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Supposed Scandal #2
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage
One good scandal deserves another...
Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.
Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.
Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.
And that he would do almost anything to claim it.
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to s Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.
Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.
Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.
Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.
And that he would do almost anything to claim it.
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to s Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2021
596 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Connolly
86 books1,232 followersI was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
December 21, 2021
Fun and light!
December 4, 2021
Soooo….I’m just going to say it. I think everyone should read this book. It was super enjoyable and just plain fun. 😍 I’ve always been a big fan of Rebecca Connolly and all of her books. This one was exactly what I was needing. Believe me, it’s good!! It’s lighthearted with enough emotion to pull those heartstrings.
Taft and Alix start out as enemies who can’t stand one another and are forced into marriage to avoid a scandal. Pretty sure you’d catch that from the series title. 😅 But what I LOVED was that they had such an open relationship where they communicated and had no secrets! 🤯 Communication wasn’t the obvious conflict like most regency romances. 😇 Taft was the ideal husband who saw their relationship as a partnership and from the beginning, he allowed Alexandrina to have a say in the decisions they made. Let’s just say, I’m a fan of Taft.
My word. The romance is a slow burn but oh so delicious. I can’t really think of a better word to describe it. Don’t judge me. 😅 Sooo intense. There’s the almost kiss, the looks, the shivers, the hand holds, the dance. All of these amazing bits that lead up to a blissful HEA. Sigh. So good!!
Taft and Alix start out as enemies who can’t stand one another and are forced into marriage to avoid a scandal. Pretty sure you’d catch that from the series title. 😅 But what I LOVED was that they had such an open relationship where they communicated and had no secrets! 🤯 Communication wasn’t the obvious conflict like most regency romances. 😇 Taft was the ideal husband who saw their relationship as a partnership and from the beginning, he allowed Alexandrina to have a say in the decisions they made. Let’s just say, I’m a fan of Taft.
My word. The romance is a slow burn but oh so delicious. I can’t really think of a better word to describe it. Don’t judge me. 😅 Sooo intense. There’s the almost kiss, the looks, the shivers, the hand holds, the dance. All of these amazing bits that lead up to a blissful HEA. Sigh. So good!!
October 5, 2023
Well, this one just strapped on a jetpack and shot to the top of my enemies/reputation-damage-control forced marriage favorites list.
I came in thinking I’d simply check off another one from my marriage of convenience TBR, reading my first Rebecca Connolly while I’m at it, and was not prepared to be so overset and deeply affected. When I’m at this level of romance reader joy I tend to get self-congratulatory, like “Yay, me, this makes me so happy, I’m so smart for doing this that makes me so happy”, and I next start shoving on the author backlist TBR overwhelm while plotting ways to make them my best friend. But, ok, back to how I loved this.
There’s a lot more and, of course, I’ll go into heavy detail, but first and resoundingly foremost: Taft Debenham, the Earl of Harwood. Warm welcome to my very short list of Blonde Heroes that Pierced My Soul (it’s now basically him and Mimi Matthews’s St Clare). If you are a fellow hero-centric romance reader, tighten those bonnet strings because TAFT. The self-contentedly flippant, bored society darling/flirt living his jolly bachelor best life and basking in the attention: a lady’s champion so unexpected he didn’t even expect it of himself until he’s championing on impulse. I both literally and figuratively COULD NOT with how he so naturally falls into the role of fierce protector and understanding, attentive partner. Dare I compare him to Heyer’s Beaumaris? (and in this trope scenario we get all the alone time and tension that story lacked, but I digress). For all his outward frivolity and frippery, he’s no witty fool. Extremely perceptive and kind-to-the-core, I submit Lord Harwood as checking all the real-deal hero boxes: he protects, he empowers, he charmingly teases, he defends honor, he comforts, he holds space. He wields his power and influence as a peer of the realm as a sabre and shield. AND ALSO just a lonely, little boy on the inside? Where has he been all my life? Oh, Alexandrina, from one mama bear to another, he went straight to conquer our stoney hearts with his utterly heroic gestures, didn’t he? The no-nonsense, weighed-down widow never stood a single-parent-trope chance. Having had all her trust and joy just crushed out of her by life, her growth is more of an unburdening blossoming as she inadvertently lands herself a knight in shining weskit.
Not complaining, it was all the fun, and I do love me some alliteration, but I expected more outrageous slapstick antics or something from such a title. Forgive the (yes, I’m an idiot) urge to submit alternate suggestions: Prejudiced Against the Peacock, ooh, or, or The Peacock and The Swan. Ok, “peacock” is a hard sell, but so symbolic, I insist. The kind of opposites attract animosity where he’s always, only half in jest, expecting bodily harm from her, no hidden unrequited pining here. Sometimes people do go on the information they have and deeply despise each other, which for me makes the best relationship progression gratification. That raw despising actually makes them open and conspirational from the start. We hold on to that bantery friction the whole way through, even when the animosity is melting into admiration and deep connection, and the tension just keeps amping up to a fans-oneself conflagration. He loses it for her so magnificiently and says such swoony things. Overset, I tell you.
Usually I’m up for that eleventh-hour drama but here, agh, we were sailing along so well I was like “Getouttahere, girly, you still need a third act peril push?” I’d’ve been waving that white flag and letting those walls down tens of percentages ago. But, then again, I was a smirking goner by page 3. Such a completely happy resolution and they’ll be playfully bantering into the hereafter *contented sigh*
Read if Regency romance makes you happy and just give yourself a nice good pat on the back.
Content notes: Kissing Only, marriage consummation only alluded to at the end. Brief on page unwanted advances. Heroine has trauma from egregious infidelity during first marriage. On page separation from child. Brief language (da*n)
I came in thinking I’d simply check off another one from my marriage of convenience TBR, reading my first Rebecca Connolly while I’m at it, and was not prepared to be so overset and deeply affected. When I’m at this level of romance reader joy I tend to get self-congratulatory, like “Yay, me, this makes me so happy, I’m so smart for doing this that makes me so happy”, and I next start shoving on the author backlist TBR overwhelm while plotting ways to make them my best friend. But, ok, back to how I loved this.
There’s a lot more and, of course, I’ll go into heavy detail, but first and resoundingly foremost: Taft Debenham, the Earl of Harwood. Warm welcome to my very short list of Blonde Heroes that Pierced My Soul (it’s now basically him and Mimi Matthews’s St Clare). If you are a fellow hero-centric romance reader, tighten those bonnet strings because TAFT. The self-contentedly flippant, bored society darling/flirt living his jolly bachelor best life and basking in the attention: a lady’s champion so unexpected he didn’t even expect it of himself until he’s championing on impulse. I both literally and figuratively COULD NOT with how he so naturally falls into the role of fierce protector and understanding, attentive partner. Dare I compare him to Heyer’s Beaumaris? (and in this trope scenario we get all the alone time and tension that story lacked, but I digress). For all his outward frivolity and frippery, he’s no witty fool. Extremely perceptive and kind-to-the-core, I submit Lord Harwood as checking all the real-deal hero boxes: he protects, he empowers, he charmingly teases, he defends honor, he comforts, he holds space. He wields his power and influence as a peer of the realm as a sabre and shield. AND ALSO just a lonely, little boy on the inside? Where has he been all my life? Oh, Alexandrina, from one mama bear to another, he went straight to conquer our stoney hearts with his utterly heroic gestures, didn’t he? The no-nonsense, weighed-down widow never stood a single-parent-trope chance. Having had all her trust and joy just crushed out of her by life, her growth is more of an unburdening blossoming as she inadvertently lands herself a knight in shining weskit.
Not complaining, it was all the fun, and I do love me some alliteration, but I expected more outrageous slapstick antics or something from such a title. Forgive the (yes, I’m an idiot) urge to submit alternate suggestions: Prejudiced Against the Peacock, ooh, or, or The Peacock and The Swan. Ok, “peacock” is a hard sell, but so symbolic, I insist. The kind of opposites attract animosity where he’s always, only half in jest, expecting bodily harm from her, no hidden unrequited pining here. Sometimes people do go on the information they have and deeply despise each other, which for me makes the best relationship progression gratification. That raw despising actually makes them open and conspirational from the start. We hold on to that bantery friction the whole way through, even when the animosity is melting into admiration and deep connection, and the tension just keeps amping up to a fans-oneself conflagration. He loses it for her so magnificiently and says such swoony things. Overset, I tell you.
Usually I’m up for that eleventh-hour drama but here, agh, we were sailing along so well I was like “Getouttahere, girly, you still need a third act peril push?” I’d’ve been waving that white flag and letting those walls down tens of percentages ago. But, then again, I was a smirking goner by page 3. Such a completely happy resolution and they’ll be playfully bantering into the hereafter *contented sigh*
Read if Regency romance makes you happy and just give yourself a nice good pat on the back.
Content notes: Kissing Only, marriage consummation only alluded to at the end. Brief on page unwanted advances. Heroine has trauma from egregious infidelity during first marriage. On page separation from child. Brief language (da*n)
April 28, 2022
5+ stars!
November 30, 2021
I saw this cover and title and thought to myself, I HAVE to read this book!!! And not only the cover and title caught my eye, but the author. I've loved every book of hers that I've read. She's such a delightful author.
Lady Alexandrina was a character that I wasn't quite sure what to think of her at first. But I reserved my judgment knowing that we would see more about why she was so reticent and uncaring towards a certain gentleman. There's a backstory there. So I waited and let it be revealed. Oh, how I love her character!!!! I hope that you do too. She's just so good. There are several walls up to protect herself. That's all I'm going to tell you. You need to read this one.
And then there's Taft!!! He's another one of those characters who you just can't help but connect with and want them to have everything good come to them. He too had his own backstory and reasons for why he was the way he was. But he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I loved how gentle and tender he was towards Alexandrina. He tried to rescue her from a situation, but it backfired on them. And all through everything, he stood beside her.
These two are such a perfect fit for each other. Their humor and goodness and friendship and honesty. All of those attributes were the making of such great characters. Another reason why I loved this book was because of their straightforwardness with each other. They didn't play games, they were honest and truly wanted what was best for the other and to help each other.
Taft had a fun side to him that brought out some mischief and had me chuckling. Lady Alexandrina unknowingly starts something and I can't tell you how much I giggled over it every time it popped up throughout the book. Hahahahaha!!!! I don't want to spoil it for you so I'm not going to saying anything other than that vague reference. I'm sure you'll catch it fairly easily and be giggling while you read the book.
The sweet romance between these two was wonderful. They married for convenience but built from not knowing each other well to trust and a good friendship. Then from their the friendship grew and they developed true feelings for each other. It was just so sweet and tender. I smiled and smiled over these two. Trust me, you want to read this book!!!
Content: Clean. Marriage of convenience with some kisses. The *d* word is used throughout the book and in context that it was probably used during this time period.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Lady Alexandrina was a character that I wasn't quite sure what to think of her at first. But I reserved my judgment knowing that we would see more about why she was so reticent and uncaring towards a certain gentleman. There's a backstory there. So I waited and let it be revealed. Oh, how I love her character!!!! I hope that you do too. She's just so good. There are several walls up to protect herself. That's all I'm going to tell you. You need to read this one.
And then there's Taft!!! He's another one of those characters who you just can't help but connect with and want them to have everything good come to them. He too had his own backstory and reasons for why he was the way he was. But he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I loved how gentle and tender he was towards Alexandrina. He tried to rescue her from a situation, but it backfired on them. And all through everything, he stood beside her.
These two are such a perfect fit for each other. Their humor and goodness and friendship and honesty. All of those attributes were the making of such great characters. Another reason why I loved this book was because of their straightforwardness with each other. They didn't play games, they were honest and truly wanted what was best for the other and to help each other.
Taft had a fun side to him that brought out some mischief and had me chuckling. Lady Alexandrina unknowingly starts something and I can't tell you how much I giggled over it every time it popped up throughout the book. Hahahahaha!!!! I don't want to spoil it for you so I'm not going to saying anything other than that vague reference. I'm sure you'll catch it fairly easily and be giggling while you read the book.
The sweet romance between these two was wonderful. They married for convenience but built from not knowing each other well to trust and a good friendship. Then from their the friendship grew and they developed true feelings for each other. It was just so sweet and tender. I smiled and smiled over these two. Trust me, you want to read this book!!!
Content: Clean. Marriage of convenience with some kisses. The *d* word is used throughout the book and in context that it was probably used during this time period.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 10, 2022
This author has the wonderful skill of writing characters that come to life with mannerisms and personality! I loved Taft and Alix together, and they way they choose to get used to each other, with open honesty and hope for the future. Their relationship becomes unexpectedly fun! All the small moments build into a strong friendship and romance as they find compromises and support each other. I think my favorite moments were when Taft realizes that he wants to be a father and Alix sees how amazing of a father he will be with her son. A perfectly delightful marriage of convenience with witty banter and lovely romance!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
February 6, 2022
*** Contains some spoilers***
I liked the first half better than the second.
These MCs had mutual friends but held onto their pre-
conceived notions of each other. Lighthearted Taft fit
in with Society. He thought her sour & prickly. Widowed
Alexandrina "Alix" rejected nearly all she encountered
b/c of her unhappy marriage to a baron. (No one was as
they appeared, per the h). Her spouse died 3 years prior.
Taft saved Alix when a bosky man tried to take liberties
w/ her and in favor of re-claiming custody of her young
son Adam. They wed and she acted mostly cold & abrupt
toward Taft. She declared to Taft "I'm not likeable" as if
that justified her verbal abuse of others. She should have
had genuine gratitude for Taft.
The best aspect: when Taft (an earl) spent time w/ his
nearly 6 yr old step-son Adam. He taught Adam don't
consider anyone you meet beneath you.
I liked the first half better than the second.
These MCs had mutual friends but held onto their pre-
conceived notions of each other. Lighthearted Taft fit
in with Society. He thought her sour & prickly. Widowed
Alexandrina "Alix" rejected nearly all she encountered
b/c of her unhappy marriage to a baron. (No one was as
they appeared, per the h). Her spouse died 3 years prior.
Taft saved Alix when a bosky man tried to take liberties
w/ her and in favor of re-claiming custody of her young
son Adam. They wed and she acted mostly cold & abrupt
toward Taft. She declared to Taft "I'm not likeable" as if
that justified her verbal abuse of others. She should have
had genuine gratitude for Taft.
The best aspect: when Taft (an earl) spent time w/ his
nearly 6 yr old step-son Adam. He taught Adam don't
consider anyone you meet beneath you.
January 13, 2022
I couldn't put this one down, in large part because of our leading man, Taft. He was great. I loved his lighthearted, friendly personality, but he also had a really sweet, swoony side as well. Alexandrina had suffered a horrible first marriage that caused her to build up some spiky walls around herself. It was fun to see Taft attack those walls though and see them crumble as the story progressed. They had a fun, believable relationship. I liked that in the beginning they appeared to be total opposites, but as they got to know each other they found a lot of similarities. I loved the pacing and how everything unfolded. I thought this was a captivating read, well written and memorable. Definitely recommended to any regency fan.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Clean
Language: Very mild
Violence: None
Other: Alexandrina's first marriage was an unhappy one, unfaithful and rude husband. Nothing overly detailed.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Clean
Language: Very mild
Violence: None
Other: Alexandrina's first marriage was an unhappy one, unfaithful and rude husband. Nothing overly detailed.
December 5, 2021
Super sweet and swoony Regency love story. If you like a good marriage of convenience story, this one's for you.
Except it's not exactly a marriage of convenience, it's a marriage to stave off a potential scandal. I usually feel a bit cynical about the flimsiness of the "scandals" that force people into getting married in these plots, and I wasn't sold on the circumstances of this one. But the characters and the remainder of the story were really enjoyable.
Plot summary: Alexandrina is a widow and still recovering emotionally from the disaster that was her first marriage. When she is at the center of an odd-looking episode outside a party one night, she resigns herself to marrying Taft, an acquaintance that she has never had much respect for, as she sees him as all surface and no substance. But it's the best chance she has of staying respectable so she can keep fighting to get her 5-year-old son out of the clutches of her former in-laws. Fortunately, Taft is much more dependable, kind, and loyal than she ever realized and he makes an ideal partner for the wounded and reserved Alix.
There were a few choices in the writing that distracted me, like the frequent use of the words "hummed" and "hissed" to describe sounds the characters make. They hummed and hissed an awful lot, and I don't find those words very evocative of how a normal human would communicate. But that's just a little nitpicky thing. The characters were lovely and that's really all that matters.
There are quite a few references to another book, which I started but didn't finish because the main characters in that one sniped at each other too much. Taft and Alexandrina were side characters in that book, and it would probably have given me a little more context for why they are the way they are if I had finished it. But essentially this one can be read as a standalone novel.
Except it's not exactly a marriage of convenience, it's a marriage to stave off a potential scandal. I usually feel a bit cynical about the flimsiness of the "scandals" that force people into getting married in these plots, and I wasn't sold on the circumstances of this one. But the characters and the remainder of the story were really enjoyable.
Plot summary: Alexandrina is a widow and still recovering emotionally from the disaster that was her first marriage. When she is at the center of an odd-looking episode outside a party one night, she resigns herself to marrying Taft, an acquaintance that she has never had much respect for, as she sees him as all surface and no substance. But it's the best chance she has of staying respectable so she can keep fighting to get her 5-year-old son out of the clutches of her former in-laws. Fortunately, Taft is much more dependable, kind, and loyal than she ever realized and he makes an ideal partner for the wounded and reserved Alix.
There were a few choices in the writing that distracted me, like the frequent use of the words "hummed" and "hissed" to describe sounds the characters make. They hummed and hissed an awful lot, and I don't find those words very evocative of how a normal human would communicate. But that's just a little nitpicky thing. The characters were lovely and that's really all that matters.
There are quite a few references to another book, which I started but didn't finish because the main characters in that one sniped at each other too much. Taft and Alexandrina were side characters in that book, and it would probably have given me a little more context for why they are the way they are if I had finished it. But essentially this one can be read as a standalone novel.
June 6, 2023
SMITTEN.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
ABSOLUTE HEARTTHROB ALERT. I loved Taft so much. He was one of those main characters that sweeps you away with his true and kind gestures along with his assurances straight from his heart.
Alexandrina was the other half of this dual POV that was fantastic too. She was jaded and shut in, but not immune to Taft’s charms. I liked her slow unveiling and Alix learned to love again and realizing that they’re good men out there.
These two together were SO FULL OF SNARK. I loved it x100000. The banter was amazing. It was executed perfectly and made me smile and swoon when you could see the sparks start to ignite. They kept each other laughing and learned how to relax and lean together.
I just wholeheartedly enjoyed this story. It’s a fast paced regency that was exactly the sweep away from reality I needed.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: infidelity (with a previous spouse, mentioned and discussed often), child/parent separation
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
ABSOLUTE HEARTTHROB ALERT. I loved Taft so much. He was one of those main characters that sweeps you away with his true and kind gestures along with his assurances straight from his heart.
Alexandrina was the other half of this dual POV that was fantastic too. She was jaded and shut in, but not immune to Taft’s charms. I liked her slow unveiling and Alix learned to love again and realizing that they’re good men out there.
These two together were SO FULL OF SNARK. I loved it x100000. The banter was amazing. It was executed perfectly and made me smile and swoon when you could see the sparks start to ignite. They kept each other laughing and learned how to relax and lean together.
I just wholeheartedly enjoyed this story. It’s a fast paced regency that was exactly the sweep away from reality I needed.
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: make-outs
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: infidelity (with a previous spouse, mentioned and discussed often), child/parent separation
September 6, 2024
Oh my words…
The butterflies in my stomach tell me the rather extremely sizzling moments were so freaking worth the sleep I might have lost reading this wonderful book. This was diet spice in all its glory, and my heart is still beating like a drum. The bantering between Taft and his beloved was incredible and absolutely charming. I love how closed-door romance can still be amazingly sizzling without going into inappropriate details. Rebecca Connolly (great first name by the way😉) might just be a new favorite author of mine,
The butterflies in my stomach tell me the rather extremely sizzling moments were so freaking worth the sleep I might have lost reading this wonderful book. This was diet spice in all its glory, and my heart is still beating like a drum. The bantering between Taft and his beloved was incredible and absolutely charming. I love how closed-door romance can still be amazingly sizzling without going into inappropriate details. Rebecca Connolly (great first name by the way😉) might just be a new favorite author of mine,
November 30, 2021
This was just what I needed. A sweet well done romance. Nothing crazy or out there just two people falling in love. Oh and being forced to wed:} My favorite troop! Rebecca does an amazing job of letting you fall in love right along with her characters. SO enjoyed this couple and their journey to discover each other as you look a little deeper. I love the whole idea that you can't hate what you understand.
Sweet romance with no religion and no steam.
Sweet romance with no religion and no steam.
December 9, 2021
All the Heart Eyes for this book!! 😍😍😍😍😍 One of my favorite tropes is enemies to love and the main characters of this book certainly fit the bill. Lady Alexandrina Lawson is a widow out of mourning who seems to attend social functions somewhat reluctantly. While attending a party thrown by one of her cousins an accident in the garden appears to be something else and Alexandrina's reputation and much more is at stake. Coming to her rescue is one of the last men Alexandrina would want to help her, let alone be married to.
Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood, gentleman that he is, comes to Alexandrina's rescue, salvaging her reputation and keeping her from marrying the drunken man who caused the problem. Taft is everything Alexandrina is not--he's flirty, funny, and can be a little mischievous, and truly a kind and caring man. Exactly the kind of man Alexandrina needs to help her heal from her disastrous first marriage.
Where do I begin to list what I loved about this book? I loved the main characters!! Taft and Alexandrina (or Alix as Taft called her) are perfectly suited for each other. They bring out the best in one another while providing what each lacks on their own. Taft truly listened to Alix (which I find totally swoony) and was so patient while she learned to trust him. They may have fought, but they were honest with each other--no games for these two--and I loved ALL the banter.
One of my favorite parts was when Alix fought for her son, Adam. I loved that Taft let her fight for her son on her own, although he was there for moral support. It showed he believed in her which gave her the confidence she needed to do something that was hard and scary. That was another great swoony moment for me. Taft and Adam!! Because of his own upbringing in a house with parents who didn't show affection, he was the perfect person to help Adam become a playful child again. This is the type of enemies to love story that I love, love, love. Kudos to the author for one of my favorite romances this year.
I received a complimentary copy to review but purchased a copy for my personal library. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood, gentleman that he is, comes to Alexandrina's rescue, salvaging her reputation and keeping her from marrying the drunken man who caused the problem. Taft is everything Alexandrina is not--he's flirty, funny, and can be a little mischievous, and truly a kind and caring man. Exactly the kind of man Alexandrina needs to help her heal from her disastrous first marriage.
Where do I begin to list what I loved about this book? I loved the main characters!! Taft and Alexandrina (or Alix as Taft called her) are perfectly suited for each other. They bring out the best in one another while providing what each lacks on their own. Taft truly listened to Alix (which I find totally swoony) and was so patient while she learned to trust him. They may have fought, but they were honest with each other--no games for these two--and I loved ALL the banter.
One of my favorite parts was when Alix fought for her son, Adam. I loved that Taft let her fight for her son on her own, although he was there for moral support. It showed he believed in her which gave her the confidence she needed to do something that was hard and scary. That was another great swoony moment for me. Taft and Adam!! Because of his own upbringing in a house with parents who didn't show affection, he was the perfect person to help Adam become a playful child again. This is the type of enemies to love story that I love, love, love. Kudos to the author for one of my favorite romances this year.
I received a complimentary copy to review but purchased a copy for my personal library. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 2, 2025
Hand to heart, this is a 6 stars. Shockingly perfect.
I had kinda given up hope of finding a book like this because this is so specifically what I've been looking for that I'm suddenly floating, clouds have parted, and chubby angels are singing.
This is my dream team, my dream tropes, dream fmc, dream mmc. Witty, funny, and just so right from every point of view.
And if the plot was not the most riveting, well, that's just as fine because this is a character driven romance, and with characters like this, I'm gonna be focusing just on them.
Here's a few quotes:
["...if I make the acquaintance of someone who makes me forget myself and think of potentially having a mistress, I will come directly to you, confess all, and beg you to strike me dead."]
This was so funny to me! And attractive too.
[“I’ll be at the altar waiting. Waiting to begin this life with you. Waiting to take your hand in mine. Waiting for you.” ]
At this point, this is therapy to me.
["I will,” she answered briskly, her words clipped.
“Really?” Taft whispered. “Did you listen to the whole thing?”
“Did you?” she shot back. “You’re supposed to love and comfort. Ready when you are, Harwood.”
She had an excellent point there, and he would not refute it."]
The whole wedding ceremony scene is just something else. I was swooning and laughing through all of it.
["Sunshine is highly overrated,” Jane replied with a sniff, squeezing her hand before returning to the meal before them. “What is wrong with a little rain?"]
This!!!
["And she was his wife.
The woman was a queen among women. An empress. A goddess, if they would deign to look more regal than ethereal."]
I rest my case, your honour.
I had kinda given up hope of finding a book like this because this is so specifically what I've been looking for that I'm suddenly floating, clouds have parted, and chubby angels are singing.
This is my dream team, my dream tropes, dream fmc, dream mmc. Witty, funny, and just so right from every point of view.
And if the plot was not the most riveting, well, that's just as fine because this is a character driven romance, and with characters like this, I'm gonna be focusing just on them.
Here's a few quotes:
["...if I make the acquaintance of someone who makes me forget myself and think of potentially having a mistress, I will come directly to you, confess all, and beg you to strike me dead."]
This was so funny to me! And attractive too.
[“I’ll be at the altar waiting. Waiting to begin this life with you. Waiting to take your hand in mine. Waiting for you.” ]
At this point, this is therapy to me.
["I will,” she answered briskly, her words clipped.
“Really?” Taft whispered. “Did you listen to the whole thing?”
“Did you?” she shot back. “You’re supposed to love and comfort. Ready when you are, Harwood.”
She had an excellent point there, and he would not refute it."]
The whole wedding ceremony scene is just something else. I was swooning and laughing through all of it.
["Sunshine is highly overrated,” Jane replied with a sniff, squeezing her hand before returning to the meal before them. “What is wrong with a little rain?"]
This!!!
["And she was his wife.
The woman was a queen among women. An empress. A goddess, if they would deign to look more regal than ethereal."]
I rest my case, your honour.
June 7, 2025
well there was definitely mayhem and marriage
idk I love forced marriage but I'm pretty sure I'm going to forget this book in about 13 minutes. also the "groan rose from his kneecaps to his lungs" does noooot make any sense so. there's that
idk I love forced marriage but I'm pretty sure I'm going to forget this book in about 13 minutes. also the "groan rose from his kneecaps to his lungs" does noooot make any sense so. there's that
November 29, 2021
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage was an absolute favorite read this year! The title is so fitting. It’s full of romance, witty dialogue, and fabulous characters. Marriage of convenience and enemies to friends to more are two of my favorite tropes and they are both so well done in this story! I absolutely loved the relationship between the two main characters.
Lady Alexandrina Lawson’s first marriage was awful. With the death of her husband, she’s not in any rush to form a new attachment. When an accident and subsequent misunderstanding occur in the garden at her cousin’s ball, she is forced to marry for her son’s sake. The man who is willing to marry her to salvage her reputation is the last man she would choose to marry.
Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood is the complete opposite of Lady Alexandrina. Where she is quiet, deemed cold, and dislikes society, Taft thrives in society, is lighthearted, funny, playful, and ultimately thoughtful. His spontaneous proposal to save her from a second disastrous marriage is at first ill conceived, but as time goes on, it’s the perfect match.
At first, Alix and Taft exchange barb for barb, but as Taft begins to understand the walls Alix has put up, he’s determined to win her trust and make a go of the marriage. Taft truly surprised me. I thought at first he was a little pompous, but he won me over with his deep thoughtful caring for Alix and Adam and for the way he empowered them and brought fun and laughter back into their lives. One of my favorite scenes was when Alix discovers Taft teaching Adam how to make toast with cheese in his room after Adam had a nightmare.
Alix has so much baggage from her first marriage, yet I loved the way she slowly opened her heart to Taft. I also loved the way the two communicated and how Taft was so willing to have her be a part of all the decisions in their marriage. The romantic touches and moments between the two were definitely swoonworthy.
This delightful story had tender moments as well as laugh out loud moments. It’s the perfect balance between a light regency comedy and deep tender romance. Though this is the sequel to The Rivals of Rosennor Hall, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
Lady Alexandrina Lawson’s first marriage was awful. With the death of her husband, she’s not in any rush to form a new attachment. When an accident and subsequent misunderstanding occur in the garden at her cousin’s ball, she is forced to marry for her son’s sake. The man who is willing to marry her to salvage her reputation is the last man she would choose to marry.
Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood is the complete opposite of Lady Alexandrina. Where she is quiet, deemed cold, and dislikes society, Taft thrives in society, is lighthearted, funny, playful, and ultimately thoughtful. His spontaneous proposal to save her from a second disastrous marriage is at first ill conceived, but as time goes on, it’s the perfect match.
At first, Alix and Taft exchange barb for barb, but as Taft begins to understand the walls Alix has put up, he’s determined to win her trust and make a go of the marriage. Taft truly surprised me. I thought at first he was a little pompous, but he won me over with his deep thoughtful caring for Alix and Adam and for the way he empowered them and brought fun and laughter back into their lives. One of my favorite scenes was when Alix discovers Taft teaching Adam how to make toast with cheese in his room after Adam had a nightmare.
Alix has so much baggage from her first marriage, yet I loved the way she slowly opened her heart to Taft. I also loved the way the two communicated and how Taft was so willing to have her be a part of all the decisions in their marriage. The romantic touches and moments between the two were definitely swoonworthy.
This delightful story had tender moments as well as laugh out loud moments. It’s the perfect balance between a light regency comedy and deep tender romance. Though this is the sequel to The Rivals of Rosennor Hall, it can definitely be read as a stand alone. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series! I received an advanced copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
November 30, 2021
Absolutely my new favorite book by Rebecca Connolly! The wit, the chemistry, the banter, Taft's charm, Alix's past, and some surprises along the way made this book an absolute delight to read. Enemies to loves and marriage of convenience are my two favorite tropes. Combine them together and you get pure entertainment! Though they seem to hate each other, Taft and Alix are actually well suited for each other, if they can just get past their initial impressions. One of my favorite things about this book was Taft and the kind of hero he represents - he didn't swoop into save the day for Alix, but he gave her the strength and support she needed to save the day herself and reclaim some of her dignity.
I loved this from first page to last and this is one I will definitely be re-reading!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
I loved this from first page to last and this is one I will definitely be re-reading!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
November 30, 2021
A Marriage of Convenience
When Alexandrina is caught first by a rose bush, then hit on by a drunk, Taft Debenham steps in claiming her ruffled appearance is his doing. They may not like each other at first, but their closest friends love them both so they must not be seeing each other clearly.
I love Taft and Alix’s relationship. There is a little animosity in the beginning but it mostly leads to playful banter. There is respect and honesty, and delicious romantic tension! I loved Alix’s son, Adam, and Taft’s efforts to bring him into their family.
This story was adorable, funny, and impossible to put down!
Content: clean (making out, talk of mistresses, mild language)
When Alexandrina is caught first by a rose bush, then hit on by a drunk, Taft Debenham steps in claiming her ruffled appearance is his doing. They may not like each other at first, but their closest friends love them both so they must not be seeing each other clearly.
I love Taft and Alix’s relationship. There is a little animosity in the beginning but it mostly leads to playful banter. There is respect and honesty, and delicious romantic tension! I loved Alix’s son, Adam, and Taft’s efforts to bring him into their family.
This story was adorable, funny, and impossible to put down!
Content: clean (making out, talk of mistresses, mild language)
January 1, 2022
I laughed, I swooned a bit, and simply had a ridiculous amount of fun reading this one!
January 23, 2022
should've been a novella, i recommend you stop reading ~50% and choose to see it as a snapshot of their lives
October 7, 2023
what a ride!
Rebecca sure knows how to draw readers into a story and then take off. In the very best of ways.
Ahhhh Alix and Taft. ❤️❤️
Love it!
Rebecca sure knows how to draw readers into a story and then take off. In the very best of ways.
Ahhhh Alix and Taft. ❤️❤️
Love it!
January 10, 2022
So, I read this after a much more serious read because I needed something light and fluffy...and romantic! Boy, did this hit the spot!! Maybe under normal circumstances it wouldn't be a 5 star, but today it was! The hero...💕 I tell ya, fictional men are the best aren't they?! Ha! In any case, there was none of that crazy misunderstanding that seems to happen in a lot of these regency books, just a very fun sweet romance that emerges from a marriage to avoid scandal. Such a weird thing that was...🤔 Anyway, very much enjoyed this!
June 10, 2022
A sweet stand-alone tale of a society widow and a wealthy English aristocrat, this slow burn romance combines a mix of witty mischief and light flirtation to make a perfect relaxing read.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 3, 2022
I kept reading this book because of the first half. The second half dragged a lot, the dialogue was tedious, there was no drama or conflict, it was plain and boring.
April 26, 2022
Alex and Taft are a good couple. They were meant to be together. Alex was in mourning for her deceased husband but doesn't want to be. A tangle with a rose bush which turns into a tangle with a man makes Taft into the hero.
One good scandal deserves another...
Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.
Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.
Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.
And that he would do almost anything to claim it.
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
One good scandal deserves another...
Lady Alexandrina Lawson has never minded her widowhood. After the disaster that was her first marriage, she found it rather enjoyable, despite the pity she received. What the public saw as devoted mourning to a respected man was, in fact, a complete disinterest in participating in anything Society could offer her ever again. When an invitation to a cousin's London event proves disastrous for Alexandrina, her reputation, and that of her child, her choice becomes simple: rescue or ruin.
Enter Taft Debenham, Earl of Harwood.
Taft could not have less interest in Lady Lawson or her cold manner, but neither could he stand by and let her suffer a forced marriage to a drunken idiot. Sacrificing himself on the altar of Society, thinking how his own reputation might benefit, he provides a rather clever solution: marry the woman himself, and claim outrage for the offenses against her. Over the protests of his bride, and those of his own sanity, Taft begins the greatest scheme he could ever imagine. Nothing surprises him more than beginning to discover that his wife has a heart beneath her icy exterior.
And that he would do almost anything to claim it.
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Rebecca Connolly’s previous novel, The Rivals of Rosennor Hall.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
March 1, 2022
I really liked the two main characters. I felt that the reason for such a scandal was probably accurate in the Ton. Her dress had caught in rose bushes, in all its gauzy finery. She had no choice to pull free especially when a drunken man tried to put his hands on her seductively. He wailed hitting the roses bushes ,she just freed herself from, and soon the most gossipy of the Ton stood in the garden about her. Taft who out ranked most of them took the blame, and announced they were engaged. Considering they were exact opposite, and she still suffered from her first marriage, and her husband's constant UN faithfulness, she really wanted no part of another marriage. There was also the fact that her son had stayed to be raised by his uncle, and strict grandmother. There was no real place left for her there, and they made that clear.. I loved how her new husband not only took over her protection, but kept his word that she would always be treated with warmth, respect, and she would never regret the marriage to him. The only reason I gave it a four was that her son had just become a part of there lives, which I was thrilled over, and he was becoming a happy little boy again, and the story shifts. I never found out how he fared, and the Epilogue left him out..I felt the author could have wound him back into the story, or in the epilogue. The reader would have a finished story, for the three major characters.. I gave it a four instead of a five .
July 6, 2022
Words. I do not have the adequate words to describe my complete, and probably unhealthy, love and obsession for this book. Holy moly guacamole, I just loved this story so so so soooo much. If I could, I’d give it 100/5 stars! Definitely a favorite read in 2022.
I’m not sure why I’ve made the mistake of not reading a Rebecca Connolly book before. But I’ve mended my ways and from this one book she has easily become one of my favorite authors of all time.
This story had me hooked from the first page and I seriously loved the whole experience of reading about the wonderful characters inside the pages. I loved seeing the changes the hero and heroine go through and how they help improve each other.
Alix is understandably a little prickly and yet unapologetically herself. She is so strong and capable, and yet vulnerable in the best way. And then you have Taft, who may or may not be my new favorite book boyfriend, and boy is he a hoot! He’s the perfect sunshine to Alix’s “grump” personality. These two characters together made the story so much richer and more lovable.
This was a great regency romance that blew me away with the banter and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading. This is the perfect book for anyone needing a romantic “pick me up” that will leave you happy and satisfied.
I’m not sure why I’ve made the mistake of not reading a Rebecca Connolly book before. But I’ve mended my ways and from this one book she has easily become one of my favorite authors of all time.
This story had me hooked from the first page and I seriously loved the whole experience of reading about the wonderful characters inside the pages. I loved seeing the changes the hero and heroine go through and how they help improve each other.
Alix is understandably a little prickly and yet unapologetically herself. She is so strong and capable, and yet vulnerable in the best way. And then you have Taft, who may or may not be my new favorite book boyfriend, and boy is he a hoot! He’s the perfect sunshine to Alix’s “grump” personality. These two characters together made the story so much richer and more lovable.
This was a great regency romance that blew me away with the banter and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading. This is the perfect book for anyone needing a romantic “pick me up” that will leave you happy and satisfied.
February 12, 2022
DNF (did not finish). Not because I didn't enjoy the story or the writing. I was very invested in the lives of Taft & Alexandria and really wanted to watch their marriage-of-convenience turn into something real. The witty barbs they threw at each other made me chuckle and shake my head. And Lady Alexander's plight for her young son was admirable as well as Taft coming to her aid...such a gentleman! She couldn't have asked for a better hero or man to be on her side.
For none of these reasons did I not finish, but my biggest turn-off was stumbling upon three curse words in just the first five chapters alone. I can't abide even mild ones (as these are), they jar me right out of the story. I tried, I really did, to overlook that because the story is so well written! But I have to stand fast to my convictions as a Christian reader and avoid the rest of this book. I realize it's not marked as Christian fiction and did not expect it to be one. I only expected a clean Regency romance without fear of words I'd rather not read or bedroom scenes (which there wasn't).
Pity, because I adore marriage-of-convenience!
For none of these reasons did I not finish, but my biggest turn-off was stumbling upon three curse words in just the first five chapters alone. I can't abide even mild ones (as these are), they jar me right out of the story. I tried, I really did, to overlook that because the story is so well written! But I have to stand fast to my convictions as a Christian reader and avoid the rest of this book. I realize it's not marked as Christian fiction and did not expect it to be one. I only expected a clean Regency romance without fear of words I'd rather not read or bedroom scenes (which there wasn't).
Pity, because I adore marriage-of-convenience!
December 6, 2021
I loved this book! I had a hard time putting it down while reading it. It was a fun story of two people whom did not like or really respect each other. But when put together learned to respect, admire, like and love each other.
Alexandrina was at a party at her cousin's house. She did not love all the society and all associated with it. As she was walking in the garden he snagged her dress on some thorn bushes. After a drunkin man tried to take advantage of her Taft stepped in and claimed it was him whom did the damage to the dress. As it was in that time they were forced to marry.
After a miserable first marriage Alexandrina was terrified to marry again.
After getting married they learned the inner parts of each other through service, bantering and understanding. Eventually they learned respect and then love.
The author did a great job of developing the characters and getting you excited to see what happened next.
I was given an ARC of this book, the review was left voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
Alexandrina was at a party at her cousin's house. She did not love all the society and all associated with it. As she was walking in the garden he snagged her dress on some thorn bushes. After a drunkin man tried to take advantage of her Taft stepped in and claimed it was him whom did the damage to the dress. As it was in that time they were forced to marry.
After a miserable first marriage Alexandrina was terrified to marry again.
After getting married they learned the inner parts of each other through service, bantering and understanding. Eventually they learned respect and then love.
The author did a great job of developing the characters and getting you excited to see what happened next.
I was given an ARC of this book, the review was left voluntarily. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 15, 2022
This book ended up being surprisingly good. I’m a fan of the authors in this series, and figured it would be a decent read, but ended up loving it more than I expected.
This book is a twist on the typical broody male lead and instead has a broody female lead! The heroine is emotionally damaged from her first marriage, and the feelings that she expresses in regards to her damage are so real and will resonate with those of us who have histories of emotional and mental abuse from exes.
I appreciated the hero being authentically in love with society life in regency era England - whereas the female lead has cause to hate it, he does as well, but chose to embrace it and all it has to offer while also being very frank and unblind to the discrepancies the ton has towards the roles of men and women; what is acceptable for a man in this era, women were ostracized for. But the male steps in and rights what wrongs he can due to his influence on society gained by his overall popularity and friendly demeanor to everyone.
This book is a twist on the typical broody male lead and instead has a broody female lead! The heroine is emotionally damaged from her first marriage, and the feelings that she expresses in regards to her damage are so real and will resonate with those of us who have histories of emotional and mental abuse from exes.
I appreciated the hero being authentically in love with society life in regency era England - whereas the female lead has cause to hate it, he does as well, but chose to embrace it and all it has to offer while also being very frank and unblind to the discrepancies the ton has towards the roles of men and women; what is acceptable for a man in this era, women were ostracized for. But the male steps in and rights what wrongs he can due to his influence on society gained by his overall popularity and friendly demeanor to everyone.
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