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Free Fellows League #3
Hardly a Husband
What’s a gentleman to do when a lady demands that he seduce her? Jarrod, fifth Marquess of Shepherdston, gets the shock of his life when childhood friend Sarah Eckersley shows up on his doorstep one rainy night with a tempting proposition. The daughter of the village rector, Sarah is desperate for money and has decided that becoming a courtesan is her only hope for saving her family. And she wants Jarrod to teach her the art of seduction. As the leader of the Free Fellows League, Jarrod is wary of a marriage trap. He agrees only to help Sarah find a husband—but soon finds himself bristling at the thought of any other man touching her creamy skin or kissing her luscious lips. He reluctantly offers Sarah a marriage of convenience, in which he will be hardly a husband—until his heart decides otherwise… Book 3 of the “Free Fellows League” Series, which includes BARELY A BRIDE, MERELY THE GROOM, HARDLY A HUSBAND, TRULY A WIFE, A BACHELOR STILL and CLEARLY A COUPLE (a novella from TALK OF THE TON) “Tender, enthralling romance straight from the heart!”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author “Sparkling romance and passion that sizzles…Rebecca Hagan Lee taps into every woman’s fantasy!”—Christina Dodd, New York Times bestseller “Rebecca Hagan Lee warms my heart and touches my soul. She’s a star in the making!”—Sabrina Jeffries, New York Times bestselling author “Historical romance fans are fortunate to have a treasure like Rebecca Hagan Lee.”—Affaire de Coeur
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2004
134 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Hagan Lee
34 books101 followersRebecca Hagan Lee has had many different jobs, earning her beads of experience on the necklace of life with each one, but her desire to write was constant. After graduating from college, she set out to make her mark in the world of television journalism, but somewhere along the way, she decided she was a small town girl at heart and settled in a town where the media consisted of a weekly newspaper and an AM radio station.
Seeking a creative outlet, she turned to writing romance and began to write stories far different from those in the world of television news, but not that far removed from the hundreds of episodes of Daniel Boone, Big Valley, Gunsmoke and Bonanza she had watched growing up. She decided to create stories where good guys win, bad guys lose, prostitutes have hearts of gold and the heroes and heroines who fall in love and persevere are richly rewarded with incredibly bright futures and happy endings. In her world, heroines don't die or get killed off to make way for the next episode's new love interest. Her heroines get their men and help them become ideal husbands, lovers, friends and fathers.
Rebecca lives in a small southern town with her husband, a miniature schnauzer, two rat terriers, a half dozen barn cats, and two extraordinary horses. She is currently seated at the computer working hard to make her dreams come true, or riding off with her hero into the sunset. . .
Seeking a creative outlet, she turned to writing romance and began to write stories far different from those in the world of television news, but not that far removed from the hundreds of episodes of Daniel Boone, Big Valley, Gunsmoke and Bonanza she had watched growing up. She decided to create stories where good guys win, bad guys lose, prostitutes have hearts of gold and the heroes and heroines who fall in love and persevere are richly rewarded with incredibly bright futures and happy endings. In her world, heroines don't die or get killed off to make way for the next episode's new love interest. Her heroines get their men and help them become ideal husbands, lovers, friends and fathers.
Rebecca lives in a small southern town with her husband, a miniature schnauzer, two rat terriers, a half dozen barn cats, and two extraordinary horses. She is currently seated at the computer working hard to make her dreams come true, or riding off with her hero into the sunset. . .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 11, 2025
Hardly a Husband is a sweet Historical Romance between the last Unwed Original Member of The Free Fellows League. Jarrod the 5th Marquis of Sherpherdston and the leader of the Free Fellows has vowed never to marry and if by chance he has too marry he has vowed never to love his wife. This is one of the rules of The Free Fellows League. The original 3 memebers Griffin, Colin and Jarrod were 9 and 10 yrs old when they formed there League and sign the charter in there blood. Now they are all grown up and Jarrod is the last to wed of the original 3 remembers. Jarrod parents are dead an die in a horrible murder/suicide that he witness. As a young boy he was followed around by the rectors daughter Sarah Eckersley age 5. Sarah has vowed to one day marry Jays as she calls him.
When Sarah's father suddenly dies she is left alone with her Aunt Etta and they are literally and physically thrown out of there parish home by the new rector.
Sarah and her aunt move to London were she appeals to Jarrod to seduce her and teach her to be a courtesan. Jarrod/Jays does all he can to keep Sarah from going through with her threat short of taken her virginity. As they relationship continues to grow Jarrod does realize that he love her and does the right thing and marries her. But there is a lot that happens before this. I really loved the part of Sarah's Aunt Etta after 20 years marring the love of her life Lord Rob Mayhew who is also, Jarrod's uncle and Godfather. This was a lovely secondary side story.
I Highly Recommend Hardly a Husband!!
When Sarah's father suddenly dies she is left alone with her Aunt Etta and they are literally and physically thrown out of there parish home by the new rector.
Sarah and her aunt move to London were she appeals to Jarrod to seduce her and teach her to be a courtesan. Jarrod/Jays does all he can to keep Sarah from going through with her threat short of taken her virginity. As they relationship continues to grow Jarrod does realize that he love her and does the right thing and marries her. But there is a lot that happens before this. I really loved the part of Sarah's Aunt Etta after 20 years marring the love of her life Lord Rob Mayhew who is also, Jarrod's uncle and Godfather. This was a lovely secondary side story.
I Highly Recommend Hardly a Husband!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2010
Another example of my problem with closure. I read one, and liked it, and had to read the whole series, even though they were not that good. The best part of this book were the quotations at the beginning of each chapter. My favorite was Virgil, chapter 12 "We are not all capable of everything." It was the quotes that kept me plugging along.
May 25, 2019
DNF @ 75% mark.
This book,#3 in FFL series, took place in May 1813.
Jarrod & Sarah were the couple. The series repeated
some themes IE the H taught the innocent h about
male anatomy and sex play, none of the FFL men
wanted to wed: the readers got that message loud
and clear. Why the needless repetition?
I jumped ahead. This story became gory about the
75% mark & I DNF. I could have understood the
gore if this were a murder mystery, but it was not.
A minor plot point: but how can a 5 year old girl (h)
fall in love with a 13 year old boy (future H)?
This book,#3 in FFL series, took place in May 1813.
Jarrod & Sarah were the couple. The series repeated
some themes IE the H taught the innocent h about
male anatomy and sex play, none of the FFL men
wanted to wed: the readers got that message loud
and clear. Why the needless repetition?
I jumped ahead. This story became gory about the
75% mark & I DNF. I could have understood the
gore if this were a murder mystery, but it was not.
A minor plot point: but how can a 5 year old girl (h)
fall in love with a 13 year old boy (future H)?
June 15, 2019
This is a lively tale that starts out in Helford Green, England; the year is 1813. Sarah Eckersley and her aunt are coming to terms with the death of Sarah’s father (and last parent). His vicar living has passed on to a loathsome new rector and his odious family.
Because of the machinations of Sarah’s “fiancée” (they are engaged only in Lord Dunbridge’s mind), Sarah and her aunt have been thrown out of the vicarage early – with no place else to turn – except to marry Lord Dunbridge or become a governess to the new vicar’s awful brats. Appalled by these choices, Sarah goes to the home of a childhood friend, Jarrod, fifth Marquess of Shepherdston. Sarah has been in love with him since she was five years of age.
Arriving at 3 in the morning, Sarah asks Jarrod to train her to become a mistress so she can keep herself and her aunt together. Jarrod is horrified by the idea (after all, Sarah is the virtuous daughter of an admired vicar). Then she explains her situation and says that she only has three weeks to find a husband or one will be found for her.
Sarah has asked Jarrod because she wants to control her own destiny – something that was not common practice in that day and time. But Jarrod is a founding member of the Free Fellows League; they are dedicated to the idea of avoiding marriage at all costs. Knowing Jarrod’s views on marriage, Sarah agrees with him; Jarrod is ‘hardly marriage material.’ However, he is a bit miffed that Sarah would think that of him! Instead, Jarrod promises to help her find a suitable husband. Before she leaves, Jarrod gives Sarah her first kissing lesson and both are shocked by the experience. Jarrod worries that he may not be able to tolerate Sarah marrying another, although he isn’t interested in the marriage state for himself.
The fifth Marquess and Sarah were very appealing; the dialog was lively and fun. The story was slowed down a bit by the side story of Sarah’s aunt meeting a long-lost love. This story can stand alone, although it is third in a five-part series.
Free Fellows League
1. Barely a Bride (2003)
2. Merely the Groom (2004)
3. Hardly a Husband (2004)
4. Truly a Wife (2005)
5. A Bachelor Still (2015)
Because of the machinations of Sarah’s “fiancée” (they are engaged only in Lord Dunbridge’s mind), Sarah and her aunt have been thrown out of the vicarage early – with no place else to turn – except to marry Lord Dunbridge or become a governess to the new vicar’s awful brats. Appalled by these choices, Sarah goes to the home of a childhood friend, Jarrod, fifth Marquess of Shepherdston. Sarah has been in love with him since she was five years of age.
Arriving at 3 in the morning, Sarah asks Jarrod to train her to become a mistress so she can keep herself and her aunt together. Jarrod is horrified by the idea (after all, Sarah is the virtuous daughter of an admired vicar). Then she explains her situation and says that she only has three weeks to find a husband or one will be found for her.
Sarah has asked Jarrod because she wants to control her own destiny – something that was not common practice in that day and time. But Jarrod is a founding member of the Free Fellows League; they are dedicated to the idea of avoiding marriage at all costs. Knowing Jarrod’s views on marriage, Sarah agrees with him; Jarrod is ‘hardly marriage material.’ However, he is a bit miffed that Sarah would think that of him! Instead, Jarrod promises to help her find a suitable husband. Before she leaves, Jarrod gives Sarah her first kissing lesson and both are shocked by the experience. Jarrod worries that he may not be able to tolerate Sarah marrying another, although he isn’t interested in the marriage state for himself.
The fifth Marquess and Sarah were very appealing; the dialog was lively and fun. The story was slowed down a bit by the side story of Sarah’s aunt meeting a long-lost love. This story can stand alone, although it is third in a five-part series.
Free Fellows League
1. Barely a Bride (2003)
2. Merely the Groom (2004)
3. Hardly a Husband (2004)
4. Truly a Wife (2005)
5. A Bachelor Still (2015)
July 20, 2017
#3 of this delightful series and still fun and entertaining. Jarrod is the eldest of the original 3 founders of the FFL and the most lost and most clueless about his emotions. A very good thing then that Sarah is the intrepid one and the constant one. Sarah met Jarrod's insecurities with her unfailing faithfulness and steadfast devotion (not to be mistaken for weakness and being a doormat); and even up to the point of realization that she can find it in herself to let him go if her love is a burden to him as well as for years feeling unworthy of him and that he is unworthy of her instead. That, shook Jarrod's complacency. Well~written, interposed with humor that I like, except for Jarrod's angst which can be annoying at times (but I forgive him)... altogether a very Good read.
April 20, 2021
Third book in the Free Fellows League. Jarrod, Marquees of Shepherdson is relentlessly pursued in this book by childhood friend Sarah Eckersley. Sarah's pursuit is the main reason I didn't enjoy this book like I did the first two. Sarah's character just turned me off. A foppish member of the Ton and friend of Beau Brummell has advised him to marry and he chooses Sarah after her father the local vicar dies. Sarah refuses him so he kicks Sarah and her aunt out of the vicarage in an attempt to force her to marry him. They run to London where Sarah seeks out Jarrod for help. She attempts to seduce Jarrod and when he rejects her, she asks him to instruct her so she can become a courtesan. What follows is a mess with everyone scheming to get Jarrod to marry Sarah including her aunt and his uncle. If it wasn't for Sarah and her naivety and stubbornness, I think I would have enjoyed this book more.
May 12, 2018
Rebecca Hagan Lee is the best storyteller and the Free Fellows League can't be beat.
Hardly a Husband is an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. Poor Sarah is a pawn in other men's machinations and she turns to Jarrod for help in a very unusual way. My heart went out to Sarah in her journey to find a solution to her dilemma and as she becomes closer to Jarrod she finds hope. Follow their romantic journey as their romance turns to everlasting love and Jarrod finds his other half after living a lonely life without love in it. Wonderful reading and well worth my time to read again and again.
Hardly a Husband is an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. Poor Sarah is a pawn in other men's machinations and she turns to Jarrod for help in a very unusual way. My heart went out to Sarah in her journey to find a solution to her dilemma and as she becomes closer to Jarrod she finds hope. Follow their romantic journey as their romance turns to everlasting love and Jarrod finds his other half after living a lonely life without love in it. Wonderful reading and well worth my time to read again and again.
March 23, 2021
An appealing combination of steamy and sweet this third book in the series details the story of Jarrod’s path to marriage. I enjoyed the banter and rapport between Jarrod and his childhood friend Sarah, or as Jarrod might say “nuisance” follower and loved how the hero was finally able to open his heart to a happily ever after. The addition of a romance for Sarah’s aunt was a much appreciated bonus to this romance and the villain led a touch of fear and adventure to the story.
September 24, 2023
Pain to healing
Never having
been loved as a child then witnessed his parents death at 16. Jerrod feared and rejected love in self defense. One
Little girl never gave up trying to give him love till he hurt her and she turned away did learn that love must be given as well as received.
Never having
been loved as a child then witnessed his parents death at 16. Jerrod feared and rejected love in self defense. One
Little girl never gave up trying to give him love till he hurt her and she turned away did learn that love must be given as well as received.
August 6, 2018
The story line was okay but I did not find the female lead, Sarah, at all interesting. The beginning of the story was so promising but charactors and details were not well developed. I would rather read a story about her aunt.
February 1, 2018
Free Fellows league Book 3
Just as good as the first two. Looking forward to the next one. Very well written romance series. Each story is entertaining and captures your attention.
Just as good as the first two. Looking forward to the next one. Very well written romance series. Each story is entertaining and captures your attention.
February 4, 2018
A great read
October 14, 2019
Loving this series.
October 31, 2020
3.5 library copy
February 5, 2023
Wonderful!!!
Yes! So happy for Jarrod! Finally he found love! Great story and great insights into the characters as well. Lovely book from beginning till the end!
Yes! So happy for Jarrod! Finally he found love! Great story and great insights into the characters as well. Lovely book from beginning till the end!
September 21, 2025
The third book in the series
Jarrod finds himself in heaps of trouble when the debtors daughter shows up with seduction on her mind. Can she resolve the seduction I to a marriage?
Jarrod finds himself in heaps of trouble when the debtors daughter shows up with seduction on her mind. Can she resolve the seduction I to a marriage?
Read
February 9, 2018Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Listened February 7 & 8 2018
10hrs 50min
Narrator: Virginia Leishman does a good job.
It was ok funnier that the first one but pretty much the same story.
AUDIOBOOK: Listened February 7 & 8 2018
10hrs 50min
Narrator: Virginia Leishman does a good job.
It was ok funnier that the first one but pretty much the same story.
March 15, 2017
Just, meh. Boring at times even. I did like how the story was intertwined with the other books' stories but I found that I skimmed my way through these scenes. I won't be picking up any other book from this series.
March 4, 2017
This book left me hanging.
August 20, 2009
This one is a bit steamy - so not for the faint at heart :)! The first book had a scene or two, the second one a little more, and the 3rd even more. Great books if you're in the mood for a little predictable historical period type romance (even if slightly unbelievable by the time you get to the 3rd installment). This is the 3rd book in the series and they all have the same basic formula. However, I have to admit, I have enjoyed each one a little more :)! These books are a nice change of pace from the usual murder/mystery that I typically listen to.
June 11, 2020
Another good one!
I'd been wondering how stoic, on-task Jarrod would be brought to his knees in love. And it didn't disappoint. There was a little more angst and resistance on Jarrod's side which isn't surprising. Only a little annoying until you realize his reasoning for his aversion to love and marriage. But time-wise he actually comes to his conclusion to love Sarah quickly. Only in a matter of days. And the childhood friends to lovers trope is a sweet one!
As the other books have had, this one does have some steamy moments.
I'd been wondering how stoic, on-task Jarrod would be brought to his knees in love. And it didn't disappoint. There was a little more angst and resistance on Jarrod's side which isn't surprising. Only a little annoying until you realize his reasoning for his aversion to love and marriage. But time-wise he actually comes to his conclusion to love Sarah quickly. Only in a matter of days. And the childhood friends to lovers trope is a sweet one!
As the other books have had, this one does have some steamy moments.
November 4, 2009
Steamy ... Darn right. OK so what is it about folks not getting the understanding that Virtuous and Chastity is not a movable line up until intercourse takes place. That just pissed me off about this book. Its like Bill Clinton wrote it himself (depends on your definition of sexual relations) BULL Crap.
FYI, the STORY was good except for the way over use of sex within and the lack of any understanding about standards
FYI, the STORY was good except for the way over use of sex within and the lack of any understanding about standards
May 19, 2015
This is a difficult scenario in my opinion. Sarah has loved Jarrod since childhood and he is "fond" of her. She wore her feelings on her sleeve and men aren't usually sensitive to it. This couple required intercession from her aunt in order for Jarrod to come out of his male centered coma. There is a good mystery linking and lingering in the background which adds to the tempo. Great story.
March 31, 2010
4.5 stars, I love the Free Fellows League! I'm reading these on audio and missed #2 because it wasn't available at the library. I can't wait to read Collins story next! Hardly a Husband was great but #1 Barely a Bride was better.
February 21, 2021
A re-read of the series after 8 years (blame Bridgerton).
This series is certainly interesting enough that I read the whole lot in a week, but not a favourite read by a long shot. The characters, romance and plot are interesting enough, but not memorable enough to be a great read.
This series is certainly interesting enough that I read the whole lot in a week, but not a favourite read by a long shot. The characters, romance and plot are interesting enough, but not memorable enough to be a great read.
September 14, 2016
Some people deserve a happy ending and Jarrod and Sarah got theirs. A story so well written that it arose so many emotions in me, I cried, laughed and had my heart shattered just from reading this book.
I simply fell in love with this one
I simply fell in love with this one
December 6, 2016
Apparently I can't count
...and read book three before two. But they are stand alone enough to withstand the detour. I enjoyed this little adventure greatly and look forward to reading the others in the series.
...and read book three before two. But they are stand alone enough to withstand the detour. I enjoyed this little adventure greatly and look forward to reading the others in the series.
July 14, 2010
Did not write a review for this book
November 12, 2012
I was looking for a fun Regency story to read. This was not it. I stopped at Chapter 6 and saved myself from sinking a few hours of my life into a book I cannot have liked.
October 27, 2013
túto knihu neznášam :D čítala som ju už veľmi dávno, ale to viac prehovorila bábka ako tu Gillian.. do nej by ste slabulinko fúkli a už by sa rozpadla na prach..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews