265 books
—
491 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Reason to Wed (Distinguished Rogues, #7)” as Want to Read:
Reason to Wed
(Distinguished Rogues #7)
by
Alternate cover edition can be found here
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, might desperately require a wife and heir, but thoughts of duty fly from his mind when he rescues Esme, Lady Heathcote, from the embarrassment of a failed affair. They usually never agree about anything. He’s never even kissed the vexing widow. But when the opportunity arises to whisk her away f ...more
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, might desperately require a wife and heir, but thoughts of duty fly from his mind when he rescues Esme, Lady Heathcote, from the embarrassment of a failed affair. They usually never agree about anything. He’s never even kissed the vexing widow. But when the opportunity arises to whisk her away f ...more
Kindle Edition, 160 pages
Published
December 8th 2015
by LLD Press
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Reason to Wed,
please sign up.
Be the first to ask a question about Reason to Wed
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Reason to Wed (Distinguished Rogues, #7)

Esme, Lady Heathcote, a merry widow, is friends (but nothing more) with Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere. The first thing I liked about this book is that the main couple is mature: Richard is 43 and Esme is 36 (or maybe older, as she has been known to lie about her age), so they’re downright elderly by the standards of Hollywood and historical romance!
Reluctantly recognizing the need to marry and beget heirs, Richard organizes a house party brimming with young, prospective brides. Among the ...more
Reluctantly recognizing the need to marry and beget heirs, Richard organizes a house party brimming with young, prospective brides. Among the ...more

from the widow's point of view!
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, needs to marry and beget an heir, entailing a curious ritual that had been part of the family myth for generations. This he refuses to do. All Richard's affairs have led him to believe that he may be unable to have children--but, nary a by blow in sight.
Esme, Lady Heathcote, a not so discreet widow lady knew she was barren. She thoroughly enjoys her independence. Lovers and no involvement are part of that.
Although never involv ...more
Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere, needs to marry and beget an heir, entailing a curious ritual that had been part of the family myth for generations. This he refuses to do. All Richard's affairs have led him to believe that he may be unable to have children--but, nary a by blow in sight.
Esme, Lady Heathcote, a not so discreet widow lady knew she was barren. She thoroughly enjoys her independence. Lovers and no involvement are part of that.
Although never involv ...more

Jul 27, 2019
SheLove2Read
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2019,
historical-fiction
Entertaining plot with an older couple (36 and 43), and a beautiful cover. I enjoyed it. 3.75 stars

3 stars, but not really. I really liked the set-up/first half. They're old friends who have always argued a bit (although in a healthy was as far as I can tell), and have recently fought over a difference of opinion. The dude has invited her to his house-party to try and smooth that over (because he was a bit of an idiot, but in a perfectly understandable way), and make it clear (to society) that they're still friends. Her lover then announces a surprise engagement, so the hero suggests they pre
...more

This romance was so romantic!! Yes, I know they are supposed to be romantic but too often they do misplace the romance for action, adventure, mystery or pathos. This has none of those, it is just all romance and a good bit of some mildly kinky sex. It is so well written that I can guarantee you will fall in love with Richard, Lord Windermere. Is he too good to be true? Well….maybe a little but his only fault is being just a touch arrogant. Esme is no Spring Chick at 36, widowed, childless and pr
...more

Phew! Hot'n sexy. Heather Boyd can always "turn up the heat". I absolutely loved this story. So steamy. Loved the plot and characters. Just adored Richard!
Second reading: as above - and still loved it! 5☆ ...more
Second reading: as above - and still loved it! 5☆ ...more

Predictable!
This was a very predictable story, but still an enjoyable read. The story opens at country house party given by the H. The h gives limited background, without much reason for it, about the animosity/antagonism that existed between them prior to this event. The author does a good job of turning them into friends and more and without details about the previous animosity it is very believable. The resolution at the end was a bit of a let down ... It was an HEA, but it seemed to lack som ...more
This was a very predictable story, but still an enjoyable read. The story opens at country house party given by the H. The h gives limited background, without much reason for it, about the animosity/antagonism that existed between them prior to this event. The author does a good job of turning them into friends and more and without details about the previous animosity it is very believable. The resolution at the end was a bit of a let down ... It was an HEA, but it seemed to lack som ...more

As some of you may know I completely adore Heather Boyd's books. I've loved every one of her books that I have read and tend to devour them in hours. This lady has a talent writing historical regency era romances that is just unbelievably awesome. Reason to Wed may have just jumped to first place in my favorite Heather Boyd book list.
I have to admit I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I have been looking forward to hearing more about Esme since An Improper Proposal. Esme is not the t ...more
I have to admit I could not wait to get my hands on this book. I have been looking forward to hearing more about Esme since An Improper Proposal. Esme is not the t ...more

This steamy historical read is refreshingly unusual in its use of older characters. Esme is thirty six (I think, though she does admit to lying about her age at one point) and has been widowed for a long time, during which she has taken many lovers, and though she is discreet she’s not the least bit prudish. Richard is in his early forties and, likewise, has taken many lovers. There’s nothing restrained or hidden between these two, though they do have an antagonistic past.
This is my first foray ...more
This is my first foray ...more

The seventh book in the Distinguished Rogues series, Reason to Wed was quite a surprising read. For one, the two main protagonist are in the older age group unusual for a historical regency romance and for one they've known each other for awhile but never been attracted to each other or os it seems. Richard is in his forties while Esme is in her thirties. These two have been running in the same social circle for ages and yet has never been lovers at all. Esme has enjoyed her widowhood with her a
...more

** I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Fascinating and sizzling! 5 stars plus
From the first page, I became fascinated by Heather Boyd's book Reason to Wed. This author is new to me, and when I saw, the cover of her book, at NetGalley, I had to request it. She didn't disappoint me, quite the opposite, I was left spellbound by Richard and Esme's passionate story. As soon as I started reading it, I soon got pulled into their story, and c ...more
Fascinating and sizzling! 5 stars plus
From the first page, I became fascinated by Heather Boyd's book Reason to Wed. This author is new to me, and when I saw, the cover of her book, at NetGalley, I had to request it. She didn't disappoint me, quite the opposite, I was left spellbound by Richard and Esme's passionate story. As soon as I started reading it, I soon got pulled into their story, and c ...more

I really liked that Richard and Esme are older. You read so many books where the characters are 20 something that is nice to read about characters who know a little of life. The maturity of Richard and Esme made this book delightful. There are two scenarios in the book - sacrificing what the H/h feels is best for the other and friends to lovers. I love the tension between Esme and Richard. They agree to a short term affair but as with most friends to lovers their caring for each other grew stron
...more

This is book 7 in the Distinguished Rogues series.
At a house party to spend some time with her lover, Esme soon learns that he is now engaged. Never one to interfere with a marriage, she find solace in the arms of Richard, the Earl of Windermere.
Always at odds with Esme in the past, Richard is surprised to find himself so attracted to her. He soon learns that it is reciprocated.
Could a fling at a house party turn into something so much more?
I loved this story!! I'm always partial to H/H that ba ...more
At a house party to spend some time with her lover, Esme soon learns that he is now engaged. Never one to interfere with a marriage, she find solace in the arms of Richard, the Earl of Windermere.
Always at odds with Esme in the past, Richard is surprised to find himself so attracted to her. He soon learns that it is reciprocated.
Could a fling at a house party turn into something so much more?
I loved this story!! I'm always partial to H/H that ba ...more

Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review........
Fantastic Historical Romance !!
This is Richard and Esme's story. Considering it was book 7 in the series, their back story was wonderfully written to fully inform the reader the as I term....the when, the what, the who and the why's !!!
Esme you are definitely a LADY WHO TAKES CHARGE ! Richard I was really glad you put the "I need a child" on the back burner to explore this passion with Esme.........and explore you ...more
Fantastic Historical Romance !!
This is Richard and Esme's story. Considering it was book 7 in the series, their back story was wonderfully written to fully inform the reader the as I term....the when, the what, the who and the why's !!!
Esme you are definitely a LADY WHO TAKES CHARGE ! Richard I was really glad you put the "I need a child" on the back burner to explore this passion with Esme.........and explore you ...more

Heather Boyd's book seven in her Distinguished Rogues series, Reason to Wed, could just as easily be called a Reason to Read! Long time frienemies confront an unexpected growing attraction in this charming romance. Worldly characters, long resigned to the roles they have assigned themselves in life, are forced by fate to take another look at their lives directions. Ms. Boyd skillfully takes her readers on the hero and heroine's whirlwind journey as they step by step succumb to love, but not with
...more

The Distinguished Rogues series came to my attention through Chills (Book #1) when it was a perma free at the beginning of the year. I thought it was adorable how this slip of a woman brought this forceful cold hearted man to his knees. From that first book I was hooked on Heather Boyd as an author. I requested a copy of Reason to Wed from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Reason to Wed is a story of two people that have faced their share of heartbreak but deeply desire the chance to b
...more

This is book 7 in "The Distinguished Rogues" series. This is a great, sweet short read.. around 160 pages. I like that this book is somewhat different in that the heroine Esme, is a widow and somewhat older than most heroines...she is her 30's. Our hero, Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere is in his 40's and is looking to find a wife to produce a heir. Richard is thrown off after rescuing Esme.. this is a really great book that I hope you will enjoy reading too!
...more

Richard the Earl of Windermere knows his duty to find a wife and create and heir but when he has the opportunity for an affair with Esme, duty flies out the winder. This is a fast paced entertaining story with plenty of steam and chemistry between Richard and Esme. The story is a roller coaster ride of emotions that I couldn’t put down. Great Read!

Really enjoyed this story.
I like a more 'mature' hero/heroine. ...more
I like a more 'mature' hero/heroine. ...more

So, I read 1-3 in a bundle and enjoyed it, but wasn't convinced (I didn't much like H 3).
I already had #7 for free, so decided to knock it off, and enjoyed it enough to actually spend money (I'm a huge cheapskate) on the 4-6 bundle. Again, I enjoyed them, but there was another H I didn't really like.
I was all set to buy the next bundle... but it's not been released. The series is up to book 10 or 11 I think, but not sure if it's going to bundle up or not... and I am a huge cheapskate and the ' ...more
I already had #7 for free, so decided to knock it off, and enjoyed it enough to actually spend money (I'm a huge cheapskate) on the 4-6 bundle. Again, I enjoyed them, but there was another H I didn't really like.
I was all set to buy the next bundle... but it's not been released. The series is up to book 10 or 11 I think, but not sure if it's going to bundle up or not... and I am a huge cheapskate and the ' ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Jul 28, 2019
norcalgal
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance,
kink-erotica
Let me be clear: the only reason I categorized this as "kink-erotica" is the physical description of the act of love is much more explicit than normally found in novels set in this era (Regency England). Were this set in the 20th/21st century, no one would raise an eyebrow over the titillation.
Saying that, because I'm not sure if widows in Regency England did act in the way described in "Reason to Wed, but if they did - more power to them! I loved that they were fierce (well, at least Esme was s ...more
Saying that, because I'm not sure if widows in Regency England did act in the way described in "Reason to Wed, but if they did - more power to them! I loved that they were fierce (well, at least Esme was s ...more

Esme Has a Reason To Wed Richard
Esme is a childless widow living in London and having affairs, but she has rules: no married or engaged men. She is invited to a house party at the estate of Lord Richard Hill, along with her current lover and other friends. Esme and Richard have been known to have public arguments, but she has never been his lover. During the house party she was having a difficult time finding her lover, when the man had the nerve to announce his betrothed to a debutant. Esme was ...more
Esme is a childless widow living in London and having affairs, but she has rules: no married or engaged men. She is invited to a house party at the estate of Lord Richard Hill, along with her current lover and other friends. Esme and Richard have been known to have public arguments, but she has never been his lover. During the house party she was having a difficult time finding her lover, when the man had the nerve to announce his betrothed to a debutant. Esme was ...more

Dec 14, 2020
Diana (DomesticGoddess)
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
free,
romance-historical
1.5 stars.
Being wanted this desperately was exactly what Esme needed. Lust was always a balm for a wounded pride and she had been feeling sorely disappointed lately.
The writing consists of short, choppy sentences with way too many of them italicized. The h acts like a whore and the H is a bore. The marriage ritual of the H’s family is almost as horrifying as it is silly. And I found the treatment of infertility “magically” cured to be disrespectful. How did I even finish this one? At least I got ...more
Being wanted this desperately was exactly what Esme needed. Lust was always a balm for a wounded pride and she had been feeling sorely disappointed lately.
The writing consists of short, choppy sentences with way too many of them italicized. The h acts like a whore and the H is a bore. The marriage ritual of the H’s family is almost as horrifying as it is silly. And I found the treatment of infertility “magically” cured to be disrespectful. How did I even finish this one? At least I got ...more

4.5 stars
What a sexy and hopeful read. He’s always wanted children and never dreamed they’d be birthed by a wife he loved. She’s always respected marriage and now a childless widow, believes she is barren. Barrenness means she can fully embrace the desires of her flesh, but not her heart. Then, she visits a house she’s been to many times before. It’s a house party, and while she and its master have never quite seen eye-to-eye, they discover together a passion, then a longing and ultimately, a un ...more
What a sexy and hopeful read. He’s always wanted children and never dreamed they’d be birthed by a wife he loved. She’s always respected marriage and now a childless widow, believes she is barren. Barrenness means she can fully embrace the desires of her flesh, but not her heart. Then, she visits a house she’s been to many times before. It’s a house party, and while she and its master have never quite seen eye-to-eye, they discover together a passion, then a longing and ultimately, a un ...more

Bondage at the house party
This book flows well and has good writing, but it suffers from not knowing what it is. Full on erotica with bondage? Or a tale of lonely souls at a house party, coming together for comfort? The love scenes dominate the first half and feel over done. They detract from what is actually a rather sweet romance.
Heather Boyd has written some of my favourite HR such as ‘The Keepsake’ and ‘Broken’ but she has hit some low points as well. This book is somewhere in the middle. An ...more
This book flows well and has good writing, but it suffers from not knowing what it is. Full on erotica with bondage? Or a tale of lonely souls at a house party, coming together for comfort? The love scenes dominate the first half and feel over done. They detract from what is actually a rather sweet romance.
Heather Boyd has written some of my favourite HR such as ‘The Keepsake’ and ‘Broken’ but she has hit some low points as well. This book is somewhere in the middle. An ...more

Loved this book, the story of Richard and Esme but wait for it, they are an older couple.
The moment I read Esme I loved her character, a widow who still wanted to live life the honest way.
Richard, wow when he fell he fell all the way.
No matter what he really wanted a life with Esme even though she is barren.
Absolutely great read, I could not put it down.
Well done Ms. Boyd
Highly recommend this read.
Stand alone
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work.
The moment I read Esme I loved her character, a widow who still wanted to live life the honest way.
Richard, wow when he fell he fell all the way.
No matter what he really wanted a life with Esme even though she is barren.
Absolutely great read, I could not put it down.
Well done Ms. Boyd
Highly recommend this read.
Stand alone
I bought this book in appreciation of the authors work.
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sinopsis en Español // Synopsis in Spanish | 1 | 2 | Oct 22, 2015 10:36AM |
USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over 40 regency romance novels and shorter works full of d
...more
Other books in the series
Distinguished Rogues
(1 - 10 of 16 books)
News & Interviews
Melissa Albert burst onto the YA scene (and catapulted into readers' hearts) with her 2018 debut The Hazel Wood. This darkly fantastical...
78 likes · 5 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »