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Scandalous Sisters #3
To Win His Wayward Wife
Not to be outdone by her sisters' marriage-producing scandals, quiet and withdrawn Madison Banks quickly finds herself walking down the aisle to a man who has secretly loved her for years. Her groom, however, has no idea how to show his new bride that he truly loves her and, following a bungled wedding night, finds himself in a position to either win his wife once and for all or lose her forever. Can he prove himself worthy of her? Will she accept his love? Or will jealousy and past insecurities tear the pair apart?
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First published April 13, 2011
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About the author
Rose Gordon
48 books473 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
May 7, 2013
Poor Adherence to the Setting:
This story takes place during the Regency, the era in which propriety and high morals are supposedly enforced with an iron fist. So much so that marriages are often forced for nothing more than being caught alone with a man. Yet, the characters in this book say, routinely, things that are so inappropriate and downright crass that they make the MODERN reader shudder, mostly from their poor timing. In this sense, much of the dialogue is fantastically unrealistic. Even today, a woman would not make blatantly open comments about "satisfying" her husband to her mother-in-law at the breakfast table in front of half a dozen other people! Scenes like that are enough to make you want to slam the book down and move on.
Comedic Banter Where it Doesn't Belong:
Imagine the building is on fire (this is not a spoiler), and the fire has been set by a madman intent to kill you. Now, remove any realistic emotional drama from that situation and insert inane, too-cute-by-half, banter instead. This book is FILLED with this kind of tripe. It’s as if the author thought of cute little snippets of repartee and loved them so much that she couldn't resist peppering the whole book with them, even in places where they are unrealistic and totally inappropriate. Who stops to make penis jokes while people are shooting at them? Is this a Regency romance, or a PARODY of a Regency romance? I’m starting to think it’s the later.
Hackneyed Plot Devices:
Think of the guy you were in love with in high school. See his face? It’s pretty clear, isn't it? In fact, if you saw him on the street right now you would recognize him immediately unless he had been in a horrible fire at some point. Yet, here we are with a scenario in which a woman can’t, apparently, recognize the man she was in love with six years ago just because he was wearing a beard? Come on.
Second, we need to be done with this whole “sleeping beauty” plot device in which someone, usually a woman, is abducted or otherwise moved while she is asleep. Who stays asleep while someone picks them up, loads them into a carriage, and drives away? Does she sleep, or does she slip into a medical coma every night? The only characters that should sleep while being manhandled are babies, toddlers, and people who have been drugged. Anything else stretches credibility and is just plain stupid.
Summary:
This author does an amazing job with character back-stories, plot, drama, and romance, but it's her attempts at sitcom style antics that come off as truly cringe-worthy. The reader cannot be expected to accept a Regency era setting, and especially one in which the main crux of the plot relies of social propriety, while seeing virtually every character act like a ye olde version of a Porky’s frat boy. The romantic scenes are so well written, both in description and dialogue, that it makes you wish they could stand alone. Unfortunately, they can’t, and the rest of the book ruins their effect.
February 5, 2017
★★★3.5 Bleeding-love stars ★★★"We might die here,you know ?"
"Nonsense..And if it does take that long for you to learn to swim,I'll die a happy man."
"And why is that ?"
"Because I'll die with you.."
I've got to say,I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the direction the plot took in this read..
Even though,this book was filled with its share of witty banters and gunshot wounds...Yes,Gunshot wounds ;) More than falling into the light romance or suspect genre...This book seemed to stand out as an memorable Angst-romance genre which also happens to be one of my favorite plot-types.
I can't do it again.I can't wait for you to fall out of love again to try and win you back once more.I love you more than any man has ever loved his wife, but my heart can't take this anymore."He said brokenly. "Leave...Stay...I don't care anymore"
Benjamin has been in love with his wife for the last 6 years.But can he really convince her to take a chance on him?
MY RAMBLINGS: Well let me start of by saying that I love,as in LOVE the hero (Gah! Why can't I find guys like this in real life?).And yes adored story line too !
But the only thing I couldn't
I REALLY couldn't seem to relate to her even in the most basic level. (Thank God !) And found her attitude to be very irritating ! She really didn't deserve the hero at all !
Ok look, I'm not saying that the heroine should trust him so quickly after being burnt by love once.But COME ON ! This girl was the epitome of mixed signals ! One day,she decided she wants him and the next day she doesn't.
Then for God sake! Decide already will you ?! Or better yet just remove your self from this story and let some other heroine who deserves the hero love him. Like me ;)
For once I'm actually on the hero's side in this 'scenario' (which I can't really explain without giving away the plot.).Because I for one could understand how this looked from his perspective.Plus ,what can I say ? I also harbor a soft spot for vulnerable alpha hero ;D (Lol..But again who doesn't....Oh yes THE HEROINE. *Ugh* )
RECOMMENDATION: Would probably recommend this to all lovers of the Angst+mystery+HR genre... BUT Please DO NOT pick this one up if your searching for light,Hilarious read...cause this one's more angsty guys.
May 27, 2011
I really enjoyed the first two books, and to be honest, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading romances. There's something about Rose Gordon's style and humor that pulls you in and makes you care so much about the characters that you wait in expectation for that magic moment where they confess their love to each other. I've enjoyed all of the characters in these books, but what made this one my favorite of the three was the hero and his great love for Madison.
The hero in this book (intentionally left out of the description for the shock value in chapter 2) has secretly loved Madison for years. She had no idea he loved her, and that was what eventually made this book my favorite one. The pining hero is very romantic. I didn't suspect the hero was who he turned out to be, and yes, I was shocked. He was the last person I expected, and I honestly wondered how the author would pull it off since I didn't like him at all after reading Intentions of the Earl. But she did pull it off. His tenderness toward Madison was wonderful. The wedding night blunder did look bad from Madison's point of view, but I understood what he was really telling her and as bad as it was, the real meaning was actually endearing because he held her in such high esteem that he could never think of her the way her horrible ex-suitor did. The ex-suitor, by the way, wants her back, and he had some surprising characteristics that were the mark of a good villain.
The romance that developed between the hero and Madison felt natural and pulled me into loving these two, and I felt fully immersed in the time period. I look forward to reading more of Rose Gordon's books in the future. Oh, and if anyone wonders, this book is wonderfully sensual. It was spicier than the first two, in my opinion, and I did enjoy that. Madison and the hero's first time was one of the best sex scenes I've ever read because of the emotional build-up to it and how satisfactory it was for her. If you read the book, you'll know why it was so important she enjoy sex with the hero.
The hero in this book (intentionally left out of the description for the shock value in chapter 2) has secretly loved Madison for years. She had no idea he loved her, and that was what eventually made this book my favorite one. The pining hero is very romantic. I didn't suspect the hero was who he turned out to be, and yes, I was shocked. He was the last person I expected, and I honestly wondered how the author would pull it off since I didn't like him at all after reading Intentions of the Earl. But she did pull it off. His tenderness toward Madison was wonderful. The wedding night blunder did look bad from Madison's point of view, but I understood what he was really telling her and as bad as it was, the real meaning was actually endearing because he held her in such high esteem that he could never think of her the way her horrible ex-suitor did. The ex-suitor, by the way, wants her back, and he had some surprising characteristics that were the mark of a good villain.
The romance that developed between the hero and Madison felt natural and pulled me into loving these two, and I felt fully immersed in the time period. I look forward to reading more of Rose Gordon's books in the future. Oh, and if anyone wonders, this book is wonderfully sensual. It was spicier than the first two, in my opinion, and I did enjoy that. Madison and the hero's first time was one of the best sex scenes I've ever read because of the emotional build-up to it and how satisfactory it was for her. If you read the book, you'll know why it was so important she enjoy sex with the hero.
August 27, 2019
DNF @ 40% when I reached this stage
July 23, 2023
I enjoyed this more the second time aroumd.
This was her villain from her debut turned hero. The villain-hero was never my cup of tea. This one was rather mild with a good heart and explanations of motivations for bad behavior. That worked fine for me, but I understand why it might be lukewarm or seem out of character for others.
This was her villain from her debut turned hero. The villain-hero was never my cup of tea. This one was rather mild with a good heart and explanations of motivations for bad behavior. That worked fine for me, but I understand why it might be lukewarm or seem out of character for others.
June 8, 2014
ENJOYABLE ROMANCE
I've not read any of the other books in this series, but it wasn't too difficult to pick up on what had gone before. Although this is a period romance it does tend to feel rather modern in the way the story is presented. There are some scenes, and one in particular where even in the present day overt sexual conversations I'm sure would not take place with your mother at the dining table. There are misunderstandings aplenty as well. But then the path to true love is not always smooth.
This is a pleasant read with fairly engaging characters. Although the heroine Madison had more than her share of too stupid to live moments. I really like Ben he was a very sympathetic character. There's some sexual content but it's sensuous and written well. As to the plot it was a tad longwinded here and there. Over all I quite enjoyed my first read from this author.
I've not read any of the other books in this series, but it wasn't too difficult to pick up on what had gone before. Although this is a period romance it does tend to feel rather modern in the way the story is presented. There are some scenes, and one in particular where even in the present day overt sexual conversations I'm sure would not take place with your mother at the dining table. There are misunderstandings aplenty as well. But then the path to true love is not always smooth.
This is a pleasant read with fairly engaging characters. Although the heroine Madison had more than her share of too stupid to live moments. I really like Ben he was a very sympathetic character. There's some sexual content but it's sensuous and written well. As to the plot it was a tad longwinded here and there. Over all I quite enjoyed my first read from this author.
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December 3, 2014I very much disliked this book. He knows that she is not a virgin on their wedding night, but he calls her a whore ! But he has loved her for over six year, If that love's then, who needs it. She knows someone is trying to kill her husband whom she loved, but she get's mad at him for trying to protect him and her! Stupid him takes her to a remote place. This book has problems It waste of time to trying and tell you all. This book is stupid! I deleted all the books I had downloaded from this author!
September 29, 2011
Loved it, loved it, loved it! Fantastic ending to a great series. If you've read Courtney Milan's "Un" series, you should definitely pick this one up too.
A+
A+
March 8, 2013
Meh. I think this had potential, but I found the character's behavior inconsistent and confusing.
June 29, 2016
I absolutely loved it! The guy is unbelievably good. I mean which man would wait for 6 years for the woman he loves?
July 23, 2015
3.5 out of 5 Stars. You may or may not interpret there to be "spoilers" below.
I don't feel the need to give great detail about the story considering others have done that, and there is the synopsis. I will disclaim that I could have maybe rated the book a 4 out of 5 stars, but reading the previous Scandalous Sisters book, I had this one very built up in my head. Therefore, I may have had higher expectations for this story. When reading the first book in the series I immediately fell in love with the hero and heroine and hoped they would have their own stores, so you could imagine my excitement when I learned they had a storyline together! I felt Madison's character changed not quite how I had expected but I did really enjoy her background and learning why she was so quite. Plus I enjoyed her crass jokes and dry sense of humor, although it is quite out of context for regency era but I'm not one to dwell on it if all proprieties are observed in novels. What I did not enjoy about Madison is that she was so damn dramatic. I understand that you need some drama to make a story, but she was such an emotional roller coaster. Completely up and down with her feelings when nothing happened to change them. I loved Benjamin. Outwardly he is basically an a**hole, but really he just loves Madison. *sigh* I'm a sucker for those heroes.
I don't feel the need to give great detail about the story considering others have done that, and there is the synopsis. I will disclaim that I could have maybe rated the book a 4 out of 5 stars, but reading the previous Scandalous Sisters book, I had this one very built up in my head. Therefore, I may have had higher expectations for this story. When reading the first book in the series I immediately fell in love with the hero and heroine and hoped they would have their own stores, so you could imagine my excitement when I learned they had a storyline together! I felt Madison's character changed not quite how I had expected but I did really enjoy her background and learning why she was so quite. Plus I enjoyed her crass jokes and dry sense of humor, although it is quite out of context for regency era but I'm not one to dwell on it if all proprieties are observed in novels. What I did not enjoy about Madison is that she was so damn dramatic. I understand that you need some drama to make a story, but she was such an emotional roller coaster. Completely up and down with her feelings when nothing happened to change them. I loved Benjamin. Outwardly he is basically an a**hole, but really he just loves Madison. *sigh* I'm a sucker for those heroes.
November 3, 2018
This book has been a re-read.
Despite the fact that our Hero is keeping a VERY big secret for our Heroine. And that fact that our Hero did something dastardly in the first book. We later learn he had good intentions.
This book could have resolved all conflict if the two characters had talked to each other about what had happened in the past, but with the events of the first book it was easy to see why they wouldn't be confiding in each other even though they were married.
I like this book because our Hero genuinely loves and cares for his wife and wants to win her affection in return. Our Heroine has some difficulty coming around to this because she doubts our Hero's sincerity.
Overall this is good and you get a nice HEA at the end.
Despite the fact that our Hero is keeping a VERY big secret for our Heroine. And that fact that our Hero did something dastardly in the first book. We later learn he had good intentions.
This book could have resolved all conflict if the two characters had talked to each other about what had happened in the past, but with the events of the first book it was easy to see why they wouldn't be confiding in each other even though they were married.
I like this book because our Hero genuinely loves and cares for his wife and wants to win her affection in return. Our Heroine has some difficulty coming around to this because she doubts our Hero's sincerity.
Overall this is good and you get a nice HEA at the end.
January 16, 2016
To Win His Wayward Wife by Rose Gordon Book 3 of the Scandalous Sisters
Madison Banks was the quiet one. She often stared out the window and daydreamed. She was the most beautiful of the girls but despised being adored for only her beauty. She wanted to be liked for herself as a person not only her outward appearance. Robbie Swift had broken her heart and most people thought that was the reason for her deep sadness.
Years ago she had believed herself in love with Robbie's cousin, Leo. He was a scruffy looking fellow but she felt drawn to him. Now that her two sisters were married to Englishmen, their parents had returned to America to settle their holdings and return to England as well. During a party at Brooke's, and Andrew as her guardian, Robbie Swift makes an appearance. While escaping her she ends up in the a dark area with someone else who will not make himself known. When the town gossip finds Madison coming out with Andrew she accuses them of having an affair. Suddenly Benjamin Collins, Duke of Gateway comes out of the shadows to announce their engagement.
Benjamin has loved Madison for six years. Now he has his chance to make her his own. He could not be happier at their wedding. Unfortunately Madison is not so happy. He is the man who hired Andrew to ruin one of the Bank's girls so they would return to America after all and he had a reputation as being a bad man. So he had to court and woo his wife but it seemed every step of the way he did the wrong thing. On top of it all, Ben thought that Madison was in love with his nemesis, Andrew Black. I love Ben's character. He ends up being such a different man than what he has been portrayed as in the first two books.
Between Robbie trying to get Madison, Ben trying to win her as his wife, Madison fighting to gain a backbone and be heard, and all the other quirks...Rose finishes off this third book in the series as good as the first two. Her humor, adventure and love struggles she gives her characters all come together for a enchanting story.
Her next four books are the Groom Series which look to continue with some of the characters we have already met. Such as their cousin.. the nerdy but handsome scientist..Alexander Banks.
**Contains sexual situations within marriage.
Madison Banks was the quiet one. She often stared out the window and daydreamed. She was the most beautiful of the girls but despised being adored for only her beauty. She wanted to be liked for herself as a person not only her outward appearance. Robbie Swift had broken her heart and most people thought that was the reason for her deep sadness.
Years ago she had believed herself in love with Robbie's cousin, Leo. He was a scruffy looking fellow but she felt drawn to him. Now that her two sisters were married to Englishmen, their parents had returned to America to settle their holdings and return to England as well. During a party at Brooke's, and Andrew as her guardian, Robbie Swift makes an appearance. While escaping her she ends up in the a dark area with someone else who will not make himself known. When the town gossip finds Madison coming out with Andrew she accuses them of having an affair. Suddenly Benjamin Collins, Duke of Gateway comes out of the shadows to announce their engagement.
Benjamin has loved Madison for six years. Now he has his chance to make her his own. He could not be happier at their wedding. Unfortunately Madison is not so happy. He is the man who hired Andrew to ruin one of the Bank's girls so they would return to America after all and he had a reputation as being a bad man. So he had to court and woo his wife but it seemed every step of the way he did the wrong thing. On top of it all, Ben thought that Madison was in love with his nemesis, Andrew Black. I love Ben's character. He ends up being such a different man than what he has been portrayed as in the first two books.
Between Robbie trying to get Madison, Ben trying to win her as his wife, Madison fighting to gain a backbone and be heard, and all the other quirks...Rose finishes off this third book in the series as good as the first two. Her humor, adventure and love struggles she gives her characters all come together for a enchanting story.
Her next four books are the Groom Series which look to continue with some of the characters we have already met. Such as their cousin.. the nerdy but handsome scientist..Alexander Banks.
**Contains sexual situations within marriage.
May 20, 2015
I'm so sorry for those who like this but I'm going to say my piece.
I'm torn between love and hatred. Here's why:
I like Madison because she participates in helping the poor and by poor it is teaching those "illiterate bastards" (from her own words) I hate Madison because of all the obvious reason why she took the risk of giving everything to that asshole Robbie. I like her because she gave Ben a chance, I hate her because she's afraid of telling the truth to Ben and thus hurt him in the most hurtful way.
I like Ben because he never stop loving Madison, I hate him because he gave up with her that easily when he knows how an ASS Robbie is. I mean come on, if the love of your life is in the hands of a fucker atleast fight for her! He comes back straight to England.
I hate the plot. There's too many on goings. Maybe because I want honesty. I want honest characters and I find fault in every one of them.
I fvvvcking hate Robbie! Well, I think that's what antagonist do. To hate them! He deflowered Madison and fvvck her until she bear a child and leaves her just to marry another. WHAT AN ASS!
Lastly, it's not balance.. There's too much drama but very short ending. Like, the past of Madison, I felt hurt because of what happened to her. I want to hug her but at the same time punch her. I want to comfort Ben. Oh ben :( ATLEAST GAVE JUSTICE! In the end I want Ben's story, like how he cope up with Madison's past. IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE TO SAY THAT "I'M NO LONGER A V AND I CARRIED HIS CHILD BUT MISCARRIED AND WENT TO ENGLAND" AND EXPECT ACCEPTANCE IN A SNAP!!! Give the man TIME to process things. To think things through. The ending was not too much of a thrill because it is obvious that it was written "just-to-finish" the story.
(-_-)
I'm torn between love and hatred. Here's why:
I like Madison because she participates in helping the poor and by poor it is teaching those "illiterate bastards" (from her own words) I hate Madison because of all the obvious reason why she took the risk of giving everything to that asshole Robbie. I like her because she gave Ben a chance, I hate her because she's afraid of telling the truth to Ben and thus hurt him in the most hurtful way.
I like Ben because he never stop loving Madison, I hate him because he gave up with her that easily when he knows how an ASS Robbie is. I mean come on, if the love of your life is in the hands of a fucker atleast fight for her! He comes back straight to England.
I hate the plot. There's too many on goings. Maybe because I want honesty. I want honest characters and I find fault in every one of them.
I fvvvcking hate Robbie! Well, I think that's what antagonist do. To hate them! He deflowered Madison and fvvck her until she bear a child and leaves her just to marry another. WHAT AN ASS!
Lastly, it's not balance.. There's too much drama but very short ending. Like, the past of Madison, I felt hurt because of what happened to her. I want to hug her but at the same time punch her. I want to comfort Ben. Oh ben :( ATLEAST GAVE JUSTICE! In the end I want Ben's story, like how he cope up with Madison's past. IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE TO SAY THAT "I'M NO LONGER A V AND I CARRIED HIS CHILD BUT MISCARRIED AND WENT TO ENGLAND" AND EXPECT ACCEPTANCE IN A SNAP!!! Give the man TIME to process things. To think things through. The ending was not too much of a thrill because it is obvious that it was written "just-to-finish" the story.
(-_-)
May 23, 2013
I was looking forward to this book since it's about a pining husband who's loved his wife for the last 6 years. Mind you, I did not read the previous 2 books.
First the good parts:
Love learning about Benjamin and his thoughts and openness to her. I enjoyed the courtship part with them just talking and sharing waffle moments.
The Bad:
Another reviewer mentioned my biggest problem to this: it felt too one sided. Not balanced. I rooted for him but at the same time it also felt rather contrived and she, undeserving of him.
And I was not mollified by Madison's reasoning of sticking with Robbie because he's a safer bet compared to Leo. She really struck me as too fickle, not trusting at all, and immature. She was hanging out with Robbie early on and yet claims that she was so in love with Leo that she quickly became heartbroken after Robbie's accusation that Leo was a rake? For someone in love, she was too quick in dismissing Leo.
I can only assume that throughout her story, she had never really wanted to trust her heart to another person and instead wanted the easy way out; Robbie. The bad choice and consequence just gave her more excuse to be mistrustful.
Perhaps if there's more time focused on her to show the audience that she really really cares about him as well.
First the good parts:
Love learning about Benjamin and his thoughts and openness to her. I enjoyed the courtship part with them just talking and sharing waffle moments.
The Bad:
Another reviewer mentioned my biggest problem to this: it felt too one sided. Not balanced. I rooted for him but at the same time it also felt rather contrived and she, undeserving of him.
And I was not mollified by Madison's reasoning of sticking with Robbie because he's a safer bet compared to Leo. She really struck me as too fickle, not trusting at all, and immature. She was hanging out with Robbie early on and yet claims that she was so in love with Leo that she quickly became heartbroken after Robbie's accusation that Leo was a rake? For someone in love, she was too quick in dismissing Leo.
I can only assume that throughout her story, she had never really wanted to trust her heart to another person and instead wanted the easy way out; Robbie. The bad choice and consequence just gave her more excuse to be mistrustful.
Perhaps if there's more time focused on her to show the audience that she really really cares about him as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2014
Rose Gordon's style is more "telling" than "showing" but entertaining and her characters are well formed.
To avoid a scandal, Madison marries the Duke of Gateway who was the antagonist in the first installment. We find out why Gateway wanted Andrew to cause a scandal and Madison's past is revealed. The Gateway in this book feels like a different character from the Gateway in the first book. Perhaps, watching the sisters get married changed him?
The first chapters are filled with "character history" stalling the story until the reader is filled in on all the details. In fact, there is so much backstory for this couple, expect flashback scenes.
There were a few places near the end where I shouted "Get on with it!" I'm not talking about them getting into bed, I'm talking about moments where the couple start to resolve the conflict, one of them is in a bad mood so the other decides to "wait a few more days" before they try again. These near misses got on my nerves.
There are editing mistakes - extra words in the wrong places - not major, just annoying.
I was compelled to fininsh reading and I look forward to Gordon's next book.
To avoid spoilers, read the books in order:
Intentions of the Earl
Liberty for Paul
To Win his Wayward Wife
To avoid a scandal, Madison marries the Duke of Gateway who was the antagonist in the first installment. We find out why Gateway wanted Andrew to cause a scandal and Madison's past is revealed. The Gateway in this book feels like a different character from the Gateway in the first book. Perhaps, watching the sisters get married changed him?
The first chapters are filled with "character history" stalling the story until the reader is filled in on all the details. In fact, there is so much backstory for this couple, expect flashback scenes.
There were a few places near the end where I shouted "Get on with it!" I'm not talking about them getting into bed, I'm talking about moments where the couple start to resolve the conflict, one of them is in a bad mood so the other decides to "wait a few more days" before they try again. These near misses got on my nerves.
There are editing mistakes - extra words in the wrong places - not major, just annoying.
I was compelled to fininsh reading and I look forward to Gordon's next book.
To avoid spoilers, read the books in order:
Intentions of the Earl
Liberty for Paul
To Win his Wayward Wife
September 9, 2012
I think I said pretty much the same in my review of the first book of this series, but when an author doesn't seem to understand the particulars of proper address even upon its surface, it distracts me mightily from the story. That and misused words are two of the things that can most easily disrupt my ability to focus on and enjoy a story. If you want to write a historical piece, you absolutely need to understand the basics. The only reason you should call a woman 'Duchess' is if that is her given name. The story itself wasn't bad, but was filled with one character or another going off to sulk over their assumptions, rather than ask the one question that it would take to resolve the situation. This author does have potential, but needs to tighten up on the details.
January 13, 2016
This is easily my favorite Rose Gordon historical. I loved the whole concept of the hero (who's identity I will not spoil) being in love with heroine and trying so hard to get her to love him. The messed up wedding night was an interesting twist that caused some valid drama for the couple. I definitely recommend this for fans of unconventional historical romance though I would also suggest you read the first two books in the series to get the full effect.
January 29, 2016
I was excited to come across a new author, who appeared to be well appreciated with generally high ratings. However, I found myself unable to finish this book. It was quite poorly written, characters and their actions were inconsistent and the dialogue contrived and cringe worthy a times. The narration was dreadful in places and the intended humorous banter between the couple were forced and fell flat. The language was often quite inappropriate for the period. Very disappointed.
February 12, 2013
It was an ok read, but tiresome.
I loved the hero, and was glad to see that he was indeed savable after meeting him in the first book in this series - and that he saved himself.
I'm just not entirely satisfied that the heroine was worthy of him.
Not money well spent.
I loved the hero, and was glad to see that he was indeed savable after meeting him in the first book in this series - and that he saved himself.
I'm just not entirely satisfied that the heroine was worthy of him.
Not money well spent.
June 2, 2019
The Final Banks Sister Finds Her Husband.
Madison Banks - damaged by the a former beau is in England recovering from her experiences. Totally off men, who see her as a pretty trinket only. To possess as one with mind of the person she is.
An unfortunate event where her last beau turns up in England to find her leads to a possible scandalous situation and marriage.
Benjamin Duke of Gateway loves Madison. He has for years after seeing whilst incognito in America visiting distant relatives.
After being disappointed in not gaining her heart he returns to England.
When she turns up in England foolishly her challenges his relation to ruin, Brooke, Madison's sister in the hopes of cricketers family back to America. Where he believes Madison would be happier.
It a goes pear shaped with Brooke marrying Andrew borne with ruining her. Liberty the other Banks Sister marrying leaving Madison to find her way.
That way leads Benjamin to be Madison's saviour in said possibly scandalous situation. Thereon to their marriage - longed for by Benjamin and avoided by Madison.
Always on the outside of a family, Benjamin struggles to not feel an outsider in both family and Madison's heart as he tries to find a way in. She doesn't realise they have already met and he doesn't realise she had a tender for his incognito character.
Benjamin struggles with past insecurities of belonging and Madison struggles with trust issues.
Benjamin's feelings are laid bare and tested to the hilt in order to break down Madison's defences. It is not an easy task and misunderstanding don't help the matter.
A well written story with string characters and believable twists.
Rose always manages to explore the feelings of suitors and husbands to humanism them with devastating effect. Benjamin's turmoil is gut wrenching at times, drawing the reader in to feel compassion and to spur him on to his goal. So often these types of books present a one sided emotional view from the lady's perspective, but Benjamin is portrayed as most deserving of a woman's heart, having earned it so well.
Of the three books this is my favourite.
We see glimpses of the follow on series with the introduction of Alex Banks in this book and Liberty got Paul. The story of Alex Banks is well worth a read. For he too has a tender heart.
Madison Banks - damaged by the a former beau is in England recovering from her experiences. Totally off men, who see her as a pretty trinket only. To possess as one with mind of the person she is.
An unfortunate event where her last beau turns up in England to find her leads to a possible scandalous situation and marriage.
Benjamin Duke of Gateway loves Madison. He has for years after seeing whilst incognito in America visiting distant relatives.
After being disappointed in not gaining her heart he returns to England.
When she turns up in England foolishly her challenges his relation to ruin, Brooke, Madison's sister in the hopes of cricketers family back to America. Where he believes Madison would be happier.
It a goes pear shaped with Brooke marrying Andrew borne with ruining her. Liberty the other Banks Sister marrying leaving Madison to find her way.
That way leads Benjamin to be Madison's saviour in said possibly scandalous situation. Thereon to their marriage - longed for by Benjamin and avoided by Madison.
Always on the outside of a family, Benjamin struggles to not feel an outsider in both family and Madison's heart as he tries to find a way in. She doesn't realise they have already met and he doesn't realise she had a tender for his incognito character.
Benjamin struggles with past insecurities of belonging and Madison struggles with trust issues.
Benjamin's feelings are laid bare and tested to the hilt in order to break down Madison's defences. It is not an easy task and misunderstanding don't help the matter.
A well written story with string characters and believable twists.
Rose always manages to explore the feelings of suitors and husbands to humanism them with devastating effect. Benjamin's turmoil is gut wrenching at times, drawing the reader in to feel compassion and to spur him on to his goal. So often these types of books present a one sided emotional view from the lady's perspective, but Benjamin is portrayed as most deserving of a woman's heart, having earned it so well.
Of the three books this is my favourite.
We see glimpses of the follow on series with the introduction of Alex Banks in this book and Liberty got Paul. The story of Alex Banks is well worth a read. For he too has a tender heart.
September 13, 2023
Heroine choice in man is revolting. h gave her V to guy who used to lift her sister’s skirt and behaved very creepy towards all her sisters and made them all uncomfortable.
Yeah, she fell in love him and had dozen of sex with him (her words). He married someone else. I mean she wasn’t loyal towards her sister so why should he? And he wanted h only as his mistress. She hates men now.
Then comes our hero, he tried to ruin h’s sister but couldn’t because she wasn’t interested so he paid a guy (who is indebted to him) to ruin heroine’s sister reputation! And that guy ended up falling in love with her and they got married. And hero’s reason were stupid.
Also, hero called h whore on their wedding night and left her. Because she dressed revealing. H knows h isn’t virgin before their marriage because Hero is her creepy ex bf’s cousin and her ex shared all their intimate details to his cousin. This is so f up.
You see there’s pattern here. Heroine is disloyal and fickle minded. Hero is coward and stupid. Hate all the characters.
The plot seemed promising, but execution failed, storytelling failed, so many plot hole and missing puzzle, the climax and finishing all left me feeling distasteful.
Yeah, she fell in love him and had dozen of sex with him (her words). He married someone else. I mean she wasn’t loyal towards her sister so why should he? And he wanted h only as his mistress. She hates men now.
Then comes our hero, he tried to ruin h’s sister but couldn’t because she wasn’t interested so he paid a guy (who is indebted to him) to ruin heroine’s sister reputation! And that guy ended up falling in love with her and they got married. And hero’s reason were stupid.
Also, hero called h whore on their wedding night and left her. Because she dressed revealing. H knows h isn’t virgin before their marriage because Hero is her creepy ex bf’s cousin and her ex shared all their intimate details to his cousin. This is so f up.
You see there’s pattern here. Heroine is disloyal and fickle minded. Hero is coward and stupid. Hate all the characters.
The plot seemed promising, but execution failed, storytelling failed, so many plot hole and missing puzzle, the climax and finishing all left me feeling distasteful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
I couldn’t really enjoy this book because there were so many references to the two previous books. Enough references to make the main characters of this book and the previous two roll their eyes, shake their heads, blush etc etc and leave me out in the cold. So, no this is not a stand-alone romance, it very much depends on events of at least the first book.
I liked the hero very much. He was in love with the heroine from the beginning but many things happened for the two main characters to keep them apart emotionally, especially on the heroine‘s part.
Now, the heroine I didn’t much like her - she was too naive and also too stupid (for example she trusted her disgusting ex-lover more than her own sister only to get hurt badly). She ruined this story with her behavior and her stupid and immature talk.
There was one thing that saved this story somewhat, and that was the humorous writing style of the author, which I enjoyed. Unfortunately I could not get hold of the other two prior books. I tried it online through two libraries, to no avail.
I liked the hero very much. He was in love with the heroine from the beginning but many things happened for the two main characters to keep them apart emotionally, especially on the heroine‘s part.
Now, the heroine I didn’t much like her - she was too naive and also too stupid (for example she trusted her disgusting ex-lover more than her own sister only to get hurt badly). She ruined this story with her behavior and her stupid and immature talk.
There was one thing that saved this story somewhat, and that was the humorous writing style of the author, which I enjoyed. Unfortunately I could not get hold of the other two prior books. I tried it online through two libraries, to no avail.
April 9, 2018
Surprisingly, I liked loved the character of Benjamin. He was level-headed and very patient with Madison. I had certain frustrations with Madison's character. Sometimes she is really practical and sometimes she's just too stubborn without any good reason, For ex. Just being harsh each time she was forced to leave a house because of the attacks from HER Ex. I would assume her to be more co-operating!
Also the entire Leo plot was justified from Benjamin's point of view but I didn't really think Madison liked him as much as she claimed. Robbie might have been the obstacle but nothing she couldn't have overcome if she really liked Leo.
All in all a great read, but I think Madison was less practical then her sisters Brooke and even Liberty.
Also the entire Leo plot was justified from Benjamin's point of view but I didn't really think Madison liked him as much as she claimed. Robbie might have been the obstacle but nothing she couldn't have overcome if she really liked Leo.
All in all a great read, but I think Madison was less practical then her sisters Brooke and even Liberty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book, I believe it’s #3 in the series, but I did occasionally get tired of of the stubbornness of the “Wayward Wife” as I felt it made her seem rather selfish. Leo/Ben must have had the patience of a saint during her stubborn moments. Of course he had his own hot temper which he lost occasionally, usually because he had misunderstood something of other pertaining to his wife. The characters were well developed but you didn’t find out until the end, the why of some of her stubbornness which actually was probably more like fear to open her heart & his fear of never achieving her love due to his own insecurities. It did keep me in the chair reading until I got to the end to find out how the story wrapped up. 😊
January 7, 2022
The Second Best In The Series
This is not a great book, but it’s far better than book two!
This has a great premise and storyline but Madison was really rather tedious! The story arc plays out perfectly and the series ends satisfactorily, but sometimes the journey, whilst it started very well, was torturous during book 2 and agitating in big parts of book 3.
Still… if you enjoy book one, you’re honour bound to read the others. I listened to the audiobook version of these titles. The narrator was very good, handling both English and American accents really well. (5⭐️ for her).
This is not a great book, but it’s far better than book two!
This has a great premise and storyline but Madison was really rather tedious! The story arc plays out perfectly and the series ends satisfactorily, but sometimes the journey, whilst it started very well, was torturous during book 2 and agitating in big parts of book 3.
Still… if you enjoy book one, you’re honour bound to read the others. I listened to the audiobook version of these titles. The narrator was very good, handling both English and American accents really well. (5⭐️ for her).
February 16, 2023
Benjamin has been a somewhat malign presence in the previous books.
Here we discover more about his past and the reasons for his ill advised interference in the lives of the three sisters.
Madison has had her heart broken by the man she thought herself in love with whilst she was in America and had once believed herself in love with another young man whom she met when the mysterious “Leo” was visiting eight years ago.
There are several difficulties for these two to overcome before they can resolve their differences.
I have enjoyed the whole series.
Here we discover more about his past and the reasons for his ill advised interference in the lives of the three sisters.
Madison has had her heart broken by the man she thought herself in love with whilst she was in America and had once believed herself in love with another young man whom she met when the mysterious “Leo” was visiting eight years ago.
There are several difficulties for these two to overcome before they can resolve their differences.
I have enjoyed the whole series.
April 22, 2019
I’ve been interested in Madison since the first book and I wasn’t sure that I even liked Benjamin but I was a believer by the end. I did want to pinch them a couple of times because they really needed to get with the program but I enjoyed their story.
My one complaint with this entire series is the lack of an epilogue. I feel like the story ended and that was it. Done. I needed just a little bit more.....
My one complaint with this entire series is the lack of an epilogue. I feel like the story ended and that was it. Done. I needed just a little bit more.....
dnf
August 4, 2022Dnf Free on audible plus. Narrated by an American who doesn’t know how to pronounce certain words the British way even when narrating about British characters. Sure the FMC is American, but everyone else is British for the most part. It should have been narrated by a Brit who could do an American accent for her parts.
I’d probably enjoy the written version of this, but the American narrated audio version is awful.
I’d probably enjoy the written version of this, but the American narrated audio version is awful.
March 31, 2025
A very cute period romance. She's American and quite free with her words and behaviour, but she has been scarred by her previous lover.
He's been in love with her since first setting eye in her.
Their journey to a hea was a dramatic one, full of miscommunication, assassination attempts, and family drama.
The narration was great.
He's been in love with her since first setting eye in her.
Their journey to a hea was a dramatic one, full of miscommunication, assassination attempts, and family drama.
The narration was great.
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