Pariah

The Old Maids' Club #2

by Catherine Gayle

After selling his major’s commission in the Dragoons, Lord Roman Sullivan wants nothing more than a calm, sedate life in the country where he’s agreed to act as steward over his father’s estate. Society is no place for a man who can’t sleep without fear of attacking an innocent in the night, after all. But upon his arrival, madness lands in his path in the form of a secret-keeping pixie of a lady, a precocious boy, a lady in the throes of dementia, and a band of rabidly loyal servants, who combine to capture both his attention and what’s left of his heart in one fell swoop.

Bethanne Shelton keeps a great many secrets, most of which are not hers to reveal. Keeping them close to her chest is the one sure way to make certain her life remains as normal as possible. Even her family can’t discover the truth, lest Finn be taken away from her. In order to protect him, she ignores the whispers of pariah and worse. But her Aunt Rosaline’s health is rapidly declining, and Roman is the only one able to calm her. He’s getting too close, and if he unveils Bethanne’s mysteries, she’ll lose her family. One thing is certain: no matter what happens, she is bound to lose her heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Ebooks, Contemporary

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2012

About the author

***Please note that series numbering of the Portland Storm series is different at Goodreads than it is on Catherine's website or at any retailer. Goodreads policy will not allow the series numbering to match anything else. If this confuses you, please complain to Goodreads, as it is not Catherine's fault.***

Catherine Gayle is a USA Today bestselling author of more than forty contemporary hockey romance and Regency-set historical romance novels and novellas. Soon, she'll be launching her debut contemporary small-town romance series. She's sold more than three-quarters of a million books. She’s a transplanted Texan living in North Carolina with two extremely spoiled felines. In her spare time, she watches way too much hockey and reality TV, plans fun things to do for the Nephew Monster’s next visit, and performs experiments in the kitchen which are rarely toxic.

Catherine doesn't check messages on Goodreads very often. Please contact her through her website for a timely response.

Reviews

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a small boy and an ailing aunt to look after Bethanne Shelton has enough on her mind, what she doesn’t need is the baffling presence of Lord Roman Sullivan in her life. Even if he does have a very irritating habit of swooping in to save the day. Lord Roman Sullivan has returned from war haunted and plagued with nightmares, but determined to focus on the estate his father has given him. He did not expect to be distracted by Miss Shelton and her motley crew of family and servants. But, the closer he gets to the household, the harder it is to pull away from them and their beautiful, yet exhausted mistress.

This is another book that I have been meaning to read for ages, but have never gotten around to. I had enjoyed the first book in the series, it was light hearted and sweet, and I was in the mood for some more. And I got it. With its cast of adorable small boy, beloved aunt succumbing to dementia and the loyal servants trying to look after them, this book was very charming.

The romance built steadily through the book as Roman and Bethanne get to know one another and slowly reveal their secrets. The chemistry between then was there from the start and I enjoyed watching them fall in love as disaster seems to reign down on them.

This was a nice easy read, heart-warming and romantic. So if you are in the mood for something sweet this summer I recommend you give this a try.

Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Old Maids Club. In the story we focus on Bethanne Sheltons story and how she meets Lord Roman Sullivan, a son of the Marquess of Herringdon.

I love Bethanne story first off. The story line really fits her character. Poor Bethanne is burden down by so many secrets that she really needs help. Along comes Lord Roman and the best way to describe him would be baggage laden war hero. They both need to learn trust in order to make there love come alive.

If you have read the first book you really need to continue on and read Bethanne's story. Hers is such a heart warming story that really shows the true meaning of love.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a small boy and an ailing aunt to look after Bethanne Shelton has enough on her mind, what she doesn’t need is the baffling presence of Lord Roman Sullivan in her life. Even if he does have a very irritating habit of swooping in to save the day. Lord Roman Sullivan has returned from war haunted and plagued with nightmares, but determined to focus on the estate his father has given him. He did not expect to be distracted by Miss Shelton and her motley crew of family and servants. But, the closer he gets to the household, the harder it is to pull away from them and their beautiful, yet exhausted mistress.

This is another book that I have been meaning to read for ages, but have never gotten around to. I had enjoyed the first book in the series, it was light hearted and sweet, and I was in the mood for some more. And I got it. With its cast of adorable small boy, beloved aunt succumbing to dementia and the loyal servants trying to look after them, this book was very charming.

The romance built steadily through the book as Roman and Bethanne get to know one another and slowly reveal their secrets. The chemistry between then was there from the start and I enjoyed watching them fall in love as disaster seems to reign down on them.

This was a nice easy read, heart-warming and romantic. So if you are in the mood for something sweet this summer I recommend you give this a try.

[Frankiejohnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I loved it. Unique story line, great characters, and dealing with a loved one with dementia was well written. It also took me a little bit to figure out the reasons behind the secrets, which I can usually figure out after the Prologue.

Note: This is G-rated, unlike book 1 in the series. I wanted there to be more in this department.

Happy Reading!
Frankie

[Elizabeth Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent book, but so far I liked book 1 the best. Can't wait to read Shelved, book 3.

[Tehreem · Rating 2 out of 5]

This proved to be a very disappointing book. The plot was full of holes and the story just didn't capture my interest as the first book did.

[Heidi Meaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

I do like Catherine Gayle. A heart breaking tale of secrets, regrets, assumptions and guilt. Not soley for the main characters.
Although there are twists and turns, compassion and kindness the tale is not smothered to the extent that the story loses its way.
Another brilliant read from Ms. Gayle.

[Roselyn Grodzicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best story of old maids and good life long friends!

I liked the way the author made the characters full with all good and bad feelings. Like most of the world. The central folks are well rounded and they are people I would like to know!

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A solid read with plenty to enjoy!

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - If you are looking for a CLEAN non-Christian romance - you have found it

I have had this book in my TBR folder since I finished The Wallflower (which I loved).

This book was good - but parts of it were a bit unbelievable. Especially the parts where everyone in town shuns Bethanne. Her uncle is an Earl and pays her bills - these town folks are going to deny her credit? Really? Also she has been living with her aunt for 8 years and Finn is 2 - but everyone believes he is hers? Again, Really?

I loved Roman. He is a gentleman through and through. He is tortured and suffering with PTS from his time at Waterloo. He has violent nightmares and doesn't feel worthy of love.

Bethanne is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and has finally reached her breaking point. Between the shunning, Finn, her aunt (who has what I assume is advanced Alzheimer's ) and all the secrets. She is barely functioning. She cries A LOT. And pushes Roman away at first.

Roman has a calming effect on Bethanne's aunt, so finally she relents and lets Roman help.

The story is good and well written, but it is really kind of bland. There is not really any sexual tension or even any real angst to drive the story. It is basically two people helping each other get through a bad time in their lives and I guess falling in love.

I didn't really feel the love. I agree with another reviewer who felt Roman was more in love with her aunt and with Finn than Bethanne.

I didn't love this book. But it was a nice, mindless read that was easy to put down and pick up later.

[Jody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this ebook after reading Wallflower. I want to read all of the Old Maid Books and wish I knew when Shelved was coming out. But as regards this book, it was good but seemed kinda long winded. It took forever for everyone's secrets to be revealed. I think most of the book told about Aunt Rosalind's episodes. But it did eventually get around to telling the back stories to Bethanne and Roman. And their current story of course.
I hate the town peoples treatment of Bethanne and wish that it would have told the story of the grocers meeting with her brother and maybe even the rest of the town people. I would also like to know how they reacted to the wedding.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching story, with a hero who suffers from PTSD and a heroine caring for a beloved Aunt who has Alzheimers. It may not sound romantic with that description, but I thought these two wounded souls found acceptance in each other. This is rated G, and the one intimate scene is only alluded to. Book 2 in the Old Maids series but this can easily be read as a standalone story. My only complaint is that I thought the problems, while not entirely solved, seemed to be "handled" a little too quickly at the end to be 100% believable. Still, a very good read. 3.75 stars/B

[Lynde Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong and determined woman and a true Hero who demonstrates strength and compassion make this story a great read. Bethanne has made herself a pariah, thought of as a light skirt by the local village members because she is keeping secrets and caring for her loved ones the best way she knows how. And along comes Lord Roman Sullivan like a knight in shining armor to the rescue. A very romantic read that I recommend to those who enjoy a good historical romance.

[Lisa Baffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars!

This was a very good story. I liked how Bethanne and Roman were able to help each other. Also, the secrets were a nice twist to the story. However, I would have liked at least one steamy scene.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for the true romantic.

[Nicol Legakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was much better than the first book in the series, in that it dealt with the harsh realities of dementia and PTSD. It was less fluff, and less s-e-x! I really enjoyed it.

[Renee J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good story, I thought the h/H relationship moved slowed, and no sex kinda sucked...