The Banished Bride

Intrepid Heroines #1

by Andrea Pickens

A drunken laugh, a roll of the dice... and Aurora Sprague finds herself a child bride, married in haste to a young man she's never met to settle her father's gaming debt. Moments after the ceremony, the new groom gallops off to the army and Aurora is banished to a remote estate, married in name only. Years later, Alex Fenimore, now a top intelligence officer, is on a secret mission when a fiery young lady helps him escape attack. He has no idea that the woman is his wife or that the sparks of desire between them are about to ignite a dangerous passion. Best Regency of the Year Nominee, 2000 "...lush romance mixed with great humor and a touch of human frailty." ~RT magazine SCANDALOUS SECRETS SERIES, in order The Banished Bride Lady of Letters The Major's Mistake LESSONS IN LOVE, in series order The Defiant Governess Second Chances The Storybook Hero ABOUT ANDREA Andrea Pickens created her first book at the age of five—a neatly penciled story about cowboys—however she has since moved on from Westerns to writing about Regency England, a time and place that has captured her imagination ever since she opened the covers of Pride and Prejudice.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2002

About the author

Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.

Reviews

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.15*
The heavy-ish prose bogs down an already average book.
The author seems determined to pepper in period-suitable words and phrases at regular intervals. Very distracting.

Story is okay. I really dig the abandoned bride trope - and one where they both fail to recognise each other and things 'progress' - is even better. But the pace is slow and muddled and the second meeting is mis-handled and a good opportunity lost.
The h is annoying with self-pity breaking through her I'm-so-strong-and-independent mien once too often. Similarly the H drops the heroic persona a few times to spout some really immature and misogynistic nonsense.

Some sparks sputter now and then but lots of skim-able portions as well.
And the non-climactic ending further adds to the disappointment.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banished Bride

A delightful narrative that breathes new life into the regency romance genre, offering a uniquely captivating storyline that breaks free from the typical predictable patterns. The novel's charming approach provides a welcome departure from the formulaic plots often found in similar works, making it a truly engaging and memorable read.

[niteskycs · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars, wasn't this man supposed to be an intelligence officer? because from what i read, he's pretty bland and stupid

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read. Well-constructed, and there's nothing like a good grovelling from a hero.

[Wendy Menninger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this. It was obviously an earlier attempt and more like similar silly romance stories set in the time period. Very disappointing after reading the Wrexford & Sloane Mystery series.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always amazed at how little regard women were given during this time in history—especially by the very men who were supposed to protect them. In this story, Aurora Sprague’s drunken father wagers her future on a roll of the dice, marrying her off to a stranger to settle his gambling debt. Her new husband, showing no more concern for her than her father, deserts her immediately after the ceremony to join the army. He leaves instructions for her to live at his estate and doesn’t spare her another thought for years.

Fast forward, and we meet Alex Fenimore, an intelligence officer on a secret mission. During an ambush, a brave and resourceful young woman helps him escape, and Alex finds himself drawn to her in ways he didn’t expect. He has no idea who Aurora truly is, but their connection is undeniable.

Aurora is a remarkable heroine. Despite her abandonment, she builds a life of purpose, founding an agency dedicated to rescuing women from abusive situations. She’s strong, smart, and fiercely independent, believing she has no need for a man. Yet, there’s something about Alex that awakens feelings she’s never experienced before.

The chemistry between Aurora and Alex is off the charts! A chance encounter after Alex is wounded on his mission brings them back together, and Aurora’s courage shines as she assists him in his time of need. Their dynamic deepens with shared moments—her first kiss among them—and sparks fly as they navigate their growing attraction.

What I loved most was Alex’s journey. Through Aurora, he’s forced to confront his own shortcomings, especially his careless treatment of others. Their banter brought laughs, their conflicts added tension, and their tender moments melted my heart. When a would-be assassin and a fellow spy pull Aurora into the mission, the stakes rise, and their trust is put to the test.

As secrets come to light, Aurora begins to doubt whether Alex is capable of anything beyond a fleeting romance. Watching him come to terms with his past behavior and fight for a future with her was incredibly satisfying.

This story has it all—angst, action, romance, and redemption—and it all leads to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Banished Bride" by Andrea Pickens (March 2002)
Scandalous Secrets Book 1

At fourteen Aurora was offered as a winning bet in a game of chance. She was to become the bride to a son of the Earl of Woodbridge. She was heavily veiled and her inebriated groom forced to the altar. After the wedding the groom went off in his scarlet regimentals of a Lieutenant in The Horse Guards. When his father asked how long he would be gone he replied "I've no idea. The longer, the better".
Aurora was to be sent to one of the estates owned by her husband but she took off with her nanny who had inherited a small sum.
She and her nanny found out that her husband wasn't a total cad as he was sending her money every year. She didn't know where he was and after so many years (about 10) she didn't care. She ran a business called "The Sprague Agency for Distressed Females" . Going by the name of Aurora Sprague she saved wives threatened by their husbands and found out all sorts of information on unfaithful husbands. She had a girl who needed to be moved to Scotland and she had to take her there but in her haste she forgot about arranging for a companion for herself on the way back. So she he found herself with only her coachman.
Alex Fenimore (the groom) found out he was now the heir since his brother Charles had recently died of an illness. He was the new Earl of Woodbridge and was being released from his duties on the continent to return home but he didn't want to go. His commanding officer General Winthrop took pity on him and gave him one last assignment...to find a spy, a woman spy somewhere off the west coast of Scotland.
Unfortunately the act of Aurora being alone brought her to the attention of Alex who thought she was the spy. What a mad and interesting development this all becomes. Happy Reading! Reading Genie.

You might like some of the other books by Andrea Pickens:
A Diamond in the Rough
Second Chances
The Hired Hero
A Lady of Letters
The Major's Mistake

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well-written and adventurous novel, who would have thought that the roll of a dice would have such a devastating effect on an adolescent girl's life? Forced to the altar by her unscrupulous father to marry the youngest son of a degenerate earl is not the way to garner feelings of warmth or goodwill. Fortunately, Aurora has her beloved governess Robbie to help her find her feet when she is unceremoniously forced out of her home and together they charter a new direction in life. When Alex discovers that he is the new Earl after the death of his brother, his superiors give him one last mission to complete, one that takes him inadvertently into the sphere of his child bride, but neither he nor Aurora recognize the other. However, the feisty young woman has more gumption than he thought possible in the face of danger and she earns his grudging respect. Having to depend on Aurora when he is at his weakest, he quickly realizes that his assignment exposes her to danger as well and Alex feels duty-bound to ensure she is safely returned to her home. Things do not go as expected and when he and his partner reach a dead end, it is Aurora whose questioning nature leads them to the answers they need to catch a spy. Alex is weighed down with guilt for his past actions and when it is time to make matters right, that is when life takes an unexpected turn. Despite the initial antagonism between the main characters, the novel comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this well-written and adventurous novel, who would have thought that the roll of a dice would have such a devastating effect on an adolescent girl's life? Forced to the altar by her unscrupulous father to marry the youngest son of a degenerate earl is not the way to garner feelings of warmth or goodwill. Fortunately, Aurora has her beloved governess Robbie to help her find her feet when she is unceremoniously forced out of her home and together they charter a new direction in life. When Alex discovers that he is the new Earl after the death of his brother, his superiors give him one last mission to complete, one that takes him inadvertently into the sphere of his child bride, but neither he nor Aurora recognize the other. However, the feisty young woman has more gumption than he thought possible in the face of danger and she earns his grudging respect. Having to depend on Aurora when he is at his weakest, he quickly realizes that his assignment exposes her to danger as well and Alex feels duty-bound to ensure she is safely returned to her home. Things do not go as expected and when he and his partner reach a dead end, it is Aurora whose questioning nature leads them to the answers they need to catch a spy. Alex is weighed down with guilt for his past actions and when it is time to make matters right, that is when life takes an unexpected turn. Despite the initial antagonism between the main characters, the novel comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through BookSprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora Sprague is married as a child bride of just 14 by her father’s roll of the dice. She never saw his face in through her heavy veil!
She refused to buckle under the weight of his leaving to go to war!
She has formed an agency and rescued many women in desperate situations!
Major Alex aka James Hadley Alexander Finmore, the 6th Earl of Woodbridge who is also a spy!
These two have chemistry off the charts! On a return trip from a rescue woman she took to Scotland she encounters Alex after he is wounded in his mission for the crown! She assists him and experiences several firsts including her first kiss!
Alex has a conscience and thru Aurora he gets a tiny glimpse into what his neglect would feel like especially since he has been somewhat of a rake!
When she is pulled into the mission by a would assassin and a fellow spy things definitely get interesting!
There are some secrets shared but not enough for their identities to be divulged!
Is it possible to share a connection with a person you don’t know but definitely feel connected?
Aurora is all set to chase a chance at forever but she thinks that Alex is the love them and leave them type! There are some laugh out loud moments to HEA!
Alex should have groveled more and we definitely need at least 1 epilogue into their future! Bravo well done! You have hooked a new reader!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the Intrepid Heroines series, “The Banished Bride” by Andrea Pickens features Aurora, a married woman who was abandoned before she even left the altar, and Alex, the new Earl of Woodbridge and soon-to-be discharged intelligence officer. Alex mistakes Aurora for the spy he is seeking, she convinces him otherwise, and they join forces. Strong feelings develop between the two, but neither is free. You see, Alex left his young bride when he went to India to serve the Crown, but has had no contact with her in the years he has been out of the country.

Pickens makes the improbabilities of the story work (e.g. how Aurora became an unwilling child bride, mistaken identity of sorts, the way Alex and Aurora end up in close proximity to start with) in an entertaining way. While I enjoyed the story arc and the banter between the characters, I found myself wanting to know more about the spycraft part of the story. This is perhaps because I usually read historical mysteries by another of the author’s pseudonyms, Andrea Penrose.

This story is great for those who enjoy Regency romances. It was first published in 2002 and is being reprinted for release in 2025.

I received an advance review copy for free from Oliver Heber Books via Booksprout, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gambling fathers were definitely detrimental to their marriage. Aurora and Alex were forced into marriage by their degenerate fathers. When next they meet, Alex, on his last mission before leaving the military, mistakes her for the spy he is trailing. Not only does she convince him he is wrong, but she proves to be intelligent, thoughtful, and an asset to his mission. Their time together results in strong and intimate feelings, but both are married. What will happen when they discover they are married to each other. This story starts with two young people put in an untenable position. The couple married, but never saw each other. Both went on to make useful content lives. Ten years later, circumstances bring them back together. Will they part permanently, or make a happy life together? The story is well-written and entertaining, with engaging characters.
I received a special copy of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Enjoyable, Historical Romantic Adventure

They were forced to marry; he was off to the army, and she was banished to a remote estate. Neither wanted the marriage, but their parents had an agenda, and they were forced to follow it.

Years later, Alex inherited an earldom he never thought he would inherit, but he had one last mission. There were spies that must be captured, and one of them was a woman.

Aurora was not in the army, but she had her own missions. She helped women in need to escape difficult situations. What happened when the army officer turned earl, and the lady who rescued women, met in a most unexpected way? Neither recognized the other. Alex and Aurora would take us on an adventure. There was danger, and there was romance, but what happened when the truth was revealed? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romantic adventures. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this book. I have read books by Andrea Penrose (another name this author writes under) which are mysteries set in Regency times and found them to be excellently written mysteries with confounding plots and interesting characters. Perhaps this is a very early book for the author written, before she had matured as an author. I liked the characters for the most part though I thought some of the dialogue was a little modern and not true to the period and sometimes the story seemed a little forced. I think the plot and characters are a bit of a riff on Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" though not a retelling of the play. The book needs better editing too, but I'm not sure if the original printing had the errors I saw or if this has something to do with the fact that I read it as a Kindle book.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora and Alex are forced into marriage by their fathers. Alex immediately flees to the continent to take up a position in the army. Aurora finds a way to escape her family and start a business helping women who suffer at the hands of men. Neither expect to ever see each other again.

But fate has different plans. Neither recognizes the other and they must work together to help identify a spy in England. Along they way, they develop a friendship and a deeper relationship.

I enjoyed the independence of each character and their interactions. I would have liked the ending to be a little longer-it would have been nice to have some idea of how they coped with life after their HEA.

I look forward to move books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KH_mama_08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book opens with filthy men gambling and I nearly gave up on reading the book, assuming I had mistaken my understanding of what to expect from this book. However, I soon realized that the language being used by Pickens was intentionally and skillfully evoking that response. I continued reading and was rewarded with a thoroughly satisfying adventure combining espionage, a strong female character, and a love that felt like it was meant to be!

Pickens employs dramatic irony throughout the novel to create a smart humour that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys espionage, strong women, and happily ever love stories and who can tolerate a dramatic twist the characters need to overcome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun and Offbeat Regency Love Story

A young girl married to a young man she’s never met to settle a gambling debt: nothing that signals a good romance about to begin, particularly when the bridegroom immediately runs off to be a soldier in India. Time passes, and the meet again not knowing that the other is their long lost spouse. They are both in Scotland, she to help an abused wife flee her abuser, and he to catch a spy. The story takes place during the Peninsular Campaign of the Napoleonic Wars (1807-1811) and aside from being able to dry natural fiber clothes on a bush in about an hour in a Scottish summer (a feat I can barely manage with an electric dryer) and a mention of a penny stamp (which first appeared in 1840) the story moves along briskly with passion and misunderstanding to the eventual happy ending.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Intrepid Heroines series. It is an enchanting historical romance that delivers both intrigue and heart. Aurora Sprague’s whirlwind marriage to a stranger to settle her father’s debts is just the beginning of her captivating journey. Years later, she finds herself rescuing her mysterious husband, Alex Fenimore, a top intelligence officer, without him even recognizing her. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their fiery reunion ignites a dangerous passion that both excites and threatens their lives. The author does a lovely job of weaving a delightful tale of redemption, love, and second chances. If you're looking for a passionate historical romances, they this will certainly sarisfy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex and Aurora are quite a pair
Meeting after 7 years of a non-existent marriage, under different names, they fall deeply and passionately in love. Alex is possessive. He's still not ready to face reality. Aurora has built a life for herself and her Nan. But secrets eventually come out, and when they identities come out, their muddled heart becomes even more confused. All ends well, though.

There is a lot of introspective dialogue, and the attraction was well developed. Writing style was a bit choppy but humorous at some points.

Overall, it's a decent read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheri-Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those books you put down for a bit, but the story and characters call you back? That's how The Banished Bride was for me!

You see, I picked up one of those yucky winter viruses. You know, the ones that wipe you out and boggle your concentration? Yet, this lovely story kept calling me back from my hot tea and kitty snuggles.

With a very strong female lead, Aurora and Alexander's story has some interesting twists, including that neither realizes that they are married to each other when they meet!

How is this possible, you ask? Grab a copy and find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forced to wed…

Aurora was only fourteen when her father forced her to wed an earls son in lieu of a gambling debt. Is that legal? At her age? Anyways, she’s sent to live in her husband she sort of met once at the weddings country house. She and her former governess Robbie actually make a better pair. They run an agency for distressed females. Brilliant.

Alex meets Aurora years later when she’s an adult, a spunky one trying to protect women, since she wasn’t protected as a child. They have immediate chemistry and Aurora is the one who saves Alex. I still think the better couple would have been Aurora and Robbie. What fun they have. Two gals against the world. Just saying.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora was treated terribly by the men in her life, forced to marry as a young teenager and then abandoned to fend for herself with only her governess in her corner. Is it any wonder any what happened to her that she would champion women and help them again wrongs done by men. Alex thinks she’s a spy when he captures her but she ends up saving his life and helping him find the real traitor. They both lied but Alex made her believe romance was possible for her and he treats her badly especially after he discovers their connection.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Romance..

I stopped reading romance novels a long time ago - my own feelings that Aurora expresses in this story. I couldn't resist reading Andrea Pickens, though, as I love her books written by her alter ego, Andrea Penrose. Reading this has softened my cynical heart and makes me smile and a bit "misty".

A good story where we the reader know the secret and we watch our protagonists find their way. If you love Romance novels - a must read. If you too have a bit of a cynical heart, enjoy the story by a master story teller and you can feel "misty" too!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story about two people who are forced to marry at young ages, and then separated for over 10 years. When they find each other again, under interesting circumstances, neither knows who the other one really is. The truly negative aspect to this book is the appalling lack of editing and/or proofreading. Many sentences had either extraneous words or omitted words, sometimes making it a puzzle to figure them out. Very unprofessional.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Banished Bride” (Intrepid Heroines book 1) by Andrea Pickens
A Good Read
This January 2025 version of this story kept me entertained from start to finish with its combination of twists and turns. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed my time within this story. It was a fun read. Although there were a few scenes that shared a bit more detail than I prefer to witness. I am curious what has changed from the March 2002 version. Happy Reading ! !

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora is auctioned off by her worthless father to a man who deserts her. Finding her feet after being so horribly treated she comes into contact with Alex who is essentially very self absorbed. Good banter between the two and some good chemistry yet what's the most interesting is how Alex grows and develops shedding the majority of his self absorbance. Well written and good ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot seemed a little unbelievable. With so many people how these two met unexpectedly was a little hard to swallow as they were in an area that they usually would never visit. I thought they both were a little too hard on the other person as they were both forced into the marriage. At least the hero started to feel guilty on how he handled the situation. It was an interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of the Scandalous Secrets and is an original and well written love story. A card game, a forced marriage, the army, espionage, and a woman's agency for help were all very engaging. A shooting, attempted murder, a shocking reunion, passion, humor, wit, and so many more emotional issues kept me highly entertained. I enjoyed the beautiful romantic love that ended happily. I highly recommend reading!

[Auntie BoBo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It made me go feral. It was giving enemies to lovers, independent woman and, touch her and die. The banter, it was bantering. And Alex, he's a new book boyfriend. I LOVE this book so much and it's a new favorite. Favorite quote was...

"I love your courage, your strength, your sense of humor. I even love the annoying little wiggle of your brow when you are angry. Hell's bells, I love you, Alex Fenimore."

[Nancy Raines · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story had a plot that was so unbelievable, the author herself admitted it.

Furthermore, the smart, effective, competent FMC, on spending a day with the MMC had all her brains dribble out her vagina. By the end of the book, she was a complete idiot who was constantly wet. Fortunately for her, the MMC (all of whose blood was apparently in his other head) was just as bad, so they're perfect for each other. Blech