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smithrachaelynn's review
4.0
Things I liked:
- I loved the way Prudence immediately cared for baby Jon. It was so sweet to see how her lack of knowledge about babies didn’t keep her from connecting with him.
- Ross was a really intriguing hero. I loved his background and unique circumstances.
Things I didn’t like:
- Something about Prudence and Ross’s romance felt a bit flat to me. I could see the chemistry but for some reason it didn’t play out well.
andrea_author's review against another edition
5.0
The hero and heroine of this novel are eminently sensible people who don't care much about romance. Yet somehow the understated emotion makes this a romantic and endearing book. The action is driven by the external plot, which is fast-paced and interesting. The author does an amazing job of immersing the reader in the time period and creating a rich sense of place. If you like marriage of convenience stories, don't miss this one.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Terrific marriage of convenience story. Both Ross and Prue are very practical people and enter into their marriage with open eyes. Neither one wants to muddy their arrangement with messy emotions.
I liked both Ross and Prue. Ross became Marquis of Cranford thanks to an unfortunate series of events. Society in general looks down on him, and he returns the favor. Thanks to his parents ' marriage, Ross had an unconventional childhood, then went on to become a privateer. He is often referred to disparagingly as the East End Aristocrat or the Privateer Marquis. Ross has no inclination for social graces, has a growly disposition and a scarred face, making him less than a catch. After his wife's recent death, he wants a wife that will be a mother to his infant son.
Prue is a young woman who is more interested in her books and Greek and Latin translations than in looking for a husband. She is somewhat naïve and falls under the spell of a charming and handsome young lord. After a romantic interlude goes wrong, Prue finds herself in need of protection. One of her friends may have a solution and sets up a meeting between Ross and Prue.
I liked the first meeting between them. Prue arrived at Ross's home for her "interview" knowing very little about him. Ross laid something of a trap, or test, for her by hiding the scarred side of his face from her until she was close to him. I loved her calm reaction and how it surprised him. Both of them are straightforward about their expectations of themselves and each other. I liked the inclusion of the baby, Jon, since he was the motivating factor for Ross's desire to marry. His obvious love for his son lightened Ross's harsh first impression. I also liked Prue's practical approach to Jon and the beginning of their connection.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Prue and Ross. They began their marriage as strictly a business arrangement. Ross made it clear that he doesn't expect physical intimacy, having "lost his appetite" for such things. He quickly came to regret that promise after seeing Prue in her wedding dress stirred up those latent desires. Prue's prior experience being what it was, she didn't expect stirrings of attraction to her new husband. It was fun to see them fight it at first, especially Ross. He tried avoiding her but found she invaded his thoughts. The time they spent together brought them closer, and I liked seeing them get to know each other. Ross was frequently challenged by realizing that Prue was nothing like his first wife and found himself unexpectedly liking her as a person. Prue discovered she wanted more from Ross as she got to know the man behind the gruff exterior.
It didn't take long for the attraction to boil over, and it added a new level to their relationship. Prue quickly realizes that her heart is at risk but can't do anything about it. Meanwhile, Ross fights hard against the idea of loving Prue. They move closer to that ultimate connection until the war with Napoleon intervenes. Ross makes a tactical error by breaking a promise to Prue and puts himself in unexpected danger. Prue is left to deal with a crisis involving Jon, which she handles as she sees best, then goes looking for Ross. I loved seeing her embrace her inner Marchioness as she deals with every obstacle. I loved seeing her give him a piece of her mind and his realization of his errors.
Ross isn't done with being an idiot, though. His reaction to her handling of the crisis with Jon was over-the-top harsh. I ached for Prue, who saw her hopes for a real marriage crumble. I loved her strength as she refused to be left behind and insisted on helping get Jon back. Her kindness and empathy go a long way toward solving the problem. Meanwhile, Ross overhears things that open his eyes, and he knows he must find a way to fix what he broke. I loved the ending and seeing Ross finally open up to Prue. I loved her statement that she married "all of who he was, not simply the parts that suit me."
I liked both Ross and Prue. Ross became Marquis of Cranford thanks to an unfortunate series of events. Society in general looks down on him, and he returns the favor. Thanks to his parents ' marriage, Ross had an unconventional childhood, then went on to become a privateer. He is often referred to disparagingly as the East End Aristocrat or the Privateer Marquis. Ross has no inclination for social graces, has a growly disposition and a scarred face, making him less than a catch. After his wife's recent death, he wants a wife that will be a mother to his infant son.
Prue is a young woman who is more interested in her books and Greek and Latin translations than in looking for a husband. She is somewhat naïve and falls under the spell of a charming and handsome young lord. After a romantic interlude goes wrong, Prue finds herself in need of protection. One of her friends may have a solution and sets up a meeting between Ross and Prue.
I liked the first meeting between them. Prue arrived at Ross's home for her "interview" knowing very little about him. Ross laid something of a trap, or test, for her by hiding the scarred side of his face from her until she was close to him. I loved her calm reaction and how it surprised him. Both of them are straightforward about their expectations of themselves and each other. I liked the inclusion of the baby, Jon, since he was the motivating factor for Ross's desire to marry. His obvious love for his son lightened Ross's harsh first impression. I also liked Prue's practical approach to Jon and the beginning of their connection.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Prue and Ross. They began their marriage as strictly a business arrangement. Ross made it clear that he doesn't expect physical intimacy, having "lost his appetite" for such things. He quickly came to regret that promise after seeing Prue in her wedding dress stirred up those latent desires. Prue's prior experience being what it was, she didn't expect stirrings of attraction to her new husband. It was fun to see them fight it at first, especially Ross. He tried avoiding her but found she invaded his thoughts. The time they spent together brought them closer, and I liked seeing them get to know each other. Ross was frequently challenged by realizing that Prue was nothing like his first wife and found himself unexpectedly liking her as a person. Prue discovered she wanted more from Ross as she got to know the man behind the gruff exterior.
It didn't take long for the attraction to boil over, and it added a new level to their relationship. Prue quickly realizes that her heart is at risk but can't do anything about it. Meanwhile, Ross fights hard against the idea of loving Prue. They move closer to that ultimate connection until the war with Napoleon intervenes. Ross makes a tactical error by breaking a promise to Prue and puts himself in unexpected danger. Prue is left to deal with a crisis involving Jon, which she handles as she sees best, then goes looking for Ross. I loved seeing her embrace her inner Marchioness as she deals with every obstacle. I loved seeing her give him a piece of her mind and his realization of his errors.
Ross isn't done with being an idiot, though. His reaction to her handling of the crisis with Jon was over-the-top harsh. I ached for Prue, who saw her hopes for a real marriage crumble. I loved her strength as she refused to be left behind and insisted on helping get Jon back. Her kindness and empathy go a long way toward solving the problem. Meanwhile, Ross overhears things that open his eyes, and he knows he must find a way to fix what he broke. I loved the ending and seeing Ross finally open up to Prue. I loved her statement that she married "all of who he was, not simply the parts that suit me."
robinwalter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm always happy when a formulaic book delivers more than expected. The recipe and the ingredients might be very familiar, but this story put them all together with that little something extra. A very satisfying read.
taisie22's review
3.0
In what is basically a business arrangement, widowed Ross Vincent marries ruined Prudence Scott to take care of his infant son. In addition, his face is scarred, the result of his life as a privateer, and Prue is a bluestocking. It's a lot of historical tropes thrown in together, but the author manages to save the story with some life at sea and involvement in the battle of Waterloo.
I admit I got the book because the cover guy looks like a young Bob Dylan and I was fascinated at the choice lol. It's a fine story, nothing new but nicely written.
I admit I got the book because the cover guy looks like a young Bob Dylan and I was fascinated at the choice lol. It's a fine story, nothing new but nicely written.
welkinvault's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Different dynamic for a Regency Romance. The heroine is not shy and retiring. But the hero is the usual dark and brooding with a lot of unspoken emotion baggage.
But did enjoy this novel, found the characters sympathetic. and the author was able to bring in merchant ships and the battle of Waterloo (very cleverly) plus parental dynamics (that bit not so convincing).
But did enjoy this novel, found the characters sympathetic. and the author was able to bring in merchant ships and the battle of Waterloo (very cleverly) plus parental dynamics (that bit not so convincing).
amyjuniper's review
It has taken me too long to read it - I've decided to DNF it and maybe pick it up another time! I did enjoy the book though, it's really good.
xsophiehoughton's review
4.0
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After finding herself seduced by a rake who only wanted her for her body, Miss Prudence Scott needs to find a husband, to weather any scandal that comes her way. Luckily for her, the Marquis of Cranford, Privateer Ross Vincent, is looking for a wife to give his infant son a mother, and doesn't care about her past. They both come to an agreement to marry, in name only, but it soon becomes obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but with the war against Napoleon on the horizon, will they get their happy ending?
I read the first book in this series a while back, and when I saw that another of Louise's books was available to review on NG, I decided to request it. I loved both of the main characters, in very different ways. Prudence was unlucky in her naivete, but she was strong, and even though she knew she was a bluestocking, from a provincial background, she took to being the Marchioness of Cranford like a duck to water. She had her friends to support her, and Ross in his own way. To be honest, all she needed was a good library to continue her translations of ancient poetry, and the opportunity to get to know little Jon, and love him as much as possible. Ross, on the other hand, was gruff, and uncouth, and hated society for what it had done to his parents. He was brought up in the East End, and had taken to the waters as soon as he had been able to, and it was only a touch of fate that he came into his title. He was more at home on his ships, but allowed himself to open up more and more to Prudence as the book progress. I loved the plot, and the added element of war with Waterloo being unexpectedly thrown in, was a delight, especially how it allowed both of the main characters to understand their feelings properly, and truly be with one another. Such an enjoyable read!
After finding herself seduced by a rake who only wanted her for her body, Miss Prudence Scott needs to find a husband, to weather any scandal that comes her way. Luckily for her, the Marquis of Cranford, Privateer Ross Vincent, is looking for a wife to give his infant son a mother, and doesn't care about her past. They both come to an agreement to marry, in name only, but it soon becomes obvious that they are both attracted to one another, but with the war against Napoleon on the horizon, will they get their happy ending?
I read the first book in this series a while back, and when I saw that another of Louise's books was available to review on NG, I decided to request it. I loved both of the main characters, in very different ways. Prudence was unlucky in her naivete, but she was strong, and even though she knew she was a bluestocking, from a provincial background, she took to being the Marchioness of Cranford like a duck to water. She had her friends to support her, and Ross in his own way. To be honest, all she needed was a good library to continue her translations of ancient poetry, and the opportunity to get to know little Jon, and love him as much as possible. Ross, on the other hand, was gruff, and uncouth, and hated society for what it had done to his parents. He was brought up in the East End, and had taken to the waters as soon as he had been able to, and it was only a touch of fate that he came into his title. He was more at home on his ships, but allowed himself to open up more and more to Prudence as the book progress. I loved the plot, and the added element of war with Waterloo being unexpectedly thrown in, was a delight, especially how it allowed both of the main characters to understand their feelings properly, and truly be with one another. Such an enjoyable read!
readingismyfirstlove's review
4.0
Prudence Scott has been watching her close friends get married one at a time for a while now and is feeling pressure from her parents to find her own suitor. Betrayed by a man she thought cared for her, she is left with the possibility of a child out of wedlock and bringing shame on her family name.
Enter Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, a widower with a young son who needs a mother. The two reach an agreement – a marriage solely of convenience where Ross’ son has a mother and, if Prudence is pregnant, she is not shamed by her peers.
Soon enough Ross and Prudence begin growing on each other, but when Ross is called away to sea, the prospect of a true romantic relationship is put on hold, especially when Ross does not return when expected.
I’ll admit to not being a huge historical romance reader, but this was really cute and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how Ross and Prudence’s relationship developed, it felt genuine and not forced. I also liked how some elements of politics filtered in, but not too much as to make it the focus of the story. The descriptions were good too, especially at sea. I did feel transported back to the regency period.
This is part of Louise Allen’s Liberated Ladies series and I think I will be reading some of the previous books. I liked her writing style and her characters are well thought out with their own personalities which really brings the story to life.
A special thank you to the Mills & Boon team for making this digital ARC available on NetGalley.
Enter Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, a widower with a young son who needs a mother. The two reach an agreement – a marriage solely of convenience where Ross’ son has a mother and, if Prudence is pregnant, she is not shamed by her peers.
Soon enough Ross and Prudence begin growing on each other, but when Ross is called away to sea, the prospect of a true romantic relationship is put on hold, especially when Ross does not return when expected.
I’ll admit to not being a huge historical romance reader, but this was really cute and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved how Ross and Prudence’s relationship developed, it felt genuine and not forced. I also liked how some elements of politics filtered in, but not too much as to make it the focus of the story. The descriptions were good too, especially at sea. I did feel transported back to the regency period.
This is part of Louise Allen’s Liberated Ladies series and I think I will be reading some of the previous books. I liked her writing style and her characters are well thought out with their own personalities which really brings the story to life.
A special thank you to the Mills & Boon team for making this digital ARC available on NetGalley.
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