Honoria is now the ton's wallflower. Her dreams of marrying a romantic partner are dashed as she is forced to marry a man twice her age. Fate always keeps secrets but what is better? Marry a much older man or someone with a damaged reputation... a rogue?
Miss Honoria Aberdene is set to attend her third Season. Honoria dreams of making a love match just like her elder sister did three years ago, but unfortunately the ton has deemed her a wallflower. Now, her father has other plans for her when he proposes that the Earl of Mondale will make for a fine husband. Honoria is distraught as the earl is twice her age. But fate has other plans for her when she finds herself in a compromising position with notorious rogue—Viscount Durant.
Clayton Durant was born the second son of the Earl of Duneshire. Several years ago, he enlisted in the army and worked his way up to the rank of captain. During an ambush he was wounded, and deemed unfit to fight. He returned to London and took up the lifestyle of a rogue. Eighteen months ago, he inherited the title of viscount after the sudden passing away of his half brother. The last thing Clayton wants is conform to the ton’s standards. But he is left with no other choice when his father gives him an ultimatum to marry. After being caught in a compromising position with Miss Honoria Aberdene, he’s left with no other choice but to offer for Honoria’s hand in marriage.
Clayton and Honoria soon discover they enjoy each other’s company, but is that enough to build a marriage on? Clayton is haunted by his past and Honoria isn’t sure she can entrust her heart to a rogue. Will Clayton and Honoria overcome the obstacles set in their path and get their happily ever after?
"An Arranged Betrothal with a Rogue" is a historical romance novel that you are going to love. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happily ever after full of romance.
I'm surprised I was able to finish this book. Not a single character lacked any depth. Not much actually happened in the book, and the epilogue was a rushed way to tie up all of the loose ends.
Honoria didn't make much sense. She was a wallflower at balls, a watered-down version of her sister. No one dances with her expect out of obligation, and she's nearly on the shelf. But the moment Clayton sees her, she's beautiful. This could be forgiven if it were love at first sight, but from then on, there are many comments by others about how Honoria is pretty, lovely, etc. Her dad is titled and wealthy. Honoria is pretty. Her sister is married to a guy who will become a Duke. And Honoria can't find a guy to dance with? It makes no sense.
Then Clayton falls in love with Honoria because she's not like other ladies of the ton. But before all the many, many comparisons, Clayton makes clear he's lived on the edge of society and doesn't know many respectable ladies. So, who is he comparing Honoria to?
Then Clayton suffers from PTSD from his time at war. It's the cause of his alcoholism. I was excited to see how the author would handle this as it's a very heavy topic. Well, he's magically cured by the aura of purity coming off of Honoria. Suddenly, he can't imagine having more than one drink, and she's able to minimize his nightmares. His journey to understanding himself was underwhelming and rushed.
The side characters are all one-dimensional. The attempt at redemption in the epilogue was weak. I love this trope. It was poorly done all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A clean story. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars so it’s probably a 3.5. A story of a forced marriage through an unfortunate incident at a ball. Both of their fathers seem obnoxious and over bearing, but then miraculously at the end are seeking forgiveness. The couple get stranded just after marriage as the carriage breaks. I found their interaction with the inn owners over friendly. Not sure they would have been that friendly. Their journey from London to the estate was to take about 3 days ( so surely her maid and his valet would have been with them for the overnight stops?) and they broke down on day 1. However, they return to the inn from the estate in what’s seems less than a day. And there are references to soldiers wearing dog tags - not in that era I think. I also found some Americanisms in the language. So straightforward and pleasant story, but the odd issues, whilst not too bad, did reduce the enjoyment.
The story in essence is a good one; the execution is poor. Apart from the inaccuracies and errors, and far to many Americanisms, the characterisations are weak. Clayton, in spite of his war experience, is immature, selfish, and insensitive. Honoria is just too good to be true. So sad. Give it a go but don’t expect too much.
Someone really did watch out for Honoria and Clayton. What we now know as PTSD was basically ignored in this era. You were expected to man up and pretend nothing had happened. If either father had paid an ounce of attention to their children none of this would have happened. Fate was kind enough to give them the partner they needed. Clayton needed someone kind who actually cared about him. Honoria needed someone closer to her own age to marry. Fate stepped in again when their carriage broke down for several days giving them a chance to get to know each other better. Adored the original Grace. She could see they were newlyweds and could use some kindness and understanding as they tried to adjust to their new circumstances.
3½ stars This was a nice story. A few minor errors, mainly with sentence structure, but nothing major. There was some tension and depth to the story, which was good. Overall it seemed more fitting to the times than some of the author's other books. The journey to being in love happened very quickly. Sweet ending, including the extended epilogue. I didn't appreciate the whole gypsy thing. That is messing with things best left alone as it is dangerous, not harmless as some think. The occult never is. The story is otherwise clean: free of sex and foul language.
This is a fantastic book. I love the fact this book is clean with no sexual scenes and unnecessary language. Authors like this prove great romances can be written without unnecessary scenes and language. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.
I loved this book I gave it 5 stars, I would tell everyone to read and buy this book. This book was well written. Sincerely Barbara R Cardin Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
Honoria wants to wed for love, but father wants her wed, so he won’t listen to her! Clayton is returning injured veteran, drinks to forget! When she is injured and he tries to help her, parents force marriage!
I had a hard time considering Clayton a rogue. He had problems,but he had a good heart. Honoria was a sweet girl. I liked the plot and the characters. The interactions between Clayton and Honoria were enjoyable. I loved the ending.
The characters are so delightfully well paired. Their story so romantic and beautiful. The humor in this story is incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, thank you, Jack
War hero, alcoholic, nightmare saves mistreated, sweet, kind, trapped debutante. Is she saved r in a worse mess? Worth finding out. People change with love. Highly recommended for all readers
The character of a rogue has not appeared in any other book that I have read with such compassion and understanding. He is redeemed in the end. I really enjoyed the story.
Very similar to the plot of ‘An Arranged Betrothal With A Spinster,’ and in serious need of an editor. The characters and plot were fine, just not very inspired.
I didn't have a lot of free time to read this as quickly as I wanted to, but got back to the story as time became available for me to read. It was a great book.
A young debutante finds that after her first season, her father is pushing her into a marriage with a wealthy, titled man twice her age.
The rogue is a reluctant Viscount who until 2 years ago was just a 2nd son from a second wife. Ignored most of his life by his father, he has no idea his son suffers PTSD. The Viscount is shocked his father demands him to take over some responsibilities and to marry within 60 days.