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The Wife the Marquess Left Behind
An emotional marriage reunited story set in Regency England.
The marquess has returned
To claim his marchioness!
Venetia has made a quiet life for herself without any help from the man she married five years ago. They were both trapped into marriage, but he abandoned her. So when newly titled Marquess Everett Lasalle returns unannounced, expecting his wallflower wife to step into the role of society lady, she won’t make it easy! Even if he does seem a changed man and is sparking a desire worth waiting for…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The marquess has returned
To claim his marchioness!
Venetia has made a quiet life for herself without any help from the man she married five years ago. They were both trapped into marriage, but he abandoned her. So when newly titled Marquess Everett Lasalle returns unannounced, expecting his wallflower wife to step into the role of society lady, she won’t make it easy! Even if he does seem a changed man and is sparking a desire worth waiting for…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
12 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Ann Lethbridge
182 books158 followersAKA Michèle Ann Young (Goodreads Author)
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
An army brat born in England and now living in Canada, Ann grew up loving history, but majored in business, with history on the side. She has a husband and two lovely daughters and a Maltese Terrier called Teaser, who likes to sit on a chair beside the computer while she works.
Her love of the past and the stories in her imagination led her to write her first novel in 2000, a never-see-the-light-of-day-effort, and after having her first book published in 2006, she knew she'd found her niche.
She loves the Georgian era, and within that, the period known as the long Regency. She also adores happy endings.
You will find her books in bookstores in the month of issue, as well as on line at Mills and Boon or E-harlequin.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to a disastrous attempt by Venetia to protect her sister, combined with a cruel trick played by Everett's brother, she and Everett were forced to marry. Everett was furious, believing that Venetia had trapped him on purpose. He abandoned her right after the wedding, leaving on his planned voyage to India. Venetia lived a quiet, impoverished life on one of his brother's estates for five years.
Everett had no plans to return to England until he received word that his brother had died, making him the new Marquess of Gore. He knew he would have to see Venetia again and make their marriage work. He returned to London, expecting to find her there enjoying life as a society lady, and was stunned that she wasn't there. It took some time to track her location. Venetia was shocked when Everett showed up, as she had no idea his brother was dead.
Their first meeting was an antagonistic one. She is furious over his neglect and abandonment, while Everett believes she is lying about receiving no support. Venetia isn't happy when he insists that she return with him to London to take her place as his wife. She is happy where she is and has found a calling in helping abused wives escape their husbands. I loved seeing Venetia stand up to Everett and refuse to accept his demands, making him work for her cooperation.
Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, and they weren't pleased about it. Venetia still remembers his cutting remarks on their wedding day, and Everett doesn't trust her. But as they are forced to spend time together, their relationship changes. I loved that Everett felt guilty about what Venetia went through because of his neglect, especially after discovering the truth. I liked his protectiveness when he saw how her father treated her and began to understand how their marriage happened. Venetia sees that Everett has changed in the five years he's been gone and begins to hope that their marriage may work out.
I liked seeing Venetia and Everett get to know each other and discover they had much in common. I loved the scene where they waltzed together and his patience with her insecurities. That patience was evident when they gave in to their attraction, with Venetia surprising herself and Everett. There is also a fantastic scene at Almack's that made me laugh out loud. But when Venetia is needed to help another abused wife, she can't bring herself to confide in Everett. To return alone to her previous home, she picks a fight with him. I ached for both of them because they were clearly in love but too proud to risk rejection.
I ached for Venetia's heartbreak, though she brought it on herself. At the same time, Everett copes by getting wasted, then rescued by his brother-in-law. I loved that he decided to go after her and ended up walking into the middle of a problem with her latest rescue. He won significant points with Venetia and me, as he immediately stepped up to help. I enjoyed seeing the plan he came up with and how it worked out. With no more secrets between them, they were able to break down the last of the barriers keeping them apart.
Though we didn't see much of him, I loved Venetia's brother, Paris. He and Venetia protected each other from their father as best they could. I felt for him when he talked about the woman he loved and thought he couldn't have. I liked how he took care of Everett and later asked Everett's advice about India. I would love to see him get a story of his own.
Everett had no plans to return to England until he received word that his brother had died, making him the new Marquess of Gore. He knew he would have to see Venetia again and make their marriage work. He returned to London, expecting to find her there enjoying life as a society lady, and was stunned that she wasn't there. It took some time to track her location. Venetia was shocked when Everett showed up, as she had no idea his brother was dead.
Their first meeting was an antagonistic one. She is furious over his neglect and abandonment, while Everett believes she is lying about receiving no support. Venetia isn't happy when he insists that she return with him to London to take her place as his wife. She is happy where she is and has found a calling in helping abused wives escape their husbands. I loved seeing Venetia stand up to Everett and refuse to accept his demands, making him work for her cooperation.
Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, and they weren't pleased about it. Venetia still remembers his cutting remarks on their wedding day, and Everett doesn't trust her. But as they are forced to spend time together, their relationship changes. I loved that Everett felt guilty about what Venetia went through because of his neglect, especially after discovering the truth. I liked his protectiveness when he saw how her father treated her and began to understand how their marriage happened. Venetia sees that Everett has changed in the five years he's been gone and begins to hope that their marriage may work out.
I liked seeing Venetia and Everett get to know each other and discover they had much in common. I loved the scene where they waltzed together and his patience with her insecurities. That patience was evident when they gave in to their attraction, with Venetia surprising herself and Everett. There is also a fantastic scene at Almack's that made me laugh out loud. But when Venetia is needed to help another abused wife, she can't bring herself to confide in Everett. To return alone to her previous home, she picks a fight with him. I ached for both of them because they were clearly in love but too proud to risk rejection.
I ached for Venetia's heartbreak, though she brought it on herself. At the same time, Everett copes by getting wasted, then rescued by his brother-in-law. I loved that he decided to go after her and ended up walking into the middle of a problem with her latest rescue. He won significant points with Venetia and me, as he immediately stepped up to help. I enjoyed seeing the plan he came up with and how it worked out. With no more secrets between them, they were able to break down the last of the barriers keeping them apart.
Though we didn't see much of him, I loved Venetia's brother, Paris. He and Venetia protected each other from their father as best they could. I felt for him when he talked about the woman he loved and thought he couldn't have. I liked how he took care of Everett and later asked Everett's advice about India. I would love to see him get a story of his own.
December 6, 2023
BORING
MORE PASSION, MORE ENERGY!
More SOMETHING....geez.
MORE PASSION, MORE ENERGY!
More SOMETHING....geez.
October 18, 2022
Due to trickery, Venetia had been wed to Everett LaSalle some five years before, he having left to go to India on their wedding day, telling her he never wanted to see her again, and blaming her for the compromising that led to their marriage. When Everett returns to England, it is due to the fact that his brother Simon has died and Everett has now inherited the title of Marquess. When he arrives home, it is to find that the wife he never wanted has been settled at the Walsea estate, one of the Marquess's lessor holdings, with little money to fend for herself, a responsibility he had foolishly left in the hands of his reckless brother Simon. These past five years, Venetia has learned to fend for herself, and has helped desperate women leave their abusive husbands from the remote location.
Everett, knowing he must start acting as the Marquess, goes to Walsea and persuades his unwanted wife to accompany him back to London to pose as his Marchioness. Venetia is less than happy about this and would prefer if Everett would leave her where she is. However, she agrees to give their marriage a chance and accompanies Everett to London, against her better judgment. She does not like the ton, nor the responsibilities that will be put upon her as a Marchioness.
While this marriage trial is going on, Everett and Venetia have troubles communicating with each other, Venetia not wanting Everett to take her over like her father had done to her mother, and Everett standing on traditional ground, thinking that a Marchioness should obey her husband. This clash is worked out, much to the reader's satisfaction by the end of the book, of course. While I felt that this couple really didn't have much in common, that they got along well and were willing to keep trying when they weren't arguing, was a plus. I also felt a great deal of sympathy for Venetia and the issues she faced, considering her childhood, and her current circumstances.
Everett, knowing he must start acting as the Marquess, goes to Walsea and persuades his unwanted wife to accompany him back to London to pose as his Marchioness. Venetia is less than happy about this and would prefer if Everett would leave her where she is. However, she agrees to give their marriage a chance and accompanies Everett to London, against her better judgment. She does not like the ton, nor the responsibilities that will be put upon her as a Marchioness.
While this marriage trial is going on, Everett and Venetia have troubles communicating with each other, Venetia not wanting Everett to take her over like her father had done to her mother, and Everett standing on traditional ground, thinking that a Marchioness should obey her husband. This clash is worked out, much to the reader's satisfaction by the end of the book, of course. While I felt that this couple really didn't have much in common, that they got along well and were willing to keep trying when they weren't arguing, was a plus. I also felt a great deal of sympathy for Venetia and the issues she faced, considering her childhood, and her current circumstances.
February 23, 2023
DNF. I got about a third of the way through this book, and I just couldn't take it anymore. The hero, Everett, is such a jerk. Do you think the reason your wife is not thrilled to see you, and not very forthcoming about her life, maybe has something to do with the fact that you abandoned her on your wedding day and didn't see her for five freaking years?! You think that might be a problem, Everett, do ya?! I know he was under some mistaken assumptions about his wife, but it really bothered me that he wouldn't really listen to her when she would tell him something, for example, he is all like I've been sending you 25 pounds a month to live on and she's tells him that she's only been receiving 5 pounds, and he just kind of doesn't believe her, even though he can see with his own two eyes that she living in near poverty. His lack of empathy and his unwillingness to see the situation for what it was really started go grate on me after awhile, until I was just like why am I still reading this? Look, I'm all for a little enemies to lovers, but this didn't feel like that, this felt more like a man with all the power in the relationship being really inconsiderate and unpleasant with his wife, that he made absolutely no effort to get to know in the slightest. Yes, the heroine was lying about some things, but she was protecting herself and the ones in her care, he didn't have that excuse, plus she didn't freaking owe him anything after the way he treated her!
July 14, 2022
An enjoyable story about the consequences of lack of communication. In an disastrous attempt to protect her sister, Venetia is forced into marriage to Everett, Marquess of Gore, who promptly leaves for India. She retreats to a small house on his estate, existing on a miniscule stipend. Her good heart has her aiding abused wives to escape their miserable lives. When Gore returns five years later he expects his wife to be living well and eager to join him in London. She isn't on either account.
I liked both Venetia and Everett very much. They share interesting back stories and their characters certainly develop as they break down the barriers and misunderstandings between them.
I liked both Venetia and Everett very much. They share interesting back stories and their characters certainly develop as they break down the barriers and misunderstandings between them.
January 24, 2024
Another forced into marriage and he leaves for five years in india! His brother is vile and evil and stole the heroines money that her husband gave her and dumped her at a impoverished estate. For five years she lived in poverty. But she did help abused women get away from their evil husbands. Hero is an arrogant ass and thinks the ugly heroine trapped him for his money. She did not. His brother set it all up. The brother dies and he comes back as the new marquess and he is going to try and be get a heir and leave the past behind. He didn't know what was happening because the brother stole all their correspondence and never gave it to either one. And this hero was faithful even though he was not attracted to his wife and was very bitter about the situation. I liked that part. Hardly any of them ever are. There are misunderstandings but the ending was good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2025
Notes for me
See Susan’s review
Safety
In the first two pages he talks about whenever he thought about forgetting his vows he remembered the skinny, blotchy faced girl he married and couldn’t go through with anything.
Not the most complimentary wording, but he was celibate.
In chapter 4 he says he was faithful although sorely tempted at times by all of the widows. 🤮
He starts to realize her natural beauty and they attend events in London.
He sees her as secretive, not knowing she helps relocate women in danger from their husbands.
76% they have a falling out. Both said things they didn’t mean-she’s a horrible wife no wonder no one wanted to marry her. She brings up him leaving her in poverty for 5 years again. She leaves London to go back to run down country house.
He agrees to give her a divorce, but is that what they both want?
See Susan’s review
Safety
In the first two pages he talks about whenever he thought about forgetting his vows he remembered the skinny, blotchy faced girl he married and couldn’t go through with anything.
Not the most complimentary wording, but he was celibate.
In chapter 4 he says he was faithful although sorely tempted at times by all of the widows. 🤮
He starts to realize her natural beauty and they attend events in London.
He sees her as secretive, not knowing she helps relocate women in danger from their husbands.
76% they have a falling out. Both said things they didn’t mean-she’s a horrible wife no wonder no one wanted to marry her. She brings up him leaving her in poverty for 5 years again. She leaves London to go back to run down country house.
He agrees to give her a divorce, but is that what they both want?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
My first time reading a novel by this author and I’ll definitely look out for more!
This is a Regency that takes readers out of the ballroom/marriage mart and begins on the English coastal side. Venetia and Everett MOC started by a misunderstanding of course (it is romance 😉). Upon his return to England Everett realized his wife wasn’t pining for his return and had business to attend to of her own.
I liked both characters and felt the way they warmed up to each other was realistic. Once they realized their attraction for each other the story picked for me and I kept enjoying the way they navigated their marriage in a new way.
Recommended for historical fans!
This is a Regency that takes readers out of the ballroom/marriage mart and begins on the English coastal side. Venetia and Everett MOC started by a misunderstanding of course (it is romance 😉). Upon his return to England Everett realized his wife wasn’t pining for his return and had business to attend to of her own.
I liked both characters and felt the way they warmed up to each other was realistic. Once they realized their attraction for each other the story picked for me and I kept enjoying the way they navigated their marriage in a new way.
Recommended for historical fans!
October 6, 2022
It wasn't super holding my attention, but it was decent enough. Very much a quick 'I've seen you once and I'm in love with you' story. The best part was finding out that the MLI's brother died when .
December 17, 2023
An intriguing story of wonderful depth. Was not as scintillating as I would've liked, but the premise was there. A beautiful woman who was abandoned and treated recklessly and an oblivious but principled husband. It had every thing in it I enjoyed but a little on the conservative side. So in that regard more in keeping to the times. One of those stories that you like a great deal, but the passionate love for it was wanting for some reason. Can't put my finger on it. Am really blessed I read it though.
July 20, 2023
Always Delivers
Mills and Boon Historical authors are among the absolute best, anywhere, anytime!
I loved this book, and after a diet of books poorly written, badly researched, and with nonsensical plots, this was sheer delight.
I cannot recommend this author highly enough.
Mills and Boon Historical authors are among the absolute best, anywhere, anytime!
I loved this book, and after a diet of books poorly written, badly researched, and with nonsensical plots, this was sheer delight.
I cannot recommend this author highly enough.
September 12, 2023
Read to patient! Needs spicy warning though!!
October 5, 2022
stuffy couple
Most stuff happens “off camera” though there is a lot of polite dialog. Very little tension, just a lot of chitchat about the weather, his suspicious thoughts, her snarky snap backs. They have a very long road ahead to find any peace and frankly, don’t see the journey being much fun.
Most stuff happens “off camera” though there is a lot of polite dialog. Very little tension, just a lot of chitchat about the weather, his suspicious thoughts, her snarky snap backs. They have a very long road ahead to find any peace and frankly, don’t see the journey being much fun.
November 2, 2025
A soft 4
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews