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A Marriage of Equals
Risking everything…
For love!
Having struggled so hard to become a successful business owner, Jamaica-born Psyché Winthrop-Abeni has no interest in relinquishing her freedom or property to a husband. But when gentleman Will Barclay comes to her aid, their intense connection tempts her into a thrillingly passionate temporary affair! It’s the perfect arrangement… until Will feels honor-bound to propose. His offer is one she’s never dared to dream of, but can she trust Will enough to take the risk?
For love!
Having struggled so hard to become a successful business owner, Jamaica-born Psyché Winthrop-Abeni has no interest in relinquishing her freedom or property to a husband. But when gentleman Will Barclay comes to her aid, their intense connection tempts her into a thrillingly passionate temporary affair! It’s the perfect arrangement… until Will feels honor-bound to propose. His offer is one she’s never dared to dream of, but can she trust Will enough to take the risk?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
16 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rolls
100 books123 followersWe live in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, in a beautiful lush valley full of apple, pear and cherry orchards. We moved here a couple of years back, escaping from the city and it’s just gorgeous. The property is small, only five acres, but we have room for two small noisy boys, three dogs, two cats and several woolly things masquerading a environmentally friendly lawnmowers. Before that we lived in Melbourne, which was fun, but we always wanted to live in the country and now we do.
I’ve been married to an ex-nuclear physicist – don’t ask! for the last 17 years and we have two rowdy little boys, commonly described as “feral”. Most of our friends think we have far too many animals, and everyone knows we have far too many books.I grew up moving around a fair bit. Dad was in the army and every few years we had to up sticks and move on. I was born in England, expelled from kindergarten in Melbourne, started school in Papua New Guinea and finished school in Melbourne. After taking a degree in Music Education I taught music for several years while my husband finished his Ph.D.
How I started writing
I had the writing bug from a very early age. From the time I could read I loved writing stories. Throughout my school days I was nearly always writing something very quietly, and there were several teachers who encouraged me. One student teacher, whose name I have totally forgotten, when I was in sixth grade, as well as a couple of high school English teachers, Mrs Redman and Mrs Mackay.
I started writing my first book after I finished my Masters degree. For one thing I really, really missed my thesis. I’d enjoyed researching it, and I loved writing it. So it seems inevitable now that when I was looking for something to do in the evenings to unwind after work, I started writing again.
I’d been staying with an old school friend. Meg is a fellow Georgette Heyer fan, and she had a very large collection of Regencies on her bookshelves. Well, that was an eye-opener. I’d had no idea anyone else apart from Heyer had actually written them. By the time I went home I had an idea floating around in my brain and I sat down and roughed out some sort of chapter plan. Then I started typing. Six months later I had a story with a beginning a middle and an end which I sent to Meg. After a great deal of talking, she persuaded me to send it off to Harlequin Mills & Boon. After doing the rounds of all three editorial offices and undergoing a major rewrite and extension while I was about seven months pregnant with the second small noisy boy, it was accepted for publication and published as The Unexpected Bride.
Most of my writing friends have threatened to lynch me over that story at one time or another. Personally I envy them for having learnt an enormous amount about writing and the industry before acquiring an editor who understandably expects you to know what you are doing.
I’ve been married to an ex-nuclear physicist – don’t ask! for the last 17 years and we have two rowdy little boys, commonly described as “feral”. Most of our friends think we have far too many animals, and everyone knows we have far too many books.I grew up moving around a fair bit. Dad was in the army and every few years we had to up sticks and move on. I was born in England, expelled from kindergarten in Melbourne, started school in Papua New Guinea and finished school in Melbourne. After taking a degree in Music Education I taught music for several years while my husband finished his Ph.D.
How I started writing
I had the writing bug from a very early age. From the time I could read I loved writing stories. Throughout my school days I was nearly always writing something very quietly, and there were several teachers who encouraged me. One student teacher, whose name I have totally forgotten, when I was in sixth grade, as well as a couple of high school English teachers, Mrs Redman and Mrs Mackay.
I started writing my first book after I finished my Masters degree. For one thing I really, really missed my thesis. I’d enjoyed researching it, and I loved writing it. So it seems inevitable now that when I was looking for something to do in the evenings to unwind after work, I started writing again.
I’d been staying with an old school friend. Meg is a fellow Georgette Heyer fan, and she had a very large collection of Regencies on her bookshelves. Well, that was an eye-opener. I’d had no idea anyone else apart from Heyer had actually written them. By the time I went home I had an idea floating around in my brain and I sat down and roughed out some sort of chapter plan. Then I started typing. Six months later I had a story with a beginning a middle and an end which I sent to Meg. After a great deal of talking, she persuaded me to send it off to Harlequin Mills & Boon. After doing the rounds of all three editorial offices and undergoing a major rewrite and extension while I was about seven months pregnant with the second small noisy boy, it was accepted for publication and published as The Unexpected Bride.
Most of my writing friends have threatened to lynch me over that story at one time or another. Personally I envy them for having learnt an enormous amount about writing and the industry before acquiring an editor who understandably expects you to know what you are doing.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 2, 2022
Oh, this one's lovely. Hit me right in the feels. It's definitely different that what I usually read. The hero, Will and the heroine, Pysche were from working class so none of the social etiquettes imposed on the nobility apply here so I'm okay with them having a liaison. Psyche was actually inspired from an actual historical figure, Dido Elizabeth Belle. If you want to know more about this figure, please watch the movie Belle, it's a treat. This is a very busy book with a huge cast of characters (some from other books by Ms. Rolls) so it was a bit confusing in the beginning. This book definitely drives home the fact that slavery is abhorrent and vile. No one should be in the position to own another human being. I'm glad that this book didn't turn out to be another white saviour. Very well done, Ms. Rolls!
April 26, 2021
Fantastic book and an intriguing change from the usual Regency aristocratic balls and house parties. This is the story of Psyché, a Black coffee shop owner from Jamaica, and Will, the Marquess of Huntercombe's private secretary. They meet when thrown together to help a young woman escape a forced marriage. Their immediate connection forms the basis for an unexpected relationship.
I loved Psyché. Born into slavery, she came to England at the age of eleven, brought by her white father. He died, and she was raised by her great-uncle, Viscount Staverton, along with her white cousin, Hetty. Though treated as a daughter by her great-uncle, Psyché's treatment by society and even some family members was decidedly unequal. By the time she was an adult, Psyché was determined to create her own place in the world. Her coffee shop, The Phoenix Rising, does precisely that. Flashbacks to Psyché's life, both in Jamaica and her early years in England, vividly illustrate the obstacles she faces and how she overcomes them.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Will and Psyché. From the moment they met, Will saw Psyché as a strong, independent, and kind woman. Their teamwork in helping young Catherine was outstanding. I laughed out loud at Will's interpretation of causing a "distraction" while Psyché hid Catherine and how it led to them spending even more time together. I loved the slow growth of their feelings, from friends to lovers. While the physical expression of those feelings was great, I especially enjoyed the look at their ordinary everyday interactions of washing dishes, talking, and just being together while involved in their own activities.
It isn't long before Will wants more, but convincing Psyché is an uphill battle. Though she knows marriage is different than being enslaved, Psyché's reluctance to give a man power over her freedom and independence is believable. I loved Will's patience and understanding as he works to prove she can trust him. His visit to Psyché's great-uncle was terrific and demonstrated how well both men knew her. There was a short rough patch when Will told Psyché why he is estranged from his family, but they talked it through like adults. I loved how everything came together for them at the end.
There was intense action at a few places in the book. In the beginning, hiding Catherine creates complications and danger for Psyché. There is an unexpected link between Catherine and Psyché that adds to Psyché's determination to keep the girl safe. When the Bow Street Runners get involved in the search, a complex plan is devised and successfully carried out. After a deeply moving scene where Psyché and Hetty reunite at their great-uncle's deathbed, Psyché faces her father's brother Lucian, who has always resented her. In a nail-biting turn of events, Lucian attempts to kidnap Psyché with the intent of sending her to Africa and back to slavery. He received quite a shock when Psyché resisted, and I loved seeing her take him down. Will's arrival was perfectly timed, and the icing on the cake. I liked the epilogue and its wrap-up of the events of the book.
I liked how Psyché's challenges because of her race were deftly woven throughout the book. From the little digs to the kidnapping attempt, each occurrence was believable. Psyché's flashbacks were especially vivid as they portrayed critical moments in her life. I enjoyed the author's note on her inspiration for Psyché's character.
#netgalley
I loved Psyché. Born into slavery, she came to England at the age of eleven, brought by her white father. He died, and she was raised by her great-uncle, Viscount Staverton, along with her white cousin, Hetty. Though treated as a daughter by her great-uncle, Psyché's treatment by society and even some family members was decidedly unequal. By the time she was an adult, Psyché was determined to create her own place in the world. Her coffee shop, The Phoenix Rising, does precisely that. Flashbacks to Psyché's life, both in Jamaica and her early years in England, vividly illustrate the obstacles she faces and how she overcomes them.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Will and Psyché. From the moment they met, Will saw Psyché as a strong, independent, and kind woman. Their teamwork in helping young Catherine was outstanding. I laughed out loud at Will's interpretation of causing a "distraction" while Psyché hid Catherine and how it led to them spending even more time together. I loved the slow growth of their feelings, from friends to lovers. While the physical expression of those feelings was great, I especially enjoyed the look at their ordinary everyday interactions of washing dishes, talking, and just being together while involved in their own activities.
It isn't long before Will wants more, but convincing Psyché is an uphill battle. Though she knows marriage is different than being enslaved, Psyché's reluctance to give a man power over her freedom and independence is believable. I loved Will's patience and understanding as he works to prove she can trust him. His visit to Psyché's great-uncle was terrific and demonstrated how well both men knew her. There was a short rough patch when Will told Psyché why he is estranged from his family, but they talked it through like adults. I loved how everything came together for them at the end.
There was intense action at a few places in the book. In the beginning, hiding Catherine creates complications and danger for Psyché. There is an unexpected link between Catherine and Psyché that adds to Psyché's determination to keep the girl safe. When the Bow Street Runners get involved in the search, a complex plan is devised and successfully carried out. After a deeply moving scene where Psyché and Hetty reunite at their great-uncle's deathbed, Psyché faces her father's brother Lucian, who has always resented her. In a nail-biting turn of events, Lucian attempts to kidnap Psyché with the intent of sending her to Africa and back to slavery. He received quite a shock when Psyché resisted, and I loved seeing her take him down. Will's arrival was perfectly timed, and the icing on the cake. I liked the epilogue and its wrap-up of the events of the book.
I liked how Psyché's challenges because of her race were deftly woven throughout the book. From the little digs to the kidnapping attempt, each occurrence was believable. Psyché's flashbacks were especially vivid as they portrayed critical moments in her life. I enjoyed the author's note on her inspiration for Psyché's character.
#netgalley
May 5, 2021
I loved it.
A Marriage of Equals is a historical romance that not only acknowledges the slave trade and racism, but it centres it.
Psyché is an incredible character, although it broke my heart to watch her navigate society. She has to try harder, be better, just to be seen as more than nothing. Will changes a lot - he acknowledges his own problematic behaviour and puts the work in. Yes. I am here for it. I loved it. I loved watching their relationship grow, their respect for each other. And I love how they know each other so well.
A Marriage of Equals is a historical romance that not only acknowledges the slave trade and racism, but it centres it.
Psyché is an incredible character, although it broke my heart to watch her navigate society. She has to try harder, be better, just to be seen as more than nothing. Will changes a lot - he acknowledges his own problematic behaviour and puts the work in. Yes. I am here for it. I loved it. I loved watching their relationship grow, their respect for each other. And I love how they know each other so well.
April 6, 2022
Discovering this was written by a white woman, which I suspected but didn't have definite proof - this easily could have gone one or two ways. I'll say Elizabeth Rolls did an admirable job capturing what it means to be Black during the regency era when slavery has not been abolished. I can forgive the small pinch of white savor-tism, in that Psyche, the main female character wouldn't have had the life she had if she didn't have someone with means and position to grant her the independence she and other enslaved people should have always had. That said, the story concisely remained focused on establishing Psyche Winthrop-Abeni and her relationship with Will Barclay.
This is a well-written novel that didn't shy away from the dehumanization Psyche suffered, the micro-aggressions that are still very much real in 2022 that Black people, but especially Black women have to go through. I kind of have mixed feelings about the addition of a real historical "figure" because in my eyes he's not much human - but it added weight to what could have just been a cheesy, tropey romance that ignored Psyche's racial makeup entirely. That person being Edward Long, a violent racist who wrote the book The History of Jamaica. Man, if he'd been American, would have been an honorary member of the KKK, and might have become president. I'm not going to repeat some of the despicable conclusions he reached about enslaved Africans.
Moving on, this book also had suspense. Not to give much of the plot away, there were a few threads I was curious to see how they would be tied together. I can't say I was disappointed. Maybe had to suspend my disbelief during a pivotal, climactic moment, but other than that, yeah, I can see this happening lol.
In all, I enjoyed the book. The development between the characters individually and as a couple evolved at a clip that was believable. I recommend if you're looking for something to fill the gap Bridgerton (if you've seen it and loved it or even liked it) has left. Or, if you're just into historical romances, period.
This is a well-written novel that didn't shy away from the dehumanization Psyche suffered, the micro-aggressions that are still very much real in 2022 that Black people, but especially Black women have to go through. I kind of have mixed feelings about the addition of a real historical "figure" because in my eyes he's not much human - but it added weight to what could have just been a cheesy, tropey romance that ignored Psyche's racial makeup entirely. That person being Edward Long, a violent racist who wrote the book The History of Jamaica. Man, if he'd been American, would have been an honorary member of the KKK, and might have become president. I'm not going to repeat some of the despicable conclusions he reached about enslaved Africans.
Moving on, this book also had suspense. Not to give much of the plot away, there were a few threads I was curious to see how they would be tied together. I can't say I was disappointed. Maybe had to suspend my disbelief during a pivotal, climactic moment, but other than that, yeah, I can see this happening lol.
In all, I enjoyed the book. The development between the characters individually and as a couple evolved at a clip that was believable. I recommend if you're looking for something to fill the gap Bridgerton (if you've seen it and loved it or even liked it) has left. Or, if you're just into historical romances, period.
April 25, 2021
I have no idea how to write this review, if I'm being honest. A Marriage for Equals was well-written, engaging, and had me anxious to know what would happen next the whole time. If I hadn't gone investigating to learn more about the author and discovered that she's white, I would have never questioned anything. I don't really know that it's my place to question anything, but I really struggle with the idea of a white person writing this story, based on real history, where Psyche is exposed to so much racism.
That said, I think this is an incredibly important story to tell. In Rolls' afterword she talks about the real history that inspired it and I was definitely fascinated. I also really liked the writing here. The story Elizabeth Rolls told was really well done in such a short package and it was nice to see people related to the aristocracy, but not Lords/Ladies as the leads.
Essentially, Psyche was born into slavery in Jamaica and brought to England by her father, who dies and leaves her in the custody of her uncle, a Lord. Theo is great and good to her, better honestly than her father and Psyche eventually winds up leaving Theo's household to run her own coffee shop. There's a suspense element here too because Psyche agrees to shelter Kit, an heiress who has run away from her awful father. The suspense element is what brings Psyche and Will together and they are immediately attracted to one another. It's really sweet how they come together and I enjoyed their dynamic quite a lot. Will is a white man, maybe a second son? He's now living his life as the secretary for another Lord who is an abolitionist, unlike his own family who sucks.
All in all, complicated feelings here. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
That said, I think this is an incredibly important story to tell. In Rolls' afterword she talks about the real history that inspired it and I was definitely fascinated. I also really liked the writing here. The story Elizabeth Rolls told was really well done in such a short package and it was nice to see people related to the aristocracy, but not Lords/Ladies as the leads.
Essentially, Psyche was born into slavery in Jamaica and brought to England by her father, who dies and leaves her in the custody of her uncle, a Lord. Theo is great and good to her, better honestly than her father and Psyche eventually winds up leaving Theo's household to run her own coffee shop. There's a suspense element here too because Psyche agrees to shelter Kit, an heiress who has run away from her awful father. The suspense element is what brings Psyche and Will together and they are immediately attracted to one another. It's really sweet how they come together and I enjoyed their dynamic quite a lot. Will is a white man, maybe a second son? He's now living his life as the secretary for another Lord who is an abolitionist, unlike his own family who sucks.
All in all, complicated feelings here. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title.
April 21, 2021
Thrown together protecting a young woman from a forced marriage., Will and Psyche embark on a passionate affair. When her uncle tries to sell Psyche back into slavery, can Will help protect her?
This is a dramatic, sometimes dark story of the trials faced by free Blacks in England during the Regency. Formerly enslaved, Psyche has no desire to enter into marriage, where she would legally become a man's property again. Will respects and understands her position, and works to prove that he's trustworthy. This intensely emotional journey is ultimately uplifting with a hard-won happy ending.
Even though this is not an ownvoices story, I (as a white woman) felt that the author handled the subject matter sensitively.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a dramatic, sometimes dark story of the trials faced by free Blacks in England during the Regency. Formerly enslaved, Psyche has no desire to enter into marriage, where she would legally become a man's property again. Will respects and understands her position, and works to prove that he's trustworthy. This intensely emotional journey is ultimately uplifting with a hard-won happy ending.
Even though this is not an ownvoices story, I (as a white woman) felt that the author handled the subject matter sensitively.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
April 27, 2021
E. Rolls, has, in fact, accustomed me to another type of regency novel, usually centered entirely on the aristocracy, but I must admit that I didn't mind this new version at all. Psychè and Will are two beautifully written characters and their story is definitely different from the usual topoi of the genre and not at all obvious.
E. Rolls, mi ha, in effetti, abituato ad un altro tipo di romanzo regency, di solito incentrato tutto sull'aristocrazia, ma devo ammettere che questa sua nuova versione non mi é dispiaciuta affatto. Psychè e Will sono due bei personaggi e la loro storia decisamente diversa dai soliti topoi del genere e non affatto scontata.
I received this book as a digital complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
E. Rolls, mi ha, in effetti, abituato ad un altro tipo di romanzo regency, di solito incentrato tutto sull'aristocrazia, ma devo ammettere che questa sua nuova versione non mi é dispiaciuta affatto. Psychè e Will sono due bei personaggi e la loro storia decisamente diversa dai soliti topoi del genere e non affatto scontata.
I received this book as a digital complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
April 12, 2021
This was an amazing read. Psyche is an unusual heroine in a Regency romance but her story, both heartbreaking and inspiring, is wonderfully told. Will is the perfect hero: his ears turn red when embarrassed, he is warm, sweet and a fantastic lover. Will’s best characteristic is that he sees the person Psyche is and loves her for her strength, independence and kindness. This story was full of love, hard truths and both the very good and bad of humanity.
I also enjoyed meeting up with one of my favorite regency romance characters, Lord Huntercombe from “ His Convenient Marchioness”.
I also enjoyed meeting up with one of my favorite regency romance characters, Lord Huntercombe from “ His Convenient Marchioness”.
October 28, 2021
“You are wise, but perhaps unusually lucky to understand friendship to be the best possible foundation a marriage can have.” – Queen Charlotte (sort of)
What a lovely book. You know, I’m a pretty big Elizabeth Rolls fan. When I read one of her books, I feel as if I’m reading a book where the author has taken her time putting her words together. I’ve never felt Ms. Rolls throws her words on a page just to make a quick buck. In A Marriage of Equals we are presented with some very thoughtful narrative. We are also given the opportunity to meet a very determined woman in the person of Psyche Winthrop-Abeni. Psyche is the daughter of a slave owner, and an enslaved Jamaican woman. Psyche is a young girl when her dying father brings her to Great Britain, and leaves her with his uncle. The household Psyche is brought to is loosely based on the household of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield. Mansfield raised two orphan nieces: Dido Elizabeth Belle, and Lady Elizabeth Murray. In case you’ve never heard of these people, do some reading, or watch the movie Belle.
Anyway, this story is about a very tenacious woman, who has found her place in the world. She owns a successful business, and doesn’t really need any man. But this is Romanceland, and we know that somehow, our author must make room in our liberated woman’s heart for a man, or love interest to fit in. Don’t be too concerned my little Petunia’s; Ms. Rolls brings our couple together with relative ease. In fact, I would have to say this entire book is pretty smooth. This was a lovely romance.
Let’s talk about Psyche. Ms. Rolls has done a wonderful job of bringing a fully developed character into being. Psyche’s childhood is told through flashbacks, and we are presented with the dehumanizing effects of slavery. We view things through her eyes, and see the pain she was faced with. But, we are also presented with a character who hasn’t let her past defeat her. This story does not turn into a rosy world where discrimination doesn’t happen. Psyche is very much aware of what is around her, she even fears what may happen if she steps in the wrong direction. She’s a wise woman. She is also a woman of her time, and not a woman of the 21st century with a long dress on. While this book has some statements to make, I wasn’t hit over the head with those issues. This story didn't push me out, it pulled me in. This story is most of all about a very strong, beautiful woman who has found a way to be her own person, and along the way finds someone to love.
Let’s talk about our hero, Will Barclay. Will Barclay is not a Duke, but he works for one. He is a very smart guy, and very, very understanding. Sometimes he is toooo understanding, but whose complaining. He is just right for Psyche. Will’s family background could ruin his relationship with Psyche, but they are honest with each other, and work through it. He and Psyche make a balanced couple.
I do recommend this book. I think this might be one of the best female characters I’ve read in a long time. Psyche is a heroine I will remember for a long time.
What a lovely book. You know, I’m a pretty big Elizabeth Rolls fan. When I read one of her books, I feel as if I’m reading a book where the author has taken her time putting her words together. I’ve never felt Ms. Rolls throws her words on a page just to make a quick buck. In A Marriage of Equals we are presented with some very thoughtful narrative. We are also given the opportunity to meet a very determined woman in the person of Psyche Winthrop-Abeni. Psyche is the daughter of a slave owner, and an enslaved Jamaican woman. Psyche is a young girl when her dying father brings her to Great Britain, and leaves her with his uncle. The household Psyche is brought to is loosely based on the household of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield. Mansfield raised two orphan nieces: Dido Elizabeth Belle, and Lady Elizabeth Murray. In case you’ve never heard of these people, do some reading, or watch the movie Belle.
Anyway, this story is about a very tenacious woman, who has found her place in the world. She owns a successful business, and doesn’t really need any man. But this is Romanceland, and we know that somehow, our author must make room in our liberated woman’s heart for a man, or love interest to fit in. Don’t be too concerned my little Petunia’s; Ms. Rolls brings our couple together with relative ease. In fact, I would have to say this entire book is pretty smooth. This was a lovely romance.
Let’s talk about Psyche. Ms. Rolls has done a wonderful job of bringing a fully developed character into being. Psyche’s childhood is told through flashbacks, and we are presented with the dehumanizing effects of slavery. We view things through her eyes, and see the pain she was faced with. But, we are also presented with a character who hasn’t let her past defeat her. This story does not turn into a rosy world where discrimination doesn’t happen. Psyche is very much aware of what is around her, she even fears what may happen if she steps in the wrong direction. She’s a wise woman. She is also a woman of her time, and not a woman of the 21st century with a long dress on. While this book has some statements to make, I wasn’t hit over the head with those issues. This story didn't push me out, it pulled me in. This story is most of all about a very strong, beautiful woman who has found a way to be her own person, and along the way finds someone to love.
Let’s talk about our hero, Will Barclay. Will Barclay is not a Duke, but he works for one. He is a very smart guy, and very, very understanding. Sometimes he is toooo understanding, but whose complaining. He is just right for Psyche. Will’s family background could ruin his relationship with Psyche, but they are honest with each other, and work through it. He and Psyche make a balanced couple.
I do recommend this book. I think this might be one of the best female characters I’ve read in a long time. Psyche is a heroine I will remember for a long time.
April 14, 2022
It's been awhile since I've read one of Elizabeth Rolls' books and I'd forgotten how well she writes historicals. I loved that this book followed two people who are of the gentility, but are not titled and don't spend all of their time at balls, promenading in the park, etc. Instead, Will is a sensitive, strong, second-born son of a gentleman who works as the secretary to a powerful Marquess. Psyche was born a slave in Jamaica, then freed and brought to England by her father (a white gentleman from a prominent slave owning family) at age 11, and raised by her wealthy and powerful uncle, who set her up with her own coffee establishment to run. In spite of her obvious smarts and poise, Psyche has had to face many snubs and sneers due to her background and the color of her skin, but also has powerful friends and defenders.
The author was inspired to write Psyche after learning of a real historical figure, Dido Elizabeth Belle, a former slave who was raised by a noble family in England. I thought the author did a great job in not shying away from the horror of slavery, but at the same writing a lovely and uplifting romance between Will and Psyche, two people who are evenly matched in character and determination. Now, I want to go back to the previous books that are tangentially related to this one, His Convenient Marchioness, and In Debt to the Earl.
The author was inspired to write Psyche after learning of a real historical figure, Dido Elizabeth Belle, a former slave who was raised by a noble family in England. I thought the author did a great job in not shying away from the horror of slavery, but at the same writing a lovely and uplifting romance between Will and Psyche, two people who are evenly matched in character and determination. Now, I want to go back to the previous books that are tangentially related to this one, His Convenient Marchioness, and In Debt to the Earl.
June 7, 2021
Psyche and Will - Marriage of Equals in everyway
Great book. Read it all in one setting. I had to remember that this was set in the 1800’s and women had no voice or rights back then. Will was extraordinary as a male figure during that time. He married Psyche, who was Black, with a W burned into her chest, which labeled her a slave. Her mother had basically been killed by flogging from her father to prove a point.
Her and Hetty’s Uncle Theo had made sure that upon his death that his wicked nephew Lucius and Hetty’s husband Charles couldn’t touch Hetty’s or Psyche’s inheritance.
The only thing that didn’t bring closure for me was Kit’s father, Mr. Carshalton, had shot Will and got away with it.
Great book. Read it all in one setting. I had to remember that this was set in the 1800’s and women had no voice or rights back then. Will was extraordinary as a male figure during that time. He married Psyche, who was Black, with a W burned into her chest, which labeled her a slave. Her mother had basically been killed by flogging from her father to prove a point.
Her and Hetty’s Uncle Theo had made sure that upon his death that his wicked nephew Lucius and Hetty’s husband Charles couldn’t touch Hetty’s or Psyche’s inheritance.
The only thing that didn’t bring closure for me was Kit’s father, Mr. Carshalton, had shot Will and got away with it.
June 6, 2021
This romance was a beautifully written and thoughtful historical story. A young mulatta girl is brought over to Jamaica by her father and left in the care of his uncle. Psyche grows up loved yet distrusted by society for being black and is known in society as Staverton's folly. She runs an independent coffee shop and falls in love with William, the secretary of her Godfather Lord Huntercombe. I loved how the story was told giving the background of slavery in Jamaica and the constant denigration of black people in England despite the abolitionist movement. There is another story linked to the main one and many characters but I enjoyed this book.
April 10, 2021
We meet Psyche and Will when they are brought together trying to help a young woman escape her terrible father and an arranged marriage. They connect instantly and as the story progresses so do their feelings. There are flashbacks to Psyche’s life after she is brought to England by her father and of her life in Jamaica as well. I found the story interesting and quite liked Psyche’s determination to hold on to her independence and Will’s respect of this as well. Some interesting not very nice side characters as well in this. (3 ⭐️)
April 22, 2022
A riveting read!
Elizabeth Rolls shows a deftness of touch in the telling of this story and it was hugely enjoyable, containing many of the plot themes, readers expect from Mills & Boon but with some pleasant surprises thrown in. Her knowledge of the period and subject are faultless and although this is the first title I have read by the author I shall be seeking out more of her work in a series I am increasingly enjoying more and more!
An accomplished novel!
Elizabeth Rolls shows a deftness of touch in the telling of this story and it was hugely enjoyable, containing many of the plot themes, readers expect from Mills & Boon but with some pleasant surprises thrown in. Her knowledge of the period and subject are faultless and although this is the first title I have read by the author I shall be seeking out more of her work in a series I am increasingly enjoying more and more!
An accomplished novel!
July 8, 2021
Terrific heroine, compelling read, story coming alive with some unusual details about Regency England. Heroine's tragic backstory thankfully told via brief "off-stage" flashbacks. Loved that the horrors in her story were balanced with some good experiences of love and kindness. Really enjoyed her character.
March 8, 2022
😌😌😌
This is my first Harlequin interracial read. The love story was great however, because it took place during the African Slave Trades, I often found it depressing and I had to put the book down. 🥺 is just mind bowling and heartbreaking that some people can be so calloused and evil in regards to treating other people.
This is my first Harlequin interracial read. The love story was great however, because it took place during the African Slave Trades, I often found it depressing and I had to put the book down. 🥺 is just mind bowling and heartbreaking that some people can be so calloused and evil in regards to treating other people.
April 20, 2021
I found the dynamic of this couple to be quite engaging. We love a woman who is able to take care of herself, and a man who is ok with her doing so. I really think that this one is well done, and will be picking up a physical copy of it soon!
April 27, 2021
You don't come across too many of interracial regencies and this one does the topic good. Even though slavery was illegal in Britain at that time, free Blacks still faced the danger of being abducted and sold. Luckily for Psyche, born a slave in Jamaica and brought to England as a child, she had more protection than most in the form of loving guardians. She's independent, a business owner, and wealthy in her own right, her unexpected affair with connected Will Barclay is good stuff. Don't miss this one.
May 17, 2021
A lovely, quiet, pragmatic story of love, hate, and slavery. Will and Psyche are strong, devoted, geared to achieving their goals, willing to fight for the rights of others. They are perfect together.
February 19, 2022
Fabulous novel! !
Slavery, ethics, kindness, love, intelligence, courage, nobility of soul.
Family. Also degraded, ruthless people only interested in power, money, and control over others.
Slavery, ethics, kindness, love, intelligence, courage, nobility of soul.
Family. Also degraded, ruthless people only interested in power, money, and control over others.
February 28, 2022
3.8 stars
January 15, 2023
Highly recommended!
January 4, 2022
TLDR: Lots of boinking, but I really liked the story and the characters. TW: slavery, attempted rape, horrible parents, violence against women.
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
April 14, 2021
Psyché forges an independent life in England with the love and support of her Grand-Uncle. As a woman of colour in Regency England, she faces prejudice, from society, for her gender and race, which she overcomes. Living above the business she owns, she risks all to help a runaway heiress escape her controlling father.
Will, secretary to Lord Huntscombe, helps her, and there is an instant connection between the two which intensifies with proximity. Will is at odds with his family's politics and has a secret which may destroy any chance of happiness with Psyché.
Inspired by actual historical figures and the horror of the trade in human lives in Georgian and Regency England, this authentic story reveals the inhumanity and prejudice lurking behind the glamour and romance of the Regency ballrooms.
The romance is conflicted and passionate, but both protagonists are strong and willing to fight for what is right and what they want, so the outcome is positive.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Will, secretary to Lord Huntscombe, helps her, and there is an instant connection between the two which intensifies with proximity. Will is at odds with his family's politics and has a secret which may destroy any chance of happiness with Psyché.
Inspired by actual historical figures and the horror of the trade in human lives in Georgian and Regency England, this authentic story reveals the inhumanity and prejudice lurking behind the glamour and romance of the Regency ballrooms.
The romance is conflicted and passionate, but both protagonists are strong and willing to fight for what is right and what they want, so the outcome is positive.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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