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The Brazen Beauties #1
Mr. Dale and The Divorcée
He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she’ll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no respectable man will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man’s wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she’ll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no respectable man will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man’s wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
About the author
Sophie Barnes
69 books1,757 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
November 11, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: The Brazen Beauties
Publication Date: 11/23/21
Period: Regency London - 1818
Number of Pages: 342
I love it when I learn something new while reading a historical romance – especially something about the Regency period. Everything I had ever read on the subject led me to believe there was no way for either partner to marry anyone again, so when I saw the whole premise of this book was a Regency couple obtaining a divorce and then marrying others, I scoffed at the idea. However, the author’s explanations seemed so valid I just had to do more research and I found there really was a way to get the divorce and the participants marry others. That doesn’t make the idea of the divorce any more plausible given how very few were ever granted or how prohibitively expensive they were, but depending on which ‘type’ of divorce they got, the participants could marry others. Here is a link to an article on the subject – and it lists references: Click Here For Article. Just in case you are interested. 😊
Wilhelmina and George grew up together and were best friends – as were their fathers. They were there for each other when the ship both of their fathers were sailing on sank and everyone on board was lost. They were always there for each other – and that is how they ended up married. While they did love each other – as friends – they were never in love with each other. However, when Wilhelmina desperately needed saving, George and she married. That was twenty years ago and they have had a comfortable, amenable, celibate marriage for all that time. They are still best friends. But now, George needs saving, and Wilhelmina is willing to do anything she can, endure anything she has to, in order to give George the life he deserves. So, they hatch a plot to brand Wilhelmina as a fallen, scandalous woman in order for George to pursue a divorce.
Widower, Mr. James Dale, is a highly successful barrister from a very well-placed family. He and his two friends (who will be featured in the next books) are attending a ball when James is introduced to the most alluring, beautiful woman (Wilhelmina) he has ever laid eyes on. He is intrigued – and very interested – until he learns she is married. Then, SCANDAL! Wilhelmina’s husband loudly accuses her of adultery and publicly shames her. James is shocked. How could she have seemed to be such a wonderful person and yet be cuckolding her husband – regularly. She’s just like his wife, Clara, had been – scandalous and wicked.
After two years, Wilhelmina and George are divorced. She is the scandal of England and people spit at her and cross the street rather than walk near her. Getting the cut direct is the least she must endure. James attended all of the court sessions and came to loath the woman. The stories that were told of her painted a very sordid picture indeed. Just imagine James’s visceral reaction when he learns his son wants to marry Wilhelmina’s daughter.
I never came to be truly invested in the characters and I’m not sure why. I liked them and I wanted to see them get to their HEA, but I just wasn’t totally enamored with them. Frankly, I liked the younger couple much better than the older couple – mostly because they seemed much more sensible. I’m sure I was supposed to like and admire George, but I didn’t.
I am glad to have read the book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not been so ensnared with the ‘facts’ of the divorce. I should have just stopped reading at that point and done the research, and then I would have probably have enjoyed the rest of the read more.
I’m looking forward to the second book in the series, Mr. Grier and The Governess featuring Olivia Poole (who we didn’t meet in this book) and Grayson Grier, whom we met because he is a friend of Jack’s.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Brazen Beauties
Publication Date: 11/23/21
Period: Regency London - 1818
Number of Pages: 342
I love it when I learn something new while reading a historical romance – especially something about the Regency period. Everything I had ever read on the subject led me to believe there was no way for either partner to marry anyone again, so when I saw the whole premise of this book was a Regency couple obtaining a divorce and then marrying others, I scoffed at the idea. However, the author’s explanations seemed so valid I just had to do more research and I found there really was a way to get the divorce and the participants marry others. That doesn’t make the idea of the divorce any more plausible given how very few were ever granted or how prohibitively expensive they were, but depending on which ‘type’ of divorce they got, the participants could marry others. Here is a link to an article on the subject – and it lists references: Click Here For Article. Just in case you are interested. 😊
Wilhelmina and George grew up together and were best friends – as were their fathers. They were there for each other when the ship both of their fathers were sailing on sank and everyone on board was lost. They were always there for each other – and that is how they ended up married. While they did love each other – as friends – they were never in love with each other. However, when Wilhelmina desperately needed saving, George and she married. That was twenty years ago and they have had a comfortable, amenable, celibate marriage for all that time. They are still best friends. But now, George needs saving, and Wilhelmina is willing to do anything she can, endure anything she has to, in order to give George the life he deserves. So, they hatch a plot to brand Wilhelmina as a fallen, scandalous woman in order for George to pursue a divorce.
Widower, Mr. James Dale, is a highly successful barrister from a very well-placed family. He and his two friends (who will be featured in the next books) are attending a ball when James is introduced to the most alluring, beautiful woman (Wilhelmina) he has ever laid eyes on. He is intrigued – and very interested – until he learns she is married. Then, SCANDAL! Wilhelmina’s husband loudly accuses her of adultery and publicly shames her. James is shocked. How could she have seemed to be such a wonderful person and yet be cuckolding her husband – regularly. She’s just like his wife, Clara, had been – scandalous and wicked.
After two years, Wilhelmina and George are divorced. She is the scandal of England and people spit at her and cross the street rather than walk near her. Getting the cut direct is the least she must endure. James attended all of the court sessions and came to loath the woman. The stories that were told of her painted a very sordid picture indeed. Just imagine James’s visceral reaction when he learns his son wants to marry Wilhelmina’s daughter.
I never came to be truly invested in the characters and I’m not sure why. I liked them and I wanted to see them get to their HEA, but I just wasn’t totally enamored with them. Frankly, I liked the younger couple much better than the older couple – mostly because they seemed much more sensible. I’m sure I was supposed to like and admire George, but I didn’t.
I am glad to have read the book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I not been so ensnared with the ‘facts’ of the divorce. I should have just stopped reading at that point and done the research, and then I would have probably have enjoyed the rest of the read more.
I’m looking forward to the second book in the series, Mr. Grier and The Governess featuring Olivia Poole (who we didn’t meet in this book) and Grayson Grier, whom we met because he is a friend of Jack’s.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 23, 2021
I sat down and read this book over 2 days. It captured my interest and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. There were 2 romances and both were well done. The main couple are Wilhemina and James the parents of the young lovers that elope. The main couple are mature and I could relate to finding love again after the hardships that life has given them. A road trip commences to catch the eloping couple and I could feel the attachment grow. I recommend the book as I think it has something that all romance readers can enjoy. A few racy love scenes but not graphic. I received an ARC from NetGalley and thank you.
November 14, 2021
⚖️ Mr. Dale and The Divorcée ⚖️
The Brazen Beauties Book 1
✒️ Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release Date 11/23/2021
Publisher Sophie Barnes
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0918PMYT3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get at divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she’ll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no respectable man will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man’s wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their past wounds and her present circumstances keep them apart…
This is the problem with books you want to read, even in your hands, you have to wait because of other obligations, for me to be such a glutinous bookworm I had to make a schedule for all my reads.
So here, I am finally able to sit and read this book. It is not often I have read a story with a divorcée. Set in Regency, I do believe only one, and the hero was the divorcé. As difficult to make of an adulteress a heroine.
Yet here the author passes the challenge with flying colors. A divorce during the period was quite a much difficult action but not impossible, yet the women were the ones to pay the price.
Wilhelmina is a willing sacrificial lamb, she wants so much to please everyone, she is left behind with nothing. Yet, it is understandable she wants the best for the man who has been her lifelong friend and rescued her when she needed saving.
But she might not have grasped all the ins and outs she would face after the divorce.
James used his past wounds to taint his view of Wilhelmina, and after all, he is like everyone else, he witnessed her downfall. So normal for him to believe the worst of her. Yet he is a man of facts and proofs, why despite everything he can’t shake the idea something is not right, all the while he loathes everything this woman reminds him, his own unfaithful late wife.
There is in addition a second love story between their own children, who are quite mature for their young age, they counterbalance James’ very arrested opinion and Wilhelmina’s own struggles because of her many secrets.
I loved those two couples, the youngest more sensible than their elders. Yet James once he understands the errors of his way redeems himself wonderfully.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWRUVrzo...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
The Brazen Beauties Book 1
✒️ Sophie Barnes
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophie...
Release Date 11/23/2021
Publisher Sophie Barnes
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0918PMYT3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get at divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she’ll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no respectable man will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man’s wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will their past wounds and her present circumstances keep them apart…
This is the problem with books you want to read, even in your hands, you have to wait because of other obligations, for me to be such a glutinous bookworm I had to make a schedule for all my reads.
So here, I am finally able to sit and read this book. It is not often I have read a story with a divorcée. Set in Regency, I do believe only one, and the hero was the divorcé. As difficult to make of an adulteress a heroine.
Yet here the author passes the challenge with flying colors. A divorce during the period was quite a much difficult action but not impossible, yet the women were the ones to pay the price.
Wilhelmina is a willing sacrificial lamb, she wants so much to please everyone, she is left behind with nothing. Yet, it is understandable she wants the best for the man who has been her lifelong friend and rescued her when she needed saving.
But she might not have grasped all the ins and outs she would face after the divorce.
James used his past wounds to taint his view of Wilhelmina, and after all, he is like everyone else, he witnessed her downfall. So normal for him to believe the worst of her. Yet he is a man of facts and proofs, why despite everything he can’t shake the idea something is not right, all the while he loathes everything this woman reminds him, his own unfaithful late wife.
There is in addition a second love story between their own children, who are quite mature for their young age, they counterbalance James’ very arrested opinion and Wilhelmina’s own struggles because of her many secrets.
I loved those two couples, the youngest more sensible than their elders. Yet James once he understands the errors of his way redeems himself wonderfully.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWRUVrzo...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
February 9, 2022
4 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥
I really enjoyed this book which added a unique aspect to HR — divorce. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to obtain a divorce back in the 1800’s — it’s crazy what our poor heroine goes through all in the name of love. I am glad all the characters got their HEA! This is a great introduction to a new series!
I really enjoyed this book which added a unique aspect to HR — divorce. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to obtain a divorce back in the 1800’s — it’s crazy what our poor heroine goes through all in the name of love. I am glad all the characters got their HEA! This is a great introduction to a new series!
October 27, 2021
**I received this at no cost from Netgalley as an early preview in return for an honest review. **
Oh dear. The premise was promising. I really wanted to read about a lawyer hero character, but it was just dressing. Unfortunately, this book didn’t hold up to scrutiny. Very cheesy and in desperate need of an editor. The scaffolding holding the story together was rough, barely operative, and lacked finesse. The craft of storytelling simply wasn’t at the level to persuade me to divest myself of disbelief and dive in. Many incessant, unnecessary rambling explanations, and very little presented. Amateurish narration, all that telling and not much showing. Take away the voluminous narration and explanations, and the skinny remnants of dialogue and actions show the lack of substance to the story. Reactions materialise from nowhere, knitted together like non-sequiturs to clumsily advance an obvious plot purpose. Strange, stilted turns of phrases that were not-quite organic patterns of speech, whether for the era or otherwise. Needless dwelling on the rare occasion some detail was proffered. I felt constantly nudged into recognising an unsubtle attempt at demonstrating an effort at historical research. The purple prose parts of teasing, romantic banter, sexual tension taken in isolation and in contrast, was much better written than the rest of the book, if a bit tame and dated. Those flashes of evocative descriptions should have been a sustained effort throughout the tale.
Characterisation was flat and inconsistent. George, Wilhelmina’s soon-to-be ex husband, is supposedly her sweet best friend in a long-standing platonic relationship. He demonstrates jealousy at first sight of Mr Dale (James) salivating over Wilhelmina. So are they platonic or not? For Wilhelmina, In Chapter 1, she is benevolent and encouraging of a divorce with George so that George may pursue his romance with Fiona and prevent their love child from the tar of illegitimacy. By Chapter 3, fast forward two years, Wilhelmina is all tears and self pity, as the divorce is underway. What? Why? She’s a martyr. Now for James, the most we learn about him was that he’s a barrister. There is a myth of a barrister personality and a solicitor personality. Simply, there are histrionic solicitors and soft-spoken barristers, and certainly incompetent examples of both. Invoking such a myth does not a character explanation make. There is no substitute for characterisation other than showing us James in action, for us to know what kind of man or barrister he is. What’s James like? Err… irrational, inconsistent, inexplicable like the other characters. He has some feud with George over a passing remark in chapter 2, and swings between having rage, lust, etc “passing through him” on the occasion. He watches the divorce trials despite only ever having knee conversation with George and Wilhelmina (why?) and is apparently shooting daggers with his eyes at Wilhelmina the entire time (why?).
Plotwise, the premise made no sense. Is it realistic for a woman in 1818 to petition for divorce for no real benefit and much terrible consequences to herself? It is up to the author to give us a plausible explanation, and there was none. Bastardy in a foreign land doesn’t sound like the grave consequences in England. This story did not need to happen. Nobody forced her to get a divorce, she consented to it. There were solutions around the problem not explored, such as adoption of said love child. Next, no explanation was afforded for the romance. James and Wilhelmina are in their late thirties and early forties. With that pegged, I had an expectation that their romance would be more seasoned, intelligent, and founded on something more than insta-lust, insta-grudge, insta-judgment, insta-epiphany etc. On occasion they behaved no different to teenagers with little forethought, and in the same breath they were severe and authoritative on their adult children. The characters kept doing things they seemed fully willing to do, just to suffer amnesia or some personality affliction to melodramatically decry their decision in the next paragraph and vacillate between polar behaviours. I had character whiplash numerous times of a hitherto unseen magnitude. There were truly inexplicable moments eg. near-rape, just for other characters to insert an anger reaction and a feud out of nowhere, with utterly canned lines. I really don’t know what I’m reading. There were also other couples in the book who primarily served as distractions.
Factually, there were grave inaccuracies that some readers may find impossible to sustain the story. At least, I did. I’ll go off on a tangent because on top of struggling with this read, I had a recollection from my undergraduate professor on divorce law. The one that started it all is the Matrimonial Causes Act 1857, which finally allowed for divorce as we know it - secular divorce with a coherent procedure. Before this Act, the subject was like dark matter. Lawyers didn’t have much to do with it, instead, the clergy did. So I had to look it up.
Bizarrely, James appears to have a divorce practice in 1818, well before the Matrimonial Causes Act 1857, and at a time where divorces were extremely uncommon, and subject to the ecclesiastical courts under canon law, and the granting of which were not solely dependent on adultery of the woman. There were two types. The story is premised on the wrong type of divorce that won’t achieve the outcome the characters are after, and was probably unnecessary in the first place. Wilhelmina and George were in the middle of a divorce on account of her alleged adultery to protect George, but that type of divorce only results in separation without right of remarriage (a mensa et thoro). On adultery alone, the church courts had no basis to grant a divorce permitting for remarriage. The recognised grounds of divorce allowing for remarriage, (a vincula et matrimonii) ie. nullification, were for non-consummation within two years of marriage, frigidity, impotence, lunacy, and desertion. Not until 1858 or thereabouts did the divorce courts emerge to consider adultery as a valid basis for divorce (decree nisi) permitting for remarriage. So the story of Wilhelmina having her adultery revealed and suffering scandal so George can remarry is simply not possible - after revealing all that adultery, he can only get a divorce granting separation in perpetuity (a mensa et thoro), nonetheless he or she still cannot remarry. Annulment from non-consummation, or a petition of frigidity would have served their purposes and they would probably have succeeded, and at least be allowed to remarry.
Notwithstanding the church courts, divorce alimony and damages on account of adultery of either party were pursued as a common law action of “criminal conversation” in the judicial courts. But again the crux is procuring the divorce, which had to be first obtained from the ecclesiastical courts. After having somehow met the first or two requirements, they would then have to proceed (as per George’s dicta) to petition Parliament with three readings of the private divorcement bill and succeed at doing so. All this when George already ran to Massachusetts with his Fiona? He’s already living his best life in a distant land. Why bother?
Sigh. I can’t help but get caught up on historical details when the story gets so baffling that verifying the historical research becomes more interesting than the story itself.
A reader simply looking for some basic writing showing some attraction, affection, family drama and sexual tension in a mature couple stitched somewhere into a pastiche of confusing dialogues ambling along with nearly no sustained plot or purpose might find the tale charming. I was looking for a lot more.
Oh dear. The premise was promising. I really wanted to read about a lawyer hero character, but it was just dressing. Unfortunately, this book didn’t hold up to scrutiny. Very cheesy and in desperate need of an editor. The scaffolding holding the story together was rough, barely operative, and lacked finesse. The craft of storytelling simply wasn’t at the level to persuade me to divest myself of disbelief and dive in. Many incessant, unnecessary rambling explanations, and very little presented. Amateurish narration, all that telling and not much showing. Take away the voluminous narration and explanations, and the skinny remnants of dialogue and actions show the lack of substance to the story. Reactions materialise from nowhere, knitted together like non-sequiturs to clumsily advance an obvious plot purpose. Strange, stilted turns of phrases that were not-quite organic patterns of speech, whether for the era or otherwise. Needless dwelling on the rare occasion some detail was proffered. I felt constantly nudged into recognising an unsubtle attempt at demonstrating an effort at historical research. The purple prose parts of teasing, romantic banter, sexual tension taken in isolation and in contrast, was much better written than the rest of the book, if a bit tame and dated. Those flashes of evocative descriptions should have been a sustained effort throughout the tale.
Characterisation was flat and inconsistent. George, Wilhelmina’s soon-to-be ex husband, is supposedly her sweet best friend in a long-standing platonic relationship. He demonstrates jealousy at first sight of Mr Dale (James) salivating over Wilhelmina. So are they platonic or not? For Wilhelmina, In Chapter 1, she is benevolent and encouraging of a divorce with George so that George may pursue his romance with Fiona and prevent their love child from the tar of illegitimacy. By Chapter 3, fast forward two years, Wilhelmina is all tears and self pity, as the divorce is underway. What? Why? She’s a martyr. Now for James, the most we learn about him was that he’s a barrister. There is a myth of a barrister personality and a solicitor personality. Simply, there are histrionic solicitors and soft-spoken barristers, and certainly incompetent examples of both. Invoking such a myth does not a character explanation make. There is no substitute for characterisation other than showing us James in action, for us to know what kind of man or barrister he is. What’s James like? Err… irrational, inconsistent, inexplicable like the other characters. He has some feud with George over a passing remark in chapter 2, and swings between having rage, lust, etc “passing through him” on the occasion. He watches the divorce trials despite only ever having knee conversation with George and Wilhelmina (why?) and is apparently shooting daggers with his eyes at Wilhelmina the entire time (why?).
Plotwise, the premise made no sense. Is it realistic for a woman in 1818 to petition for divorce for no real benefit and much terrible consequences to herself? It is up to the author to give us a plausible explanation, and there was none. Bastardy in a foreign land doesn’t sound like the grave consequences in England. This story did not need to happen. Nobody forced her to get a divorce, she consented to it. There were solutions around the problem not explored, such as adoption of said love child. Next, no explanation was afforded for the romance. James and Wilhelmina are in their late thirties and early forties. With that pegged, I had an expectation that their romance would be more seasoned, intelligent, and founded on something more than insta-lust, insta-grudge, insta-judgment, insta-epiphany etc. On occasion they behaved no different to teenagers with little forethought, and in the same breath they were severe and authoritative on their adult children. The characters kept doing things they seemed fully willing to do, just to suffer amnesia or some personality affliction to melodramatically decry their decision in the next paragraph and vacillate between polar behaviours. I had character whiplash numerous times of a hitherto unseen magnitude. There were truly inexplicable moments eg. near-rape, just for other characters to insert an anger reaction and a feud out of nowhere, with utterly canned lines. I really don’t know what I’m reading. There were also other couples in the book who primarily served as distractions.
Factually, there were grave inaccuracies that some readers may find impossible to sustain the story. At least, I did. I’ll go off on a tangent because on top of struggling with this read, I had a recollection from my undergraduate professor on divorce law. The one that started it all is the Matrimonial Causes Act 1857, which finally allowed for divorce as we know it - secular divorce with a coherent procedure. Before this Act, the subject was like dark matter. Lawyers didn’t have much to do with it, instead, the clergy did. So I had to look it up.
Bizarrely, James appears to have a divorce practice in 1818, well before the Matrimonial Causes Act 1857, and at a time where divorces were extremely uncommon, and subject to the ecclesiastical courts under canon law, and the granting of which were not solely dependent on adultery of the woman. There were two types. The story is premised on the wrong type of divorce that won’t achieve the outcome the characters are after, and was probably unnecessary in the first place. Wilhelmina and George were in the middle of a divorce on account of her alleged adultery to protect George, but that type of divorce only results in separation without right of remarriage (a mensa et thoro). On adultery alone, the church courts had no basis to grant a divorce permitting for remarriage. The recognised grounds of divorce allowing for remarriage, (a vincula et matrimonii) ie. nullification, were for non-consummation within two years of marriage, frigidity, impotence, lunacy, and desertion. Not until 1858 or thereabouts did the divorce courts emerge to consider adultery as a valid basis for divorce (decree nisi) permitting for remarriage. So the story of Wilhelmina having her adultery revealed and suffering scandal so George can remarry is simply not possible - after revealing all that adultery, he can only get a divorce granting separation in perpetuity (a mensa et thoro), nonetheless he or she still cannot remarry. Annulment from non-consummation, or a petition of frigidity would have served their purposes and they would probably have succeeded, and at least be allowed to remarry.
Notwithstanding the church courts, divorce alimony and damages on account of adultery of either party were pursued as a common law action of “criminal conversation” in the judicial courts. But again the crux is procuring the divorce, which had to be first obtained from the ecclesiastical courts. After having somehow met the first or two requirements, they would then have to proceed (as per George’s dicta) to petition Parliament with three readings of the private divorcement bill and succeed at doing so. All this when George already ran to Massachusetts with his Fiona? He’s already living his best life in a distant land. Why bother?
Sigh. I can’t help but get caught up on historical details when the story gets so baffling that verifying the historical research becomes more interesting than the story itself.
A reader simply looking for some basic writing showing some attraction, affection, family drama and sexual tension in a mature couple stitched somewhere into a pastiche of confusing dialogues ambling along with nearly no sustained plot or purpose might find the tale charming. I was looking for a lot more.
November 22, 2021
Outstanding piece.
For a lady to do what she did during this time in history was outstanding I admired this character so much. It took Mr. Dale a bit too long to get it together but in the end he showed just what a great character he was. I like how this was written showing the difficulties first in just getting a divorce and then being a divorcée in England. This was excellent book, well written, with great characters, and a wonderful pace. This is a book I am so glad I took the time to read I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it
For a lady to do what she did during this time in history was outstanding I admired this character so much. It took Mr. Dale a bit too long to get it together but in the end he showed just what a great character he was. I like how this was written showing the difficulties first in just getting a divorce and then being a divorcée in England. This was excellent book, well written, with great characters, and a wonderful pace. This is a book I am so glad I took the time to read I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it
February 5, 2022
London 1818
A journey to find true love and contentment that takes many twist and turns. I would say a second chance at love but although the initial hero and heroine loved each other, it was more as friends.
He had saved her many years ago, when she desperately needed a husband. He was her best friend and made the sacrifice for her. Now after twenty years, she wanted to return the favor and set him free to truly love another.
Unfortunately to do that, she had to put herself in a terrible light so that he would be able to gain a divorce.
She met the man that she felt could be the one, but after he heard of her reputation (which was not true) he could not pursue her.
A few years later, fate steps in and brings them back together. Will this be her real chance at love?
An interesting take I have not encountered before and really enjoyable!
A journey to find true love and contentment that takes many twist and turns. I would say a second chance at love but although the initial hero and heroine loved each other, it was more as friends.
He had saved her many years ago, when she desperately needed a husband. He was her best friend and made the sacrifice for her. Now after twenty years, she wanted to return the favor and set him free to truly love another.
Unfortunately to do that, she had to put herself in a terrible light so that he would be able to gain a divorce.
She met the man that she felt could be the one, but after he heard of her reputation (which was not true) he could not pursue her.
A few years later, fate steps in and brings them back together. Will this be her real chance at love?
An interesting take I have not encountered before and really enjoyable!
November 22, 2021
This book was amazing and exactly what I dreamed it would be after reading the description! I was immediately swept up and engaged in the story from page one. Sophie Barnes has done a wonderful job crafting a love story that feels fresh and unique, has great pacing and is peopled by thoughtful and intriguing characters. Barnes weaves together some of my favorite tropes and packages them in a fun and fresh way. I was rooting for the two lovely love stories that we encounter in the novel, and I was captured while watching the growth of our main Hero's understanding of the world and his perceptions of good and bad.
This book is mainly focused on Wilhelmina and James, who are both older characters, who both have children and who both have had complicated marriages. Wilhelmina starts the novel on the journey of divorcing her husband, who is her best friend and who is in love with someone else, so Wilhelmina hatches a plan to get them divorced so she can return the favor of his kindness he offered in his youth. Their divorce proceedings take two years and Wilhelmina's reputation lies in tatters at the end. James Dale, who is a barrister, has been witness to the entire ordeal, and his thoughts and ideas on Wilhelmina are tainted through the eyes of his failed marriage. Wilhelmina and James met two years ago at the start of Wilhelmina's downfall, and they both felt a spark of attraction and interest (which then have never felt before) and then they are thrust back into each other's company when it comes to light that James' son (Micheal) is in love with Wilhelmina's daughter (Cynthia) and they both want to get married. James thinking that he knows what is best for his son refuses to give his blessing and is working hard to separate the two. When Micheal and Cynthia decide to elope to Gretna Green, James and Wilhelmina strike up a truce in order to pursue the couple. Thus we embark on a road trip that brings forth many eye opening discoveries. (Content Notes for sexual assault and rape).
I absolutely love a road trip style romance, and I think Sophie Barnes utilizes it in the perfect way by putting our hero and heroine in forced proximity which leads them to slowly open up and examine each other in a way they would not typically be able to. This is the perfect way for Wilhelmina's true nature can shine and where James can question his understanding of the woman she has been presented as in her divorce dealing and recon that with the woman in front of him. This novel is very character drive in which both our hero and heroine must learn to grown and fight for what they want. Wilhelmina is strong and independent and has sacrificed a lot, she must learn to trust and that it is okay to seek someone's help and comfort. Wilhelmina learns how to be open and speak her truth to James, she also learns that she likes working and finds a way that she can support herself. James must learn to see past the black and white/right and wrong world that he has taught himself to live in, because of his work in upholding the law. Through Wilhelmina, James is able to see that the world is full of gray, and sometimes wrongs are not what they seem. I really love that both James and Wilhelmina want what is best for their children, and they want to protect them (even if they don't always know what is right). I love watching Wilhelmina and James' attraction grow as they learn more about each other. This novel is very sweetly sensual, it is not overtly explicit and not closed door, and I think it worked really well with conveying the gentle and mature romance between these two. I also love that both Michael and Cynthia can help their parents to grow and get a better understanding of romantic love, and that if that love is true it is worth fighting for.
This is really just a delightful novel that has such lovely character growth for all our lovers, I absolutely love the way Barnes walks us through this story from beginning to end and my heart was filled with so much joy at the conclusion. I so highly recommend this novel, it is a wonderfully fresh historical romance that I will definitely revisit and I am looking forward to the rest of the novels in this series!
***Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT NOVEMBER 23, 2021
This book is mainly focused on Wilhelmina and James, who are both older characters, who both have children and who both have had complicated marriages. Wilhelmina starts the novel on the journey of divorcing her husband, who is her best friend and who is in love with someone else, so Wilhelmina hatches a plan to get them divorced so she can return the favor of his kindness he offered in his youth. Their divorce proceedings take two years and Wilhelmina's reputation lies in tatters at the end. James Dale, who is a barrister, has been witness to the entire ordeal, and his thoughts and ideas on Wilhelmina are tainted through the eyes of his failed marriage. Wilhelmina and James met two years ago at the start of Wilhelmina's downfall, and they both felt a spark of attraction and interest (which then have never felt before) and then they are thrust back into each other's company when it comes to light that James' son (Micheal) is in love with Wilhelmina's daughter (Cynthia) and they both want to get married. James thinking that he knows what is best for his son refuses to give his blessing and is working hard to separate the two. When Micheal and Cynthia decide to elope to Gretna Green, James and Wilhelmina strike up a truce in order to pursue the couple. Thus we embark on a road trip that brings forth many eye opening discoveries. (Content Notes for sexual assault and rape).
I absolutely love a road trip style romance, and I think Sophie Barnes utilizes it in the perfect way by putting our hero and heroine in forced proximity which leads them to slowly open up and examine each other in a way they would not typically be able to. This is the perfect way for Wilhelmina's true nature can shine and where James can question his understanding of the woman she has been presented as in her divorce dealing and recon that with the woman in front of him. This novel is very character drive in which both our hero and heroine must learn to grown and fight for what they want. Wilhelmina is strong and independent and has sacrificed a lot, she must learn to trust and that it is okay to seek someone's help and comfort. Wilhelmina learns how to be open and speak her truth to James, she also learns that she likes working and finds a way that she can support herself. James must learn to see past the black and white/right and wrong world that he has taught himself to live in, because of his work in upholding the law. Through Wilhelmina, James is able to see that the world is full of gray, and sometimes wrongs are not what they seem. I really love that both James and Wilhelmina want what is best for their children, and they want to protect them (even if they don't always know what is right). I love watching Wilhelmina and James' attraction grow as they learn more about each other. This novel is very sweetly sensual, it is not overtly explicit and not closed door, and I think it worked really well with conveying the gentle and mature romance between these two. I also love that both Michael and Cynthia can help their parents to grow and get a better understanding of romantic love, and that if that love is true it is worth fighting for.
This is really just a delightful novel that has such lovely character growth for all our lovers, I absolutely love the way Barnes walks us through this story from beginning to end and my heart was filled with so much joy at the conclusion. I so highly recommend this novel, it is a wonderfully fresh historical romance that I will definitely revisit and I am looking forward to the rest of the novels in this series!
***Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT NOVEMBER 23, 2021
October 10, 2021
His business is the law, so James is horrified when he hears testimony against Mina as to her cheating on her husband. He especially looks down on her because his deceased wife had cheated on him. They are forced to spend time together chasing their children who are eloping to Greta Green. Their close proximity has them both realizing an attraction they can not deny. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Independently Published for my honest review.
October 11, 2021
Another winner! Great start to a new series. I love that this is a story of 2nd chances and also a slightly older couple than the normal. Wilhelmina married her best friend who came to her rescue, but George
is like a brother to her. When the chance to repay him for all the years of friendship, protection and love came, she didn’t care that she be the one to suffer or that her reputation be ruined, As the stage is set at the Pennington ball, she chance to meet James. There is something so exciting about him, but then George begins her downfall and James winds up tangled in it. Unknowingly a innocent caught in a web of lies. The motion has been set and George files for a divorce. James as a barrister can’t help but follow the trial, he also can’t believe the Mina he met is a women of loose morals as one lover after another gives testimony.
Two years later their children have fallen in love and James can not allow his son to be connected to the daughter of a divorcée. Trying to keep them apart has brought Mina back into his life, but there are secrets and he is determined to cover them and maybe even love.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #SophieBarnes #MrDaleandtheDivorcee
is like a brother to her. When the chance to repay him for all the years of friendship, protection and love came, she didn’t care that she be the one to suffer or that her reputation be ruined, As the stage is set at the Pennington ball, she chance to meet James. There is something so exciting about him, but then George begins her downfall and James winds up tangled in it. Unknowingly a innocent caught in a web of lies. The motion has been set and George files for a divorce. James as a barrister can’t help but follow the trial, he also can’t believe the Mina he met is a women of loose morals as one lover after another gives testimony.
Two years later their children have fallen in love and James can not allow his son to be connected to the daughter of a divorcée. Trying to keep them apart has brought Mina back into his life, but there are secrets and he is determined to cover them and maybe even love.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #SophieBarnes #MrDaleandtheDivorcee
December 11, 2021
“Mr. Dale and the Divorcee” is a fast moving story with a wonderful arc!
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 25, 2022
Wilhelmina Aka Mina and James! James is brilliant and finds a way to argue any cases!
Mina I thought gave way to much credit to get ex-husband! Yes he married her to give her child a name she was young and abused but the price she paid for his “help!” It was not worth it to me!
He was a whore who could not keep his pants zipped so Mina took on the role as this awful adulteress who couldn’t keep her legs closed and it could not be further from the truth!
Michael James son falls in love with Mina daughter and then begins the chase to stop them from going to Gretna Green!
Mina is still beautiful and men proposition and threaten her while her ex and she still loves him as a bestie!?? Has traveled to America to marry his mistress who is with child! What a lovely man!?!
James meets Mina on the eve of her very public divorce and she is literally raked over the coals by lurid details and false testimony!
Mina can not defend herself the truth would invalidate George her ex marriage and children!
James on the adventure to find the wayward adults sees much more than the picture Mina paints. She is so unworldly she can’t even kiss well!!!
Can James a prominent barrister give up his life for a very public scorned woman? Can he turn the tables and maybe show that she is so much more than her ruined reputation? If so how???
James does it in a brilliant way and he is such a good man!! Bravo 🎉
Mina I thought gave way to much credit to get ex-husband! Yes he married her to give her child a name she was young and abused but the price she paid for his “help!” It was not worth it to me!
He was a whore who could not keep his pants zipped so Mina took on the role as this awful adulteress who couldn’t keep her legs closed and it could not be further from the truth!
Michael James son falls in love with Mina daughter and then begins the chase to stop them from going to Gretna Green!
Mina is still beautiful and men proposition and threaten her while her ex and she still loves him as a bestie!?? Has traveled to America to marry his mistress who is with child! What a lovely man!?!
James meets Mina on the eve of her very public divorce and she is literally raked over the coals by lurid details and false testimony!
Mina can not defend herself the truth would invalidate George her ex marriage and children!
James on the adventure to find the wayward adults sees much more than the picture Mina paints. She is so unworldly she can’t even kiss well!!!
Can James a prominent barrister give up his life for a very public scorned woman? Can he turn the tables and maybe show that she is so much more than her ruined reputation? If so how???
James does it in a brilliant way and he is such a good man!! Bravo 🎉
October 12, 2021
This was a free copy of an ebook provided by NetGalley for preview and this is my freely given review of it.
I think this may actually be the first Sophie Barnes novel I have read, even though I am aware that she is well established in the Historical Romance world. This is a first book in her new Brazen Beauties series and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was different from many of the genre because it was about mature love, and definitely about second chances at love. Another recent read, Josi Kilpack's A Valet's Secret was along that theme too and it also was a charming and enjoyable read for myself, as a fellow mature woman on the downward side of my 40s. It also showed how difficult divorce was at the time, and it would certainly be understandable why some couples may have chosen to live separate lives and take lovers versus trying to divorce!
Mina is a woman who ended up married to her best friend, George, when she was very young. It was obvious from the beginning that she was pregnant and he chose to marry her to prevent her child from being born a bastard. They loved each other very much, and made a good life together and parented her daughter Cynthia, but it was obvious from the beginning that their love, while strong and loyal, was that of close siblings, never as lovers. Because she felt George sacrificed his potential happiness in love to save her, Mina always encouraged him to have lovers. For the past couple of years, he had been seeing Fiona, a widow, outside of his marriage, with Mina's encouragement. However, he ended up falling in love with her and wishing to marry Fiona. As their daughter reached maturity and became wedded herself, Mina felt it was time to release George so he could marry for love. The only way to do that in the early 1800s is to seek a divorce, blaming the woman, or man, for adultery, and being tried in court three times, in order to grant the type of divorce whereby George would be able to remarry. This involved castigating Mina quite publicly as having had adultery, and shredding her reputation, which she was very willing to do for George. Remember the double standards of the time; it was far more acceptable for a man to have affairs than for a woman to do so publicly.
On the eve they were to start the actions leading to the divorce, Mina meets James Dale, a barrister at a ball, he has an overwhelming attraction and liking for her. But on discovering that Mina is an adulteress, he becomes disgusted with her. He follows her trial, and all the sordid details that come out about her affairs reinforce his anger and disgust of her.
When Mina and George's divorce is finalized, he leaves England with Fiona so they can marry and start fresh in America, and George tries to make sure that Mina is taken care of. Mina suffers severely socially from the loss of her reputation, and even her funds are frozen while the courts investigate to see if she actually owes damages to George because of the divorce, and he is not there to counteract this. During the course of the divorce, which took years to achieve, her daughter Cynthia becomes widowed... and also falls in love again. Her new beau, who likewise is desperately in love with her, is Michael. Michael turns out to be James Dale's son. He seeks his father's approval to marry his love, the widow Cynthia, but because James thinks she is the daughter of a notorious adulteress, he refuses and seeks to turn Michael away from Cynthia. It does not help that James is widowed, and his memories of his wife are heavily tinged with anger and disillusionment, and this colours his perceptions of Mina, as well as Cynthia and Michael's relationship as well.
This is how James Dale and Mina reunite, in conflict over their children. Through their various endeavours over their children, they learn to respect and like each other, and James comes to realize that perhaps she is not as she was painted in the media and the courts.
The friendship relationship between George and Mina is beautiful in that they were and are such good friends that they were willing to sacrifice so much for each other. Even though Mina knew the consequences of being a divorcee labelled as a scandalous adulteress, she was still willing to make that sacrifice for George to be happy with Fiona. Perhaps she did not realize the extent of the consequences, but it was not something she was completely blind to. Then the more you find out about her history, you really learned to appreciate her strength of character, emotional fortitude, and loyalty. At first, I felt that James was overly judgmental and seemed to have an unhealthy obsession with following their divorce and carrying such anger against her, but then you find out about how his past colours his perceptions and start to feel sympathy for him. These ended up being two protagonists who you really root for to have a happily ever after.
So this was a lovely novel that was well paced, about mature love, and second chances at love, as well as the loyal love of friends. Four out of 5 stars for me... and I look forward to reading more by Sophie Barnes, including the other stories in this new series!
I think this may actually be the first Sophie Barnes novel I have read, even though I am aware that she is well established in the Historical Romance world. This is a first book in her new Brazen Beauties series and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was different from many of the genre because it was about mature love, and definitely about second chances at love. Another recent read, Josi Kilpack's A Valet's Secret was along that theme too and it also was a charming and enjoyable read for myself, as a fellow mature woman on the downward side of my 40s. It also showed how difficult divorce was at the time, and it would certainly be understandable why some couples may have chosen to live separate lives and take lovers versus trying to divorce!
Mina is a woman who ended up married to her best friend, George, when she was very young. It was obvious from the beginning that she was pregnant and he chose to marry her to prevent her child from being born a bastard. They loved each other very much, and made a good life together and parented her daughter Cynthia, but it was obvious from the beginning that their love, while strong and loyal, was that of close siblings, never as lovers. Because she felt George sacrificed his potential happiness in love to save her, Mina always encouraged him to have lovers. For the past couple of years, he had been seeing Fiona, a widow, outside of his marriage, with Mina's encouragement. However, he ended up falling in love with her and wishing to marry Fiona. As their daughter reached maturity and became wedded herself, Mina felt it was time to release George so he could marry for love. The only way to do that in the early 1800s is to seek a divorce, blaming the woman, or man, for adultery, and being tried in court three times, in order to grant the type of divorce whereby George would be able to remarry. This involved castigating Mina quite publicly as having had adultery, and shredding her reputation, which she was very willing to do for George. Remember the double standards of the time; it was far more acceptable for a man to have affairs than for a woman to do so publicly.
On the eve they were to start the actions leading to the divorce, Mina meets James Dale, a barrister at a ball, he has an overwhelming attraction and liking for her. But on discovering that Mina is an adulteress, he becomes disgusted with her. He follows her trial, and all the sordid details that come out about her affairs reinforce his anger and disgust of her.
When Mina and George's divorce is finalized, he leaves England with Fiona so they can marry and start fresh in America, and George tries to make sure that Mina is taken care of. Mina suffers severely socially from the loss of her reputation, and even her funds are frozen while the courts investigate to see if she actually owes damages to George because of the divorce, and he is not there to counteract this. During the course of the divorce, which took years to achieve, her daughter Cynthia becomes widowed... and also falls in love again. Her new beau, who likewise is desperately in love with her, is Michael. Michael turns out to be James Dale's son. He seeks his father's approval to marry his love, the widow Cynthia, but because James thinks she is the daughter of a notorious adulteress, he refuses and seeks to turn Michael away from Cynthia. It does not help that James is widowed, and his memories of his wife are heavily tinged with anger and disillusionment, and this colours his perceptions of Mina, as well as Cynthia and Michael's relationship as well.
This is how James Dale and Mina reunite, in conflict over their children. Through their various endeavours over their children, they learn to respect and like each other, and James comes to realize that perhaps she is not as she was painted in the media and the courts.
The friendship relationship between George and Mina is beautiful in that they were and are such good friends that they were willing to sacrifice so much for each other. Even though Mina knew the consequences of being a divorcee labelled as a scandalous adulteress, she was still willing to make that sacrifice for George to be happy with Fiona. Perhaps she did not realize the extent of the consequences, but it was not something she was completely blind to. Then the more you find out about her history, you really learned to appreciate her strength of character, emotional fortitude, and loyalty. At first, I felt that James was overly judgmental and seemed to have an unhealthy obsession with following their divorce and carrying such anger against her, but then you find out about how his past colours his perceptions and start to feel sympathy for him. These ended up being two protagonists who you really root for to have a happily ever after.
So this was a lovely novel that was well paced, about mature love, and second chances at love, as well as the loyal love of friends. Four out of 5 stars for me... and I look forward to reading more by Sophie Barnes, including the other stories in this new series!
October 12, 2021
He's a respectable barrister...
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she'll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no upstanding gentleman will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man's wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
James and Mina are just the right couple. This book is a 2 romance story in that it is the story of love between the daughter of Mina and the son of James and Mina and James.
Sophie Barnes is a favorite author of mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
She's the most scandalous woman in England...
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr. Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately, while she'll soon be free to engage in a new relationship, no upstanding gentleman will have her.
James Dale would never pursue another man's wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter elopes with his son, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
James and Mina are just the right couple. This book is a 2 romance story in that it is the story of love between the daughter of Mina and the son of James and Mina and James.
Sophie Barnes is a favorite author of mine.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 27, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
The book was well-written, it just didn’t engage me. I found myself skimming and couldn’t connect with the main characters. I think the pace was too slow for my reading taste and at 420 pp it’s quite a hefty read to have so few love scenes. The intimacy was fade to black and there were two separate plot lines with two distinct couples. I think the story would have held my attention more fully if it had focused on a single couple.
The book was well-written, it just didn’t engage me. I found myself skimming and couldn’t connect with the main characters. I think the pace was too slow for my reading taste and at 420 pp it’s quite a hefty read to have so few love scenes. The intimacy was fade to black and there were two separate plot lines with two distinct couples. I think the story would have held my attention more fully if it had focused on a single couple.
November 21, 2021
Awful “Hero”
I found this couple charming at their meet-cute at a ball at the start of the book. But I quickly became disenchanted with the hero because of the thoughts he had about the heroine and the way he spoke to her when he didn't understand the circumstances of her divorce. While they had an instant attraction at that ball, it's hard to believe the heroine could still have any feelings for him because of the way he treats her. Seriously, some things he says deserved a firm slap, not a meek response. I very nearly gave up on the book because this went on for so long, and I hated seeing the heroine treated this way, especially by the supposed “hero.” But I wanted to know how her story tangled out, even if I never forgave the "hero." The way the "hero" reacted to his son's request for a blessing for his proposed marriage also infuriated me; what a controlling SOB! And his son at least partially forgave him far too quickly. All in all, I didn't enjoy this book because of the at-times awful "hero."
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I found this couple charming at their meet-cute at a ball at the start of the book. But I quickly became disenchanted with the hero because of the thoughts he had about the heroine and the way he spoke to her when he didn't understand the circumstances of her divorce. While they had an instant attraction at that ball, it's hard to believe the heroine could still have any feelings for him because of the way he treats her. Seriously, some things he says deserved a firm slap, not a meek response. I very nearly gave up on the book because this went on for so long, and I hated seeing the heroine treated this way, especially by the supposed “hero.” But I wanted to know how her story tangled out, even if I never forgave the "hero." The way the "hero" reacted to his son's request for a blessing for his proposed marriage also infuriated me; what a controlling SOB! And his son at least partially forgave him far too quickly. All in all, I didn't enjoy this book because of the at-times awful "hero."
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
November 15, 2021
Amazingly complex, romantic, and heartwarming story!
How can we get behind a female main character who willingly ruins her reputation just to help her husband divorce her? The author really took on a daring challenge here, and I was absolutely blown away by the exquisite execution of the story.
Mina turns out to be one of the most heroic of historical heroines, and I adored every bit of her story. James, on the other hand, is such a staunch rule-follower that he's positively beastly toward her until he starts to question the facts of her divorce. Still, Mina handles it all with grace and dignity, which ultimately forces James to reevaluate his opinions and what he thought was true.
I loved the coincidence that brought these two into each other's personal lives, forcing them to look past their public personas and work together for a common goal. Even when you think there's no possible path to a HEA for everyone involved, still you hope, and trust that the author will get you there by the end. And the ending truly is splendid for everyone.
The writing is simply sublime. Because we understand where each character is coming from we can sympathize with them even though they're at odds with each other. Here's a wonderful example of the lyrical, heartfelt writing:
He tilted his head. “You truly do think the worst of me, don’t you?”
“It’s no less than what you think of me,” she countered.
Pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers, he closed his eyes briefly and finally shook his head. “God help me but I’m bound to regret this.” With apprehension in his eyes, Mr. Dale sighed and gestured toward the carriage. “Get in.”
When Wilhelmina hesitated, he took a deep breath and appeared to reach for a secret supply of good manners and patience. With a grimace, he offered his hand to assist her and said, “Please, Mrs. Lawson. Time is of the essence.”
There are some truly despicable people in this story, and I loved how they were put in their places. One of the main reasons I read romance is for the "good wins over evil" satisfaction and the author easily delivers that here.
I admit that the premise made me hesitate a bit, but I'm so very glad I gave this book a chance. As much as I've loved this author's other books, this one is hands down the best I've read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
How can we get behind a female main character who willingly ruins her reputation just to help her husband divorce her? The author really took on a daring challenge here, and I was absolutely blown away by the exquisite execution of the story.
Mina turns out to be one of the most heroic of historical heroines, and I adored every bit of her story. James, on the other hand, is such a staunch rule-follower that he's positively beastly toward her until he starts to question the facts of her divorce. Still, Mina handles it all with grace and dignity, which ultimately forces James to reevaluate his opinions and what he thought was true.
I loved the coincidence that brought these two into each other's personal lives, forcing them to look past their public personas and work together for a common goal. Even when you think there's no possible path to a HEA for everyone involved, still you hope, and trust that the author will get you there by the end. And the ending truly is splendid for everyone.
The writing is simply sublime. Because we understand where each character is coming from we can sympathize with them even though they're at odds with each other. Here's a wonderful example of the lyrical, heartfelt writing:
He tilted his head. “You truly do think the worst of me, don’t you?”
“It’s no less than what you think of me,” she countered.
Pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers, he closed his eyes briefly and finally shook his head. “God help me but I’m bound to regret this.” With apprehension in his eyes, Mr. Dale sighed and gestured toward the carriage. “Get in.”
When Wilhelmina hesitated, he took a deep breath and appeared to reach for a secret supply of good manners and patience. With a grimace, he offered his hand to assist her and said, “Please, Mrs. Lawson. Time is of the essence.”
There are some truly despicable people in this story, and I loved how they were put in their places. One of the main reasons I read romance is for the "good wins over evil" satisfaction and the author easily delivers that here.
I admit that the premise made me hesitate a bit, but I'm so very glad I gave this book a chance. As much as I've loved this author's other books, this one is hands down the best I've read. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 19, 2021
A barrister learns the truth about a divorcee and finds true love.
“Mr. Dale and the Divorcee” is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST of Sophie Barnes’ novels that I have read. It is an astounding love story featuring excellently developed characters with an early 40s hero and a late 30s heroine that both have grown children. The tale details the personal and legal ramifications of divorce in the regency period. It illustrates Ms. Barnes’ superb writing talent and storytelling ability utilizing misunderstanding, secrets, threats, lies, and romance in a fantastic narrative. The intimate scenes that are included are non-explicit and very tastefully done. If you miss this book you will regret it.
The heroine, Mina, was taken advantage of when just 18 by an evil Duke, raped and became pregnant. To protect her reputation and to see that her child did not grow up illegitimate, Mina’s childhood best friend, George, wed her in a marriage in name only. 20 years later George fell in love with a woman who produced a child, Because Mina loved George as a brother and wanting George and his love to be legally married without an illegitimate child, the only answer was for them to get a divorce. To this end Mina faked having multiple lovers so that the divorce would be granted with no stain on George.
James, a barrister, was married to a adulteress wife in and unhappy marriage, but his wife died of influenza a few years ago. He met Mina at a ball and was attracted to her, but knowing she was married meant he could do nothing. The ball was set up by Mina and George to expose her lovers to society so that the reason for divorce could be publicly established. By accident, James is even accused of being one of her lovers. This turned James against Mina and as he followed the sordid two year trials along with his unfitted comparing her to his wife, drove him to loathe Mina.
The story gets more complicated when Mina’s daughter and James’ son fall in love with each other. Both Mina and James are set against this marriage, but the children plan an elopement and leave for Gretna Green in the middle of the night. When Mina confronts James with the news, they embark on a trip together to try and stop them. \A they interact during the travel, James comes to realize that he was completely wrong about Mina and secretly they fall in love with each other.
You need to read the book do find out the results, but you will be overjoyed with the ending. I highly recommend it.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
“Mr. Dale and the Divorcee” is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST of Sophie Barnes’ novels that I have read. It is an astounding love story featuring excellently developed characters with an early 40s hero and a late 30s heroine that both have grown children. The tale details the personal and legal ramifications of divorce in the regency period. It illustrates Ms. Barnes’ superb writing talent and storytelling ability utilizing misunderstanding, secrets, threats, lies, and romance in a fantastic narrative. The intimate scenes that are included are non-explicit and very tastefully done. If you miss this book you will regret it.
The heroine, Mina, was taken advantage of when just 18 by an evil Duke, raped and became pregnant. To protect her reputation and to see that her child did not grow up illegitimate, Mina’s childhood best friend, George, wed her in a marriage in name only. 20 years later George fell in love with a woman who produced a child, Because Mina loved George as a brother and wanting George and his love to be legally married without an illegitimate child, the only answer was for them to get a divorce. To this end Mina faked having multiple lovers so that the divorce would be granted with no stain on George.
James, a barrister, was married to a adulteress wife in and unhappy marriage, but his wife died of influenza a few years ago. He met Mina at a ball and was attracted to her, but knowing she was married meant he could do nothing. The ball was set up by Mina and George to expose her lovers to society so that the reason for divorce could be publicly established. By accident, James is even accused of being one of her lovers. This turned James against Mina and as he followed the sordid two year trials along with his unfitted comparing her to his wife, drove him to loathe Mina.
The story gets more complicated when Mina’s daughter and James’ son fall in love with each other. Both Mina and James are set against this marriage, but the children plan an elopement and leave for Gretna Green in the middle of the night. When Mina confronts James with the news, they embark on a trip together to try and stop them. \A they interact during the travel, James comes to realize that he was completely wrong about Mina and secretly they fall in love with each other.
You need to read the book do find out the results, but you will be overjoyed with the ending. I highly recommend it.
Having received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, I voluntarily leave this review.
November 22, 2021
Wilhelmina Hewitt knows she's in for a rough ride when she agrees to help her husband George get a divorce. Nothing, however, prepares her for the regret of meeting Mr James Dale on the eve of her downfall. No other man has ever sent her heart racing as he does. Unfortunately after the long divorce proceedings she’s utterly ruined. James Dale would never pursue another man’s wife. Or a woman reputed to be a deceitful adulteress. Furious with himself for letting the lovely Mrs. Hewitt charm him, he strives to keep his distance. But when her daughter Cynthia elopes with his son Matthew, they're forced into a partnership where passion ignites. And James soon wonders if there might be more to the divorcée than meets the eye.
A well written book & I think the first I’ve read to feature a divorce in Regency England, it was very different & some conceptions of mine went out of the window as I believed remarrying wasn’t possible, so Google was heavily used at the start of the book & whilst the three different hearings were explained I would have appreciated an Author's note about them. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & really liked the two romances. I was routing for the selfless Mina all the way through & loved how she came through all that was thrown at her. I really liked James but had misgivings about him at the start he did redeem himself. I enjoyed their verbal bantering & how the chemistry between them grew from simmering. I was glad the villain got his just desserts. Strong characters & a well paced story kept me engrossed all the way through.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written book & I think the first I’ve read to feature a divorce in Regency England, it was very different & some conceptions of mine went out of the window as I believed remarrying wasn’t possible, so Google was heavily used at the start of the book & whilst the three different hearings were explained I would have appreciated an Author's note about them. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & really liked the two romances. I was routing for the selfless Mina all the way through & loved how she came through all that was thrown at her. I really liked James but had misgivings about him at the start he did redeem himself. I enjoyed their verbal bantering & how the chemistry between them grew from simmering. I was glad the villain got his just desserts. Strong characters & a well paced story kept me engrossed all the way through.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 21, 2021
Deserving of Love . . .
This book presented quite a different story line than the usual books set in this period. Wilhelmina Hewitt (“Mina”) is in the middle of a situation where she wants to help her husband find his happiness as he had helped her in the past. George had stepped up as a friend when Mina was raped at 18 and became pregnant. They married in name-only to protect her reputation. After a 20-year marriage, George has fallen in love with someone else and the woman is now pregnant. So Mina decides her only alternative is to divorce George so he is free to marry his lover and remove the stigma of illegitimacy for his child. Her only regret about this divorce is that Mr. James Dale will witness her downfall and no respectable man will ever look twice at her after this.
James Dale is a barrister. Mina Hewitt is labeled as a deceitful adulteress. Because his own wife had betrayed him in that manner, he turned against Mina immediately. But when Mina and James' adult children fall in love, Mina and James learn more about each other and not everything is as brutal as it first had seemed. Would it be possible for Mina and James to move on from their pasts and find their own HEA?
Their children falling in love seems a bit far-fetched, but with the sacrifice that Mina made to repay George’s kindness, I was willing to suspend my disbelief since it could bring some good to Mina. I really did like the story. It’s still so sad to me that the women had to bear the brunt of a harsh and judgmental society. So hoping Mina would be able to possibly find her own happiness with this crazy twist brought a smile to my face.
This book presented quite a different story line than the usual books set in this period. Wilhelmina Hewitt (“Mina”) is in the middle of a situation where she wants to help her husband find his happiness as he had helped her in the past. George had stepped up as a friend when Mina was raped at 18 and became pregnant. They married in name-only to protect her reputation. After a 20-year marriage, George has fallen in love with someone else and the woman is now pregnant. So Mina decides her only alternative is to divorce George so he is free to marry his lover and remove the stigma of illegitimacy for his child. Her only regret about this divorce is that Mr. James Dale will witness her downfall and no respectable man will ever look twice at her after this.
James Dale is a barrister. Mina Hewitt is labeled as a deceitful adulteress. Because his own wife had betrayed him in that manner, he turned against Mina immediately. But when Mina and James' adult children fall in love, Mina and James learn more about each other and not everything is as brutal as it first had seemed. Would it be possible for Mina and James to move on from their pasts and find their own HEA?
Their children falling in love seems a bit far-fetched, but with the sacrifice that Mina made to repay George’s kindness, I was willing to suspend my disbelief since it could bring some good to Mina. I really did like the story. It’s still so sad to me that the women had to bear the brunt of a harsh and judgmental society. So hoping Mina would be able to possibly find her own happiness with this crazy twist brought a smile to my face.
October 29, 2021
Wilhelmina Hewitt was married a touch over twenty years, But she felt he should have a chance at love and he never would if he stayed married. They loved each other but as brother and sister. He had helped her out of a bad situation and she was going to help him.
George Hewitt was a furniture designer and Manufacturer. He made beautiful stuff and it was in high demand. But if they did this then he was going to America. He had been seeing a lady called Fiona and she was in a family way actually his family way. It took them two years to finally get the divorce.
James Sebastion Dale was from a very nice family. His parents loved each other. His wife was dead but he had his son. He also was a Barrister, here in London. He loved the law and found it to be a big challenge. He found Mrs. Hewitt absolutely lovely but she was taken.
I loved this wonderful story. She was George's friend and would do anything for him. She willing made her life hard so he could find his happiness. James hated her.
It was a mesmerizing tale. Her kindness, strength, and beauty stayed with her. But she got lonely sometimes and thank goodness she had her daughter. She also missed George. They had grown up together. There were some twists, it was exciting but also encouraging. The characters were excellent. Once I picked the book up I could not put it down, It seemed like a fresh look at things.
I received this ARC Review from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
George Hewitt was a furniture designer and Manufacturer. He made beautiful stuff and it was in high demand. But if they did this then he was going to America. He had been seeing a lady called Fiona and she was in a family way actually his family way. It took them two years to finally get the divorce.
James Sebastion Dale was from a very nice family. His parents loved each other. His wife was dead but he had his son. He also was a Barrister, here in London. He loved the law and found it to be a big challenge. He found Mrs. Hewitt absolutely lovely but she was taken.
I loved this wonderful story. She was George's friend and would do anything for him. She willing made her life hard so he could find his happiness. James hated her.
It was a mesmerizing tale. Her kindness, strength, and beauty stayed with her. But she got lonely sometimes and thank goodness she had her daughter. She also missed George. They had grown up together. There were some twists, it was exciting but also encouraging. The characters were excellent. Once I picked the book up I could not put it down, It seemed like a fresh look at things.
I received this ARC Review from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 21, 2021
I am conflicted about this book! I am a big fan of Sophie Barnes' writing and she did a superb job of writing this book. The characters and plot were well developed and the story carried you along as if you were right there. I know there were people who divorced in the 1800's but I am a married for life kind of person. To me there was so much unhappiness to be a hard won happy ever after. Mina was labeled an adulteress and had her life dragged through the mud so George could have his happy ever after. I did like how the book showed the injustice to women when men did the same thing and nothing happened. Thank God for women's rights. I loved the character development of Mr. Dale, he taught us all a lesson. I would not like all of my books to be like this but it is definitely a book to read. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2021
This revolves around Wilhelmina (Mina) and James but there is much more than just their story being told… honestly it is like having 3 romance stories for the price of one. Mina was dealt a craptastic hand in a time when women and men were judged by very different standards…. Heaven forbid that a female appear to have made a mistake or show a lack of judgement. In this case, Mina and her husband, George, devise a way to bring about a divorce so that George could be with the woman he loves. Sadly, the only way to do it is to make Mina seem like a loose woman who had multiple affairs on her husband since society felt that it was ok for men to do the same. Mina and George were lifelong friends, but not lovers so in Mina’s mind, the sacrifice would be worth it. She was shunned and anyone in circle would feel the same, including her daughter who was in love with Michael, James’s son. James was already tainted by his experiences with his deceased wife, so he took the evidence into consideration and painted Mina with the same brush. It wasn’t until they spent some time together that he started to question what he believed. Read on to find out what happens with George & Fiona, Michael & Cynthia and of course James and Wilhelmina.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2021
Enjoyed this book with a strong, brave heroine willing to make sacrifices for the people she loves and the hero who couldn't help but love her. Secondary characters and story add to the main storyline and opens up possibilities for next novel in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2021
I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley.
It is a wonderful love story. The misconception that James had of Mina at the beginning of the book and after getting to know her was touching. I loved the way the story was interwoven with her first husband and her daughter and James's son. Definitely a five star read.
It is a wonderful love story. The misconception that James had of Mina at the beginning of the book and after getting to know her was touching. I loved the way the story was interwoven with her first husband and her daughter and James's son. Definitely a five star read.
March 6, 2022
SB can be a hit or miss for me, but this was a definite hit! I loved both characters and the power of love in all its forms. This book is full of secrets that could hurt many people, so you will have to read it for yourself to learn the truth of the divorcee. Is she the man-eater she has been betrayed as or something much different? Must read to find out. :-)
April 22, 2022
Whilemina and James certainly did make this book an entertaining and exciting read. I like that the book reads smoothly. The pace was pretty moderate. All the characters had some quirks about, but that is what made most parts in the book exciting. The romance was a little heated, but it was the steps along the way that was fun. I liked this book a lot.
November 6, 2021
An awesome read!
I loved reading about James and Mina, theirs was a story of listening to gossip about what is true or false. This also shows that women are braver then they are portrayed. This book was hard to put down at times. I highly recommend this book. 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
I loved reading about James and Mina, theirs was a story of listening to gossip about what is true or false. This also shows that women are braver then they are portrayed. This book was hard to put down at times. I highly recommend this book. 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
March 9, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
⭐️4 🌶3
CONTENT WARNINGS: divorce, adultery, widowhood, mild violence, sexual assault
This book constitutes a lot of firsts for me. It’s my first time reading anything from Sophie Barnes, for starters. It’s also my first time reading a Regency romance that revolves around divorce. It’s even my first time reading a romance from any time period where the main characters are past their thirties.
The age, in my opinion, is what makes all the difference. There’s a different set of problems and life questions to be borne when one is in their 40s and has been out in Society for a time, as opposed to when one is in their 20s and only beginning to think about marriage and children and everything else that comes with them.
If you know and love your Regency and historical romance, I highly recommend this book. Mr. Dale and the Divorcée was easily 4 stars for me — me, the perpetual 3-star rater!
⭐️4 🌶3
CONTENT WARNINGS: divorce, adultery, widowhood, mild violence, sexual assault
This book constitutes a lot of firsts for me. It’s my first time reading anything from Sophie Barnes, for starters. It’s also my first time reading a Regency romance that revolves around divorce. It’s even my first time reading a romance from any time period where the main characters are past their thirties.
The age, in my opinion, is what makes all the difference. There’s a different set of problems and life questions to be borne when one is in their 40s and has been out in Society for a time, as opposed to when one is in their 20s and only beginning to think about marriage and children and everything else that comes with them.
If you know and love your Regency and historical romance, I highly recommend this book. Mr. Dale and the Divorcée was easily 4 stars for me — me, the perpetual 3-star rater!
September 7, 2024
Wonderful story
This was the sweetest story. I so enjoyed the twists and turns. The epilogue tied everything together and provided a happy ending for everyone.
This was the sweetest story. I so enjoyed the twists and turns. The epilogue tied everything together and provided a happy ending for everyone.
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