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Dutiful Wives #2
An Unsuitable Alliance
A handsome politician determined to stamp out corruption.
A beautiful wife with a sinful past.
And a burgeoning love threatened by more than a past liaison.
Three years after her dutifully contracted marriage, Adelaide, Lady Leeson, has fallen in love with her husband.
Desperately, unequivocally, and madly in love with the good, honest man who rescued her when she was at her lowest ebb.
The problem is that Tristan, Lord Leeson, thinks she is indeed a little mad-though he cares deeply for her.
And Adelaide's mother will do whatever she can to enforce the fiction that her daughter has led a blameless past and that her psychological distress is based on events far more innocent than the truth.
However, when Adelaide's past lover returns to England, now a celebrity due to his salacious poems, all of society wants to discover the identity of his muse.
Now Adelaide must double down on her mother's lies.
For if Tristan were to learn the truth, how could he love her?
A passionate, tender, second-chance romance of mistakes, regrets, and ultimate redemption.
A beautiful wife with a sinful past.
And a burgeoning love threatened by more than a past liaison.
Three years after her dutifully contracted marriage, Adelaide, Lady Leeson, has fallen in love with her husband.
Desperately, unequivocally, and madly in love with the good, honest man who rescued her when she was at her lowest ebb.
The problem is that Tristan, Lord Leeson, thinks she is indeed a little mad-though he cares deeply for her.
And Adelaide's mother will do whatever she can to enforce the fiction that her daughter has led a blameless past and that her psychological distress is based on events far more innocent than the truth.
However, when Adelaide's past lover returns to England, now a celebrity due to his salacious poems, all of society wants to discover the identity of his muse.
Now Adelaide must double down on her mother's lies.
For if Tristan were to learn the truth, how could he love her?
A passionate, tender, second-chance romance of mistakes, regrets, and ultimate redemption.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2022
200 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Oakley
225 books211 followersAlso writes under Beverley Eikli.
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 16, 2022
It took a picture and a broken wheel.
My goodness this was an intense and highly emotional book to read. Each of the characters seemed to be in their own self imposed prison. There were secrets and lies, twists and turns, with some unbelievable and horrible people in the story. There was misunderstanding and manipulation and oh yes some true heartbreak. This book took me a bit longer to read than usual because of how involved the tale was. It was a captivating tale and not until the very end was there a hope for Addy and Tristan. This is not a sweet romance it is a deep and complex story that was an outstanding book to read. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
My goodness this was an intense and highly emotional book to read. Each of the characters seemed to be in their own self imposed prison. There were secrets and lies, twists and turns, with some unbelievable and horrible people in the story. There was misunderstanding and manipulation and oh yes some true heartbreak. This book took me a bit longer to read than usual because of how involved the tale was. It was a captivating tale and not until the very end was there a hope for Addy and Tristan. This is not a sweet romance it is a deep and complex story that was an outstanding book to read. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 8, 2023
Very depressing angsty sad, did I say depressing, story
Spoilers below
Wow I can't believe I read this. I hate cheating and there is cheating in here. And it wasn't the hero. I was shocked to say the least. Heroines never cheat but this one certainly did. She had drank a lot of champagne and she fell asleep and thought the man with her was her husband, but it was a lover from a previous time and when she woke up, she almost lost her mind. She tried to tell her husband but he thinks its about something else. She has a horrible mother, a tainted past, and has had a nervous breakdown. She is totally in love with her husband too. He is in love with her too. So much anguish, and lies and manipulation. It was a very hard read. It's hard for me to rate it really. It was written very well but I am just so conflicted over the drama and the cheating and the whole conundrum over the ex lover and I just don't know what to rate it. I may have to revisit once I sleep on it. Just a sad sad story. And did I mention depressing?
Spoilers below
Wow I can't believe I read this. I hate cheating and there is cheating in here. And it wasn't the hero. I was shocked to say the least. Heroines never cheat but this one certainly did. She had drank a lot of champagne and she fell asleep and thought the man with her was her husband, but it was a lover from a previous time and when she woke up, she almost lost her mind. She tried to tell her husband but he thinks its about something else. She has a horrible mother, a tainted past, and has had a nervous breakdown. She is totally in love with her husband too. He is in love with her too. So much anguish, and lies and manipulation. It was a very hard read. It's hard for me to rate it really. It was written very well but I am just so conflicted over the drama and the cheating and the whole conundrum over the ex lover and I just don't know what to rate it. I may have to revisit once I sleep on it. Just a sad sad story. And did I mention depressing?
September 25, 2022
Let me first start out by saying any book by Ms Oakley is a must have for me, so there was absolutely no hesitation or doubt when I picked this up that I would absolutely love it. And love it I did! This was a simply gripping second chance romance that was full of emotion and depth and I simply could not put it down. As always, Ms. Oakley did a wonderful job with creating such vivid scenes and expertly brought the story and characters to life. The story will take you on an emotional roller coaster as you navigate through all of the twists and turns and lies, secrets, and misunderstandings. Addy and Tristan will steal your heart in this captivating and sweet story. Both were well-developed and endearing characters and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. With drama, intrigue, and romance expertly woven throughout, there was never a boring moment, and I was thoroughly engrossed till the end. Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
October 14, 2022
Don't start the first page unless you intend to read through to the end! A story that will pull at your heart and leave you holding your breath until the end....
Secrets, strong emotions and sorrows of the past come out in the open as Addy and Tristan try to find their way through an entangled journey. Don't miss it!
Secrets, strong emotions and sorrows of the past come out in the open as Addy and Tristan try to find their way through an entangled journey. Don't miss it!
October 13, 2022
Thank you, Beverley!! This series keeps getting better!!
I just finished reading this novel (second in the series) and I’m sorry it’s finished!! Incredible story! Great characters! Lives interwoven, some a tangled mess! Love, lies, betrayal, even a murder! This story has it all!! And when it looks like all lives have been destroyed, you won’t believe the ending!
Grab a copy and enjoy! I highly recommend this book, series and Author!
I just finished reading this novel (second in the series) and I’m sorry it’s finished!! Incredible story! Great characters! Lives interwoven, some a tangled mess! Love, lies, betrayal, even a murder! This story has it all!! And when it looks like all lives have been destroyed, you won’t believe the ending!
Grab a copy and enjoy! I highly recommend this book, series and Author!
September 26, 2022
A page turning, emotional read. A second-chance Regency romance that has me turning the pages hoping that Tristan and Addy will work out their problems.
September 13, 2022
Seat Gripping!
I think this was possibly the most gripping second chances story I have read this year!
What happens in Tristan and Addy's romance had me going through a whole range of emotions as I read deep into the night and again today until I finished.
Wonderful characters and a really fabulous story which I just have to recommend!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review is recorded above.
I think this was possibly the most gripping second chances story I have read this year!
What happens in Tristan and Addy's romance had me going through a whole range of emotions as I read deep into the night and again today until I finished.
Wonderful characters and a really fabulous story which I just have to recommend!
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and my voluntary review is recorded above.
February 12, 2023
A lovely Historical Romance about realistic, complex characters and situations. A story of real people going through real emotions and experiencing significant psychological growth. Oakley creates an authentic historical feel while maintaining an emotionally tense atmosphere that kept me eager to turn the pages to see what would happen next. Angst, longing, drama, passion all culminate in a satisfying and believable HEA and made this story exceptional. I loved every moment.
October 17, 2022
This book is full of angst, pain, abuse, secrets, betrayal, murder, infidelity and the saving grace, love. It was impossible to stop reading. Adelaide carries secrets from her past covered up with lies told by her mother. She married Tristen, Lord Leeson, a few years after his first wife's death and her emotional breakdown. Unfortunately their marriage is controlled by one person who wants to keep them apart. When Tristen's close friend, James, Viscount Dewhurst, shows up it's a downward spiral out of control for a friendship and a marriage. Much will test Addy and Tristen's love for each other. Not an easy read at all!!!
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 14, 2022
This is an emotional and complex story. Addy has been the victim of manipulation for a good portion of her life. There are secrets, lies, betrayal, and misunderstandings. Her mother lies and drugs her to control her. Her former lover, James, is a conceited, self-centered, cruel person. Tristan is honorable and patient, and Addy wants to love him. Can she trust him, or will yet another mistake keep them apart for good? A captivating plot, a most suitable ending, and hope for the future for Tristan and Addy. Interesting read.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
February 17, 2023
WOW
I have to say this is one of the most gripping stories I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat, so moved, so overwhelmed and also distressed. It was at times very difficult to read, as we are drawn into a life of pain, woundedness, lies, abuse, betrayal and finally, love and forgiveness. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character as much as I hated our heroine’s mother! What a wicked, mean, small-minded person! The characters were well developed, multi-faceted and relatable. There were unfortunately many typos which sometimes rendered the text confusing. In spite of this, because the story was truly innovative and enthralling, I gave it a 5 (which I almost never do!) Thank you for an incredible read.
I have to say this is one of the most gripping stories I’ve ever read. I was on the edge of my seat, so moved, so overwhelmed and also distressed. It was at times very difficult to read, as we are drawn into a life of pain, woundedness, lies, abuse, betrayal and finally, love and forgiveness. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a character as much as I hated our heroine’s mother! What a wicked, mean, small-minded person! The characters were well developed, multi-faceted and relatable. There were unfortunately many typos which sometimes rendered the text confusing. In spite of this, because the story was truly innovative and enthralling, I gave it a 5 (which I almost never do!) Thank you for an incredible read.
March 1, 2023
This story is so full of lies, twists and sub-plots. I am not sure if anyone had the best interest of Adelaide in mind, even her husband. Her mother is drugging her opium when she doesn't behave the way her mother wants. Her ex lover wants her back and is willing to do anything to persuade her, including taking advantage of her during one of her opium trips, caused by her mother. So when Tristan finds out about his friend's betrayal he sends Adelaide away. The whole book is highly emotional and the plot is really twisted. The characters are well written to some extent, but a lot of minor characters are typical stereotypes. This story makes me give thanks for the wonderful mother that God gave me.
September 29, 2022
I have not read a story of Beverley Oakley's I did not like. They are often a bit on the dark side, which makes them more interesting. Not knowing where events would lead and anticipating dire consequences for Addy as the lies and her mother's influence seemed to overwhelm her, I took a short break from this, as I needed to read something light in between. There are some unanticipated surprises in store for Addy and the reader. A very engrossing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2022
Secrets, blackmail, heartbreak and manipulations, first loves, and scandalous behaviour make this an intriguing story to read. Just what is Adelaide going to do?! A man from Adelaide's past disrupts her life; and a husband that only gives her half a life - makes Adelaide's life fraught with
uncertainty. There's plenty of obstacles twists and turns. The story is well written, fast paced, told from dual POV. The POVs of Adelaide and Tristan revealing their thoughts, feelings and emotions as they discover their love for one another.
uncertainty. There's plenty of obstacles twists and turns. The story is well written, fast paced, told from dual POV. The POVs of Adelaide and Tristan revealing their thoughts, feelings and emotions as they discover their love for one another.
October 15, 2022
Wow….some women should not be mothers, and Mrs. Henley is one of them. So much pain and heartache fills these pages. We find that love can be overshadowed by lies and manipulation; past mistakes can haunt; anger and hurt can rule reason; and lives can be turned upside down in a blink of an eye. This is a well crafted highly emotional story full of twists, turns and surprises….and the hope that true love prevails.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2023
disappointing
I must agree with other reviewers. This story had a lot of good points an ended happily despite all the heartache but I feel it left much lacking. I realize the child Charlotte was a major part of this story and it is another book but the author could have ended this story,with bit more details about her. It started out with good lines but ended up leaving the reader fulfilled despite so called hea
I must agree with other reviewers. This story had a lot of good points an ended happily despite all the heartache but I feel it left much lacking. I realize the child Charlotte was a major part of this story and it is another book but the author could have ended this story,with bit more details about her. It started out with good lines but ended up leaving the reader fulfilled despite so called hea
September 28, 2022
What a wonderful story, brilliantly written with gorgeous turns of phrase, full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Passionate and intense, Addy and Tristan's happily ever after is thwarted as secrets from the past threaten everything that Addy has come to treasure. An enticing and delicious read.
November 12, 2022
This was a very intriguing story to read. There was a lot of twists and turns and surprises here and there. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance, mystery, and suspense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2023
Wow!
The last half of this book had me reluctant to continue..for some reason is felt every thing was fast falling apart..it was..and I didn't want things not to work out for the four people...And I wanted Mrs Henley to get thrown out on her bum..glad I kept reading!
The last half of this book had me reluctant to continue..for some reason is felt every thing was fast falling apart..it was..and I didn't want things not to work out for the four people...And I wanted Mrs Henley to get thrown out on her bum..glad I kept reading!
February 10, 2023
An emotional second in series
This is a very emotional second book in this brilliantly constructed series. The amazing characters along with the suspense, give this spicy story the air of a thriller. A very compelling and enjoyable read.
This is a very emotional second book in this brilliantly constructed series. The amazing characters along with the suspense, give this spicy story the air of a thriller. A very compelling and enjoyable read.
February 14, 2023
Twisty story, but the characters seemed to change abruptly through the course of the book. While I started out liking Adelaide, by the middle of the book, I really didn't care for her high-handedness with Beatrice.
October 2, 2023
An Unsuitable Alliance
This is the story of a young woman who who met and fell in love only to have her mother force her to take medication so that she could tell stories about her that were not true. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young woman who who met and fell in love only to have her mother force her to take medication so that she could tell stories about her that were not true. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
February 3, 2023
Good story worthwhile read
September 4, 2023
A lot of angst in this one, mostly caused by the mother from hell.
October 13, 2022
Thank you, Beverley!! This series keeps getting better!!
I just finished reading this novel (second in the series) and I’m sorry it’s finished!! Incredible story! Great characters! Lives interwoven, some a tangled mess! Love, lies, betrayal, even a murder! This story has it all!! And when it looks like all lives have been destroyed, you won’t believe the ending!
Grab a copy and enjoy! I highly recommend this book, series and Author!
I just finished reading this novel (second in the series) and I’m sorry it’s finished!! Incredible story! Great characters! Lives interwoven, some a tangled mess! Love, lies, betrayal, even a murder! This story has it all!! And when it looks like all lives have been destroyed, you won’t believe the ending!
Grab a copy and enjoy! I highly recommend this book, series and Author!
March 7, 2024
A woman’s struggle to be her true self, while being undermined by everyone around her, with deliberate intent and malice, with unintended consequence stemming from love and caring as well as selfish desire. But she’s smart and strong enough to prevail and at the end, love redeems her and the man she loves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews