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Love's Second Chance Complete Series #9
Ruined & Redeemed: The Earl's Fallen Wife
A heinous crime. A valiant hero. An undeniable temptation.
LADY CHARLOTTE FRAMPTON is dead…at least, that is what everyone believes.
Fleeing from her life-shattering past, Charlotte reinvents herself as Lotte and becomes the companion to a viscount’s sister. All she is hoping for is a simple and quiet life in the country, away from the demons that still plague her.
However, her safe haven is threatened when a visitor arrives one day.
SEBASTIAN CAMPBELL, son to the EARL OF WESTON, failed in the most miserable way…and his sister had to pay the price.
At his wits’ end, he seeks advice from an old friend, and as though fate chose to intervene at last, his path crosses that of a young woman with soulfully deep eyes. The pain and regret he sees in them echo within his own heart, and Sebastian knows without a doubt that he has found his other half.
Can Sebastian convince Charlotte that it is never too late for forgiveness and love?
This USA TODAY bestselling tale of Sleeping Beauty and her prince shows that no matter how broken you are, you can always find healing through the unfailing love of another.
If you like marriage of convenience stories with a touch of mystery, a dash of humour as well as heartfelt emotion, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Love’s Second Chance Series. Buy RUINED AND REDEEMED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!
Love's Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife (Rosabel & Graham)
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife (Anna & Edmond)
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife (Ellie & Frederick)
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife (Henrietta & Connor)
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife (Charlotte & Sebastian)
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Beth & Tristan)
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Madeline & Derek)
More to follow:
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Meagan & Edward) (Bonus Novella)
A Forbidden Love Novella Series
#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
To Follow:
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart
LADY CHARLOTTE FRAMPTON is dead…at least, that is what everyone believes.
Fleeing from her life-shattering past, Charlotte reinvents herself as Lotte and becomes the companion to a viscount’s sister. All she is hoping for is a simple and quiet life in the country, away from the demons that still plague her.
However, her safe haven is threatened when a visitor arrives one day.
SEBASTIAN CAMPBELL, son to the EARL OF WESTON, failed in the most miserable way…and his sister had to pay the price.
At his wits’ end, he seeks advice from an old friend, and as though fate chose to intervene at last, his path crosses that of a young woman with soulfully deep eyes. The pain and regret he sees in them echo within his own heart, and Sebastian knows without a doubt that he has found his other half.
Can Sebastian convince Charlotte that it is never too late for forgiveness and love?
This USA TODAY bestselling tale of Sleeping Beauty and her prince shows that no matter how broken you are, you can always find healing through the unfailing love of another.
If you like marriage of convenience stories with a touch of mystery, a dash of humour as well as heartfelt emotion, then you’ll love this instalment of Bree Wolf’s emotionally charged Love’s Second Chance Series. Buy RUINED AND REDEEMED, grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot and start this swoon worthy romance now!
Love's Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered - The Duke's Late Wife (Rosabel & Graham)
#2 Cursed & Cherished - The Duke's Wilful Wife (Anna & Edmond)
#3 Despised & Desired - The Marquess' Passionate Wife (Ellie & Frederick)
#4 Abandoned & Protected - The Marquis' Tenacious Wife (Henrietta & Connor)
#5 Ruined & Redeemed - The Earl's Fallen Wife (Charlotte & Sebastian)
#6 Betrayed & Blessed - The Viscount's Shrewd Wife (Beth & Tristan)
#7 Deceived & Honoured - The Baron’s Vexing Wife (Madeline & Derek)
More to follow:
#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed - The Soldier's Daring Widow (Meagan & Edward) (Bonus Novella)
A Forbidden Love Novella Series
#1 The Wrong Brother
#2 A Brilliant Rose
#3 The Forgotten Wife
#4 An Unwelcome Proposal
#6 Hearts to Be Mended
To Follow:
#7 Winning her Hand
#8 Conquering her Heart
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2017
1654 people are currently reading
1074 people want to read
About the author
Bree Wolf
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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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 19, 2017
I like Bree's writing style but her books are so sad and depressing:{ The subject matter is really hard and this book took me days to read because it was so sad. I am pretty sure that once the book got going there was crying on every other page. I just was also morally torn reading this book. The heroine in this story makes some incredibly bad decisions under some very heavy circumstances and I just don't know how I feel about the whole thing. Loved the Hero, he really was my favorite part of this story. I love how very real and human her characters are and how they see the error of there ways and want to change to be better people. Not sure I'll be able to pick up another of her books until I'm feeling like a sadder book. This is a clean romance with talk of murder, rape and mental issues.
February 24, 2020
No offense to the author, because I absolutely loved Despised and Desired, but I don't think this book needed to exist. I don't think the female lead deserved her own book. She literally murdered an innocent man in 'Despised and Desired', and SHE gets a perfectly wrapped up happily ever? Leopold will never get a second chance because Charlotte poisoned him. His widow, Maryann hasn't been given a second chance either, but it's all okay because Charlotte was crazy at the time? I don't think so. Charlotte should've been locked back up as soon as her true identity was revealed. Why should she be happy, in love and forgiven when Leopold is still dead?
So Charlotte murders Leopold, taking away a loving father and husband from his family, and CHARLOTTE is the victim? I'm deceased. I don't mean to insult the author, but if the crazy murderer gets a convenient second chance, I think the victim's widow, Maryann, deserves one. Even more so, since Charlotte ruined her life in the first place.
I only gave this 1 star because there was nothing lower.
So Charlotte murders Leopold, taking away a loving father and husband from his family, and CHARLOTTE is the victim? I'm deceased. I don't mean to insult the author, but if the crazy murderer gets a convenient second chance, I think the victim's widow, Maryann, deserves one. Even more so, since Charlotte ruined her life in the first place.
I only gave this 1 star because there was nothing lower.
March 30, 2018
This book was absolutely awful. The plot was ridiculous. The writing was dull. The heroine is an insane murderer. What was the author thinking? How on earth has this book gotten all these good reviews? I’m sincerely puzzled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
I've come to love the writing style of Bree Wolf and thought this story was a very nice read/listen. I chose to listen via audiobook and it was worth the listen. The narration was performed very well and I thought the H/h were very likeable although they did have some faults and demons. Nice listen.
June 24, 2017
Charlotte feels sadness, despair and fear. But first, she has to remember where she is and what is that smell? Sebastion was sent away to the continent and has just returned. What has his father done?
This is an unusual story. Ms Wolf writes about tough subjects that can affect women during adverse conditions. This sad tale is about a woman ruined, bad decisions and how they can affect her and the people around her. She is lucky enough to meet Sebastion, even though he is having problems also.
The characters are so well written and full bodied. You can see them slowly growing together. The plot
weaves it all, into a cohesive and smooth way. It keeps your interest and it is difficult to put down. I loved this story and truly believe it is worth your time to read
This is an unusual story. Ms Wolf writes about tough subjects that can affect women during adverse conditions. This sad tale is about a woman ruined, bad decisions and how they can affect her and the people around her. She is lucky enough to meet Sebastion, even though he is having problems also.
The characters are so well written and full bodied. You can see them slowly growing together. The plot
weaves it all, into a cohesive and smooth way. It keeps your interest and it is difficult to put down. I loved this story and truly believe it is worth your time to read
July 31, 2023
Truly different
The heroine had lost her mind after being sexually assaulted, impregnated and the loss of her dearest friend. She actually became so crazed she killed an innocent man and was put into an asylum. She broke out one day during a fire and is rescued by a friend of the hero. The hero sees her and feels an immediate connection and makes her his convenient bride. But her secrets and his past are getting ready to collide and no one is going to remain unscathed. I did like this book but the heroine got on my nerves a little. Not because of her intimacy issues, but because she wouldn't tell the hero the truth about herself. And it was awful for sure. She truly lost her mind and harmed people and even killed one innocent person. I didn't see how they were going to get this to work but she did. It was kind of a weak ending and I really hope Victoria gets a book of her own. Northfield is too evil to stay down for long. I don't see one in this series though so I am hoping it will be separate.
The heroine had lost her mind after being sexually assaulted, impregnated and the loss of her dearest friend. She actually became so crazed she killed an innocent man and was put into an asylum. She broke out one day during a fire and is rescued by a friend of the hero. The hero sees her and feels an immediate connection and makes her his convenient bride. But her secrets and his past are getting ready to collide and no one is going to remain unscathed. I did like this book but the heroine got on my nerves a little. Not because of her intimacy issues, but because she wouldn't tell the hero the truth about herself. And it was awful for sure. She truly lost her mind and harmed people and even killed one innocent person. I didn't see how they were going to get this to work but she did. It was kind of a weak ending and I really hope Victoria gets a book of her own. Northfield is too evil to stay down for long. I don't see one in this series though so I am hoping it will be separate.
June 19, 2017
I would like to thank the author Bree Wolf for sending me a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Yet another tale in Wolf's brilliant Love's second chance series. Lotte is a companion with a difficult past and Seb an earl wanting to punish his father.
Wolf's work is always well written and engaging, this is no exception. It looks at some very important issues with great sensitivity as well as keeping the reader entertained. I love reading the authors work and cannot wait to read more.
Yet another tale in Wolf's brilliant Love's second chance series. Lotte is a companion with a difficult past and Seb an earl wanting to punish his father.
Wolf's work is always well written and engaging, this is no exception. It looks at some very important issues with great sensitivity as well as keeping the reader entertained. I love reading the authors work and cannot wait to read more.
September 17, 2020
One of my few did not finish
First, the hero/heroine were written with conflicting character traits (the hero is supposed to be ultra patient, kind and caring and yet we’re supposed to use anger over the treatment of a loved one as sufficient justification for thoughtless, vindictive actions on his part early on). I kept reading to see if I would grow to like the characters more but finally stopped at 80%.
First, the hero/heroine were written with conflicting character traits (the hero is supposed to be ultra patient, kind and caring and yet we’re supposed to use anger over the treatment of a loved one as sufficient justification for thoughtless, vindictive actions on his part early on). I kept reading to see if I would grow to like the characters more but finally stopped at 80%.
February 7, 2018
WATCH YOUR BACK!!!
A well written read that captures your imagination and holds you prisoner till the end. You'll fall in love with the majority of the characters and hate the rest. With an unconventional match and a horrible past the main characters strive to overcome it all. A beautifully detailed accounts of murder, deceit, sanity, loss, abuse and many more. With so many twists and turns that keep you engrossed and wondering whats else is just around the corner. Bree is an awesome writer with a generous talent for detail to bring her stories to life.
A well written read that captures your imagination and holds you prisoner till the end. You'll fall in love with the majority of the characters and hate the rest. With an unconventional match and a horrible past the main characters strive to overcome it all. A beautifully detailed accounts of murder, deceit, sanity, loss, abuse and many more. With so many twists and turns that keep you engrossed and wondering whats else is just around the corner. Bree is an awesome writer with a generous talent for detail to bring her stories to life.
February 2, 2018
While I did enjoy this book I had a few problems with it. Knowing what Charlotte had done to Leopold I feel that she should have had to pay a bit of penance for what she did. I understand that everyone needs a second chance and with everything that Baron Northfield put her through it's understandable that she was broken and betrayed, and maybe not in her right mind the night of Leopold's death. But to be so easily forgiven for the death of a man, doesn't sit well with me.
Overall this was a good book, I enjoyed the characters and the plot of the story.
Overall this was a good book, I enjoyed the characters and the plot of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2022
Clean romance. The story was a little hard to follow— maybe you need to read the series from the beginning. I found it convoluted and slow. Also there were too many repeated phrases, too much similar dialogue and too many implausible scenes..
I had a hard time identifying with the main character. While ai believe in second chances, Charlotte got a pretty sweet ending for a person who murdered an innocent man!
I had a hard time identifying with the main character. While ai believe in second chances, Charlotte got a pretty sweet ending for a person who murdered an innocent man!
January 16, 2018
Can you give a book less than one star? No...just no. No one notices the glass shatters? No one notices the creepy guy who has clearly taken her virtue? The suicidal heroine who singlehandedly keeps herself alive after a fire in a sanitarium?
No. The writing is eh, and the format is confusing.
No. The writing is eh, and the format is confusing.
July 6, 2021
You have GOT to be kidding. The hero is an idiot and the heroine? !Oh, she's just a murderer, who poisoned one person and tried to kill 2 more. Let's make her star of the show. Riiiight. Just. Dreadful.
May 30, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review and I can honestly say that it was amazing. By the second page I was hooked and the characters are so well written and created that I felt as if I was right there next to them, experiencing their pain as well as their joy. Every time I picked up this book I was transported instantly to this regency world and any problems or worries that I had that day would instantly disappear. Even after I had put the book down I was still trying to come up with solutions to the problems of these vivid and engaging characters.
Some people may say that it is a sad book but bad things always happen in life and you just have to look for the sprinkling of joy and look forward to the happy ending.
My only criticism is that I would have preferred the epilogue to have been set further in the future than it was but apart from that I absolutely loved it. Also it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series though I do pity you for not having discovered the delights of this amazing author sooner.
Some people may say that it is a sad book but bad things always happen in life and you just have to look for the sprinkling of joy and look forward to the happy ending.
My only criticism is that I would have preferred the epilogue to have been set further in the future than it was but apart from that I absolutely loved it. Also it doesn’t matter if you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series though I do pity you for not having discovered the delights of this amazing author sooner.
June 7, 2017
This is a rather dark - and unusual - story. Charlotte has suffered through more than most young ladies of her station. She has shown courage in the past, standing up against her parents, but only with the backing of her dear friend Kenneth. After years in an asylum, she is very wary of trusting anyone with the secrets of her past, especially the handsome lord who asks for her hand in marriage. He finds marrying this "nobody" would be a wonderful way of antagonizing his father.
Nicely told and well-written with some topics not commonly seen in historical romance. As I read I kept thinking "Bree's books keep getting better".
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Nicely told and well-written with some topics not commonly seen in historical romance. As I read I kept thinking "Bree's books keep getting better".
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Read
September 13, 2017Just sounds too sad.
June 22, 2017
This was an intense book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You will go from outrage to hope to forgiveness to oh yeah. The lady in this book gets her revenge but not how you might think. Read it, you won't want to put it down.
September 11, 2017
STORY-LINE RUINED AND REDEEMED BY BREE WOLF:
Lady Charlotte Frampton and Viscount Sebastian Campbell, future Earl of Weston, have starring roles in author Bree Wolf's Ruined and Redeemed. Charlotte had everything a young girl could want; loving parents and a bright future. However, one disastrous night ruined any chance she had at happiness and changed Charlotte into a monstrous imitation of herself; doing awful deeds she never expected herself capable. After heinous events, Charlotte changes her name to Lotte and becomes companion to Lord Ashwood's sister.
Sebastian Campbell returning from a tour of the continent, finds his sister wed to a monster; given in marriage for greed and social position, his father will pay for what he has done. Angry and undone, Sebastian travels to Lord Ashwood's; where he meets Charlotte/Lotte. Sebastian decides to hurt his father in the worse way possible. He knows marrying Lottie will reap the repercussions against his father he so desires. As a lowly companion, with no social standing or breeding, he hopes this will be the death of his father.
But life never runs as smoothly as we plan and Sebastian finds his vengeance must take a back seat to protecting his sister, Victoria, from the monster his father wed her. Lotte's past is not as far in the past as she would wish; it comes to haunt her once again. Can a marriage beginning under such circumstances stand a chance? Will adversity bring them closer together or tear them further apart. My historical Regency romance book reviews of Ruined And Redeemed follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Author Bree Wolf created an intensely emotional book in Ruined and Redeemed. I don't think I have ever felt so sorry for anyone as I did Charlotte. From Wolf's vivid writing, I felt Charlotte's guilt, pain, fear, and absolute devastation. Wolf's insightful story-line revealed the harm emotional and physical trauma can cause to our mental health; resulting in the person becoming someone they do not recognize as them-self. As Bree Wolf developed Charlotte's character, I found myself in tears. How could anyone live through all Charlotte survived and ever be the same again? As Wolf brought Charlotte from the abyss she had lived in for three years, she is like the Phoenix rising from the ashes; maturing her from a soul shattered replica of living to a woman of value. Will Charlotte find redemption?
Sebastian's a man possessed by guilt, hatred, and resentment towards his father. Wolf skillfully developed Sebastian from single minded vengeance to a man determined Charlotte will live life again; without fear and terror her constant companions. While at the same time he must protect his sister, Victoria, and find a solution to her situation. Bree Wolf created a fine hero in Sebastian; a good, trust-worthy, patient man, willing to protect his family at all costs. Don't we all need a Sebastian in our life?
Victoria's married to a monster without morals or honor; desperately unhappy, she lives day to day with the horror of her life. Upon meeting Charlotte, they immediately formed a bond; Wolf created life situations for Victoria and Charlotte characters which they recognize are similar; as Victoria stated: only someone who has been there can relate. Victoria's character's stronger than she thinks and wise in council for Charlotte and her brother.
With many plot threads to bring together, Wolfe skillfully wove all the threads together to form a solid novel. She filled Ruined And Redeemed with hurt, anger, determination, devastating situations, family dynamics, redemption, and of course, sweet clean romance. I found her writing clear and easy to follow with well-developed characters. The pacing perfect for the length of the book and the story-line will grab your heart strings. I loved this book and would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. I closed Ruined And Redeemed with a sigh of satisfaction for a day spent in reading pleasure.
RUINED AND REDEEMED RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
I have not read the earlier books, however I plan to do so. Although a stand-alone read, Bree Wolf, suggest not reading book 5 before book 3 to avoid spoilers.
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with honest historical Regency romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No on influences my voluntary historical Regency romance book reviews.
Lady Charlotte Frampton and Viscount Sebastian Campbell, future Earl of Weston, have starring roles in author Bree Wolf's Ruined and Redeemed. Charlotte had everything a young girl could want; loving parents and a bright future. However, one disastrous night ruined any chance she had at happiness and changed Charlotte into a monstrous imitation of herself; doing awful deeds she never expected herself capable. After heinous events, Charlotte changes her name to Lotte and becomes companion to Lord Ashwood's sister.
Sebastian Campbell returning from a tour of the continent, finds his sister wed to a monster; given in marriage for greed and social position, his father will pay for what he has done. Angry and undone, Sebastian travels to Lord Ashwood's; where he meets Charlotte/Lotte. Sebastian decides to hurt his father in the worse way possible. He knows marrying Lottie will reap the repercussions against his father he so desires. As a lowly companion, with no social standing or breeding, he hopes this will be the death of his father.
But life never runs as smoothly as we plan and Sebastian finds his vengeance must take a back seat to protecting his sister, Victoria, from the monster his father wed her. Lotte's past is not as far in the past as she would wish; it comes to haunt her once again. Can a marriage beginning under such circumstances stand a chance? Will adversity bring them closer together or tear them further apart. My historical Regency romance book reviews of Ruined And Redeemed follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Author Bree Wolf created an intensely emotional book in Ruined and Redeemed. I don't think I have ever felt so sorry for anyone as I did Charlotte. From Wolf's vivid writing, I felt Charlotte's guilt, pain, fear, and absolute devastation. Wolf's insightful story-line revealed the harm emotional and physical trauma can cause to our mental health; resulting in the person becoming someone they do not recognize as them-self. As Bree Wolf developed Charlotte's character, I found myself in tears. How could anyone live through all Charlotte survived and ever be the same again? As Wolf brought Charlotte from the abyss she had lived in for three years, she is like the Phoenix rising from the ashes; maturing her from a soul shattered replica of living to a woman of value. Will Charlotte find redemption?
Sebastian's a man possessed by guilt, hatred, and resentment towards his father. Wolf skillfully developed Sebastian from single minded vengeance to a man determined Charlotte will live life again; without fear and terror her constant companions. While at the same time he must protect his sister, Victoria, and find a solution to her situation. Bree Wolf created a fine hero in Sebastian; a good, trust-worthy, patient man, willing to protect his family at all costs. Don't we all need a Sebastian in our life?
Victoria's married to a monster without morals or honor; desperately unhappy, she lives day to day with the horror of her life. Upon meeting Charlotte, they immediately formed a bond; Wolf created life situations for Victoria and Charlotte characters which they recognize are similar; as Victoria stated: only someone who has been there can relate. Victoria's character's stronger than she thinks and wise in council for Charlotte and her brother.
With many plot threads to bring together, Wolfe skillfully wove all the threads together to form a solid novel. She filled Ruined And Redeemed with hurt, anger, determination, devastating situations, family dynamics, redemption, and of course, sweet clean romance. I found her writing clear and easy to follow with well-developed characters. The pacing perfect for the length of the book and the story-line will grab your heart strings. I loved this book and would not hesitate to buy this book for myself or a friend. I closed Ruined And Redeemed with a sigh of satisfaction for a day spent in reading pleasure.
RUINED AND REDEEMED RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
I have not read the earlier books, however I plan to do so. Although a stand-alone read, Bree Wolf, suggest not reading book 5 before book 3 to avoid spoilers.
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with honest historical Regency romance book reviews. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No on influences my voluntary historical Regency romance book reviews.
July 14, 2020
Pretty good for a quick summer romance read.
June 18, 2017
This is a story that will bring out all your emotions. This young girl suffers so much that you suffer with her but then you cheer for her life to become better. This is a story where you need to devote time to become involved in it and not just expect a quick read it you will never experience the story the way you should.
May 19, 2017
Short review. ARC copy. This was a very moving book about how one heinous act can lead someone not a path of losing themselves and doing things that go against who they really are. Both Sebastian and Charlotte get clouded by the circumstances that accrue in their individual lives that they do things that goes against who they really are. This story is about forgiveness, redemption, rediscovering yourself and not letting the terrible acts of the past and those who commit those acts destroy any potential of a future, happiness and love.
April 17, 2019
Charlotte has had a tough go of things in the last several years, to say the least. She's been violated, betrayed, abandoned, compromised, and nearly killed. Almost anything that can have happened to her has. Her sufferings had come to the point where she was unable to carry on under the strain. She's lost her ability to be present with herself and her surroundings and she has done some terrible things while in this state. But she's been given a second chance at her life again, at least until a horror from her past resurfaces in her life. Charlotte has the option to buckle under her sorrows or fight against them and her tormentor. With the support of the new people in her life, her decision is made and she rewrites the trajectory of her life.
Sebastian is such a good man. He is so patient and intuitive. Most importantly he is compassionate to others' sufferings. Occassionally he is prone to reacting a tad dramatically, but these are deeply emotional matters we're dealing with and so his reactions are understandable. But he is the perfect man to help Charlotte to find her way through these difficult hurdles in her life and help her to grow past her hurts.
Northfield is a very black and white villian, he is evil through and through; there is no gray area. He is despicable and he should have every misfortune befall him. I truly hope he will not be brought back in another book in the series as a romantic lead, because I would not be able to read such a book.
Victoria was such a sweet and caring character. So strong too, continuing to bear up under her suffering and standing tall for the benefit for those she cares most for. I do hope to see her given her second chance at love in a following book.
In the end, I believe that Charlotte is kind of let off the hook quite easy. Yes, she has suffered greatly. Yes, she did not commit the awful things she has while in a proper mindset. **spoiler alert** But, there should be some form of consequence for taking an innocent man's life. Even if it be the small consequence of his brother being unable to forgive her, at least not so readily. Further she clearly has quite a loose hold on her mental facilities, no matter how understandable this is. She has a habit of falling into a state of being were she is unreachable, detached, and quite murderous. But everyone seems quite willing to just look over this fact the second her tormentor is removed. I'd still say this is a worrying thing though.
Very enjoyable addition to the series, I would recommend it to any fan of of ther series, historical romances, or redemption stories.
*Many thanks to Bree Wolf for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Sebastian is such a good man. He is so patient and intuitive. Most importantly he is compassionate to others' sufferings. Occassionally he is prone to reacting a tad dramatically, but these are deeply emotional matters we're dealing with and so his reactions are understandable. But he is the perfect man to help Charlotte to find her way through these difficult hurdles in her life and help her to grow past her hurts.
Northfield is a very black and white villian, he is evil through and through; there is no gray area. He is despicable and he should have every misfortune befall him. I truly hope he will not be brought back in another book in the series as a romantic lead, because I would not be able to read such a book.
Victoria was such a sweet and caring character. So strong too, continuing to bear up under her suffering and standing tall for the benefit for those she cares most for. I do hope to see her given her second chance at love in a following book.
In the end, I believe that Charlotte is kind of let off the hook quite easy. Yes, she has suffered greatly. Yes, she did not commit the awful things she has while in a proper mindset. **spoiler alert** But, there should be some form of consequence for taking an innocent man's life. Even if it be the small consequence of his brother being unable to forgive her, at least not so readily. Further she clearly has quite a loose hold on her mental facilities, no matter how understandable this is. She has a habit of falling into a state of being were she is unreachable, detached, and quite murderous. But everyone seems quite willing to just look over this fact the second her tormentor is removed. I'd still say this is a worrying thing though.
Very enjoyable addition to the series, I would recommend it to any fan of of ther series, historical romances, or redemption stories.
*Many thanks to Bree Wolf for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 16, 2021
Better written than the last of this author that I read, which is odd because this book came first, but I can see the places where the writing style that I so dislike are getting their start. Description of actions are over done, every change in expression and gesture of hand, it wreaks of an author desperately trying to meet a word count rather than having a meaty enough story to tell, though this style is far worse in the other book I read.
Plot wise it is a continuation from a previous book I have not read and though all the relevant details are reintroduced the previous books plot is a ball and chain hanging off the ankle of this one. Every mention of the previous story reveals more and more that, despite her sympathetic sufferings, the heroine is an unhinged, dangerous individual that does not in any way deserve her second chance, destroying any desire for me to see her relationship turn out well, despite the tell-don’t-show pains the story goes to tell me how wonderful she is. The preoccupation with violence against women as a matter of expectation in life, and a bizarre moment of ‘not all men’ on the heroes part made it very difficult for me to get involved in the actual romance between the leads. Though the characters say it multiple times at no point did I believe the love between them was genuine.
It’s even more disappointing that I can easily see, with only a few minor edits to remove the connection with the previous books events, and changing some character names, the bulk of the plot could have be preserved and returned the heroine to the sympathetic, pitiable character whom she is clearly supposed to be, rather than revealing her to be what she actually is, a villain who the audience is encouraged to forgive her her vile crimes purely based on the past injustices she’s suffered.
The implications the book draws to the violent mental state of real women who have suffered these kinds of terrible things is not a particularly good look either.
Plot wise it is a continuation from a previous book I have not read and though all the relevant details are reintroduced the previous books plot is a ball and chain hanging off the ankle of this one. Every mention of the previous story reveals more and more that, despite her sympathetic sufferings, the heroine is an unhinged, dangerous individual that does not in any way deserve her second chance, destroying any desire for me to see her relationship turn out well, despite the tell-don’t-show pains the story goes to tell me how wonderful she is. The preoccupation with violence against women as a matter of expectation in life, and a bizarre moment of ‘not all men’ on the heroes part made it very difficult for me to get involved in the actual romance between the leads. Though the characters say it multiple times at no point did I believe the love between them was genuine.
It’s even more disappointing that I can easily see, with only a few minor edits to remove the connection with the previous books events, and changing some character names, the bulk of the plot could have be preserved and returned the heroine to the sympathetic, pitiable character whom she is clearly supposed to be, rather than revealing her to be what she actually is, a villain who the audience is encouraged to forgive her her vile crimes purely based on the past injustices she’s suffered.
The implications the book draws to the violent mental state of real women who have suffered these kinds of terrible things is not a particularly good look either.
April 7, 2018
She was the victim of a heinous crime. Then, she sought revenge.
He seeks to punish his father and finds more than he bargained for.
Once Lady Charlotte Frampton had been a young debutante, hoping to find a husband who would win her heart. Then, one night shattered everything and turned her life into a nightmare and herself into a monster. Determined to leave her past behind, she buries Lady Charlotte and becomes Lotte, the temporary companion to a Viscount’s younger sister. Everything seems to take a turn for the better until the Viscount’s best friend visits and makes her an offer.
Sebastian Campbell, Earl of Weston, will never forgive himself. During his grand tour on the continent, his father, driven by the desire to increase the family’s standing in society, forced Sebastian’s younger sister, Victoria, into a miserable marriage that threatens not only her happiness but her life as well.
Haunted by guilt, Sebastian seeks to punish his father wherever possible. So when he meets ‘Lotte’, she seems the answer to his prayers. Marriage to an unsuitable woman would just put his father where he belonged: in an early grave.
While Charlotte finds that her past is not as dead as she’d hoped, Sebastian realises that protecting his sister might be more important than punishing his father.
It was a bit compelling to finally get all the facts of what went on with this book. It was a bit confusing and I had to reread sections to understand who was who and what was going on. There were several phrases that became irritating to repeatedly read ("chewed her lip" comes to mind) and their thoughts were repeated as if it were a series and only one chapter was published at a time. But it was worth reading 3+ stars.
He seeks to punish his father and finds more than he bargained for.
Once Lady Charlotte Frampton had been a young debutante, hoping to find a husband who would win her heart. Then, one night shattered everything and turned her life into a nightmare and herself into a monster. Determined to leave her past behind, she buries Lady Charlotte and becomes Lotte, the temporary companion to a Viscount’s younger sister. Everything seems to take a turn for the better until the Viscount’s best friend visits and makes her an offer.
Sebastian Campbell, Earl of Weston, will never forgive himself. During his grand tour on the continent, his father, driven by the desire to increase the family’s standing in society, forced Sebastian’s younger sister, Victoria, into a miserable marriage that threatens not only her happiness but her life as well.
Haunted by guilt, Sebastian seeks to punish his father wherever possible. So when he meets ‘Lotte’, she seems the answer to his prayers. Marriage to an unsuitable woman would just put his father where he belonged: in an early grave.
While Charlotte finds that her past is not as dead as she’d hoped, Sebastian realises that protecting his sister might be more important than punishing his father.
It was a bit compelling to finally get all the facts of what went on with this book. It was a bit confusing and I had to reread sections to understand who was who and what was going on. There were several phrases that became irritating to repeatedly read ("chewed her lip" comes to mind) and their thoughts were repeated as if it were a series and only one chapter was published at a time. But it was worth reading 3+ stars.
July 31, 2020
First, a disclaimer. I haven't read any others in the series. While there were characters from the previous book, this one was stand-alone. I didn't feel I missed anything.
Overall it wasn't a bad book. I read to the end and read it fairly quickly. The overall concept interested me and I was drawn in at the start. I can't say I particularly liked it, though, for a few reasons.
It wasn't the best-written book I have read. The style relied heavily on questions, which started to get really annoying. Especially when we got whole paragraphs of questions like: "Did he really love her? How could he possibly? Was she even capable of being loved? Why wasn't he running away?" (that is a made-up example to give you the idea). Each string of questions started to get repetitive.
There were little flaws in the story (how did Charlotte end up free during the fire?) and I felt like Wolf was trying to stretch out the story by having characters not work out what I thought should have been obvious given the information they already had. It always bugs me when supposedly intelligent people can't connect dots.
I struggled to stay warm to Charlotte/Lotte. Basically a bad thing happened to her, which set her on a downward spiral that ended with her doing the wrong thing (a few, actually). When I found out what that was, I struggled to still like her. Especially when the fog came over her again. I didn't like that she still had it in her to be that person (and would have been that person if Sebastian hadn't stopped her). The fact that others were so content to forgive her even before they knew what the villain did to her required some suspension of reality in my opinion.
I made it through the book, but I am not interested in reading any more.
Overall it wasn't a bad book. I read to the end and read it fairly quickly. The overall concept interested me and I was drawn in at the start. I can't say I particularly liked it, though, for a few reasons.
It wasn't the best-written book I have read. The style relied heavily on questions, which started to get really annoying. Especially when we got whole paragraphs of questions like: "Did he really love her? How could he possibly? Was she even capable of being loved? Why wasn't he running away?" (that is a made-up example to give you the idea). Each string of questions started to get repetitive.
There were little flaws in the story (how did Charlotte end up free during the fire?) and I felt like Wolf was trying to stretch out the story by having characters not work out what I thought should have been obvious given the information they already had. It always bugs me when supposedly intelligent people can't connect dots.
I struggled to stay warm to Charlotte/Lotte. Basically a bad thing happened to her, which set her on a downward spiral that ended with her doing the wrong thing (a few, actually). When I found out what that was, I struggled to still like her. Especially when the fog came over her again. I didn't like that she still had it in her to be that person (and would have been that person if Sebastian hadn't stopped her). The fact that others were so content to forgive her even before they knew what the villain did to her required some suspension of reality in my opinion.
I made it through the book, but I am not interested in reading any more.
June 11, 2017
Ruined and Redeemed has an intensely emotional plot that holds the reader’s attention start to finish. The characters are well developed and realistic. Their actions and interactions are believable. They are portrayed as flawed and damaged, yet strong and resilient.
Charlotte, our heroine, has been ruined, rescued from the scoundrel, lost her betrothed, unintentionally killed a man, and nearly died in an asylum fire. Sebastian, our hero, and his sister Victoria were raised in a home with an arrogant tyrant of a father, who arranged a marriage between Victoria and a despicable man while Sebastian was on the continent. Victoria is miserable. All of this tragedy and the consequences that go with it were at the hands of one vile, manipulative, social climbing demon of a man. All of the characters in the story have been affected by his misdeeds. As it says in the story they are “heartbroken, inconsolable, and close to despair.” Fortunately, among them are people who not only share the feelings, but also understand them. The path to healing is long and hard. There is love and, hopefully, given time, the healing will come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Charlotte, our heroine, has been ruined, rescued from the scoundrel, lost her betrothed, unintentionally killed a man, and nearly died in an asylum fire. Sebastian, our hero, and his sister Victoria were raised in a home with an arrogant tyrant of a father, who arranged a marriage between Victoria and a despicable man while Sebastian was on the continent. Victoria is miserable. All of this tragedy and the consequences that go with it were at the hands of one vile, manipulative, social climbing demon of a man. All of the characters in the story have been affected by his misdeeds. As it says in the story they are “heartbroken, inconsolable, and close to despair.” Fortunately, among them are people who not only share the feelings, but also understand them. The path to healing is long and hard. There is love and, hopefully, given time, the healing will come.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
April 30, 2017
When Sebastian make a proposal to Lotte he didn’t wait to change his whole life! When Lotte accepted the proposal from Sebastian wasn’t so sure that she did the right thing. So many lives have changed from just a “yes” !!!
September 5, 2017
Second Chance Series
I have enjoyed reading this 5th book of the series. I have always liked stories that interacted with characters from the previous book. Being a former psychiatric nurse, it was interesting to see how Ms Wolf treated the story of Charlotte, who was so obviously mentally ill in book 3 in order to do the things she had done. Skillfully the characters are drawn together and the healing begins. My thanks to the author for showing the good, bad and the ugky characters in this novel in a truly well thought out plot.
I have enjoyed reading this 5th book of the series. I have always liked stories that interacted with characters from the previous book. Being a former psychiatric nurse, it was interesting to see how Ms Wolf treated the story of Charlotte, who was so obviously mentally ill in book 3 in order to do the things she had done. Skillfully the characters are drawn together and the healing begins. My thanks to the author for showing the good, bad and the ugky characters in this novel in a truly well thought out plot.
June 7, 2021
Boring & pointless
It was all too much to be realistic. I got tired of the heroine's trust issues. She was always on the brink of letting them go but inevitably drew back at the last minute. The husband tried too hard and never quite succeeded. The entire book was a constant tug of war that soon grew boring and went nowhere except irking my patience and losing my interest.
It was all too much to be realistic. I got tired of the heroine's trust issues. She was always on the brink of letting them go but inevitably drew back at the last minute. The husband tried too hard and never quite succeeded. The entire book was a constant tug of war that soon grew boring and went nowhere except irking my patience and losing my interest.
Read
August 27, 2017I just could not finish this. The idea that someone who was a terrible murderer and would-be murderer in the previous book could somehow be redeemed and find love is something I just can't get over. Maybe some day I'll try reading it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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