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Unconventional Ladies #2
My Darling Mr. Darling
Violet Townsend died eight years ago, the day that her father’s will stipulated that she marry a stranger. The last time she laid eyes upon her husband was the eve of their wedding, when he had her shipped off to be educated at an elite finishing school—which turned out to be a nightmare come to life. After engineering a daring escape, Violet reinvented herself to avoid detection, living beneath assumed names, working in menial positions, always on the run…and always aware that her husband had never stopped searching for her.
John Darling had not wanted a wife thrust upon him—particularly not a seventeen-year-old girl who had best been described as ‘headstrong’ and ‘willful.’ But when Violet fled her finishing school and he had discovered the truth of what had occurred there, he had been forced to confront the ruin he had made of her life. In the years since, he has tracked her across England, collecting the pieces of the lives she has left in her wake, and finding that the image of the woman revealed through them isn’t at all what he imagined her to be.
Now resurrected, Violet has a life that belongs to her once again, a home, and a career as a teacher at her dearest friend’s newly-founded school of deportment. But when her long-estranged husband arrives upon her doorstep as one of her students, it threatens to usurp everything Violet has struggled to build. Only, her husband isn’t quite the cold, unfeeling man from her memories. He claims only to want to get to know her, to make amends…but how could she possibly trust him?
John Darling had not wanted a wife thrust upon him—particularly not a seventeen-year-old girl who had best been described as ‘headstrong’ and ‘willful.’ But when Violet fled her finishing school and he had discovered the truth of what had occurred there, he had been forced to confront the ruin he had made of her life. In the years since, he has tracked her across England, collecting the pieces of the lives she has left in her wake, and finding that the image of the woman revealed through them isn’t at all what he imagined her to be.
Now resurrected, Violet has a life that belongs to her once again, a home, and a career as a teacher at her dearest friend’s newly-founded school of deportment. But when her long-estranged husband arrives upon her doorstep as one of her students, it threatens to usurp everything Violet has struggled to build. Only, her husband isn’t quite the cold, unfeeling man from her memories. He claims only to want to get to know her, to make amends…but how could she possibly trust him?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2021
187 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 10, 2022
DNF
I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them, so I jumped right into this one without bothering to vet it. Unfortunately, the heroine—even married to the hero from 17–spread her legs and allowed another man to crawl between them, giving that man, NOT the hero, the honor of her innocence, breaking her in and making his memory the one she will always remember for her first time. How about a huge steaming cup of FUCK NO!! And a big helping of GTFOH with that slimy repulsive BS!!
On top of the heroine allowing another man to crawl between her legs, to rut and heave and slime all over her, the loser scumbag hero ALSO fucked other women, even tho he was married. Sorry, but this isn’t ok. It doesn’t matter if they hadn’t loved each other yet, they were both married to each other and so they both should’ve been celibate during this time. Instead what we get are two scumbag MCs with zero integrity, honor, virtue or self-discipline who betray their vows and give their bodies to others. This destroys the swoon of any romance and this ugly cancer of unfaithful MCS needs to stop metastasizing within the genre.
And I have zero time or patience for this kind of fucktardation in romance, so immediate DNF it is.
Historical romance should be a safe space from this grotesque inexcusable sliminess.
I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them, so I jumped right into this one without bothering to vet it. Unfortunately, the heroine—even married to the hero from 17–spread her legs and allowed another man to crawl between them, giving that man, NOT the hero, the honor of her innocence, breaking her in and making his memory the one she will always remember for her first time. How about a huge steaming cup of FUCK NO!! And a big helping of GTFOH with that slimy repulsive BS!!
On top of the heroine allowing another man to crawl between her legs, to rut and heave and slime all over her, the loser scumbag hero ALSO fucked other women, even tho he was married. Sorry, but this isn’t ok. It doesn’t matter if they hadn’t loved each other yet, they were both married to each other and so they both should’ve been celibate during this time. Instead what we get are two scumbag MCs with zero integrity, honor, virtue or self-discipline who betray their vows and give their bodies to others. This destroys the swoon of any romance and this ugly cancer of unfaithful MCS needs to stop metastasizing within the genre.
And I have zero time or patience for this kind of fucktardation in romance, so immediate DNF it is.
Historical romance should be a safe space from this grotesque inexcusable sliminess.
October 7, 2021
Violent and John had been forced to marry 8 yrs ago on the stipulations set by Violet's father and John's partner. In a fit if rage, 22yr old John sends 17 yr old Violet off to a well known finishing school to get rid of her "hellioin" ways. Violet runs off from there and for the next 8 years John has been trying to find her and bring her home.
I really loved the plot of John searching for his missing wife of 8 years . They both have gone through so much anguish, it was heart wrenching. Unfortunately, a story cannot just drive itself on bucketfuls of tragedy- it needs the right back up too. I felt John was forgiven very easily and furthermore, he hasn't really put in much effort to really woo her. A few pieces of cake?seriously?that was belittling. I also felt it needed a secondary lighter plot to bring in some respite to the readers. Too much of repetitions, very tedious. There were all these extra characters who were introduced for a purpose but without any focus there stick out - viz.Mr, Simmons infatuation with Violet is in only John's words only- there's no romance between them in any form - his grandfather , the Earl. Lost causes truly.
Violet really is an exemplary heroine. Resourceful and her need to survive under any circumstances is a rare trait in our regular historical heroine. Unfortunately, here too all her other qualities of kindness are generosity are all relayed by another person. I wok have loved it if the author would have incorporated a real time incident to highlight it. John is ok. There 's just so much drama, that the characterization took a backseat.
I really loved the Duchess and her relationship with her son. - looking forward to Alex's HEA.
In an endeavour to keep the romances light, authors aren't really putting themsevles out completely and honestly to write a full rounded book. A romance doesn't only have to have steamy scenes, it needs depth of plot and characterization. These authors are just skimming the tops to keep them to be just presentable, that as a reader I'm feeling short changed. I'm a mature adult and can easily accept , appreciate and comprehend a romance woven with tragedy and comedy. The 2 faces of a mask? Or maybe its just lack of imagination 🤔
Recommended : 👍
I really loved the plot of John searching for his missing wife of 8 years . They both have gone through so much anguish, it was heart wrenching. Unfortunately, a story cannot just drive itself on bucketfuls of tragedy- it needs the right back up too. I felt John was forgiven very easily and furthermore, he hasn't really put in much effort to really woo her. A few pieces of cake?seriously?that was belittling. I also felt it needed a secondary lighter plot to bring in some respite to the readers. Too much of repetitions, very tedious. There were all these extra characters who were introduced for a purpose but without any focus there stick out - viz.Mr, Simmons infatuation with Violet is in only John's words only- there's no romance between them in any form - his grandfather , the Earl. Lost causes truly.
Violet really is an exemplary heroine. Resourceful and her need to survive under any circumstances is a rare trait in our regular historical heroine. Unfortunately, here too all her other qualities of kindness are generosity are all relayed by another person. I wok have loved it if the author would have incorporated a real time incident to highlight it. John is ok. There 's just so much drama, that the characterization took a backseat.
I really loved the Duchess and her relationship with her son. - looking forward to Alex's HEA.
In an endeavour to keep the romances light, authors aren't really putting themsevles out completely and honestly to write a full rounded book. A romance doesn't only have to have steamy scenes, it needs depth of plot and characterization. These authors are just skimming the tops to keep them to be just presentable, that as a reader I'm feeling short changed. I'm a mature adult and can easily accept , appreciate and comprehend a romance woven with tragedy and comedy. The 2 faces of a mask? Or maybe its just lack of imagination 🤔
Recommended : 👍
August 10, 2022
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I thought the plot was creative, if not a bit far fetched.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: John has searched for Violet for 8 years and the book picks up where he has finally located her. I enjoyed the angst, but the book was a bit repetitive. We were told, more than shown how remorseful John was for what happened. I thought Violet was too stiff upper-lipped and overcompensated not trying to be vulnerable by being wooden. She had a right to be angry, but I didn’t really understand her logic for staying hidden 8 years and suffering as she did. How did she know for sure he’d ship her off again? And how would that be worse than what she endured anyway? I also found it far-fetched that a man of John’s station would easily forgive her indiscretion with a footman.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I liked John. I felt he was doing his best to rectify the situation. I felt his guilt. Violet was overly-stubborn and too stoic. So much of her heartbreak could’ve been avoided had she allowed John to talk to her. It was a little ridiculous.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I liked how John was patient in his perseverance of Violet. I liked their chemistry once they finally came together.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: abandoned wife, second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I would’ve liked John to have worked harder and I thought Violet let everything go a little too readily.
* What is your impression of the author?: I will certainly read more.
Possible Triggers and Safety: torturous child abuse is recounted that occurred at a girls’ boarding school
* How did the book make you feel?: I thought the plot was creative, if not a bit far fetched.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: John has searched for Violet for 8 years and the book picks up where he has finally located her. I enjoyed the angst, but the book was a bit repetitive. We were told, more than shown how remorseful John was for what happened. I thought Violet was too stiff upper-lipped and overcompensated not trying to be vulnerable by being wooden. She had a right to be angry, but I didn’t really understand her logic for staying hidden 8 years and suffering as she did. How did she know for sure he’d ship her off again? And how would that be worse than what she endured anyway? I also found it far-fetched that a man of John’s station would easily forgive her indiscretion with a footman.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I liked John. I felt he was doing his best to rectify the situation. I felt his guilt. Violet was overly-stubborn and too stoic. So much of her heartbreak could’ve been avoided had she allowed John to talk to her. It was a little ridiculous.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I liked how John was patient in his perseverance of Violet. I liked their chemistry once they finally came together.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: abandoned wife, second chance romance
* What did you think about the ending?: I would’ve liked John to have worked harder and I thought Violet let everything go a little too readily.
* What is your impression of the author?: I will certainly read more.
Possible Triggers and Safety: torturous child abuse is recounted that occurred at a girls’ boarding school
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
Dnf at 40 % mark.
May 7, 2022
I’m done with this author. The sheer degradation that her female characters suffer makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. No fun to read at all. DNF.
January 14, 2023
I'm not so happy with this installment. Not just because I wanted to throw the h/H of the previous book off a moat with alligators. But because I don't believe this h deserves our H, and that's not a good feeling. Real life photos of heroine before and after this book.
Before
After
Story = forced marriage when she 17/he 22. He sends her to a school that deeply tortures her. She runs away. He's been tracking her everywhere for 8 years. They both have consensual sex with other people..? So what? They barely knew each other when married. I liked that she wasn’t waiting virgin while he enjoyed life.
Why this installment left me with a dissatisfied feeling, (minor spoilers at most ahead) :
1- Really WHAT did Hero do that was so bad? He sent her to school. Did he know it was hell for her? NO! Did he instantly step in when he did? YES. Has he diligently been trying to find her and find a solution for them both? YES. But everyone treated him like the villain, nobody tried to understand him or comfort him. Heroine acknowledged this maybe once? 1 apology for his 100.
2- NOBODY was on the heros side. One friend is just annoyed he's married. The other 'friend' just threatens him, calls him stupid and purposely makes things difficult for him whenever his wife [h's friend] asks him to. Loyal husband? Yes. Loyal friend? No.
" How could I pass up the chance to put him in his place—especially if it also meant keeping you in yours?” he said to John.
3- I get it, she suffered ect ect. But she CHOSE the life she had, he didn't. She was continuing to keep them in limbo while he wanted a resolution. I thought her extremely selfish and everyone around justified her behavior and made him feel like crap.
Even the annoying butler was always growling at him -growling ,(though really 99% of that damn butlers attitude and behavior was completely unacceptable).
4- By the end he was STILL groveling after her and I was just... so disappointed. Hero had valid fears of love, everyone in his life that he loved he lost as some point. And missy there had a history of running , I understood his fear and hesitancy. She should have been chasing him for once.
5- She didn't deserve him. I feel like our hero just begged for scaps of her love, he put everything on the table and she deigned to lower herself to accept him. But he's the catch. She said she loves him but even I didn't know why.
- she barely asked about his past, he always offered.
- she always put her feelings, emotions, fears first.
6. Heroine had minimal character growth. She started cold, angry, spiteful and distrusting, and ended cold and distrustful and still snapping. See above pictures.
I didn't dislike her, but I also couldn't root for her when the hero was so undeserving of her ire.
7- Why would a woman/women traumatized by a finishing school, register or even want to teach a finishing school...?
I can go on and rail about how annoyingly meddling Serena and Grey were in this book. How irritatingly repetitive the duke was. How the book in its entirely was repetive. But 🤷🏾♀️
The scene with the duchess and the hero was very sweet.
This was was a miss for me.
Before
After
Story = forced marriage when she 17/he 22. He sends her to a school that deeply tortures her. She runs away. He's been tracking her everywhere for 8 years. They both have consensual sex with other people..? So what? They barely knew each other when married. I liked that she wasn’t waiting virgin while he enjoyed life.
Why this installment left me with a dissatisfied feeling, (minor spoilers at most ahead) :
1- Really WHAT did Hero do that was so bad? He sent her to school. Did he know it was hell for her? NO! Did he instantly step in when he did? YES. Has he diligently been trying to find her and find a solution for them both? YES. But everyone treated him like the villain, nobody tried to understand him or comfort him. Heroine acknowledged this maybe once? 1 apology for his 100.
2- NOBODY was on the heros side. One friend is just annoyed he's married. The other 'friend' just threatens him, calls him stupid and purposely makes things difficult for him whenever his wife [h's friend] asks him to. Loyal husband? Yes. Loyal friend? No.
" How could I pass up the chance to put him in his place—especially if it also meant keeping you in yours?” he said to John.
3- I get it, she suffered ect ect. But she CHOSE the life she had, he didn't. She was continuing to keep them in limbo while he wanted a resolution. I thought her extremely selfish and everyone around justified her behavior and made him feel like crap.
Even the annoying butler was always growling at him -growling ,(though really 99% of that damn butlers attitude and behavior was completely unacceptable).
4- By the end he was STILL groveling after her and I was just... so disappointed. Hero had valid fears of love, everyone in his life that he loved he lost as some point. And missy there had a history of running , I understood his fear and hesitancy. She should have been chasing him for once.
5- She didn't deserve him. I feel like our hero just begged for scaps of her love, he put everything on the table and she deigned to lower herself to accept him. But he's the catch. She said she loves him but even I didn't know why.
- she barely asked about his past, he always offered.
- she always put her feelings, emotions, fears first.
6. Heroine had minimal character growth. She started cold, angry, spiteful and distrusting, and ended cold and distrustful and still snapping. See above pictures.
I didn't dislike her, but I also couldn't root for her when the hero was so undeserving of her ire.
7- Why would a woman/women traumatized by a finishing school, register or even want to teach a finishing school...?
I can go on and rail about how annoyingly meddling Serena and Grey were in this book. How irritatingly repetitive the duke was. How the book in its entirely was repetive. But 🤷🏾♀️
The scene with the duchess and the hero was very sweet.
This was was a miss for me.
June 18, 2023
How can she trust him…what a joke. Violet cheated on her husband with a footman and had no regrets because she “didn’t feel married.” What tripe. John had nothing to grovel for; low born, immature, sullen Violet was foisted onto him by her late father.
The notion of a cheating wife demanding her husband’s love was laughable. Violet should have kissed John’s boots for taking her back. Even more preposterous, it was hard to believe John was okay learning another man had deflowered his wife.
Hopefully, Violet is barren and never has a child of her own.
This drivel was unbelievable for the time period. I have a suspicion that “Aydra Richards” is a fake author; no picture, no bio. Probably a pseudonym to churn out crap.
The notion of a cheating wife demanding her husband’s love was laughable. Violet should have kissed John’s boots for taking her back. Even more preposterous, it was hard to believe John was okay learning another man had deflowered his wife.
Hopefully, Violet is barren and never has a child of her own.
This drivel was unbelievable for the time period. I have a suspicion that “Aydra Richards” is a fake author; no picture, no bio. Probably a pseudonym to churn out crap.
October 12, 2021
This book was pure delight. I cried a lot but also was so happy. My review is more in my notes and highlights. But a sweet and deep piece on agency and consent and moving forward after awful awful behavior and shame. The hero had a lot to learn and repent. The heroine to forgive herself.
And both to know the value of found family. Truly one of the loveliest books I’ve read!
Includes: angry kissing, consent, groveling (but in a true meaningful way), found family, forced marriage, suffering, working people (both hero and heroine have careers), some steam, a romantic gesture which leads to illness (on accident), fun side characters, loving friendships, and redemption.
And both to know the value of found family. Truly one of the loveliest books I’ve read!
Includes: angry kissing, consent, groveling (but in a true meaningful way), found family, forced marriage, suffering, working people (both hero and heroine have careers), some steam, a romantic gesture which leads to illness (on accident), fun side characters, loving friendships, and redemption.
November 9, 2023
UGH SO DELICIOUS. Aydra Richards is truly the queen of historical grovels. In this one, the grovel-worthy event happens in the prologue and the entirety of the novel is full of the most delectable regret and amends. I will say I am most miffed at Violet's father. A letter? You put the most important thing in a LETTER? And he had weeks and weeks to speak to both Violet and John and let them know his wishes. Introduce them to each other, even!
July 19, 2022
This was a fresh take on a forced marriage trope that had me reading until 3am. The combination of a strong heroine and a hero who had profound character growth gripped my heart and imagination. Another 5 start from Aydra Richards!
TW:
TW:
December 31, 2023
Another good story by Ardra Richards.
I didn’t read reviews prior to finishing this and am shocked by some of the 1 star reviews.
I didn’t read reviews prior to finishing this and am shocked by some of the 1 star reviews.
April 15, 2023
I liked this book, really like this author. More like three and a half stars.
The story is like a modern Bridgerton-style take on regency life and it works. Might be far-fetched but it’s very fun and entertaining.
Also liked both the H/h. They talk to each other! No crazy misunderstandings for the sake of simply creating drama.
Note, I had to laugh at one of the reviews of this book that slammed the heroine for having another lover who “broke her in”. LOL. Because..women…horses, all the same right? I expect misogyny from men but not women. It worked for me she had a life that included other men.
The story is like a modern Bridgerton-style take on regency life and it works. Might be far-fetched but it’s very fun and entertaining.
Also liked both the H/h. They talk to each other! No crazy misunderstandings for the sake of simply creating drama.
Note, I had to laugh at one of the reviews of this book that slammed the heroine for having another lover who “broke her in”. LOL. Because..women…horses, all the same right? I expect misogyny from men but not women. It worked for me she had a life that included other men.
August 31, 2025
3.5 rounding up
So many feelings with this one so this review is going to be a little all over the place.
I loved Violet(h) and her bestie Serena. I also loved that Grey (Serena's husband) didn't immediately take his friend's side and pointed out where John(H) went wrong, BUT didn't judge him and gave him an assist at making right while also protecting Violet and her right to decide how she wanted to interact with John. Despite my initial issues with the story, mainly our dear John, I really liked it and found the ending satisfying.
The rest of this is just me rambling.
This review is unnecessarily long so I'll just say I really loved Violet. She had such a fighter spirit and while she was still dealing with the trauma, she was able to make a life for herself. She had to start over a dozen times over the last 8 years and I'm just so proud of her. She truly saved herself time and time again.
John did a lot of growing up during this time. I actually liked that his attempts at making amends were off and found myself laughing at his attempts (the daisies lol). He battled a bit with how to do the right thing. I'm a sucker for watching a hero fumble and get it wrong before he can get it right, it just make the story and their attempts feel more authentic.
He's filled with guilt, but I think what bothered me is that it was misplaced. That and he was trying to fix the wrong things and not the core issues. Once he truly saw the impact of his choices and was honest with himself for the reasons he made them - it made his character a lot more likable and relatable and I began to root for him.
So many feelings with this one so this review is going to be a little all over the place.
I loved Violet(h) and her bestie Serena. I also loved that Grey (Serena's husband) didn't immediately take his friend's side and pointed out where John(H) went wrong, BUT didn't judge him and gave him an assist at making right while also protecting Violet and her right to decide how she wanted to interact with John. Despite my initial issues with the story, mainly our dear John, I really liked it and found the ending satisfying.
The rest of this is just me rambling.
This review is unnecessarily long so I'll just say I really loved Violet. She had such a fighter spirit and while she was still dealing with the trauma, she was able to make a life for herself. She had to start over a dozen times over the last 8 years and I'm just so proud of her. She truly saved herself time and time again.
John did a lot of growing up during this time. I actually liked that his attempts at making amends were off and found myself laughing at his attempts (the daisies lol). He battled a bit with how to do the right thing. I'm a sucker for watching a hero fumble and get it wrong before he can get it right, it just make the story and their attempts feel more authentic.
He's filled with guilt, but I think what bothered me is that it was misplaced. That and he was trying to fix the wrong things and not the core issues. Once he truly saw the impact of his choices and was honest with himself for the reasons he made them - it made his character a lot more likable and relatable and I began to root for him.
September 12, 2023
Slayed
October 6, 2021
Blurb:
Violet Townsend died eight years ago, the day that her father’s will stipulated that she marry a stranger. The last time she laid eyes upon her husband was the eve of their wedding, when he had her shipped off to be educated at an elite finishing school—which turned out to be a nightmare come to life. After engineering a daring escape, Violet reinvented herself to avoid detection, living beneath assumed names, working in menial positions, always on the run…and always aware that her husband had never stopped searching for her.
John Darling had not wanted a wife thrust upon him—particularly not a seventeen-year-old girl who had best been described as ‘headstrong’ and ‘willful.’ But when Violet fled her finishing school and he had discovered the truth of what had occurred there, he had been forced to confront the ruin he had made of her life. In the years since, he has tracked her across England, collecting the pieces of the lives she has left in her wake, and finding that the image of the woman revealed through them isn’t at all what he imagined her to be.
Now resurrected, Violet has a life that belongs to her once again, a home, and a career as a teacher at her dearest friend’s newly-founded school of deportment. But when her long-estranged husband arrives upon her doorstep as one of her students, it threatens to usurp everything Violet has struggled to build. Only, her husband isn’t quite the cold, unfeeling man from her memories. He claims only to want to get to know her, to make amends…but how could she possibly trust him?
Violet Townsend died eight years ago, the day that her father’s will stipulated that she marry a stranger. The last time she laid eyes upon her husband was the eve of their wedding, when he had her shipped off to be educated at an elite finishing school—which turned out to be a nightmare come to life. After engineering a daring escape, Violet reinvented herself to avoid detection, living beneath assumed names, working in menial positions, always on the run…and always aware that her husband had never stopped searching for her.
John Darling had not wanted a wife thrust upon him—particularly not a seventeen-year-old girl who had best been described as ‘headstrong’ and ‘willful.’ But when Violet fled her finishing school and he had discovered the truth of what had occurred there, he had been forced to confront the ruin he had made of her life. In the years since, he has tracked her across England, collecting the pieces of the lives she has left in her wake, and finding that the image of the woman revealed through them isn’t at all what he imagined her to be.
Now resurrected, Violet has a life that belongs to her once again, a home, and a career as a teacher at her dearest friend’s newly-founded school of deportment. But when her long-estranged husband arrives upon her doorstep as one of her students, it threatens to usurp everything Violet has struggled to build. Only, her husband isn’t quite the cold, unfeeling man from her memories. He claims only to want to get to know her, to make amends…but how could she possibly trust him?
January 9, 2023
Unknowingly, the H played a part in the h being terribly abused as a young girl. Years later she had remade herself, but she's emotionally wounded. I liked this book but it took ages for me to get into it, as their endless discussions were dishonest and wasted time. They had reason for not revealing all but I found it quite tedious. The final chapters were good.
October 26, 2022
Mr John Darling and his bride Violet have 8 years of history! The very least they exchanged vows!
Violet was only 17 and ripped away from the only home she knew! Her adored and benevolent father died she was cast adrift and suddenly married!
Violet had resented John for his relationship with her father and him being her replacement in all things business!
John was only 22 and too young for additional responsibility and a business to run!
He sent Violet to a hell hole of a finishing school that was worse than prison!
The place was so vile Violet had nightmares more than 8 years later!
This story digs into emotions that are raw, painful and gritty!
In order to see who and how Violet evolved into who she was she had to face her fears! She was allowed the luxury of time!
She had to run to save herself always John one step behind when he realized the horror that had become her life!
John is not knight in shining armor he seeks atonement for the horrible mistake he made regarding. Violet Aka Vi!
He admires her resilience and fortitude to hide under various aliases!
But when they finally meet again Vi is asked is she tired of running?
Dare she confront her past make John own his mistake and just maybe forge ahead with a future?
These two have such to learn about pain and healing and the scars invisible and visible!
Can they heal reconcile the past and embrace a future? It seems impossible with the lies, mistrust and animosity! But there is a thin line between love… and hated enemies!! Bravo!!
Violet was only 17 and ripped away from the only home she knew! Her adored and benevolent father died she was cast adrift and suddenly married!
Violet had resented John for his relationship with her father and him being her replacement in all things business!
John was only 22 and too young for additional responsibility and a business to run!
He sent Violet to a hell hole of a finishing school that was worse than prison!
The place was so vile Violet had nightmares more than 8 years later!
This story digs into emotions that are raw, painful and gritty!
In order to see who and how Violet evolved into who she was she had to face her fears! She was allowed the luxury of time!
She had to run to save herself always John one step behind when he realized the horror that had become her life!
John is not knight in shining armor he seeks atonement for the horrible mistake he made regarding. Violet Aka Vi!
He admires her resilience and fortitude to hide under various aliases!
But when they finally meet again Vi is asked is she tired of running?
Dare she confront her past make John own his mistake and just maybe forge ahead with a future?
These two have such to learn about pain and healing and the scars invisible and visible!
Can they heal reconcile the past and embrace a future? It seems impossible with the lies, mistrust and animosity! But there is a thin line between love… and hated enemies!! Bravo!!
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November 6, 2025Have you ever encountered a book that has such an interesting blurb but an opposite plot and writing style?
Aydra Richards��� blurbs are always fun and spicy but the writing is bland. I’m sorry. This author is not for me.
I’m so dissatisfied bcs the blurb is great. She is forced into an arranged marriage after her dad died but then she rans away and faked her death. He is a working class MMC, inherited the company along with her.
But it’s so boring 🥱 Now, i don’t know what to read next
Aydra Richards��� blurbs are always fun and spicy but the writing is bland. I’m sorry. This author is not for me.
I’m so dissatisfied bcs the blurb is great. She is forced into an arranged marriage after her dad died but then she rans away and faked her death. He is a working class MMC, inherited the company along with her.
But it’s so boring 🥱 Now, i don’t know what to read next
August 20, 2025
I took a very long break from this book because it felt really slow in the beginning but right when I picked it back up it was really good.
I don’t know… I did feel like she gave in a little easily but he did grovel hard. And all the bullshit at the end where he said he couldn’t love felt a little out of nowhere (even though his fears and realization of family were valid and I did like it).
I don’t know… I did feel like she gave in a little easily but he did grovel hard. And all the bullshit at the end where he said he couldn’t love felt a little out of nowhere (even though his fears and realization of family were valid and I did like it).
January 28, 2025
I read this based on a suggestion from Reddit and wasn’t disappointed. This was a solid read. I’ll admit I liked the first book in the series better, but this was a good read. I can see me suggesting if someone is looking for a unique run away bride story.
September 2, 2024
The relationship was superbly managed, very well developed and with drama kept to a minimum. Aydra Richards is seriously becoming one of my favourite HR authors. Now onto Alex's book 😊
February 15, 2022
Violet was a badass but I absolutely hated John and everything about him deeply irritated me and I almost quit reading several times because of it. He has no sense of romance or wooing or groveling. There needed to me more scenes where he got ripped a new one. Cause punishing a 17 year old girl is so asinine and so gross and he doesn’t do nearly enough to make up for it
May 10, 2025
Struggling with this series so far
January 30, 2024
This book was a slog! And a shame too, as I usually love this author. But this was hard bloody work, and I'll be honest I skipped *hard* from the 65% mark onwards.
The problem is so much of this book is endless, interminable retrospection. Both characters are mired in bottomless pits of guilt, trauma and regret and they both tip-toe around each other's feelings with so much fretful, tedious care that they barely interact with each other.
The heroine is so damaged she spends the entire book as a terrified wild bird fluttering madly against any obstacle that comes into her path. My pathos for her was by slow, grinding degrees turned to irritation. There is only so much cringing, flinching, whimpering and squeezing into corners I can stand... wow that makes me sound so heartless, but in my defense I'm here to read a romance and all I'm getting is trauma interspaced with the occasional animalistic fucking against a wall.
The H, on the other hand, is one of those wincing guilt trip types who knows he gone dun wrong in the past and is positively tearing himself into teeny tiny shreds over every little thing. He's so cautious, so tender footed, so utterly devoted to scourging himself for past sins that I, dear reader, and heartily sick to death of him. He reminds me of one of those wailing medieval martyr types who in this case pray ceaselessly to the gods of romance for absolution. Now I love a good guilt trip, I love a good grovel, but here it is administered in such an absurd quantity I started to get a stomach ache.
And BOY did this book feel long. At one point I thought to myself 'it must be nearly over by now', only to check and see it's only 52% in, and you should have heard the groan that emanated from deep within my bored old body.
The problem is so much of this book is endless, interminable retrospection. Both characters are mired in bottomless pits of guilt, trauma and regret and they both tip-toe around each other's feelings with so much fretful, tedious care that they barely interact with each other.
The heroine is so damaged she spends the entire book as a terrified wild bird fluttering madly against any obstacle that comes into her path. My pathos for her was by slow, grinding degrees turned to irritation. There is only so much cringing, flinching, whimpering and squeezing into corners I can stand... wow that makes me sound so heartless, but in my defense I'm here to read a romance and all I'm getting is trauma interspaced with the occasional animalistic fucking against a wall.
The H, on the other hand, is one of those wincing guilt trip types who knows he gone dun wrong in the past and is positively tearing himself into teeny tiny shreds over every little thing. He's so cautious, so tender footed, so utterly devoted to scourging himself for past sins that I, dear reader, and heartily sick to death of him. He reminds me of one of those wailing medieval martyr types who in this case pray ceaselessly to the gods of romance for absolution. Now I love a good guilt trip, I love a good grovel, but here it is administered in such an absurd quantity I started to get a stomach ache.
And BOY did this book feel long. At one point I thought to myself 'it must be nearly over by now', only to check and see it's only 52% in, and you should have heard the groan that emanated from deep within my bored old body.
January 18, 2025
While the plot is very different than the first in the series, the angst is the same. Violet has been running for years, making up new identities, working in service and staying one step ahead of her husband John. They got married against wishes after Violet's father died, and John sent her away to a finishing school. Except the school was incredibly abusive, and after Violet nearly died, she ran and never looked back. But now, she has finally started creating a life she likes, and is willing to stay in place for. Too bad John is part of her new friend and business partner's social circle.
Like the last one in the series, there is some serious angst here. The biggest difference is that John knows the extent of his guilt from the beginning, and works steadily toward making amends. He's both self-aware and oblivious to his own feelings in a way that shouldn't make sense, but makes him feel like a real person. Violet has a lot of trauma to work through, and she doesn't make the journey toward reconciliation easy for John. Their slow slide into trust and intimacy is beautiful, and the healthy relationship modeling in both books in the series so far gives an extra dimension to these historical romances that I love. I am craving more, and I'm going straight to the last book in the trilogy.
Like the last one in the series, there is some serious angst here. The biggest difference is that John knows the extent of his guilt from the beginning, and works steadily toward making amends. He's both self-aware and oblivious to his own feelings in a way that shouldn't make sense, but makes him feel like a real person. Violet has a lot of trauma to work through, and she doesn't make the journey toward reconciliation easy for John. Their slow slide into trust and intimacy is beautiful, and the healthy relationship modeling in both books in the series so far gives an extra dimension to these historical romances that I love. I am craving more, and I'm going straight to the last book in the trilogy.
September 30, 2025
2.5 stars.
Wow. I just read some of the reviews and oh boy. Although, I personally didn't like that the heroine was not celibate, at least it was different than other MOC, couple estranged and apart for years trope. At least here, they are in equal footing and really, the marriage was very out-of-the-blue thing. I don't think they even really see each other before. And then, the hero, who became the heroine's guardian sent her right off the bat to an abusive school. She saw him as the stereotypical villain in a novel. Then, they never saw each other for 7 years. So naturally, the heroine will not be bothered with "cheating," and obviously he doesn't as well. The marriage was just a contract they didn't signed up for, so I don't get why people would downright hate or question why the heroine got it on with another man in the past.
My problem was the premise stunted their chemistry, and this book being romance, kinda failed the genre. The premise being that the hero sending the heroine, although accidentally, to an abusive school. It's an interesting premise but it's a gamble. Since your putting the heroine and hero with a thick wall between them from the very start. The chemistry will ultimately be non-existent, unless your a really good writer, and that's where Aydra Richards failed.
Wow. I just read some of the reviews and oh boy. Although, I personally didn't like that the heroine was not celibate, at least it was different than other MOC, couple estranged and apart for years trope. At least here, they are in equal footing and really, the marriage was very out-of-the-blue thing. I don't think they even really see each other before. And then, the hero, who became the heroine's guardian sent her right off the bat to an abusive school. She saw him as the stereotypical villain in a novel. Then, they never saw each other for 7 years. So naturally, the heroine will not be bothered with "cheating," and obviously he doesn't as well. The marriage was just a contract they didn't signed up for, so I don't get why people would downright hate or question why the heroine got it on with another man in the past.
My problem was the premise stunted their chemistry, and this book being romance, kinda failed the genre. The premise being that the hero sending the heroine, although accidentally, to an abusive school. It's an interesting premise but it's a gamble. Since your putting the heroine and hero with a thick wall between them from the very start. The chemistry will ultimately be non-existent, unless your a really good writer, and that's where Aydra Richards failed.
July 30, 2022
The only thing I liked about the book was Alex,a mere side character and his relationship with his mother,the Duchess.
The main couple had no chemistry and no expectations of each other.Which is understandable given they've known each other for only a day before the MMC,John shipped the girl off to a finishing school to be a proper wife.And proceeded to live his perfectly comfortable life with HER money and HER father's business.While wailing about how he felt guilty of betraying his wife.But somehow has multiple partners in this span.So no loyalty either.
The FMC, Violet does not expect loyalty and fidelity of him,which is a basic expectation imo(but older times,men cheat, whatever). I'm glad she had one partner herself too but then both of them cheating and leading miserable lives while one communication could've solved every problem for good felt like a bad start to a relationship.And John, responsible for the breakdown of their marriage and taking away her life does bare minimum for her and she happily accepts that as love.
The premise was promising but this book didn't live up to expectations.
The writing was good so I'll probably try out another one by this author.
The main couple had no chemistry and no expectations of each other.Which is understandable given they've known each other for only a day before the MMC,John shipped the girl off to a finishing school to be a proper wife.And proceeded to live his perfectly comfortable life with HER money and HER father's business.While wailing about how he felt guilty of betraying his wife.But somehow has multiple partners in this span.So no loyalty either.
The FMC, Violet does not expect loyalty and fidelity of him,which is a basic expectation imo(but older times,men cheat, whatever). I'm glad she had one partner herself too but then both of them cheating and leading miserable lives while one communication could've solved every problem for good felt like a bad start to a relationship.And John, responsible for the breakdown of their marriage and taking away her life does bare minimum for her and she happily accepts that as love.
The premise was promising but this book didn't live up to expectations.
The writing was good so I'll probably try out another one by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2025
..and still not enough grovel, he remained the same self centered egoist he has always been.
Well well well, looks like Aydra did it again.
Very nice characters and second characters, I laughed a lot and honestly almost cried at the recallings of the h.
Somehow though, the book was too long, I think 100 pages less would have been perfect and maybe even more grovel. I liked that the h reinvented herself and the H respected that and felt miserable for his actions, but i still feel she gave in to fast after both, seeing him again for the first time and the plot twist toward the end. I would have liked for her to insist on an annulment and demand he court her again and marry her in a proper manner, not just carry a basked of food.
I also felt that because he didn’t present her the possibility of annulment, he remained the same self centered egoist he has always been. He did not file for the annulment even when the found it and demanded so, and didn’t truly give her a choice, which for me, is no real character development or true repentance.
Well well well, looks like Aydra did it again.
Very nice characters and second characters, I laughed a lot and honestly almost cried at the recallings of the h.
Somehow though, the book was too long, I think 100 pages less would have been perfect and maybe even more grovel. I liked that the h reinvented herself and the H respected that and felt miserable for his actions, but i still feel she gave in to fast after both, seeing him again for the first time and the plot twist toward the end. I would have liked for her to insist on an annulment and demand he court her again and marry her in a proper manner, not just carry a basked of food.
I also felt that because he didn’t present her the possibility of annulment, he remained the same self centered egoist he has always been. He did not file for the annulment even when the found it and demanded so, and didn’t truly give her a choice, which for me, is no real character development or true repentance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2022
"My Darling Mr. Darling" is the story of Violet and John.
DNF at 53%.
The premise was good. Hero and heroine are forcefully wed due to her father's will. She is his orphaned daughter, he is the protégé. The hero then ships the heroine to a finishing school, where unknown to him, she undergoes assault and torture. By the time he finds out, she runs away, and spends years running assuming new identities.
The book begins with him meeting her again. I was enjoying the angst until I realized this book had cheating!
Before I get bashed- Id have rated the same if the hero would have , as they WERE wed and did not honor the marriage vows. Grossed me out, dnf.
Unsafe
1/5- dnf
DNF at 53%.
The premise was good. Hero and heroine are forcefully wed due to her father's will. She is his orphaned daughter, he is the protégé. The hero then ships the heroine to a finishing school, where unknown to him, she undergoes assault and torture. By the time he finds out, she runs away, and spends years running assuming new identities.
The book begins with him meeting her again. I was enjoying the angst until I realized this book had cheating!
Before I get bashed- Id have rated the same if the hero would have , as they WERE wed and did not honor the marriage vows. Grossed me out, dnf.
Unsafe
1/5- dnf
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