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217th out of 256 books
—
349 voters
Unbuttoning Miss Hardwick
by
Deb Marlowe (Goodreads Author)
EFFICIENT SPINSTER OR DESIRABLE WOMAN?Adopting the guise of a buttoned-up spinster is nothing new for Chloe Hardwick. But under the watchful eye of her unnervingly handsome employer, the Marquess of Marland, for the first time Chloe yearns to be unbuttoned! Yet he sees her only as his assistant, the efficient Hardwick-not as Chloe the woman.
Determined to escape Braedon's...more
Determined to escape Braedon's...more
Paperback, 288 pages
Published
May 22nd 2012
by Harlequin
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238)
Jul 15, 2012
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of historical romance with unrequited love and spinster themes
Shelves:
owned-copy,
harlequin-historicals,
historical-romance,
regency,
hero-deliciously-manly,
spinster-old-maid,
sexual-harassment,
hero-in-pursuit,
unrequited-love,
beauty-under-wraps,
nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek,
his-girl-friday,
emotional-baggage,
emotionally-strong-heroine,
heroine-i-adore,
hero-to-die-for,
kids-in-the-mix,
heroine-black-hair-blue-eyes,
character-is-history-scholar,
swordplay,
soldier-or-military,
tortured-hero,
tormented-heroine,
yearly-reading-challenge,
2012-sky-s-the-limit-club,
2012-harlequin-silhouette-challenge,
favorite-or-autobuy-author,
favorites,
hero-or-heroine-has-control-issues,
evil-sibling-or-relative,
dangerous-hero-2012-general-reading
This book called to me because I love unrequited love stories. I also like the idea of the heroine working for the hero and having a buttoned up/no-nonsense demeanor but still getting under his skin. I have to say I was very satisfied by this book. Deb Marlowe is going on my reading list now for sure. Her sense of time and place is excellent, but so much life and feeling in her writing, her characters.
Chloe found her way into my heart. I liked everything about her. I can see a little of myself i...more
Chloe found her way into my heart. I liked everything about her. I can see a little of myself i...more
It's been a long time since I became so fascinated by characters in a novella, Deb Marlowe created two heartbreaking characters, with their pasts that haunt them and weight heavy on their present. Living behind masks that protect them from the world. It's until them meet one another does the ice that encases their hearts slowly start to melt.
Chloe Hardwick hides behind her clothing and being helpful to those around her, as those who has cared for her has sadly abandoned her without showing her...more
9 likes · like · see review
Jun 20, 2012
My Book Addiction and More MBA
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical-romance,
regency-england
UNBUTTONING MISS HARDWICK by Deb Marlowe is a fast paced historical romance set in Regency England.Chloe Hardwick is a proper, spinster or so her employer thinks with secrets and a multitude of buttons on her clothing. Braedon,the Marquess of Marland,has a cold detachment toward her and sees her only as his efficient assistant until she leaves. Braedon must on to London,and find her. What he find is the true Miss Hardwick. She is not only efficient,but beautiful,passionate,and the one he longs f...more
Jun 17, 2012
Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical,
non-erotic
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
Yanking off the buttons was never this exciting or sexy.
I'm still new to historical romance and wasn't much of a fan. I've since changed my stance on historicals. Why? Because I read Unbuttoning Miss Hardwick. Ms. Marlowe's words flow from the page. I felt like I was right there rushing down the road in the phaeton, feeling the wind whipping my hair. I could see the characters well and am looking for my own Braedon. Goodness, he is yu...more
Yanking off the buttons was never this exciting or sexy.
I'm still new to historical romance and wasn't much of a fan. I've since changed my stance on historicals. Why? Because I read Unbuttoning Miss Hardwick. Ms. Marlowe's words flow from the page. I felt like I was right there rushing down the road in the phaeton, feeling the wind whipping my hair. I could see the characters well and am looking for my own Braedon. Goodness, he is yu...more
Good book. Chloe has done an excellent job as Braedon's assistant. She has come to the point that she longs to find the real her, under the disguise of the so efficient Hardwick. She also realizes that she has fallen for Braedon, and that he is unlikely to love her back. So she goes to London with Braedon's sister, to assist that lady with the planning of a special party. Braedon can't believe that Chloe has left. She was there one day, in her shapeless clothing, doing her job. Then she appeared...more
I very much enjoyed this! Miss Chloe Hardwick took over for her stepfather in overseeing the absent Lord Braedon Marland's construction and restoration project when her stepfather fell ill. The Marquess returned after his military service and overcame his shock to appreciate her competence and skill.
While they have a solid working relationship, Chloe comes to realize that she really wants more--more for herself than to be an invisibly perfect right-hand. She wants to be seen and appreciated for...more
While they have a solid working relationship, Chloe comes to realize that she really wants more--more for herself than to be an invisibly perfect right-hand. She wants to be seen and appreciated for...more
![.þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...]](http://d.gr-assets.com/users/1363347489p2/3840999.jpg)
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
), just once. Unrequited longing, can I ask for anything more? Chloe loves to see him in motion, be it walking, working on his weapons or practicing swordfight with his friend Sir Thomas. But, the object of her obsession, it seems like, doesn’t know she’s a woman. And why would he? Chloe knows how to hide herself and apparently, so far she’s been doing a splendid job, again. In the meantime, Mairi comes to visit Braedon. It’s very evident, the love these siblings share and also, a dislike for their elder brother. Mairi sees what Chloe and Braedon have been trying so hard to hide. A shared passion for the same work, they understand each-other like no other. On her inquiry, Braedon is shocked. Hardwick? OMG, the horror! Yah I know, he was a bit obtuse but I also knew why. Braedon knew how dependent he really is on his Hardwick. What if he becomes emotionally involved? It’d just devastate him again. 
And he was a bit of a jerk towards Chloe because of his own reactions. I know it sounds ludicrous but Braedon was trying so hard to maintain that thin line, and now, it’d be so hard. But, Chloe interprets his attitude as her own defeat. She decides, maybe she’ll have to go away for a while to let him stew a bit. I gladly approved. Sometimes it’s required, isn’t it? Mairi was already a bit nervous about her own marriage and wanted to save it in any way possible. Braedon also gave her some admonitions, asking her to think hard about what she wants from it. It seems like Lord Ashton actually loves his wife and the whole thing between them was a gross misunderstanding. As Mairi and Chloe talk, there is a plan of surprising Ashton for his birthday. Mairi would love to have an assistant like Chloe to help her for the tremendous work that it’d take. So, when Braedon hurts her with that indifference, Chloe decides to resign. She leaves for London with Mairi.
them, especially the one very next day, after Chloe spied on Braedon in his sword practice, again, something she found utterly delicious. Those scenes proved how much they both belonged to one another and made me 
more than once. But I wish Braedon wasn’t being a doucebag to Chloe, again, on the day of the ball. Chloe understood, even wanted to soothe away his fears. Braedon has so far bared a lot of the things that hung heavy on his soul, as Chloe did of hers. But somehow, he just couldn’t yet take that big step. You know what, that should’ve made me wanna throw a hissy fit but as I said, I sort of understood his standing. The last misunderstanding was bittersweet but the subsequent grovelling was just.......
Braedon finally realized that that big step he was denying himself would lead him to something he could cherish for the rest of his life. He might get hurt, or not, but without taking that step he’d never find out. He also grasped at the need to share his life and so, he chose Chloe. Honestly, when a man, so awkwardly talks about his feelings and begs forgiveness, I can’t just not feel anything for him. And the best thing was, Chloe understood Braedon like no other and never stopped loving him. 
2 likes · like · see review
I really wanted to love this book. How many time do you come across a HR with an independent, working heroine? Not only was she working a real job and highly competent at that, but she's trying to figure out her place in the world, like any modern woman. It was refreshing to see a heroine who isn't running away from crazy relatives or something equally unrealistic.
Chloe Hardwick works as the highly efficient assistant to the Marquess of Marland, Braedon. After meeting him, she's slowly fallen in...more
Chloe Hardwick works as the highly efficient assistant to the Marquess of Marland, Braedon. After meeting him, she's slowly fallen in...more
2 likes · like · see review
For me, there was nothing really outstanding about this book. I know it's the main idea but I found it irritating the way Lord Marland didn't want to acknowledge Miss Hardwick feminity and that he was treating her like any other employee. Or that she had to hide who she was to live up to his expectations. I didn't find the story interesting 'til the middle of it and by then it was too little too late. I liked the idea of the heroine leaving to find her own self but it was not expand enough. The...more
First found out about Deb Marlowe when I went to romance writer's panel at Barnes and Noble in Cary. I will definitely look for more of her books.
Chloe Hardwick has to maintain a certain distance from her employer, Braedon Denning, a marquess. She has been in charge of his weapons collection because her adoptive father has become ill. She pleases the marquess but he doesn't see her for the beauty and love mate that she can be. When she leaves with his sister, he tracks her down and realizes what...more
Chloe Hardwick has to maintain a certain distance from her employer, Braedon Denning, a marquess. She has been in charge of his weapons collection because her adoptive father has become ill. She pleases the marquess but he doesn't see her for the beauty and love mate that she can be. When she leaves with his sister, he tracks her down and realizes what...more
UNBUTTONING MISS HARDWICK is an enjoyable historical romance about discovering love when you least expect it. Deb Marlowe creates a fascinating relationship between two characters that will capture your heart.
Miss Chloe Hardwick has become invaluable to the handsome, yet stern Marquess of Marland. So much so that Braedon only sees her as his prim assistant rather than a woman. Which would be fine, except for the fact that Chloe has begun to fall in love with her coldly distant employer. Wanting...more
This is my first book from Deb Marlowe, which I read based on recommendations on GoodReads.
I think it was ok. About half way thru, I was wondering when we'd get past all the love for weapons, and Hardwick was going to leave him. When she finally did, it wasn't on her own, she went to help Braedon's sister throw a bithday party. I was hoping it would have been his sister who would help Hardwick discover the real Chloe, which in a way she did, by giving her some pretty gowns, but not what I was ho...more
I think it was ok. About half way thru, I was wondering when we'd get past all the love for weapons, and Hardwick was going to leave him. When she finally did, it wasn't on her own, she went to help Braedon's sister throw a bithday party. I was hoping it would have been his sister who would help Hardwick discover the real Chloe, which in a way she did, by giving her some pretty gowns, but not what I was ho...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I think I liked the idea of this book much more than the actual story itself, which was surprising I thought from the summary that this one would prove really unique, but I wish it had been longer and that the Marquess of Marland had remained more aloof and harder to crack and shape into the usual Harlequin ultra male lover. Still, it was enjoyable, and I never go into this books excepting much, so I'll stick with a three star rating, and maybe check out more of this author's work at a later dat...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Slightly above average. Both the H/H are scarred & afraid to trust in love. Never explained quite why the heroine was that way or did I miss sthg? Overall an ok read; but not fantastic.
"With its delightful twist on Cinderella, Marlowe's latest pits a straitlaced lady with a weapons-obsessed nobleman and lets the battle begin. Along with the charming main storyline Marlowe incorporates several subplots, which add interest and danger." from RT's Book Review, rated 4 stars
A wonderful,enjoyable read! Visit www.mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com for the full review.
AprilR,My Book Addiction and More
AprilR,My Book Addiction and More
Aug 01, 2012
Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ by:
.þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...]
A must read from Deb Marlowe. She is a new author to me but her style of writing drew me right in. I couldn't help but fall in love with this book!
An enjoyable read from beginning to end. ♥♥♥
An enjoyable read from beginning to end. ♥♥♥
6 likes · like · see review
Jul 26, 2012
Cynthia (aka Artemis)
marked it as to-read
Thank you to Deb Marlowe and the Harlequin Historical Summer Giveaway!
Fantastic! Absolutely fabulous read!
Chloe is looking for security and hiding behind a disguise. Braedon is hiding too, but behind a distant demeanor and a collection of ancient weapons. An romantic and enjoyable story of two people learning to trust in each other and love. There is suspense too, in the search for a cursed weapon, a touching thread with a young boy, and a nice bit of groveling. I enjoyed it.
Kinda disappointed.. not what was expected from the book... the writer did try to create curiosity but eventually failed... overall and ok sort of efforts nothing very interesting there...hopes were high but got smashed in between.
May 21, 2013
Goge (BARRONS) le Moning Maniac,
marked it as to-read
May 19, 2013
Nikita Isaac
marked it as to-read
May 11, 2013
Alees
marked it as to-read
Apr 30, 2013
Lynn
marked it as to-read
Apr 29, 2013
Hafsat
marked it as to-read
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Deb Marlowe grew up in Pennsylvania with her nose in a book. Luckily, she'd read enough romances to recognize the true modern hero she met at a college Halloween party—even though he wore a tuxedo T-shirt instead of breeches and tall boots. They married, settled in North Carolina and produced two handsome, intelligent and genuinely amusing boys.
Though she spends much of her time with her nose in h...more
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Though she spends much of her time with her nose in h...more
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“His kiss burned hotter, coaxed harder than it had done earlier and she responded in kind. Her arms crept higher. Up and up again, she allowed her fingers to wander, over the broad expanse of his chest and along the strong and solid column of his neck. She fulfilled the fantasies of a thousand nights when she slid her fingers home—into the thick, silken strands of his hair.”
—
3 people liked it
“She blinked away memories to find him staring at her with a mix of concern and horror on his face.
Chloe shivered. ‘Why do you look at me like that?’
‘Because you scare the hell out of me.’
She rather liked the sound of that.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
Chloe shivered. ‘Why do you look at me like that?’
‘Because you scare the hell out of me.’
She rather liked the sound of that.”
Jul 19, 2012 07:44pm
Jul 19, 2012 07:45pm