Nothing could destroy their happily ever after... except maybe themselves.
With five and forty years behind him, Nathan Knightly, Earl of Beckingham has everything he’s ever wanted—respect for his landscape design and a wife he utterly adores. True, he and Lola are childless, but with a hothouse full of exotic plants and heated kisses around every corner, he’s content with his happily ever after.
Lola Knightly, leader of London’s most independent ladies and countess to England’s downtrodden, doesn’t mind being childless. At least that’s what she tells herself while doing good deeds and melting in her husband’s passionate embraces. But when Nathan makes accusations she never thought possible, she’ll no longer be able to ignore the one thing she doesn’t have.
They never expected heartbreak, but when their marriage shatters like a house of glass, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to rebuild it.
Older/mature couple.👍👏 (Heroine is 45 and hero is 45)
Landscape designer/gardener hero.
Disability rep (the heroine has a clubfoot.)
Strong and assertive heroine.
Somewhat interesting main characters.
Some parts of the story were interesting and the plot was OK for a novella/shorter book.
Interesting side character.
Sensitive/serious issues was NOT written/handled in a tactless/thoughtless way. (The author handles and writes about off-page miscarriage/miscarriages but also infertility issues/problems in a way that is NOT glossed over or problematic or in a tactless/thoughtless way. )
➖ What I disliked:
The miscommunication. (They talked to each other but did not really listen… among so many other things.)
Believability/plausibility issues etc. (That a couple that have been married for 20+ years and have been and are supposedly happily married would have such serious communication issues and trust issues. Yes...every marriage has ups and downs... but the level of miscommunication and communication issues but also trust issues in this book and with these characters was too much.
And the heroes accusations against the heroine made no sense… his “reasoning”...he came from a family that did not have many children in his own family…because he had no siblings etc. but also in the past with his grandparents and other relatives etc. that did not have many children or just 1 child.
The couple had infertility issues/problems over and over through the years…..And he thought it was his “fault” that they had infertility issues/problems…. And that he could not father a child. Etc. etc. It just did not make sense even if it came from his insecurities about his fertility/ infertility.)
The heroine forgave the hero too easily and too fast for what he did and said… and what he continued doing. And it felt like the heroine over and over did the heavy lifting in the relationship.
An OK plot with some of the parts of the story being interesting…. But the story was too short and there needed to be a little more depth and background to the characters and their romance and relationship.
The character description/visual appearance of both the main characters was a tiny bit on the vague side. There was some info about their eye and hair color and some other rather vague description of especially the heroine but also a little bit with the hero. Would have liked a little more info about their character description/visual appearance.
Nothing could destroy their happily ever after … except maybe themselves. With five and forty years behind him, Nathan Knightly, Earl of Beckingham has everything he’s ever wanted—respect for his landscape design and a wife he utterly adores. True, he and Lola are childless, but with a hothouse full of exotic plants and heated kisses around every corner, he’s content with his happily ever after. Lola Knightly, leader of London’s most independent ladies and countess to England’s downtrodden, doesn’t mind being childless. At least that’s what she tells herself while doing good deeds and melting in her husband’s passionate embraces. But when Nathan makes accusations she never thought possible, she’ll no longer be able to ignore the one thing she doesn’t have. They never expected heartbreak, but when their marriage shatters like a house of glass, they’ll discover if their love is strong enough to rebuild it. The fourth book in the London Secrets series reveals that love can grow stronger and passion burn hotter twenty years after "I do."
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he let his worst fears take the better of him and them ...
This is my second read by the author and one thing is certain she knows how to address unusual trope. After the courtesan getting her HEA, a close to middle age couple must address wounds which festered despite their deep love for one another. While a quick read, it did not feel lacking, Lola and Nathan are fleshy and flawed to perfection. Lola rose from her impediment thanks to Nathan, the love they found with one another revealed the strong woman she could be, with his passion as armor, she revealed the amazon sleeping in her. She faces life head held high and return his feelings ten folds. Nathan since his first glance on Young Lola had been lost to her, she is the center of his world, the supporting wall of their duet. He never saw her disability as one, why he suddenly changes his behavior toward her, making false assumptions, simply because she is the sun in his galaxy and he let his own wounds taint his view of them.
Sure, it is not easy to understand how he came to such conclusions after a quarter century loving one another, devoted to each other, a passionate man so set on his own prejudice, he was blinded to the truth he refuses to accept. Thus how will he be able to redeem himself, when the right answer will explode in his face. For once he is lost, the man who dedicated his life to cheer his wife does not know how to atone for his hurtful words.
A wonderful read, witty and moving with an imperfect hero who deified his wife to imagine only faults could come from his side and a heroine who refuses her man’s sulking and fight tooth and nail to bring back this very man in her life. 5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
This was a fairly good story. It opens when the Earl meets his Lola and it was very cute. The next chapter is a scene from 21 years later and they are married and madly in love still, but wait. He accuses her of infidelity. Because he thinks she's pregnant and it couldn't be him because they are childless. He was a jerk but then he still would talk of his love for her. He comes to his senses of course and we have a very sweet epilogue. Short short book but I did like the love they shared. She was very strong, had a found out and walked with a cane and she'd thump it at people. That was very different. I never read This author before but I will try her again.
Wonderful! Reeling from news of her impending medical procedure, Lola sits on a park bench where she meets Nathan who is muttering to himself about the landscaping. It is practically love at first sight. Fast forward about twenty years and the well establish lovebirds have a huge fight. Nathan, who is now a famous landscaping designer, leaves town to meet with a new client and lick his wounds. Distressed that he could be so stupid, Nathan ponders what grand gesture he can perform to make things up to Lola. Meanwhile, Lola has big news for Nathan and wants him to come home so she can tell him. The relationship between these two is adorable and beautifully written. They are still so incredibly attracted to each other, even after two decades, that they can hardly keep their hands off each other, and their conversations are often witty little power struggles. The ancillary characters of the young ladies, Humphry and Albee are foils for unsolicited advice and comic relief. This book is really well done, fun to read and uplifting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mistake that led to their big fight was a usual trope, but I was annoyed by how long it took for Nathan to get it together. Lola was a saint for continuing to forgive him over and over again. I personally would have smacked him upside the head. I can't help but wonder if her early issues and feelings of inadequacy had her being more forgiving than most. Still it was a nice story and I did like their little routine that the ladies all found so fascinating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🗝️🗝️ONE DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY🗝️🗝️ Bursting bubbles boo! Charlie delivers one incredibly tantalizing tilt-our-world tempest riding one tumultuous edy, dishing out cruel words, harsh lessons and ruthless facts, launching this jewel to new heights. False allegations and heartbreak descend in a flurry of misunderstandings and assumptions merge as bonds are broken and lines are drawn, broken barriers and sketchy perimeters solidify as restrictions are relaxed and tested, exhibiting the soaring ups and agonizing downs, breathtaking in it's simplicity and inspiring in it's depth, jetting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry flows with such ease and ardor, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, uniting them together beautifully. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity with enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Charlie, thanks for sharing this awesome little guy with us.
“Keep No Secrets” is an unusual historical romance. It’s a Regency love story with unique characters. Lola and Nathan are in their 40s and have had a wonderful, passionate marriage for more than 20 years. He is a successful and highly respected landscape designer. She is a partner to him despite a physical disability that she has. She is also a tireless force in helping disadvantaged women and children. Together they’ve navigated through plenty of laughter and sadness over the years.
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I will tell you that something takes place unexpectedly and it throws Nathan terribly off-kilter. Angry words are said, feelings are deeply hurt, and they start to question everything about their relationship. The way the author takes us through the process with all of that is beautifully done.
This book was emotional, funny, and memorable. The secondary characters all add to the story in some way, and increase the vividness of the world in which the book takes place. The story is clearly connected to a couple of other books by the author, but as I’ve not read them and enjoyed this one so much anyway, I’m sure you can do so as well. I’ll definitely be looking for other books by this author!
This book was not the usual historical romance book because it was written from a totally different perspective. Usually we are introduced to a young lady on her journey to founding the perfect husband and once they find their happily ever after we have no idea if they remain happy, become bored or fall out of love with each other.
This story was about Nathan Knightly, Earl of Beckingham who meets his wife Lola, and are very happy together except for being childless. They have a loving marriage and respect each other which after 25 years is delightful. So when Nathan accuses her of being unfaithful Lola is shocked. There are misunderstandings, lack of communication, separation and insecurities. Will they continue to avoid the issues and destroy the once happy marriage or will they find their way back to each other?
Without giving away too much of the plot, I enjoyed this delightful story because it was about issues that occur in real relationships. Insecurities that we fail to acknowledge, or share and disappointments that we try to accept. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Not your typical Regency story, this book was really captivating and pulled me in from the very beginning. I'm used to reading about debutantes or young girls still experiencing their season, but here we get to see a happily married couple and some of the struggles they face. The couple Nathan and Lola have been married for 25 years, and despite not being blessed with kids, they are very happy and very much in love. Then something unexpected happens and Nathan makes accusations he can't take back. Misunderstandings and miscommunications lead to heartbreak. After harsh words are exchanged and feelings are hurt, can these two restore what they once shared for so many years? This was a delightful and emotional read and had me turning the pages anxious to see how things would turn out. I have read other books by this author and have really enjoyed them and this on was no different. I would definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is such an endearing love story. At 21 yr of age, Lola’s Viscount father took her to a surgeon to have an operation on the club foot that she had endured for her entire life. When she learns that there’s a good chance that the surgery could make her worse or even kill her, she says that she won’t do it but her father is insistent, stating that she would never be able to have her own home or children. She goes to the park to be alone and encounters a landscape architect, who also happens to be the Earl of Beckingham. Nathan is immediately enchanted with her and they develop a fast rapport, so much so that she tells him all about her foot. He encourages her and their love is born. They are so beautiful together, and their love so passionate. This story will touch your heart.
Nathan Knightly, Earl of Beckingham has everything he’s ever wanted—respect for his landscape design and a wife he utterly adores. Lola couldn’t be happier with the love her husband showers on her. Their marriage is one to envy. They have come to accept that they will not have children, but the rest of their lives seems to more than make up for that.
So when suddenly Lola’s “disability” and their not being able to have children together becomes an issue, it tears at their marriage. She has been “sick” and to all appearances, she is pregnant! And Nathan accused her of being unfaithful and now carrying another man’s child! Will they survive this? Or has this unwarranted accusation done too much damage to ever let them come to their senses again?
I really liked the character of Lola even though she had a disability she was a strong, giving, caring woman. Nathan was loving and caring and sometimes you just wanted to knock some sense into him. Their love is one for the ages they were so in love and yet they were childless. There was a misunderstanding and Nathan jumped to conclusions that put a wedge in their relationship. This is a wonderful story with an older couple that were so in love you could feel it through the pages. This is a very entertaining heart warming story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not What I Expected. This regency was different and interesting a man and wife who truly love and accept each other find themselves at odds with each other. I have to say Nathan took his own sweet time getting it together and it was sad to see the pain Lola went through her life before marriage had not been easy and now the one thing she had been sure of was disappearing. It was a good story and I enjoyed reading it. I am happy to recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I found this story relatable in so many ways! Not only were my husband and I infertile, we also had a spontaneous surprise baby after being married 13 years when I was in my 30s. Now, I'm the same age as the heroine and I appreciated her not being shown as elderly! Sometimes you read romance and the parents of Debutantes are written as elderly people and they are literally said to be in their 40s or early 50s! Haha! It was fantastic reading about an established married couple who were still passionately in love.
The fourth book in the London Secrets series a well written short story that held my interest until the end. Nathan Knightly, Earl of Beckingham and Miss Dolores/Lola Crawford's story of when they first meet and all the things they go through to get their happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book and want to read the next one. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A book to bring a smile on your face! Lola and Nathan know love, but sometimes love can be blind. An event which should have made them delirious proved to be the very start of a crises. Fortunately, they realized the value of the gift they were given before it was too late. Though they still meet some bumps on the path of their live, their HEA is a given conclusion. The story worths to give it a try!
Not a book about finding love but about a twenty year loving marriage that is shattered by accusations. Is their love strong enough to withstand the fallout? An interesting, unusual and well written Regency romance which is part of Charlie Lane’s excellent “London Secrets” series. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the what happens 20+ years after the happy ever after. A good look at the human condition and how marriage is not easy but hard work in a well built Regency setting. Very much enjoyed it. You don’t wanna put it down until you know how it ends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good enjoyable emotional story with good characters. It is interesting that the main couple are long married and we see a chrisis in their relationship and the way they deal with it or not. Well written and entertaining. I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
I initially had no interest in this book since the couple was already happily married, however so glad I didn't let that deter me from reading. It was really good and despite their love match, there was a story here and a lot for this couple to work out.
What a lovely story! I happen across this novel when searching for romance about women in their forties. And also like historical romances so I really enjoyed reading this period the characters were lovely and the story line was beautiful.
Enjoyed the banter between characters. Reads fast. Not the typical romance or characters. Gas a slightly modern feel to the romance. And no fighting or violence.