly implied the H is doing his damnedest to make things right with the H with the honeymoon and lavishing affection and time on his family.
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy this author’s historical romance. Needs a bit more editing, but I enjoyed the story very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2019
It began very good, I couldn’t put it down but the last third of it was not believable much. And there was no grovel, just declaration of H’s feelings.
April 8, 2018
3.5 stars
The Discarded Wife was a nice Historical Romance with great characters. I especially loved how independent Sophie was, and didn't just roll over when her ex-husband started demanding things. Lord Aberley is a man who is used to getting what he wants and doesn't take no for an answer. What I liked the most about this book was the the characters stayed true to themselves. There wasn't a major personality change that came out of nowhere. Lord Aberley, was his broody entitled self and was very rude at times. However, the author did an incredible job in showing another side to him, without turning him into a new person. I also liked that the author took her time to tell the story, and show of the two characters got reacquainted again. They were really getting to know one another for the first time, even though they were married before.
The only reason I gave this book 3.5 stars was because I wanted more romance. All the romance happened the last 20% of the book, which just didn't satisfy my romance loving heart. I think I would've loved for this book to be a bit longer, so I could see the characters interact more after they realized they were developing feelings for each other. Overall a solid Historical Romance with a great flow, which kept me interested until the end. I actually finished this book in one sitting. I will definitely check out other books by this author.
May 20, 2019
Not a romance
This book had no romantic connection between the h and H. They literally hated each other 80% of the story , not in a romantic way but in a hateful way. There was no build up to romance there was no romantic thoughts at all. 90% into the book out of the blue he kisses her and the next day they’re married. End of study . Total waste of time
This book had no romantic connection between the h and H. They literally hated each other 80% of the story , not in a romantic way but in a hateful way. There was no build up to romance there was no romantic thoughts at all. 90% into the book out of the blue he kisses her and the next day they’re married. End of study . Total waste of time
September 9, 2018
3 stars
I was a little worried when I started this book. A hero who divorced and kicked the heroine out of his house? And they have a child? But, soon when I found out (as I didn't read the blurb) that it was not a love marriage and that he was forced in it and he believed she was part of the scheming, and that he does not know about the child, I was calmer. Even though the heroine marrying and loving(!) another man (who later died) still weirded me out - but on the other hand that was very refreshing (even in contemporary romance that's unheard of - a heroine being in love and sleeping with a guy who is not the hero?! - let alone in historical romance), so kudos to the author for that.
I loved that the heroine had a serious backbone, she was very resilient and she didn't let the hero bully her into accepting his demands.
I was very excited that the relationship was developing gradually. However, the problem was that the couple seemed to get together before the development was done! The hero gets attracted to her after seeing her half-naked and boom, they're together. I get it that it's a short book, but still. I didn't buy their feelings, so I felt awkward about them being together (especially on the heroine's part). Now that I think of it, I don't think there were actually ILYs exchanged (except the hero revealing his feelings in different words) ... huh. Still, until that point it was an enjoyable read - the getting-together part just happened too abruptly.
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POV: 3rd person (dual)
story: 3.5
writing: 3.5
heroine: Sophie, in her 20s (?), a widower. 4 stars. She was a very strong heroine!
hero: Tristan (Lord Aberley), 38y, lord. 3.5 stars. He wasn't as bad as I expected in the beginning.
secondary characters: 3
couple/romance: 3
instalove? No, the relationship developes gradually (but not fully, IMO).
steam: Lowish. One (descriptive) sex scene.
angst: Moderate.
enjoyment: 3
ending:
I was a little worried when I started this book. A hero who divorced and kicked the heroine out of his house? And they have a child? But, soon when I found out (as I didn't read the blurb) that it was not a love marriage and that he was forced in it and he believed she was part of the scheming, and that he does not know about the child, I was calmer. Even though the heroine marrying and loving(!) another man (who later died) still weirded me out - but on the other hand that was very refreshing (even in contemporary romance that's unheard of - a heroine being in love and sleeping with a guy who is not the hero?! - let alone in historical romance), so kudos to the author for that.
I loved that the heroine had a serious backbone, she was very resilient and she didn't let the hero bully her into accepting his demands.
I was very excited that the relationship was developing gradually. However, the problem was that the couple seemed to get together before the development was done! The hero gets attracted to her after seeing her half-naked and boom, they're together. I get it that it's a short book, but still. I didn't buy their feelings, so I felt awkward about them being together (especially on the heroine's part). Now that I think of it, I don't think there were actually ILYs exchanged (except the hero revealing his feelings in different words) ... huh. Still, until that point it was an enjoyable read - the getting-together part just happened too abruptly.
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POV: 3rd person (dual)
story: 3.5
writing: 3.5
heroine: Sophie, in her 20s (?), a widower. 4 stars. She was a very strong heroine!
hero: Tristan (Lord Aberley), 38y, lord. 3.5 stars. He wasn't as bad as I expected in the beginning.
secondary characters: 3
couple/romance: 3
instalove? No, the relationship developes gradually (but not fully, IMO).
steam: Lowish. One (descriptive) sex scene.
angst: Moderate.
enjoyment: 3
ending:
August 29, 2020
Reread August 2020. Very very good.
2019: So so good, could not put it down. Of course a bit unreal (not so strict or true to times) but who cares. H was truly awful but his development and character beautifully described, had me smiling as he slowly fell in love. The h was just fantastic. Five stars if the h had also fallen in love in a believable way, now she just loved him from one page to the next.
2019: So so good, could not put it down. Of course a bit unreal (not so strict or true to times) but who cares. H was truly awful but his development and character beautifully described, had me smiling as he slowly fell in love. The h was just fantastic. Five stars if the h had also fallen in love in a believable way, now she just loved him from one page to the next.
November 4, 2019
I really liked An Absent Wife by the same author and reading the blurb, it seems to be quite the same kind of story with an abandoned wife coming back from the past...
This one was dispappointing!!
First, the hero was really unlikable. In the first book, Lysander was a jerk at the beginning but he quiclky starts to redeem himself. Here, Tristan kept being a jerk for more than half of the story!!
He was mocking her for being poor, constantly looking down on her, a lot of disdain from his part. He treated her so badly, calling her a creature... I really didn't like him.
The heroine, Sophie, was not any better. I liked her in the first part when she faced him and didn't let him intimidate her.
But in the 2nd half when they were at the Hall, geez she was so annoying. And violent!!
I get that she wanted to protect her son from his influence but the moment you signed the certificate and moved to his house, you need to compromise lady...
The romance was the worst. I felt as the story revolved around little Alfie. Tristan's chapters (his POV) were mainly focused on his relationship with his son, with Sophie being mentionned here and there.
It was like the main plot here was a father getting to know his son, and the romance was the secondary. I felt so robbed! We even had to share those meager Sophie/Tristan moments with Minette, or Herman or the young vicar at the end.
I only kept reading because it was angsty. They kept fighting and you anticipate the moment they will realize their feelings for each story and start anew, but guess what? It happened at 85%% lmao!!
What a joke!! 85% for a mere kiss... And of course, the last 15% felt rushed as we didn't get a real romance!!
1.5 stars.
This one was dispappointing!!
First, the hero was really unlikable. In the first book, Lysander was a jerk at the beginning but he quiclky starts to redeem himself. Here, Tristan kept being a jerk for more than half of the story!!
He was mocking her for being poor, constantly looking down on her, a lot of disdain from his part. He treated her so badly, calling her a creature... I really didn't like him.
The heroine, Sophie, was not any better. I liked her in the first part when she faced him and didn't let him intimidate her.
But in the 2nd half when they were at the Hall, geez she was so annoying. And violent!!
I get that she wanted to protect her son from his influence but the moment you signed the certificate and moved to his house, you need to compromise lady...
The romance was the worst. I felt as the story revolved around little Alfie. Tristan's chapters (his POV) were mainly focused on his relationship with his son, with Sophie being mentionned here and there.
It was like the main plot here was a father getting to know his son, and the romance was the secondary. I felt so robbed! We even had to share those meager Sophie/Tristan moments with Minette, or Herman or the young vicar at the end.
I only kept reading because it was angsty. They kept fighting and you anticipate the moment they will realize their feelings for each story and start anew, but guess what? It happened at 85%% lmao!!
What a joke!! 85% for a mere kiss... And of course, the last 15% felt rushed as we didn't get a real romance!!
1.5 stars.
June 15, 2025
Dnf 71% 2.5 stars
Every time I open the book I feel too much pressure to continue. I. Just. Don’t. Care.
Not bad but the MMC is just too much of douche. I don’t particularly think he deserves an HEA.
Every time I open the book I feel too much pressure to continue. I. Just. Don’t. Care.
Not bad but the MMC is just too much of douche. I don’t particularly think he deserves an HEA.
September 5, 2018
A very good story, but some things about the editing bothered me; this is a historical romance book, and though, for most part the author got the tone right; did they really say “icky” or refer to “bellybuttons” during Victorian times? I’m not an expert, but I don’t somehow think so. Also, would the lord of the manor really have saddled his own horse? Just minor things that distracted from the overall enjoyment.
This is an enemies to lovers book. The Hero and heroine first married under forced circumstances that leads the husband to resent his wife and his marriage. As soon as he is able to dissolve the marriage, he throws his young wife out and divorces her. He refuses to see or talk to her so he does not know that she is pregnant.
The heroine goes on with her life, she marries a good and kind man who loves her and becomes father to her child. Though they are not wealthy, the heroine loves him back and is truly distressed when he dies six years later, making her a widow.
It is at this time that the Hero, finally feeling the need for an heir,finds out that his ex-wife has a 6 year old child that could very well be his. He selfishly plots to acquire an heir without bothering with marriage, and the story progresses from here.
There is a clash of wills since, contrary to Hero’s expectations, the heroine will not give up her child, and most especially not to a cold unfeeling character that is her ex-husband. I liked that the heroine was strong and not a push-over. It is certainly a revelation to her ex since he actually remembers her as a demure person.
I liked that the romance of this was a slow burn and the characters really had to get to know one another before they give in to the attraction. The husband had been labouring under misconceptions of the past, so he has had to change his perception of the heroine.
It is a well done story. The heroine has principle and strength of character, and though the Hero is arrogant and unyielding at first, the reader comes to know that this is because his upbringing. Also, his views had been coloured by the circumstances that surrounded their first marriage. Over all he isn’t mean or cruel to the heroine, just overbearing. There is no other woman, rather, there is a female friend of the Hero, who is the one who helps the couple realise their feelings for each other.
Available on KindleUnlimited.
This is an enemies to lovers book. The Hero and heroine first married under forced circumstances that leads the husband to resent his wife and his marriage. As soon as he is able to dissolve the marriage, he throws his young wife out and divorces her. He refuses to see or talk to her so he does not know that she is pregnant.
The heroine goes on with her life, she marries a good and kind man who loves her and becomes father to her child. Though they are not wealthy, the heroine loves him back and is truly distressed when he dies six years later, making her a widow.
It is at this time that the Hero, finally feeling the need for an heir,finds out that his ex-wife has a 6 year old child that could very well be his. He selfishly plots to acquire an heir without bothering with marriage, and the story progresses from here.
There is a clash of wills since, contrary to Hero’s expectations, the heroine will not give up her child, and most especially not to a cold unfeeling character that is her ex-husband. I liked that the heroine was strong and not a push-over. It is certainly a revelation to her ex since he actually remembers her as a demure person.
I liked that the romance of this was a slow burn and the characters really had to get to know one another before they give in to the attraction. The husband had been labouring under misconceptions of the past, so he has had to change his perception of the heroine.
It is a well done story. The heroine has principle and strength of character, and though the Hero is arrogant and unyielding at first, the reader comes to know that this is because his upbringing. Also, his views had been coloured by the circumstances that surrounded their first marriage. Over all he isn’t mean or cruel to the heroine, just overbearing. There is no other woman, rather, there is a female friend of the Hero, who is the one who helps the couple realise their feelings for each other.
Available on KindleUnlimited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2020
This was not a great read nor a bad one, just okay. A very easy read. Tristen got on my nerves for most of the book. I like that Sophie stood up for herself. She never succumbed to self pity. I also wonder if the author has children. Alfie was well behaved, did as he was told, never asked questions... you know the typical 7 year old. I hate when authors write so unrealistic kids. She missed an opportunity for humor. I might try another book by this author.
April 8, 2019
Jerk wad hero divorces heroine then later decides finding someone to marry and breed is too much effort when he hears rumor that the ex’s son may be his. This is supposed to be a story about two people with a brief history of nothing but bad somehow discover it was love all along. I found the hero to be so unsympathetic I was never able to engage in his story of growth.
February 22, 2021
I’m not sure how historically accurate this is, particularly the divorce process, but I went with it.
Particularly liked his gradual defrosting, to start he was aloof, cold and judgmental, and he gradually changes but still has a certain level of aloofness, it ties well with his childhood backstory. Circumstances have left her with little choices, yet she’s a strong character.
Almost 4 stars
Particularly liked his gradual defrosting, to start he was aloof, cold and judgmental, and he gradually changes but still has a certain level of aloofness, it ties well with his childhood backstory. Circumstances have left her with little choices, yet she’s a strong character.
Almost 4 stars
Want to read
May 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/25/2019)! 🎁
June 14, 2022
There’s no love.
March 10, 2021
I'm going with 2.5 stars for two reasons: The book certainly held my attention but the hero was a real dick. I just don't feel that he redeemed himself, it was pure luck that the wife that he kicked out, leaving her penniless, found another husband. A more realistic scenario would have found her in either a poorhouse or a whorehouse. Secondly, I had a hard time with the sentence structure, sometimes I had to reread a sentence three or four times to make sense of it. It was very jarring.
September 30, 2022
I really liked the heroine. She has a backbone and she didn't start out strong. She became who she is out of necessity and that is believable. I am honestly surprised as to why this book didn't get more stars!
February 4, 2025
This ended up being a letdown. I was thoroughly enjoying it, and then towards the end the pacing of the relationship just went off the rails.
I really think that this should have been at least another 100 pages longer (probably more). Tristan never really takes responsibility for how horribly he treated Sophie in the past. He just starts panting after her after arguing with her and watching her with their son. There isn't even a development from reluctant co-parents to friendship, it just steamrolls right past that milestone to "in love" somewhere around 80%.
Sophie suddenly gets over everything he has done to her after he confesses his feelings for her and then later on kisses her. And then they sleep together and immediately get married! She didn't even feel reluctant after their sham of a first marriage. Like, what?! I ended up skimming over the ending and the epilogue because I was so frustrated with how it was all handled.
This is his great apology for divorcing her while she was pregnant (he didn't know this at the time, but later on admits to himself that he still would have treated her like shit), ruining her and making her homeless? Refusing to pay her any kind of alimony? Jesus. If not for her arranged marriage with Doug, she would have ended up in a workhouse.
Do not read this book if you're expecting any kind of grovel.
I really think that this should have been at least another 100 pages longer (probably more). Tristan never really takes responsibility for how horribly he treated Sophie in the past. He just starts panting after her after arguing with her and watching her with their son. There isn't even a development from reluctant co-parents to friendship, it just steamrolls right past that milestone to "in love" somewhere around 80%.
Sophie suddenly gets over everything he has done to her after he confesses his feelings for her and then later on kisses her. And then they sleep together and immediately get married! She didn't even feel reluctant after their sham of a first marriage. Like, what?! I ended up skimming over the ending and the epilogue because I was so frustrated with how it was all handled.
“I think we both went about everything the wrong way. I’m not willing to do that again. I want the right way, do you understand?”
This is his great apology for divorcing her while she was pregnant (he didn't know this at the time, but later on admits to himself that he still would have treated her like shit), ruining her and making her homeless? Refusing to pay her any kind of alimony? Jesus. If not for her arranged marriage with Doug, she would have ended up in a workhouse.
Do not read this book if you're expecting any kind of grovel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
It's okay, an easy quick read with a very interesting premise. I contemplated between 2 and 3 stars.
I absolutely loved Sophie!! She was a boss. She wasn't obnoxious, she wasn't self pitying, she was a strong woman who dealt with the cards she was handed. Alfie was super cute, but seemed a little bit too mellow for a six year old child. Tristan was my lest favourite part of the story,He treated Sophie so badly, especially in the beginning. I did enjoy his evolution as a character, I just didn't like the romance, the switch from hating each other to a sexy time relationship seemed very abrupt. Most of the book is about his relationship with his son, so him developing feelings along with the heroine, seemed extremely rushed. I did not get a feel of the sexual chemistry or leading up to love between MCs, then one horse riding lesson later, random sex scene and bam. Also her dead husband of 6 years who raised her son as his own, like how do you get over him so fast??????? it's like he never existed except as a plot point.
This book started of very strong but seem to have lost its way somewhere along the way.
I absolutely loved Sophie!! She was a boss. She wasn't obnoxious, she wasn't self pitying, she was a strong woman who dealt with the cards she was handed. Alfie was super cute, but seemed a little bit too mellow for a six year old child. Tristan was my lest favourite part of the story,He treated Sophie so badly, especially in the beginning. I did enjoy his evolution as a character, I just didn't like the romance, the switch from hating each other to a sexy time relationship seemed very abrupt. Most of the book is about his relationship with his son, so him developing feelings along with the heroine, seemed extremely rushed. I did not get a feel of the sexual chemistry or leading up to love between MCs, then one horse riding lesson later, random sex scene and bam. Also her dead husband of 6 years who raised her son as his own, like how do you get over him so fast??????? it's like he never existed except as a plot point.
This book started of very strong but seem to have lost its way somewhere along the way.
February 20, 2024
Interesting storyline. Was thoroughly impressed with the h and the best friend of the H; H not so much until he begins to thaw. The H's sister and the h's brother both need very painful enemas for the pain and trouble they caused others.
Well written and great editing. You got the 'feels' along with the need to vrtually deliver justice for the oppressed. That the H (and many 'ton' members like him) felt no need for any family emotional connection as long as they provided financial incentives and a future title when needed is a recurrent theme and makes the reader sympathize with these unfortunate wives and children.
Well written and great editing. You got the 'feels' along with the need to vrtually deliver justice for the oppressed. That the H (and many 'ton' members like him) felt no need for any family emotional connection as long as they provided financial incentives and a future title when needed is a recurrent theme and makes the reader sympathize with these unfortunate wives and children.
May 24, 2020
3 stars, sophie was such a good character. she never developed feelings or attraction towards her ex husband and had a backbone of steel considering how he’d treated her in the past. instead, we see that tristan is gradually way more affected by the return of her presence in his life.
also, this book was a good example of how you can create an atmosphere of tension and present an angsty estranged couple with the classic unwanted wife trope without throwing in mistresses and cheating.
also, this book was a good example of how you can create an atmosphere of tension and present an angsty estranged couple with the classic unwanted wife trope without throwing in mistresses and cheating.
October 12, 2018
I'm becoming a big fan of camille's books. I loved reading the absent wife so when I seen this I had to read it i love how her heroines are strong how they are not the ones that are conflicted with there feelings.
At the start I didnt like lord aberley but loved how sophie stood up to him. But he started to grow on me. Alfie was a lovely little boy but minette stole the show she was so cheeky it was hilarious.
At the start I didnt like lord aberley but loved how sophie stood up to him. But he started to grow on me. Alfie was a lovely little boy but minette stole the show she was so cheeky it was hilarious.
June 22, 2022
ok i was waiting to read this. decent but I couldn't give it 5 since I skimmed some parts. a rule of mine is if I skim, then no 5. but. i liked this one. yey
secretly laughing about what he said of her ex husband. i understand that since I think that of other hero or heroines ex loves that sadly past away. sorry its rude but I really hahahha am immature in that point.
secretly laughing about what he said of her ex husband. i understand that since I think that of other hero or heroines ex loves that sadly past away. sorry its rude but I really hahahha am immature in that point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
3.5 Stars
I’m probably being generous with the rating. But after finishing a book after many, MANY DNFs, I was left feeling a bit appreciative.
The hero was a bit bland but I’m a fan of the secret baby trope, so that kept me interested here. I did also enjoy the heroine’s strength; she didn’t give in easily.
I’m probably being generous with the rating. But after finishing a book after many, MANY DNFs, I was left feeling a bit appreciative.
The hero was a bit bland but I’m a fan of the secret baby trope, so that kept me interested here. I did also enjoy the heroine’s strength; she didn’t give in easily.
June 11, 2019
Intrigue originale. Une petite ressemblance à "Kramer contre Kramer" mais à l'ère victorienne qui se finit bien mieux que le film .... J'ai beaucoup apprécié les différents personnages et l'auteure nous montre bien l'évolution des sentiments des principaux protagonistes.
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