King Henry Vll died believing he eliminated his archenemy’s bloodline completely. He died believing that the Plantagenet's reign was nothing more than a dot on the walls of history...
He was wrong...
London 1839. Present day.
Edward Kingston lives by a strict moral code; indulge in pleasure. As the seconded son of the infamous Richard Kingston, The Duke of York is advisor to the queen and descendant of one of the greatest bloodlines to ever rule England. He knows the importance of the role he has to play. His focus is centered on taking the title of Overall Rake to encompassing new heights rather than owning up to his title as The Earl of Wellington. Never would he have thought that his father would call upon him to instruct another on proper etiquette, let alone a stunning new debutant.
Morgan Sinclair has more than a few secrets she wishes to stay hidden. When her mother suggests a season getaway to fashionable London, she is more than happy to oblige. She knows her aunt, the duchess, has plenty of lessons in store in order to prepare her for her grand debut. The only lesson for which there is no adequate preparation is how to manage the charismatic Earl of Wellington.
A cloak of mystery and suspense wraps around the two as the Kingston's turbulent past rises up to challenge the notorious family and ruffle the feathers of London's elite hot-ton.
Stacy Von Haegert is the International Bestselling Author of two genres: Historical Romance (the White Rose trilogy, and Lords), and Dark-Fantasy Romance (Forged)
Stacy lives in historic downtown Franklin TN with her hubby, son, calico cat, and Belgian Tervuren, where she writes by day and teaches ballroom dance in the evenings. She is obsessed with old houses, good literature, and boogie boarding.
Whether this is your first in the series or you're reading them in order you will not be disappointed with this one. Edward is the second loose canon of the Kingston family. A year or so prior to this story we met sister, Greyland in Under His Protection. Where she is rebellious and wild Edward is secretive and hot headed. There is a connection between all of the siblings but I really enjoyed the relationship between Edward and Greyland. They are two peas in a pod in so many ways but there are things about Edward that his family is not even aware of. His best friend , Henry, harbors all their dark secrets of gambling and threesomes to name a few and they are known around town as the devil duo.
Morgan Sinclair and her mother have just arrived in London to escape an abusive Husband/ Stepfather and a perverse and obsessed stepbrother in the hopes of finding Morgan a marriage prospect. Well, what do you know she finds herself tutored by the Earl of Wellington (Edward) himself. He is considered quite the catch and as we know from the previous book knows how to glide on the dance floor. You know rake's though they do not tame easily and although Edward is taken with Morgan he refuses to give into temptation. He is also not the only one who seems to be taken with her as yet another tutor by the name of Lord De Montrey starts quite a stir in the gossip pages.
One of my favorite parts of the book though is the interaction with the Kingston family themselves. You feel like your right in the room as Edward wakes one morning from a night of hell raising to find his father, brother, Greyland and Alexander in his bed chamber. It was so simple a scene but really added to the depth of how strong the family is. The biggest joke between them, besides him smelling like the inside of a Brandy bottle, is Edward releasing his valet. Apparently he came home the night before and found him wearing nothing but a perfectly tied cravat and Edward decided than and there that was more than he wanted to see of his valet.
Edward and Morgan finally get their hearts aligned when the conspiracies in the book unfold. Not one person but four different villains who have there own reasons for coming together to destroy the Kingston family. I was a bit disappointed in Morgan's lack of faith in her husband to confide the threats made by Roderick(stepbrother) on her wedding day. While I can appreciate her need to protect those she loved I was sad she didn't trust him to protect her especially with the horrible actions he was taking. She proved herself to be a strong h and just what Edward needed so I can't say it changed my feelings overall.
The ending though brought about some tears when we say goodbye to one of the characters of the book and one who holds some very serious secrets. All leading us to the next book in the series of the oldest Kingston. The fastidious Perkin's story is greatly anticipated IMO because he is the son that looks out after the other two. There is a surprise in this book that even Perkin is not aware of and it is going to take all of them to help Perkin for a change. I cannot wait to see the whole family together again and join in their banter and tears, to see how the couples have grown together. That is always a favorite of mine to see past couples and how time has treated them.
For those who may be interested in whether or not there is graphic sex scenes the answer is yes and I'd like to add on a personal note that I am so glad the author did not take a Bertrice Small angle. While I have enjoyed books from her in the past she tends to take her books down a dark path and I was pleased SVH chose her own path for the couple. The book is well written and kept me interested throughout. I found myself taking my Kindle in the bathroom with me. LOL! Enjoy!
Edward is the middle child of the Kingston siblings. He is both loving and protective of his family. He also has a reputation of being a rake.
Morgan Sinclair needs to make her debut appearance during the Bon Ton season in London. Her hope is to find a suitable match and move away from her stepfather’s oppressive clutches. Any marriage will do, as long as she is safe and not ruined by the likes of Roderick, the mean spirited and spiteful stepbrother, who will be her ruination.
Here enters Edward, coerced by his father, to teach the young Lady Sinclair how to ballroom dance in preparation of her debut into London society.
When the two meet, sparks fly and neither know what to do with this growing attraction that could end up harming Lady Sinclair’s chances of securing a suitable match.
We’ve already met the littlest Kingston, now it’s time to see if Edward can put his rakish behaviour aside and capture the heart of the lovely Morgan Sinclair.
Review
I love Edward! He has all those aspects of morally grey character that I absolutely love and protective of his family to a fault. This will not stop with the lovely Lady Sinclair. Edward has his eyes set on her. He now just needs to get over himself and realize he can be a man that loves a woman whole heartedly!
I absolutely loved book two and can’t wait for book 3 Under His Discretion
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS ; WARNING: CONTAINS MATURE AND ADULT CONTENT
This story has several different peoples POV. These are my favorite type of books to read, simply because you get to see what is happening from all angles.
Under His Guidance picks right up where Under His Protection left off. I was prepared for the wonderful writings of Ms. Von Haegert this time around, however she still threw surprises in the book that I do not even those close to her could even see coming. Just as with Under His Protection, this book drew me in from the first page and did not let up till the end. Under His Guidance is Edward's story.
Edward is the middle child of the Kingston clan and is the trouble maker of the bunch, if he could make a living running his mouth and using his sly ways he would have it made. Edward has made a great friend in Henry. who is Alexandar's half brother, in this book. Henry seems to be the voice of reason until Edward has to do a favor for his father and meets this red head.
Morgan Sinclair has had a rough past. She does not come from anything and has come to England to learn the ways of a debutante. She has to learn how to dance in the ways of the fancy within 2 weeks and who does her family in London get for her to learn from, none other than the Earl of Wellington himself (Edward). She has heard of this wayward ways and is determined to not fall under his spell.
When they first meet in her aunts ball room who falls under whose spell first? Morgan is not your typical lady either, she reminds me so much of Greyland from Under His Protection, however I believe that Morgan has a little more sass. When it comes to Edward I loved watching him grow in this book!
We also got to see some familiar faces from the first book! Perkin, the "perfect" eldest child of the Kingston bunch was there, however not as prominent as I thought he would be. Oh Perkin got himself into the scandal into this book - If I say more I would give it all away. Alexander and his wife Greyland was there along with their children. So many side characters that you will want to allow yourself to be caught up in the middle of all of their lives once again.
Edward's life continues to be threatened in this novel, but who would do such a thing since he is finally getting his life straight? Has the past of their ancestry finally caught up with them? (read the first book to get this question) Does Edwards settle down with Morgan? Are they forced to be together or do they actually love each other?
Once again, I was so wrapped up in the story that when it did end I was wishing I could go live with the characters in Northern England at the Castle and have those gallant men take care of me. I just loved how this book took me back to the 1800's in England and evoked all emotions out of me and ended with a mysterious twist.
I stand by what I said on my first review. Stacy Von Haegert is comparable to Jane Austen! If you love Ms. Austen then you will love Ms. Von Haegert because she writes just as wonderful and you need pick these books up! You will not regret your decision!
Edward has a dark side to his personality. Can any woman take him? Rebellious Morgan will certainly try. I liked the alpha male tendencies in Edward. There’s more action and another villain to defeat. More secrets revealed plus a loss round out this second book. Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy.
I tore through this book in less than a day, I loved it so much! I was curious to see how the author would pull off the second book of the White Rose series without it seeming too much like the first, but she did it flawlessly. Edward is a rake with a reputation that he seems to enjoy, so it’s surprising when he finds himself entranced by Morgan – a debutante in need of lessons for her society debut. Morgan wants to escape from the secrets that haunt her and part of that plan involves finding a safe husband among London society. She didn’t realize that safety would also come with the passion that Edward stirs in her. Despite Edward’s previous whoring around, it was easy to come to love his character; he held onto many demons from his past and finding peace with Morgan was wholly gratifying to read about. Morgan had a sharp wit and determination, and I was glad that she was able to find security and love with Edward. Along with their (hot!) romance, the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Kingston family continues to unfold, and allows for a fast-paced storyline. The end of this book wraps up a few loose strings, but paves the way for the final book about Perkin. And I am most excited to see how it all concludes.
Amazing, and that describes it mildly! I was so excited to read the 2nd book in the White Rose trilogy about the second son of the famous Kingston family, Edward, Lord Wellington. Edward was living his life as a carefree rake but has some dark secrets he hides. In steps Lady Morgan Sinclair, who has secrets of her own, but is excited about her season in London with the guidance of her aunt, the Duchess of Vandicamp Thrown together by both families, Edward helps teach Morgan to dance and the excitement begins. This story has intrigue, mystery and a wonderful romance that keeps you eager to turn the next page! You will love this book, especially if you have read Under His Ptotection, the first book in the Trilogy. Note, this can be read as a stand alone book. Stacy Von Haegert does it again with her tapestry of telling a story and drawing the reader in completely. Now, on to the third book!!
This trilogy just keeps getting better. Edward, now the Earl of Wellington, is one of the most joyous trouble makers I've read. He and his good friend Henry, the Earl of Rockafetch, are known as the Devil Duo but Edwards laugh is a truly happy one. I found myself smiling a few times, I even had to hold back a laugh.
Morgan Sinclair Is like Grayland, strong willed, tell it like it is, lady. Although Morgan isn't in your face wild, she does crave life's adventures. Lucky for her Edward is gentlemen who has a body and heart of a protector above all else, then when danger comes calling they both find out what that really means.
This historical romance is filled with a bunch of secondary characters that I loved from book one and a few new. I felt all their smiles, and laughs. Just as a great writer does, Stacy made me fall in love, and also cry in the darkest moments of the characters lives.
Another beautifully written historic romance. Stacy Von Haegert has continued the White Rose Trilogy with wonderfully descriptive passages.
Edward Kingston and his friend Henry enjoy all that being the most sought after bachelors in London provide; indulgence in sport, wine and woman. Edward is the brother of Greyland, featured in the first book in this series, Under His Protection.
The mystery and vengeful actions continue against him and his family. Morgan Sinclair the new debutante, has a few skeletons in her closet that are rearing their ugly heads. A roller coaster of mystery and espionage ensues and a beautiful romance emerges. Watching the relationship build between Edward and Morgan is heartwarming.
This sequel has met or exceeded my love of the first book. Another winning novel with all the elements of a great read: mystery, romance and comedy.
The second book in the white rose trilogy, dare I say this is even better than under his protection? I honestly didn't think Edwards story could be better than Alexanders and Greyland but I concede. He's the dashingly handsome Duke of York, with rugged good looks that has all the women lusting after him and a temper you don't want to see. Morgan is the debutant who is hoping to snag a husband as soon as possible for her own reasons. This is a must read, hot sexy males, beautiful maidens in distress and traitors round every corner! I'm so looking forward to Perkins sort next, a must read series!
Losing his love to illness before he can propose, Edward Kingston become a rake and garners a reputation with the ton. Then he meets Morgan Sinclair. Morgan and her mother are fleeting an abusive 2nd husband and step-brother to get Morgan married before things get worse at home. With the help of her mother's sister, a widowed Duchess, Morgan and Edward are thrown together and sparks fly. With factions against them, there are twists and turns as motives are revealed. A must read.
Loved Edward and Morgan's story, the plot thickens, you see how the author incorporates the characters from book one and each has a major or minor role to play. Well written, Edward has to face demons from his past and keep secrets in order to keep his family safe, Morgan is trying to get away from her abusive step father and step brother. Through it all it's Morgans love that draws Edward out. Must read series, now on to the next
I wanted to give this book 4 stars, based on how hard I cried when it broke my heart...but, I figured that just meant I was so lost in it that I felt it in reality. While I loved Alex and Grey, I adore Edward. I loved him more than Perkin, anyway. I knew he held something powerful inside, and beautiful Morgan brought it right out. Perfectly written! I can't wait for book 3! Perkin won't boot Edward as my favorite, but I'm sure he'll be a great contender. I'll see who wins at dawn...lol
Another fantastic story in the trilogy, more treachery, more romance, couldn't put this one down either, this time it's Edward's story, I thought I loved Alex, but I think Edward has overtaken him, he has his demons to fight but Morgan is there to anchor him. Now on to book three and Perkin's story, I have a feeling my loyalties are going to shift again or can I share.
The author does it again. It is impossible to stop reading this story. The plot thickens and things get worse for the Kingstons. The main characters are a breath of fresh air in a very difficult and dark family history. You'll have hilarious moments mixed with very dark ones. A great continuation of the series and an amazing starting point for the end!
I so enjoyed the book. "Under His Guidance (The White Rose Trilogy) I would definitely tell others of the book. If u like love, gentlemen, honor of men, a little mystery, who done it. But most of all is love. This book is for u.
I really liked this historical romance. I found the characters easy to follow and even the time line. There are disputes they dull or fight but that's that time but the love stories......
Is a historical Romance Novel and second book in the series, Its about the Kingston family (Greyland, Perkins, and Edward) and their family history as well as fate. This particular book is about Edward and Morgan, I relate to Morgan so much because she has been through some really bad stuff. And she struggles to trust anyone and in English society Edward is what they would call a rake. They have a whirlwind relationship that causes them to end up married. This is based during Queen Victoria’s era and I truly love this book because it actually brings history into it. In addition, you find out about their family and who they are the descendants of but also someone is trying to kill Edward and his family. Again. You do absolutely need to read the first book to have a better understand of not just Edward and his family but the history that is being discussed in the book. You can not help but root for Edward and Morgan’s relationship. And you can not help but fall in love with Morgan’s character. I do not only recommend this book but also the first book! I’m dying to read the next book to see what will continue to happen to the Kingston family. This is one of my favorite historical romance’s I’ve read. Especially in a long time. If you like Historical Romances you will LOVE this series I promise!
Ugly tears, I so enjoyed this book. Even more so than the first. It is a stand alone, you don't have to read the previous book first, but trust me it's good. Edward, oh Edward, who knew that such a hellraiser would settle so easily. Morgan, coming out of her shell and being the exact person that Edward needed, not just a beautiful face but poised, witty, and adventurous enough to fit in with the family. From dance lessons to assassination attempts, this book has everything I look for in a historical romance. Great chemistry between the characters, no third act break up, a historical figure, clear devotion, a budding side romance between side characters and plenty of action and a bit of mystery, not to mention the bad guys getting what they deserve.
Edward & Morgan’s story is everything!!!! This was a soul sucking book, once I started I couldn’t stop!! I read it all today and could not put it down!!! There is so much action and adventure and twists and secrets!!! Edward is definitely my favorite Kingston sibling but I’m very excited for Perkins story and to find out more about his secret life!!!!
I read the first book under his protection and I practically had no words to describe how absolutely wonderful this book was or I should say this book is the author is new to me but not any longer she’s up on the top of my list as a phenomenal writer I will buy everyone of her books that comes out she is so good at writing. I just finished reading book 2 in the white rose trilogy under his guidance and it’s the story of Edward and Morgan again I am a little lost for words I thoroughly enjoyed this book I will be reading this book over and over again the same as the first one is the kind of books that you don’t ever forget it really moves you that much that you don’t forget. If you really enjoy a historical romance book that has meat to the story has everything in it everything and it’s not your ordinary cookie-cutter romance story it has soul it really does she’s an absolutely marvelous writer I can’t really say much more if you really want to enjoy a really outstanding historical romance by the white rose trilogy I can’t wait to buy The story about Perkin. I know the story of Perkins is really going to dig deep down into your soul and your heart this author has a way of doing that and I just love it
Under his Guidance is Book 2 in the White Rose Trilogy. It follows Edward who is the middle child in the Kingston family. I received this book for free from the author in exchange for my honest review.
While we met Edward in book one of the trilogy, and we got to see his very protective side over Greyland, he takes it to the next level in this book. These books are surprisingly action packed for historical romance, and I am here for it.
Morgan (the female MC), comes to the city for her debut, and to get away from her stepfather. Her aunt wants to make sure that she catches the eyes of the most eligible bachelors in the Bon Ton and to do that Morgan needs to learn a few things. It just so happens that the most eligible bachelor in town also gets wrangled in to teaching Morgan the waltz. The first time Edward meets Morgan he is taken aback by her striking red hair, how brazen she is, and how different she is from the woman who normally fawn all over him.
But Edward has some competition, her Pianoforte instructor is also taken with Morgan. He and Edward fight over Morgans attention until Morgan runs into her stepbrother at her debut ball, and it all goes crazy from there.
Once again this book has romance, action, betrayal, and scandal. It did make me emotional at the end. This author also does a great job of having interesting side characters that help suck you into the story and I ended up caring about them as well.
This book has multiple POV, and some sex scenes but they are not overly explicit.
Amazing second book in a trilogy. Edward and Morgan’s story was amazing. I found myself so emotional reading the book. I was ready to crawl through the book and strangle Morgan’s Step-dad and step-brother. I felt sympathy and sadly real life connection with Morgan’s mom. Both Edward and Morgan’s characters sent me through more emotions than I thought possible. Stacey Von Haegert is a master storyteller. I would confidently buy anything she writes in the future.
Oh boy, where to even start! I thought Alex and Greyland were the Perfect match, UNTIL Edward and Morgan came into the picture! They are a TRUE “Love Match!” to use the phrase of the Time period. Morgan was exactly who Edward needed to tame his wild side(just a bit lol), and he brought out Morgan’s confidence to really shine like the beauty she is(inside and out!) and don’t get me started on his best friend, and Alex’s brother, Henry! I hope to see more of him and his future romance in the future! I’m still reeling from that HUGE twist at the end, absolutely blew my mind and I’m anxiously awaiting the next book to see how this all ends up!!!
This is the second book I have read by Stacy Von Haegert & I loved it just as much as the first. It has been quite a while since I have read a regency romance, probably since I read book 1 earlier this year, & I forgot how much I love them. This book & series is a bit unique in the amount of action that you see from the story line & I love that added suspense it brings to the story development.
Morgan & Edward are such a great couple. Edward has always been a cad & no one expected him to ever settle down, much to his families demise. Morgan needs to find a husband to help her escape her current situation. These two have such great chemistry together & I love the development that their love story takes.
I will definitely have to read the next book when it comes out.
UPDATE 2021: The author has also reworked this book with added scenes/convos which has made it even more enjoyable to read. I love the added witty remarks and after all this time, I still teared up. (Sorry, no spoilers. Those who have read this book know the scene I'm talking about) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plain and simple....I want a love story like Morgan and Edward.