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The Substitute Bride
Angelica Wayne was in a most devilish dilemma! It began when she was forced to take a post as a governess to Lord Giles Weston's motherless daughter. It grew more difficult when Angelica lost her heart to this dazzling viscount who once had been wed to the reigning beauty of the realm and now was linked with the most desirable lady of the London season.
Angelica was resigned to forever masking her feelings until Giles made a proposal that might be the answer to her wildest dreams. Sure of Angelica's indifference to him, Giles asked her to be his wife in name only, with each of them free to lead separate lives. Thus only by living a lie could Angelica keep the only man she had ever wanted, as this spirited Regency heroine staked all her happiness on a man who was afraid to love!
Angelica was resigned to forever masking her feelings until Giles made a proposal that might be the answer to her wildest dreams. Sure of Angelica's indifference to him, Giles asked her to be his wife in name only, with each of them free to lead separate lives. Thus only by living a lie could Angelica keep the only man she had ever wanted, as this spirited Regency heroine staked all her happiness on a man who was afraid to love!
255 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 5, 2020
Dreadful hero and just no connection between the two main characters.
The plotline was intriguing, but the execution especially with the hero’s character were terrible.
The plotline was intriguing, but the execution especially with the hero’s character were terrible.
August 22, 2020
Very good
I really liked the book but it was a little stodgy for me. It was a good story and I really enjoyed it and I loved the heroine but it was just not outstanding for me. It reminded me of the Victoria Holt novels I read when I was young so I liked that aspect of it but there was something lacking. I liked the hero, but for most of the book he had another fiance and a supposed mistress so that put me off a little. You could see he was falling in love with her though and she him. Of course misunderstandings abound but the ending was perfect. No intimate scenes really but that didn't bother me at all. I like fade to black myself. I think I may read it again and perhaps my opinion will change as there is nothing wrong with it. Might just be me today. I would love to read about Lydia, his sister too. She was a great character.
I really liked the book but it was a little stodgy for me. It was a good story and I really enjoyed it and I loved the heroine but it was just not outstanding for me. It reminded me of the Victoria Holt novels I read when I was young so I liked that aspect of it but there was something lacking. I liked the hero, but for most of the book he had another fiance and a supposed mistress so that put me off a little. You could see he was falling in love with her though and she him. Of course misunderstandings abound but the ending was perfect. No intimate scenes really but that didn't bother me at all. I like fade to black myself. I think I may read it again and perhaps my opinion will change as there is nothing wrong with it. Might just be me today. I would love to read about Lydia, his sister too. She was a great character.
October 27, 2020
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. The H was a bit of a jerk but at the same time, I didn't think he was that bad. I know his marriage, specifically when he does consummate his marriage, made some readers angry. I must be weird because I actually thought part of it was funny. I think it's because he was drunk and when his wife goes to leave him he made what I considered a playful grab for her. At least, it kinda made me laugh but then I didn't read any menace in it. He didn't forcefully restrain her, etc. When they do consummate it, she appeared to me to be 100% involved. She only got angry because he called another woman's name out (oops) but as jerky as it sounds, it is explained away as being rather harmless in nature. In fact, I felt rather bad for the H because in the morning, he does think he has raped his wife and feels horrible about himself and what he can't remember. As a result, she thinks he's pulled away because he's disappointed with her and he's frankly appalled at what he felt was his reprehensible behavior.
If you're sensitive to any of these themes then this is not the story for you. I think I've read some truly anger-inducing stories over time so this was such a minor blip that if no one else had pointed it out, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.
If you're sensitive to any of these themes then this is not the story for you. I think I've read some truly anger-inducing stories over time so this was such a minor blip that if no one else had pointed it out, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.
September 5, 2019
An ARC was kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Another book that caught me by surprise. This was surprisingly one good book. Being a historical romance I expected some more “detail” but this kept itself a bit more modest maybe due to the fact the book was written all the way back 1977.
The story was very sweet and manage to tug and your heartstrings and although some stuff provided too hasty it was cute nonetheless. Fun read to pass time if you’re a historical romance buff.
Another book that caught me by surprise. This was surprisingly one good book. Being a historical romance I expected some more “detail” but this kept itself a bit more modest maybe due to the fact the book was written all the way back 1977.
The story was very sweet and manage to tug and your heartstrings and although some stuff provided too hasty it was cute nonetheless. Fun read to pass time if you’re a historical romance buff.
October 7, 2019
DNF at 86%
From my update:
44.0% Povs all over the place. The title gives the plot away too much.
85.0% What the hell happened? Did the author run out of plot? This was chunnering along quite pleasantly if a little insipid at times, then all of a sudden we have the assault by the husband on his naked wife, and later on he forces himself on her. The characters from that point on bore NO resemblance to the ones earlier on. This was a travesty. What the author (and the publisher) were thinking when they wrote/edited this ungodly mess, is utterly beyond me.
I couldn't even bear to read the last 14% This was AWFUL!!!
From my update:
44.0% Povs all over the place. The title gives the plot away too much.
85.0% What the hell happened? Did the author run out of plot? This was chunnering along quite pleasantly if a little insipid at times, then all of a sudden we have the assault by the husband on his naked wife, and later on he forces himself on her. The characters from that point on bore NO resemblance to the ones earlier on. This was a travesty. What the author (and the publisher) were thinking when they wrote/edited this ungodly mess, is utterly beyond me.
I couldn't even bear to read the last 14% This was AWFUL!!!
May 1, 2020
SO this was a different regency. It was written in an odd third person, kind of way. All knowing everyone's thoughts but doesn't give you much of everyone's thoughts. Mostly the main character. I liked it. It was different and flowed well. My favorite kind of book is arraigned marriage. This one was a little slow to get to the actual marriage but it worked. I really liked the attitude of the leading lady, the leading man I never felt like I got to know. I wish I had had more of him but the author just gives you enough to keep you on your toes. It all came together well in the end, but ended a little abruptly. I enjoyed the style of writing and am going to try another one of hers. This is also a bit different because I would call this pg13. Very few authors write here they either describe everything or nothing. There is a after marriage sex scene but with very little detail. You know where it's going and then it ends. It was so well done. There is a nudity scene also but again more of a sensual feel and the wife was ticked so it was more funny then anything.
May 3, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
A sweet, heartwarming story with quite a few "gasp" moments well placed.
A great read!
A sweet, heartwarming story with quite a few "gasp" moments well placed.
A great read!
July 21, 2020
Unlucky🎲 At Love💔
Regency Romance
Angelica lives with her cousin Billy, a wealthy gentleman, after the death of her parents. When Billy gets married, Angelica doesn't get along well with his new wife, and she feels like a third wheel, anyway.
Never one for society, but with a good education, at twenty three, she decides she can become a governess.
Lucky for her, Ray, a Viscount Billy knows, is looking for a governess for his 9 year old daughter. She will also be a companion for his seventeen year old sister who is ready to debut!
Love hasn't been kind to the Viscount. His wife had their child, but didn't want it. Then she ran away with another noble and both were killed when he lost control of their rig on some bad road.
He attempts to get married again and this time the woman dumps him for another man about 6 weeks before the wedding, not long after Angelica starts working for him!I EGADS!
This is a fast paced Regency Romance, with mucho mucho angst!
Regency Romance
Angelica lives with her cousin Billy, a wealthy gentleman, after the death of her parents. When Billy gets married, Angelica doesn't get along well with his new wife, and she feels like a third wheel, anyway.
Never one for society, but with a good education, at twenty three, she decides she can become a governess.
Lucky for her, Ray, a Viscount Billy knows, is looking for a governess for his 9 year old daughter. She will also be a companion for his seventeen year old sister who is ready to debut!
Love hasn't been kind to the Viscount. His wife had their child, but didn't want it. Then she ran away with another noble and both were killed when he lost control of their rig on some bad road.
He attempts to get married again and this time the woman dumps him for another man about 6 weeks before the wedding, not long after Angelica starts working for him!I EGADS!
This is a fast paced Regency Romance, with mucho mucho angst!
September 7, 2019
This was an engaging read. It was written in a way that was very true to the attitudes and sensibilities of the era. Angelica, is not a meek person and tends to say what she thinks. She did have a caring nature in regards to her pupil, Jenny and to Lydia, Giles’ younger sister. Giles, has changed from when Angelica first knew him, he was no longer the happy person he used to be. This was an absorbing read as they worked through their feelings for each other. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2019
This is my first time reading an older historical romance. I was surprised to be entertained and not at all bored with the story. I wanted more from the hero's point of view, and the conflict between the hero and heroine could have been solved with an honest talk, of course, but the way the book is written, I could believe they were too proud and reserved to really communicate.
March 14, 2024
Audiobook.
Not a good book, but it served it’s purpose, which was to get me back into reading after being sick for 2 months 🤪
Not a good book, but it served it’s purpose, which was to get me back into reading after being sick for 2 months 🤪
July 31, 2020
I liked this book but it will not be one of my favorites. Although, Author’s attempt at Jane Austen’s writing style fell short in my opinion, I still enjoyed it. Her writing style was not the only aspect that resembled the Jane Austen, the plot was not very original and had several similarities with Jane Eyre.
I liked the characters, main and secondary. We mostly read about the heroine’s thoughts and feelings. I would have definitely liked to have more insights into the hero’s. Altogether, I will definitely check other books from this author.
I liked the characters, main and secondary. We mostly read about the heroine’s thoughts and feelings. I would have definitely liked to have more insights into the hero’s. Altogether, I will definitely check other books from this author.
October 14, 2024
So, this one was actually pretty good, until it wasn't, at about 80%.
Fmc has a small independence but feels like she's intruding on her cousin/adopted bro's new marriage, so she decides to be a governess. She's described as a forthright, opinionated woman with a habit of speaking her mind before thinking. Described as tall but very slender to the point of frail looking, but with a strong constitution.
She becomes governess to a friend of her cousin's cousin (?) who she met once when she was 13 when he was visiting and rescued her from drowning or somesuch. She had a brief crush on him before moving on, but has always recalled him with fondness.
She discovers that MMC has changed for the worse, is bitter and sardonic (catnip for FMCs in '70s romance novels!), etc. but strangely even though she's definitely too young and pretty-ish to be a governess, he hires her anyway. MMC has a mistress AND a fiancee, as well as a younger sister and a daughter. He quite literally has no room for another woman in his life, so naturally he falls for FMC fairly quickly while hiding it behind said sardonic facade.
FMC finds that she is to be more of a companion/chaperone to the sister than governess to the very young daughter, so she ends up spending much more time in company with MMC and his family and friends than originally planned. As the weeks pass, MMC and FMC start falling for each other.
Now, in other Dorothy Mack books, all of this falling for each other would have been mentioned once and then the MMC disappeared somewhere else, but she actually shows the two interacting and some cute and sweet moments of them bonding, and even provides him a convenient very sprained ankle to keep him at home for a couple weeks so they can interact more and his fiancee can decide to move onto her other admirer. Some of this is author-driven, but toward the end it becomes clear that MMC is hoping fiancee will dump him so he can go after FMC.
This works like a charm, and while there's some miscommunication because neither one wants to admit they're falling for each other for fear of rejection, and Fmc believes she's entering a marriage of convenience, and then on the first night of marriage her mouth gets mouthy and offends him so he doesn't complete the seduction he'd kinda sorta planned, things are kinda going along well-ish for a little bit. Baby sister/ SIL is entering her season, FMC's busy chaperoning her to everywhere and entering society as a new bride on a higher social level instead of being a governess, so things are going fairly well except the newlyweds aren't seeing much of each other, until.
Until.
Apparently the author realized there weren't going to be enough pages/words, so she had to create some drama/conflict because really these two are perfectly great for each other and a mild misunderstanding wasn't going to get her the word count she needed.
So this entirely out-of-character for both characters scene happens. For real afterward I was like, I'm not even sure what just happened or why everyone's so mad?
Another pet peeve: FMC is described as willowy but strong and not prone to vapours or whatever, but she is clearly like anemic or something because she's constantly almost or actually fainting, having sudden drops in energy, going pale, being listless, when emotionally charged things happen, or when she has to put on a good face for a couple of hours, or like going to any social event. And don't even get me started on when she spoilers and starts spoilering like no woman has ever spoilered a spoiler in the history of the world.
This woman has health issues but it's weird that they didn't just make her sort of sickly in childhood or acknowledge that she's weirdly wimpy for an allegedly healthy, well-nourished 23 year old.
Anyway, haven't finished, so may actually remember to come back after finishing this thing but probably not.
Fmc has a small independence but feels like she's intruding on her cousin/adopted bro's new marriage, so she decides to be a governess. She's described as a forthright, opinionated woman with a habit of speaking her mind before thinking. Described as tall but very slender to the point of frail looking, but with a strong constitution.
She becomes governess to a friend of her cousin's cousin (?) who she met once when she was 13 when he was visiting and rescued her from drowning or somesuch. She had a brief crush on him before moving on, but has always recalled him with fondness.
She discovers that MMC has changed for the worse, is bitter and sardonic (catnip for FMCs in '70s romance novels!), etc. but strangely even though she's definitely too young and pretty-ish to be a governess, he hires her anyway. MMC has a mistress AND a fiancee, as well as a younger sister and a daughter. He quite literally has no room for another woman in his life, so naturally he falls for FMC fairly quickly while hiding it behind said sardonic facade.
FMC finds that she is to be more of a companion/chaperone to the sister than governess to the very young daughter, so she ends up spending much more time in company with MMC and his family and friends than originally planned. As the weeks pass, MMC and FMC start falling for each other.
Now, in other Dorothy Mack books, all of this falling for each other would have been mentioned once and then the MMC disappeared somewhere else, but she actually shows the two interacting and some cute and sweet moments of them bonding, and even provides him a convenient very sprained ankle to keep him at home for a couple weeks so they can interact more and his fiancee can decide to move onto her other admirer. Some of this is author-driven, but toward the end it becomes clear that MMC is hoping fiancee will dump him so he can go after FMC.
This works like a charm, and while there's some miscommunication because neither one wants to admit they're falling for each other for fear of rejection, and Fmc believes she's entering a marriage of convenience, and then on the first night of marriage her mouth gets mouthy and offends him so he doesn't complete the seduction he'd kinda sorta planned, things are kinda going along well-ish for a little bit. Baby sister/ SIL is entering her season, FMC's busy chaperoning her to everywhere and entering society as a new bride on a higher social level instead of being a governess, so things are going fairly well except the newlyweds aren't seeing much of each other, until.
Until.
Apparently the author realized there weren't going to be enough pages/words, so she had to create some drama/conflict because really these two are perfectly great for each other and a mild misunderstanding wasn't going to get her the word count she needed.
So this entirely out-of-character for both characters scene happens. For real afterward I was like, I'm not even sure what just happened or why everyone's so mad?
Another pet peeve: FMC is described as willowy but strong and not prone to vapours or whatever, but she is clearly like anemic or something because she's constantly almost or actually fainting, having sudden drops in energy, going pale, being listless, when emotionally charged things happen, or when she has to put on a good face for a couple of hours, or like going to any social event. And don't even get me started on when she spoilers and starts spoilering like no woman has ever spoilered a spoiler in the history of the world.
This woman has health issues but it's weird that they didn't just make her sort of sickly in childhood or acknowledge that she's weirdly wimpy for an allegedly healthy, well-nourished 23 year old.
Anyway, haven't finished, so may actually remember to come back after finishing this thing but probably not.
November 21, 2015
This was my first historical romance novel I ever read and I remember I loved it back then and borrowed it from the library many times. So I was curious to see how it measured up all these years .....I bought it online at thrift books and was so excited when it arrived in the mail. I read it slowly and enjoyed the descriptions and the simple story. It could use a little more physical contact between the Giles and Angelica but the story is true to the times it was written about.
I recommend it as it's well written but nowadays we all like a little more love making and a bit more excitement in our romances.
I recommend it as it's well written but nowadays we all like a little more love making and a bit more excitement in our romances.
November 4, 2019
This book started out quite enjoyable. Sure, the narrative is all over the shop and I had to reread some sections to make sure I knew who was actually thinking but, I was hooked.
Then it started dragging. The blurb tells you Lord Giles is going to be ditched and I'm still waiting for him to get ditched 50% into the book.
Then, finally, 59% into the book it happens. The scene is rushed and I'm sat there thinking "what?". The rest of the book is rushed; a lot happens in the last few chapters but at this point, I've lost all interest in the characters and poor little Jenny is barely mentioned again.
Then it started dragging. The blurb tells you Lord Giles is going to be ditched and I'm still waiting for him to get ditched 50% into the book.
Then, finally, 59% into the book it happens. The scene is rushed and I'm sat there thinking "what?". The rest of the book is rushed; a lot happens in the last few chapters but at this point, I've lost all interest in the characters and poor little Jenny is barely mentioned again.
September 14, 2019
Not really sure how I feel about this one. I love a Regency romance, but I generally need my hero to have some redeeming qualities. He’s pretty much awful. And I like my heroines with a little more backbone. Regency life could be pretty bleak but that’s not what I want in my stories - it’s why I prefer fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 16, 2022
sooo good for the first 75%
I am definitely going to check out more from this author. I really liked the character of Angelica. And I loved the set up of the plot. But after the marriage, the plot was unnecessarily drawn out. And I wouldn’t fully classify her as closed door and that is a pet peeve. Also, Giles has a weird uncharacteristicly aggressive moment which I find troubling in romance novels. Not cute. Otherwise, the writing was surprisingly good.
I am definitely going to check out more from this author. I really liked the character of Angelica. And I loved the set up of the plot. But after the marriage, the plot was unnecessarily drawn out. And I wouldn’t fully classify her as closed door and that is a pet peeve. Also, Giles has a weird uncharacteristicly aggressive moment which I find troubling in romance novels. Not cute. Otherwise, the writing was surprisingly good.
March 26, 2021
3.5 stars - Well written, but some of the hero’s choices were so suspect that I felt myself waning against him toward the end. The resolution felt a bit rushed as well... So although I like Mack, this one wasn’t really “up to scratch” with me
September 10, 2019
Following the marriage of her cousin with whom she has been living since childhood, Angelica takes a position as a governess of the daughter of Giles, a friend of said cousin, whom she had met one summer long before and remembered as a boy who was always laughing and kind. It is therefore a shock to find on meeting him again that as a widower he has grown stern and hard - and is soon to remarry, a beautiful woman who cares no more for him than he does for her. Over the few weeks before the wedding, Angelica not only falls in love with her charge, Jenny, but also finds herself falling in love with Giles. When his intended elopes with another man bare days before the wedding, he suggests that Angelica marry him instead - but purely as a marriage of convenience. Can she bring herself to marry a man whom she already loves with all her heart, but who will never love her? And is she truly correct that he will never love her?
I really enjoyed this - most of the way through. Then, a few chapters before the end, I ran into a couple of scenes that, if they had happened earlier, probably would have made me put the book down altogether instead of just skipping over them. To start with what I liked: I appreciated the way that the other members of the household were real people, not just cardboard cutouts supporting Giles and Angelica. Jenny and Lydia in particular really added to the story - and the description of the banister episode almost made me want to try sliding down one myself! So, yes, the writing was good and kept me interested, and the unfolding of the relationship felt relatively realistic. However...
Content warning: There were a couple of things I objected to about this book. The first was a bedroom scene, which, though it didn't seem very detailed as I tried to avoid it, was still more than I wanted. I can see why it was needed for the plot, but I won't be reading the book again. The second thing was the way that Giles treated Angelica on a couple of occasions - rather more roughly than I was comfortable with, at least borderline abuse I thought. Overall, though I enjoyed the writing and most of the story, I will probably be avoiding other books by the author in case of more of such issues. If such things don't bother you (and they really were fairly minor), this may be a book you would enjoy, because I certainly found it very readable.
Note that I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I really enjoyed this - most of the way through. Then, a few chapters before the end, I ran into a couple of scenes that, if they had happened earlier, probably would have made me put the book down altogether instead of just skipping over them. To start with what I liked: I appreciated the way that the other members of the household were real people, not just cardboard cutouts supporting Giles and Angelica. Jenny and Lydia in particular really added to the story - and the description of the banister episode almost made me want to try sliding down one myself! So, yes, the writing was good and kept me interested, and the unfolding of the relationship felt relatively realistic. However...
Content warning: There were a couple of things I objected to about this book. The first was a bedroom scene, which, though it didn't seem very detailed as I tried to avoid it, was still more than I wanted. I can see why it was needed for the plot, but I won't be reading the book again. The second thing was the way that Giles treated Angelica on a couple of occasions - rather more roughly than I was comfortable with, at least borderline abuse I thought. Overall, though I enjoyed the writing and most of the story, I will probably be avoiding other books by the author in case of more of such issues. If such things don't bother you (and they really were fairly minor), this may be a book you would enjoy, because I certainly found it very readable.
Note that I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
September 4, 2019
Angelica Wayne, 23, and her widowed mother first came to live at Wroxham Court when Angelica was 5. William had taken her under his wing and looked out for her as if she was a younger sister. Angelica was given a season in London but just wanted to be back in the country where she has been happiest. Now, he is married to Charlotte who resents her presence in their home. Her mother has now passed away, and with no relatives, no dowry, and no means of support, she has decided to accept a position as a governess.
Lord Giles Weston is in need of a governess for his daughter Jenny, age 8, and in addition, will teach Italian to his sister who will soon have her first season. She will also accompany her to her events. Giles is a widower and soon to marry Lady Barbara Darlington. Angelica remembers the man when he visited Wroxham Court years ago when she was a small girl. She had a crush on him then. He was a happy man too. But when she meets him to interview for this job, she is surprised to find a man who appears to be angry and morose. She wonders what happened to the nice man he once was.
Angelica finds that Lady Barbara does not show affection for Giles and neither does he for her. Angelica has a good friendship with Lydia and Jenny likes her too. Before long, Angelica realizes that she has fallen in love with Giles and knows she cannot remain there and watch him and Lady Barbara together. When she tell Giles she must leave to care for an ailing family member, she learns that Lady Barbara has just married someone else. Angelica then agrees to help with cancelling the wedding plans, but Giles asks her to marry him to which she is hesitant. He wants a marriage of convenience and a marriage in name only. Reluctant to accept, she finally agrees. Now that she is to be a substitute bride, is there any way that they can have a happy marriage?
This was certainly a different plot. Angelica comes across as a delicate young lady but one who seems to know what she wants in life. I felt sorry for her, yet rather surprised that she would accept the way Giles treated her. I really liked Lydia and Jenny. Two well-written characters. I’m sure readers will enjoy this novel.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Lord Giles Weston is in need of a governess for his daughter Jenny, age 8, and in addition, will teach Italian to his sister who will soon have her first season. She will also accompany her to her events. Giles is a widower and soon to marry Lady Barbara Darlington. Angelica remembers the man when he visited Wroxham Court years ago when she was a small girl. She had a crush on him then. He was a happy man too. But when she meets him to interview for this job, she is surprised to find a man who appears to be angry and morose. She wonders what happened to the nice man he once was.
Angelica finds that Lady Barbara does not show affection for Giles and neither does he for her. Angelica has a good friendship with Lydia and Jenny likes her too. Before long, Angelica realizes that she has fallen in love with Giles and knows she cannot remain there and watch him and Lady Barbara together. When she tell Giles she must leave to care for an ailing family member, she learns that Lady Barbara has just married someone else. Angelica then agrees to help with cancelling the wedding plans, but Giles asks her to marry him to which she is hesitant. He wants a marriage of convenience and a marriage in name only. Reluctant to accept, she finally agrees. Now that she is to be a substitute bride, is there any way that they can have a happy marriage?
This was certainly a different plot. Angelica comes across as a delicate young lady but one who seems to know what she wants in life. I felt sorry for her, yet rather surprised that she would accept the way Giles treated her. I really liked Lydia and Jenny. Two well-written characters. I’m sure readers will enjoy this novel.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 10, 2019
3.5
Angelica, needing to escape the tension with her cousin’s new wife, decides to become a governess and companion for an old family friend Giles. He has lost his first wife and is engaged to be married to Barbara. When the union falls apart, Giles asks Angelica to be his substitute bride, mother of his child, and lady to ‘bring out’ his younger sister into society.
This one is a hard one for me to rate. Because reading is so subjective to each individual person. This historical romance is very beautifully written, but is extremely formal. I could almost believe it was written in the times of Jane Austen, it is so formally written. It’s a tad bit stiff in my opinion, but can see where this writing style would appeal to many, if not me.
I also hated Giles. I mean this man is supposed to be 33 years old? And he won’t open his mouth and communicate. I get that you are prideful and have a stiff upper lip, but all your problems are because of you. And then he would get mad at Angelica and consistently call her “a foolish child” or say that she was years behind in maturity women that were 4-6 years younger than her, but being mature does not equal being a mind reader, my friend. Some of the things he said to her were so cruel, I was unable to forgive him even after the last pages of the novel. Which is a shame because we never got to see them be in love.
And poor Angelica. She came into this home a beacon of light and was beaten into submission by Giles and his cold, mocking ways. By the end she was a typical anxiety ridden historical troupe.
Again, these are all my internal issues with the novel. I feel unprepared to rate this fairly because it just so happened to hit on all my annoyance buttons. I think this one could have been greatly improved by duel POVs. But if you enjoy very realistic historical romances that really stick within the boundaries of the rules associated with them, this might be right up your alley. It is also relatively clean. It acknowledges the existence of sex, but doesn’t ever delve into any type of descriptive sex. In fact, Angelica was quite prudish.
Angelica, needing to escape the tension with her cousin’s new wife, decides to become a governess and companion for an old family friend Giles. He has lost his first wife and is engaged to be married to Barbara. When the union falls apart, Giles asks Angelica to be his substitute bride, mother of his child, and lady to ‘bring out’ his younger sister into society.
This one is a hard one for me to rate. Because reading is so subjective to each individual person. This historical romance is very beautifully written, but is extremely formal. I could almost believe it was written in the times of Jane Austen, it is so formally written. It’s a tad bit stiff in my opinion, but can see where this writing style would appeal to many, if not me.
I also hated Giles. I mean this man is supposed to be 33 years old? And he won’t open his mouth and communicate. I get that you are prideful and have a stiff upper lip, but all your problems are because of you. And then he would get mad at Angelica and consistently call her “a foolish child” or say that she was years behind in maturity women that were 4-6 years younger than her, but being mature does not equal being a mind reader, my friend. Some of the things he said to her were so cruel, I was unable to forgive him even after the last pages of the novel. Which is a shame because we never got to see them be in love.
And poor Angelica. She came into this home a beacon of light and was beaten into submission by Giles and his cold, mocking ways. By the end she was a typical anxiety ridden historical troupe.
Again, these are all my internal issues with the novel. I feel unprepared to rate this fairly because it just so happened to hit on all my annoyance buttons. I think this one could have been greatly improved by duel POVs. But if you enjoy very realistic historical romances that really stick within the boundaries of the rules associated with them, this might be right up your alley. It is also relatively clean. It acknowledges the existence of sex, but doesn’t ever delve into any type of descriptive sex. In fact, Angelica was quite prudish.
September 4, 2019
I received a free copy of THE SUBSTITUTE BRIDE by Dorothy Mack in exchange for an honest review. Angelica Wayne was allowed to run wild as a child, but she ended up running her cousin’s home. When he marries, Miss Wayne and her cousin-in-law both have trouble adjusting to their new roles. Miss Wayne acknowledges she has been struggling to relinquish control over the family residence, which had been causing confusion among the servants and undermining her cousin’s wife. To solve the problem, Miss Wayne decides to move out and take employment as a governess. Miss Wayne is delighted to have a chance to educate the daughter of the widowed Viscount Giles Weston and chaperone his sister during her debut season.
After Miss Wayne, as a child, spent a summer tagging along behind her older cousin and Viscount Weston, Miss Wayne fell head-over-heels into infatuation with the friendly young man. When Miss Wayne arrives at the Weston domicile, she finds Viscount Weston much changed; he’s no longer friendly; instead, he’s cold and bitter. Viscount Weston is also planning a business-like marriage of convenience with last season’s Incomparable, Lady Barbara Darlington. When Lady Barbara elopes with another man, Viscount Weston must find a substitute bride to save face with society. Viscount Weston decides and the entire household agrees that Miss Wayne would be ideal. Miss Wayne must determine whether her heart can survive a marriage where she has tender feelings for a spouse who is incapable of loving her.
I prefer the tamer Regency romances (i.e., those lacking tons of torrid sex), so I liked this book. I should note a trigger warning; the book contains a near-miss rape scenario. Otherwise, the sex scenes were discrete. The only negative was that; though there was a lot of effort put into the exposition, conflict, and rising action; the climax, falling action, and resolution were pretty brief.
#TheSubstituteBride #NetGalley
After Miss Wayne, as a child, spent a summer tagging along behind her older cousin and Viscount Weston, Miss Wayne fell head-over-heels into infatuation with the friendly young man. When Miss Wayne arrives at the Weston domicile, she finds Viscount Weston much changed; he’s no longer friendly; instead, he’s cold and bitter. Viscount Weston is also planning a business-like marriage of convenience with last season’s Incomparable, Lady Barbara Darlington. When Lady Barbara elopes with another man, Viscount Weston must find a substitute bride to save face with society. Viscount Weston decides and the entire household agrees that Miss Wayne would be ideal. Miss Wayne must determine whether her heart can survive a marriage where she has tender feelings for a spouse who is incapable of loving her.
I prefer the tamer Regency romances (i.e., those lacking tons of torrid sex), so I liked this book. I should note a trigger warning; the book contains a near-miss rape scenario. Otherwise, the sex scenes were discrete. The only negative was that; though there was a lot of effort put into the exposition, conflict, and rising action; the climax, falling action, and resolution were pretty brief.
#TheSubstituteBride #NetGalley
October 14, 2020
I enjoyed a lot of this book but it never achieved its potential and left me feeling a bit flat.
Pros
The descriptions and language were great and really authentic without seeming forced or stilted. I've started writing a historical romance and I was definitely taking notes!
I liked the characters of Giles' daughter Jenny and his sister Lydia. They really brought life and energy to the story.
Cons
We are constantly being told Giles is cold and sardonic but I felt this wasn't actually shown in his words and actions. I actually thought he came across polite but friendly! I would have preferred him to actually be this dark, intriguing character the author clearly wanted him to be.
There isn't much of a plot. It all revolves around Angelica becoming a governess and chaperone and then the "substitute bride". I was hoping for some unexpected twist or exciting event
Maybe the author didn't want to be explicit but the sex scenes were disappointing (should probably say "scene" as only one really counted and even that did not feel very romantic!)
However, having said all this, the book did keep me engaged and was beautifully written. This is why I have given it 3 stars. I think with some better character exposition and plot changes, it could have been well on the way to being a favourite. I would still try other books by this author.
Pros
The descriptions and language were great and really authentic without seeming forced or stilted. I've started writing a historical romance and I was definitely taking notes!
I liked the characters of Giles' daughter Jenny and his sister Lydia. They really brought life and energy to the story.
Cons
We are constantly being told Giles is cold and sardonic but I felt this wasn't actually shown in his words and actions. I actually thought he came across polite but friendly! I would have preferred him to actually be this dark, intriguing character the author clearly wanted him to be.
There isn't much of a plot. It all revolves around Angelica becoming a governess and chaperone and then the "substitute bride". I was hoping for some unexpected twist or exciting event
Maybe the author didn't want to be explicit but the sex scenes were disappointing (should probably say "scene" as only one really counted and even that did not feel very romantic!)
However, having said all this, the book did keep me engaged and was beautifully written. This is why I have given it 3 stars. I think with some better character exposition and plot changes, it could have been well on the way to being a favourite. I would still try other books by this author.
March 4, 2020
I have to admit: I do like a good regency romance and Dorothy Mack’s The Substitute Bride pretty much ticked all the boxes for me. It’s a well-worn storyline, that of the young woman engaged as governess to the children of an aristocrat following the death of his wife. In this case Angelica knows Giles from way back and is expecting a greater level of kindness from him than turns out to be the case — and although, despite this, her feelings towards him grow well beyond respect for an employer (I did say the story was well worn) there’s an obstacle in addition to his seemingly cold heart — his formidable fiancee.
I’m always careful to avoid spoilers but I really don’t need to, because there are no surprises. In a sense that doesn’t matter. In a romance we all expect a happy ending and it’s the telling of the story that differentiates between one such tale and another.
I enjoyed The Substitute Bride, though I confess I found it a bit slow in places. It wasn’t until after I’d finished it that I realised why. It’s reprint of an older title, first published in 1977. It seems to me that modern Regency romances have a little more zip about them and maybe a little more joy. (The incomparable Georgette Heyer is an exception, of course.) Maybe it’s me: maybe it’s a personal preference; but the book did feel a little dated.
That said, it did what it said on the tin and delivered a Regency romance, well-written and readable. I’m not sure Dorothy Mack will be the person I turn to when I’m looking for my next Regency read, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I’m always careful to avoid spoilers but I really don’t need to, because there are no surprises. In a sense that doesn’t matter. In a romance we all expect a happy ending and it’s the telling of the story that differentiates between one such tale and another.
I enjoyed The Substitute Bride, though I confess I found it a bit slow in places. It wasn’t until after I’d finished it that I realised why. It’s reprint of an older title, first published in 1977. It seems to me that modern Regency romances have a little more zip about them and maybe a little more joy. (The incomparable Georgette Heyer is an exception, of course.) Maybe it’s me: maybe it’s a personal preference; but the book did feel a little dated.
That said, it did what it said on the tin and delivered a Regency romance, well-written and readable. I’m not sure Dorothy Mack will be the person I turn to when I’m looking for my next Regency read, but I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
Thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
July 8, 2025
1.5* THIS BOOK ENRAGED ME
Tbh I almost DNF’d around 10 minutes in to the audiobook, after realising that Dorothy Mack clearly won’t use 1 word to describe something when 10 will suffice. But I stuck with it and for a while I was glad that I did.
I liked the FMC and her relationship with the MMC was intriguing at first. When they got married I thought yes, finally, we’re about to see some relationship development, but after seeing there was only an hour left of my audiobook I should have known better.
We’re supposed to believe the heroine is in love with the “hero”, despite there having been zero romantic development, and agrees to marry him bc she’d rather he be married to her than someone else. And then a few weeks in to their unconsummated marriage of conceive the MMC decides to SA his wife, TWICE! Shortly after the second time (when he is drunk) they do have sex (willingly if the author is to be believed). And when the heroine’s feeling all lovey dovey and satisfied he calls her his ex-wife’s name. A woman he despised btw. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
Of course he remembers none of this, comes to the conclusion that he must of forced himself on her, but just carries on like nothing even happened.
The cherry on the shit cake was when the FMC discovers she’s pregnant, and on telling the MMC he questions if the baby is his. THE AUDACITY.
We also have to suffer through a rushed, “I’ll give you a son” (eurgh) love confession in the last 10 minutes of the book. Give me fucking strength.
I did question if I could justify giving this 1 star, because I enjoyed about 80% of it, but fuck it, reading this pissed me off.
Tbh I almost DNF’d around 10 minutes in to the audiobook, after realising that Dorothy Mack clearly won’t use 1 word to describe something when 10 will suffice. But I stuck with it and for a while I was glad that I did.
I liked the FMC and her relationship with the MMC was intriguing at first. When they got married I thought yes, finally, we’re about to see some relationship development, but after seeing there was only an hour left of my audiobook I should have known better.
We’re supposed to believe the heroine is in love with the “hero”, despite there having been zero romantic development, and agrees to marry him bc she’d rather he be married to her than someone else. And then a few weeks in to their unconsummated marriage of conceive the MMC decides to SA his wife, TWICE! Shortly after the second time (when he is drunk) they do have sex (willingly if the author is to be believed). And when the heroine’s feeling all lovey dovey and satisfied he calls her his ex-wife’s name. A woman he despised btw. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.
Of course he remembers none of this, comes to the conclusion that he must of forced himself on her, but just carries on like nothing even happened.
The cherry on the shit cake was when the FMC discovers she’s pregnant, and on telling the MMC he questions if the baby is his. THE AUDACITY.
We also have to suffer through a rushed, “I’ll give you a son” (eurgh) love confession in the last 10 minutes of the book. Give me fucking strength.
I did question if I could justify giving this 1 star, because I enjoyed about 80% of it, but fuck it, reading this pissed me off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
DNF at 25% lol.
Okay, so I told myself I wouldn't read another Dorothy Mack book because apart from The Awakening Heart, all the others are trash BUT I reallllly wanted to be proved wrong with this one because it had such an intriguing plot.
But this is yet another example of me being proved right lol.
The hero is disgusting and plain awful. I hated him with a passion. What put me off is the fact that he has a mistress, this guy that has a fiancee is being unfaithful from the very start and I'm supposed to believe he'll magically change and not sleep with his mistress when he's with the FL instead? Every time he'd be like 'oh i'll be back late, i'm going out for dinner' in my head, it was pretty much just another way of him saying, 'oh hey i'm gonna be fucking my prostitute, don't wait up'. That doesn't make for a very likeable ML.
His sister knows this and yet...they're mad that his fiancee is just harmlessly flirting with people? Maybe (I haven't gotten far enough to know details) she knows he has a mistress? Either way, their behaviour is more than a little hypocritical and yet, the FL doesn't even point that out. In fact, the FL tries to defend his behaviour--this man she literally has NO idea about--which was so gross to me that I just had to put down the book. Stop being a doormat and trying to cover for a grown man. Oh, but according to her, that's his way of grieving...right. Bro's grieving so hard he cares more about having sex like jackrabbits than looking after his daughter.
Okay buddy.
Okay, so I told myself I wouldn't read another Dorothy Mack book because apart from The Awakening Heart, all the others are trash BUT I reallllly wanted to be proved wrong with this one because it had such an intriguing plot.
But this is yet another example of me being proved right lol.
The hero is disgusting and plain awful. I hated him with a passion. What put me off is the fact that he has a mistress, this guy that has a fiancee is being unfaithful from the very start and I'm supposed to believe he'll magically change and not sleep with his mistress when he's with the FL instead? Every time he'd be like 'oh i'll be back late, i'm going out for dinner' in my head, it was pretty much just another way of him saying, 'oh hey i'm gonna be fucking my prostitute, don't wait up'. That doesn't make for a very likeable ML.
His sister knows this and yet...they're mad that his fiancee is just harmlessly flirting with people? Maybe (I haven't gotten far enough to know details) she knows he has a mistress? Either way, their behaviour is more than a little hypocritical and yet, the FL doesn't even point that out. In fact, the FL tries to defend his behaviour--this man she literally has NO idea about--which was so gross to me that I just had to put down the book. Stop being a doormat and trying to cover for a grown man. Oh, but according to her, that's his way of grieving...right. Bro's grieving so hard he cares more about having sex like jackrabbits than looking after his daughter.
Okay buddy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
Upon the marriage of her cousin Billy to Charlotte, Angelica finds herself at a bit of a loss. Usually the mistress of the house she no longer has that responsibility. She makes the decision to seek employment as a governess and luckily finds herself appointed to a child named Jenny who had unfortunately lost her mother.
Lord Desmond is engaged to be married again but in the meantime Angelica takes on additional duties of escorting his young sister out in society.
Angelica can't help but notice the upcoming marriage doesn't appear to be a love match, whilst herself she has adored Lord Desmond since she was a child when he rescued her from a lake.
He doesn't seem as fun and cheerful as he was then and Angelica hopes to see his good nature return.
Things take an unexpected turn when his engagement is called off just as Angelica faces the truth that she can't live there with another woman. Will it be a happy ending for all?
The first thing I'll say about this is what an absolute pleasure to read!
From the elegance of the writing to the descriptions of the clothing and the decor I was immersed in this book from beginning to end.
It reminded me a bit of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice so if you're a fan of those you'll love this!
The characters are well written and you can picture them from the description.
This really is a beautiful piece of writing and the first I've read by this author but I will surely be reading more.
Lord Desmond is engaged to be married again but in the meantime Angelica takes on additional duties of escorting his young sister out in society.
Angelica can't help but notice the upcoming marriage doesn't appear to be a love match, whilst herself she has adored Lord Desmond since she was a child when he rescued her from a lake.
He doesn't seem as fun and cheerful as he was then and Angelica hopes to see his good nature return.
Things take an unexpected turn when his engagement is called off just as Angelica faces the truth that she can't live there with another woman. Will it be a happy ending for all?
The first thing I'll say about this is what an absolute pleasure to read!
From the elegance of the writing to the descriptions of the clothing and the decor I was immersed in this book from beginning to end.
It reminded me a bit of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice so if you're a fan of those you'll love this!
The characters are well written and you can picture them from the description.
This really is a beautiful piece of writing and the first I've read by this author but I will surely be reading more.
September 15, 2019
It’s not the worst book I’ve read but I didn’t really enjoy it. I am sorry to be critical - but this is sadly no Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen or even a Tessa Dare!! I found the language stiff and stilted, and the story trite and stereotypical. I was really quite bored.
I love JA for her descriptive prose and insightful observations into the society with which she was so familiar. I expect the language to reflect her times because that’s when she lived. I love Georgette Heyer for her impeccable research, fantastic characterisation, great plots her wit and humour and her delightful heroes and heroines. Her ability to reflect the era whilst still writing in comprehensible and fast flowing terms shows a level of skill with language not often found elsewhere. I love Tessa Dare (despite her occasional historical inaccuracies and anachronisms), because she writes such fabulously entertaining, romantic and sexy stories with interesting heroes and heroines and her books are full of intelligent dialogue and witty repartee which makes me laugh out loud. I find her to be one of the few writers who can really write good, erotic love scenes. This book failed to entertain me and I was not particularly drawn to the characters. I received this copy from NetGalley.
I love JA for her descriptive prose and insightful observations into the society with which she was so familiar. I expect the language to reflect her times because that’s when she lived. I love Georgette Heyer for her impeccable research, fantastic characterisation, great plots her wit and humour and her delightful heroes and heroines. Her ability to reflect the era whilst still writing in comprehensible and fast flowing terms shows a level of skill with language not often found elsewhere. I love Tessa Dare (despite her occasional historical inaccuracies and anachronisms), because she writes such fabulously entertaining, romantic and sexy stories with interesting heroes and heroines and her books are full of intelligent dialogue and witty repartee which makes me laugh out loud. I find her to be one of the few writers who can really write good, erotic love scenes. This book failed to entertain me and I was not particularly drawn to the characters. I received this copy from NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
The first 80% of this story was entertaining. I enjoyed the character development and the growth of the relationships. I could understand the hero's volatile nature as I learned more of his history. I admired the heroine's resolve, accepted her reasons for not speaking up, and felt for her as she faced certain disappointments and challenges. There were the typical misunderstandings due to miscommunication, but they were only mildly aggravating. There was a natural progression of friendship and an ease of companionship building, and I was hopeful that a cheerful resolution would occur at any moment. Then the story took a decidedly dark turn. A volatile mood and reluctance to confess feelings morphed into physical violence on more than one occasion and immobilizing fear to address it directly. It was confusing, to say the least. It felt like drama for the sake of drama and was never satisfactorily explained, if that's even possible. It was almost like reading about completely different characters, their behavior changed so drastically. The conclusion was intended to wrap it up in a bow, but it left me feeling puzzled and disappointed in both main characters.
*I received an ARC of this book, and this voluntary review is my honest opinion.*
*I received an ARC of this book, and this voluntary review is my honest opinion.*
September 24, 2019
Like many romances, The Substitute Bride by Dorothy Mack articulated the feelings of many readers.
A light read with good pacing and excellent characterization. Definitely atmospheric, everything is wonderfully described and didn't disappoint that slowly takes a turn into fake engagement territory.
The novel tells the story of where we hear the private thoughts of more characters which definitely gives a wider range of viewpoints, allowing me to visualize the moments and paint in some of the finer details of what surrounded the scenes and setting real, flawed characters.
The setting is historical with old-fashioned beliefs but the sensibilities are not. Angelica is the main character, she's sheltered and sweet yet she’s perceptive of the thoughts and feelings of everyone around her. Especially, Lord Giles Weston, he is the only thing that matters to Angel and selflessly more about his reputation in the eyes of London's commute and them discovering how well they fit together.
Every romance has a happy ending after all this book feels rich and realistic, and the romance develops with sincerity.
This book is just a lovely place to spend a few hours while you read it with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
A light read with good pacing and excellent characterization. Definitely atmospheric, everything is wonderfully described and didn't disappoint that slowly takes a turn into fake engagement territory.
The novel tells the story of where we hear the private thoughts of more characters which definitely gives a wider range of viewpoints, allowing me to visualize the moments and paint in some of the finer details of what surrounded the scenes and setting real, flawed characters.
The setting is historical with old-fashioned beliefs but the sensibilities are not. Angelica is the main character, she's sheltered and sweet yet she’s perceptive of the thoughts and feelings of everyone around her. Especially, Lord Giles Weston, he is the only thing that matters to Angel and selflessly more about his reputation in the eyes of London's commute and them discovering how well they fit together.
Every romance has a happy ending after all this book feels rich and realistic, and the romance develops with sincerity.
This book is just a lovely place to spend a few hours while you read it with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
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