Ruined by the Ton

Misfits of the Ton #2

by Emily Royal

An abandoned wife, a doubting husband... will the truth reunite them?

Kept on a tight rein by her guardian ever since a failed elopement, Lady Beatrice Thorpe has no intention of falling in love again—until she meets a widower with kind eyes and a gentle touch.

Augustus, the Earl of Hardwick, was widowed when his unfaithful wife died giving birth to her lover’s child. On his return from exile abroad, he re-enters London society in search of the perfect, biddable bride. Beatrice catches his eye with her air of innocence, and her sorrowful gaze touches his heart.

Still bitter from his first wife’s treachery, Augustus struggles to trust again, and Beatrice, broken-hearted by betrayal, is unwilling to risk her heart. Neither can deny their desire for each other, which heightens with each scorching kiss. But passion without love is never enough.

Will they risk their hearts to find the happiness they crave, or will their fears tear them apart?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Second Chance

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2023

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.

She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hero was not a Hero

I hated the way he treated her after the guy tried to take advantage and it broke my heart. Then consummating the marriage and leaving for two years! That was just vile. I felt So bad for her. I loved how strong and resilient she was while he was gone. She totally triumphed and made his estate thrive! I like that. He was just a jerk. He was faithful to her so that was a bonus for me. I thought for sure he would return to his debauched life style but luckily he didn't. His constant jealousy made it hard to like him, but I understand it. Once bitten, twice shy for sure. The ending was perfect and I am glad I read it. Was it wonderful? No but it was engaging and kept my interest. I like the way this author writes.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed this author's writing, however, I found this novel incredibly sad and depressing, especially given that the main characters only reconciled about 97% of the way through the book. Riddled with mistrust, manipulation on the part of others, suspicion, and unforgiveness, I felt the unfairness of the situation towards Beatrice. Although the book is well written, I, unfortunately, cannot say that I enjoyed it. The plot ended on a positive note, but it seemed as if it was a case of too little, too late. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Leandra Azer · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 78%. I was really excited for this ARC, but what started strongly collapsed by the time we were back in the present timeline and was painful to read. I didn't understand the heroine, disliked the heros and hated her family for trying to force her to forgive him 'for children'.

Beatrice was abandoned by her husband because of his insecurities. He leaves her alone for years and upon returning half hearted attempts at her forgiveness. Mostly moping and looking contrite. He still doesn't trust her and accused her of cheating by the 3/4 mark of the story. What is there to salvage?

For her part, she has sex with him within minutes of him returning. Then she closes herself off completely. I don't understand her behavior, I don't understand the purpose of her elaborate masquerade parties - especially if she won't indulge herself completely. But no, she remains loyal and untouched for her husband. By 3/4 in the book she's saying things like 'I don't care what you do' and is completely apathetic.

I stopped reading because her cousin and his wife, apparently previous books h/H, arrive to chastise HER for not forgiving her husband, they tell her he's a good man and that she should bend if she wants children...? Where's the support for her? They know she was abandoned and are quick to forgive and force her to as well. 'ooh look at all the writing he did while traveling after abandoning you' and she feels guilty she hasn't asked him about his travels ??

To be honest I didn't understand much of any of there actions.

Thank you Netgally for the ARC

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

The story was a wonderful idea, but I found I got quite frustrated with Augustus.
I realised he had a bad first marriage and was betrayed, but I was not able to like his character when he treated his second wife poorly for the faults of his first.
His second wife was lovely , sweet and loyal.
But strains are put on the marriage because of his lack of trust.
Enjoyable mostly although a little frustrating at times.
Worth a read.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Kiri Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.

This was a tough one for me. I found the writing style really engaging and strong, but I struggled with the plot a bit. The miscommunication trope is not my favourite, so some of this made me want to scream at the characters to just have a conversation! It was wrapped up nicely at the end. A good book, but probably not my cup of tea.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Kept on a tight rein by her guardian ever since a failed elopement, Lady Beatrice Thorpe has no intention of falling in love again then she meets a widower with kind eyes and a gentle touch. Augustus, the Earl of Hardwick, was widowed when his unfaithful wife died giving birth to her lover’s child. On his return from exile abroad, he re-enters London society in search of the perfect, biddable bride. Beatrice catches his eye with her air of innocence, and her sorrowful gaze touches his heart.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I’m a bit on the shelf with this one as there was much I liked but I couldn't warm to Augustus at all &I felt sorry & sad for Beatrice almost all the way through, my heart bled for her. I was almost shouting talk to each other at my kindle, if you enjoy a lack of communication trope & not moving forward then this is for you but whilst it was well written it didn’t leave me with a feel good feeling.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Royal is a new author for me. This is only my 2nd book by her. I found her when I was searching for new authors and books to read. I have been reading some new authors lately and none have really excited me so was looking forward to reading her. Many of my favorite authors are published by Dragonblade so hope that is a good sign.

I really liked this story. I liked Beatrice and Augustus and their characters. I also liked Beatrice from Book 1 and was excited about reading her story. Gus was such an ass at times. I noticed from the two books both the MC are such asses and it sure does take them awhile to get it together. They know they are doing and saying things that are wrong and hurtful but do it anyway. Gus and Beatrice had good chemistry and sex was written well. Again they weren't in depth writings but still good and several times throughout the book. Overall a really good read. On to book 3.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruined by the Ton. Gah!! My fellow readers, what fantastic writing from the author in this book. Here is another writer who gives me a story that reads like a movie and I bloody love it. Oh my let me say this.
I am so drawn to Augustus character. I can see why Beatrice and other women are so drawn to the man. My gosh, his character was written so well for the story. I found myself sympathizing with him so much. I was cheering for him and Beatrice. Beatrice, character was a good one too. Her character I felt took a moment to shine in the book unlike her dear friend Henrietta. Talk about mama bear, Henrietta is fierce when she wants to be. She can reel Giles and Beatrice in within a second. Back to Beatrice though.
I have to say that I had wished for her character to have been older than nineteen. Perhaps is she was written with the age of twenty four or older. There were some scenes that I thought that a more mature older adult woman should be in. Or Beatrice character could be written in as a guesstimate for the readers to decipher for themselves. Besides the questioning age with Beatrice I thought the book was great.
It was entertaining. Very exciting. I was entertained by all the characters and their witty nature. The storyline has some endearing, heartfelt and words of wisdom to learn from. I give this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers.
Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cherie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gossip, Trust, Heartfelt Confessions:
We first meet Beatrice attending a ball with her guardians.
Across the ballroom Beatrice sees and connects with another pair of eyes she knows she can trust. Or can she?
Meeting Augustus the Earl of Hardwick has both Beatrice and Augustus taking us into a romance with lots of deep emotional situations.
Heartfelt love confessions, a joyous marriage; or is it?
From this point on the plot changes from meeting the man of your dreams and falling in love to a devastating shock that sends them on a new path to finding a happy ending or maybe not?
This is quite an involved story that grabs you and doesn't let go very easily.
An enjoyable story with interesting characters excellent plot with many surprises.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest opinion.
Mature Advisory:

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the story of Beatrice Thorpe, the ward, and orphaned cousin, of Giles Thorpe, the MC from Tomboy of the Ton (book 1 of the series). She had made a terrible mistake in book 1 that almost ruined her reputation, but she was saved from more serious consequences by her friend, and now cousin in law, Henrietta. Regardless, the experience has caused Beatrice a great deal of emotional trauma, and to become less trusting of men and very withdrawn.

Augustus, the Earl of Hardwick, had withdrawn from Society and went on a prolonged sojourn to the Continent for a number of years following the death of his wife. He had fallen deeply in love with his betrothed and wed her, to unfortunately discover that he was duped. She not only did not return his regard, but also came to the marriage pregnant with another man's child, and with plans to continue to enjoy her affairs. Her reputation was also not a secret to others. Despite his heartbreak in finding out about her disregard for him and her marriage, Gus resolved to make the best of things and was willing to raise the child as his own. However, she died birthing the child, and he lost the child days after his birth. Augustus, embittered and heartbroken, ran away to Italy for years.

He returned after 5 years, thinking he would have to take some responsibility for his Earldom, and find a biddable wife that he can have a family with, but resolved not to risk his heart again.

He reconnects with his friends who advise him to find a malleable debutante whom he can mold into the biddable wife that he wants. He meets Beatrice at a ball, which she reluctantly attends at the behest of her cousins. She has no desire or joy in the usual social swirl and often sits on the sidelines quietly. But she and Augustus connect, despite both their bruised hearts and souls - and they fall in love in a matter of days.

Beatrice and Giles are honest with Augustus about her past and her elopement, and while Augustus is taken aback, he decides to trust Beatrice... but does he really? Things come to a peak for him just before the wedding when he comes upon a heartbreaking scene. Beatrice appears to be caught cavorting with a rake in the library. Augustus thinks he has been taken for a fool again. However, he still cares for Beatrice and resolves not to ruin her. He and Beatrice wed the next day, without clearing the air about what happened the night before. But when Beatrice thinks they are starting their wedded life together, she is given a sudden shock when Augustus makes plans to shuffle her off to his family estate, and he abandons her to leave for the Continent again, without giving her a chance to speak to him after their wedding night.

This story spans between two different times... the first is when they meet and he courts and marries her. The second is two years after he abandons her. Augustus returns to England after two years abroad and the realization that he cannot get his wife out of his mind and that he still cares for her, despite not trusting her and not knowing what she has been up to in England. He returns to find rumours of her being the notorious Merry Countess in the country and having elaborate entertainments and house parties. He questions what she has become, knowing that his holdings are not earning much, and she has only a stipend from him, and assumes she has taken on a rich lover. He is determined to find out more, and infiltrates one of her house parties and balls in disguise.

The story that follows is of a couple who both suffer from their emotional trauma and distrust from prior relationships, and who make each other suffer from their lack of trust in each other and failure to communicate. Beatrice is emotionally scarred also from his abandonment and carries a lot of bitterness against him. Quite understandably I felt, especially being so young, being taken away from her only friends and family, and abandoned on an estate with so little support and knowledge. She suffered and learned, and made a life and success of herself and the estate. As she has ended up climbing back onto her feet, her world is tossed wildly about again by the return of her husband.

I wanted to hate Augustus, as he abandoned his young wife, painting her with the same brush coloured by his history with his first wife, and it was not 100% clear to me what he got up to in Italy in his two years away. But Emily Royal did a fair job characterizing his emotions and his trauma from his prior marriage that built some compassion for him. However, he was the man and thus held the power and the purse strings, the older one, the experienced one... and he isolated her and ran off. She was the inexperienced innocent, powerless woman who was taken away from her family and abandoned on a run down estate and forced to find her own way, with no idea of what her future holds, and what her husband is doing. Then he returns, puts her world and her future into chaos again. They also both held some blame for mismanaging their communication and trust with each other, and how they treated each other when together. This was quite an emotional roller coaster of two people who desperately wanted to be loved, who did love each other, but who were stymied by their past and lack of trust and communication.

3.75 stars out of 5.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I have only recently discovered Emily Royal as an author and already she is becoming one of my favorites. She has a great writing style which makes reading a pleasure and her characters are always interesting. Ruined by the Ton is no exception. I loved Beatrice from the beginning and understood her feelings that men were not to be trusted. I have not yet read the first book in the series, so I didn't know a lot about Henrietta, but I loved her right from the beginning too. I was not a fan of Augustus when he was first introduced, and I really did not like his friends (if they are to be the male main characters in future books, they will need to go through quite a redemption process). My feelings for Augustus did change when he started his courtship. I understood why he was unsure of Beatrice after what happened at the ball a few days before their wedding, but he did not handle things well. I really wanted him and Beatrice to at some point in the story discuss what had happened and for him to both realize Beatrice was not at fault and to admit he should have listened to her at that time. I also really wanted some sort of resolution between Beatrice and the women who set her up - it would have been the final part of Beatrice becoming a stronger, more self-assured person. The third thing I feel this story was missing was a thorough confrontation/discussion between Beatrice and Augustus about his abandonment and what he got up to in Italy. We the readers know he was faithful, but I'm not sure he really told Beatrice that fact. I was frustrated by Henrietta and Giles telling her she needed to forget about Augustus's abandonment and focus on the future - Beatrice had every right to be upset with him, especially since he continued to accuse her of being unfaithful every chance he got. I'm not saying she shouldn't come around to forgiving him, but she should have been made to feel that she was right to still be hurt and mistreated by her husband. I know I sound as if I am not at all sympathetic towards Augustus - I did like him by the end (after he stopped being suspicious of her relationship with every young man in the area) and understood his disappointment every time he was not successful in winning Beatrice's trust. I wish she hadn't been prompted to fully express her feelings by Augustus being badly injured, but it did allow for a new beginning for the two of them so I'll let it pass.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruined by the Ton by Emily Royal is the second book in her Misfits of the Ton series. Beatrice had fallen in love and amazingly so had Gus (Augustus). They were to be married, until one evening, at a ball, the spiteful Juliette Howard had set her up to be discovered with a man, in a very compromising situation. Gus was already prone to insecurity because of his first wife who had married him pregnant with another man’s child and continued to see other men for the short time they were married. He had thought Beatrice different, but now he no longer believed. Their wedding was in two days. Would he show up? He did, and they were married. He came to her on their wedding night but in his inexperience, he didn’t recognize that she was a virgin. The next morning he put her in a carriage and sent her to his ramshackle country estate with a pittance of an allowance, and boarded a ship to the continent. That was how he dealt with a wife who cheated. He found, however, that he could not get her out of his mind and so two years later he returned. He entered the house and then, her bedchamber, only to have her pull a gun on him. She was surprised. She had never expected to see him again and no one else should approach her thus.

This was a different twist on an old plot. The wronged man takes revenge on his cheating wife. Except she hadn’t cheated. She had made the most of the life she had been given. She had brought his estate back and was beloved by the staff and the tenants. She threw a party every few months and invited people that the ton would never accept. She watched, she didn’t participate. She had in all ways been a good a faithful wife. He was awestruck. She was even more beautiful than she had been the day he married her. He wanted to make amends, and tried. It was only when he was mortally hurt that she realized the mistake she had made, spurning him. They were both terrific characters in a situation in which neither of them had any control. She hadn’t cheated and he hadn’t believed her. What was to be done? A terrific story by Royal and a good handling of an old plot. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Ruined by the Ton by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #EmilyRoyal RuinedByTheTon

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruined by the Ton by Emily Royal
Misfits of the Ton #2

Old fashioned historical romance filled with angst and drama, love and loss, with potential for happily ever after if the main characters would actually talk to one another instead of acting, reacting, and not being willing to trust themselves or their spouse.

The plot was well constructed, the prose perfection, and I enjoyed the story as it unfolded until the morning after the wedding. At that point I lost a great deal of respect for Augustus and believe he behaved in an immature manner that led to a difficult situation for him to fix later in the story. I was impressed by Beatrice’ strength, endurance, and capability as she grew while on her own.

There were plenty of characters in the ton that were easy to dislike and situations that I wished could have been avoided just as I wished that both Beatrice and Augustus had taken the time and made the effort to connect, communicate, trust, respect, and work on their relationship. Of course, if they had done what I wanted them to do, this story would never have been written.

I am glad that there was an eventual HEA for the couple but boy did they go through a lot to finally get there.

I have enjoyed previous books by this author more than this one, but it was more due to the characters and their situation, choices, etc. than it was to the writing of their story. I did not read the previous book in the series and found this book stood on its own without having read about Henrietta and Giles.

Did I enjoy this book: Yes and No
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Following the betrayal and later death of his wife, and newborn son, Augustus, the Earl of Hardwick, has spent the last few years in self exile abroad. Ready to come home, and hoping to find himself a faithful bride, Augustus reenters society, and immediately is drawn to Lady Beatrice Thorpe. For Beatrice, she is recovering from her ordeal in her debut season, and though her cousin, and guardian, has a tight rein on her, she would rather be protected than risk her heart once more. But there's something about Augustus that draws her to him, and she might be everything he's ever wanted. However, Augustus' demons are deeper than her expected, and he abandons her on their wedding night. Beatrice might have once been a naive young miss, but she's about to show Augustus that he's messed with the wrong woman.

This was much better than book 1. I had always felt a love for Beatrice, especially with how she had been prayed upon, and had looked for love and affection in the wrong place following her parents deaths. She deserved happiness so much, and the chance to have a family that she'd always wanted. Her and Augustus' romance was definitely a face one, and one that neither had been expecting. Augustus wanted to find a timid, and biddable wife, and though Beatrice may have appeared to be one on the outside, she soon proved she was anything but. I hated the separation, but it forged Beatrice into the Countess she was born to be, and it was fun to see Augustus on the backfoot.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Notes for me

Augustus - widower. Wife was a serial cheater. She died pregnant with her lover’s baby

Beatrice

He needs to marry for an heir.

Beatrice eloped with a son of an Earl who humiliated and left her.

Two days before the wedding a cruel group of young women set it up so it looks like Beatrice was cheating on him at a ball.

Of course he believes it. He still marries her. Consummates marriage, leaves for 2 years. He sends her away to his country estate.

Not sure why he decided to come back. Says he loves and misses her. Tried to write her but burned the letters.

In his mind he’s ready to admit he was wrong and she will accept it and love him again. Bless his heart in the Southern way!

Beatrice has worked hard improving the estate. She throws elaborate masquerade balls with people not accepted by the ton.

He makes the effort and she is still hurt so she shuts him down. To the point they are intimate and she tells him it’s just to produce an heir and doesn’t mean anything.

The next day she feels guilty and was realizing she did still love him and want to make amends.

Of course there’s a misunderstanding. He gets a letter and leaves right away without telling her why or when he will be back. Of course she thinks history is repeating itself.

Safety

Before he married Beatrice he only used doxies for his release. He liked it impersonal and the women being up front it was for coin.

Both are celibate during separation. She tells him out of anger. He never tells her he was.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Th writing is good but on many levels it's a depressing book, probably realistic to the time. The heroine made a mistake and attempted to elope. Her cousin rescues her. He and his wife are keen for her to find her HEA. The hero had a promiscous first wife that he loved passionately. He was willing to look upon her son as his own. The child dies, Augustus goes off travelling to Europe. On his return his friends suggest he marries someone who wants a quick wedding. He meets Beatrice and thinks he's found another love but is hounded by the idea she might also betray him. Some horrible people set Beatrice up in a house party and it does look as though she's betrayed him but he doesn't really acknowlegde his jeolousy, marries Beatric, beds her, dumps her in the country and then goes travelling for two years on the proceeds of his very impoverished estates. Meanwhile Breatrice betrayed for a second time by a man becomes hard and unfeeling. Augustus returns and is then surprised she doesn't forgive him. Both very damaged charcters. With this sort of depression I'm not convinced I want to stick around for more of this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can two broken hearted people overcome their pasts and find happiness?

Beatrice Thorpe has survived the foolishness that lead her to trust the wrong man and attempt an elopement (as we saw in the previous book). She still does not trust men.

Augustus, Earl of Hardwick, lost his unfaithful wife in childbirth (the child was not his) - he was prepared to accept the child and loved him and was devastated when it died days later.

Augustus has just returned from travelling abroad and sees Beatrice and falls in love with her (and she with him).

They marry but old memories and wounds for each of them mean trust and a true marriage prove difficult. Others around them deliberately set things up so that it looks as though Beatrice has betrayed Augustus - he then departs for Europe for two years.

On his return he discovers that rather than the quiet mouse he left behind Beatrice has blossomed and has taken charge of his estate and brought it to profit.

The two of them still have a lot of work to do before they can achieve their HEA and it takes a serious accident before they get there.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a struggle to finish!
Augustus first wife slept her way thru the Ton and died in childbirth with a baby that wasn’t his!
He was an angry bitter man until he wasn’t but he was so suspicious how could he fall in love with Beatrice so soon?
Augustus Aka Gus couldn’t tell the difference in a virgin and a woman who wasn’t!!?? What!
I could not like him at first and then at the end I like him and not Beatrice but I did understand her!
Augustus left her to fend for herself for 2 years with an estate which was barely stable! She sold personal effects for the good of his estate!
A mess! But she became hard and brittle such a thin line between love and hate!
When Augustus realized what a jerk he was then nothing pleased Beatrice at this point I just wanted to get this painful story over with!
I plodded through just to get to the end! They both deserve each other because none of this defines love!

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series, Misfits of the Ton. I always enjoy picking up a book by Ms Royal because her writing is so creative and captivating. This story was little sadder and more depressing than I would have liked, but the writing was still well done. Augustus' lack of trust for his wife Beatrice had me feeling frustrated throughout the story and it took me quite a while to warm up to him. Mistrust and miscommunication lead them to a bad start, but Beatrice's strong will and spirit pulled her through her tough times.
Plenty of angst, drama, and strong characters made this an interesting read. The pair went through an awful lot before their story came to a happy conclusion, but they did eventually make it.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The struggles in the relationship between Lady Beatrice Thorpe and Augustus, the Earl of Hardwick, are well detailed in this book. I was hooked into the story based on the first chapter and also the subsequent reveal of how things went so wrong for this couple who seemed so in love. I found myself in disbelief over Augustus and his stance towards Beatrice and his inability to communicate his emotions. However, Beatrice’s confidence grows as a result of their differences, which was one possible element in it all.
An interesting read, particularly the story of how their relationship developed at the start.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This story has an interesting premise with intriguing characters. I like Augustus and Beatrice and found them fascinating characters. Beatrice is different and yet similar to the women of the Regency period – it’s what captured my attention and made me like her. I’m not a fan of a time jumps in stories, but outside of that I found this story easy to read.

I haven’t read the first book in the series and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The couple from the first book are prominent in this story – which I love, as you get to see them in their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cindy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when a book grabs you right from the start and takes you on a heart-stopping journey as in Ruined by the Ton. This Misfits by the Ton series have carry over of characters that take us through these love stories. Emily Royal has a way of weaving a story that you can’t put down and this book is no different. With great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride, sizzling passion, the plot is wonderfully crafted, with the main two characters treading a bumpy path full of twist and turns, trials and tribulations until each put their insecurities behind them.

[Margerm, Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a great deal of planning and careful thought to develop high level angst. My personal favourites are Sherry Thomas's Ravishing the Heiress and Stephanie Patterson's Furies trilogy. Although this book has the abandoned wife, one of my favourite tropes and the h does not capitulate readily, there is a need for more reasons to justify the behaviour of both the h and the H. Being betrayed by his first wife resulting in trust issues has been done before. For me it didn't explain a two year absence and subsequent return of the H. The h's almost elopement seems to become a non issue as motivation for choices and decisions. Good but not one that I would put on my reread shelf.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Beatrice Thorpe learnt a harsh lesson in her first season and has no intention of being hurt again. Our heroine knows from her family that true love can be found and settle for nothing else. 

Augustus ,Earl of Hardwick has also learnt his lessons the hard way. Trust is not something that comes easily once it has been broken.  

An emotional historical romance filled with lovely characters. You might have 

met some of them in the previous book in the series, but you can still enjoy this one on it's own.  

Good fun.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with two people who have great trust issues. I must confess that I didn’t like Augustus at all up until the end of the book. I understood his reasons of course, but he probably should have worked on himself to get over his former wife’s betrayal before marrying another woman. Instead he fell in love with Beatrice, but not enough to trust her.
Beatrice is surprisingly resilient for such a young girl and I really loved that she made him pay for what he put her through. The story is gorgeously written, angsty and very much “real”, in my opinion.

[La Mula Cuenta · Rating 1 out of 5]

I very rarely DNF but I did this time
The heroine from the previous book gets a character assassination. This H is also mean to FMC although less of a bully than the previous one but he is still making her pay for the sins of his 1st wife
The author once again does the unnecessary "2 years in the future" prologue, which I feel takes away importance of events that happened before we go back to the present
I can't believe this is the same author of Oddity of the Ton, that must be her best book.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about suspicion and mistrust. It seems Beatrice and Augustus will never work out their problems, even though they love each other. It's one painful episode after another.
Augustus leaves after they are married, which makes matters even worse. It takes a traumatic event to offer forgiveness. Not one of my favorite Royal books. Some steam.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Darbella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beatrice and Augustus. For me, Augustus was always too hot or too cold in his emotions. He rapidly goes from I love you to how could you be unfaithful at a drop of a dime. His background was that his first wife was unfaithful so then Beatrice must be a cheater too. Beatrice gets accused of being unfaithful for most of this story. Augustus says I love you fast and often, but his actions of jumping to false conclusions drove me crazy.

[AprilGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book 2.

A well written novel, once again the male love interest did not impress me but he had suffered from an earlier marital disappointment and was wounded emotionally.
Having “met” the heroine in the previous novel I was invested in her happiness.
The novel has an interesting storyline. A part towards the end upset me and I had a little cry. But the novel ended in a HEA.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Beatrice and Augustus’ story is a tear jerker! We are kept dangling on the edge of our seats until the very end! Can she open her self up to chance loving again? Will he ever get over the betrayal of his first wife? Can Bea and Gus lay down their weapons and find love? Emily is such a master storyteller and her characters work themselves into your heart. I recommend reading this book to anyone who is looking for ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🌶️🌶️!