Abandoned & Protected: The Marquis' Tenacious Wife

Love's Second Chance Complete Series #3

by Bree Wolf

He forced her hand.
Now, she will deny him her heart.

After what her father did to her mother, Henrietta's worst fears are to be realised when her uncle decides to marry her off to a Scot. Gentleman or not, Henrietta knows that at his core he is still a barbarian. What will she suffer at the hands of this savage?

Connor Brunwood, Marquis of Rodridge, can't believe he fell head over heels in love with this thin, pale twig of a girl. However, the moment he saw her, he knew he had to make her his wife. If only she didn't hate his guts!

However, when his life is suddenly in danger, an assassin lying in wait, everything they thought they knew is put to the test.

Will Henrietta betray her husband or stand by his side? Will she take the opportunity to rid herself of him forever? Or will she risk everything to save his life...as well as her heart?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Ebooks, Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2016

About the author

Want a free book? Sign up for my newsletter and receive THE SPINSTER! Sign Up here!

Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:

An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn on the rating

At 50% into the book, I was ready to DNF it because the heroine annoyed me so much. I just wanted to shake her, or shank her, because She was a raving B word! Seriously this woman had issues. But really? We all are broken or have things in our last that hurt us but to lash out at a man who loves you like that? Preposterous! Even after he told her he loved her, she was still vile to him because of her Father and Mother. I understand it was traumatic but this man loves you. Just so weird.

The h's uncle set up her marriage to Connor, the hero, to get rid of her. Connor married her because he fell into love at first sight! But Henrietta was just so 'broken' that she treated him badly and was quite the shrew. She did see her Father's abuse to her Mother and their murder/suicide so I should cut her some slack but it just went on too long. This went on for half the book. Then she realizes she loves him and the second half of the book was so much better. She ended up fighting for their love, and I do mean fighting, and that was very entertaining and we ultimately have an HEA. The book ended with them chasing after answers left from her parents suicide/murder. And a stunning revelation! I will read the next book for sure. This book is free on KU and it is safe.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Abandoned and Protected, Bree Wolf has done it again. She has brought together two people that struggle against all odds to find love. Henrietta is a bit broken, totally distrustful and afraid, and with good cause. Connor has found the woman he can't live without and she wants no part of his life.
That alone is a great start of a book. The trails these two travel to find a place where contentment and happiness dwells is rough, stormy and painful. It is also tinged with hope. As with all Ms. Wolf's other books, the story is told so emotionally and sincerely that the reader becomes wrapped up in their lives.

I can honestly recommend this new book with pleasure. It is a rollercoaster ride through and through. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us. Well done Bree!

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and emotional story. Enjoyed it very much.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a true and honest review.***

Henrietta always knew that she had to protect herself from men. As far as, she could remember men were to be kept at a distance. And she knew that you can never ever trust them. Because men are violent and would do everything to control women. Poor Henrietta was being controlled into a marriage to man she did not know or that she want and she felt powerless. Except, she kept waiting for new husband, Connor to act as she knew all men have acted in the past. This was is so new to her. He actually acted kind, thoughtful and loving. Could Connor be different than what she has know all these years?

Connor saw Henrietta and he knew that was the one for him. Unfortunately, he found out that his new wife felt exactly opposite. Connor tried show Henrietta that he was not like those men. It was up and then down. Connor knew she had trust issues, big time. But Connor also had other troubles, being a leader over his clan, they felt he was wrong about his wife. They do not like the English. And Henrietta was English.

Connor and Henrietta developed love that showed they were supportive yo each other. I like how the story just kept developing to the very end, which makes you want to read the next book. I have liked all the historical romance books by Bree Wolf. She is new author to this genre and I can say she is doing very well. I can’t wait to read Tristan’s story.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for providing a free copy of the book.
Wolf is brilliant at looking at really sensitive issues and treating them with the greatest of respect, the issue doesn't just disappear when it becomes inconvenient to the author. I also love the feminist element to her novels.
In this story Henrietta (friend of Anna - book 2) gets her own story. She is married against her will to a Scottish Marquees Connor and together they both learn to fight their deemons.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
This tale tugs at your protective heartstrings. Henrietta suffered inexcusably, since she was five years old, after her parents death of apparent murder/suicide. Her father had always been abusive and she felt her mother never stood up to him. Therefore, she never trusted another man in her life.

Now, almost three decades later - she feels abused by her guardian Uncle, after he orders her to marry a stranger or move out on her own without any income.

The demons she struggled with were cumbersome, but her husband was a tolerant and compassionate man, who loved her unconditionally.

This was a clean story that stood on its own. However, the epilogue was confusing since it didn't pertain directly to the events in this book. Instead it was a peek into her brother, Tristan's, tale.

NOTE: Abandoned & Protected follows the love story of Henrietta and Connor until their happily-ever-after. However, there is a secondary storyline, which continues in Betrayed & Blessed when Tristan, Henrietta's brother, and Beth fight for their own happily-ever-after.

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This book was a really good read. A young woman with a lot of demons and mistrust, through no fault of her own. A young man who has become head of his clan, asks her Uncle for her head in marriage. She is English he is Scottish. They have many trials and tribulations to get through. The fact that she doesn't want to be married is just one of those trials. Really good book.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful

The only fault I could find with this book is that the heroine seems just a little too tortured in her past. The hero was wonderful and very patient in helping her overcome her past. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll make this review brief since it has the potential to become a rant.

While the premise was interesting and I couldn’t wait to get into it, I was greatly disappointed with the execution. Connor was sweet, patient and kind with a flirtatious/teasing nature. Basically everything we like to see in MMC’s. He was not my problem…Henrietta was.

She was constantly irritating, antagonistic and argumentative. Honestly I tried to empathize with her because her traumas were valid, but her behavior was so terrible, she treated most if not everyone like 💩 and so I just could not bring myself to care about her at all. Also, her complete 180 did not make anything better. Her change of heart was too sudden and unrealistic. Throughout this entire book my mantra was, “poor Connor”.

Content: Clean, Kissing, Fade to black intimacy

[Mary Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I have read in this series, and I have enjoyed them all. This novel is a fun read that provides several hours of escape from a busy, stressful world.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I did not like Henrietta in book 2, but I really enjoyed getting to know her better and be a part of her getting to know herself. In previous books in this series I have felt there was a lot of fluff that just took up space to make the book longer. I am happy to say I did not feel that way about this one. The extra stuff helps build Henrietta's character. I really like Connor. He's the perfect man for Henrietta. My only complaint was the cliffhanger at the end. Not so happy about that. Guess I need to read Tristan's story now.

[vaneeta naik · Rating 5 out of 5]

first of all i would like to mention " ***I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for a true and honest review.***
This is the fourth book I have read in this series & it was fabulous... i wanted to know wat happened with Henrietta wen i finished "Cursed & Cherished"d 2nd book in dis series...the author has done a fabulous job ...The story was great, well written, well narrated...
the heroine Henrietta has always seen men as untrustworthy, broken and afraid. She is very independent too ...Connor the hero on d other hand is kind, thoughtful,understanding,supportive and loving.
how dis 2 people come together against all odds & circumstances to find love... only problem i had with d story was even after knowing her past circumstances Henrietta has developed into a to strong,brave woman but still is very insecure & biased.... too much negativity is there which i feel was a bit overrated... otherwise a very good read ....
the author bree has really done a excellent job...she has kept d readers interested & captivated ...keep it up...

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fear of trust

Traumatized by the death of her parents, Henrietta fears trusting anyone. When she meets a mysterious stranger she fears the connection. Suddenly she's now his wife. Terrified of being alone among strangers in Scotland, her one hope is her new husband. He will do whatever it takes to bring her out of her isolation and fear. Nightmares of her parents' death may lead to a murderer. Is her life in danger in Scotland? Not a bad read!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young woman in overcoming childhood trauma, learns to trust her very patient determined husband. Her insights help members of her new clan & her mental strength as well as weapons skills are put to the test.
I enjoyed the journey of an emotionally fortified, isolated young woman quietly blossoming & becoming part of a family.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started slowly - so slowly that I shelved it in favor of other titles for a while. But I am glad I came back to it and finished - once the heroine arrives in Scotland, things speed up some and the book is vastly improved.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star deleted due to stupid way book ended with disjointed epilogues.

[Niki Farkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!

I love This series! They are all so different, yet each a treasure all its own. I cannot wait to continue with the next book!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional writing in this series. Thanks

[Virginia Tican · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a bit dragging and too much time spent in psychoanalyzing Henrietta's fears though I get it, but not the long conversation between Brogan and Henrietta. I am sure men during this timeline and this genre do not talk much about their feelings, I would even venture to say that they do NOT talk of their feelings full stop. It is considered unmanly. Other than the tiresome psycho babble, the plotline is quite good with interesting characters as well as the mystery thrown into the mix.

[sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book doesn't end

Story was well done, but not completed. I hate reading 200 plus pages to be left hanging. I might have given this book four or five stars if not for being forced to buy another book to see how the story ends. This is a pet peeve of mine.

[Lisa C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could bbarely could get through this. The h is a pain in the a** most of the time. She does too much thinking and feeling sorry for herself. The H is waaaay too nice for her and way too much outrageous stuff happens to them. The teaser at the end for next book leaves you hanging.

[Rachel Connell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, but not my favorite

Your ending has way too many gaps. The main female character sets off with her husband to save her little brother and then BAM, fast forward a few years without any idea on what happened. None. No explanation at all. Disappointed

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost DNF at 36%. How much doubt, misery, distrust and anger must we wade through? Heroine is painful. It did get better but not enough to endure the first half of the book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kind of weary about this one. I really, really, didn't like Anna in the second of this series. And Henrietta holds many of the same views and attitude that I disliked in Anna, but to a stronger degree. And worse yet, Henrietta was the major cause of all of Anna's ridiculousness and tediousness. Henreitta was a very flat character and was even a bit of a villain to the story of Anna and Edmond. So needless to say, I'm worried that I'll hate this one. But! Perhaps my low expectaions will allow me to be very pleasantly surprised and love this one. Fingers crossed.

Just like in the book about Anna, we have a husband threatening to take his marital rights without his wife's consent, after promising they would not do that very thing. Come on. I get that this is part and parcel for the time period written, but still. I don't want to read that crap in a book, especially not in two books. How am I supposed to like a character after that? To believe that he is deserving of her trust and love? How would any character be expected to eventually look past such an awful threat?
Granted he's not constantly threatening it like Edmond was. It only happens the once and he seems to realize right after saying it how much of a piece of crap it makes him to be.

So much whiplash. Anna is constantly back and forth about everything. She dislikes a person, then likes them, then is distrustful again. I wouldn't put up with her if I knew her. But these people are apparently more patient than I.
Surprisingly though, Henrietta is SOOO much better than Anna. With Anna, I could't really respect Edmond for putting up with her and I truly didn't believe she deserved him or her happy ending. But Henrietta, who gave Anna all her negative views and mistrust of men, has actual trauma and is less cruel, violent, childish, petty, and provoking than Anna. I actually could see where Henrietta was coming from and I felt that her fears and reactions to her fears were quite appropriate and justified.

Most the time I just felt bad for Connor. He was really kind and caring and didn't deserve the awful treatment that he was getting from all directions. People accusing him of all manner of things and targeting him. Poor guy can't catch a break and all he's trying to do is do right by the greatest amount of people he possibly can.
Even when Connor attempts to defend his wife against Allistar. The next we see of her, she's absolutely furious with him and accusing him of being decietful and betraying those most important to him. How are you going to accept the accusations of his cousin who was literally just seeking to intimidate and threaten you? Accept the accusations of complete strangers who have treated you poorly over your husband, the only person who has a genuine concern for your well-being and happiness and has treated you respectfully in this new and unfamiliar place? Girl, check your logic. Fine, you don't want to be vulnerable, but even from a simple survival stand point, must admit that your logic is backwards. And his cousin is believing that he has betrayed him too! BUT no one will tell him what is going on. You know what, Connor? Forget them, you don't need any of them. You're better than all of them.

But I am happy that things worked out the way they did. I'm glad Henrietta is able to grow as a person and escape the shadow of her demons. That she can start building relationships with other people, instead of keeping herself stranded on her own little island of loneliness and anger. I'm especially glad that things worked out for the best for Connor, that his patience and dependibility paid off.

Henrietta really does grow into a truly respectable and likable character toward the end of the book, I was actually rooting for her. She was kicking ass and taking names, all while expressing emotions and ~feelings.~  So proud.

Now I'm intruiged with Tristan's tale, but that will have to wait until book six in the series, I believe.

[Eliza Gravedoni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

I am a bit disappointed with this book, mainly because I paid full price for not a stand alone novel, and also because the second half of the book was not good.
Henrietta's trauma was ok for a while, but it was repeated so many times, that just made me not really like her. When they finally make love, and he tells her he loves her, and she tells him she desires him, that's when the story went south for me. Connor loses all of his personality, she goes back to square one, and then they are more like friends, not lovers.
There were a lot of filler scenes that didn't do much for me, like the one with the young couple who runs away. Instead of Connor being shown as the leader of the Clan, she takes charge.
The whole battle scene at the end same, Connor is portrayed like this week men who can't defend himself. His insury was not that bad, he killd some of the attackers, why didn't he took their weapons. She was supposed to know how to fight with a sword, but she suddenly thows her dagger. Instead of having them being a team and defeating the bad guys together, she emasculates him, and then both of them are saved by Allistar.
Moira, doesn't get punished? She tried to kill the wife of the cheif and everyone is ok with her just being in her room? And the men that attacked him are just told to leave the clan?
But what really made me take stars from the book is the two epilogues.
The first one was unnecessary, because Henrietta already tells Connor that Tristan has a friend that always saves him. There's even a chapter just about that.
And ok, you want to leave with a cliffhanger for the next book, that's fine, but if you tell me in the second epilogue that Tristan gets his HEA with Beth, what is the point of me reading their novel?
All the book is about the murder of her parents, and that wasn't solved, instead to see how that goes on, we need to read the next book, but you already made us spoiler of the next book. And yeah... everyone would expect they end up together but a bit of mistery would have been nice.

Also mentioning that Dreire and Allistar had a baby and the bady died and they are just a shadow of what they used to be, in the epilogue was horrible to read. No hope for them, or a happy ending I guess...
Positive things about the books is that you can read it in one day, the beginning is nice and promising, but the hero end up being lame, and the heroine is not very likeble. The bad guys don't get punished, and you need to buy the next book to know how the main conflict resolves.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well written romance, there is tragedy, betrayal and healing. We previously met Hannah Turner as the embittered young woman who tried to turn her friend against her husband. She certainly didn't invite any sympathy at the time. However, as I have discovered in my years as a facilitator of support groups, the more angry and hurtful a person is, the more likely they are to have suffered trauma that goes so deep, even they don't always know the reason for it. Also highlighted in this book, even when people have survived the worst hell, many have developed survival skills that make them an asset to society, albeit difficult people to deal with. It is whilst practicing her skills that Connor comes upon her and decides there and then that he wants her as his wife. Instinctively Connor realises that Hannah would reject any proposal on his part and so goes straight to the source and arranges the marriage with her uncle. In the short term, Connor has to wonder at his wisdom, but with persistence he begins to demonstrate to Hannah that he can be trusted. Hannah, on the other hand, is seen as an outsider and usurper by Connor's Scottish clan, and when betrayal is set in motion, Hannah recognises that her heart has changed and she will do everything in her power to keep her husband. I loved Connor's character and was glad when Hannah began to let her anger and mistrust go, allowing members of her new family to get closer to her. The gentle building of the romance between Connor and Hannah meant that the protective layers around Hannah's heart began to dissolve. When faced with insurmountable odds, it was the skills that Hannah so diligently honed that saved the day. My only complaint with this book is that it ended with a cliff-hanger and unresolved issues, which is a personal source of irritation for me. I do realise however, that the way has been opened for Tristan's story.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully well-written story of a young 5-year-old girl who rescues her brother by carrying him carefully downstairs and hiding while her father again beats her mother. This time, however, the mother ends up stabbed to death and her father shot to death. After all noise ceases, she carries her brother out of hiding and finds her dead parents. This experience scars her, leaving her unwilling to trust anyone, and spurs her to learn self defensive fighting with daggers and foils.
20 some years later, she still lives with the uncle that took the children in and her brother is away, somewhere. A chance encounter in the forest with a traveling Scottish clan chief starts a series of events leading to their marriage. As the story progresses, she slowly lets down the walls of suspicion and distrust that she has built. A loving husband and kind mother-in-law play a large role in this endeavor.
The story has a number of storylines running through it: Her husband had been made chief of the clan after the death of his father, and there is still anger and strife about his selection over his cousin. A long feud erupts when a son from one side of the feud marries the daughter of the other side. Jealousy by a woman in the clan that had wanted the chief for herself results in a deadly ambush which threatens to tear the clan apart. These are skillfully woven together to a satisfying conclusion—except for one thread: what happens to the brother? Apparently his story is so complicated that it will be told in the next book.
This is a clean story, no cursing and only kissing between a married couple is described in any detail. I find the writing style more interesting from this author than several others writing historical novels of this period, although there is not much history in this particular book. I am left wanting to go directly to the next book, the brother’s story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intriguing and a wonderful read. The only drawback is that the ending is a little abrupt and you are left with a small cliffhanger picked up in the 6th book, Betrayed and Blessed. I don't mined reading series books, but this is a little unusual.

Henrietta Turner, our heroine, is raised, along with her baby brother, by her aunt and uncle. The uncle is not one of the nicest people. Frankly, he's a monster who can't wait to marry Henrietta off as soon as possible. Henrietta was in the second book, Cursed and Cherished. as a friend to the heroine in that book. Now she is being forced to marry a man she only met once and she doesn't want to marry any man. Worst of all, the man is a Scot.

Connor Brunwood, Marquis of Rodridge, while riding his horse through a field comes across a most peculiar young man fencing by himself. Only this peculiar young man is actually Henrietta in her brother's clothes practicing her fencing. Connor is intrigued with this young woman and sets out to find out who she is.

Ultimately, Connor finds out who Henrietta is and goes to her uncle to ask for he hand in marriage, which her uncle accepts immediately. Finally, he is rid of Henrietta for good. Needless to say, Henrietta is not very happy with the situation, but finds no way out of it when her uncle threatens to kick her out of his home if she doesn't agree.

Sparks fly between Connor and Henrietta, not all good. Henrietta is so very angry she takes it out on Connor, rightfully so. Will Henrietta be able to conquer her demons from her childhood? Will she give Connor a chance? Is there love in this couples future or will it end in a loveless marriage? Get this book and read it to find out. You won't be disappointed. Enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

[Carma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henrietta has had a wall up around her for her entire life. She doesn’t trust easily and never, ever gives her heart away. That is showing weakness, which is one thing she will never allow herself to exhibit. Until one day she is practicing her fencing in a field and is approached by a tall, handsome stranger who sets nerves in her body alive for the first time in her life.

Connor takes an unscheduled ride through the forest on his way to England and comes across a young “man” in a field appearing to be dancing. Upon closer inspection he is intrigued to find the man is in fact a lass. He makes it his mission to make the fiery creature his bride in his homeland of Scotland.

Henrietta’s uncle secures her contract and off they set for her new home. Never once feeling wanted or accepted, this change is merely a location setting. Her heart stays properly encased against any pain or suffering.

As hard as Connor tries, he can’t get her to let down her guard and trust him. She needs to know he would never hurt her, until she can believe him though his efforts are lost.

This was a great story about coming to terms with the past and seeing them for what they were not what we’ve made them to be. Henrietta carries the pain of many lifetimes in her soul but can she let the past go and see she is not the carrier of the pain?

Set in Scotland for this novel, the story once again dives deep into the inner workings of the characters. It was a little more difficult for me with the Scottish dialog and me head ended up hurting sometimes, how about ye? All kidding aside, it was another great read from the author as I’m currently binge reading the whole Love’s Second Chance series. 4 solid stars for this volume.

[Sue Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a tough one. Based on previous books in the series I went into this already disliking the heroine. But I did want to figure out what made her so caustic. She is loaded with demons from a traumatic childhood. Although frustrating to watch her repeatedly fall back to her distrustful behavior, if you read the surrounding characters’ combination of empathy and anguish you get a textbook understanding of how difficult it is to rise above trauma. There are wise sages and a man with a big heart that never gives up, even when he should have. I think having Henrietta endure so many setbacks was an opportunity for the readers to examine our own prejudices regarding mental health and domestic abuse. The setting is the early 1800s when there still wasn’t much, if anything, known about mental health or learning disabilities. There’s a little tidbit re the latter that I felt was an opportunity lost by not having one character help another. Could maybe have helped develop the relationship and help one character become less self absorbed. The ending was disappointing. After self understanding brings on the very real possibility of one character mentioned throughout the series, but not developed, being in real danger, we’re left with people on a rescue mission. Okay….good segway into the next book. But…two epilogues follow and we now know how everyone is five years hence without any idea of how they got there. It cheapened the story. This is so much more than “once upon a time, misunderstandings, HEA, the end.” But that’s the taste I was left with. Despite that, I still rate it five stars because of the very real portrayal of the psychological impact of domestic abuse on children. There’s a lot of food for thought, even in the missing pieces.