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Desire in Disguise #3
A Misbegotten Match
Sebastian Armitage is personally acquainted with the damage caused by secrets and lies. Wanting nothing to do with the pain of his past, the rakehell had broken all ties with England. But when his elderly godmother falls ill, her companion, Amanda Westford, summons him home. Sebastian soon discovers that the prunes and prisms widow that he expected is not only young and beautiful, but clearly harboring some secrets of her own. Is it his godmother’s fortune that is allowing Mrs. Westford to live far beyond her means?
Amanda had vowed that she would never again accept desire without love. Although Sebastian’s infamous reputation had earned her scorn, it is impossible to despise this charming, handsome man who personifies temptation on two feet. Amanda knows that only a fool would be seduced by the promise of passion with the man known as the Demon Rum. Why then is she longing to play the fool?
Amanda had vowed that she would never again accept desire without love. Although Sebastian’s infamous reputation had earned her scorn, it is impossible to despise this charming, handsome man who personifies temptation on two feet. Amanda knows that only a fool would be seduced by the promise of passion with the man known as the Demon Rum. Why then is she longing to play the fool?
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
121 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Rita Boucher
14 books23 followersRita Boucher has always loved stories set in the Regency era, (not surprising, considering she grew up reading Georgette Heyer.) Her books are now available in both Kindle and print editions. She is currently living her own personal happily-ever-after with her husband in Maryland, working on new stories, keeping in touch with family and fans and indulging in an occasional game of chess.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 3, 2022
Lies always come back to haunt you
Very sad story about a young man of 16 finding out that his parents were not his parents, after they had died, and living with anger and hate at being lied to. Honestly Sebastian was having a major pity party, hating his birth mother and parents for lying to him, all through the book and it was annoying. The answer was in front of his face the entire time. The heroine Amanda had a child out of wedlock and lied to her son about his Father. Telling him that he was a hero that died in the war and not the snivelling lordling coward that seduced the governess and forced himself on her. It all comes out of course but the hero was such a jerk it was awful. Such a mean person. Of course the epilogue was perfect. Very clean romance in lieu of the subject matter with only kisses. First time reading this author but I enjoyed it. Just a little slow in spots but we'll worth reading. Will read this author again.
Very sad story about a young man of 16 finding out that his parents were not his parents, after they had died, and living with anger and hate at being lied to. Honestly Sebastian was having a major pity party, hating his birth mother and parents for lying to him, all through the book and it was annoying. The answer was in front of his face the entire time. The heroine Amanda had a child out of wedlock and lied to her son about his Father. Telling him that he was a hero that died in the war and not the snivelling lordling coward that seduced the governess and forced himself on her. It all comes out of course but the hero was such a jerk it was awful. Such a mean person. Of course the epilogue was perfect. Very clean romance in lieu of the subject matter with only kisses. First time reading this author but I enjoyed it. Just a little slow in spots but we'll worth reading. Will read this author again.
April 24, 2021
OH Wow, this was a very unique and entertaining romance. There are no balls, fancy dresses or meeting with society or the ton. The whole story takes place in a remodeled Vicarage house.
Sebastian Armitage grew up in the Vicarage house till he was fifteen. His father was the Vicar and his mother helped him . Then his life as he knew it fall apart. Thanks to a mean-spirited Uncle and the accident that killed then both. His parents and his Godmother both had secrets they keep from him.
Sabastian left England at the age of seventeen and never looked back, he enters the Service becoming a hero. He is now a wealth plantation owner in Jamaica with a rum distillery. Known as the Demon Rum, a Rake.
When he receives a letter from his Godmothers companion telling him she is quite ill and he should come. He decides that he doesn't want her to die with the angry words spoken seventeen years ago the last between. He heads home to England. He is in for quite a few surprises.
The companion he thought was an elderly spinster is neither. She is young and very beautiful, widow with a young son.
An accident on way to his Godmother's lays him up at the home of the companion for weeks.
Amanda Westford has had a really rough life till now. As the companion and friend to Lady Claire she is happy and raising her son. Having put the past behind her she thinks. When Lady Claire falls ill, she sends for her long-lost Godson.
Little did she know how it would change all their lives.
She has many secrets some good and many not. After Sabastian is injured and stuck at her place both will find out the past can't be forgotten. Secrets have a way of coming out.
This is a very suspense story with secrets coming out, feelings, and finding out what is really important at last. There are twist and turns that will surprise you and the Epilogue is wonderful.
I hope you give this different type of romance a try it was great. I read it in one afternoon.
I just had to know what was going to happen next. It has great characters that help make the story.
Mostly Amanda's son, Anthony...
I received and ARC from the Author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Sebastian Armitage grew up in the Vicarage house till he was fifteen. His father was the Vicar and his mother helped him . Then his life as he knew it fall apart. Thanks to a mean-spirited Uncle and the accident that killed then both. His parents and his Godmother both had secrets they keep from him.
Sabastian left England at the age of seventeen and never looked back, he enters the Service becoming a hero. He is now a wealth plantation owner in Jamaica with a rum distillery. Known as the Demon Rum, a Rake.
When he receives a letter from his Godmothers companion telling him she is quite ill and he should come. He decides that he doesn't want her to die with the angry words spoken seventeen years ago the last between. He heads home to England. He is in for quite a few surprises.
The companion he thought was an elderly spinster is neither. She is young and very beautiful, widow with a young son.
An accident on way to his Godmother's lays him up at the home of the companion for weeks.
Amanda Westford has had a really rough life till now. As the companion and friend to Lady Claire she is happy and raising her son. Having put the past behind her she thinks. When Lady Claire falls ill, she sends for her long-lost Godson.
Little did she know how it would change all their lives.
She has many secrets some good and many not. After Sabastian is injured and stuck at her place both will find out the past can't be forgotten. Secrets have a way of coming out.
This is a very suspense story with secrets coming out, feelings, and finding out what is really important at last. There are twist and turns that will surprise you and the Epilogue is wonderful.
I hope you give this different type of romance a try it was great. I read it in one afternoon.
I just had to know what was going to happen next. It has great characters that help make the story.
Mostly Amanda's son, Anthony...
I received and ARC from the Author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
May 19, 2021
Well what can I say about this well written Christian romance novel. I definitely loved the romance of the story. Sebastian and Amanda had to come to face with a number issues before they could realize the love that they had for one another. I liked the characters of the story. Each character brought their own special unique ways to the story. I was delighted to read humor in book. I really loved the heart warming moments when the characters shared their deepest secrets with each other. These moments I think made this book all the more wonderful to read.
May 20, 2021
I found this book emotionally touching and loved the secondary characters, especially Lady Claire. I don't typically make an effort to read "sweet and clean" romances, and thought the plot started a bit slowly, but was particularly drawn in about 60% of the way through. I did feel as if the transition between the H distrusting the h and loving her was a bit abrupt--their relationship could have been more thoroughly developed. When H asked h to marry him, it was jarring. H and h did have a few very charming scenes together, though.
There were some editing errors, maybe in the transition to e-book publication, but nothing too glaring. I appreciated the author's use of language, which seemed accurate to the time period and her word choices were lively. Nothing seemed glaringly anachronistic, which is a refreshing change from a lot of the Regency romances out these days. I would recommend this book.
There were some editing errors, maybe in the transition to e-book publication, but nothing too glaring. I appreciated the author's use of language, which seemed accurate to the time period and her word choices were lively. Nothing seemed glaringly anachronistic, which is a refreshing change from a lot of the Regency romances out these days. I would recommend this book.
April 27, 2021
This book was surprisingly fast. In the prologue Sebastian is having an unhappy confrontation with his godmother Lady Claire. He is very hurt and runs off vowing to cut ties and never return. The book cuts to 15 or so years later where Sebastian is still butt hurt and hiding out oceans away. And there are clear hints that Lady Claire, Amanda and Sebastian all have some complex and hidden issues that will need to be discovered/discussed before an HEA is possible.
I was truly worried that unwrapping everything would take forever in book timeline and reading time. But the author did a really good job of moving the story along without making me feel like she was just throwing everything at me. The plot and characters mostly felt well developed and I liked that the book was so contained without feeling rushed. There is some forced proximity so the book has very few characters and while mostly taking place in one small house the location doesn't feel cramped in the writing. It was also nice to read a book where the main protagonists weren't nobility, and there wasn't a million balls and frippery. Though the protagonists are still well to do overall the story felt more grounded.
My main complaint is Sebastian. He was such a prat and so hung up on things I had trouble reconciling his quick turn around. Even if he was a "nice" rake he still spent years harboring his hurt and doing all kinds of infamous things. When he shows up he is pretty rude, but one day he wakes up and all is well and he is completely different. It felt a bit unearned. So overall a great read, but 4 stars for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was truly worried that unwrapping everything would take forever in book timeline and reading time. But the author did a really good job of moving the story along without making me feel like she was just throwing everything at me. The plot and characters mostly felt well developed and I liked that the book was so contained without feeling rushed. There is some forced proximity so the book has very few characters and while mostly taking place in one small house the location doesn't feel cramped in the writing. It was also nice to read a book where the main protagonists weren't nobility, and there wasn't a million balls and frippery. Though the protagonists are still well to do overall the story felt more grounded.
My main complaint is Sebastian. He was such a prat and so hung up on things I had trouble reconciling his quick turn around. Even if he was a "nice" rake he still spent years harboring his hurt and doing all kinds of infamous things. When he shows up he is pretty rude, but one day he wakes up and all is well and he is completely different. It felt a bit unearned. So overall a great read, but 4 stars for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2021
Lies, Deceptions and Lasting Love
Lies are pesky little deceptions, they refuse to stay hidden. They eventually are brought into the light for all to see. Such is the case in A Misbegotten Match by Rita Boucher.
I love character-driven tales, especially if the plot is tightly woven and the characters are well developed. Which is why this absorbing love story is so perfect.
When I begin a book, my feelings for the hero and heroine are always paramount. That's why, at the beginning, I wasn't sure I'd like this book. I initially didn't like Sebastian. However, I soon realized that the veneer he used to conceal his heart was but a fabric of fear and pain. But I did like Amanda from the start. She's a strong heroine who is vulnerable, but with a big heart. Speaking of heroines, I actually think this sweet tale has two heroines. Lady Claire brings hidden depths to her supporting role. She plays a pivotal part with just the right amount of crustiness that comes with the wisdom of age. Lastly, I loved the exceptionally tender ending and precious epilogue. Perfect!
All in all, this is a worthwhile read that I feel good about recommending.
Content 411: This is a clean read. There is no swearing or sex.
Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Lies are pesky little deceptions, they refuse to stay hidden. They eventually are brought into the light for all to see. Such is the case in A Misbegotten Match by Rita Boucher.
I love character-driven tales, especially if the plot is tightly woven and the characters are well developed. Which is why this absorbing love story is so perfect.
When I begin a book, my feelings for the hero and heroine are always paramount. That's why, at the beginning, I wasn't sure I'd like this book. I initially didn't like Sebastian. However, I soon realized that the veneer he used to conceal his heart was but a fabric of fear and pain. But I did like Amanda from the start. She's a strong heroine who is vulnerable, but with a big heart. Speaking of heroines, I actually think this sweet tale has two heroines. Lady Claire brings hidden depths to her supporting role. She plays a pivotal part with just the right amount of crustiness that comes with the wisdom of age. Lastly, I loved the exceptionally tender ending and precious epilogue. Perfect!
All in all, this is a worthwhile read that I feel good about recommending.
Content 411: This is a clean read. There is no swearing or sex.
Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
January 16, 2023
I haven't had a book make me cry like this in a very long time. Actual tears I could not hold back. The last chapter and also the epilogue are just so emotional even though you know, you just KNOW, what is going to happen and all the secrets that are going to be revealed, but it still tore my heart to shreds. Hearing the story concerning the unknown father and what happened to him. 😭💔 And then that epilogue!!!! 🤧😭
3rd in series, but absolutely a standalone. I dont think the books are related in any substantive way. I didn't read the first one, read and enjoyed the 2nd, but THIS, the 3rd, this was amazing. The love was a little insta, but honestly didn't feel that insta when reading it given the forced proximity, and the author did a tremendous job making me "feel" the emotions and building love. No actual steam other than a few kisses, and that is usually a let down for me since I like (prefer) at least a few explicit scenes scattered in here and there, but I honestly didn't miss it at all here. Not sure I should read the next one any time soon since I expect it won't be able to beat this one.
3rd in series, but absolutely a standalone. I dont think the books are related in any substantive way. I didn't read the first one, read and enjoyed the 2nd, but THIS, the 3rd, this was amazing. The love was a little insta, but honestly didn't feel that insta when reading it given the forced proximity, and the author did a tremendous job making me "feel" the emotions and building love. No actual steam other than a few kisses, and that is usually a let down for me since I like (prefer) at least a few explicit scenes scattered in here and there, but I honestly didn't miss it at all here. Not sure I should read the next one any time soon since I expect it won't be able to beat this one.
April 23, 2021
Likable characters, pleasant setting, good story of characters looking for acceptance and love. Although neither know they are looking for love, it slowly builds. Sebastian leaves the comfort he has created in Jamaica for his Godmother when he learns of her illness. In his haste an accident occurs close to her home, but he never quite gets there and is laid up in her companions home for several weeks. Assumptions of each other come to light and the truth slowly comes out for everyone involved in this story. Told very well with emotions weaving in and around all the characters, some surprises along the way to a HEA for all the characters in this book. Grateful for Booksprout and the author for an ARC for an honest opinion.
June 19, 2021
You are not your origins
Sebastian had 16 years of believing he had a loving family both parents cherished him! While this may have been more than most had in their life Sebastian felt the sting after their deaths of who he really was? Relentlessly searching for who be was and is has taken another 16 years!A letter finds him in Jamaica and he rushes home to confront his past and literally almost runs over his future! Amanda's past and future soon collide and these two have a date with destiny that is unstoppable!
When the truth comes to light and the past comes calling will they forge a future together for a love for all time! This series is lit!!
Sebastian had 16 years of believing he had a loving family both parents cherished him! While this may have been more than most had in their life Sebastian felt the sting after their deaths of who he really was? Relentlessly searching for who be was and is has taken another 16 years!A letter finds him in Jamaica and he rushes home to confront his past and literally almost runs over his future! Amanda's past and future soon collide and these two have a date with destiny that is unstoppable!
When the truth comes to light and the past comes calling will they forge a future together for a love for all time! This series is lit!!
August 6, 2021
Sweet read
I am very hard to please when it comes to giving a five star. My pers standards include a clean read without personal sex intimacies that detract from the plot is high on my list. To have a storybook that keeps ones interest with enough intrigue and action and not drag on needlessly also important also. True justice to a villain and a happy end is also necessary for me, as in the world we must live in that is not always the case. So with a good read I can escape reality a bit. This book did it all. I can honestly recommend it highly, if those are you requirements for a good read also.
I am very hard to please when it comes to giving a five star. My pers standards include a clean read without personal sex intimacies that detract from the plot is high on my list. To have a storybook that keeps ones interest with enough intrigue and action and not drag on needlessly also important also. True justice to a villain and a happy end is also necessary for me, as in the world we must live in that is not always the case. So with a good read I can escape reality a bit. This book did it all. I can honestly recommend it highly, if those are you requirements for a good read also.
August 7, 2021
Sebastian Armitage was a pastors son but at age sixteen was told after his parents death they weren't his real parents which was confirmed by his godmother. He was angry that everyone he loved lied to him, he left and vowed to never return. After sixteen years he returned, as Amanda(a companion to Lady Claire who had her own secrets). Was the one to contact Sebastion, but lady Claire recovered and also had secrets. In the end all secrets were revealed.
April 23, 2022
A wonderful, clean, emotional romance
Even though I figured out one of the two parental mysteries in this book, the revelation of one made me cry. The characters were very real, and the author made them everything they should be to the reader. The romances are was clean & really good, making me reread several passages, which seldom happens. The author knows how to reach this reader's heart & leave me wanting more.
Even though I figured out one of the two parental mysteries in this book, the revelation of one made me cry. The characters were very real, and the author made them everything they should be to the reader. The romances are was clean & really good, making me reread several passages, which seldom happens. The author knows how to reach this reader's heart & leave me wanting more.
April 29, 2021
Sebastian had his life turned upside down. He is now a renowned rake living on the island of Jamaica. Amanda is living a lie as a widow. They are connected through one sassy and spirited old lady. When they meet sparks fly. Turns out they have a lot of secrets in common. Trust becomes the currency that gets these three to the point of building a happy family together.
May 3, 2021
The third book in the Desire in Disguise series a well written story that has a lot of secrets. Sebastian Armitage, Amanda Westford, her son Anthony, and Lady Claire's story. The story grabbed my interest from the very first page and did not let go until I had finished reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2021
The story takes place almost entirely in one house, the Vicarage. After a heartwrenching Prologue, the story centers on Sebastian Armitage. His return home from the Indies, is not without difficulties. He returns to his godmother Lady Claire, her companion Amanda and her son Anthony. But nothing is as it seems.
There are twists and turns that kept me guessing. A slow burn romance, a couple of villians thrown in at the end. All was finally made clear. The prologue was wonderful.
Highly recommended.
There are twists and turns that kept me guessing. A slow burn romance, a couple of villians thrown in at the end. All was finally made clear. The prologue was wonderful.
Highly recommended.
August 11, 2021
I loved this story. This is a story of misguided love, deceit and betrayal. It's a story of lives based on lies and mystery. Through all this Sebastian and Amanda though with a rocky beginning, find love and together they manage to finally face their problems, mend their lives and pick up the pieces together. It's a story well worth reading.
August 26, 2021
5 stars
I used to love historical romances. Then, they suddenly became contemporary romances, in period costumes. The language, situations, thoughts, and actions, were that of contemporary stories.
This was more like the old historical romances I remember.
Thank you, Ms Boucher, for an actual 5-star historical romance; how I have missed them!
I used to love historical romances. Then, they suddenly became contemporary romances, in period costumes. The language, situations, thoughts, and actions, were that of contemporary stories.
This was more like the old historical romances I remember.
Thank you, Ms Boucher, for an actual 5-star historical romance; how I have missed them!
April 18, 2021
It wouldn’t seem that an entire romance could occur in single house and no other settings but that is essentially what occurs in this book. I liked that as well as the characters growth and finding their HEA.
August 2, 2021
Wonderful
This book was wonderfully written with the most lovable characters in it. Your heart breaks fro them all and when they find happiness you feel as though you’re healed as well.
This book was wonderfully written with the most lovable characters in it. Your heart breaks fro them all and when they find happiness you feel as though you’re healed as well.
August 9, 2021
Heart wrenching drama!
This was an unexpected read. Full of heart wrenching drama and a sweet love story. I would Rev one t this read to anyone who loves historical fiction based in the Regency era. It is a good clean read but not without heart pounding passion.
This was an unexpected read. Full of heart wrenching drama and a sweet love story. I would Rev one t this read to anyone who loves historical fiction based in the Regency era. It is a good clean read but not without heart pounding passion.
August 11, 2021
Finally, a book with a compelling story. I enjoyed the fact that the author knows how to keep the reader riveted to the story without the use of profanity or explicit sex scenes. I wish other writers would try it. This author is new to me, but I will be checking out her other books.
August 16, 2021
Great story
What a beautiful story. I suspected early on about Lady Claire but wondered how on earth the writer could make it work. Well she handled it beautifully. This was a well written, touching love story.
What a beautiful story. I suspected early on about Lady Claire but wondered how on earth the writer could make it work. Well she handled it beautifully. This was a well written, touching love story.
August 18, 2021
A MISBEGOTTEN MATCH : is a good quick read. AMANDA and SEBASTIAN meet through Miss CLAIR. This story has a few mysteries running simultaneously and clarifying the relationships would spoil the read. Suffice it to say we ultimately have a ‘happily ever after’.
September 12, 2021
Sebastian is thrown from his horse and Amanda must take care of him. Her benefactor Lady Clair is Sebastian's godmother and has always loved him from a far. Amanda's son Anthony, with his crippled leg, holds similar parentage to Sebastian. Made me cry!
December 5, 2021
A wonderful tale of second chance at love and redemption
What a wonderful surprise has been discovering this author, I can’t wait to read more of her work. I love the plot of the story, with well developed characters. Great pace that engage the reader to end.
What a wonderful surprise has been discovering this author, I can’t wait to read more of her work. I love the plot of the story, with well developed characters. Great pace that engage the reader to end.
March 12, 2022
Wonderful story about what truly matters
I highly recommend this story for everyone who believes in happy endings.
Life doesn't always run smoothly but in the end, God knows best.
For years, I tried to do the right thing trusting in God.
This story shows God has control.
I highly recommend this story for everyone who believes in happy endings.
Life doesn't always run smoothly but in the end, God knows best.
For years, I tried to do the right thing trusting in God.
This story shows God has control.
April 7, 2024
I just loved this 180 pg novel! Wayward godson returns when ladies companion notifies him of godmothers ailing health. A riding accident confines the godson to the lady’s companion’s cottage (with the godmother) until he recovers.
April 16, 2021
Two lonely and hurting people, though each mistrusts the other, are drawn together and find love. An enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2021
Truly sweet romance unexpectedly.
August 2, 2021
Surely, there's a better title than this...
I didn't expect much from this, just another formula freebie. However, it was a complex story with more than a few tears by the end.
I didn't expect much from this, just another formula freebie. However, it was a complex story with more than a few tears by the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews