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Snowbound with the Brooding Lord
A Regency reunion to capture your heart
Will they forgive each other
By the time the snow melts…?
Years ago, Sabrina walked away from her first love, Jack, because she was duty bound to marry for money instead. Now a widow, she finds herself back in Jack’s intoxicating orbit, but he’s reluctant to trust her again. And it’s not just the brooding lord who has changed… Marriage has left a painful mark on Sabrina. So when they’re trapped by a snowstorm, will they find a way to finally be together?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Will they forgive each other
By the time the snow melts…?
Years ago, Sabrina walked away from her first love, Jack, because she was duty bound to marry for money instead. Now a widow, she finds herself back in Jack’s intoxicating orbit, but he’s reluctant to trust her again. And it’s not just the brooding lord who has changed… Marriage has left a painful mark on Sabrina. So when they’re trapped by a snowstorm, will they find a way to finally be together?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
8 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Mallory
206 books116 followersSarah Mallory is the pen name for Melinda Hammond.
Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company.
She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold.
Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.
Born in Bristol, England, UK, she grew up telling stories. She would make up adventures to relate to her school friends during break times and lunch hours, and she was once caught scribbling a story instead of listening to the French lesson. As a punishment, her teacher made her translate the story into French! She left school at sixteen and worked in offices as varied as stockbrokers, marine engineers, insurance brokers, biscuit manufacturers and even a quarrying company.
She married at nineteen, but continued to work until the birth of her first child. It was at that time that she decided to try her hand at her first love—writing, and shortly after the birth of her daughter she had her first book, Fortune's Lady, published under the pen name of Melinda Hammond. This was quickly followed by two more historical novels, Summer Charade and Autumn Bride, but with the birth of her twin sons the demands of family life meant that writing had to take a backseat for a few years. A compulsive scribbler, she never stopped writing and continued to work on research for her novels, experimenting with contemporary scenarios as well as writing pantomimes for her children's school. In 1989 the family moved to an isolated Pennine farmhouse in West Yorkshire, not far from Brontë country, where the family expanded to include a dog, two gerbils and a dozen chickens. The growing family needed funding and she went back to work full-time. The writing had to be put on hold.
Then, in March 2000, Sarah stepped off a curb and landed in hospital with one ankle broken and one badly sprained. This laid her up on a sofa for twelve weeks and gave her the time she needed to finish a novel. She wrote as Melinda Hammond and Maid of Honour was published the same year. Since then she has never looked back. She's published more than a dozen books under this pen name and has won the Reviewers' Choice Award in 2005 from Singletitles.com for Dance for a Diamond. Her novel Gentlemen in Question was a Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice Title in November 2006. In 2012 her novel The Dangerous Lord Darrington won the Love Story of the Year by the Romantic Novelists' Association. She is now concentrating on writing romantic historical adventures for Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 19, 2023
2.5*
Jack is a sought after bachelor who never forgot the woman who got away. Sabrina had to marry someone else. Now a widow, she meets Jack again.
Many assumptions and judgements are made about Sabrina. She re-entered society after only 6 months of mourning and he left her money so she is able to live comfortably. She enjoys living and going to society events and does what she wants (how dare she!). Jack annoyed me with his harsh judgments of Sabrina. He takes a long time to get the fuck over it. She had valid reasons for marrying the older rich dude. While it doesn't make it hurt less, it wasn't done on purpose. The stuck together in the elements worked as it did force them to confront some things that they might have not discussed.
I did like forced proximity as a trope, but only when I like both characters.
Jack is a sought after bachelor who never forgot the woman who got away. Sabrina had to marry someone else. Now a widow, she meets Jack again.
Many assumptions and judgements are made about Sabrina. She re-entered society after only 6 months of mourning and he left her money so she is able to live comfortably. She enjoys living and going to society events and does what she wants (how dare she!). Jack annoyed me with his harsh judgments of Sabrina. He takes a long time to get the fuck over it. She had valid reasons for marrying the older rich dude. While it doesn't make it hurt less, it wasn't done on purpose. The stuck together in the elements worked as it did force them to confront some things that they might have not discussed.
I did like forced proximity as a trope, but only when I like both characters.
November 23, 2023
Sabrina Kydd was the woman who won Jack’s heart some years before, and who he planned to marry – but, on the day he visited to ask for her hand, she had disappeared, later to re-emerge as the wife of another, leaving him heartbroken. But she’s now the widowed Lady Massyngham, back on the social scene, and rather than the young innocent she was when he last knew her, has gained a reputation as the Wicked Widow – whether that’s justified or not, his hurt runs deep and he’s determined not to be drawn to her again.
But the spark between them is still very much there – and travelling back together from Devon to London (not entirely by choice) they find their journey impeded by heavy snowfall, finding refuge in a house where a child has been abandoned by her father and household, and have no choice but to spend time there together. And they find that what remains between them is far more than just a spark – there’s still a very strong attraction, a love that never died, but only if he can forgive the hurt she caused, understand her reasons, and grow to trust her once more.
This really was a quite wonderful second chance romance, with the most extraordinary chemistry between its characters. I really enjoyed the way the story was told, the reasons for Sabrina’s abrupt departure slowly emerging through a series of flashbacks and difficult confessions – they’re a couple who are really meant to be together, but its not the easiest path to reconciliation and the possibility of a happy future. The characterisation is really excellent – both Sabrina and Jack are eminently likeable, but there’s a lot of hurt and anger from the earlier betrayal, and the exchanges between them flash and sizzle as they attempt to overcome the many obstacles between them. Theirs was a romance I entirely believed in – I was so involved in their relationship at an emotional level and desperately wanted those barriers to come down.
There were other elements to the story I really enjoyed too – including the strong supporting characters, with their own stories. It was particularly special to meet Pru and Garrick again – I’d very much enjoyed their story in The Night She Met The Duke, in which Jack featured as Garrick’s friend – and seeing how their life together had turned out. The political and social backdrop – underlying Sabrina’s earlier disappearance, raising its head again in a particularly dramatic episode on their return to London – was wholly fascinating, the 1816 social unrest and riots something I’d never come across before, the violence in stark contrast to the drawing rooms and ballrooms more usually seen in Regency fiction.
This was a book I really enjoyed – perfectly paced, so emotionally engaging, and the most wonderful storytelling. I read it in a single sitting, the pages turning ever faster, entirely invested in its characters and the progress of their relationship – and the romance really was something very special indeed. Very much recommended.
But the spark between them is still very much there – and travelling back together from Devon to London (not entirely by choice) they find their journey impeded by heavy snowfall, finding refuge in a house where a child has been abandoned by her father and household, and have no choice but to spend time there together. And they find that what remains between them is far more than just a spark – there’s still a very strong attraction, a love that never died, but only if he can forgive the hurt she caused, understand her reasons, and grow to trust her once more.
This really was a quite wonderful second chance romance, with the most extraordinary chemistry between its characters. I really enjoyed the way the story was told, the reasons for Sabrina’s abrupt departure slowly emerging through a series of flashbacks and difficult confessions – they’re a couple who are really meant to be together, but its not the easiest path to reconciliation and the possibility of a happy future. The characterisation is really excellent – both Sabrina and Jack are eminently likeable, but there’s a lot of hurt and anger from the earlier betrayal, and the exchanges between them flash and sizzle as they attempt to overcome the many obstacles between them. Theirs was a romance I entirely believed in – I was so involved in their relationship at an emotional level and desperately wanted those barriers to come down.
There were other elements to the story I really enjoyed too – including the strong supporting characters, with their own stories. It was particularly special to meet Pru and Garrick again – I’d very much enjoyed their story in The Night She Met The Duke, in which Jack featured as Garrick’s friend – and seeing how their life together had turned out. The political and social backdrop – underlying Sabrina’s earlier disappearance, raising its head again in a particularly dramatic episode on their return to London – was wholly fascinating, the 1816 social unrest and riots something I’d never come across before, the violence in stark contrast to the drawing rooms and ballrooms more usually seen in Regency fiction.
This was a book I really enjoyed – perfectly paced, so emotionally engaging, and the most wonderful storytelling. I read it in a single sitting, the pages turning ever faster, entirely invested in its characters and the progress of their relationship – and the romance really was something very special indeed. Very much recommended.
November 19, 2023
Sarah Mallory's latest historical romance doesn't disappoint as we follow Jack (who regular readers will remember as Garrick's best friend from 'The Night She Met the Duke') and his unexpected reunion with Sabrina, the woman he hoped to marry, but who mysteriously disappeared from his life some years ago.
This delightful story of second chances, mistrust and misunderstandings has the reader invested in what will become of Jack and Sabrina's relationship from the outset, and, through clever writing, it is only truly revealed what caused Sabrina to leave Jack's life so suddenly through various confessions and flashbacks as the book goes on. The characters have clearly never forgotten what happened previously, and also there is a sense of regret about what could have been had circumstances not forced them apart, however, the wounds of the past weigh heavy on Jack in the present day, and, understandably, whilst he wants to see if the spark is still there, he cannot simply forgive and forget what happened and, similarly, Sabrina is much changed by events since she last saw Jack.
Needing to get away from a social gathering that brings the two together, Jack and Sabrina are unfortunately snowbound together on their journeys home, and it is here the story comes into it's own as passions ignite, truths are revealed and the attraction that once convinced Jack he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sabrina has clearly never died. What I love about the author's writing style is that she can take characters who clearly belong together, but create a plot which makes you wonder just how a happy ending can be achieved. The snowbound setting is a good plot device as it forces the two to work past their distrust and think about what could be if they can overcome what has gone before. There are also some interesting sub plots and secondary characters, and it is nice to revisit Pru and Garrick if you have read their story.
Whilst the course of true love may never run smoothly, you cannot help but root for Jack and Sabrina to grasp their second chance at happiness, and the well-paced plot keeps you wondering just how this can be achieved as Jack and Sabrina both seem to put obstacles in the way. The allusions to political unrest and rebellion are well written and add depth to the plot as we come to understand what prompted Sabrina's disappearance, but they also provide Jack with an understanding of the why's and wherefore's of the past and how his plans were left in tatters at the end of their original relationship.
Overall, this is yet another excellent story from Sarah Mallory with excellent characters and plot and is an entertaining read from start to finish that keeps the reader engaged and invested throughout.
This delightful story of second chances, mistrust and misunderstandings has the reader invested in what will become of Jack and Sabrina's relationship from the outset, and, through clever writing, it is only truly revealed what caused Sabrina to leave Jack's life so suddenly through various confessions and flashbacks as the book goes on. The characters have clearly never forgotten what happened previously, and also there is a sense of regret about what could have been had circumstances not forced them apart, however, the wounds of the past weigh heavy on Jack in the present day, and, understandably, whilst he wants to see if the spark is still there, he cannot simply forgive and forget what happened and, similarly, Sabrina is much changed by events since she last saw Jack.
Needing to get away from a social gathering that brings the two together, Jack and Sabrina are unfortunately snowbound together on their journeys home, and it is here the story comes into it's own as passions ignite, truths are revealed and the attraction that once convinced Jack he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Sabrina has clearly never died. What I love about the author's writing style is that she can take characters who clearly belong together, but create a plot which makes you wonder just how a happy ending can be achieved. The snowbound setting is a good plot device as it forces the two to work past their distrust and think about what could be if they can overcome what has gone before. There are also some interesting sub plots and secondary characters, and it is nice to revisit Pru and Garrick if you have read their story.
Whilst the course of true love may never run smoothly, you cannot help but root for Jack and Sabrina to grasp their second chance at happiness, and the well-paced plot keeps you wondering just how this can be achieved as Jack and Sabrina both seem to put obstacles in the way. The allusions to political unrest and rebellion are well written and add depth to the plot as we come to understand what prompted Sabrina's disappearance, but they also provide Jack with an understanding of the why's and wherefore's of the past and how his plans were left in tatters at the end of their original relationship.
Overall, this is yet another excellent story from Sarah Mallory with excellent characters and plot and is an entertaining read from start to finish that keeps the reader engaged and invested throughout.
November 19, 2023
It has been some years since Sabrina Kydd has seen Jack Callater - not since she married another man, and callously disregarded Jack's romantic addresses, for which Jack had felt much betrayed. But the truth is far more difficult for Sabrina than how Jack perceived her rejection. She had married a debauched man twice her age, in order to protect her father. Now a rich widow, Sabrina tells herself she is happy to be in the ball and party circles in London again. However, there is something missing, and when she sees Jack Callatar again, she can feel that something stirring back to life.
When Jack sees Sabrina Kydd again, he only knows her as the Wicked Widow - a nickname she's been given by those in their social circle. He understands that the sweet, innocent young lady she was before, is gone. However, he finds he is intrigued by her, as he has always been, even though he wishes he wasn't.
When Sabrina and Jack find themselves stranded together by a snowstorm, will they be able to reconcile any of their differences, and will Sabrina be able to put to rest the negativity of her marriage?
This was an engaging story with good side stories to bring it all together. Strangely, I found myself lost towards the end of the book because some of the earlier pages were repeated - a printing error, no doubt. After I was able to work my way back to the area of the current story, I was pleased with the ending. Nicely done.
When Jack sees Sabrina Kydd again, he only knows her as the Wicked Widow - a nickname she's been given by those in their social circle. He understands that the sweet, innocent young lady she was before, is gone. However, he finds he is intrigued by her, as he has always been, even though he wishes he wasn't.
When Sabrina and Jack find themselves stranded together by a snowstorm, will they be able to reconcile any of their differences, and will Sabrina be able to put to rest the negativity of her marriage?
This was an engaging story with good side stories to bring it all together. Strangely, I found myself lost towards the end of the book because some of the earlier pages were repeated - a printing error, no doubt. After I was able to work my way back to the area of the current story, I was pleased with the ending. Nicely done.
February 12, 2024
Quite enjoyable, but a little too political for my liking.
November 17, 2023
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review via the author.
Overall I rate this book as between three and four stars due to many of the hero's actions towards the heroine which felt rather tiresome at times.
Please note this story is also linked via characters to Sarah Mallory's book The Night She Met the Duke (2023) but you don't need to read this first to follow the story. Though I have and do recommend it!
This story has a lot of things contained within it that I like: lovers with a painful past, forced intimacy, snowy and Christmassy-like settings and a supporting cast of characters that have a lovely warm feel to them. Including one rather lost little girl.
The young Sabrina, our heroine, when she was much younger was falling in love with our hero, Jack. Unfortunately Sabrina's parents were and are in serious trouble and by association so is she. She has to marry a much older man to save her father's reputation destroying at the same time the burgeoning love affair between her and Jack.
Years later we catch up with Jack who is about to walk (albeit somewhat unwillingly) back into the now widowed and slightly scandalous society life of a wiser and hurt Sabrina. Both would rather have nothing to do with the other (or so they say) but after a failed further reunion at a country house party they will be forced to confront the past during a large and very inconvenient snow storm...
I did like the character of Sabrina particularly which is why I did not enjoy Jack so much. He was hurt but not forced to live an existence such as hers. His constant flinging in her face of this became rather tiresome and I was definitely ready for him to eat his words by the end!
An enjoyable wintery read with a reunion of two lovers. And I certainly liked their friends too.
Overall I rate this book as between three and four stars due to many of the hero's actions towards the heroine which felt rather tiresome at times.
Please note this story is also linked via characters to Sarah Mallory's book The Night She Met the Duke (2023) but you don't need to read this first to follow the story. Though I have and do recommend it!
This story has a lot of things contained within it that I like: lovers with a painful past, forced intimacy, snowy and Christmassy-like settings and a supporting cast of characters that have a lovely warm feel to them. Including one rather lost little girl.
The young Sabrina, our heroine, when she was much younger was falling in love with our hero, Jack. Unfortunately Sabrina's parents were and are in serious trouble and by association so is she. She has to marry a much older man to save her father's reputation destroying at the same time the burgeoning love affair between her and Jack.
Years later we catch up with Jack who is about to walk (albeit somewhat unwillingly) back into the now widowed and slightly scandalous society life of a wiser and hurt Sabrina. Both would rather have nothing to do with the other (or so they say) but after a failed further reunion at a country house party they will be forced to confront the past during a large and very inconvenient snow storm...
I did like the character of Sabrina particularly which is why I did not enjoy Jack so much. He was hurt but not forced to live an existence such as hers. His constant flinging in her face of this became rather tiresome and I was definitely ready for him to eat his words by the end!
An enjoyable wintery read with a reunion of two lovers. And I certainly liked their friends too.
December 3, 2023
excellent
Really enjoyed this book, it was a great story with great characters. Some sweet little twists. Great read really recommend.
Really enjoyed this book, it was a great story with great characters. Some sweet little twists. Great read really recommend.
December 24, 2023
Squee, am I pleased that we have this story, or what?
When we first met Jack in The Night She Met the Duke, I was more than just hinting, but a little desperate for Jack’s story and looky, looky, here he is, I couldn’t be happier!
Though, don’t worry if you haven’t read The Night She Met the Duke you don’t need to, as this is a stand-alone any mention of Pru and Garrick is in context with Jack’s story, so no worries and no excuses why you can’t read this one.
Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a heart-warming and eloquent second chance, proximity romance with two fractured people who must find the courage to open their hearts and learn to trust again.
Jack is everything I thought he would be, and much more, he isn’t just the tantalising rogue, a cheeky chappy with the twinkle, no, there is a heart of pure gold beating within that wide chest. He’s compassionate, sensitive and kind, and he genuinely cares for people especially his tenants who are struggling, but I can’t deny that he is super alluring and interesting, charismatic, and enigmatic I fell in love with him the second I ‘met’ him. He has so much love to give and only one woman is good enough to be in that golden aura, though she broke his heart and the trust he so willingly gave her.
Jack and Sabrina don’t have the easiest time, they have their issues, their past pain which must be healed before any chance of reconciliation, buried secrets must be revealed, trust must be earned, their shared history and the misunderstandings that circle the couple soon must be faced and what a wonderful way they are forced to confront their pasts, by being snowbound together and I thinks it's from this moment that their story steps up a notch and shines. It’s tense but their progression to finding their feet again feels natural and authentic and I was fully invested in it from the start.
I did wonder if they could ever let go of their pasts, and see what is in front of them, I loved the instant crackle of pent-up lust, one glance and they are both gone. But, it will take more than that to heal old wounds, not to mention unrest and rebellion lurking in the background which gives the story an added layer to the story, which I enjoyed.
As ever with a Sarah Mallory book I learned something new and was introduced to a new snippet of history, I had never heard of the Spa Field Riots, I’d heard of other gatherings with the Mill Workers and Union years later but this was new to me. I loved how integrated this particular part of history is within the story, which is no surprise as this is what Sarah Mallory does to perfection.
I love how relevant this is to the times we are currently living in, the cost of living crisis, and people worrying about rent and whether they will lose their livelihoods and homes. But, the difference here is that you have a man who genuinely cares for his tenants and will help them in any way that he can, the first chapter showed the kindness and compassion behind Jack’s dazzling and heart-stopping smile.
Finally, let’s take a second to absorb the festive loveliness of the cover fully, isn’t it gorgeous? True, the ‘cover’ Jack looks nothing like how I envisioned him in my head, but I’m still a little besotted with it, the colours, the way she looks at him, the sprinkling of snow – aw, everything so pretty!
I cannot recommend this enough, I adore Jack and Sabrina I have always loved a hard-fought-for love story and it is gorgeous, full of heart and raw emotion, it’s a real winner!!
When we first met Jack in The Night She Met the Duke, I was more than just hinting, but a little desperate for Jack’s story and looky, looky, here he is, I couldn’t be happier!
Though, don’t worry if you haven’t read The Night She Met the Duke you don’t need to, as this is a stand-alone any mention of Pru and Garrick is in context with Jack’s story, so no worries and no excuses why you can’t read this one.
Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a heart-warming and eloquent second chance, proximity romance with two fractured people who must find the courage to open their hearts and learn to trust again.
Jack is everything I thought he would be, and much more, he isn’t just the tantalising rogue, a cheeky chappy with the twinkle, no, there is a heart of pure gold beating within that wide chest. He’s compassionate, sensitive and kind, and he genuinely cares for people especially his tenants who are struggling, but I can’t deny that he is super alluring and interesting, charismatic, and enigmatic I fell in love with him the second I ‘met’ him. He has so much love to give and only one woman is good enough to be in that golden aura, though she broke his heart and the trust he so willingly gave her.
Jack and Sabrina don’t have the easiest time, they have their issues, their past pain which must be healed before any chance of reconciliation, buried secrets must be revealed, trust must be earned, their shared history and the misunderstandings that circle the couple soon must be faced and what a wonderful way they are forced to confront their pasts, by being snowbound together and I thinks it's from this moment that their story steps up a notch and shines. It’s tense but their progression to finding their feet again feels natural and authentic and I was fully invested in it from the start.
I did wonder if they could ever let go of their pasts, and see what is in front of them, I loved the instant crackle of pent-up lust, one glance and they are both gone. But, it will take more than that to heal old wounds, not to mention unrest and rebellion lurking in the background which gives the story an added layer to the story, which I enjoyed.
As ever with a Sarah Mallory book I learned something new and was introduced to a new snippet of history, I had never heard of the Spa Field Riots, I’d heard of other gatherings with the Mill Workers and Union years later but this was new to me. I loved how integrated this particular part of history is within the story, which is no surprise as this is what Sarah Mallory does to perfection.
I love how relevant this is to the times we are currently living in, the cost of living crisis, and people worrying about rent and whether they will lose their livelihoods and homes. But, the difference here is that you have a man who genuinely cares for his tenants and will help them in any way that he can, the first chapter showed the kindness and compassion behind Jack’s dazzling and heart-stopping smile.
Finally, let’s take a second to absorb the festive loveliness of the cover fully, isn’t it gorgeous? True, the ‘cover’ Jack looks nothing like how I envisioned him in my head, but I’m still a little besotted with it, the colours, the way she looks at him, the sprinkling of snow – aw, everything so pretty!
I cannot recommend this enough, I adore Jack and Sabrina I have always loved a hard-fought-for love story and it is gorgeous, full of heart and raw emotion, it’s a real winner!!
January 24, 2024
Un amore dal passato è un bel romanzo storico sulle seconde possibilità, con due personaggi forti, indipendenti e capaci di dissimulare i propri sentimenti. Ma anche se provano a stare lontani, una forza magnetica li spinge uno nelle braccia dell’altra e, prima o poi, i sentimenti riusciranno a prendere il sopravvento sulla ragione.
L’autrice ha costruito due protagonisti interessanti e con dei personaggi di contorno che mi sono piaciuti.
Sabrina Kidd ha diciannove anni quando fa il suo debutto in società e quando conosce Lord Callater se ne innamora all’istante. Le cose tra loro vanno benissimo e lei spera che lui chiede presto la sua mano. Ma all’improvviso accade qualcosa di inaspettato che costringe Sabrina a sposare un uomo più vecchio di lei e si trova intrappolata in un matrimonio senza amore. Quando resta vedova, però, con la reputazione già compromessa, decide di riprendere a vivere partecipando a feste e balli. È così che, dopo sei anni, incontra di nuovo Jack e scopre che l’attrazione tra loro è più viva che mai.
Jack, Lord Callater, si è innamorato di Sabrina quasi all’istante, ma quando sta per chiedere la sua mano, scopre che lei sta per sposare un altro. Anche se sono trascorsi sei anni e lui è convinto di essere andato avanti, quando incontra di nuovo Sabrina a un ballo in maschera scopre di desiderarla ancora anche se il suo cuore spezzato non gli permette di vedere le cose con la dovuta lucidità. Ma quando una tempesta di neve li costringe a una convivenza forzata affrontare i propri sentimenti diventa sempre più necessario.
La loro storia d’amore è complicata ma dolce allo stesso tempo e nonostante tutto quello che si mette in mezzo tra Jack e Sabrina il sentimento tra loro è davvero molto forte anche se faticano ad ammetterlo.
La trama ha una bella evoluzione così come il ritmo narrativo che mi ha permesso di finire il romanzo molto in fretta. Questo genere di libri si basano molto sulla tempistica in cui i due saranno di nuovo sinceri con loro stessi e ammattano così i propri sentimenti. Anche se l’idea di base mi è piaciuta, penso che l’autrice abbia aspettato troppo per far riconciliare sul serio i due protagonisti.
Lo stile di scrittura di Sarah Mallory mi piace molto, questo non è il primo romanzo che leggo dell’autrice e mi piace come riesce a dare spessore ai suoi personaggi. La sua penna è scorrevole, appassionata e attenta. Mi sono piaciuti moltissimo i dialoghi tra Jack e Sabrina, così come mi sono piaciuti i momenti in cui entrambi si lasciavano andare ai sentimenti e mostravano la loro vera anima.
Il finale è molto bello, così come lo è l’epilogo che ho trovato molto romantico e ricco di speranza.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
L’autrice ha costruito due protagonisti interessanti e con dei personaggi di contorno che mi sono piaciuti.
Sabrina Kidd ha diciannove anni quando fa il suo debutto in società e quando conosce Lord Callater se ne innamora all’istante. Le cose tra loro vanno benissimo e lei spera che lui chiede presto la sua mano. Ma all’improvviso accade qualcosa di inaspettato che costringe Sabrina a sposare un uomo più vecchio di lei e si trova intrappolata in un matrimonio senza amore. Quando resta vedova, però, con la reputazione già compromessa, decide di riprendere a vivere partecipando a feste e balli. È così che, dopo sei anni, incontra di nuovo Jack e scopre che l’attrazione tra loro è più viva che mai.
Jack, Lord Callater, si è innamorato di Sabrina quasi all’istante, ma quando sta per chiedere la sua mano, scopre che lei sta per sposare un altro. Anche se sono trascorsi sei anni e lui è convinto di essere andato avanti, quando incontra di nuovo Sabrina a un ballo in maschera scopre di desiderarla ancora anche se il suo cuore spezzato non gli permette di vedere le cose con la dovuta lucidità. Ma quando una tempesta di neve li costringe a una convivenza forzata affrontare i propri sentimenti diventa sempre più necessario.
La loro storia d’amore è complicata ma dolce allo stesso tempo e nonostante tutto quello che si mette in mezzo tra Jack e Sabrina il sentimento tra loro è davvero molto forte anche se faticano ad ammetterlo.
La trama ha una bella evoluzione così come il ritmo narrativo che mi ha permesso di finire il romanzo molto in fretta. Questo genere di libri si basano molto sulla tempistica in cui i due saranno di nuovo sinceri con loro stessi e ammattano così i propri sentimenti. Anche se l’idea di base mi è piaciuta, penso che l’autrice abbia aspettato troppo per far riconciliare sul serio i due protagonisti.
Lo stile di scrittura di Sarah Mallory mi piace molto, questo non è il primo romanzo che leggo dell’autrice e mi piace come riesce a dare spessore ai suoi personaggi. La sua penna è scorrevole, appassionata e attenta. Mi sono piaciuti moltissimo i dialoghi tra Jack e Sabrina, così come mi sono piaciuti i momenti in cui entrambi si lasciavano andare ai sentimenti e mostravano la loro vera anima.
Il finale è molto bello, così come lo è l’epilogo che ho trovato molto romantico e ricco di speranza.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
March 19, 2025
Good second chance story. Sabrina and Jack were in love six years earlier, and Jack was preparing to propose. Then, without explanation, her engagement to another man was announced, leaving Jack heartbroken and feeling betrayed. Now a wealthy young widow, Sabrina is back in London and enjoying the social scene until she encounters Jack.
I felt bad for Sabrina. Forced to marry a much older and dissolute man, her married life was miserable. Stuck playing hostess at his degenerate parties, Sabrina is tarred with the same brush and later nicknamed "The Wicked Widow." She does nothing to dispel the rumors. However, she is dissatisfied with her usual activities and yearns for something more. Meanwhile, Jack enjoys his bachelorhood and is in no hurry to marry, though sometimes he envies his friend Garrick's happiness.
When they meet again, it is evident that neither has forgotten the past. The sparks of attraction still burn between them. Sabrina regrets her actions back then and feels guilty about the pain she knows she caused him. Seeing Sabrina again stirs up the pain of her betrayal, he makes snarky comments instead of treating her with the friendly indifference he intended. Clearly, she still gets to him. After exchanging harsh words, each vows to avoid the other.
Fate has other plans, and Jack and Sabrina attend the same house party. They continue to be drawn to each other, and the attraction grows stronger with each encounter. Unfortunately, Jack cannot forgive and forget, and his hot and cold treatment of Sabrina irritated me. I had high hopes after their tryst during the house party, but an innocent comment by Sabrina sets Jack off yet again.
Determined to get away from each other, Jack and Sabrina leave the house party separately but end up together when a disabled carriage and a snowstorm forced them to take refuge in a home along the way. They must put aside their differences and work together to make it through the storm. With nowhere to run, Jack and Sabrina must face their past and decide if they can put it behind them for a future together. It was the equivalent of locking them in a room until they worked out their differences. I was happy to see Jack finally shut up and listen to Sabrina. However, there are still insecurities to overcome, and it takes a moment of danger to open their eyes to what they have to lose.
The ending was good, and I liked the epilogue.
References to political unrest run throughout the book without taking over. I liked the impact those events had on the story.
I felt bad for Sabrina. Forced to marry a much older and dissolute man, her married life was miserable. Stuck playing hostess at his degenerate parties, Sabrina is tarred with the same brush and later nicknamed "The Wicked Widow." She does nothing to dispel the rumors. However, she is dissatisfied with her usual activities and yearns for something more. Meanwhile, Jack enjoys his bachelorhood and is in no hurry to marry, though sometimes he envies his friend Garrick's happiness.
When they meet again, it is evident that neither has forgotten the past. The sparks of attraction still burn between them. Sabrina regrets her actions back then and feels guilty about the pain she knows she caused him. Seeing Sabrina again stirs up the pain of her betrayal, he makes snarky comments instead of treating her with the friendly indifference he intended. Clearly, she still gets to him. After exchanging harsh words, each vows to avoid the other.
Fate has other plans, and Jack and Sabrina attend the same house party. They continue to be drawn to each other, and the attraction grows stronger with each encounter. Unfortunately, Jack cannot forgive and forget, and his hot and cold treatment of Sabrina irritated me. I had high hopes after their tryst during the house party, but an innocent comment by Sabrina sets Jack off yet again.
Determined to get away from each other, Jack and Sabrina leave the house party separately but end up together when a disabled carriage and a snowstorm forced them to take refuge in a home along the way. They must put aside their differences and work together to make it through the storm. With nowhere to run, Jack and Sabrina must face their past and decide if they can put it behind them for a future together. It was the equivalent of locking them in a room until they worked out their differences. I was happy to see Jack finally shut up and listen to Sabrina. However, there are still insecurities to overcome, and it takes a moment of danger to open their eyes to what they have to lose.
The ending was good, and I liked the epilogue.
References to political unrest run throughout the book without taking over. I liked the impact those events had on the story.
November 29, 2023
Sabrina Kydd’s happy life is about to change.
I thoroughly enjoyed Snowbound with the Brooding Lord because it is tantalisingly romantic and totally absorbing.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the glimpse into the social whirlwind lifestyle of the rich and entitled which often belies the truth of who those people really are and how they might be feeling. Sarah Mallory includes historical detail that exemplifies the early 1800’s with clarity and helps create a feeling of authenticity. Expected manners, social niceties, and the veneer of respectability are illustrated through the soirées, parties and meals, and contrast brilliantly with the genuine passion felt by both Sabrina and Lord Jack Callater and the more simple lifestyle they are forced to adopt once they find themselves snowed in together.
The plot is fast paced and frustrating! This is by no means a criticism, but just as the developing relationship between Sabrina and Jack is frustrated by withholding of truth, by circumstances and by gossip, so the reader experiences a similar frustration to them in being desperate for them to achieve their happy ending. I thought this was highly effective story telling.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sabrina as she is a woman surviving in spite of what fate has thrown at her, but it was Jack who drew me in so completely until I found myself a little in love with him too! Both these characters are stubborn, proud, passionate, principled and foolhardy in their behaviour, leaving the reader wondering quite whether they will ever stop jeopardising their own happiness.
As well as a passionate romance and authentic historical detail, what also adds to the pleasure of reading Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is the thread of social responsibility and reform weaving through. Whilst this might be a light and diverting narrative, it had me wishing the same level of altruism displayed by Sabrina and Jack might be applied to some of those with status and power in today’s world.
Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a super read that drew me in and kept me equally as captured as those held by the snow. Sarah Mallory has persuaded me that I really do need to read more of this genre. I thought Snowbound with the Brooding Lord was smashing!
I thoroughly enjoyed Snowbound with the Brooding Lord because it is tantalisingly romantic and totally absorbing.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the glimpse into the social whirlwind lifestyle of the rich and entitled which often belies the truth of who those people really are and how they might be feeling. Sarah Mallory includes historical detail that exemplifies the early 1800’s with clarity and helps create a feeling of authenticity. Expected manners, social niceties, and the veneer of respectability are illustrated through the soirées, parties and meals, and contrast brilliantly with the genuine passion felt by both Sabrina and Lord Jack Callater and the more simple lifestyle they are forced to adopt once they find themselves snowed in together.
The plot is fast paced and frustrating! This is by no means a criticism, but just as the developing relationship between Sabrina and Jack is frustrated by withholding of truth, by circumstances and by gossip, so the reader experiences a similar frustration to them in being desperate for them to achieve their happy ending. I thought this was highly effective story telling.
I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sabrina as she is a woman surviving in spite of what fate has thrown at her, but it was Jack who drew me in so completely until I found myself a little in love with him too! Both these characters are stubborn, proud, passionate, principled and foolhardy in their behaviour, leaving the reader wondering quite whether they will ever stop jeopardising their own happiness.
As well as a passionate romance and authentic historical detail, what also adds to the pleasure of reading Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is the thread of social responsibility and reform weaving through. Whilst this might be a light and diverting narrative, it had me wishing the same level of altruism displayed by Sabrina and Jack might be applied to some of those with status and power in today’s world.
Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a super read that drew me in and kept me equally as captured as those held by the snow. Sarah Mallory has persuaded me that I really do need to read more of this genre. I thought Snowbound with the Brooding Lord was smashing!
January 3, 2025
Dear Sarah Mallory,
As ever, I love your writing. This book had plenty of those moments which cut me on behalf of the protagonists— both of them. Like Nathan Pyle’s aliens in his Strange Planet series, I the human relax by becoming overly emotionally invested in the books I read.
https://www.reddit.com/r/StrangePlane...
The crisis of the book (for lo, every romance novel must have a crisis, which I’ve written about before in a review) felt more natural this time than it has in your past writings: rather than seedy relatives pulling a gun on the protagonists in the parlor, it feels more real (especially these days, UGH) for the protagonists to be swept up into the machine of political anarchy and endangered that way.
I did not love the denouement; though a denouement is of course the tying up of loose ends and the explaining away of certain things, this one felt especially explaineyfied with the characters’ description of a medical man’s deception. The shenanigans that Mr. Doctor got up to would have been well known to both characters discussing it, and to go into it for four sentences of conversation felt shoehorned in.
Well, but I won’t take a star away for the denouement. Epilogues are tough. I judge them often more harshly than the body of the book simply for the denouementiness of their nature, but with rare exceptions, they don’t figure in to my overall enjoyment.
Please write more, and often.
Yours &c.
PS I was SO RELIEVED when this did NOT turn into a “snowbound at a roadside inn and somehow we shuffle the help out of the way so we can get it on” novel. Did you know that’s a trope? THAT’S A TROPE. So over inns!
As ever, I love your writing. This book had plenty of those moments which cut me on behalf of the protagonists— both of them. Like Nathan Pyle’s aliens in his Strange Planet series, I the human relax by becoming overly emotionally invested in the books I read.
https://www.reddit.com/r/StrangePlane...
The crisis of the book (for lo, every romance novel must have a crisis, which I’ve written about before in a review) felt more natural this time than it has in your past writings: rather than seedy relatives pulling a gun on the protagonists in the parlor, it feels more real (especially these days, UGH) for the protagonists to be swept up into the machine of political anarchy and endangered that way.
I did not love the denouement; though a denouement is of course the tying up of loose ends and the explaining away of certain things, this one felt especially explaineyfied with the characters’ description of a medical man’s deception. The shenanigans that Mr. Doctor got up to would have been well known to both characters discussing it, and to go into it for four sentences of conversation felt shoehorned in.
Well, but I won’t take a star away for the denouement. Epilogues are tough. I judge them often more harshly than the body of the book simply for the denouementiness of their nature, but with rare exceptions, they don’t figure in to my overall enjoyment.
Please write more, and often.
Yours &c.
PS I was SO RELIEVED when this did NOT turn into a “snowbound at a roadside inn and somehow we shuffle the help out of the way so we can get it on” novel. Did you know that’s a trope? THAT’S A TROPE. So over inns!
April 22, 2025
DNF @ p. 50.
I have a rule, if I really not liking a book by page 50 then I can quit reading knowing that I gave it a fair go.
The heroine and the hero in this book pissed me off so badly I honestly couldn't bring myself to spend a whole book with them.
She: Cultivates a reputation as a massive slag, because (shrug) why not? People call her a harlot so may as well lean into it right? Have some dignity, you don't have to drag your own reputation through the shit just because a few gossips have. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite you face. She's a grade A fucking idiot.
She meets her old beau at a masked ball (when I say old beau I mean they danced a few times 6 years ago and he kissed her hand. Give me strength she probably has a deeper shared history with a crossing sweeper). He proceeds to call her a whore, insults her constantly, sneers at her, insults her again, lectures her about having lovers even though he's a complete manwhore himself, then force kisses her. She *melts* at all this. Ohhh what precious moments these are, when he called me a slut and looked at me like I'm shit on his shoe. Siiiigh, what a maaaan. Fuck off.
He: Is a smug prick who is the embodiment of the bullshit double standard. This man is a total bellshine, go do one, not worth my time.
She also
I have a rule, if I really not liking a book by page 50 then I can quit reading knowing that I gave it a fair go.
The heroine and the hero in this book pissed me off so badly I honestly couldn't bring myself to spend a whole book with them.
She: Cultivates a reputation as a massive slag, because (shrug) why not? People call her a harlot so may as well lean into it right? Have some dignity, you don't have to drag your own reputation through the shit just because a few gossips have. Talk about cutting off your nose to spite you face. She's a grade A fucking idiot.
She meets her old beau at a masked ball (when I say old beau I mean they danced a few times 6 years ago and he kissed her hand. Give me strength she probably has a deeper shared history with a crossing sweeper). He proceeds to call her a whore, insults her constantly, sneers at her, insults her again, lectures her about having lovers even though he's a complete manwhore himself, then force kisses her. She *melts* at all this. Ohhh what precious moments these are, when he called me a slut and looked at me like I'm shit on his shoe. Siiiigh, what a maaaan. Fuck off.
He: Is a smug prick who is the embodiment of the bullshit double standard. This man is a total bellshine, go do one, not worth my time.
She also
December 6, 2023
On a magical night in 1810 Lord John Callater fell in love with the beautiful Sabrina Kydd only to have his heart broken when she unexpectedly married another man. Six years later Sabrina, now a wealthy widow, meets again with the handsome Lord John but tempers are heightened and there is too much angst between them for them ever to feel comfortable in each other's presence that is until they are trapped together in a raging snowstorm.
Beautifully written with gorgeous detail and a rich and spicy love story at its centre Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a wonderful escape into the Regency world of romance which this author does so very well. The characters and situations in which they find themselves are always authentic and I particularly enjoyed reading more about the Spa Fields Riots which took place in London in December 1816.
Those who have read this author's previous book, The Night She Met the Duke will recognise some of the characters and after a fleeting reference to Lord John Callater and Sabrina Kydd in that story it has been a joy to follow their tumultuous love story through to its delightful conclusion.
Beautifully written with gorgeous detail and a rich and spicy love story at its centre Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a wonderful escape into the Regency world of romance which this author does so very well. The characters and situations in which they find themselves are always authentic and I particularly enjoyed reading more about the Spa Fields Riots which took place in London in December 1816.
Those who have read this author's previous book, The Night She Met the Duke will recognise some of the characters and after a fleeting reference to Lord John Callater and Sabrina Kydd in that story it has been a joy to follow their tumultuous love story through to its delightful conclusion.
December 26, 2023
This book had so much potential, but the angst fell short for me. They got together too quickly, and after all their history, I wish their reunion had been more drawn out. I feel like the author tried to draw it out by making them argue all the time, but I wish there had been more lead up to their romantic reunion rather than it quickly happening when they hadn’t really talked about their past. But I did love the premise of this second chance romance. It was a fun, easy read.
January 4, 2024
Great book!
I loved the characters in this story, so real and engaging. The story caught me from the first page, and the emotional development of the hero and heroine kept me riveted. A first class Regency romance. I’ve already ordered another by the same author.
I loved the characters in this story, so real and engaging. The story caught me from the first page, and the emotional development of the hero and heroine kept me riveted. A first class Regency romance. I’ve already ordered another by the same author.
December 27, 2023
Snowbound Together
This second chance romance was ok but there was so much changing of minds about each other that I got whiplash. Not a stellar read, but just ok.
This second chance romance was ok but there was so much changing of minds about each other that I got whiplash. Not a stellar read, but just ok.
January 16, 2024
I know Christmas has passed but the weather here in Yorkshire at least is very cold with a promise of snow in the forecast so this book still feels very season-appropriate. Curl up in the warm and settle down with a book that will warm the cockles of your heart.
I always wonder how many different stories can be pulled out of the Regency period now it has become so popular as a subject (call it the Bridgerton effect, who else is on tenterhooks for Season 3?) and given the social constrictions of the period. However, Sarah Mallory continues to surprise and delight me with every new story she comes up with. Here we have a story of thwarted young love, honour and personal sacrifice.
I was enthralled by the way the author explores the importance of a woman’s reputation in this society and the sacrifices they were expected to make to further the ambition and security of their family, whilst at the same time being vilified for making choices that were not really choices at all. As a modern woman, it is only too easy to sympathise with these members of our sex who could never have dreamed of the freedom and choices we enjoy today. If nothing else, it will make you glad to have been born a couple of hundred years later.
As always there is a handsome and charming man over which to lust – would a Regency romance be a Regency romance without it – and the requisite misunderstandings to make sure the tale is not resolved too easily. Everything about the novel is designed to entertain and engage and it certainly worked for me on every level.
For lovers of Sarah Mallory, Mills and Boon Historical and/or Regency romance, this is a must-read for the winter months, particularly this ‘worst week of the year’ when we all need a bit of a lift. The perfect antidote to the January blues.
I always wonder how many different stories can be pulled out of the Regency period now it has become so popular as a subject (call it the Bridgerton effect, who else is on tenterhooks for Season 3?) and given the social constrictions of the period. However, Sarah Mallory continues to surprise and delight me with every new story she comes up with. Here we have a story of thwarted young love, honour and personal sacrifice.
I was enthralled by the way the author explores the importance of a woman’s reputation in this society and the sacrifices they were expected to make to further the ambition and security of their family, whilst at the same time being vilified for making choices that were not really choices at all. As a modern woman, it is only too easy to sympathise with these members of our sex who could never have dreamed of the freedom and choices we enjoy today. If nothing else, it will make you glad to have been born a couple of hundred years later.
As always there is a handsome and charming man over which to lust – would a Regency romance be a Regency romance without it – and the requisite misunderstandings to make sure the tale is not resolved too easily. Everything about the novel is designed to entertain and engage and it certainly worked for me on every level.
For lovers of Sarah Mallory, Mills and Boon Historical and/or Regency romance, this is a must-read for the winter months, particularly this ‘worst week of the year’ when we all need a bit of a lift. The perfect antidote to the January blues.
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