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Reason to Wed

(Distinguished Rogues #7)

Heather Boyd (Goodreads Author)

4.04 · Rating details · 729 ratings · 79 reviews

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

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Kindle Edition, 160 pages

Published December 8th 2015 by LLD Press

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2015 Historical Romance (July - December)

265 books — 491 voters

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Nov 15, 2015 Lady Wesley rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, amz-rev, rhr, arc-rev, rhr-update

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 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 guests are Esme and her current amour, but when that gentleman suddenly announces his engagement to one of the young lovelies, Richard is appalled to think of Esme suffering such embarrassment. His solution: offer to engage in an affair-of-convenience with Esme for the duration of the house party.

“Why not?” thinks Esme. It could be enjoyable and would help her save face before the other guests. Esme is already helping Richard by acting as his de facto hostess and as time passes, Richard realizes that he is becoming smitten with her. She would make a perfect countess, apart from the fact that Esme knows that she would not be a good wife for Richard, as he needs an heir and she is barren. Moreover, Esme has no interest in marrying again and surrendering her independence.

I liked Esme; she is strong and determined but not without softness. In most other Regency romances, a woman like Esme would be cast as the wicked Other Woman, but here she is a character deserving of our admiration. Richard is admirable as well. This series is called Distinguished Rogues, but I’m not sure that Richard is really a rogue. When he falls for Esme, he falls hard, and that’s always fun to watch. Esme refuses marriage, but I never felt that she was stringing him along for no good reason.

I always enjoy house party stories because I like watching the interplay among the guests. This book handles that aspect very well and also includes lots of humorous banter between Richard and Esme. There’s a bit of ludicrousness about Richard’s family tradition of abducting brides, but that passes quickly. All in all, Reason to Wed was a quick, fun read – just the thing for a rainy Saturday afternoon. Heather Boyd is an author I will definitely read again.
...more

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Nov 25, 2015 eyes.2c rated it really liked it

Shelves: regency-romance, netgalley

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 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 involved, Richard and Esme had crossed paths more than once. Indeed Esme did him a favor not so long ago, one that initially infuriated Richard--publicly! To make amends, Richard invites Esme to a select house party, aiming to show the world they were not at logger heads.
When Esme's lover announces his engagement to another, Esme is furious. Her code of behaviour has always included the strict rule of no engaged or married men for a dalliance.
Richard offers her an affair for the duration of the house party--an offer that will ease her public humiliation. Neither of them can foresee the emotional link that will be forged. But Esme is determined that the affair will be short lived and that the man who has become more than a friend will be able to move on to a more suitable bride, one who will provide Richard with his much needed heir. I quite enjoyed Esme, her strong character, her determination and compassion. An interesting plot that involves a woman that in other novels is nearly always the 'other'; the hardened widow seeking a husband using all her wicked wiles, only to be let down when the innocent young beguiling thing walks away with the hero (often a rake!) Here we have a mature woman who enjoys her life and takes charge of her inclinations, without pretence and prevarication. Quite liberating. I have gone through years of reading, convinced that those widows who took lovers, were always grasping harpies looking for the main chance. Esme is certainly not of that mould. Refreshing!

A NetGalley ARC ...more

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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

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Dec 06, 2020 Andree rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020

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

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Jul 16, 2019 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/16/2019)! 🎁

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Nov 03, 2015 Dot Salvagin rated it it was amazing

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

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Sep 25, 2015 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fave-authors, kindlefire, regency

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

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Jul 25, 2019 Brenda . rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This was an unexpected gem of a free book. I liked how well it was written plus a little twist on the usual Regency romance. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

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Aug 06, 2019 Reading Lady rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

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Nov 05, 2019 Jessica Adams rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I liked this book. I liked the characters and how they interacted. Funny and sexy. I would read more.

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Dec 05, 2015 Crystal rated it it was amazing

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 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 typical heroine. She's a touch older than the usual heroine, she's a widow, and she likes to explore her sexual appetite. She is an independent strong willed lady with charisma and charm that is all her own. Her relationship with Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere is bump at the best. These two have a way of setting each other off and at first it's not in the good way. The sparks of frustration accidentally turn in to sparks of passion.

Richard Hill, the Earl of Windermere is handsome, charming, and if you ask Esme a little on the conceited side. His goal for the season is to find a wife that can quickly produce an heir. However when sparks fly with Esme he puts finding a proper wife to bare his children on hold. He and Esme have a smoldering, steaming, hot relationship that is totally unexpected to both of them.

I really enjoyed reading about Esme and Richard. Their story is full of chemistry, hot and steamy scenes. plenty of emotion (grab some Kleenex, you may find a few tears streaming down your cheeks), drama, and circumstances that try to stand in their way of happily ever after together.

Overall this is one fabulous story that is well written with incredibly interesting characters that kept me spellbound from page one all the way through to the last page. This is part of The Distinguished Rogues Series but will stand alone just fine. If you have read An improper Proposal you will enjoy catching up with Esme and Richard again. You will not be missing anything pertinent if you haven't read the previous books. They are really good reads though so you may want to grab them up now too!

Reason to Wed is the perfect book to warm up a cold winter evening. Grab your copy, find a comfy place to read, and get ready to devour a wonderful historical romance in the style that only Heather Boyd can provide.

Normally you really should not judge a book by it's cover but this cover is on the spot. The couple have that smoldering hot look that perfectly fit Esme and Richard. When the cover is just as awesome as the story inside I figure it's OK to judge the book by the cover then.

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Reason to Wed.
...more

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Dec 11, 2015 Book Gannet rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star-review, regency-romance

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 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 into this series (and indeed this author’s work), but although there are plenty of other characters hanging around who have clearly been seen before in these books, I didn’t feel lost. Esme and Richard’s history is neatly recapped, although for two people who aren’t supposed to like each other Esme did seem rather familiar with his house and staff.

But that doesn’t really matter. This book is about sex and the deepening relationship between these two. After a bit of conversational fencing, things get hot and steamy fairly quickly and everything develops from there. If I’m honest Richard’s escalation of feelings seems to have come out of nowhere, and that family ritual is ~~disturbing~~ interesting. I did like how obviously reluctant Richard was to go through with it, and how he’d made sure Esme wouldn’t mind the whole thing before it all began.

Okay, so of course I could see which way everything was going and at the end Esme needed to sort herself out and treat Richard like an adult capable of making his own choices, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this. If you’re looking for a historical romance that is all about steamy romance and doesn’t waste words on anything else, that is precisely what you’ll get here. It’s open and honest in its intentions (even if the two characters can’t quite say the same) and is pure entertainment. I look forward to exploring what else this series has to offer.

(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.) ...more

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Dec 14, 2015 JG rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-netgalley, series, romance, erotica, historical, can-be-read-as-stand-alone

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

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Nov 04, 2015 Nicole Laverdure rated it it was amazing

** 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

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Nov 11, 2015 Angela rated it it was amazing

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

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Dec 05, 2015 Amy Alvis rated it it was amazing

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

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Dec 27, 2015 Donna Sweeney rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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Dec 04, 2015 Jennifer rated it really liked it

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

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Dec 01, 2015 Isha Coleman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: first-reads, netgalley

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

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Nov 22, 2015 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, arc-netgalley, trt, amazon-free, 4-star, semi-novella, 2016-read

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

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Dec 09, 2015 Tammy rated it it was amazing

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!

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Dec 08, 2015 Mary Hart rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed this story.

I like a more 'mature' hero/heroine. ...more

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Aug 04, 2019 MJ rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 02019

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

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Aug 24, 2019 Amanda rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

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

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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

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Sep 30, 2019 Cynthia A. Call rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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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

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Dec 08, 2020 SynergyQuest rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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

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Dec 30, 2018 Lisa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

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Jul 28, 2019 Maxine Wilson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

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.

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About Heather Boyd

Heather Boyd

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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