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Landon Sisters #1
To Win a Lady's Heart
England, 1811. When John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau, is caught in a locked storeroom with Lady Grace, he has but one choice—marry her. He cannot bear to tarnish any woman’s reputation, least of all Lady Grace’s.
Lady Grace Landon will do anything to help her mother and sisters, crushed and impoverished by her father’s disgrace. But throwing herself into the arms of her dearest friend’s older brother to trap him in marriage? Never.
Corbeau needs to prove that he loves her, despite her father’s misdeeds. After years of being an object of scorn, not even falling in love with Corbeau alters Lady Grace’s determination to not bring her disrepute upon another. However, if they don’t realize that the greatest honor is love given freely without regard to society’s censure, they stand to lose far more than they ever imagined.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2016
About the author
Ingrid Hahn
17 books208 followersIngrid Hahn is a failed administrative assistant with a B.A. in Art History. Her love of reading has turned her mortgage payment into a book storage fee, which makes her the friend who you never want to ask you for help moving. Though originally from Seattle, she now lives in the metropolitan DC area with her ship-nerd husband, small son, and four opinionated cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she loves knitting, theater, nature walks, travel, history, and is a hopelessly devoted fan of Jane Austen. Please connect with her on social media!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025Such an unpleasant heroine
This was my face every time it was the heroine's POV:
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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This was my face every time it was the heroine's POV:
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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November 19, 2025
Lady Grace’s family social status and finances have been destroyed by her father’s actions prior to his death. Making her family social pariahs.
Lord John has always desired that Grace would stand by his side as his wife.
When they are accidently locked in a closet together John does the honorable thing and asks for Grace’s hand in marriage.
Grace would rather have John have a marriage of love than force John to make the sacrifice to save her honor.
John is socially inept in crowds, only doing well one on one, so there is a huge communication problem between John and Grace.
When it comes to a historical love story I'm all in. Swoon worthy characters make it even better.
I really enjoyed this story but around the half way through I realized that neither character was making any progress toward communication. There comes a time during a love story that one must realize the heart of other person to truly fall in love. Grace continued to push John away for over 90% of this story and that is where you lost me. That is also what this story was missing to make it an amazing read for me; the believability of these two people truly loving each other if neither had a clue of the other's heart.
I received this copy of To Win A Lady's Heart from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
My Rating: 3 stars
Lord John has always desired that Grace would stand by his side as his wife.
When they are accidently locked in a closet together John does the honorable thing and asks for Grace’s hand in marriage.
Grace would rather have John have a marriage of love than force John to make the sacrifice to save her honor.
John is socially inept in crowds, only doing well one on one, so there is a huge communication problem between John and Grace.
When it comes to a historical love story I'm all in. Swoon worthy characters make it even better.
I really enjoyed this story but around the half way through I realized that neither character was making any progress toward communication. There comes a time during a love story that one must realize the heart of other person to truly fall in love. Grace continued to push John away for over 90% of this story and that is where you lost me. That is also what this story was missing to make it an amazing read for me; the believability of these two people truly loving each other if neither had a clue of the other's heart.
I received this copy of To Win A Lady's Heart from Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
My Rating: 3 stars
August 7, 2023
Started off really strong but towards the end she made me want to punch her cause she was so stubborn!!! I'm glad she owned up to it and made a swift move to get back her love!! Hero falls first in this one!!!
March 23, 2016
3.5 Stars Reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-m5
Eight years ago, John Merrick, Earl of Corbeau, approached his sister’s best friend, Lady Grace Landon, and asked permission to court her. Corbeau didn’t know that Grace’s world was about to fall apart, and that she and her family were on the brink of financial ruin. Grace knew this, and while it would have been easy to accept Corbeau’s suit and be financially secure, she chose the high road and turned him down. Since then, Grace’s father died, leaving the family all but social outcasts and dependent on the charity of friends and relatives.
While a guest at house party, Grace sneaks away to the pantry to avoid a silly game being played. Not knowing she is there, Corbeau, (also a guest) has the same idea, only he inadvertently locks the door behind him. There is awkwardness at first, but soon the two actually begin to converse congenially. Then they are discovered in this compromising situation, and Corbeau does the gentlemanly thing and announces that they are engaged.
Eight years have not cooled Corbeau’s ardor for Grace, and he’s more than willing to marry her, despite her family’s social ruin. Grace, however, has decided that she will never marry, and plans to convince Corbeau to break their engagement as soon as possible. While she and her family are guests at his home, she takes every opportunity to change his mind, while he is determined to change hers.
While Grace wasn’t in love with Corbeau eight years ago, she finds him attractive and intriguing now. Although she has no intention of marrying him, she finds herself wanting his kisses. Corbeau, however, is determined that he will be honorable, and there will not even be a kiss until they agree there will be a marriage. While Grace’s reasons for refusing Corbeau are noble, she doesn’t want to taint him or any children they would have, with ruin, it’s soon clear that he is more than willing to take that chance.
Corbeau is such a wonderful man, determined to do the right thing. He desperately wants Grace, yet he wants her to make that choice, he doesn’t want to force her. He’s also somewhat tongue-tied and awkward in social situations, which made him all the more endearing. As it becomes clear that his feelings are involved, and he really wants the marriage, Grace’s refusals and stubbornness become tedious. Soon Grace realizes that she desires Corbeau – will she be able to seduce him away from his “hands off” policy? Will Corbeau finally give up and free Grace from their engagement?
TO WIN A LADY’S HEART contains two of my favorite tropes – a forced marriage (although the “forced” part never really happened) and second chance at love. I adored Corbeau, but found it a bit harder to love Grace. I felt that her pride was more important to her than her happiness, and she was certainly aware that her refusal was genuinely hurting Corbeau, who cares deeply for her. Her change of heart was a long time coming. This book is a solid foundation for the Landon Sisters series, and I look forward to reading the upcoming stories from talented new author, Ingrid Hahn.
Eight years ago, John Merrick, Earl of Corbeau, approached his sister’s best friend, Lady Grace Landon, and asked permission to court her. Corbeau didn’t know that Grace’s world was about to fall apart, and that she and her family were on the brink of financial ruin. Grace knew this, and while it would have been easy to accept Corbeau’s suit and be financially secure, she chose the high road and turned him down. Since then, Grace’s father died, leaving the family all but social outcasts and dependent on the charity of friends and relatives.
While a guest at house party, Grace sneaks away to the pantry to avoid a silly game being played. Not knowing she is there, Corbeau, (also a guest) has the same idea, only he inadvertently locks the door behind him. There is awkwardness at first, but soon the two actually begin to converse congenially. Then they are discovered in this compromising situation, and Corbeau does the gentlemanly thing and announces that they are engaged.
Eight years have not cooled Corbeau’s ardor for Grace, and he’s more than willing to marry her, despite her family’s social ruin. Grace, however, has decided that she will never marry, and plans to convince Corbeau to break their engagement as soon as possible. While she and her family are guests at his home, she takes every opportunity to change his mind, while he is determined to change hers.
While Grace wasn’t in love with Corbeau eight years ago, she finds him attractive and intriguing now. Although she has no intention of marrying him, she finds herself wanting his kisses. Corbeau, however, is determined that he will be honorable, and there will not even be a kiss until they agree there will be a marriage. While Grace’s reasons for refusing Corbeau are noble, she doesn’t want to taint him or any children they would have, with ruin, it’s soon clear that he is more than willing to take that chance.
Corbeau is such a wonderful man, determined to do the right thing. He desperately wants Grace, yet he wants her to make that choice, he doesn’t want to force her. He’s also somewhat tongue-tied and awkward in social situations, which made him all the more endearing. As it becomes clear that his feelings are involved, and he really wants the marriage, Grace’s refusals and stubbornness become tedious. Soon Grace realizes that she desires Corbeau – will she be able to seduce him away from his “hands off” policy? Will Corbeau finally give up and free Grace from their engagement?
TO WIN A LADY’S HEART contains two of my favorite tropes – a forced marriage (although the “forced” part never really happened) and second chance at love. I adored Corbeau, but found it a bit harder to love Grace. I felt that her pride was more important to her than her happiness, and she was certainly aware that her refusal was genuinely hurting Corbeau, who cares deeply for her. Her change of heart was a long time coming. This book is a solid foundation for the Landon Sisters series, and I look forward to reading the upcoming stories from talented new author, Ingrid Hahn.
March 27, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau has loved Lady Grace Landon for a while. John has even asked her to marry /Court him. Grace and John did court for awhile but then Grace's father was disgraced. So Grace ended things with John because she did not want to ruin him by association with her. The town would never except him and would ruin his status. In the present day we find them locked in storeroom when they were doing a game at a party. They are found and John quickly makes the announcement that they are getting married. Grace still does not want to hurt him by marring him. So she tries to discourage this new attempt at marring her. I really enjoyed this book and hope that you will too!
John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau has loved Lady Grace Landon for a while. John has even asked her to marry /Court him. Grace and John did court for awhile but then Grace's father was disgraced. So Grace ended things with John because she did not want to ruin him by association with her. The town would never except him and would ruin his status. In the present day we find them locked in storeroom when they were doing a game at a party. They are found and John quickly makes the announcement that they are getting married. Grace still does not want to hurt him by marring him. So she tries to discourage this new attempt at marring her. I really enjoyed this book and hope that you will too!
August 6, 2020
There was really so much to like about this book...but Grace drove me crazy. John was absolutely perfect and I just became overwhelmingly frustrated with the most ridiculous reasons Grace used to continued to refuse him. Her reasoning didn't even make sense and made her look extremely vain and prideful. The writing was great and most of the character development (except for Grace) was great it just lacked logic in the main force behind their difficulties agreeing to marry.
March 28, 2016
"To Win a Lady's Heart" has an extremely charming hero cursed with a social anxiety disorder when faced with a crowd, but one on one, he's delightfully flirty and witty. The heroine has been beaten down by the disapproving opinion of society. Her father died leaving his family destitute due to a mountain of gambling debts, causing them to rely on family and friends for survival. Unfortunately, the pace Ingrid Hahn sets for this novel is excruciatingly slow. The heroine, understandably was sending mixed messages to the hero because she was torn between her desire for him and what she felt was the morally upstanding thing to do for his social well-being. Yet I felt as though that got beaten into the ground, and as for the father leaving the wife and daughters destitute as the BIG scandal ... the way it was presented had me expecting that there was more to it. I thought perhaps there was suicide, a secret family, the daughters were bastards - but he died leaving them penniless ... I've read worse. I can understand the reason's behind how the heroine dealt with the hero years before the book takes place, yet I feel as though she is being selfish, now, in regard to the hero's feelings, and her family, in her desire to be a moral martyr. I wish the author would have had a character who straight up, no holds barred, came out and said - "Look, he has loved you for most of a decade, and you love him too. Don't worry about anyone else, don't over-think things just listen to your heart and feel." But her friend, the hero's sister, and the heroine's sisters and mother mamby-pamby around, and just tell her she's been too serious about taking the blame for her father's sins - but they won't tell her to snap out of it. For me, no one feels strong enough in this novel, the pace is deathly slow, and it I think the scandal was hyped up more than deserved. However, the times when it was just the hero and heroine alone ... was not only playful and sweet but it really gave the hero and heroine personality and sexiness.
I loved the hero so much in "To Win a Lady's Heart" unfortunately not enough to get me past the plodding pace of the book, the seemingly overly martyred heroine, and the overly scandalized transgression of the father bleeding over onto anyone the family touched. Ingrid Hahn does a great job with the characters however pace needs to pep up and the conflict needs to not be so overblown and "contrived". If the next books up the tempo and lessen the theatrics of the literary conflict then the series should be very enjoyable.
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1PBdYyq
This novel was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
I loved the hero so much in "To Win a Lady's Heart" unfortunately not enough to get me past the plodding pace of the book, the seemingly overly martyred heroine, and the overly scandalized transgression of the father bleeding over onto anyone the family touched. Ingrid Hahn does a great job with the characters however pace needs to pep up and the conflict needs to not be so overblown and "contrived". If the next books up the tempo and lessen the theatrics of the literary conflict then the series should be very enjoyable.
To read the entire review please visit: http://bit.ly/1PBdYyq
This novel was provided in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 21, 2016
This was a charming read. The story surrounds the Earl of Corbeau trying to win over Lady Grace, after they were forced to be engaged due to a compromising situation. The Earl is earnest in his pursuit and attentions, but lady Grace is wary of tarnishing his reputation because of a past family scandal, even though she has feelings for the earl. The story was contained around our couple, but very enjoyable as it gave the opportunity to explore their growing attraction and love without much distractions, and allowed me to truly appreciate the characters charm and oddities, especially the earl with his distaste of crowd and society’s attention. There were secondary characters, but they were not overwhelming and the focus stayed on the Earl and lady Grace, and I loved that. The author’s writing is wonderful, she easily had me invested in the Corbeau and Lady Grace journey to finding love with each other. Their intimate times with each other was sweet, charming and without a doubt sensual, and made the love between them even more realistically drawn. I enjoyed To Win a Lady’s Heart and I am eager to read all the sisters story.
February 8, 2017
I received book two in this series in exchange for an honest review so I decided to start with this one. I really should have jumped right in to the book I was given but I pushed through. This was really hard for me to get into. There were times I wasn't even sure who was talking. It was just not a favorite for me. The story was okay but honestly if I didn't know that I needed to read book two I would have given up.
July 8, 2017
This is the first book in the Landon Sisters series
Grace Landon is haunted by her father's past misdeed that caused him to be casted away by the ton and died in shame. The family he left behind had to cope up with the scandal for the rest of their lives. For the first born in the family, Grace believed that it's her duty to shoulder the responsibility of her family's scandal and she decided to become a governess to provide for her mother and her sisters. Until she got locked in a storeroom with Corbeau, the man who had courted her in the past but she had rejected due to her family's circumstances. Because Corbeau is an upstanding man, he offers Grace for marriage. Grace didn't want to trap the Earl into a scandalous marriage, not knowing that Corbeau still wanted her after all those years since she rejected him, and if scandalous marriage is the only way for him to get Grace to be his, then he'll take everything
The story sounds like a cliche romance novel, and it's indeed cliche, but I find it easy to read the book and I actually fall in love with all other characters, especially with Eliza (who becomes the heroine in the third book, I believe). It's a book full of romance and nothing else, no big secret or past enemy that threatened the lives of the main couples, and yet I still have so much fun reading it. In the process, I actually love both Corbeau and Garce, so I could understand Grace's unwillingness to drag Corbeau into a marriage that's full of scandal, while it makes me sad that she had to shoulder such a heavy burden for something that she didn't even do. I also love Corbeau for his awkwardness around the Lady, and how he stay as himself without much changes to his personality until the end. The ending where both characters declared their love for each other is also very touching
The one thing that I miss would be the epilogue for this couple. I would love to have an epilogue where they got married, because it's the one thing that I'm actually hoping to get, so it was a little disappointing when I didn't get the marriage scene I imagine for them. That's because they deserved all the happiness in the world
Story is cliche and full of romance, but it was an enjoyable read for me and it was all that matters
Overall rating: 4.2 stars
Grace Landon is haunted by her father's past misdeed that caused him to be casted away by the ton and died in shame. The family he left behind had to cope up with the scandal for the rest of their lives. For the first born in the family, Grace believed that it's her duty to shoulder the responsibility of her family's scandal and she decided to become a governess to provide for her mother and her sisters. Until she got locked in a storeroom with Corbeau, the man who had courted her in the past but she had rejected due to her family's circumstances. Because Corbeau is an upstanding man, he offers Grace for marriage. Grace didn't want to trap the Earl into a scandalous marriage, not knowing that Corbeau still wanted her after all those years since she rejected him, and if scandalous marriage is the only way for him to get Grace to be his, then he'll take everything
The story sounds like a cliche romance novel, and it's indeed cliche, but I find it easy to read the book and I actually fall in love with all other characters, especially with Eliza (who becomes the heroine in the third book, I believe). It's a book full of romance and nothing else, no big secret or past enemy that threatened the lives of the main couples, and yet I still have so much fun reading it. In the process, I actually love both Corbeau and Garce, so I could understand Grace's unwillingness to drag Corbeau into a marriage that's full of scandal, while it makes me sad that she had to shoulder such a heavy burden for something that she didn't even do. I also love Corbeau for his awkwardness around the Lady, and how he stay as himself without much changes to his personality until the end. The ending where both characters declared their love for each other is also very touching
The one thing that I miss would be the epilogue for this couple. I would love to have an epilogue where they got married, because it's the one thing that I'm actually hoping to get, so it was a little disappointing when I didn't get the marriage scene I imagine for them. That's because they deserved all the happiness in the world
Story is cliche and full of romance, but it was an enjoyable read for me and it was all that matters
Overall rating: 4.2 stars
August 31, 2025
One of my pet hates, a historical romance with a girl boss heroine, with modern attitudes.
The reasons Grace has for not marrying John are counter intuitive for the time period. Calling off an engagement, to an Earl because you don't want to bring your families past scandal upon them, may have the opposite affect. Especially, when the engagement was the result, of being caught in a compromising position. Marrying a respectable Earl, who wants to marry you, will bring your family respectability, give your sisters better opportunities, maybe allow them to marry, instead of becoming governesses/companions. Calling off an engagement under those circumstances could result in only becoming employed in less than desirable circumstances. Not to mention John's sister, Graces best friend, potentially being adversely affected by the fallout. And really, Grace thinks being a governess is a better choice to help her family financially. A governess wasn't paid much, I don't see how much she could contribute to her mother & sisters. Not, as much as marrying John.
Graces continues I can't marry you speech to John got old. Along with Graces self-righteous, soapbox attitude to some other issues that came up in the story halfway, made me want to shake some sense into her. Forcing a man to marry a member of staff, who doesn't want to marry her, could very much result in a DV marriage. It's not like divorce was an option!
John is shy, but patient, kind & way to understanding of Graces behaviour. She should have wanted to marry him just based his personality. Especially in those days, your husband had complete control over you. He would never be cruel to her, he loved her. He would help Grace's family, this was a win win situation for the time. This stories concept was nonsensical & repetitive, could've been so much better without modern sensibilities.
Ok, my rant is over now!
I may give this author another go, as this was my first by them!
The reasons Grace has for not marrying John are counter intuitive for the time period. Calling off an engagement, to an Earl because you don't want to bring your families past scandal upon them, may have the opposite affect. Especially, when the engagement was the result, of being caught in a compromising position. Marrying a respectable Earl, who wants to marry you, will bring your family respectability, give your sisters better opportunities, maybe allow them to marry, instead of becoming governesses/companions. Calling off an engagement under those circumstances could result in only becoming employed in less than desirable circumstances. Not to mention John's sister, Graces best friend, potentially being adversely affected by the fallout. And really, Grace thinks being a governess is a better choice to help her family financially. A governess wasn't paid much, I don't see how much she could contribute to her mother & sisters. Not, as much as marrying John.
Graces continues I can't marry you speech to John got old. Along with Graces self-righteous, soapbox attitude to some other issues that came up in the story halfway, made me want to shake some sense into her. Forcing a man to marry a member of staff, who doesn't want to marry her, could very much result in a DV marriage. It's not like divorce was an option!
John is shy, but patient, kind & way to understanding of Graces behaviour. She should have wanted to marry him just based his personality. Especially in those days, your husband had complete control over you. He would never be cruel to her, he loved her. He would help Grace's family, this was a win win situation for the time. This stories concept was nonsensical & repetitive, could've been so much better without modern sensibilities.
Ok, my rant is over now!
I may give this author another go, as this was my first by them!
July 1, 2018
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The last thing Lady Grace Landon wants is to bring any more dishonor to her family name. Yet a set of circumstances — completely innocent — puts Lady Grace’s reputation at stake. John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau, is ready to save the day, but can Grace trust his intentions?
In To Win a Lady’s Heart, author Ingrid Hahn provides readers with a well-written story about a woman desperately seeking a way to help her family, even if it means she has to earn wages.
I loved Lady Grace because of her fierce determination and love for her family. Even when her plans get derailed because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time, her sense of dignity remains strong, as does her refreshing sense of humor.
The chemistry between Lady Grace and Corbeau created an interesting dynamic. While it would have been much more predictable for Lady Grace to have purposely tried to trap a rich man, that is far from the case. Instead, she offers him multiple opportunities to leave, not realizing that leaving is the last thing on his mind. I loved the way the attraction builds, adding plenty of spice in the process.
The story’s drama focuses on whether the heart can be stronger than the mind. Along the journey of life, it seems that even the most dignified of ladies can feel the pull of her heart at the hands of a man.
I am excited about reading more stories based on the Landon sisters. As the author’s debut novel, this one laid a solid foundation for future installments.
Book provided by publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
The last thing Lady Grace Landon wants is to bring any more dishonor to her family name. Yet a set of circumstances — completely innocent — puts Lady Grace’s reputation at stake. John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau, is ready to save the day, but can Grace trust his intentions?
In To Win a Lady’s Heart, author Ingrid Hahn provides readers with a well-written story about a woman desperately seeking a way to help her family, even if it means she has to earn wages.
I loved Lady Grace because of her fierce determination and love for her family. Even when her plans get derailed because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time, her sense of dignity remains strong, as does her refreshing sense of humor.
The chemistry between Lady Grace and Corbeau created an interesting dynamic. While it would have been much more predictable for Lady Grace to have purposely tried to trap a rich man, that is far from the case. Instead, she offers him multiple opportunities to leave, not realizing that leaving is the last thing on his mind. I loved the way the attraction builds, adding plenty of spice in the process.
The story’s drama focuses on whether the heart can be stronger than the mind. Along the journey of life, it seems that even the most dignified of ladies can feel the pull of her heart at the hands of a man.
I am excited about reading more stories based on the Landon sisters. As the author’s debut novel, this one laid a solid foundation for future installments.
May 12, 2017
3.5 stars
Distinct writing style that I think will capture some and may turn others off. A bit abrupt with how some scenes ended, cutting off the climax (the distinct writing style I mentioned) but I adored the leads. The hero and heroine are beautifully awkward and I loved how different they are from the usual regency masses. Heroine gets a bit annoying with her back and forth and martyr syndrome but her relationship with the hero had me being more forgiving.
Have a feeling the writing style will make this a love it or hate it, I quite enjoyed it and will definitely be looking out for more from author.
Distinct writing style that I think will capture some and may turn others off. A bit abrupt with how some scenes ended, cutting off the climax (the distinct writing style I mentioned) but I adored the leads. The hero and heroine are beautifully awkward and I loved how different they are from the usual regency masses. Heroine gets a bit annoying with her back and forth and martyr syndrome but her relationship with the hero had me being more forgiving.
Have a feeling the writing style will make this a love it or hate it, I quite enjoyed it and will definitely be looking out for more from author.
August 7, 2018
In a word, lovely.
What a beautifully written story of love, one where the exquisite dialog truly allows the reader to feel the awkwardness of the hero and the stoicism of the heroine as, with each conversation, they are drawn closer to the inevitable first kiss. At the same time that I wanted to reach into the pages and give them both a good shake, I was captivated by the smoldering passion underneath the surface of their every action. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of The Landon Sisters series.
What a beautifully written story of love, one where the exquisite dialog truly allows the reader to feel the awkwardness of the hero and the stoicism of the heroine as, with each conversation, they are drawn closer to the inevitable first kiss. At the same time that I wanted to reach into the pages and give them both a good shake, I was captivated by the smoldering passion underneath the surface of their every action. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of The Landon Sisters series.
April 2, 2016
I received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am beyond thrilled to be done with this absolutely nonsensical, pointless book. I will be honest in saying that I did pretty much speed through the last 4 chapters without reading with my usual care, but I just had to be done with this. I honestly should have stopped reading at halfway or less.
Here's the thing: this isn't offensive or disgusting or anything that truly disturbs my senses. For that and only that reason, I'm giving it 2 stars (1.5 rounded if you will). However, it is in no way a quality piece of writing, and I would honestly ask it to be sent back to the drawing board for some major edits. Like, start over with a better essential premise.
It goes like this: A 27-year old woman named Grace gets locked in a pantry with an earl named Corbeau at a house party, and they are discovered by prim and grim old ladies. This leads the earl to announce to everyone at the house party that they are engaged, so as to not ruin Grace's honor of being alone with a man in a pantry. (Strike one- this is one of the silliest premises to ever set up HR. A pantry? Really?)
Turns out, Grace and Corbeau had a past. He wanted to "court" her 8 years ago, but she turned him down. Why? (Because Corbeau is sweet and kind and generous and as far as we know attractive- b/c none of the characters are ever really described in this book- and pretty much the perfect man outside of his utter stupidity concerning Grace.) She wouldn't because her father had died in disgrace somehow (we never find out the exact circumstances- just that he gambled everything away and died- I thought maybe suicide, but probably not b/c Grace's mother mentioned, "when your father was dying"), and she didn't want her family's scandal to tarnish Corbeau or for him to think that she'd attached herself to him just to support her now-broke mother and 3 sisters.
*Side note- if Grace and her family are so disgraced (heh-Grace/disgraced), why are they still invited to house parties?
Okay, I sort of understand that. She didn't want him to think she'd married him for his money, and she didn't want to drag him down into her family's scandal, whatever it was. But this book starts up years later, and Corbeau somehow has still not married. Because he's always wanted Grace. And turns out, she's attracted to him. And really likes him. And he doesn't give two shits about her family's scandal. He still wants her and wants to marry her. And they're "engaged" from the pantry incident.
BUT she finds pages upon pages and pages of reasons that make no sense as to why she can't marry him and wants to break their engagement. Yet she constantly wants to kiss him and can't stop thinking about him. Poor Corbeau tries time and time again to convince her to just marry him already, but she won't. She doesn't want to scandalize him. But breaking off the engagement won't? SLEEPING with him and dumping him won't? They want to marry each other, but she's such a dumb cow, she just won't do it already.
Pointless, useless, redundant chapter after chapter slogs by with Corbeau trying to "win" Grace (oh how I hate that phrase) and Grace continuing to try to convince him they can't marry. WHY????????? Why does he even want to deal with her shiz? What makes him love her? Hell if I know. Even more disgusting is she kind of changes her mind for a half second when she finds out her family is essentially homeless. "Well, I don't want to marry him and drag him down with us, but now that I know we're super-duper poor, I'll think about it." WHAT? Even better? Towards the end, wracking his brain trying to figure out what will make Grace marry him, Corbeau
All the while, Corbeau is supposed to have some sort of anxiety disorder around people that is never really well-described or elaborated upon. But, at the very end of the book, Because...that's realistic. And why does he even have parties if he doesn't like people? Because his dead mother said so, that's why!
There are also a bunch of characters who drop in every once in a while but are never really explored- his sister, his friend Max, Grace's sisters, the other people at Corbeau's Christmas gathering...(because that's where this all takes place- at his house for Christmas).
Bonus stupid? During the one love scene that really shouldn't have happened anyway, they call each other by "my lord" and "Lady Grace" the whole time. Because that's not weird at all. It also read very modern to me for reasons I will not dive into at this time .
So...this is really bad. I would not recommend it to anyone who likes books. Or puppies. Or..breathing. There are much, much better HR's out there, and if I hadn't gotten this from Netgalley and felt an obligation to see it though, I wouldn't have.
I am beyond thrilled to be done with this absolutely nonsensical, pointless book. I will be honest in saying that I did pretty much speed through the last 4 chapters without reading with my usual care, but I just had to be done with this. I honestly should have stopped reading at halfway or less.
Here's the thing: this isn't offensive or disgusting or anything that truly disturbs my senses. For that and only that reason, I'm giving it 2 stars (1.5 rounded if you will). However, it is in no way a quality piece of writing, and I would honestly ask it to be sent back to the drawing board for some major edits. Like, start over with a better essential premise.
It goes like this: A 27-year old woman named Grace gets locked in a pantry with an earl named Corbeau at a house party, and they are discovered by prim and grim old ladies. This leads the earl to announce to everyone at the house party that they are engaged, so as to not ruin Grace's honor of being alone with a man in a pantry. (Strike one- this is one of the silliest premises to ever set up HR. A pantry? Really?)
Turns out, Grace and Corbeau had a past. He wanted to "court" her 8 years ago, but she turned him down. Why? (Because Corbeau is sweet and kind and generous and as far as we know attractive- b/c none of the characters are ever really described in this book- and pretty much the perfect man outside of his utter stupidity concerning Grace.) She wouldn't because her father had died in disgrace somehow (we never find out the exact circumstances- just that he gambled everything away and died- I thought maybe suicide, but probably not b/c Grace's mother mentioned, "when your father was dying"), and she didn't want her family's scandal to tarnish Corbeau or for him to think that she'd attached herself to him just to support her now-broke mother and 3 sisters.
*Side note- if Grace and her family are so disgraced (heh-Grace/disgraced), why are they still invited to house parties?
Okay, I sort of understand that. She didn't want him to think she'd married him for his money, and she didn't want to drag him down into her family's scandal, whatever it was. But this book starts up years later, and Corbeau somehow has still not married. Because he's always wanted Grace. And turns out, she's attracted to him. And really likes him. And he doesn't give two shits about her family's scandal. He still wants her and wants to marry her. And they're "engaged" from the pantry incident.
BUT she finds pages upon pages and pages of reasons that make no sense as to why she can't marry him and wants to break their engagement. Yet she constantly wants to kiss him and can't stop thinking about him. Poor Corbeau tries time and time again to convince her to just marry him already, but she won't. She doesn't want to scandalize him. But breaking off the engagement won't? SLEEPING with him and dumping him won't? They want to marry each other, but she's such a dumb cow, she just won't do it already.
Pointless, useless, redundant chapter after chapter slogs by with Corbeau trying to "win" Grace (oh how I hate that phrase) and Grace continuing to try to convince him they can't marry. WHY????????? Why does he even want to deal with her shiz? What makes him love her? Hell if I know. Even more disgusting is she kind of changes her mind for a half second when she finds out her family is essentially homeless. "Well, I don't want to marry him and drag him down with us, but now that I know we're super-duper poor, I'll think about it." WHAT? Even better? Towards the end, wracking his brain trying to figure out what will make Grace marry him, Corbeau
All the while, Corbeau is supposed to have some sort of anxiety disorder around people that is never really well-described or elaborated upon. But, at the very end of the book, Because...that's realistic. And why does he even have parties if he doesn't like people? Because his dead mother said so, that's why!
There are also a bunch of characters who drop in every once in a while but are never really explored- his sister, his friend Max, Grace's sisters, the other people at Corbeau's Christmas gathering...(because that's where this all takes place- at his house for Christmas).
Bonus stupid? During the one love scene that really shouldn't have happened anyway, they call each other by "my lord" and "Lady Grace" the whole time. Because that's not weird at all. It also read very modern to me for reasons I will not dive into at this time .
So...this is really bad. I would not recommend it to anyone who likes books. Or puppies. Or..breathing. There are much, much better HR's out there, and if I hadn't gotten this from Netgalley and felt an obligation to see it though, I wouldn't have.
February 16, 2019
It took a great deal of patience to get through this book. And even the ending was lacking greatly. At this point I will not read anything else by this author due to my dislike of Lady Grace and the fact it keeps rambling over and over about the same thing. In all technicality this book could of reached its point in 20 pages if it did not repeat the same thing over and over.
June 23, 2026
This book languished on my bookshelf for a long time. I picked it up and put it down several times, before a few slow days gave me the reading time to finish. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. I don't like the miscommunication trope in romance fiction, and Grace Landon's character seemed to wilfully refuse to communicate with Lord John.
June 26, 2017
Stupid woman! Stupid me for buying this book
Such a let down ... the writing sucked and so did the story! Skip this book and just read the next story in the series....there is no feeling in this book..no passion..the writing was forced...worst heroine ever!
Such a let down ... the writing sucked and so did the story! Skip this book and just read the next story in the series....there is no feeling in this book..no passion..the writing was forced...worst heroine ever!
August 12, 2024
This is an entertaining, fun read. The story is easy to read and get into and the characters are easy to cheer for. I wanted to see John and Grace together despite and because of all the obstacles they had to overcome. I enjoyed the character growth – especially Grace’s through the story. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment.
February 14, 2017
To Win a Lady’s Heart by Ingrid Hahn takes place in 1811 England. Lady Grace Landon is attending a party with her mother and sisters. Their life the past few years has been filled with scandal and gossip. Wanting nothing more than to disappear in a dark corner and read a good book, Lady Grace finds herself in a locked storeroom with one John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau. His lordship has loved Lady Grace from afar for quite a long time, even previously asking to court her, and the predicament they now find themselves in is quite the quandary. Being the honorable man that he is, he does not want to sully her reputation anymore than it already is. And after being found alone together without chaperones, he decides right then and there to announce that he and Lady Grace are now engaged.
Lady Grace’s entire family has had a rough few years after their fathers scandalous deceit and gambling transgressions, he left his family in ruins upon his death. Lady Grace would never bring the scandal that follows her and her family to his Lordship. With regret and a clear conscious she resigns herself to breaking off the engagement and moving on with her life. After all, it is for the best for everyone involved! But Lord Corbeau has other ideas. And he will do whatever he can to win her heart.
With an invitation to a Christmas celebration at Lord Corbeau’s manor, he decides to use this time to win over Lady Grace’s heart. But can he do that before she decides to break off their engagement? Will she finally give in to the Earl and have the life she truly wants? Or will she walk away with a broken heart, protecting the Earl from unnecessary scandal?
As the party continues on around them, Lady Grace slowly lets down her guard, but with a house full of guests and a few that aren’t so happy with the Earl’s decision to marry who he has chosen, Lady a grace feels quite overwhelmed. Wanting to make the right decision for the Earl, and for herself proves to possibly more than Grace can handle!
I found Lady Grace to be a woman on honor and substance, even though her fathers legacy has followed them for quite some time. And even though she would love nothing more than to marry the Earl, she knows that she can not bring scandal to his name, which is what she will surely do if she marries him. Lady Grace is headstrong and stubborn in her beliefs, and I loved the process in which Lord Corbeau attempted to court her. Grace’s best friend Hetty, happens to be the Lord’s sister and I found her quite lovely. She was curious and inquisitive and does her part to move things along between Lady Grace and Lord Corbeau. Lady Grace shows herself as a truly caring woman, as she joins the Earl in the stables, and in the meeting of the charges on his estate close to Christmas.
Lord Corbeau is everything you want in an Earl. He is of strong mind and body, steadfast in his beliefs and resolute in his honor. I fell for him quite quickly. The fact that he was an Earl, yet not afraid to work with his staff to better his estate showed quite character.
The story played out like a Masterpiece Classic and I fell completely head over hills in love with the quaintness off it! I was swept away in the Christmas scene that unfolded and found myself daydreaming of attending such a celebration. But make no mistake, there is also a quite delicious intimate scene between Lady Grace and Lord Corbeau, so wonderful that it left me wanting more! I truly look forward to more stories of the Landon sisters with the hopes that Hetty gets her own happy ending also.
Lady Grace’s entire family has had a rough few years after their fathers scandalous deceit and gambling transgressions, he left his family in ruins upon his death. Lady Grace would never bring the scandal that follows her and her family to his Lordship. With regret and a clear conscious she resigns herself to breaking off the engagement and moving on with her life. After all, it is for the best for everyone involved! But Lord Corbeau has other ideas. And he will do whatever he can to win her heart.
With an invitation to a Christmas celebration at Lord Corbeau’s manor, he decides to use this time to win over Lady Grace’s heart. But can he do that before she decides to break off their engagement? Will she finally give in to the Earl and have the life she truly wants? Or will she walk away with a broken heart, protecting the Earl from unnecessary scandal?
As the party continues on around them, Lady Grace slowly lets down her guard, but with a house full of guests and a few that aren’t so happy with the Earl’s decision to marry who he has chosen, Lady a grace feels quite overwhelmed. Wanting to make the right decision for the Earl, and for herself proves to possibly more than Grace can handle!
I found Lady Grace to be a woman on honor and substance, even though her fathers legacy has followed them for quite some time. And even though she would love nothing more than to marry the Earl, she knows that she can not bring scandal to his name, which is what she will surely do if she marries him. Lady Grace is headstrong and stubborn in her beliefs, and I loved the process in which Lord Corbeau attempted to court her. Grace’s best friend Hetty, happens to be the Lord’s sister and I found her quite lovely. She was curious and inquisitive and does her part to move things along between Lady Grace and Lord Corbeau. Lady Grace shows herself as a truly caring woman, as she joins the Earl in the stables, and in the meeting of the charges on his estate close to Christmas.
Lord Corbeau is everything you want in an Earl. He is of strong mind and body, steadfast in his beliefs and resolute in his honor. I fell for him quite quickly. The fact that he was an Earl, yet not afraid to work with his staff to better his estate showed quite character.
The story played out like a Masterpiece Classic and I fell completely head over hills in love with the quaintness off it! I was swept away in the Christmas scene that unfolded and found myself daydreaming of attending such a celebration. But make no mistake, there is also a quite delicious intimate scene between Lady Grace and Lord Corbeau, so wonderful that it left me wanting more! I truly look forward to more stories of the Landon sisters with the hopes that Hetty gets her own happy ending also.
March 12, 2017
There's a lot to love about John Merrick and there's a lot to frustrate you about Grace Landon. But the thing that lets me down the most about this novel, and all the ones like it is the fact that all the issues are due to miscommunication or lack of communication all together. The characters are actually really great. But, by making them just assume things they land up frustrating themselves, each other and me.
April 9, 2016
At the moment I am basically like “give me ALL of the historical romance!” I can’t get enough of it, so I requested this title off NetGalley. It’s the first in a series – even better! I really enjoyed it and I think a lot of that enjoyment came from the whole situation with Corbeau and how his feelings for Lady Grace were laid out for the reader.
A few years ago, Corbeau had intended to court Lady Grace however she was privy to some information that made her gently turn him down, not wanting him to ever question her character in the future. Her father had gambled everything away and Lady Grace, her mother and her younger sisters were left in a situation that basically required them to ‘rely upon the kindness of friends’. Many of those options are now running out and during a harmless game at someone’s home, Corbeau and Lady Grace are discovered together. Alone.
Of course it means they have to marry which complicates things so much – for both of them. Since Lady Grace gently rebuffed him, Corbeau has found it difficult to be around her, because he still wants her so much. Now he’s aware that they have to marry in order to save her reputation and that he could be very well saddled with a wife he desperately wants, but who doesn’t seem to want him. Lady Grace in turn does like Corbeau a great deal, however she is so very conscious of her situation that she doesn’t ever want Corbeau to feel as though she had discovered how easy it would be to rectify if one was caught alone with an Earl.
I felt as though this book did a great job at really representing what it would be like to be thrown into an awkward engagement when the two participants had a past and some baggage. They have some very good interactions but there are some painful ones too, uncomfortable ones. Lady Grace makes no secret that she wants to end the engagement, that she doesn’t want to force Corbeau into marrying her because having been the object of scandal, she doesn’t want to bring that down upon someone else. However he convinces her to give him some time and Corbeau is not exactly the sort of person who is at all times, concerned with an impeccable reputation. He has his own secrets as well. At times they can be very sweet together and I did feel for Corbeau. Lady Grace is so very stubborn, so proud that she’s willing to risk happiness and basically everything because she’s so burdened by her responsibility for her family’s situation. I actually got a bit annoyed with her the further the book went on because she kept ignoring what was right in front of her, what she was feeling and continued to be hung up on what had happened in the past. Being the oldest hadn’t placed the burden of taking care of her family on her shoulders, Grace had done that herself. I was really hoping she’d come to her senses but it took her a very long time. The ending was nice though.
I enjoyed this and will definitely continue with the series.
A few years ago, Corbeau had intended to court Lady Grace however she was privy to some information that made her gently turn him down, not wanting him to ever question her character in the future. Her father had gambled everything away and Lady Grace, her mother and her younger sisters were left in a situation that basically required them to ‘rely upon the kindness of friends’. Many of those options are now running out and during a harmless game at someone’s home, Corbeau and Lady Grace are discovered together. Alone.
Of course it means they have to marry which complicates things so much – for both of them. Since Lady Grace gently rebuffed him, Corbeau has found it difficult to be around her, because he still wants her so much. Now he’s aware that they have to marry in order to save her reputation and that he could be very well saddled with a wife he desperately wants, but who doesn’t seem to want him. Lady Grace in turn does like Corbeau a great deal, however she is so very conscious of her situation that she doesn’t ever want Corbeau to feel as though she had discovered how easy it would be to rectify if one was caught alone with an Earl.
I felt as though this book did a great job at really representing what it would be like to be thrown into an awkward engagement when the two participants had a past and some baggage. They have some very good interactions but there are some painful ones too, uncomfortable ones. Lady Grace makes no secret that she wants to end the engagement, that she doesn’t want to force Corbeau into marrying her because having been the object of scandal, she doesn’t want to bring that down upon someone else. However he convinces her to give him some time and Corbeau is not exactly the sort of person who is at all times, concerned with an impeccable reputation. He has his own secrets as well. At times they can be very sweet together and I did feel for Corbeau. Lady Grace is so very stubborn, so proud that she’s willing to risk happiness and basically everything because she’s so burdened by her responsibility for her family’s situation. I actually got a bit annoyed with her the further the book went on because she kept ignoring what was right in front of her, what she was feeling and continued to be hung up on what had happened in the past. Being the oldest hadn’t placed the burden of taking care of her family on her shoulders, Grace had done that herself. I was really hoping she’d come to her senses but it took her a very long time. The ending was nice though.
I enjoyed this and will definitely continue with the series.
March 29, 2016
This story has left me with a lot of mixed feelings. To begin with, I adored John AKA Corbeau. He was a sort of unexpected twist on the usual "hero". In private he was articulate and witty - in public - he was secretly battling an anxiety disorder that I feel is not often discussed in this sort of novel. It was interesting to see how he balanced the two - putting on a perfectly respectable persona when amongst people (even when he felt he couldn't). I also enjoyed the fact that he was the kind of Earl that would give his stable-hands a week off at Christmas, not only so they could spend it with their own families - but for the added benefit that he himself could tend to the horses. He was certainly my favorite character, and that was before he made a real effort to court Grace.
And speaking of Grace.... I did not care for her at all. To begin with, the author presents her in a certain way "due to the scandal surrounding her father's misdeeds". However - the reader never really learns what those misdeeds are. Yes he bankrupted the family to the point where they had to rely on the charity of others, but that is no different than any of the other stories I've read and those young ladies never acted in the same way that Grace did. If the story is to be believed - society looked so far down on them for that reason alone, that she felt associating herself with the Earl would not only drag him down, but his sister as well. All this for gambling? Seriously? I was expecting something a lot more sordid than that.
Overlooking that little bit of information, Grace tends to come across as very wishy-washy, sending mixed signals at every turn. One moment she's contemplating accepting his proposal and acting upon the feelings she has, and the next she's hurting him with her desire to "protect" him. She even goes so far as to have relations with him before marriage "just to have that one night".
Overall, I felt the romance was really lacking - however - the story was interesting enough that I did finish the story, and I feel the things I may not have liked about this story would not keep someone else from enjoying it.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
And speaking of Grace.... I did not care for her at all. To begin with, the author presents her in a certain way "due to the scandal surrounding her father's misdeeds". However - the reader never really learns what those misdeeds are. Yes he bankrupted the family to the point where they had to rely on the charity of others, but that is no different than any of the other stories I've read and those young ladies never acted in the same way that Grace did. If the story is to be believed - society looked so far down on them for that reason alone, that she felt associating herself with the Earl would not only drag him down, but his sister as well. All this for gambling? Seriously? I was expecting something a lot more sordid than that.
Overlooking that little bit of information, Grace tends to come across as very wishy-washy, sending mixed signals at every turn. One moment she's contemplating accepting his proposal and acting upon the feelings she has, and the next she's hurting him with her desire to "protect" him. She even goes so far as to have relations with him before marriage "just to have that one night".
Overall, I felt the romance was really lacking - however - the story was interesting enough that I did finish the story, and I feel the things I may not have liked about this story would not keep someone else from enjoying it.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 28, 2016
This is book 1 in the Landon Sisters series.
Years ago, John Merrick, the Earl of Corabeau, wanted to court Lady Grace Landon. She turned him down knowing that it would soon be revealed that her father had financially ruined her family and she didn't want her scandal to effect him. But that all changes when they are caught together in a storeroom during a house party. John immediately tells the others that they are engaged.
Unfortunately, Grace's situation isn't any better than it was all those years ago and she is determined to get John to break the betrothal. But John is not about to walk away from Grace a second time when he never stopped loving her.
Can John convince Grace that there love for each other is more important than what society is saying about them?
I really liked this story! Grace held out against John much longer than I would have been able to, LOL! Even though he was a little different (he didn't like to be in big crowds), I loved that when he was with just Grace he was able to open himself up and be the man that he wanted to be with her.
I honestly felt bad for Grace. After what her father died, she really didn't want what happened to her to happen to anyone else. Therefor she turned down John when he asked to court her. Because she didn't discuss all of this with John, she lost so much time with him. When she tries to get out of the betrothal with John, it felt to me like she didn't feel like she deserve to be happy. John sure had a lot of work to do to win her over!!
I really enjoyed Grace's sisters and can't wait to read their stories!
Thanks go out to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Years ago, John Merrick, the Earl of Corabeau, wanted to court Lady Grace Landon. She turned him down knowing that it would soon be revealed that her father had financially ruined her family and she didn't want her scandal to effect him. But that all changes when they are caught together in a storeroom during a house party. John immediately tells the others that they are engaged.
Unfortunately, Grace's situation isn't any better than it was all those years ago and she is determined to get John to break the betrothal. But John is not about to walk away from Grace a second time when he never stopped loving her.
Can John convince Grace that there love for each other is more important than what society is saying about them?
I really liked this story! Grace held out against John much longer than I would have been able to, LOL! Even though he was a little different (he didn't like to be in big crowds), I loved that when he was with just Grace he was able to open himself up and be the man that he wanted to be with her.
I honestly felt bad for Grace. After what her father died, she really didn't want what happened to her to happen to anyone else. Therefor she turned down John when he asked to court her. Because she didn't discuss all of this with John, she lost so much time with him. When she tries to get out of the betrothal with John, it felt to me like she didn't feel like she deserve to be happy. John sure had a lot of work to do to win her over!!
I really enjoyed Grace's sisters and can't wait to read their stories!
Thanks go out to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
March 20, 2016
Somewhat ambivalent about this story. I adored the hero, was frustrated with the heroine & kept expecting more romance as in the "falling in love" part which never quite happened the way I was hoping. The heroine kept pushing the hero away right up to the end of the story.
The heroine labours under the scandal of her father’s doing – which is never quite explained. Just that it left them being scorned by society.
I liked the hero very much. Steadfast in his regard and love for the heroine whom he’d 1st wanted to court before the scandal of her father but she turned him down, knowing then what was to come once her father’s situation become public & not wanting for him to think she took him up on his offer to save her family.
Corbeau suffers from acute reserve, hates being in public and (his name is John but he is referred to by his title throughout, just as she is “Lady Grace” – even when they are being intimate! Not the most romantic.) prefers spending time in the stable with his horses rather than with people of his rank. I liked his quiet intensity and his steadfastness in trying to win Grace.
The whole story revolves around Corbeau trying to win Grace’s acceptance to their forced engagement & her pushing him away – not literally or physically but rather her reluctance due to her father’s scandal. It was a bit tiring after a while especially when it became obvious that she’d started to have feelings for him and that he obviously what willing to work through any problems they faced. I adored how intense Corbeau’s feelings were & was extremely frustrated with Grace.
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
The heroine labours under the scandal of her father’s doing – which is never quite explained. Just that it left them being scorned by society.
I liked the hero very much. Steadfast in his regard and love for the heroine whom he’d 1st wanted to court before the scandal of her father but she turned him down, knowing then what was to come once her father’s situation become public & not wanting for him to think she took him up on his offer to save her family.
Corbeau suffers from acute reserve, hates being in public and (his name is John but he is referred to by his title throughout, just as she is “Lady Grace” – even when they are being intimate! Not the most romantic.) prefers spending time in the stable with his horses rather than with people of his rank. I liked his quiet intensity and his steadfastness in trying to win Grace.
The whole story revolves around Corbeau trying to win Grace’s acceptance to their forced engagement & her pushing him away – not literally or physically but rather her reluctance due to her father’s scandal. It was a bit tiring after a while especially when it became obvious that she’d started to have feelings for him and that he obviously what willing to work through any problems they faced. I adored how intense Corbeau’s feelings were & was extremely frustrated with Grace.
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2016
Lady Grace Landon is attending a house party with her mother and sisters. The weather has kept the guests inside and Grace is looking for a place to hide from the other guests so she can have some privacy. John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau, finds Grace in a storeroom. When the door closes, they become trapped and are discovered by some of the biggest gossips of the ton. Corbeau immediately announces that he has just asked Grace to marry him.
Grace's family has been crushed and impoverished by her father's disgrace and they do not have a place to live. Grace would rather find employment as a governess instead of marring her best friend's oldest brother.
Shortly before Grace's father died and they were starting to realize the mess he had created, Corbeau asked to court Grace and she turned him down flat. Corbeau still desires Grace and uses getting caught in the storeroom to his advantage. Can Corbeau prove to Grace that he loves her?
This is a debut book from Ingrid Hahn. I loved the characters from Grace and Corbeau to Grace's mother and sisters. Corbeau is going on my "book boyfriend" list. He was the perfect man for Grace. I loved that he wasn't afraid to admit to her that he hated the endless entertainments of the ton and the crowds. This was an amazing read. If I had a real bookcase, it would go next to Eloisa James. It was sensual without being sexual.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I reviewed this book on my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/
Grace's family has been crushed and impoverished by her father's disgrace and they do not have a place to live. Grace would rather find employment as a governess instead of marring her best friend's oldest brother.
Shortly before Grace's father died and they were starting to realize the mess he had created, Corbeau asked to court Grace and she turned him down flat. Corbeau still desires Grace and uses getting caught in the storeroom to his advantage. Can Corbeau prove to Grace that he loves her?
This is a debut book from Ingrid Hahn. I loved the characters from Grace and Corbeau to Grace's mother and sisters. Corbeau is going on my "book boyfriend" list. He was the perfect man for Grace. I loved that he wasn't afraid to admit to her that he hated the endless entertainments of the ton and the crowds. This was an amazing read. If I had a real bookcase, it would go next to Eloisa James. It was sensual without being sexual.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I reviewed this book on my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/
March 12, 2016
TITLE: To win a lady’s heart
AUTHOR: Ingrid Hahn
GENRE: Romance/Historical Romance
PUBLISHER: Entangled Publishing, LLC
RATING: 2.5/5
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC I was given the opportunity to review “To win a lady’s heart“ by Ingrid Hahn.
The Earl of Corbeau, is caught in a locked storeroom with Lady Grace and he has only one choice, and that is to marry her.
8 years earlier Lord Corbeau asked to court Lady Grace but she refused because her father was dying and leaving her and her family no money. She didn’t want Lord Corbeau to feel she only accepted his offer because she wanted his money. So 8 years later they find themselves locked in a storeroom together by mistake, and the only result is to marry. Lady Grace tries to brake the engagement, telling Lord Corbeau that she doesn’t want to bring the shame of her name to his family ( The shame being her father leaving them penniless ).
“To win a lady’s heart” is a fast read. The first 7 chapters, I find did not build a very good connection with the Lord Corbeau and Lady Grace. From chapter 8 on there were points that were very good and you could feel the connection but then the connection fell flat. I feel the author needs to take more time building the back story.
For this being the author’s first book you can see the potential for some great stories. Would I try this author again? Yes, I think I would give her another shot
AUTHOR: Ingrid Hahn
GENRE: Romance/Historical Romance
PUBLISHER: Entangled Publishing, LLC
RATING: 2.5/5
Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC I was given the opportunity to review “To win a lady’s heart“ by Ingrid Hahn.
The Earl of Corbeau, is caught in a locked storeroom with Lady Grace and he has only one choice, and that is to marry her.
8 years earlier Lord Corbeau asked to court Lady Grace but she refused because her father was dying and leaving her and her family no money. She didn’t want Lord Corbeau to feel she only accepted his offer because she wanted his money. So 8 years later they find themselves locked in a storeroom together by mistake, and the only result is to marry. Lady Grace tries to brake the engagement, telling Lord Corbeau that she doesn’t want to bring the shame of her name to his family ( The shame being her father leaving them penniless ).
“To win a lady’s heart” is a fast read. The first 7 chapters, I find did not build a very good connection with the Lord Corbeau and Lady Grace. From chapter 8 on there were points that were very good and you could feel the connection but then the connection fell flat. I feel the author needs to take more time building the back story.
For this being the author’s first book you can see the potential for some great stories. Would I try this author again? Yes, I think I would give her another shot
September 17, 2016
I really enjoyed this book by a new author - tho I wish it were a bit longer! The hero, relationship and the setting were my favorite parts of this novel.
The Hero was challenged in a way that was original and outside the normal for regency genre and I really enjoyed the originality of his struggle and how he overcomes it in the end. I won't reveal what the challenge is because I think it's an important twist to the story. I would call him a Beta hero. (My favorite.)
The settings were very well written and researched, I felt I was right there in the house party during Christmas time. If there was more story, it could have been even better. I love regency set in pastoral England.
Finally, it's important for me to feel something for my hero and heroine and I really cheered for them and scolded them for just being silly at times, and swooned with them - they needed to work on their communication skills, but then the story might be even shorter if they'd been good at it. Anyway, there were some good feels here for such a short little read.
I hope to read more of Ms Hahn's work. I recommend this if you want a quick, cozy, and slightly steamy Regency era historical romance.
The Hero was challenged in a way that was original and outside the normal for regency genre and I really enjoyed the originality of his struggle and how he overcomes it in the end. I won't reveal what the challenge is because I think it's an important twist to the story. I would call him a Beta hero. (My favorite.)
The settings were very well written and researched, I felt I was right there in the house party during Christmas time. If there was more story, it could have been even better. I love regency set in pastoral England.
Finally, it's important for me to feel something for my hero and heroine and I really cheered for them and scolded them for just being silly at times, and swooned with them - they needed to work on their communication skills, but then the story might be even shorter if they'd been good at it. Anyway, there were some good feels here for such a short little read.
I hope to read more of Ms Hahn's work. I recommend this if you want a quick, cozy, and slightly steamy Regency era historical romance.
March 15, 2016
Lady Grace Landon, her three younger sisters and their mother have suffered years of scandal, thanks to her father the Earl dying without leaving them a penny. At twenty seven she knows she will never marry, the one man to ask her she couldn't possibly accept. Now to provide for her family she will get work as a governess. That was until a game at a house party changed everything.
John Merrick, Earl of Corbeau has spent years avoiding the woman who refused him. He cannot get close to her without almost losing control.
Our hero is a proud, honourable man, who is happier with his horses than people. He always puts the wishes of others over his own.
Our heroine takes the responsibility of taking care of her family very seriously, but will not put anyone else in danger of suffering from their acquaintance.
A gentle historic romance with just one little sex scene. I'm guessing that this will be the start of a series. We have several secondary characters that I want to see settled.
A very enjoyable read.
John Merrick, Earl of Corbeau has spent years avoiding the woman who refused him. He cannot get close to her without almost losing control.
Our hero is a proud, honourable man, who is happier with his horses than people. He always puts the wishes of others over his own.
Our heroine takes the responsibility of taking care of her family very seriously, but will not put anyone else in danger of suffering from their acquaintance.
A gentle historic romance with just one little sex scene. I'm guessing that this will be the start of a series. We have several secondary characters that I want to see settled.
A very enjoyable read.
March 23, 2016
duty and pleasure...
Lady Grace Landon has many shadows to dispel. John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau has his own set of ghosts to slay.
When Grace found a satisfying place to read some correspondence she rather the rest of her family didn't find out about, she wasn't to know that Lord Corbeau sought the same place to evade a party game he didn't want to join in. The thing was that he didn't leave the door ajar as Grace had.
Being caught in a locked storeroom together was not planned, or even remotely sought. And yet this travesty against societal rules occurred. Particularly as this was the very a man whose proposal Grace had refused some years ago. But Lord Corbeau is ever mindful of his duty.
Their hurried engagement and fraught courtship is frustrating as neither seems to be able to shake the past for obvious reasons. Following this love story is akin to walking across a rock pool in bare feet. Full of dangerous, painful places. All in all, a pleasurable read with some frustrations, mainly from Grace.
A NetGalley ARC
Lady Grace Landon has many shadows to dispel. John Merrick, the Earl of Corbeau has his own set of ghosts to slay.
When Grace found a satisfying place to read some correspondence she rather the rest of her family didn't find out about, she wasn't to know that Lord Corbeau sought the same place to evade a party game he didn't want to join in. The thing was that he didn't leave the door ajar as Grace had.
Being caught in a locked storeroom together was not planned, or even remotely sought. And yet this travesty against societal rules occurred. Particularly as this was the very a man whose proposal Grace had refused some years ago. But Lord Corbeau is ever mindful of his duty.
Their hurried engagement and fraught courtship is frustrating as neither seems to be able to shake the past for obvious reasons. Following this love story is akin to walking across a rock pool in bare feet. Full of dangerous, painful places. All in all, a pleasurable read with some frustrations, mainly from Grace.
A NetGalley ARC
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