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English Rose #2
Ruination of a Rogue
Her God mother’s annual Twelfth Night house party and ball is Miss Maria Lightowler’s best chance of finding a husband who will secure her future. If she can transform herself from wild country girl to elegant lady, perhaps she can pull it off. Not to mention a magic pendant professed to find your soulmate she may have a chance. With no dowry, the man she marries must have enough of a fortune, so Maria need not worried about those things she went without as a child. From the moment the guests begin to arrive, one unworthy man seems determined to stand in her way. What he obviously lacks in funds, he makes up for in charisma, but Maria repeatedly strikes him from her list.
Lord LaZander Rothchild, Viscount Milford is hiding. His hope is it will only be until the potential scandal in London dies down. Since his father went ill, Zander has been the victim of too many marriage traps to count. Now at his aunt’s annual match making extravaganza, he hopes to avoid most of the guests until he can sneak back into the city. His aunt, unfortunately, has other ideas. Luckily, because of his propensity to be embroiled in so many mishaps, the marriage-minded mamas at the house party have blacklisted him concerning their daughters. However, one beautiful and tempting young woman, unaware of him on any level, seems determined to cast him aside as well. While she treats him not as the heir to a Marquess or a man of any real consequence Zander grows determined to prove he is a worthy option and may just set and get trapped in his own marriage scheme.
Lord LaZander Rothchild, Viscount Milford is hiding. His hope is it will only be until the potential scandal in London dies down. Since his father went ill, Zander has been the victim of too many marriage traps to count. Now at his aunt’s annual match making extravaganza, he hopes to avoid most of the guests until he can sneak back into the city. His aunt, unfortunately, has other ideas. Luckily, because of his propensity to be embroiled in so many mishaps, the marriage-minded mamas at the house party have blacklisted him concerning their daughters. However, one beautiful and tempting young woman, unaware of him on any level, seems determined to cast him aside as well. While she treats him not as the heir to a Marquess or a man of any real consequence Zander grows determined to prove he is a worthy option and may just set and get trapped in his own marriage scheme.
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Clair Brett
16 books80 followersFur baby wrangler and historical romance author of 7 published novels, Clair Brett lives in NH with her hard-working husband of 23 years. Her office staff during the day consists of Cinta, a black cat and the matriarch of the fur babies, Mojo, a yellow kitten who spends his day holding Clair down in her seat to get her word count in, a boxer/beagle mix puppy named Willow, who sleeps next to her chair to make it hard to do an Oreo run without doing a pee run as well, Sanibel, a lab mix, who is the HR dept. keeping moral up, and sometimes her “grand dog”, Bailey, an 80 pound shepherd mix who is always up for a good time. When not writing, she tries to keep tabs on her newly minted adult daughters who are working on figuring it all out.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 1, 2021
I Put A Spell💘 On You..Because You're Mine🎶🎶🎶
ADULT Historical Recency Romance💕
She can't help herself!
A warlock's ancient locket with an incantation inside is supposed to help Maria💃💋, daughter of a viscount , find her one true love💘. She is the youngest of four sisters, sent to participate in a winter House party🏰, in hopes of finding a husband.
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷, a rake and somewhat of a wastrel viscount, and heir to a Marquess, is spirited away from his London pursuits of debauchery by his friend and taken to the same house party at his Aunt's country estate🏰.
He is forced by his Aunt to participate in most of the activities. His one bright spot is meeting Maria💃💋, whom he entices into a kiss💋 the first night at a masquerade🎭 dance.
Maria💃💋 can't seem to help herself! When she is around Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷, her rules of propriety go out the window, and she allows him to kiss💋 her again!
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷 wants to do much more than kiss💋 Maria💃💋...EGADS!
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷 is a VERY naughty young man..... He just can't help himself!
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon📚 at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Loved💕 the book! It has just the right amount of sweetness and naughtiness to hold this reader's interest. There were a few historical inaccuracies, but the book is first and foremost a touching, emotional romance from a time long gone by.
ADULT Historical Recency Romance💕
She can't help herself!
A warlock's ancient locket with an incantation inside is supposed to help Maria💃💋, daughter of a viscount , find her one true love💘. She is the youngest of four sisters, sent to participate in a winter House party🏰, in hopes of finding a husband.
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷, a rake and somewhat of a wastrel viscount, and heir to a Marquess, is spirited away from his London pursuits of debauchery by his friend and taken to the same house party at his Aunt's country estate🏰.
He is forced by his Aunt to participate in most of the activities. His one bright spot is meeting Maria💃💋, whom he entices into a kiss💋 the first night at a masquerade🎭 dance.
Maria💃💋 can't seem to help herself! When she is around Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷, her rules of propriety go out the window, and she allows him to kiss💋 her again!
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷 wants to do much more than kiss💋 Maria💃💋...EGADS!
Zander🐺🍆⛲🍷 is a VERY naughty young man..... He just can't help himself!
ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
This ebook was $4.99 on Amazon📚 at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Loved💕 the book! It has just the right amount of sweetness and naughtiness to hold this reader's interest. There were a few historical inaccuracies, but the book is first and foremost a touching, emotional romance from a time long gone by.
July 11, 2021
The Marriage Plan . . .
I thoroughly enjoyed Maria and Zander's journey to love. Each of them was so focused on their own subterfuge that they didn’t fully examine the details of the other’s situation. We see Maria Lightowler trying to pretend to be an elegant lady so she can attract a proper husband. Without a dowry, her intended must have wealth of his own. Lord Zander Rothchild, Viscount Milford, heir to a Marquess, is trying to avoid marriage traps he might encounter if ladies think he is wealthy and titled. Yet one young woman has his full interest since she is obviously trying to ignore him which makes him want to show he is indeed a good catch, forgetting his plan to lay low until he can sneak out of there!
The story line was entertaining and the characters were delightful. How long will Maria keep striking Zander off her list before she gives him a chance to woo her? Grab your copy and see if the two of them can figure out a future with each other.
I thoroughly enjoyed Maria and Zander's journey to love. Each of them was so focused on their own subterfuge that they didn’t fully examine the details of the other’s situation. We see Maria Lightowler trying to pretend to be an elegant lady so she can attract a proper husband. Without a dowry, her intended must have wealth of his own. Lord Zander Rothchild, Viscount Milford, heir to a Marquess, is trying to avoid marriage traps he might encounter if ladies think he is wealthy and titled. Yet one young woman has his full interest since she is obviously trying to ignore him which makes him want to show he is indeed a good catch, forgetting his plan to lay low until he can sneak out of there!
The story line was entertaining and the characters were delightful. How long will Maria keep striking Zander off her list before she gives him a chance to woo her? Grab your copy and see if the two of them can figure out a future with each other.
February 24, 2022
Clair Brett
Ruination of a Rogue (English Rose Series)
Miss Maria Lightowler seeks a husband of fortune and her soulmate all wrapped into one in hopes of avoiding the lack she grew up with. Lord LaZander Rothchild, Viscount Milford is hiding To avoid the scandal in London and the marriage trap. With a magic amulet and a loving but matchmaking aunt, Zander and Maria seem to to be on the path to their happily ever after if only they were being themselves. And who doesn’t love a house party and well meaning relatives!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s a charming, romantic tale filled with two complex people who are trying to be someone else in hopes of finding or avoiding their HEA and letting their true selves shine in this heart stirring story. The characters are absolutely delightful and Maria and Zander had such sweet and spicy chemistry.
The dialogue was smart, flirtatious and witty. The storyline was one that I felt invested in because I as rooting for Maria and Zander. The house party was the perfect setting for this story. I liked that the author highlights how thing go wrong when we aren’t our true selves. The ending in the entire story were magically enchanting!
Thank you so much Ms. Brett for this wonderfully, magical love story. I look forward to reading more of your books.
Ruination of a Rogue (English Rose Series)
Miss Maria Lightowler seeks a husband of fortune and her soulmate all wrapped into one in hopes of avoiding the lack she grew up with. Lord LaZander Rothchild, Viscount Milford is hiding To avoid the scandal in London and the marriage trap. With a magic amulet and a loving but matchmaking aunt, Zander and Maria seem to to be on the path to their happily ever after if only they were being themselves. And who doesn’t love a house party and well meaning relatives!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s a charming, romantic tale filled with two complex people who are trying to be someone else in hopes of finding or avoiding their HEA and letting their true selves shine in this heart stirring story. The characters are absolutely delightful and Maria and Zander had such sweet and spicy chemistry.
The dialogue was smart, flirtatious and witty. The storyline was one that I felt invested in because I as rooting for Maria and Zander. The house party was the perfect setting for this story. I liked that the author highlights how thing go wrong when we aren’t our true selves. The ending in the entire story were magically enchanting!
Thank you so much Ms. Brett for this wonderfully, magical love story. I look forward to reading more of your books.
July 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. A matchmaking house party by his aunt and her godmother led to so much more. Zander left London running away from a marriage trap, without his valet or clothes and ended up at his aunt's house party. He had to borrow clothes and shoes from his uncle and both were too small. Maria and her older sister were at the house party for Maria to find a rich husband, since she had no dowry and was from a relatively poor background. She fell for him, but she thought he was poor, so he wasn't on her list, in spite of her loving him. They had some trysts that were hot. There were complications, but the ending was great. This is the first book I've read from this author, but I hope to read more. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2021
SETTING: About 1815: LONDON
Viscount Milford (Zander Holloway) has become the focus of society’s Moms and daughters, as his father’s illness has made the eventuality of his becoming the Marquess appear to be close at hand. He finds himself at his Aunt’s & Uncle’s house party after escaping yet another trap set by a young woman and her mother.
Maria Lightowler is the youngest of 4 daughters and has arrived at the house party with her married sister with hopes making a match.
CRITIQUE:
A quick read of a Regency era House party where lovers find each other. Usual action of balls, dinners, ice skating while couples begin pairing up. Twist in this story: a charmed necklace that is thought to bring soulmates together. Steamy scenes between the lead male and female characters, make this a book for adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Viscount Milford (Zander Holloway) has become the focus of society’s Moms and daughters, as his father’s illness has made the eventuality of his becoming the Marquess appear to be close at hand. He finds himself at his Aunt’s & Uncle’s house party after escaping yet another trap set by a young woman and her mother.
Maria Lightowler is the youngest of 4 daughters and has arrived at the house party with her married sister with hopes making a match.
CRITIQUE:
A quick read of a Regency era House party where lovers find each other. Usual action of balls, dinners, ice skating while couples begin pairing up. Twist in this story: a charmed necklace that is thought to bring soulmates together. Steamy scenes between the lead male and female characters, make this a book for adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2021
What a lovely story! With the help of his friend, Zander escapes a potentially compromising situation and finds himself at his aunt’s Twelfth Night house party. Maria’s godmother, Lady Sizemere, who is also Zander’s aunt, has outfited Maria with a new wardrobe so that she can find herself a husband at the same party. Renowned for her matchmaking skills, Lady Sizemere uses her house party’s scheduled activities to create unions. In this story we see friendly competition, assignations, a villian, ah-ha moments, surprises, heartache and magic. Oh, and sometimes it is better to embrace who you are rather than contort yourself into someone you think others want you to be. This book is well written, easy to get involved in and has a delightful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2021
4.25 STARS
Enjoyable romp through a ball. Not everyone is as they seem - the h is trying to be what she thinks it will take to attract a husband. The H is hiding he is wealthy and titled. This wasn't an easy stroll to reach HEA.
Romance does build slowly and there is lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5.
No villains in this story, just one jerk who was arrogant. No real suspense, just a story of two people trying to figure out what they are feeling.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. I did enjoy the epilogue about 15 months in the future.
Hopefully this story will have some of the editing issues fixed before it is released.
I received an early copy, all opinions expressed are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Enjoyable romp through a ball. Not everyone is as they seem - the h is trying to be what she thinks it will take to attract a husband. The H is hiding he is wealthy and titled. This wasn't an easy stroll to reach HEA.
Romance does build slowly and there is lovemaking, outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5.
No villains in this story, just one jerk who was arrogant. No real suspense, just a story of two people trying to figure out what they are feeling.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and spice. I did enjoy the epilogue about 15 months in the future.
Hopefully this story will have some of the editing issues fixed before it is released.
I received an early copy, all opinions expressed are my own and freely given. (ljb)
July 3, 2021
Their love is like a kaleidoscopic.
A really fun book to read both Zander and Maria were witty and fun but characters too had so much depth to them. The whole cast of characters was brilliantly written. It was an entertaining piece with just that touch of magic. Zander had been chased and almost caught by too many marriage minded ladies but when Maria does not drop down a worship Zander he decides she is the one he wants. I loved the book but the last page before the epilogue was so touching it was a grand ending. Now will the pendant work its magic again in Constance’s life? I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
A really fun book to read both Zander and Maria were witty and fun but characters too had so much depth to them. The whole cast of characters was brilliantly written. It was an entertaining piece with just that touch of magic. Zander had been chased and almost caught by too many marriage minded ladies but when Maria does not drop down a worship Zander he decides she is the one he wants. I loved the book but the last page before the epilogue was so touching it was a grand ending. Now will the pendant work its magic again in Constance’s life? I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 5, 2021
This story was an absolute delight, from start to finish. The characters were wonderful with great dialogue and witty banter. Maria and Xander meet at a house party given by her godmother ( His aunt)! She is there to hopefully find a match that will provide her financial stability. He is not looking to find one at all, after being constantly bombarded by fortune seeking Mamas and their daughters. Neither can avoid their instant attraction to one another, but neither is thinking anything will come of their acquaintance. It is such fun to watch their love and relationship develop and grow. Just a wonderfully, entertaining read!
August 8, 2021
I enjoyed this entertaining story of Maria and LaZander. Maria comes from a humble background and needs to find a wealthy husband to support her. Zander is a rogue, soon to inherit from a Marquess, trying to avoid marriage. It's not a terribly original theme, but the characters are delightful, and there is a magic amulet to help the cause. I found Zander's pursuit of Maria amusing. He didn't want marriage, but when Maria spurns him (thinking him poor), he decides he must have her and sets out to prove his worth. There are some steamy scenes here, so definitely for 18+.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2021
Its Maria's turn to Fall in love!
It always amuses me when things go wrong for the main characters in a story because of undisclosed truths by them. While this also happens in real life, it is exactly what happens in Zander and Maria's love affair and it is touch and go almost to the very end of the book.
Of course the magic locket must have had something to do with them falling in love in the first place, but they are totally responsible for almost wrecking a perfect chance to have a happy ever after.
This was a really easy and entertaining read and the characters are so endearing and lovable!
I was gifted a copy of this story and my voluntary review is recorded above.
It always amuses me when things go wrong for the main characters in a story because of undisclosed truths by them. While this also happens in real life, it is exactly what happens in Zander and Maria's love affair and it is touch and go almost to the very end of the book.
Of course the magic locket must have had something to do with them falling in love in the first place, but they are totally responsible for almost wrecking a perfect chance to have a happy ever after.
This was a really easy and entertaining read and the characters are so endearing and lovable!
I was gifted a copy of this story and my voluntary review is recorded above.
July 1, 2021
This is a story of a young woman torn between wanting financial security and safety in a marriage and being in love with a poor man. Little does Maria know that Zander isn't poor at all. The two meet at a house party set up for match-making and it is delightful to watch the love between them grow until the find their Happily Ever After.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
Zander, perhaps not the brightest of lords, is continually being almost trapped into marriage. He kind of just goes with the flow and ends up at his aunts twelfth night house party.
Maria is at the same house party, in want of a wealthy husband. She’s dismissed Zander as a potential candidate as he fails to make a favorable impression.
Will Zander man up and work at gaining her favor?
Recommend.
Maria is at the same house party, in want of a wealthy husband. She’s dismissed Zander as a potential candidate as he fails to make a favorable impression.
Will Zander man up and work at gaining her favor?
Recommend.
July 10, 2021
What an enchanting storyline... with wonderful characters... the story goes with our h and H each pretending to be something/someone theyre not. Take the magical journey and watch as all the chaos & fun as it comes to unravel at the ball. See how the obstacles are overcome and decisions are made. I highly recommend this book.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2021
Zander has spent his life escaping the clutches of marriage minded debutantes and mothers. Maria is one such marriage minded young lady who despite her humble beginnings has remade herself in the hope of catching a rich husband. At first glance they appear shallow and uncaring and yet underneath they are both anything but Zander and Maria are both caring and intelligent people whose attraction is instantaneous and soon sparks start to fly.
July 11, 2021
The second book in the English Rose Series a well written story with a very good storyline. Lord LaZander Rothchild, Viscount Milford and Miss Maria Lightowler’s story of a pendant that brings these two together. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2021
A very enjoyable story loved reading it and I would recommend this worth reading it
July 22, 2021
Zander & Maria had a fun, sweet read. This was a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 2, 2021
What a Lovely Romance!
I was truly invested in Maria and Zander's path to love. The author showed how misconceptions and " unspoken" assumptions leads to potential heartbreak. This was a quick read that I couldn't put down!
I was truly invested in Maria and Zander's path to love. The author showed how misconceptions and " unspoken" assumptions leads to potential heartbreak. This was a quick read that I couldn't put down!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews