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Second Chance Regency Romance #1
Loving the Scarred Soldier
Much more than a childhood friend…can there be a second chance for Lady Charlotte and James?
Lady Charlotte Tate has returned to the protection of her father’s roof after the death of her husband. Broken-hearted, she seeks to find a new beginning where it all began—Caldor House—the place where she first loved and lost. However, things aren’t as they used to be. When her former governess falls ill, and Charlotte decides to be her nurse, she is drawn into the secrets lurking in the shadows of the woman’s home, and the truth no one has dared tell her.
James Watts no longer exists; at least that is how he wishes it. Scarred in the Napoleonic Wars, and having lost his only love, Charlotte, he has cloistered himself in the recesses of his family home. Hidden away from the stares and horror of his neighbors at his now marred features, he has chosen to live a life in secret. Until Charlotte’s return and the longing for more, that she elicits inside of him, threatens to derail his plans to remain hidden.
Now they must face the scars of their past in order to have a future, but someone wants to keep them apart. Can this pair find love once more, or will they relive a past of love and loss?
Lady Charlotte Tate has returned to the protection of her father’s roof after the death of her husband. Broken-hearted, she seeks to find a new beginning where it all began—Caldor House—the place where she first loved and lost. However, things aren’t as they used to be. When her former governess falls ill, and Charlotte decides to be her nurse, she is drawn into the secrets lurking in the shadows of the woman’s home, and the truth no one has dared tell her.
James Watts no longer exists; at least that is how he wishes it. Scarred in the Napoleonic Wars, and having lost his only love, Charlotte, he has cloistered himself in the recesses of his family home. Hidden away from the stares and horror of his neighbors at his now marred features, he has chosen to live a life in secret. Until Charlotte’s return and the longing for more, that she elicits inside of him, threatens to derail his plans to remain hidden.
Now they must face the scars of their past in order to have a future, but someone wants to keep them apart. Can this pair find love once more, or will they relive a past of love and loss?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
390 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Rose Pearson
177 books1,010 followersRose has read her way through countless romances over the years, “borrowing” them from her older sisters, and hiding them from her mother.
She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.
She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.
On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!
She has a special love for Regency romances and when she began writing, the Regency period was a natural place to start. The ton, the wealthy families, the Season, the dilemmas, and yes, the marriages, have always fascinated her.
She loves a happy ever after! Now she is happy to bring this passion to her stories and share it with her readers.
On a personal note, Rose lives in North Carolina, is married, and has a terrier that barks too much. She enjoys taking him for walks to tire him out!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 8, 2021
A quick and simple read. Romance was sweet and writing style was pleasant. Unfortunately the characters were one dimensional and did not develop much in the course of the story.
April 9, 2021
Weak Hero
I’ve been reading this author for a long time, starting with her Jane Austen fanfiction years ago. I normally enjoy her novels and novellas as she has a way of using words and phrases that evoke those from those times without being hard to comprehend for modern readers. This novella had good points and not-so-good points for me. After we meet the characters in the prologue some years before the principal part of the story, we don’t see the couple together again for at least 25% of the book. For a book to have a fulfilling romantic arc for me, I need to see them together often, starting early. I kept waiting for that meeting and became frustrated as it continued not to happen. While I essentially liked the main characters, I thought the hero was a bit too weak. The author needed to show us more how he became the way he was; she should assume we would understand that he became the way he was after his scarring. Because of his extreme reactions to everything in the world outside his bedroom, even to his ladylove, we need to see more to truly understand how he became that way. Nothing shown in the prologue would make us think he would internalize so much or take it to the extreme.
I’ve been reading this author for a long time, starting with her Jane Austen fanfiction years ago. I normally enjoy her novels and novellas as she has a way of using words and phrases that evoke those from those times without being hard to comprehend for modern readers. This novella had good points and not-so-good points for me. After we meet the characters in the prologue some years before the principal part of the story, we don’t see the couple together again for at least 25% of the book. For a book to have a fulfilling romantic arc for me, I need to see them together often, starting early. I kept waiting for that meeting and became frustrated as it continued not to happen. While I essentially liked the main characters, I thought the hero was a bit too weak. The author needed to show us more how he became the way he was; she should assume we would understand that he became the way he was after his scarring. Because of his extreme reactions to everything in the world outside his bedroom, even to his ladylove, we need to see more to truly understand how he became that way. Nothing shown in the prologue would make us think he would internalize so much or take it to the extreme.
July 9, 2021
Poignant
This is a poignant story.
James and Charlotte are meant to be able to love one another.
Rose Pearson writes an exceptional story.
This is a poignant story.
James and Charlotte are meant to be able to love one another.
Rose Pearson writes an exceptional story.
July 15, 2021
No more
The ability to hide the fact that someone is not dead but hiding in a house with servants fully aware of his presence, yet keep it a secret for almost a decade, for the sake of a good story I can go along with. What is unacceptable are the numerous mistakes.
The lack of research is an irredeemable failure. There were no ‘steamer trunks’ because there were no passenger steam ships; the memorial service turned into
a funeral but women of the aristocracy did not attend interments; the list goes on.
This is the second book I’ve read of this author’s and I’ll read no more.
The ability to hide the fact that someone is not dead but hiding in a house with servants fully aware of his presence, yet keep it a secret for almost a decade, for the sake of a good story I can go along with. What is unacceptable are the numerous mistakes.
The lack of research is an irredeemable failure. There were no ‘steamer trunks’ because there were no passenger steam ships; the memorial service turned into
a funeral but women of the aristocracy did not attend interments; the list goes on.
This is the second book I’ve read of this author’s and I’ll read no more.
Read
September 29, 2021Enh. He was scarred, then they hemmed and hawed about her dad not letting them get together, then they did. There; now you don’t have to read it!
March 29, 2021
Beautifully written story about second chances and self-revelations. Charlotte and James are both emotionally damaged from past experiences whilst James also has scars from the War. Their characters have been so well developed that they make you feel as though they are a part of you. Have a box of tissues ready before you start reading, you will need them. I loved the ending of this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 18, 2021
A beautiful second chance romance. Cheers for Charlotte and James.
When the love of her life and best friend dies in war, Charlotte agrees to marry the man her father has chosen for her. Her heart is broken and she doesn’t care. She learns to care for her husband and mourn his death, but her heart was never really his. She still mourns her lost love. But what if he isn’t dead? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
When the love of her life and best friend dies in war, Charlotte agrees to marry the man her father has chosen for her. Her heart is broken and she doesn’t care. She learns to care for her husband and mourn his death, but her heart was never really his. She still mourns her lost love. But what if he isn’t dead? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
March 29, 2021
Lady Charlotte Tate along with her three year old son George has returned to the protection of her father’s roof after the death of her husband. When her former governess falls ill, and Charlotte decides to be her nurse, but not everything is as it should be, there are noises & she feels she is being watched. James Watts no longer exists; at least that is how he wishes it. Scarred in the Napoleonic Wars, and having lost his only love, Charlotte, he has cloistered himself in the recesses of his family home. Hidden away from the stares and horror of his neighbours at his now marred features, he has chosen to live a life in secret. Until Charlotte’s return and the longing for more, that she elicits inside of him, threatens to derail his plans to remain hidden.
The first in a new series & a lovely start. Another very well written book that will tear at your heart strings. I loved both James & Charlotte & desperately wanted them to have the HEA they deserved. I laughed & I cried as I read this lovely second chance romance. This has to be my favourite book by the author, it ticked all the boxes for me. I loved how James grew in confidence again & was prepared to leave the shadows for Charlotte. I also loved Charlotte who had never stopped loving James even when she believed he'd died but she didn't blink at his scars just saw the man he was. I also hope William finds love & of course George was delightful
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The first in a new series & a lovely start. Another very well written book that will tear at your heart strings. I loved both James & Charlotte & desperately wanted them to have the HEA they deserved. I laughed & I cried as I read this lovely second chance romance. This has to be my favourite book by the author, it ticked all the boxes for me. I loved how James grew in confidence again & was prepared to leave the shadows for Charlotte. I also loved Charlotte who had never stopped loving James even when she believed he'd died but she didn't blink at his scars just saw the man he was. I also hope William finds love & of course George was delightful
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 12, 2021
Was half way through this when I realised who the author was and I'm not a fan.
September 2, 2021
2.5 Stars
Charlotte Tate and James Watts had practically grown up together on neighboring properties, and they were each other’s first loves. Charlotte’s father was a very strict man and did not approve of their relationship. James was called away to war, and when word came back that he had died on the battlefield, Charlotte was sent away by her father to make an advantageous marriage to another. Years later, Charlotte is a widow, and brings her young son back to raise at her family home. James had miraculously survived the war, but had been horribly scarred emotionally and physically, so let the world continue to think that he had died, hiding himself away in his family home.
I am always looking for a scarred hero story. I also liked that this story was a little different in that the heroine seemed like the one to have gone out and experienced life, and the hero was more the one to have been sheltered. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth to these characters, and much of what they said was not original, but it was a nice light pleasant read. First book I’ve read by this author.
Charlotte Tate and James Watts had practically grown up together on neighboring properties, and they were each other’s first loves. Charlotte’s father was a very strict man and did not approve of their relationship. James was called away to war, and when word came back that he had died on the battlefield, Charlotte was sent away by her father to make an advantageous marriage to another. Years later, Charlotte is a widow, and brings her young son back to raise at her family home. James had miraculously survived the war, but had been horribly scarred emotionally and physically, so let the world continue to think that he had died, hiding himself away in his family home.
I am always looking for a scarred hero story. I also liked that this story was a little different in that the heroine seemed like the one to have gone out and experienced life, and the hero was more the one to have been sheltered. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth to these characters, and much of what they said was not original, but it was a nice light pleasant read. First book I’ve read by this author.
March 28, 2021
Great story of love no matter how the duckling saw himself, true love will turn someone he calls a monster into a majestic lion. Even at first he will fight his true feelings but a sickness that might befall his bright swan will make a recluse see the light of someone door....
That’s what came to me as I wanted to write this review.
That’s what came to me as I wanted to write this review.
April 1, 2021
The Duke's Daughter💃💋 Grows A Spine💘
SWEET Regency Romance 💕and Countryside Adventure.
Charlotte💃, the daughter of a Duke , her brother William, and James🐺, the son of a nearby wealthy solicitor are childhood best friends. As they get older, Charlotte 💃and James🐺 fall in love 💘.
James' father purchases a commission for him in the Mounted Dragoons, and he goes off to fight Bonaparte.
It is assumed he and Charlotte💃 will marry👰 when he returns. Only he doesn't. He is presumed killed 💀🔪in action and buried in the field. There isn't even a body for his sad funeral, and Charlotte 💃collapses during the ceremony, broken hearted💔.
Only a month later, Charlotte's father, the Duke, arranges a marriage of convenience for her to a Marquess, the son of an Earl. Dutifully she complies. Too soon, the old Earl died and her husband, the new Earl dies of a sudden illness, too. Her young son George, is the new Earl!
Charlotte💃 returns to her father and brother to live because her son needs a father figure. Unfortunately, her father is still the arrogant and manipulative jerk he always was.....
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon for 99¢on
Parts of this book made me very angry, because Charlotte💃 let so much of her life be controlled by her father, even though she was a widow and of legal age. She was a real doormat through much of the book.
The book is well written , interesting and is a SWEET Regency Romance 💕. Some of the book is extremely emotional and romantic.
SWEET Regency Romance 💕and Countryside Adventure.
Charlotte💃, the daughter of a Duke , her brother William, and James🐺, the son of a nearby wealthy solicitor are childhood best friends. As they get older, Charlotte 💃and James🐺 fall in love 💘.
James' father purchases a commission for him in the Mounted Dragoons, and he goes off to fight Bonaparte.
It is assumed he and Charlotte💃 will marry👰 when he returns. Only he doesn't. He is presumed killed 💀🔪in action and buried in the field. There isn't even a body for his sad funeral, and Charlotte 💃collapses during the ceremony, broken hearted💔.
Only a month later, Charlotte's father, the Duke, arranges a marriage of convenience for her to a Marquess, the son of an Earl. Dutifully she complies. Too soon, the old Earl died and her husband, the new Earl dies of a sudden illness, too. Her young son George, is the new Earl!
Charlotte💃 returns to her father and brother to live because her son needs a father figure. Unfortunately, her father is still the arrogant and manipulative jerk he always was.....
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon for 99¢on
Parts of this book made me very angry, because Charlotte💃 let so much of her life be controlled by her father, even though she was a widow and of legal age. She was a real doormat through much of the book.
The book is well written , interesting and is a SWEET Regency Romance 💕. Some of the book is extremely emotional and romantic.
March 29, 2021
3.5 stars
I abhorred the father! He was awful. It’s not the first time I’ve read a story where a father barters his children for only his own advancement, but this time it just disgusted me. And trying to do it again when he knows he has absolutely no right.
Charlotte was ok. I was sure she was about to develop a backbone with her father, but I’m not so sure she wouldn’t have acquiesced to her father’s demands again, despite being out from under his legal control, if her own plans hadn’t worked out.
James, I see why he originally did what he did, but he nearly gave up so easily the second time around.
I am very curious about William’s story, will he chase Mary? Will Mary have changed?
I abhorred the father! He was awful. It’s not the first time I’ve read a story where a father barters his children for only his own advancement, but this time it just disgusted me. And trying to do it again when he knows he has absolutely no right.
Charlotte was ok. I was sure she was about to develop a backbone with her father, but I’m not so sure she wouldn’t have acquiesced to her father’s demands again, despite being out from under his legal control, if her own plans hadn’t worked out.
James, I see why he originally did what he did, but he nearly gave up so easily the second time around.
I am very curious about William’s story, will he chase Mary? Will Mary have changed?
August 16, 2021
I read it to the end
Very nearly gave up on this romance, not sure why but it just didn't engage me. Will not read the next one
Very nearly gave up on this romance, not sure why but it just didn't engage me. Will not read the next one
June 20, 2022
Quick and sweet read, very low steam.
March 25, 2021
I love this very different type of story. We get to see just how jaded and thoughtless the ton and society was in 1814. Soldiers who fought for their county and come back with scars or missing limbs were shunned an left to fend for them self instead of being honored for what they had given.
Lady Charlotte with her brother William have been friends with James since childhood. James was her brother's best friend but as they got older the friendship turned to a love match with both wanting to spend their life together. Then James goes to war and is killed. Her father picks other for her to marry Charlotte sees it as a way to get out from under her father's control. Five years later her husband is dead and she is returning to her father's house with her small son.
James Watts returned from war a shell of his former self, badly wounded and scarred he hides within is parents' home letting all think he is dead. He has lost his place in life and the love of his life.
The she is back and finds out what her father, brother and him had done.
Will she ever be able to forgive them ? How will both feel now and what will her father do after all this time ?
This is a wonderful story of loves lost, second chances, what one will do for love.
It has a number of twist and turns and a surprising happy ever after....
I have read almost all of Rose's books, all are clean stories and I now think this is best yet.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Lady Charlotte with her brother William have been friends with James since childhood. James was her brother's best friend but as they got older the friendship turned to a love match with both wanting to spend their life together. Then James goes to war and is killed. Her father picks other for her to marry Charlotte sees it as a way to get out from under her father's control. Five years later her husband is dead and she is returning to her father's house with her small son.
James Watts returned from war a shell of his former self, badly wounded and scarred he hides within is parents' home letting all think he is dead. He has lost his place in life and the love of his life.
The she is back and finds out what her father, brother and him had done.
Will she ever be able to forgive them ? How will both feel now and what will her father do after all this time ?
This is a wonderful story of loves lost, second chances, what one will do for love.
It has a number of twist and turns and a surprising happy ever after....
I have read almost all of Rose's books, all are clean stories and I now think this is best yet.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
April 30, 2021
Okay so I had decided to take a break from my WTR list and thought I'd try this. It looked like a quick read (it was) and the title certainly made it more than clear what the subject matter was going to be. I thought it might be interesting (it was, for the most part) but a few things nagged at me.
Some writers seem to be better than others at naming people and things and places. This writer is not particularly good at it, imo. To illustrate, I'll just say that the book has characters named the Duke of Mormont and the Marquess of Dornthorpe, one or both of whom reside at estates somewhere near the town of Alnerton. ...Yes, it's a small thing, I guess, but wow those names just scream WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! at me.
Little things like that niggled at me all the way through. The story is emotional and poignant, but would have been more effective if handled with more subtlety and nuance. It's not badly written; it all hangs together, and actually in the last quarter of the book the writing perks up considerably, with much more powerful dialog and pacing. I'm glad I read it. YMMV.
Some writers seem to be better than others at naming people and things and places. This writer is not particularly good at it, imo. To illustrate, I'll just say that the book has characters named the Duke of Mormont and the Marquess of Dornthorpe, one or both of whom reside at estates somewhere near the town of Alnerton. ...Yes, it's a small thing, I guess, but wow those names just scream WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! at me.
Little things like that niggled at me all the way through. The story is emotional and poignant, but would have been more effective if handled with more subtlety and nuance. It's not badly written; it all hangs together, and actually in the last quarter of the book the writing perks up considerably, with much more powerful dialog and pacing. I'm glad I read it. YMMV.
November 25, 2022
Needs serious editing. Good story line. Wish she had explored the Duke, what made him tick? Could he be salvaged? I would have enjoyed seeing James re-connecting with old friends and learning how to live again. The ending was abrupt.
Read
December 15, 2021DNF at 42%
Very slow. Not enough conflict in the story to make it an interesting read for me.
Very slow. Not enough conflict in the story to make it an interesting read for me.
July 13, 2021
Loving the Scarred Soldier, Book 1 in the Second Chance Regency Romance series, was about Lady Charlotte Tate, the widow of Lord Malcolm Tate, Earl of Benton who recently returned to her father, the Duke of Mormont's home, and James Watts, the son of John Watts, the Duke's solicitor, and former Captain in the British army who recently returned home battle-scarred and hiding from Society. Charlotte and James had shared a young love but were torn apart by tragic circumstances. With both broken and battle-weary they had to find their way back to each other.
This story had so much angst, right from the start that it was almost difficult to complete. It was a heart-wrenching story of one person doing what he thought was best for the one he loved. The drama that played out was like reading a tragedy of old, but with different plots and storylines. Both the drama and angst were heavy throughout the book, with little to no humorous relief.
As James started venturing out in public and visiting Charlotte and her brother, William, the Marquess of Cott, more frequently, the more distant her father became. He did not approve of her relationship with James and, it seemed, never had. Her father pulled a surprise stunt at a small dinner party that ripped at both Charlotte's and James' hearts. To say her father was cruel would be putting it mildly.
When Charlotte's father cruelly began making decisions for her, even though she was a widow, and well above majority age, he still tried to crush her and James. The Duke was determined to keep them apart at all cost. He threw out one threat after another in order to bend his daughter to his will.
I won't give away the rest of the story. A lot of it was painful to read and some of it brought out whimsical smiles. The love and chemistry between James and Charlotte were undeniable from the beginning. The struggle for them to be together was heartbreakingly sad. The overall story was so emotional it was hard to get through. It truly needed some levity, but it did not have an ounce of it at all.
A story to pull at all the emotions of the reader, this one was for the record books. Its entire storyline was gut-wrenching, and heart throbbingly sad, and yet still managed to reach the HEA every lover of romance novels seeks. Of course, this book will definitely join the other Keeper for the Shelves collection.
This story had so much angst, right from the start that it was almost difficult to complete. It was a heart-wrenching story of one person doing what he thought was best for the one he loved. The drama that played out was like reading a tragedy of old, but with different plots and storylines. Both the drama and angst were heavy throughout the book, with little to no humorous relief.
As James started venturing out in public and visiting Charlotte and her brother, William, the Marquess of Cott, more frequently, the more distant her father became. He did not approve of her relationship with James and, it seemed, never had. Her father pulled a surprise stunt at a small dinner party that ripped at both Charlotte's and James' hearts. To say her father was cruel would be putting it mildly.
When Charlotte's father cruelly began making decisions for her, even though she was a widow, and well above majority age, he still tried to crush her and James. The Duke was determined to keep them apart at all cost. He threw out one threat after another in order to bend his daughter to his will.
I won't give away the rest of the story. A lot of it was painful to read and some of it brought out whimsical smiles. The love and chemistry between James and Charlotte were undeniable from the beginning. The struggle for them to be together was heartbreakingly sad. The overall story was so emotional it was hard to get through. It truly needed some levity, but it did not have an ounce of it at all.
A story to pull at all the emotions of the reader, this one was for the record books. Its entire storyline was gut-wrenching, and heart throbbingly sad, and yet still managed to reach the HEA every lover of romance novels seeks. Of course, this book will definitely join the other Keeper for the Shelves collection.
August 16, 2021
So good, but needs a blue pencil.
This may be my favorite Rose Pearson story yet! There are wonderful characters in an excellent plot. The first thing I noticed was how nicely written it is. And there are no word or grammar errors. And my bliss lasts through chapter 6.
At chapter 7, the author begins to get careless, or maybe that's where the editor left off. We have a disagreement of continuity. The brother states that the h has attempted frequent visits to Watton Hall but not been received. The H's father indicates that the h has refused to visit.
Then follows a number of word errors (missing, extra, or wrong words). Time for the blue pencil.
You present someone to the Wattses, not the Watts. Or just say to Mr. and Mrs. Watts (chap. 18).
On page 153, the h refers to her brother's words, but they were Mary's words that were said.
My final concern is the maid's announcement of the arrival of the Marquess in chapter 18. I couldn't find where we were ever told the rank of his courtesy title. BUT, in chapter 1 in the sneak peak, he is introduced to us as the eighth Earl Cott. Geez I hate changing titles.
I know that sounds like a lot of complaints, but there's a lot good about this book. My favorite good is that French speaking maid/companion/friend, Sophie. She is a refreshing breath of sanity in chapter 14. Would that all regency romances could have a Sophie.
This may be my favorite Rose Pearson story yet! There are wonderful characters in an excellent plot. The first thing I noticed was how nicely written it is. And there are no word or grammar errors. And my bliss lasts through chapter 6.
At chapter 7, the author begins to get careless, or maybe that's where the editor left off. We have a disagreement of continuity. The brother states that the h has attempted frequent visits to Watton Hall but not been received. The H's father indicates that the h has refused to visit.
Then follows a number of word errors (missing, extra, or wrong words). Time for the blue pencil.
You present someone to the Wattses, not the Watts. Or just say to Mr. and Mrs. Watts (chap. 18).
On page 153, the h refers to her brother's words, but they were Mary's words that were said.
My final concern is the maid's announcement of the arrival of the Marquess in chapter 18. I couldn't find where we were ever told the rank of his courtesy title. BUT, in chapter 1 in the sneak peak, he is introduced to us as the eighth Earl Cott. Geez I hate changing titles.
I know that sounds like a lot of complaints, but there's a lot good about this book. My favorite good is that French speaking maid/companion/friend, Sophie. She is a refreshing breath of sanity in chapter 14. Would that all regency romances could have a Sophie.
April 3, 2021
Oh my goodness how I disliked the h's father. He did everything that would make him come out ahead with no care to the consequences to his children.
You will understand why the H kept a secret from the h, I still didn't like it! Part was confusing is after she is informed of a death (no spoiler's), she overhears her father planning to marry her off. She is very upset and either faints or nearly faints because she loved this person so much and couldn't see her life with anyone else. The next scene jumps to her returning home after marrying the man her father wanted her too. She states she needed to marry him to save herself - what? Thought she loved the one she has known since childhood.
Anyway because of the ending with the H and the h's father I raised my review. It was amazing that he finally fought for what he wanted. He said everything I was yelling at my e-reader - so worth all the ups and downs in between.
Great secondary character's too who I hope will be getting their stories. We are up in the air about a minor secondary character, but no cliffhanger for our couple.
No cheating, very very bumpy road to HEA, romantic and clean - only a few kisses. Enjoyed the epilogue 6 months in the future. The ended at about the 92% mark on e-reader, rest is blurb for another story. (ljb)
You will understand why the H kept a secret from the h, I still didn't like it! Part was confusing is after she is informed of a death (no spoiler's), she overhears her father planning to marry her off. She is very upset and either faints or nearly faints because she loved this person so much and couldn't see her life with anyone else. The next scene jumps to her returning home after marrying the man her father wanted her too. She states she needed to marry him to save herself - what? Thought she loved the one she has known since childhood.
Anyway because of the ending with the H and the h's father I raised my review. It was amazing that he finally fought for what he wanted. He said everything I was yelling at my e-reader - so worth all the ups and downs in between.
Great secondary character's too who I hope will be getting their stories. We are up in the air about a minor secondary character, but no cliffhanger for our couple.
No cheating, very very bumpy road to HEA, romantic and clean - only a few kisses. Enjoyed the epilogue 6 months in the future. The ended at about the 92% mark on e-reader, rest is blurb for another story. (ljb)
April 4, 2021
I am always excited to pick up one of Ms. Pearson's books. Undoubtedly, she has done it again with this amazing story! This is the first installment of her new series, Second Chance Regency Romance. And what a heartfelt, emotional start to the series it is! A touching, second chance romance where two people in love were torn apart, and have a chance at love once again. Charlotte and James were so in love, and then James went off to war. Word of his death comes back and Charlotte has no choice but to marry another. James, however, returns, a shell of a man having faced the horrors of the war. He is also badly scarred and isolated himself from all. Such a tortured soul, my heart ached for him. Charlotte is now widowed, and when she learns that James is still alive, she does not hesitate to go to him. From here, the love and tenderness just melted my heart as Charlotte refuses to let James suffer any longer and helps him see how healing love can be. This book is filled with such emotion and moments that will truly tug at your heart and make you cry. A beautifully well-written story that is not to be missed. Such an amazing story! I absolutely cannot wait to read the next installment. Very well done! Highly recommended!
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.
April 16, 2021
Widowed Charlotte discovers her lost first love and fights for her true happiness.
Another of Rose Pearson’s fantastic regency romances with real in depth characters that keep the reader wanting to know what is coming next. The plot is endearing with both heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes. Charlotte’s unloving father’s and her enthusiastic brother’s actions work to keep her fighting for her true love.
Returning from the battlefield and with his war scarred face, James (Charlotte’s lost first true love) believes that he will not fit into society and takes great pains to remain hidden from her. After she accidently discovers that he did not die on the battlefield and has been hiding from her, it takes a great effort for Charlotte to convince him that his scars make no difference and that she has always loved him and wants to be with him. Charlotte’s father has arranged another marriage for her because he is convinced that with his scars, James would be a mistake. Rejecting her father’s arrangement, James’ and Charlotte’s genuine love shines through and finely convinces her father to bless the union. It is a fantastic story that is expertly written and presented. You do not want to miss this wonderful and highly recommended book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another of Rose Pearson’s fantastic regency romances with real in depth characters that keep the reader wanting to know what is coming next. The plot is endearing with both heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes. Charlotte’s unloving father’s and her enthusiastic brother’s actions work to keep her fighting for her true love.
Returning from the battlefield and with his war scarred face, James (Charlotte’s lost first true love) believes that he will not fit into society and takes great pains to remain hidden from her. After she accidently discovers that he did not die on the battlefield and has been hiding from her, it takes a great effort for Charlotte to convince him that his scars make no difference and that she has always loved him and wants to be with him. Charlotte’s father has arranged another marriage for her because he is convinced that with his scars, James would be a mistake. Rejecting her father’s arrangement, James’ and Charlotte’s genuine love shines through and finely convinces her father to bless the union. It is a fantastic story that is expertly written and presented. You do not want to miss this wonderful and highly recommended book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2021
This is such a lovely story line that points out what is really important in life: love, friendship, caring.
Lady Charlotte Tate has returned to her father’s home after her husband’s death. She has never forgotten her first love, James. But James Watts is hidden away in his home and pretends that he no longer exists. He was badly scarred while fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. The love of his life, Charlotte, had married someone else. There is nothing left for him to care about, so his secret secluded life suits him. But when Charlotte returns, he aches for more. But he is afraid that she will be repulsed by his damaged features. Will he come to the realization that Charlotte sees him through the eyes of love – scars will not change her feelings. Can they find their former love? Will they take this wonderful opportunity for a second chance to share a life together? Or will someone else try to prevent them from claiming that love?
This author is one of my absolute favorites. She always finds a valuable message to impart. James feared pity and rejection, instead of having confidence in Charlotte’s love for him. Will he reveal himself to her at last? What will she choose? Grab your copy and find out if love will win in the end.
Lady Charlotte Tate has returned to her father’s home after her husband’s death. She has never forgotten her first love, James. But James Watts is hidden away in his home and pretends that he no longer exists. He was badly scarred while fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. The love of his life, Charlotte, had married someone else. There is nothing left for him to care about, so his secret secluded life suits him. But when Charlotte returns, he aches for more. But he is afraid that she will be repulsed by his damaged features. Will he come to the realization that Charlotte sees him through the eyes of love – scars will not change her feelings. Can they find their former love? Will they take this wonderful opportunity for a second chance to share a life together? Or will someone else try to prevent them from claiming that love?
This author is one of my absolute favorites. She always finds a valuable message to impart. James feared pity and rejection, instead of having confidence in Charlotte’s love for him. Will he reveal himself to her at last? What will she choose? Grab your copy and find out if love will win in the end.
April 1, 2021
Charlotte is the daughter of a Duke who she falls in love with her brother’s best friend James who is the son of a barrister and becomes a soldier. Her father agrees to this connection, but when James dies in war he arranges her marriage to the son of a Marquis. I was surprised her father would allow the romance with James in the first place, but maybe he figured with time apart Charlotte would choose another. Several years later she is a widow with a three year old son George. At first I wasn’t sure of his age and when he spoke he sounded much older than three years old. Charlotte discovers that James and his family lied about his death because of his scars. Charlotte and George are not put off by his looks, but her father is determined to force her on another of his choosing. Charlotte doesn’t give up her love for James without a fight, but I couldn’t see why she had to marry again. She has her brother William to advise her son. He’s much more charitable and less prejudiced than her father and a man she should be proud for her son to emulate after he rescues an abused young lady and is determined that she receive the best care and recovery regardless of his father’s wishes.
April 7, 2021
The moral of the story: too much solitude distorts ones perception. If you want to do what is best for someone, you at least have to let them express their opinion! It amazes me how it didn’t even occur to men to ask the woman how she felt about something that would have a profound effect on her such as marriage. Lady Charlotte’s father used his children as pawns and the story showed the effects it had on them.
Poor James is scarred both physically and emotionally after returning home from the war. Instead of reaching out to his friends for comfort, he hides away and after a while, with only his own thoughts acting as an echo chamber, convinces himself that Lady Charlotte will react a certain way and that he is not good enough for her. It was sad to see how much he suffered unnecessarily. The author really manages to show how life doesn’t just get better after the war is over, it takes time to adjust to normal life and to recover from injuries. There were lots of surprises as the plot moved along to a heartwarming conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Poor James is scarred both physically and emotionally after returning home from the war. Instead of reaching out to his friends for comfort, he hides away and after a while, with only his own thoughts acting as an echo chamber, convinces himself that Lady Charlotte will react a certain way and that he is not good enough for her. It was sad to see how much he suffered unnecessarily. The author really manages to show how life doesn’t just get better after the war is over, it takes time to adjust to normal life and to recover from injuries. There were lots of surprises as the plot moved along to a heartwarming conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2021
Loved this book!!
What an amazing story! I was so thoroughly caught up in Charlotte and James’ story that I simply could not put it down. The real-ness of the characters and the struggles of a wounded and disfigured soldier transcend the ages of time and connect so very easily to human feelings and reactions. The depth of the major characters (and the shallowness of Charlotte’s father) was so fully developed, I felt as if I was there, listening and feeling everything with them. It was so wonderful to see Charlotte, James and William (C’s brother) become their own person as they grew, matured and dealt with the challenges of life. It certainly pointed out the importance of friends and believers in one’s life. Perhaps this really is more of a fairytale than what probably would have happened in that day and age, but what a wonderful outlook on life it gave. It certainly is the reason I read Ms Pearson’s books ... because I am always filled with positivity and optimism. Thank-you Rose Pearson!
What an amazing story! I was so thoroughly caught up in Charlotte and James’ story that I simply could not put it down. The real-ness of the characters and the struggles of a wounded and disfigured soldier transcend the ages of time and connect so very easily to human feelings and reactions. The depth of the major characters (and the shallowness of Charlotte’s father) was so fully developed, I felt as if I was there, listening and feeling everything with them. It was so wonderful to see Charlotte, James and William (C’s brother) become their own person as they grew, matured and dealt with the challenges of life. It certainly pointed out the importance of friends and believers in one’s life. Perhaps this really is more of a fairytale than what probably would have happened in that day and age, but what a wonderful outlook on life it gave. It certainly is the reason I read Ms Pearson’s books ... because I am always filled with positivity and optimism. Thank-you Rose Pearson!
May 20, 2021
3 STARS, REGENCY ERA DRAMA ROMANCE
This was Book 1 in this new Series about second chances and I found it to be a bit dry for my taste in reading. It is a really good book with some great characters that are really defined well, I think my problem was I didn't like James or Charlotte the main characters so I didn't get invested into the actions of the plot that much.
I loved the characters of James's parents, William, Mary, & the French companion, ( maybe the Duke could marry her in a latter book, he has a scrape with death maybe & falls in love) hahaha. It isn't good when you start writing scenes for the secondhand characters as you read the storyline in order to stay interested. I also felt Mary's forgiveness equaled that of a nuns, almost. Plus, James was a bit arrogant making her go to him every time, & he didn't apologize to her once for the big deception, lie.
However, it is a good read & probably will be a 4 & 5 STARS for those who believe in second chance relationships. I do hold out hope & that is why I plan to read Book 2 of the Series.
Recommend.
This was Book 1 in this new Series about second chances and I found it to be a bit dry for my taste in reading. It is a really good book with some great characters that are really defined well, I think my problem was I didn't like James or Charlotte the main characters so I didn't get invested into the actions of the plot that much.
I loved the characters of James's parents, William, Mary, & the French companion, ( maybe the Duke could marry her in a latter book, he has a scrape with death maybe & falls in love) hahaha. It isn't good when you start writing scenes for the secondhand characters as you read the storyline in order to stay interested. I also felt Mary's forgiveness equaled that of a nuns, almost. Plus, James was a bit arrogant making her go to him every time, & he didn't apologize to her once for the big deception, lie.
However, it is a good read & probably will be a 4 & 5 STARS for those who believe in second chance relationships. I do hold out hope & that is why I plan to read Book 2 of the Series.
Recommend.
March 31, 2021
Lady Charlotte loves James Watt and she knows the feeling is returned when she learns the war has taken him from her she has no strength left to fight her father so she marries the man he wishes her to. Charlotte has not been unhappy in her marriage and has the added joy of a son but when her husband passes she returns home for help raising her son. Some things se3em strange to her being discouraged about visiting James' parents and the feeling of being watched when she does visit. When she stumbles upon James she is ecstatic and angry at the same time, why had this been hidden from her. When she saw James it was with love, she never noticed the terrible scars his face bore, the scars that made him fake his death. Can Charlotte convince him she doesn't care she simply loves the man and can she avoid another marriage arranged by her father?
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.
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