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Rescued from Ruin #4
The Devil Is a Marquess
This devil's bargain will be sealed with sin.
When a rake beyond redemption...
A walking scandal surviving on little more than wits, whisky, and wicked skills in the bedchamber, Benedict Chatham, the new Marquess of Rutherford, is at the end of his rope. Deeply in debt and down to his last farthing, he must marry nothing short of an absolute fortune, or risk utter ruin.
Must marry for money...
Enter Miss Charlotte Lancaster, unfashionably tall heiress to just such a fortune and a clumsy, redheaded disaster in her five London seasons. While she dreams of leaving England for a life of trade in America, her father schemes to trade her dowry for a title—and Marchioness of Rutherford will do nicely. Charlotte wants her independence, not a husband, and certainly not a disreputable devil who renders her weak and wobbly with a single scorching glance. But she's a practical sort, and a year with the devil might buy her freedom... provided she can resist his seductive charms. That shouldn't prove a problem, for he could not possibly want someone like her, and the feeling is mutual. Really. It is.
Love grows in the most unexpected places...
When her father demands a startling price for his daughter's hand—one year of fidelity and sobriety—Chatham must change his libertine ways... at least temporarily. And when he does, Charlotte begins to see him in a new light—not as the scandalous charmer she married, but as the husband she just might adore.
When a rake beyond redemption...
A walking scandal surviving on little more than wits, whisky, and wicked skills in the bedchamber, Benedict Chatham, the new Marquess of Rutherford, is at the end of his rope. Deeply in debt and down to his last farthing, he must marry nothing short of an absolute fortune, or risk utter ruin.
Must marry for money...
Enter Miss Charlotte Lancaster, unfashionably tall heiress to just such a fortune and a clumsy, redheaded disaster in her five London seasons. While she dreams of leaving England for a life of trade in America, her father schemes to trade her dowry for a title—and Marchioness of Rutherford will do nicely. Charlotte wants her independence, not a husband, and certainly not a disreputable devil who renders her weak and wobbly with a single scorching glance. But she's a practical sort, and a year with the devil might buy her freedom... provided she can resist his seductive charms. That shouldn't prove a problem, for he could not possibly want someone like her, and the feeling is mutual. Really. It is.
Love grows in the most unexpected places...
When her father demands a startling price for his daughter's hand—one year of fidelity and sobriety—Chatham must change his libertine ways... at least temporarily. And when he does, Charlotte begins to see him in a new light—not as the scandalous charmer she married, but as the husband she just might adore.
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2016
696 people are currently reading
3425 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Braden
25 books1,739 followersReading romance novels came easily to Elisa Braden. Writing them? That took a little longer. After graduating with degrees in creative writing and history, Elisa spent too many years in “real” jobs writing T-shirt copy ... and other people’s resumes ... and articles about giftware displays. But that was before she woke up and started dreaming about the very unreal job of being a romance novelist. Better late than never.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
Elisa lives in the Pacific Northwest, where you're constitutionally required to like the colors green and gray. Good thing she does. Other items on the "like" list include cute dogs, strong coffee, and epic movies. Of course, her favorite thing of all is hearing from readers who love her characters as much as she does.
If you're one of those, get in touch on Facebook (@authorelisabraden), visit her website (www.elisabraden.com), and - most importantly - be the first to hear about new releases, price specials, and awesome free bonuses by signing up for her email newsletter (bit.ly/ElisaNewsletter). It's easy, quick, and FREE.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
February 7, 2025
Reread #2
I know they're silly but they're my serotonin 🙂↕️💊 always hits for me 🤚
br with coach youssra ydk how happy I'm😭 finally someone agreed to read my fav book and ignored the cover
________
Reread #1
Overall: ✰✰✰✰✰
Spice: ✰✰
Tension: ✰✰✰✰
Emotional: ✰✰
Butterflies: ✰✰✰✰
📖: 3rd pov but literally written in the best way... vintage/historical language
No doubt,this book will always remain in my favourite arrange marriage trope books.
If you want to read a book having:
➺ a good marriage of convenience trope
➺ Aristocracy/Nobility
➺ Good tension+Angst
➺ Bossy and possessive MC
➺ A bit of humour
The little story bits I'll mention are in the blurb so ofc no spoilers
Charlotte Lancaster: such a motivated & determined girl. Innocent but savage at the same time. Tall,freckled,red haired beauty... I literally loved her from the start. She wants to go to America and start her business there bcz she thinks she doesn't fit in England and has a business mind so yeah she's shown sm sensible. But his father is admanent that she should marry and provide him a heir. She is also insecure of herself and thinks no men wants her in that way yk.
Benedict Chatham: well my man has become Marquess after the death of his father and he's drowned in debt. He's a scoundrel, sells secrets, gambles and is a s3x worker... He's gonna be rude in the start(not that rude btw) but for me he had his reasons. For one he's broke and second his past.
Plot: Charlotte's Father offers Chatham 200 thousand pounds to marry her, provide him a heir and divorce her after one year and he also has to stay away from debauchery in this period of time
As a couple: I liked how Charlotte was able to see the man beside his rogue cover and how they went from hating each other to friends/partners and lovers...
Thing's I liked about this book:
➺ vintage writing and environment
➺ their past stories made me a little emotional
➺ humour sprinkled in
➺ how MC told her how much he wants her whenever she is insecure
Things I loved about this book:
➺ their conversations/banter like they literally have this whole convo before they go shaking sheets
➺ the sexual tension
➺ how the MC was flawed and how much he changed for her.. He was such a red flag at the start but became a green f*ckin flag at the end
➺ their love confessions at the end
There were so many lines which were my favourite but I'm only gonna mention these:
I know they're silly but they're my serotonin 🙂↕️💊 always hits for me 🤚
〃“What I have, my love”—she kissed him once, twice, thrice—“is my very own devil. And I intend to be his forevermore.”〃
br with coach youssra ydk how happy I'm😭 finally someone agreed to read my fav book and ignored the cover
________
Reread #1
Overall: ✰✰✰✰✰
Spice: ✰✰
Tension: ✰✰✰✰
Emotional: ✰✰
Butterflies: ✰✰✰✰
📖: 3rd pov but literally written in the best way... vintage/historical language
No doubt,this book will always remain in my favourite arrange marriage trope books.
If you want to read a book having:
➺ a good marriage of convenience trope
➺ Aristocracy/Nobility
➺ Good tension+Angst
➺ Bossy and possessive MC
➺ A bit of humour
The little story bits I'll mention are in the blurb so ofc no spoilers
Charlotte Lancaster: such a motivated & determined girl. Innocent but savage at the same time. Tall,freckled,red haired beauty... I literally loved her from the start. She wants to go to America and start her business there bcz she thinks she doesn't fit in England and has a business mind so yeah she's shown sm sensible. But his father is admanent that she should marry and provide him a heir. She is also insecure of herself and thinks no men wants her in that way yk.
Benedict Chatham: well my man has become Marquess after the death of his father and he's drowned in debt. He's a scoundrel, sells secrets, gambles and is a s3x worker... He's gonna be rude in the start(not that rude btw) but for me he had his reasons. For one he's broke and second his past.
Plot: Charlotte's Father offers Chatham 200 thousand pounds to marry her, provide him a heir and divorce her after one year and he also has to stay away from debauchery in this period of time
As a couple: I liked how Charlotte was able to see the man beside his rogue cover and how they went from hating each other to friends/partners and lovers...
Thing's I liked about this book:
➺ vintage writing and environment
➺ their past stories made me a little emotional
➺ humour sprinkled in
➺ how MC told her how much he wants her whenever she is insecure
Things I loved about this book:
➺ their conversations/banter like they literally have this whole convo before they go shaking sheets
➺ the sexual tension
➺ how the MC was flawed and how much he changed for her.. He was such a red flag at the start but became a green f*ckin flag at the end
➺ their love confessions at the end
There were so many lines which were my favourite but I'm only gonna mention these:
〃he held her hand against his skin, directly over his breastbone. “Feel how it beats and pounds for you. Like a bull kicking at the gates of his stall. That is want, love. That is need and lust and desire and bloody obsession.”〃
〃“You love me,” she whispered to his palm, where ugly burns swirled in the beautiful pattern of irises, lilies, and the shape of her initials: CL. Charlotte Lancaster.〃
March 28, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded to 5 because I follow the law of scientific digits / figures.
I've binge read this series and I think this particular one is my favorite so far (out of the first 7). I appreciated Charlotte as a main character. She's super pragmatic and motivated. She's a "doer" and that made me like her. I also really, really liked Benedict. He was my kind of hero. His growth over the course of the book wasn't just satisfying, it was fun.
Before you pick up these books/this series, you should know the following:
1. They are entertaining. PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED!
2. They all (so far) have that misunderstanding trope thing going on. You know the one, where he thinks she ABC and she thinks he XYZ and if they sat down and had a proper conversation to clear the air then the book would be over at 50%. This doesn't bother me. I actually like this trope a lot, probably because I-- like Benedict and the rest of the characters-- lack emotional bravery. Therefore, this resonates and I enjoy. If you enjoy this trope because you like that tight feeling in your chest when you feel what the character is feeling, I think these books are DEFINITELY for you.
3. These are super solid historical romances (the vocabulary used, the writing, the pacing, etc.)
4. I could lose myself in the story. This doesn't happen for me often. These days, it's what I'm looking for. Immersion. Escape.
5. The male characters are not enlightened. These aren't 21st century guys wearing cravats in Regency England. They're all quite unenlightened, as a matter of fact. Bossy, demanding, possessive. If you prefer your male characters enlightened, this is not the series for you. I don't always enjoy these kinds of guys, but Eliza Braden writes them well.
6. There's a lot of grabbing and kissing. Like, a lot. One minute a heroine is asking about the weather and in the next moment *KISS*GRAB* If that's your jam, prepare to slather your toast.
So, that's what you need to know. Sally forth and read.
I've binge read this series and I think this particular one is my favorite so far (out of the first 7). I appreciated Charlotte as a main character. She's super pragmatic and motivated. She's a "doer" and that made me like her. I also really, really liked Benedict. He was my kind of hero. His growth over the course of the book wasn't just satisfying, it was fun.
Before you pick up these books/this series, you should know the following:
1. They are entertaining. PREPARE TO BE ENTERTAINED!
2. They all (so far) have that misunderstanding trope thing going on. You know the one, where he thinks she ABC and she thinks he XYZ and if they sat down and had a proper conversation to clear the air then the book would be over at 50%. This doesn't bother me. I actually like this trope a lot, probably because I-- like Benedict and the rest of the characters-- lack emotional bravery. Therefore, this resonates and I enjoy. If you enjoy this trope because you like that tight feeling in your chest when you feel what the character is feeling, I think these books are DEFINITELY for you.
3. These are super solid historical romances (the vocabulary used, the writing, the pacing, etc.)
4. I could lose myself in the story. This doesn't happen for me often. These days, it's what I'm looking for. Immersion. Escape.
5. The male characters are not enlightened. These aren't 21st century guys wearing cravats in Regency England. They're all quite unenlightened, as a matter of fact. Bossy, demanding, possessive. If you prefer your male characters enlightened, this is not the series for you. I don't always enjoy these kinds of guys, but Eliza Braden writes them well.
6. There's a lot of grabbing and kissing. Like, a lot. One minute a heroine is asking about the weather and in the next moment *KISS*GRAB* If that's your jam, prepare to slather your toast.
So, that's what you need to know. Sally forth and read.
November 1, 2024
not to be dramatic but I would die for this book. An estate in ruin? A marriage of convenience? A newly-minted peer with a history of abandonment issues, sex work, and severe alcohol dependency? An FMC who’s all “well I’m on my fifth season and no one’s biting so I’m gonna take my dowry money and head west”? A crappy, horndog mom? Distill this stuff and sell it in bottles, I want it in my veins.
February 7, 2025
I am looking at you. Always. Even when I close my eyes. You are burned into me. I see nothing else.
3.75 stars INSPITE OF THE HORRENDOUS COVER. Guys this is just one of the disturbing covers for this book 😭😭😭
Anyways, if there was ever a time where you should not judge a book by its cover, it is now😂 This is my first ever book in this genre. Historical romances are not typically a genre I gravitate towards, mainly because of the covers 😂😂 but also, I'm just never interested in them😅 Enter Fiza basically twisting my arm to read this book and I relented🤚 (jk she asked and I said yes)
However, this was a fun read honestly. It was FILLED with cliches and cheesiness but also they worked and created some enjoyable tension and romance🤷♀️
I LOVED the fmc! She was so sweet and kind and clueless about how down bad this man was for her. I loved how the mmc helped her realize how attractive she was and how he showed her how much she affects him. The mmc was giant asshole in the beginning, but he just became the biggest
green flag ever! Both of them showed great character development.
In my opinion, anyone should go into this book expecting some cheesiness and maybe a little cringe, but also a very sweet and spicy romance. If you liked Bridgerton, you would enjoy this.
---------------------------------------------------------------
pre-read
PLEASE IGNORE THE COVER I BEGGGG😭😭😭😭
Buddy reading with the lovely Fizabecause she made me
3.75 stars INSPITE OF THE HORRENDOUS COVER. Guys this is just one of the disturbing covers for this book 😭😭😭
Anyways, if there was ever a time where you should not judge a book by its cover, it is now😂 This is my first ever book in this genre. Historical romances are not typically a genre I gravitate towards, mainly because of the covers 😂😂 but also, I'm just never interested in them😅 Enter Fiza basically twisting my arm to read this book and I relented🤚 (jk she asked and I said yes)
However, this was a fun read honestly. It was FILLED with cliches and cheesiness but also they worked and created some enjoyable tension and romance🤷♀️
I LOVED the fmc! She was so sweet and kind and clueless about how down bad this man was for her. I loved how the mmc helped her realize how attractive she was and how he showed her how much she affects him. The mmc was giant asshole in the beginning, but he just became the biggest
green flag ever! Both of them showed great character development.
In my opinion, anyone should go into this book expecting some cheesiness and maybe a little cringe, but also a very sweet and spicy romance. If you liked Bridgerton, you would enjoy this.
---------------------------------------------------------------
pre-read
PLEASE IGNORE THE COVER I BEGGGG😭😭😭😭
Buddy reading with the lovely Fiza
January 9, 2022
3.5 stars
I never had an itch to slap someone like I did when I met this hero during the beginning of the book. Nothing annoys me like a useless man!! And man he was just so freakin useless!!
It took me a while to enjoy the story, again because of the useless drunk penniless hero, who is desperate enough to make a deal with a rich man who offered him a lot of money to marry his daughter.
The heroine was amazing. Full of spirit and sass. I loved how she was so strong willed and took matters into her own hands. She knows what she wants and not afraid to go and get it. She realised that she’s stuck in this marriage for a year, so she was determined to make it work and built a nice home for herself without the help of her so called useless husband.
The story took a turn when the hero decided to sober up, man up, and lend a hand to help build his own home instead of being useless and just a waste of space. I started to like how they’re with each other and all their encounters. It wasn’t something extraordinary, but it was still so enjoyable to read!
I never had an itch to slap someone like I did when I met this hero during the beginning of the book. Nothing annoys me like a useless man!! And man he was just so freakin useless!!
It took me a while to enjoy the story, again because of the useless drunk penniless hero, who is desperate enough to make a deal with a rich man who offered him a lot of money to marry his daughter.
The heroine was amazing. Full of spirit and sass. I loved how she was so strong willed and took matters into her own hands. She knows what she wants and not afraid to go and get it. She realised that she’s stuck in this marriage for a year, so she was determined to make it work and built a nice home for herself without the help of her so called useless husband.
The story took a turn when the hero decided to sober up, man up, and lend a hand to help build his own home instead of being useless and just a waste of space. I started to like how they’re with each other and all their encounters. It wasn’t something extraordinary, but it was still so enjoyable to read!
September 8, 2021
This book is why I love hr !
I loved the 1st book in the series but gave up after book 3. I couldn't read Colin's story. What a mistake!
The author explored two lonely, unloved characters. The h was my kind of girl. She is mature and practical. She sees what has to be done and does it. Our H takes awhile to sober up from lifelong alcoholism. Once sober, he proved to be an interesting character. I also love how they worked together.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down! I will definitely continue the series.
I highly recommend!!
I loved the 1st book in the series but gave up after book 3. I couldn't read Colin's story. What a mistake!
The author explored two lonely, unloved characters. The h was my kind of girl. She is mature and practical. She sees what has to be done and does it. Our H takes awhile to sober up from lifelong alcoholism. Once sober, he proved to be an interesting character. I also love how they worked together.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down! I will definitely continue the series.
I highly recommend!!
October 23, 2025
I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading books 1-3. What I liked was showing the effects of long term alcohol use. The positive attitude and hard work that Charlotte maintains. I also like how Rutherford buckles down to learning and becoming part of a team with his wife.
UPDATE:10/2025 I am on the book 3 of the package I bought and have not liked a book since this one....sigh. Many others have liked this series so it maybe a case of me not you.
UPDATE:10/2025 I am on the book 3 of the package I bought and have not liked a book since this one....sigh. Many others have liked this series so it maybe a case of me not you.
December 30, 2021
GOOD LORDY. I asked Romancelandia to give me a *hot* historical romance rec and Romancelandia delivered. This was scorching and unputdownable!
Benedict Chatham is your classic devilishly handsome reprobate rake. He's a scoundrel, penniless, wasting away, drinking around the clock. He's in a bad way.
Charlotte is a head taller than everyone, half-American, freckled and red-haired, and after five seasons, has decided she's been deemed by all thoroughly unwantable. She sets her sights on getting her filthy rich American dad to give her her inheritance so she can move to America and move on from all hope of a match, to focus on becoming an entrepreneur.
Her dad, ever the patriarchal boor, decides he has other plans. So he finds someone desperate enough to marry his daughter, with enough financial inducement, with some conditions of course. Chatham can marry Charlotte IF he dries up and stays faithful to her for a year. After that, he'll get a huge payment. And thus, a marriage of convenience is born. Charlotte will gain a title, Marchioness. Chatham will gain a massive amount of money.
What starts off as a strategic arrangement turns into scorching desire and longing, but delightfully, Chatham and Charlotte become friends first. Sharing in the work of rebuilding Chatham's rubble-pile of an estate in Northumberland, the two of them bond over hard work, as Charlotte puts her practical mind to practical and rewarding use, strategically staffing, repairing, and resurrecting the home, while Benedict detoxes, learns farming, becomes healthier and clearer-minded...and realizes he's incredibly h*rny for his wife.
Charlotte doubts he actually desires her. She's no conventional beauty in her eyes, and he is an Adonis. Chatham is terrified that like everyone he's ever tried to love, Charlotte will leave him after their agreed year is up and sail off for America. Cue mutual pining for the ages! One bed! And so! much! lust!
What ensues is a level of miscommunication and withholding trust that at times really tried me. I get anxious when characters, especially ones who've been so well-written as having become each other's confidantes and friends, hold back crucial information like their true feelings for each other BUT this ended up working for me. Little by little, they chipped away at their self-protection and took steps to show each other (often in rather indirect ways) how much they mean to each other. When Chatham and Charlotte truly open their hearts and give themselves to each other, I breathed a long-awaited happy sigh of relief.
If you're lookin for a REALLY hot, h*rny historical romance, this is it. If you loved Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, this vibes with that, and I would highly recommend. It's excellently paced, dialogue-driven, super sensual, and supremely readable. *Skips off to read Elisa Braden's entire backlist*
Content notes: problematic relationship with alcohol (on page, resolved early on with one almost-relapse but no actual relapse), detoxing from alcohol (on page, resolved early on), parental emotional abandonment (in past), toxic parental relationship (on page).
Benedict Chatham is your classic devilishly handsome reprobate rake. He's a scoundrel, penniless, wasting away, drinking around the clock. He's in a bad way.
Charlotte is a head taller than everyone, half-American, freckled and red-haired, and after five seasons, has decided she's been deemed by all thoroughly unwantable. She sets her sights on getting her filthy rich American dad to give her her inheritance so she can move to America and move on from all hope of a match, to focus on becoming an entrepreneur.
Her dad, ever the patriarchal boor, decides he has other plans. So he finds someone desperate enough to marry his daughter, with enough financial inducement, with some conditions of course. Chatham can marry Charlotte IF he dries up and stays faithful to her for a year. After that, he'll get a huge payment. And thus, a marriage of convenience is born. Charlotte will gain a title, Marchioness. Chatham will gain a massive amount of money.
What starts off as a strategic arrangement turns into scorching desire and longing, but delightfully, Chatham and Charlotte become friends first. Sharing in the work of rebuilding Chatham's rubble-pile of an estate in Northumberland, the two of them bond over hard work, as Charlotte puts her practical mind to practical and rewarding use, strategically staffing, repairing, and resurrecting the home, while Benedict detoxes, learns farming, becomes healthier and clearer-minded...and realizes he's incredibly h*rny for his wife.
Charlotte doubts he actually desires her. She's no conventional beauty in her eyes, and he is an Adonis. Chatham is terrified that like everyone he's ever tried to love, Charlotte will leave him after their agreed year is up and sail off for America. Cue mutual pining for the ages! One bed! And so! much! lust!
What ensues is a level of miscommunication and withholding trust that at times really tried me. I get anxious when characters, especially ones who've been so well-written as having become each other's confidantes and friends, hold back crucial information like their true feelings for each other BUT this ended up working for me. Little by little, they chipped away at their self-protection and took steps to show each other (often in rather indirect ways) how much they mean to each other. When Chatham and Charlotte truly open their hearts and give themselves to each other, I breathed a long-awaited happy sigh of relief.
If you're lookin for a REALLY hot, h*rny historical romance, this is it. If you loved Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, this vibes with that, and I would highly recommend. It's excellently paced, dialogue-driven, super sensual, and supremely readable. *Skips off to read Elisa Braden's entire backlist*
Content notes: problematic relationship with alcohol (on page, resolved early on with one almost-relapse but no actual relapse), detoxing from alcohol (on page, resolved early on), parental emotional abandonment (in past), toxic parental relationship (on page).
April 27, 2019
This was a definite 4 star read for me. I enjoyed the writing style- quite elegant and true to its period. I especially enjoyed the witty little quotations from the Marchioness of Wallingham that headed up each chapter.
The H and h were well-drawn characters, although Chatham, the Hero, was screw-up central for most of the book. I did have my misgivings, as he was definitely a man-whore who had been paid to have sex, and who was a full-blown alcoholic. (If a woman had done what he had done- harlot and ruin! The egregious double standard raises its ugly head.) The description of his physical appearance and the way he suffered when he was detoxing was good, although I struggled to see how a skinny, pallid, blood-shot eyed, eventually stinking bundle of promiscuity could be even remotely attractive. But Charlotte obviously saw past all that to the fabulous stud he was meant to be, and did in fact turn into!
I will never give a book 5 stars when the hero is cruel or hurtful and does not grovel enough at the end. A paragon of forgiveness and love is not my ideal heroine, either. Sometimes, she needs to fight back and demand grovelling. Charlotte was too nice to do that and I wished she had made Chatham work harder. The grovelling and epiphany went on in his mind- it needed to be articulated.
It is also no explanation to say that, just because a woman has been receiving slights and insults for years, due to her unfashionably red hair, freckles and sheer "tallness", she can let HIS taunts roll off her and pretend they didn't happen. Hurtful is hurtful. It is demeaning and disrespectful and some of the things Chatham said and did were just plain nasty. But he had his own issues and he won me over in the end.
All in all a very passionate and intense romance, with a lot of colourfully described Sexy Time that included the word cock too often, and use of the word fuck by him (a pet hate of mine- it just ain't Romance!) but was still pretty fun to read:)
Oh and his armpit hair on the cover:):)
I will absolutely be reading more books by this author. (less)
The H and h were well-drawn characters, although Chatham, the Hero, was screw-up central for most of the book. I did have my misgivings, as he was definitely a man-whore who had been paid to have sex, and who was a full-blown alcoholic. (If a woman had done what he had done- harlot and ruin! The egregious double standard raises its ugly head.) The description of his physical appearance and the way he suffered when he was detoxing was good, although I struggled to see how a skinny, pallid, blood-shot eyed, eventually stinking bundle of promiscuity could be even remotely attractive. But Charlotte obviously saw past all that to the fabulous stud he was meant to be, and did in fact turn into!
I will never give a book 5 stars when the hero is cruel or hurtful and does not grovel enough at the end. A paragon of forgiveness and love is not my ideal heroine, either. Sometimes, she needs to fight back and demand grovelling. Charlotte was too nice to do that and I wished she had made Chatham work harder. The grovelling and epiphany went on in his mind- it needed to be articulated.
It is also no explanation to say that, just because a woman has been receiving slights and insults for years, due to her unfashionably red hair, freckles and sheer "tallness", she can let HIS taunts roll off her and pretend they didn't happen. Hurtful is hurtful. It is demeaning and disrespectful and some of the things Chatham said and did were just plain nasty. But he had his own issues and he won me over in the end.
All in all a very passionate and intense romance, with a lot of colourfully described Sexy Time that included the word cock too often, and use of the word fuck by him (a pet hate of mine- it just ain't Romance!) but was still pretty fun to read:)
Oh and his armpit hair on the cover:):)
I will absolutely be reading more books by this author. (less)
June 30, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: checked out audiobook on Hoopla
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. The characters are developed over the course of the series and the books flow together.
Basic plot:
Charlotte’s father says she must marry, and pays off the scoundrel Benedict Chatham to wed her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1818)
- American heroine/English hero
- Tall, red haired heroine
- Arranged marriage -
- one bed
- this might be a reach but a bit of reversed ugly duckling (hero is a different man than the beginning of the story)
- bit of an antihero from the prior books
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes
Ages:
- Heroine is 22, didn’t catch hero
My thoughts:
I really loved this one! Ever Yours Annabelle is still my favorite of series but this one is second for me.
I didn’t pay much attention to Chatham in the prior books – honestly he was so unlikeable I didn’t think he’d even get his own book. But I do love how Braden takes these characters and brings them up to snuff for the heroines.
I liked that they were together for the majority of the story. And I really loved getting out of London and Chatham’s recovery. It gave me a bit of West Ravenel vibes if you have read Lisa Kleypas (Devil’s Daughter specifically).
I ended up really loving both characters. Charlotte was easy to love. She was so strong and ready to do the best she could in the situation she was in. She doesn’t have the highest self esteem so I appreciated the seduction vibes between these two when Chatham tries to convince her she’s gorgeous and amazing.
I was mildly frustrated with Chatham and his inability to open up. Perhaps it’s just that in HR it’s overrun with heroes that can’t voice their feelings because they are so damaged and have never had anyone love them. But, in this story it was even more believable to me. And towards the end there’s a scene with Chatham in the street...and it wrecked my heart a tad.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Find me
Instagram || The Storygraph || Bookbub ||
Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: checked out audiobook on Hoopla
Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. The characters are developed over the course of the series and the books flow together.
Basic plot:
Charlotte’s father says she must marry, and pays off the scoundrel Benedict Chatham to wed her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1818)
- American heroine/English hero
- Tall, red haired heroine
- Arranged marriage -
- one bed
- this might be a reach but a bit of reversed ugly duckling (hero is a different man than the beginning of the story)
- bit of an antihero from the prior books
- medium to higher steam – 4 full scenes
Ages:
- Heroine is 22, didn’t catch hero
My thoughts:
I really loved this one! Ever Yours Annabelle is still my favorite of series but this one is second for me.
I didn’t pay much attention to Chatham in the prior books – honestly he was so unlikeable I didn’t think he’d even get his own book. But I do love how Braden takes these characters and brings them up to snuff for the heroines.
I liked that they were together for the majority of the story. And I really loved getting out of London and Chatham’s recovery. It gave me a bit of West Ravenel vibes if you have read Lisa Kleypas (Devil’s Daughter specifically).
I ended up really loving both characters. Charlotte was easy to love. She was so strong and ready to do the best she could in the situation she was in. She doesn’t have the highest self esteem so I appreciated the seduction vibes between these two when Chatham tries to convince her she’s gorgeous and amazing.
I was mildly frustrated with Chatham and his inability to open up. Perhaps it’s just that in HR it’s overrun with heroes that can’t voice their feelings because they are so damaged and have never had anyone love them. But, in this story it was even more believable to me. And towards the end there’s a scene with Chatham in the street...and it wrecked my heart a tad.
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Find me
Instagram || The Storygraph || Bookbub ||
Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)
July 29, 2025
4.5⭐️
Okay, hear me out: I know the covers are tragic (like, truly not doing the books any favors), but this series? It's giving me everything I want. Banter, longing, chaotic heroines, reformed rakes, and surprisingly emotional depth underneath all the tropes. I’m eating it up.
Benedict Chatham ; rake, mess, delightful disaster ....should not be this lovable, but somehow... he is. He’s broke, scandal-ridden, and very much not husband material. Which of course makes him the perfect candidate for our tall, awkward, redheaded heiress Charlotte, who wants nothing more than to escape her life and go live her independent girlboss dreams in America.
They strike a deal: one year of marriage, then freedom. Easy, right? Except oops, feelings. And even bigger oops ... this rake might actually be capable of change.
Charlotte is a standout heroine. She's awkward in the most relatable way, practical but secretly soft, and way stronger than anyone gives her credit for. I adored her. And Chatham? He’s your classic hot mess rake who starts accidentally falling in love and gets completely blindsided by how much he actually wants to be worthy of her.
Their chemistry? Fantastic. Their banter? Sharp. The emotional payoff? So satisfying. Add in some surprising character growth and a heroine who doesn't fit the usual mold, and this was an absolute win for me.
So yes. Ignore the terrible cover. Read the book. Fall for the rake. Root for the clumsy redhead. And enjoy every second of this deliciously tropey historical goodness.
🎶"Girl Like Me" - Cam
🎶 "Cowboys cry too" - kelsea Ballerini
🎶"God Gave Me You" – Blake Shelton
Okay, hear me out: I know the covers are tragic (like, truly not doing the books any favors), but this series? It's giving me everything I want. Banter, longing, chaotic heroines, reformed rakes, and surprisingly emotional depth underneath all the tropes. I’m eating it up.
Benedict Chatham ; rake, mess, delightful disaster ....should not be this lovable, but somehow... he is. He’s broke, scandal-ridden, and very much not husband material. Which of course makes him the perfect candidate for our tall, awkward, redheaded heiress Charlotte, who wants nothing more than to escape her life and go live her independent girlboss dreams in America.
They strike a deal: one year of marriage, then freedom. Easy, right? Except oops, feelings. And even bigger oops ... this rake might actually be capable of change.
Charlotte is a standout heroine. She's awkward in the most relatable way, practical but secretly soft, and way stronger than anyone gives her credit for. I adored her. And Chatham? He’s your classic hot mess rake who starts accidentally falling in love and gets completely blindsided by how much he actually wants to be worthy of her.
Their chemistry? Fantastic. Their banter? Sharp. The emotional payoff? So satisfying. Add in some surprising character growth and a heroine who doesn't fit the usual mold, and this was an absolute win for me.
So yes. Ignore the terrible cover. Read the book. Fall for the rake. Root for the clumsy redhead. And enjoy every second of this deliciously tropey historical goodness.
🎶"Girl Like Me" - Cam
🎶 "Cowboys cry too" - kelsea Ballerini
🎶"God Gave Me You" – Blake Shelton
January 12, 2021
4 total overhaul of a rake stars
Benedict Chatham is the recent inheritor of the title Marquess of Rutherford complete with an impoverished estate. He is also a wastrel, philanderer, drunkard, and manwhore, and he is unapologetic about all of it. In fact, he has found that his impressive skills in the bedroom translate to a way to fund his expensive taste in whiskey habit and his lease at the gaming hell establishment he also regularly frequents. But upon inheriting his new title, he also assumed a significant amount of debt - the likes of which he cannot see how he will dig out from under. All estates and items that are unentailed are being seized, and he has been given his walking papers by the proprietor of the gaming hell. In short, the womanizing boozer is out of options and ripe for the kind of proposition a wealthy American businessman approaches him with.
Charlotte Lancaster is a half English/half American awkward anomaly resignedly preparing for a fifth season per her father's firm instruction that she marry a man with a title. Nothing less than a duke, marquess, or earl will do for him, and those are not only in short supply, but after four years of being soundly rejected by suitors for being too tall, too freckled, too American, too red-headed (terribly unfashionable after all), she has little hope that she will make a match that satisfies her father's requirements. Besides, she doesn't wish to marry and be the wife to a member of the ton - she has too many plans for her own future. She is her father's daughter, and she plans to forge her own business in America - all she needs is for her father to realize that his demands cannot be met and she will be free. When he summons her with an urgent request, she is certain it is to tell her that he has given up... but when he tells her she must wed the man he just made a devil's bargain with, she is stunned and disgusted. The man he wants her to wed is a known degenerate, after all. But the terms do allow an out for Charlotte: if after one year of cohabiting, they would be permitted to live separately. Charlotte recognizes that arguing with her father is futile as he always gets what he wants, and what is a year to have to wait after all compared to the future she has wanted for so l0ng?
Chatham is floored when Charlotte's father lays out his terms: remain sober for 1 year, remain faithful, and live with his daughter, and he will receive 100,000 pounds - a veritable fortune that would set him up for life in whatever way he chooses to live it. If he is able to impregnate his wife within 2 years and provide an heir, he receives 200,000. This is not a deal he can afford to pass up, so he accepts. Besides, Charlotte Lancaster has always intrigued him, so living with her for a year could prove interesting. But the reality proves to be very different from the expectations each of them bring to their "one year term," and neither can credit the reasons they seem to mesh so well. Can Chatham remain faithful and sober long enough to allow them to forge a future together? Will they wish to make it a more permanent arrangement? And, if so, can Charlotte abandon the dreams she has held tightly to for so many years?
What I liked:
--- Charlotte was a pistol - she knew what she wanted and how to get it and didn't apologize for being ambitious
--- Transformation of both characters was fun to watch unfold
--- Realistic struggles for that time period and the characters; Chatham's addiction problems were likely the result of his childhood experiences - the depiction of the challenge of overcoming something so ingrained was heartbreaking at times but important to include in this story
--- Amusing h moments where her intellect tries to reconcile putting things into practice
--- Preview into the next book (which made me excited to get my hands on!)
--- STEAMY GOODNESS (oh my!)
What I didn't like as much:
--- It was difficult to like and find Benedict sympathetic - I eventually got there, though
--- Chatham's transformation was a little fast (both his physical and character changes) to be completely realistic
--- I didn't love how critical of herself Charlotte was even after being assured she was desirable
--- Miscommunication angst
Overall, a good rake reformation for the right woman story with some delicious steamy goodness along the way!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none that I can recall
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Benedict Chatham is the recent inheritor of the title Marquess of Rutherford complete with an impoverished estate. He is also a wastrel, philanderer, drunkard, and manwhore, and he is unapologetic about all of it. In fact, he has found that his impressive skills in the bedroom translate to a way to fund his expensive taste in whiskey habit and his lease at the gaming hell establishment he also regularly frequents. But upon inheriting his new title, he also assumed a significant amount of debt - the likes of which he cannot see how he will dig out from under. All estates and items that are unentailed are being seized, and he has been given his walking papers by the proprietor of the gaming hell. In short, the womanizing boozer is out of options and ripe for the kind of proposition a wealthy American businessman approaches him with.
Charlotte Lancaster is a half English/half American awkward anomaly resignedly preparing for a fifth season per her father's firm instruction that she marry a man with a title. Nothing less than a duke, marquess, or earl will do for him, and those are not only in short supply, but after four years of being soundly rejected by suitors for being too tall, too freckled, too American, too red-headed (terribly unfashionable after all), she has little hope that she will make a match that satisfies her father's requirements. Besides, she doesn't wish to marry and be the wife to a member of the ton - she has too many plans for her own future. She is her father's daughter, and she plans to forge her own business in America - all she needs is for her father to realize that his demands cannot be met and she will be free. When he summons her with an urgent request, she is certain it is to tell her that he has given up... but when he tells her she must wed the man he just made a devil's bargain with, she is stunned and disgusted. The man he wants her to wed is a known degenerate, after all. But the terms do allow an out for Charlotte: if after one year of cohabiting, they would be permitted to live separately. Charlotte recognizes that arguing with her father is futile as he always gets what he wants, and what is a year to have to wait after all compared to the future she has wanted for so l0ng?
Chatham is floored when Charlotte's father lays out his terms: remain sober for 1 year, remain faithful, and live with his daughter, and he will receive 100,000 pounds - a veritable fortune that would set him up for life in whatever way he chooses to live it. If he is able to impregnate his wife within 2 years and provide an heir, he receives 200,000. This is not a deal he can afford to pass up, so he accepts. Besides, Charlotte Lancaster has always intrigued him, so living with her for a year could prove interesting. But the reality proves to be very different from the expectations each of them bring to their "one year term," and neither can credit the reasons they seem to mesh so well. Can Chatham remain faithful and sober long enough to allow them to forge a future together? Will they wish to make it a more permanent arrangement? And, if so, can Charlotte abandon the dreams she has held tightly to for so many years?
What I liked:
--- Charlotte was a pistol - she knew what she wanted and how to get it and didn't apologize for being ambitious
--- Transformation of both characters was fun to watch unfold
--- Realistic struggles for that time period and the characters; Chatham's addiction problems were likely the result of his childhood experiences - the depiction of the challenge of overcoming something so ingrained was heartbreaking at times but important to include in this story
--- Amusing h moments where her intellect tries to reconcile putting things into practice
--- Preview into the next book (which made me excited to get my hands on!)
--- STEAMY GOODNESS (oh my!)
What I didn't like as much:
--- It was difficult to like and find Benedict sympathetic - I eventually got there, though
--- Chatham's transformation was a little fast (both his physical and character changes) to be completely realistic
--- I didn't love how critical of herself Charlotte was even after being assured she was desirable
--- Miscommunication angst
Overall, a good rake reformation for the right woman story with some delicious steamy goodness along the way!
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none that I can recall
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
July 20, 2017
wonderful , hearthwarming, so romantic. I loved this book..
September 25, 2017
A Regency rake redemption story. I am probably being overly harsh as I enjoyed the story, but feel like it has been done before and is all too familiar.
The h is a tall, fiery, freckled redhead which makes her seriously out of place in Regency England. The H is a complete and total reprobate as he is an OTT alcoholic gigolo with a rotten mother and distant father. The father is dead, but never loved his son or wife.
The h's social climbing, gasp, American father strong-arms them into a MOC where the hero must be both faithful and alcohol free for a year. His detox which included hallucinations, the shakes and all other symptoms of serious detox was really interesting.
They fall in love pretty darn quickly for me. I guess the nice thing about having a rake that slept his way through the Ton is he knows what to do with a virginal heroine. Did no one ever get STD's in Regency England?
Probably more of a 3, but I'm Goodreads star skinflint right now.
The h is a tall, fiery, freckled redhead which makes her seriously out of place in Regency England. The H is a complete and total reprobate as he is an OTT alcoholic gigolo with a rotten mother and distant father. The father is dead, but never loved his son or wife.
The h's social climbing, gasp, American father strong-arms them into a MOC where the hero must be both faithful and alcohol free for a year. His detox which included hallucinations, the shakes and all other symptoms of serious detox was really interesting.
They fall in love pretty darn quickly for me. I guess the nice thing about having a rake that slept his way through the Ton is he knows what to do with a virginal heroine. Did no one ever get STD's in Regency England?
Probably more of a 3, but I'm Goodreads star skinflint right now.
April 24, 2016
**I was given an ARC of this title by the author in exchange for an honest review - I also purchased a copy of this title as a gift for my Mom**
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I LOVED IT.
To be perfectly honest, I started this book very skeptical that I would like it - I didn't really care for Chatham in the previous books and the first chapter of this book did nothing to endear him to me.
Viscount Chatham, now the Marquess of Rutherford is a drunk, a scoundrel, a rake and a jerk - he survives by gambling, spying and basically whoring himself out to the highest bidder. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about him and he seems to be killing himself by inches. He has just inherited his father's title and has discovered that his father was deeply in debt. He needs a fortune and he needs it fast.
Enter Charlotte Lancaster, Charlotte is a half-American heiress who is in her fifth (and hopefully final) season on the marriage mart. Her father has demanded that she marry a title and does not accept that she has not "taken". Charlotte has no desire to marry and wants to return to America - she has a plan and is just waiting for her father to give up his quest to see her married.
Charlotte's father takes matters into his own hands and offers her hand in marriage to Chatham - her dowry is incredible and in addition he has promised to settle all Chatham's debts when he marries Charlotte. BUT - in order to get her dowry, her father has set some hard fast rules. For one year they must live together and Chatham must remain sober and faithful - break a rule and no dowry.
Charlotte is not happy with this turn of events and at first refuses to marry Chatham, but when her father threatens to cut off support to her aunt and uncle, she agrees.
Charlotte gives 100% to everything she does and that includes her marriage - she still wants to go to America when the year is up - but until then, she wants to restore Chatham's estate and turn a profit. Charlotte is extremely kind to Chatham on the journey to the estate - he is detoxing from drinking and is miserable - this is where I really began to love Charlotte, she is a very loving and generous person. She asks Chatham to be her friend and her partner and at first he refuses, but when he sees Charlotte working so hard to restore the house, he gives in.
The story that follows is a very sweet, steamy and emotional tale of two people who never really felt accepted or in Chatham's case loved, who start out as adversaries who turn into friends and partners and then transition to lovers. There are misunderstandings, assumptions, betrayal, triumphs, truly awful relatives and tears on the road to their HEA - but in the end, they share a love that is so beautiful, it made me sigh and get a little teary eyed.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. The writing is wonderful, the story flows nicely and the love scenes are steamy. I would definitely recommend this book. It has earned a place in my "To Read Again" collection on my kindle - which consists of less than 20 books out of the thousands I have read.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. I LOVED IT.
To be perfectly honest, I started this book very skeptical that I would like it - I didn't really care for Chatham in the previous books and the first chapter of this book did nothing to endear him to me.
Viscount Chatham, now the Marquess of Rutherford is a drunk, a scoundrel, a rake and a jerk - he survives by gambling, spying and basically whoring himself out to the highest bidder. There is absolutely nothing redeeming about him and he seems to be killing himself by inches. He has just inherited his father's title and has discovered that his father was deeply in debt. He needs a fortune and he needs it fast.
Enter Charlotte Lancaster, Charlotte is a half-American heiress who is in her fifth (and hopefully final) season on the marriage mart. Her father has demanded that she marry a title and does not accept that she has not "taken". Charlotte has no desire to marry and wants to return to America - she has a plan and is just waiting for her father to give up his quest to see her married.
Charlotte's father takes matters into his own hands and offers her hand in marriage to Chatham - her dowry is incredible and in addition he has promised to settle all Chatham's debts when he marries Charlotte. BUT - in order to get her dowry, her father has set some hard fast rules. For one year they must live together and Chatham must remain sober and faithful - break a rule and no dowry.
Charlotte is not happy with this turn of events and at first refuses to marry Chatham, but when her father threatens to cut off support to her aunt and uncle, she agrees.
Charlotte gives 100% to everything she does and that includes her marriage - she still wants to go to America when the year is up - but until then, she wants to restore Chatham's estate and turn a profit. Charlotte is extremely kind to Chatham on the journey to the estate - he is detoxing from drinking and is miserable - this is where I really began to love Charlotte, she is a very loving and generous person. She asks Chatham to be her friend and her partner and at first he refuses, but when he sees Charlotte working so hard to restore the house, he gives in.
The story that follows is a very sweet, steamy and emotional tale of two people who never really felt accepted or in Chatham's case loved, who start out as adversaries who turn into friends and partners and then transition to lovers. There are misunderstandings, assumptions, betrayal, triumphs, truly awful relatives and tears on the road to their HEA - but in the end, they share a love that is so beautiful, it made me sigh and get a little teary eyed.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. The writing is wonderful, the story flows nicely and the love scenes are steamy. I would definitely recommend this book. It has earned a place in my "To Read Again" collection on my kindle - which consists of less than 20 books out of the thousands I have read.
February 10, 2025
4.5 stars
The first 2/3rds of this book is delightful. At least, Charlotte and her resigned acceptance of her awkward unmarriagability—five seasons and no interest!—and her machinations to outwit her father’s attorney and scrape together enough money to fulfill her dream of returning to America and starting a business are delightful. She’s intelligent. She’s resourceful. She’s determined.
Chatham, on the other hand, is an undelightful wreck and waste of a man. Unloved by his parents and cut off by his father at the age of 20, he is a drunkard and a gambler and a man with benefactresses who pay him for his prodigious bedroom skills. After inheriting his father’s title and the massive debts that came with it, Chatham has sold everything there is to sell, can’t pay the rent on his rooms in a local gambling palace, and is looking at an early death if he keeps on drinking. He doesn’t seem to mind that idea.
Charlotte’s father has a better use for Chatham. In exchange for making his daughter a marchioness and providing a grandson with a title, Chatham will receive a massive payoff. Massive. Oh, and a couple more stipulations: no drunkenness and no other women for a year, or the money disappears.
The wedding was both tragic and funny. The wedding trip was odiferous. The dilapidated estate in Northumberland was a thrilling challenge to Charlotte and a reminder of Chatham’s every worst memory. I loved it all.
There came a point, though, when the delight faded a little and then faded a little more. After such a promising beginning, driven by character and plot, the story centered around conflict that could have been resolved with a simple question or statement. Instead both main characters assumed each knew what the other wanted and in their disappointment, Chatham acted out and Charlotte withdrew, both nursing pain they had invented for themselves.
I’ve seen the reformation of a rake done more convincingly and I was disappointed by the author choosing the easy route when it came to the emotional conflict, but this was still very, very good and the first 2/3rds of the book was a pure joy to read.
The first 2/3rds of this book is delightful. At least, Charlotte and her resigned acceptance of her awkward unmarriagability—five seasons and no interest!—and her machinations to outwit her father’s attorney and scrape together enough money to fulfill her dream of returning to America and starting a business are delightful. She’s intelligent. She’s resourceful. She’s determined.
Chatham, on the other hand, is an undelightful wreck and waste of a man. Unloved by his parents and cut off by his father at the age of 20, he is a drunkard and a gambler and a man with benefactresses who pay him for his prodigious bedroom skills. After inheriting his father’s title and the massive debts that came with it, Chatham has sold everything there is to sell, can’t pay the rent on his rooms in a local gambling palace, and is looking at an early death if he keeps on drinking. He doesn’t seem to mind that idea.
Charlotte’s father has a better use for Chatham. In exchange for making his daughter a marchioness and providing a grandson with a title, Chatham will receive a massive payoff. Massive. Oh, and a couple more stipulations: no drunkenness and no other women for a year, or the money disappears.
The wedding was both tragic and funny. The wedding trip was odiferous. The dilapidated estate in Northumberland was a thrilling challenge to Charlotte and a reminder of Chatham’s every worst memory. I loved it all.
There came a point, though, when the delight faded a little and then faded a little more. After such a promising beginning, driven by character and plot, the story centered around conflict that could have been resolved with a simple question or statement. Instead both main characters assumed each knew what the other wanted and in their disappointment, Chatham acted out and Charlotte withdrew, both nursing pain they had invented for themselves.
I’ve seen the reformation of a rake done more convincingly and I was disappointed by the author choosing the easy route when it came to the emotional conflict, but this was still very, very good and the first 2/3rds of the book was a pure joy to read.
March 1, 2025
*4.5 stars*
Loved Charlotte and Chatham! This book reminded me a little of Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, so it was amazing!
Loved Charlotte and Chatham! This book reminded me a little of Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, so it was amazing!
August 2, 2025
“Let us wallow in this pile of horse shit together, shall we?”
That was my first book by Elisa Braden, and I enjoyed it very much. It’s a story about an arranged marriage between a devilish rake and a half-American heiress, set up by the girl’s father.
Despite her dowry, Charlotte is a wallflower in her fifth season. She’s very tall with copper hair and freckles — in short, she’s highly unfashionable. Her clumsiness, outspokenness, and interest in trade, politics, and social issues don’t help. Charlotte sees her future as a businesswoman in America, not as a bored aristocrat in England. Unfortunately, that’s not what her father has in mind for her, so he sells her to Benedict Chatham, the debauched new Marquess of Rutherford.
The Marquess is poor as a church mouse and in dire need of money, because he inherited not only his father’s title but also his debts. He has already sold every property and item not entailed and it’s still not enough, so he has basically no choice when Charlotte’s father offers his daughter to him. The conditions of the deal are not ideal, as Chatham has to be faithful, stop drinking, and live with his wife for one year – in the end, however, he agrees. Tired of his existence and anything but healthy, since his lifestyle – whoring, gambling, spying, excessively drinking – is wearing him out, he doesn’t care much anyway.
With almost no money and only two spying servants, the newlyweds move to his run-down property in the wilds of Northumberland and become partners over rebuilding Chetwick Hall and cultivating the land. They are both great main characters with strengths and weaknesses, and it’s beautiful to see their evolving relationship–how they open up to each other, gain trust and respect and companionship, and eventually fall in love.
Unfortunately, they are both so accustomed to feeling lonely, rejected, and unloved, that they just can’t see and believe what they have. Instead, they make false assumptions and spend half the book making life difficult for each other and themselves. On the other hand, there was something good about these false assumptions and misunderstandings: They created many tear-jerking moments full of agony and angst and yearning, especially from Chatham’s perspective. I suffered with him wholeheartedly.
So, after that emotional roller coaster, you can’t expect a very critical objective rating from me. Yes, their persistent blindness to the true feelings of their significant other was annoying. And no, neither Chatham’s smooth transformation from a lazy, physically weak drunkard to a muscular hard-working farmer nor practical-minded Charlotte’s fabulous skills as a cleaner and interior designer and psychologist (she’s a jack of all trades, obviously) were very believable. But seriously, I didn’t care. It’s one of those books.
There are two open issues, though.
The secret of the walking stick. In the beginning, Chatham is using a walking stick. It was mentioned so often and prominently that I was under the impression he needed it to walk. Obviously, that’s not true because he shattered it during the trip to Northumberland and never uses it again.
Who is to blame for the cover design? Even the first attempt was not exactly a hit with the focus on that bushy armpit hair you just can’t unsee. The second one? It’s so much worse, really, I even wish the armpit hair back! (I wonder if that’s what happened when you asked an early AI to create a photorealistic picture of a devilish rake with turquoise eyes. Way to go, huh?)
“I am looking at you. […] Always. Even when I close my eyes, you are burned into me. I see nothing else.” He wished he were in control of what he said. But all his years of insouciant aplomb, of calculated observation and cutting wit, were as nothing. He’d been stripped of everything he’d once been, left raw and exposed and wanting. Wanting her as he’d never wanted anything.
That was my first book by Elisa Braden, and I enjoyed it very much. It’s a story about an arranged marriage between a devilish rake and a half-American heiress, set up by the girl’s father.
Despite her dowry, Charlotte is a wallflower in her fifth season. She’s very tall with copper hair and freckles — in short, she’s highly unfashionable. Her clumsiness, outspokenness, and interest in trade, politics, and social issues don’t help. Charlotte sees her future as a businesswoman in America, not as a bored aristocrat in England. Unfortunately, that’s not what her father has in mind for her, so he sells her to Benedict Chatham, the debauched new Marquess of Rutherford.
The Marquess is poor as a church mouse and in dire need of money, because he inherited not only his father’s title but also his debts. He has already sold every property and item not entailed and it’s still not enough, so he has basically no choice when Charlotte’s father offers his daughter to him. The conditions of the deal are not ideal, as Chatham has to be faithful, stop drinking, and live with his wife for one year – in the end, however, he agrees. Tired of his existence and anything but healthy, since his lifestyle – whoring, gambling, spying, excessively drinking – is wearing him out, he doesn’t care much anyway.
With almost no money and only two spying servants, the newlyweds move to his run-down property in the wilds of Northumberland and become partners over rebuilding Chetwick Hall and cultivating the land. They are both great main characters with strengths and weaknesses, and it’s beautiful to see their evolving relationship–how they open up to each other, gain trust and respect and companionship, and eventually fall in love.
Unfortunately, they are both so accustomed to feeling lonely, rejected, and unloved, that they just can’t see and believe what they have. Instead, they make false assumptions and spend half the book making life difficult for each other and themselves. On the other hand, there was something good about these false assumptions and misunderstandings: They created many tear-jerking moments full of agony and angst and yearning, especially from Chatham’s perspective. I suffered with him wholeheartedly.
So, after that emotional roller coaster, you can’t expect a very critical objective rating from me. Yes, their persistent blindness to the true feelings of their significant other was annoying. And no, neither Chatham’s smooth transformation from a lazy, physically weak drunkard to a muscular hard-working farmer nor practical-minded Charlotte’s fabulous skills as a cleaner and interior designer and psychologist (she’s a jack of all trades, obviously) were very believable. But seriously, I didn’t care. It’s one of those books.
There are two open issues, though.
The secret of the walking stick. In the beginning, Chatham is using a walking stick. It was mentioned so often and prominently that I was under the impression he needed it to walk. Obviously, that’s not true because he shattered it during the trip to Northumberland and never uses it again.
Who is to blame for the cover design? Even the first attempt was not exactly a hit with the focus on that bushy armpit hair you just can’t unsee. The second one? It’s so much worse, really, I even wish the armpit hair back! (I wonder if that’s what happened when you asked an early AI to create a photorealistic picture of a devilish rake with turquoise eyes. Way to go, huh?)
“I am looking at you. […] Always. Even when I close my eyes, you are burned into me. I see nothing else.” He wished he were in control of what he said. But all his years of insouciant aplomb, of calculated observation and cutting wit, were as nothing. He’d been stripped of everything he’d once been, left raw and exposed and wanting. Wanting her as he’d never wanted anything.
gave-up
January 27, 2021Some friends whose opinions I trust recommended this book, primarily for the "St. Vincent-like" hero. Could any man approach the rakish perfection of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent? (Hero in Lisa Kleypas's magnificent Devil in Winter)
Well, I'll just have to wait until I can read it, because the audiobook, narrated by Mary Sarah, will not do. Clearly, she is not British, and her efforts to speak in a British accent are execrable. I think even I (a native of Texas!) could do a better job.
After ten minutes, I gave up and returned the book to Audible. I will read it someday, in hopes that Benedict Chatham will not disappoint.
Well, I'll just have to wait until I can read it, because the audiobook, narrated by Mary Sarah, will not do. Clearly, she is not British, and her efforts to speak in a British accent are execrable. I think even I (a native of Texas!) could do a better job.
After ten minutes, I gave up and returned the book to Audible. I will read it someday, in hopes that Benedict Chatham will not disappoint.
November 22, 2017
Well, I didn't like this book as much as I had hoped I would from the reviews I read. I'm hovering around the 2.5 to 3 stars mark. My first Elisa Braden. And the armpit hair on the cover makes me smile every time I see it. I'm laughing again (in a tolerant way) as I think about it now. What were they thinking?? Oh well, at least it's a memorable cover.
Benedict Chatham is at a really low point in his life. He may be a marquess, but he's also totally dead broke, and has sunk to the level of taking money from ladies for his *ahem* services. The implication being that his equipment and services are pretty darned good. (Oh, and he has pretty good armpit hair as well too, LOL). Sadly Ben has experienced very little real love in his life, despite all of his sexual experience. His mother is a real charmer (not!) More like a selfish snake. Ben's tendency to drown his sorrows has led to what appears to be alcoholism. But in spite of it all, as a reader you kinda like Ben. His character could have been repulsive, but he's not. You do feel some sympathy for him.
Charlotte Lancaster is the daughter of an English mother (now dead) and an American father, a very, very rich American father. Who is desperate for her to marry a title. But somehow Charlotte just doesn't 'take'. With few social skills or graces, she sticks out like a sore thumb with her freckles, red hair and unusual height. Charlotte is taller than many men, and she towers over most women. Her father has given her time to catch a titled man, but when there is no sign of that happening after five seasons, he decides to buy one instead. And that man ends up being Benedict Chatham.
I actually didn't mind this storyline. These sorts of things definitely happened, and much as it went against the grain with both Charlotte and Ben, they were both pretty much forced into their marriage as the alternatives were almost non-existent. And you can well imagine that in such a situation, they would try to make the best of things.
But somehow as their marriage proceeded, my interest in the book started to slip away. Yes, there was plenty of sexual tension, although at times it seemed a bit too manufactured to me. But all of the stuff about the cleaning and repairing the house and making a go of the farm just seemed too much of a stretch for me. They just were able to achieve too much with very few resources in a short space of time. What, suddenly the property is a huge money-making success in a few months?? Yeah, right..... I struggled with that.
I can't really pin down exactly why my interest in the book waned, although the stuff I just mentioned certainly contributed. But after a while I just found myself not caring very much about them, and I started skimming a little. :/ But I did finish the book. Overall, it was a promising start that fizzled out for me. I will consider reading more books by this author in the future, but not just yet.
Benedict Chatham is at a really low point in his life. He may be a marquess, but he's also totally dead broke, and has sunk to the level of taking money from ladies for his *ahem* services. The implication being that his equipment and services are pretty darned good. (Oh, and he has pretty good armpit hair as well too, LOL). Sadly Ben has experienced very little real love in his life, despite all of his sexual experience. His mother is a real charmer (not!) More like a selfish snake. Ben's tendency to drown his sorrows has led to what appears to be alcoholism. But in spite of it all, as a reader you kinda like Ben. His character could have been repulsive, but he's not. You do feel some sympathy for him.
Charlotte Lancaster is the daughter of an English mother (now dead) and an American father, a very, very rich American father. Who is desperate for her to marry a title. But somehow Charlotte just doesn't 'take'. With few social skills or graces, she sticks out like a sore thumb with her freckles, red hair and unusual height. Charlotte is taller than many men, and she towers over most women. Her father has given her time to catch a titled man, but when there is no sign of that happening after five seasons, he decides to buy one instead. And that man ends up being Benedict Chatham.
I actually didn't mind this storyline. These sorts of things definitely happened, and much as it went against the grain with both Charlotte and Ben, they were both pretty much forced into their marriage as the alternatives were almost non-existent. And you can well imagine that in such a situation, they would try to make the best of things.
But somehow as their marriage proceeded, my interest in the book started to slip away. Yes, there was plenty of sexual tension, although at times it seemed a bit too manufactured to me. But all of the stuff about the cleaning and repairing the house and making a go of the farm just seemed too much of a stretch for me. They just were able to achieve too much with very few resources in a short space of time. What, suddenly the property is a huge money-making success in a few months?? Yeah, right..... I struggled with that.
I can't really pin down exactly why my interest in the book waned, although the stuff I just mentioned certainly contributed. But after a while I just found myself not caring very much about them, and I started skimming a little. :/ But I did finish the book. Overall, it was a promising start that fizzled out for me. I will consider reading more books by this author in the future, but not just yet.
April 12, 2024
5 Stars for this devilish Marquess and his equally devilish Marchioness!
I have read this book five times, and each time I have enjoyed it immensely!
Plot Summary
Benedict Chatham, the Marquess of Rutherford, has inherited a beggared estate. Known for his notoriety, drinking, gambling and seducing, his exploits are legendary. Charlotte Lancaster, the too tall, too clumsy and too firmly on the shelf daughter of an American merchant, has no intention to marry for a title or marry at all, not that anyone has offered for her. All she wants to do is go to America and start a business. Until her father intervenes, making an offer to Chatham he cannot possibly refuse, marriage to Charlotte, one year of sobriety, one year of fidelity, and two hundred thousand pounds in dowry payable after the year is out, after all, Mr Lancaster is a successful businessman, not an idiot! As these two misfits embark on a marriage of convenience, love can blossom at the unlikeliest of the places, even a decrepit estate in Northumberland!
My Thoughts
- Oh my God, this book is amazing. How does Elisa Braden do it? One riveting book after another. The story is lovely, and this book is my favourite in the series.
- The marriage of convenience & fortune hunter tropes are a match made in heaven for the HR genre and what an amalgamation of tropes it was.
- The writing, as usual, is great, the pacing, is brilliant and as a reader, you never get bored. There is sardonic, sarcastic & wry humour aplenty
- Certain books hook you on with the story and others that hook you with the characters. This was an excellent example of the latter. Ms Braden created these highly unusual main characters and ran with them. This story is all about Chatham & Charlotte.
- The character development & personal growth, their individuality, interaction and chemistry is what made this story enthralling.
- The best thing about this was that the couple became friends with each other, worked together, spoke honestly before falling in love. The dating like element was so lovely, you feel the love brewing. This was what made it believably beautiful.
- Both of them were coming from a place of being unwanted and the only point they danced around was emotional vulnerability. I get it, it's difficult to accept that someone wants & loves you for you if you have not experienced it. The therapist in me was rejoicing! So much that the big misunderstanding did not bother me at all (as most of the time it's stupid).
- The secondary characters of Lord Tannerbrook & Viola set up a nice background for the next book and as always Lady Walligham was entertaining as hell.
- This book had more chapters from the male lead POV and thank God for that, the previous books lacked that, I prefer equal distribution, as it sets up the story quite nicely and you get a wholesome understanding of the couple.
- The only thing I hated about this book was the cover, it's ugly!
The Hero
This Marquess really was the devil, extremely intelligent, without a shred of gentlemanly behaviour, a known degenerate and completely unapologetic. Jaded to the point of being unfeeling, Chatham was a perfect lone wolf. I enjoyed his sarcastic comments, blatant acceptance of his circumstances, attempts at being better, struggles, his interactions with Charlotte, his friendship with Peter & Emma, his jealousy and everything else. I loved every damned thing about him. A poster child for abandonment issues, Chatham was an angsty hero done right with project written all over him.
The Heroine
Charlotte was a perfect example of a strong heroine. If this girl was was not around, I swear Chatham would have died. She took things in stride, managed her circumstances with dignity & courage, persevered until she was successful. She does what she wants, says what she wants and finds her way, no misish behaviour, no whining, she was a perfect independent female lead. I felt for her every step of the way!
My Recommendation
I would have written more, but it's 3:00 am here and my brain is not working as well as it should. All I will say is this, read this book, you shall love it and know why I am gushing over it. Staring the next one - When a Girl Loves an Earl!
I have read this book five times, and each time I have enjoyed it immensely!
Plot Summary
Benedict Chatham, the Marquess of Rutherford, has inherited a beggared estate. Known for his notoriety, drinking, gambling and seducing, his exploits are legendary. Charlotte Lancaster, the too tall, too clumsy and too firmly on the shelf daughter of an American merchant, has no intention to marry for a title or marry at all, not that anyone has offered for her. All she wants to do is go to America and start a business. Until her father intervenes, making an offer to Chatham he cannot possibly refuse, marriage to Charlotte, one year of sobriety, one year of fidelity, and two hundred thousand pounds in dowry payable after the year is out, after all, Mr Lancaster is a successful businessman, not an idiot! As these two misfits embark on a marriage of convenience, love can blossom at the unlikeliest of the places, even a decrepit estate in Northumberland!
My Thoughts
- Oh my God, this book is amazing. How does Elisa Braden do it? One riveting book after another. The story is lovely, and this book is my favourite in the series.
- The marriage of convenience & fortune hunter tropes are a match made in heaven for the HR genre and what an amalgamation of tropes it was.
- The writing, as usual, is great, the pacing, is brilliant and as a reader, you never get bored. There is sardonic, sarcastic & wry humour aplenty
- Certain books hook you on with the story and others that hook you with the characters. This was an excellent example of the latter. Ms Braden created these highly unusual main characters and ran with them. This story is all about Chatham & Charlotte.
- The character development & personal growth, their individuality, interaction and chemistry is what made this story enthralling.
- The best thing about this was that the couple became friends with each other, worked together, spoke honestly before falling in love. The dating like element was so lovely, you feel the love brewing. This was what made it believably beautiful.
- Both of them were coming from a place of being unwanted and the only point they danced around was emotional vulnerability. I get it, it's difficult to accept that someone wants & loves you for you if you have not experienced it. The therapist in me was rejoicing! So much that the big misunderstanding did not bother me at all (as most of the time it's stupid).
- The secondary characters of Lord Tannerbrook & Viola set up a nice background for the next book and as always Lady Walligham was entertaining as hell.
- This book had more chapters from the male lead POV and thank God for that, the previous books lacked that, I prefer equal distribution, as it sets up the story quite nicely and you get a wholesome understanding of the couple.
- The only thing I hated about this book was the cover, it's ugly!
The Hero
This Marquess really was the devil, extremely intelligent, without a shred of gentlemanly behaviour, a known degenerate and completely unapologetic. Jaded to the point of being unfeeling, Chatham was a perfect lone wolf. I enjoyed his sarcastic comments, blatant acceptance of his circumstances, attempts at being better, struggles, his interactions with Charlotte, his friendship with Peter & Emma, his jealousy and everything else. I loved every damned thing about him. A poster child for abandonment issues, Chatham was an angsty hero done right with project written all over him.
The Heroine
Charlotte was a perfect example of a strong heroine. If this girl was was not around, I swear Chatham would have died. She took things in stride, managed her circumstances with dignity & courage, persevered until she was successful. She does what she wants, says what she wants and finds her way, no misish behaviour, no whining, she was a perfect independent female lead. I felt for her every step of the way!
My Recommendation
I would have written more, but it's 3:00 am here and my brain is not working as well as it should. All I will say is this, read this book, you shall love it and know why I am gushing over it. Staring the next one - When a Girl Loves an Earl!
April 24, 2024
This is by no means a bad review, or a complaint, just an observation on a new-to-me author. This is my second book by Elisa Braden, and I see a pattern that she likes to give us flawed characters. Which is not bad in itself, otherwise every character in every book tends to read the same. But the first book I read, Book 2, had a very short, fat, plain-faced heroine matched with a tall, gorgeous hero. I often felt pity for the heroine, which is not what I necessarily want while reading. I like to escape reality into a fairytale land and leave such glaring physical flaws behind. While I loved the love story in Book 2, I often felt her humiliation and pitied her. 😩
This book here starts by introducing our heroine Charlotte as “orange hair, freckled skin, and freakish height had deemed her unfashionable and unattractive. A tendency toward clumsiness had resulted in the crushing of many a gentleman’s toes”. But then the story thankfully went on to focus more on conveying to me how sweet the heroine’s personality was, how she was slow to anger, quick to forgive, very quick witted and had a logical approach to business ideas, blunt yet not rude, loved chatting in bed before falling asleep (before becoming intimate). She initially disliked the hero yet had compassion for him during his painful withdrawals. Because of her physical characteristics, she has gone thru life feeling undesirable and wanted desperately to be loved.
The hero, thankfully taller than the freakishly tall heroine, Benedict Chatham, grew up without a single experience of any one person loving him. He suffered from racing thoughts and learned early on to dull the anxiety and panic with alcohol. So he spent his life flouting society’s rules and marinating in drink and debauchery early on… to then inherit his late fathers debts that literally bankrupted him. Which leads to his grudging acceptance of the marriage of convenience from the heroines father.
There were so many quotes that I highlighted, but too many to post here. The writing is just superb, full of dry humor, blunt honesty, silent stares full of emotion, I loved that he remembered what she was wearing the first time he saw her too. 😍
“He liked that he could feel her eyes on him in odd moments, and when he met her gaze, she would smile instead of looking away” 🙂
“I only want two things - a drink and a f**k. Unless you plan to give me either or both in great abundance, I suggest you keep your distance” 🤭
“I long wondered what ladies found so irresistible in you,” she remarked. “Now I see it. You insult them until they swoon” 😆
Next up is petite Viola and mountainous Tannenbrook’s story. I can’t wait!
This book here starts by introducing our heroine Charlotte as “orange hair, freckled skin, and freakish height had deemed her unfashionable and unattractive. A tendency toward clumsiness had resulted in the crushing of many a gentleman’s toes”. But then the story thankfully went on to focus more on conveying to me how sweet the heroine’s personality was, how she was slow to anger, quick to forgive, very quick witted and had a logical approach to business ideas, blunt yet not rude, loved chatting in bed before falling asleep (before becoming intimate). She initially disliked the hero yet had compassion for him during his painful withdrawals. Because of her physical characteristics, she has gone thru life feeling undesirable and wanted desperately to be loved.
The hero, thankfully taller than the freakishly tall heroine, Benedict Chatham, grew up without a single experience of any one person loving him. He suffered from racing thoughts and learned early on to dull the anxiety and panic with alcohol. So he spent his life flouting society’s rules and marinating in drink and debauchery early on… to then inherit his late fathers debts that literally bankrupted him. Which leads to his grudging acceptance of the marriage of convenience from the heroines father.
There were so many quotes that I highlighted, but too many to post here. The writing is just superb, full of dry humor, blunt honesty, silent stares full of emotion, I loved that he remembered what she was wearing the first time he saw her too. 😍
“He liked that he could feel her eyes on him in odd moments, and when he met her gaze, she would smile instead of looking away” 🙂
“I only want two things - a drink and a f**k. Unless you plan to give me either or both in great abundance, I suggest you keep your distance” 🤭
“I long wondered what ladies found so irresistible in you,” she remarked. “Now I see it. You insult them until they swoon” 😆
Next up is petite Viola and mountainous Tannenbrook’s story. I can’t wait!
October 2, 2021
I'm actually super impressed by this book. The smut is glorious and far better than I thought.
And it's not that usual you got a recovering alcoholic protagonist in a historical romance. Paired that with a crumbling estate and marriage of convenience, you got an interesting story to be told.
And it's not that usual you got a recovering alcoholic protagonist in a historical romance. Paired that with a crumbling estate and marriage of convenience, you got an interesting story to be told.
May 1, 2022
The Devil is a Marquess is book 4 in the Rescued from Ruin series and it seems to be a fan favorite! I’ve enjoyed the series so far and this book was no exception. A marriage of convenience with a 1 year timeline, forced proximity, some angst, the tension, the chemistry, the banter. All the yum for Chatham and Charlotte!
Benedict Chatham, Marquess of Rutherford, is deeply in debt and must marry for money immediately. Enter Miss Charlotte Lancaster, an unfashionably tall heiress to just such a fortune, and a clumsy, redheaded disaster in her already five London seasons. Chatham ends up making a deal with Charlotte’s father for a marriage of convenience with some stipulations. Both are hoping to get through the year of marriage and go their separate ways…but of course we know how that’ll go.
These 2 were a lot of fun, I loved the friendship and bond they form while spending time together. Chatham is the type of hero who doesn’t know what love is and Charlotte is about to prove to him he is capable of giving/feeling love, and lovable too. A fire, a complicated relationship with his mother, a deal, a slow burn romance.
Benedict Chatham, Marquess of Rutherford, is deeply in debt and must marry for money immediately. Enter Miss Charlotte Lancaster, an unfashionably tall heiress to just such a fortune, and a clumsy, redheaded disaster in her already five London seasons. Chatham ends up making a deal with Charlotte’s father for a marriage of convenience with some stipulations. Both are hoping to get through the year of marriage and go their separate ways…but of course we know how that’ll go.
These 2 were a lot of fun, I loved the friendship and bond they form while spending time together. Chatham is the type of hero who doesn’t know what love is and Charlotte is about to prove to him he is capable of giving/feeling love, and lovable too. A fire, a complicated relationship with his mother, a deal, a slow burn romance.
January 26, 2023
2.80
I struggled to get invested during the first couple of chapters. I skimmed through some parts in the book as well. It's a book I can see myself enjoying after a few rereads.
I liked the heroine. She's practical, sensible, intelligent, and a go-getter. Some of the things she says made me chuckle. I pitied the hero, who inherited his father's debts, has no friends, and has never known love. It's quite sad that he has no friends. Most HR heroes have at least one friend or a male relative to lean on, but poor Chatham has no one...until he married Charlotte. I like that the heroine wasn't shy about sharing a bed with her husband (not in a sexual way) and that she enjoys speaking to him before they fall asleep. I absolutely dislike the hero's mother. Ugh! Her only purpose was to cause drama between our main characters. There was some angst, but I wanted more!
There are three scenes with Viola Darling and Tannenbrook and I'm already intrigued! I can't wait to read their book, which is next in the series.
I struggled to get invested during the first couple of chapters. I skimmed through some parts in the book as well. It's a book I can see myself enjoying after a few rereads.
I liked the heroine. She's practical, sensible, intelligent, and a go-getter. Some of the things she says made me chuckle. I pitied the hero, who inherited his father's debts, has no friends, and has never known love. It's quite sad that he has no friends. Most HR heroes have at least one friend or a male relative to lean on, but poor Chatham has no one...until he married Charlotte. I like that the heroine wasn't shy about sharing a bed with her husband (not in a sexual way) and that she enjoys speaking to him before they fall asleep. I absolutely dislike the hero's mother. Ugh! Her only purpose was to cause drama between our main characters. There was some angst, but I wanted more!
There are three scenes with Viola Darling and Tannenbrook and I'm already intrigued! I can't wait to read their book, which is next in the series.
March 10, 2019
Book #4 of this series that I am reading out of order,but ever since I came across this alcholic,gigolo peer of the realm in the first book of this series,he called to me.I wanted to see how his character would be redeemed .
Great pairing between the rich half American Amazon sized redhead and the drunkard penniless Marquess. True love is when you save your beloved's silver flask with her name on it and her initials and flower imprint is burned onto your hand, thus marking you as hers forever!!
Great pairing between the rich half American Amazon sized redhead and the drunkard penniless Marquess. True love is when you save your beloved's silver flask with her name on it and her initials and flower imprint is burned onto your hand, thus marking you as hers forever!!
November 22, 2018
3.75 Stars. I much preferred this to the first two books in the series, but I still had some niggles. Good storyline, not terribly fond of the storytelling still. Some of the phrasing seems off to me, but I enjoyed this overall.
February 7, 2024
Feb. 5, 2024 reread:
It holds up and I liked it better the second time because I feel like I appreciated the couple more. I just remembered reading this for the first time and feeling surprised the sexy moments were later. Now I don’t even agree with some parts of my original review 😝 because the farming stuff was interesting to me now 🤷🏻♀️
The couple were good-humoured and practical but that didn’t mean their attraction or big miscommunication was missing anything.
Favourite tingle moments:
“You are Meg”
Chatham grabbing the flask during a fire. God bless 😭
Esther calling the solicitor because Chatham keeps dragging Charlotte into empty rooms, locks the door for hours at a time, and her mistress is caterwauling. 😭😭 This was so funny but also so hot I’m not going to analyze further.
Also I remember really loving Viola and Tannebrook in this book and feeling disappointed by their book. Now rereading this, I find their relationship kind of embarrassing. I think I just liked that the heroine was actively pursuing the hero.
Feb 27, 2021: Loved the opening chapters, got a little bored when Chatham was becoming a farmer, but then things picked up when Chatham was focused on seducing Charlotte to stay with him. This was a very enjoyable and sizzling read. Elisa Braden has a major talent for writing jealous, possessive heroes, and only 1 of the 4 books I've read by far have been meh. I loved Chatham and felt the chemistry between him and Charlotte. I almost wish I read this series in order so I could enjoy Chatham's own story a bit more.
It holds up and I liked it better the second time because I feel like I appreciated the couple more. I just remembered reading this for the first time and feeling surprised the sexy moments were later. Now I don’t even agree with some parts of my original review 😝 because the farming stuff was interesting to me now 🤷🏻♀️
The couple were good-humoured and practical but that didn’t mean their attraction or big miscommunication was missing anything.
Favourite tingle moments:
“You are Meg”
Chatham grabbing the flask during a fire. God bless 😭
Esther calling the solicitor because Chatham keeps dragging Charlotte into empty rooms, locks the door for hours at a time, and her mistress is caterwauling. 😭😭 This was so funny but also so hot I’m not going to analyze further.
Also I remember really loving Viola and Tannebrook in this book and feeling disappointed by their book. Now rereading this, I find their relationship kind of embarrassing. I think I just liked that the heroine was actively pursuing the hero.
Feb 27, 2021: Loved the opening chapters, got a little bored when Chatham was becoming a farmer, but then things picked up when Chatham was focused on seducing Charlotte to stay with him. This was a very enjoyable and sizzling read. Elisa Braden has a major talent for writing jealous, possessive heroes, and only 1 of the 4 books I've read by far have been meh. I loved Chatham and felt the chemistry between him and Charlotte. I almost wish I read this series in order so I could enjoy Chatham's own story a bit more.
July 13, 2021
LOVELY.
I loved every little predictable thing in this swoonfest of a historical romance.
EVERYTHING.
Best comforting read really, just enough angst to make your heart miss a beat and hot makeup love scenes to make you arrhythmic. (HOT HOT HOT)
A despicable hero who truly redeems himself and a glorious strong-willed courageous heroine trapped into a marriage of convenience engaging in the most delicious slow burn. CHIEF's KISS.
READ THE BOOK.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
I loved every little predictable thing in this swoonfest of a historical romance.
EVERYTHING.
Best comforting read really, just enough angst to make your heart miss a beat and hot makeup love scenes to make you arrhythmic. (HOT HOT HOT)
A despicable hero who truly redeems himself and a glorious strong-willed courageous heroine trapped into a marriage of convenience engaging in the most delicious slow burn. CHIEF's KISS.
READ THE BOOK.
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
April 29, 2016
'The Devil is a Marquess' is the fourth instalment in Elisa Braden's 'Rescued from Ruin' series and continues the high standard set by each of the previous stories. I absolutely loved it! It can be read as a stand alone but I definitely recommend reading the first three simply because they are brilliant.
Chatham was introduced in the first book 'The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne' and plays a part in each of the subsequent books. He was portrayed as such a dissolute (but intriguing) character that it was difficult to imagine how he could be redeemed. Described as tall, thin and perpetually intoxicated it was impossible to see how he could be desirable as a hero. Elisa manages to do it and in a spectacular and believable fashion.
The basic premise of the story is that Chatham has recently inherited his father’s title and debts and is fast sinking into dun territory. Despite his brilliant mind he has no source of income except via gaming, selling secrets and women. He is offered a lifeline by Charlotte's father. Marry Charlotte and in exchange for his title his debts would be paid along with a potential addition of £200,000. The only stipulation? Stay sober and faithful for one year. Feeling sobriety would be more difficult than faithfulness Chatham nevertheless seizes the opportunity.
Enter Charlotte. Charlotte is a refreshing breath of fresh air as a heroine. She has her troubles – being seen as too tall, too clumsy and too American to be desirable to potential suitors, she has always felt like an outsider. Her greatest desire is to return to America [even though she has not been there since she was 5] where she feels she will finally be accepted. She is appalled when told she will have to marry Chatham and does her level best to avoid this fate. However, when she realises she cannot dissuade her father, she decides to make the best of things and make as good a life as she can with Chatham until she is free in one year.
This is where I found Charlotte so refreshing. This is all resolved in the first part of the book. Charlotte quickly realises that there is much more to Chatham than meets the eye and recognises his potential. Forced to spend the year on a rundown estate – the only thing Chatham has been unable to sell off – Charlotte resolves to help him rejuvenate the house and lands with no clear benefit to herself since she will be off to America in a year. Despite Chatham’s attempts to discourage her she stays optimistic.
Chatham himself is initially resistant to the idea until Charlotte’s determination and faith makes him have a hard look at himself [even though there are reasons he became this way] and he slowly realises how satisfying it is to physically work hard and achieve something for himself.
What follows is a beautiful story of how two initially resistant people become friends and then fall in love. I really liked the fact that there are no real heroics – just a sincere tale of a man overcoming his demons and gaining a sense of self worth with the friendship and love of a woman who does not judge him, but supports and encourages him. She is exactly what Chatham needed and in turn Charlotte needed Chatham to prove to her that she is desirable and wanted in her own right. Elisa has filled the book with beautiful moments – the flask, the late night conversations – which portray their developing relationship. What is important is that Charlotte doesn’t set out to change Chatham – she simply brings out his innate good qualities - he can still be irresistibly devilish when he wants to be!
They are helped along by a wonderful cast of side characters who each help Charlotte and Chatham realise how perfect they are for each other. I loved Peter and Emma especially. I loved the unlikely friendship between Chatham and Peter and their banter is really humorous.
The book has its share of misunderstandings which are resolved realistically and quickly, and laugh out loud humour – Mr Pryor’s visit a particular high point! The asides from Lady Wallingham at the beginning of each chapter are also hilarious!
I completely fell in love with Benedict Chatham and he and Charlotte make a wonderful couple. I absolutely recommend this wonderful story and if you have not had an opportunity to read Elisa’s previous books – you should go and snap them up immediately. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! I am waiting with bated breath for Viola and Tannenbrook’s story.
I was very generously given an ARC by the author for my honest review
Chatham was introduced in the first book 'The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne' and plays a part in each of the subsequent books. He was portrayed as such a dissolute (but intriguing) character that it was difficult to imagine how he could be redeemed. Described as tall, thin and perpetually intoxicated it was impossible to see how he could be desirable as a hero. Elisa manages to do it and in a spectacular and believable fashion.
The basic premise of the story is that Chatham has recently inherited his father’s title and debts and is fast sinking into dun territory. Despite his brilliant mind he has no source of income except via gaming, selling secrets and women. He is offered a lifeline by Charlotte's father. Marry Charlotte and in exchange for his title his debts would be paid along with a potential addition of £200,000. The only stipulation? Stay sober and faithful for one year. Feeling sobriety would be more difficult than faithfulness Chatham nevertheless seizes the opportunity.
Enter Charlotte. Charlotte is a refreshing breath of fresh air as a heroine. She has her troubles – being seen as too tall, too clumsy and too American to be desirable to potential suitors, she has always felt like an outsider. Her greatest desire is to return to America [even though she has not been there since she was 5] where she feels she will finally be accepted. She is appalled when told she will have to marry Chatham and does her level best to avoid this fate. However, when she realises she cannot dissuade her father, she decides to make the best of things and make as good a life as she can with Chatham until she is free in one year.
This is where I found Charlotte so refreshing. This is all resolved in the first part of the book. Charlotte quickly realises that there is much more to Chatham than meets the eye and recognises his potential. Forced to spend the year on a rundown estate – the only thing Chatham has been unable to sell off – Charlotte resolves to help him rejuvenate the house and lands with no clear benefit to herself since she will be off to America in a year. Despite Chatham’s attempts to discourage her she stays optimistic.
Chatham himself is initially resistant to the idea until Charlotte’s determination and faith makes him have a hard look at himself [even though there are reasons he became this way] and he slowly realises how satisfying it is to physically work hard and achieve something for himself.
What follows is a beautiful story of how two initially resistant people become friends and then fall in love. I really liked the fact that there are no real heroics – just a sincere tale of a man overcoming his demons and gaining a sense of self worth with the friendship and love of a woman who does not judge him, but supports and encourages him. She is exactly what Chatham needed and in turn Charlotte needed Chatham to prove to her that she is desirable and wanted in her own right. Elisa has filled the book with beautiful moments – the flask, the late night conversations – which portray their developing relationship. What is important is that Charlotte doesn’t set out to change Chatham – she simply brings out his innate good qualities - he can still be irresistibly devilish when he wants to be!
They are helped along by a wonderful cast of side characters who each help Charlotte and Chatham realise how perfect they are for each other. I loved Peter and Emma especially. I loved the unlikely friendship between Chatham and Peter and their banter is really humorous.
The book has its share of misunderstandings which are resolved realistically and quickly, and laugh out loud humour – Mr Pryor’s visit a particular high point! The asides from Lady Wallingham at the beginning of each chapter are also hilarious!
I completely fell in love with Benedict Chatham and he and Charlotte make a wonderful couple. I absolutely recommend this wonderful story and if you have not had an opportunity to read Elisa’s previous books – you should go and snap them up immediately. I guarantee you will not be disappointed! I am waiting with bated breath for Viola and Tannenbrook’s story.
I was very generously given an ARC by the author for my honest review
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