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Lady Isabella's Ogre
She’s one of London’s beauties ... He's London's ogre.
Lady Isabella Knox enjoys her independence. She collects strays—dogs, kittens, runaway brides—but she has no intention of collecting a husband.
Major Nicholas Reynolds returns from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride ... but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing—literally.
When a slip of her tongue brands the major an ogre—and his chances of marriage disintegrate—Isabella sets out to undo the harm she inadvertently caused. How better to revive the major’s marriage prospects than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation? They both know it’s not real, so where’s the danger?
But Isabella is soon in over her head—and so is Major Reynolds.
Lady Isabella Knox enjoys her independence. She collects strays—dogs, kittens, runaway brides—but she has no intention of collecting a husband.
Major Nicholas Reynolds returns from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride ... but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing—literally.
When a slip of her tongue brands the major an ogre—and his chances of marriage disintegrate—Isabella sets out to undo the harm she inadvertently caused. How better to revive the major’s marriage prospects than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation? They both know it’s not real, so where’s the danger?
But Isabella is soon in over her head—and so is Major Reynolds.
328 pages, ebook
First published November 2, 2017
329 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Emily Larkin
33 books370 followersEmily Larkin is the USA Today bestselling author of the Baleful Godmother historical romance series, a series that readers are calling “sexy, unusual and vastly entertaining,” and "ridiculously wonderful."
When not reading or writing, Emily can be found hiking—preferably somewhere off the beaten track. She loves to travel, and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe and North America, and traveled overland in the Middle East, China, and North Africa. Her varied career includes stints as a field assistant in Antarctica and a waitress on the Isle of Skye.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin. She has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America RITA award, as well as the National Readers Choice, Booksellers Best, Australian Romantic Book of the Year, Sir Julius Vogel, and Koru awards. Her websites are www.emilylarkin.com and www.emilygee.com.
** Join Emily’s Readers’ Group to get an email whenever she has a new release or discounts a book—plus get some FREE ebooks as well!**
When not reading or writing, Emily can be found hiking—preferably somewhere off the beaten track. She loves to travel, and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe and North America, and traveled overland in the Middle East, China, and North Africa. Her varied career includes stints as a field assistant in Antarctica and a waitress on the Isle of Skye.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin. She has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America RITA award, as well as the National Readers Choice, Booksellers Best, Australian Romantic Book of the Year, Sir Julius Vogel, and Koru awards. Her websites are www.emilylarkin.com and www.emilygee.com.
** Join Emily’s Readers’ Group to get an email whenever she has a new release or discounts a book—plus get some FREE ebooks as well!**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
November 27, 2020
Lady Isabella's Ogre has solidified Emily Larkin(May) as a must read author. Her MCs are always well developed and the romance progresses at a natural pace. I like that her H/h actually talk which seems lacking in a lot of historical romances. I do think that her books do end abruptly and awkwardly, it would be nice to have an epilogue.
March 16, 2019
4 stars for no epilogue. There was a whole big deal made about how the MCs were going to have a surprise wedding at Isabella's brother's house, but we DIDN'T EVEN GET TO SEE IT! wtf?
I was very nervous while reading the first half of the novel (if you couldn't already tell by my dramatic updates) because Isabella and Nicholas's relationship circles around a major deception on Isabella's part. I'm usually not a fan of deception/huge secrets as a primary source of conflict in my romances because, if not handled well, the big reveal can be super cringey; however, Larkin took a different direction than I expected regarding the big reveal, so I was grateful for that.
I was very nervous while reading the first half of the novel (if you couldn't already tell by my dramatic updates) because Isabella and Nicholas's relationship circles around a major deception on Isabella's part. I'm usually not a fan of deception/huge secrets as a primary source of conflict in my romances because, if not handled well, the big reveal can be super cringey; however, Larkin took a different direction than I expected regarding the big reveal, so I was grateful for that.
January 1, 2024
They are both principled people who hold themselves to high standards. The h causes unkind gossip about the H. While they fall in love, she kept secrets and hurt them both. Love this author.
December 26, 2024
Lady Isabella Knox helps the helpless: stray dogs, abandoned kittens, and runaway brides. When she overhears someone mention the jilted groom, Major Nicholas Reynolds, at a shindig Isabella labels him an ogre—which immediately spreads like wildfire. Determined to fix it, Isabella and Nicholas enter into a fake courtship in order to take the teeth out of society's gossip.
1. This was entertaining! The holding-back-a-major-secret thing went on a little too long, but the reconciliation wasn't dragged out unnecessarily.
2. I liked how Isabella and Nicholas formed a true attachment / friendship. The introduction of kissing into their dynamic obviously lit a fire that could only be quenched by boning (ho!) and made their attractions and physical attentions really leap off the page. But I'm not sure I liked how the kissing was introduced. It felt a little out-of-nowhere, and just a little more lead up to it would have really made it sing.
3. Harriet was a goose that really got on my last nerve.
4. Overall, enjoyable with some interesting side-pieces that really helped with the atmosphere of the thing.
1. This was entertaining! The holding-back-a-major-secret thing went on a little too long, but the reconciliation wasn't dragged out unnecessarily.
2. I liked how Isabella and Nicholas formed a true attachment / friendship. The introduction of kissing into their dynamic obviously lit a fire that could only be quenched by boning (ho!) and made their attractions and physical attentions really leap off the page. But I'm not sure I liked how the kissing was introduced. It felt a little out-of-nowhere, and just a little more lead up to it would have really made it sing.
3. Harriet was a goose that really got on my last nerve.
4. Overall, enjoyable with some interesting side-pieces that really helped with the atmosphere of the thing.
November 12, 2019
Enjoyed this. The characters were well developed, and well matched. They were also fairly good at communicating, which is always a plus. I enjoyed their conversations. It was also fairly light on the drama. It had a sort of innocence about it, which I enjoyed as a nice change from the usual stampede of drama-lamas kicking up the turf around a romance novel.
The major as war hero used to getting his own way was well done, without going to extremes. As were his reasons for marrying. Lady Isabella's kindheartedness might have been a bit much, but only a touch. She had enough intelligence and sense of humour to stop it from becoming too much. I only mention it because I might enjoy a novel where the heroine doesn't like animals (i.e. cats and dogs). So often the heroine is caring for every lost stray, that some novelty there might be nice. (To be clear, I'm not advocating heroines who are cruel to animals, or in any way harm them. Just perhaps one that doesn't feel the need to coo every time one walks in the room, and is a bit leery.)
I also liked how the realizations were done. Very quietly effective. Also liked the straightforwardness of the conflict resolution. Very in character and effective as well.
I kind of wish there hadn't been a sex scene though. I mean, it's not from any kind of moral perspective, or annoyance at acting out of character for the time, . I just didn't think it fit with either the tone of the rest of the novel, which, innocent isn't the right word, but is the closest I can come up with (I also don't mean it as an insult - I liked the tone). It also didn't feel like it fit particularly well with the values and personalities of the couple in question (bearing in mind that the central conflict was around a single lie). It sort of felt like it was there because it was expected. Basically, at that point, I felt their conversations held more weight, and it wasn't necessary.
A nice read all in all though.
The major as war hero used to getting his own way was well done, without going to extremes. As were his reasons for marrying. Lady Isabella's kindheartedness might have been a bit much, but only a touch. She had enough intelligence and sense of humour to stop it from becoming too much. I only mention it because I might enjoy a novel where the heroine doesn't like animals (i.e. cats and dogs). So often the heroine is caring for every lost stray, that some novelty there might be nice. (To be clear, I'm not advocating heroines who are cruel to animals, or in any way harm them. Just perhaps one that doesn't feel the need to coo every time one walks in the room, and is a bit leery.)
I also liked how the realizations were done. Very quietly effective. Also liked the straightforwardness of the conflict resolution. Very in character and effective as well.
I kind of wish there hadn't been a sex scene though. I mean, it's not from any kind of moral perspective, or annoyance at acting out of character for the time, . I just didn't think it fit with either the tone of the rest of the novel, which, innocent isn't the right word, but is the closest I can come up with (I also don't mean it as an insult - I liked the tone). It also didn't feel like it fit particularly well with the values and personalities of the couple in question (bearing in mind that the central conflict was around a single lie). It sort of felt like it was there because it was expected. Basically, at that point, I felt their conversations held more weight, and it wasn't necessary.
A nice read all in all though.
August 1, 2022
3 stars ✿
I wish they stayed friends throughout the book because I don't see them as a romantic couple. something was lacking in their relationship and what's up with everyone questioning why isabella has no desire to marry? I got tired of reading her repeat herself that the world expects her to want to marry but she doesn't want to since she has a sizable fortune, enough nephews and nieces, and her animals are like children to her.
anyway, long story short they were better off as friends.
I wish they stayed friends throughout the book because I don't see them as a romantic couple. something was lacking in their relationship and what's up with everyone questioning why isabella has no desire to marry? I got tired of reading her repeat herself that the world expects her to want to marry but she doesn't want to since she has a sizable fortune, enough nephews and nieces, and her animals are like children to her.
anyway, long story short they were better off as friends.
October 9, 2019
Adore. This is a really good book. I really love the protagonists, their misunderstandings, their friendship, And everything that comes after that.
When Isabella rescues a waif from a marriage she’s terrified of entering into she triggers a series of unfortunate and fortunate events.
Nicholas, a duke, was who the girl was to marry. An ogre she calls him. Injured at waterloo he has a scar across his face. (Beauty/beast. Phantom.)
Isabelle accidentally calls him this at an event and the nickname catches on. Out of guilt because of the scandal surrounding him she decides to ask him to be her beau, for a fortnight so that the gossip will die. She has no need for men, a relationship or marriage and the two are happy with the arrangement. Nicholas wants a young innocent malleable girl, not a women of 27 with her independent spirt.
But he is very upset by the name Ogre and declares he will make an enemy of whoever is sheltering his runaway fiancé (nee broken). That is Isabelle and through fear and shame she doesn’t tell him.
The two become friends. Then close friends. Friends who dance, and laugh. Independents that trust each other... and on a special drunken evening begin talking about kissing and why Isabelle thinks it’s nothing special.
This is more story based, with a hint of smut. It’s sexy, but it’s nice with it. Gentle, sweet. I adored it. I cannot fault the writer.
I do like my hero’s a bit bad, definitely scarred, and utterly helpless in the end.
When Isabella rescues a waif from a marriage she’s terrified of entering into she triggers a series of unfortunate and fortunate events.
Nicholas, a duke, was who the girl was to marry. An ogre she calls him. Injured at waterloo he has a scar across his face. (Beauty/beast. Phantom.)
Isabelle accidentally calls him this at an event and the nickname catches on. Out of guilt because of the scandal surrounding him she decides to ask him to be her beau, for a fortnight so that the gossip will die. She has no need for men, a relationship or marriage and the two are happy with the arrangement. Nicholas wants a young innocent malleable girl, not a women of 27 with her independent spirt.
But he is very upset by the name Ogre and declares he will make an enemy of whoever is sheltering his runaway fiancé (nee broken). That is Isabelle and through fear and shame she doesn’t tell him.
The two become friends. Then close friends. Friends who dance, and laugh. Independents that trust each other... and on a special drunken evening begin talking about kissing and why Isabelle thinks it’s nothing special.
This is more story based, with a hint of smut. It’s sexy, but it’s nice with it. Gentle, sweet. I adored it. I cannot fault the writer.
I do like my hero’s a bit bad, definitely scarred, and utterly helpless in the end.
December 20, 2017
Two well written, lovely characters
Lady Isabella is a happily single woman who inadvertently causes pain to Major Nicolas Reynolds. In order to make amends, she suggests that they pretend to be interested in each other. The major is looking for a young, placid girl to marry. Isabella and Nicolas become friends and then the kisses start. And thankfully don’t seem to end. Isabella rethinks marriage and the major rethinks dull, young girls that can be shaped into wives. The emotions, change of hearts and pacing were well done.
Lady Isabella is a happily single woman who inadvertently causes pain to Major Nicolas Reynolds. In order to make amends, she suggests that they pretend to be interested in each other. The major is looking for a young, placid girl to marry. Isabella and Nicolas become friends and then the kisses start. And thankfully don’t seem to end. Isabella rethinks marriage and the major rethinks dull, young girls that can be shaped into wives. The emotions, change of hearts and pacing were well done.
May 5, 2022
The rare reverse uno on the grovel. Loved this.
August 15, 2022
I don’t believe that the couple are actually in love with each other. I wouldn’t even call them friends, merely acquaintances.
December 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book!
The author writes wonderfully and gives you a great feel for the era without bogging the reader down in too many details. The vocabulary used and the little everyday things mentioned put me right into the historical era in which this book was set and I did NOT want to leave it!
I loved the characters of Nicholas (the Ogre) and Isabella (the Lady). They were perfectly suited for one another, even though it took them both a bit of time to realize it. Isabella is a great heroine - a woman who knows her own wants and pursues the type of life that she craves. And Nicholas was almost perfect.
I thought that the pacing was good.
This author reminds me a bit of Mimi Matthews, except with smut! Bring it! >:D And now I'm off to download every historical romance I can find by this author, because I want more.
The author writes wonderfully and gives you a great feel for the era without bogging the reader down in too many details. The vocabulary used and the little everyday things mentioned put me right into the historical era in which this book was set and I did NOT want to leave it!
I loved the characters of Nicholas (the Ogre) and Isabella (the Lady). They were perfectly suited for one another, even though it took them both a bit of time to realize it. Isabella is a great heroine - a woman who knows her own wants and pursues the type of life that she craves. And Nicholas was almost perfect.
I thought that the pacing was good.
This author reminds me a bit of Mimi Matthews, except with smut! Bring it! >:D And now I'm off to download every historical romance I can find by this author, because I want more.
October 8, 2019
Emily Larkin's books are always solid and enjoyable. Finished this one in one go.
November 26, 2019
Sweet story. Cute 😉
October 18, 2023
Had to DNF. Honestly, the audacity of this fucker’s process for choosing a wife just made it feel like marrying him would be a punishment.
January 17, 2018
Delightfully atmospheric. I could tangibly picture what its like to get ready for a daily ride in my phaeton around Hyde park, what its like to attend nightly entertainments like balls and musicals, what its like to dine "en famille" instead. Sounds tediously social actually, I would have definitely gotten married asap so I could move to my country estate. Insightful musings on society norms and gossip. Mature and intelligent adults as main characters - such a pleasure. Witty banter, akin to the greats Mary Balogh or Eloisa James. Rufus the mutt was a charmer. Anyways, its a lovely Beauty and the Best story, with humor in it. Incidentally, I am reading this right after Balogh's The Proposal and the two stories echo each other somewhat - down to both military men having been through Badajoz, though Nicholas's underlying sunny disposition makes him a more pleasant companion of the two.
October 10, 2019
Lady Isabella rescues a runaway girl, fleeing an engagement with Major Nicholas Reynolds. She names him an ogre because of the burn scar he acquired in the Napoleonic campaigns. When Isabella's nickname spreads through the ton, she's embarrassed and decided to rehabilitate his good name by spending time with him.
I love Beauty and the Beast stories, and I know I've read this one before, though I couldn't find it on my Read list with either of the two titles. I'm going to assume if I reviewed it earlier that I felt the same way. I only reread it because it's a quick read and the author indicated she had changed the ending. It was pretty much as I remembered, an okay story with characters I couldn't relate to. Isabella lies and gossips while Nicholas is somewhat inflexible and hot-tempered; really, why would a war hero take such offense at a nickname? I was glad when he finally got over it at the masquerade.
Then they both change midway through the book without much motivation, it seemed to me. Isabella decides marriage might be for her though she never intended it earlier, and Nicholas decides a more mature woman would be better after wooing young malleable debutantes.
It wasn't a bad story; it just seemed fairly rote. Though Isabella picks up Harriet, the young runaway, she seems to ignore her after. The girl is just a plot point that seemed pointless. After all, Isabella and Nicholas could have met without her being involved and the rest of the story wouldn't have changed. I did like all the kittens.
I love Beauty and the Beast stories, and I know I've read this one before, though I couldn't find it on my Read list with either of the two titles. I'm going to assume if I reviewed it earlier that I felt the same way. I only reread it because it's a quick read and the author indicated she had changed the ending. It was pretty much as I remembered, an okay story with characters I couldn't relate to. Isabella lies and gossips while Nicholas is somewhat inflexible and hot-tempered; really, why would a war hero take such offense at a nickname? I was glad when he finally got over it at the masquerade.
Then they both change midway through the book without much motivation, it seemed to me. Isabella decides marriage might be for her though she never intended it earlier, and Nicholas decides a more mature woman would be better after wooing young malleable debutantes.
It wasn't a bad story; it just seemed fairly rote. Though Isabella picks up Harriet, the young runaway, she seems to ignore her after. The girl is just a plot point that seemed pointless. After all, Isabella and Nicholas could have met without her being involved and the rest of the story wouldn't have changed. I did like all the kittens.
May 30, 2024
Il s’agit d’un stand alone. Dans cette romance historique, nous faisons la connaissance d’une jeune lady qui ne souhaite pas se marier, mais qui va se retrouver intriguée par un beau gentleman au visage balafré dont la fiancée l’a fui et qu’Isabella a recueilli par gentillesse.
Entre Isabella et Nicholas, l’alchimie est présente dès le départ, mais chacun campe sur ses positions. Elle, qui veut garder son indépendance, et lui, qui souhaite épouser une parfaite poupée bien élevée. Et Isabella est loin de se laisser faire en femme indépendante qu’elle est. Plus que d’alchimie, je parlerais d’amitié non dénuée d’attirance réciproque.
Dans l’ensemble, cette petite romance historique se lit bien, elle est sans prétention. Si la romance entre les héros n’est pas hyper explosive ou palpitante, j’ai apprécié néanmoins le côté comédie avec le quiproquo de départ. Ou plutôt la bourde commise par Isabella qui sera le plot twist du roman quand le héros découvrira qu’elle est à l’origine de ses récents soucis dans la haute société.
La plume d’Emily Larkin est plaisante et reste dans la lignée des récits de Julia Quinn (pour ne citer qu’elle). À lire pour passer un moment agréable et amusant avec des personnages drôles et attachants.
Entre Isabella et Nicholas, l’alchimie est présente dès le départ, mais chacun campe sur ses positions. Elle, qui veut garder son indépendance, et lui, qui souhaite épouser une parfaite poupée bien élevée. Et Isabella est loin de se laisser faire en femme indépendante qu’elle est. Plus que d’alchimie, je parlerais d’amitié non dénuée d’attirance réciproque.
Dans l’ensemble, cette petite romance historique se lit bien, elle est sans prétention. Si la romance entre les héros n’est pas hyper explosive ou palpitante, j’ai apprécié néanmoins le côté comédie avec le quiproquo de départ. Ou plutôt la bourde commise par Isabella qui sera le plot twist du roman quand le héros découvrira qu’elle est à l’origine de ses récents soucis dans la haute société.
La plume d’Emily Larkin est plaisante et reste dans la lignée des récits de Julia Quinn (pour ne citer qu’elle). À lire pour passer un moment agréable et amusant avec des personnages drôles et attachants.
March 1, 2018
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Lady Isabella's ogre is a quick hearted romance novel about Isabella Knox, a spinster who is a kind hearted lover of all strays: dogs, kittens and runaway brides. She shelters a young girl who has run away because she does not want to get married. Isabella jokes to the young girl "why is it because he is an ogre?" Which starts a terrible rumor that Major Nicholas Reynolds is an ogre of a gentleman. From his time in the war Nicholas received a giant slash across his face that has scared him for life. The nickname sticks, and soon the ton is calling him this behind his back while he is desperately trying to find himself a wife. Lady Isabella feels absolutely terrible that she is the one behind the rumor and decides to save him from humiliation by being kind to him and showing an interest in him. This soon starts their love story. I throughly enjoyed Isabella's character. She seemed thoroughly happy about who she is, and that she did not need a man in her life to make her happy. She finds a best friend and love in Nicholas which she never thought she would have. Overall an enjoyable romance.
Lady Isabella's ogre is a quick hearted romance novel about Isabella Knox, a spinster who is a kind hearted lover of all strays: dogs, kittens and runaway brides. She shelters a young girl who has run away because she does not want to get married. Isabella jokes to the young girl "why is it because he is an ogre?" Which starts a terrible rumor that Major Nicholas Reynolds is an ogre of a gentleman. From his time in the war Nicholas received a giant slash across his face that has scared him for life. The nickname sticks, and soon the ton is calling him this behind his back while he is desperately trying to find himself a wife. Lady Isabella feels absolutely terrible that she is the one behind the rumor and decides to save him from humiliation by being kind to him and showing an interest in him. This soon starts their love story. I throughly enjoyed Isabella's character. She seemed thoroughly happy about who she is, and that she did not need a man in her life to make her happy. She finds a best friend and love in Nicholas which she never thought she would have. Overall an enjoyable romance.
February 14, 2018
What a delightful read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast! It was cleaver, romantic, well-paced, and completely enjoying.
I laughed several times, had a few "oh no she didn'ts", sniffed at a couple of sappy scenes, and generally had a lovely time. A highly recommended book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of Beauty and the Beast! It was cleaver, romantic, well-paced, and completely enjoying.
I laughed several times, had a few "oh no she didn'ts", sniffed at a couple of sappy scenes, and generally had a lovely time. A highly recommended book.
July 31, 2018
A very cute historical! Love Isabella and Nicholas!
December 10, 2024
Sadly a DNF for me at about the 45% mark. Why? Because I found the leading couple to be wholly unlikable.
The 'hero' is fucking CREEPY. He's 34 and is obsessed with marrying some girl, any girl (emphasis on girl not woman) of about 17 who is unformed, not yet grown, crushingly shy, silent and able to be 'molded' by him. He doesn't want her to think, speak or have a soul. It's really gross, predatory, groomer-like and misogynistic. Why oh WHY would any woman reading this book like this man? I couldn't get past this utter bullshit.
The female lead is... well she's a bit of a cow to be honest. Yes she 'rescues' the young girl running away from a forced marriage, but she immediately seem to distain her, she thinks horrible thoughts about her and actively peruses/courts/invites the man she is fleeing from into her life and home. What sort of woman offers to help a fellow woman flee an abusive relationship and then immediately turns around and adopts the man as her 'beau'.
She's also a bitch. At one ball she calls the hero and nasty name and it takes. At another ball a woman in a floaty green dress comes over to say hi and she, for NO REASON our heroine sneers at this woman, has a slew of nasty thoughts against her based on her looks alone, then calls her a cabbage in hearing of several others. It's catty, bullying name-calling bullshit.
After chapters and chapters of balls, riding about Hyde Park, more balls, another ball, a fancy dress ball, the theatre, another ball - I realized there is no plot, it's just these two horrible fucks flirting with each other. No cheers. I'm out.
Maybe it's because I just finished reading a Mary Balogh my standards are probably too high now.
The 'hero' is fucking CREEPY. He's 34 and is obsessed with marrying some girl, any girl (emphasis on girl not woman) of about 17 who is unformed, not yet grown, crushingly shy, silent and able to be 'molded' by him. He doesn't want her to think, speak or have a soul. It's really gross, predatory, groomer-like and misogynistic. Why oh WHY would any woman reading this book like this man? I couldn't get past this utter bullshit.
The female lead is... well she's a bit of a cow to be honest. Yes she 'rescues' the young girl running away from a forced marriage, but she immediately seem to distain her, she thinks horrible thoughts about her and actively peruses/courts/invites the man she is fleeing from into her life and home. What sort of woman offers to help a fellow woman flee an abusive relationship and then immediately turns around and adopts the man as her 'beau'.
She's also a bitch. At one ball she calls the hero and nasty name and it takes. At another ball a woman in a floaty green dress comes over to say hi and she, for NO REASON our heroine sneers at this woman, has a slew of nasty thoughts against her based on her looks alone, then calls her a cabbage in hearing of several others. It's catty, bullying name-calling bullshit.
After chapters and chapters of balls, riding about Hyde Park, more balls, another ball, a fancy dress ball, the theatre, another ball - I realized there is no plot, it's just these two horrible fucks flirting with each other. No cheers. I'm out.
Maybe it's because I just finished reading a Mary Balogh my standards are probably too high now.
January 23, 2026
Loved this! Lady Isabella, spinster sister of a duke and notorious rescuer of strays, takes pity on a young girl she meets in an inn who was running away from a forced betrothal set up by her awful grandfather to a military man she tells Isabella is harsh and mean. Isabella decides to take the girl in with her in London while they try to contact her aunt in the north country. Major Nicholas Reynolds has had enough of war and death after a dozen years in the military that saw too much darkness, and a terrible scar to the side of his face. In London he learns to his chagrin that the girl he’d arranged to marry was being forced into it and had run away. Gossip has spread among the ton and the terrible nickname Ogre was being applied to him. Isabella is horrified that something she said offhandedly based on biased information from the frightened girl Harriet has escaped into society unfairly and she determines to rescue the Major’s reputation by appearing with him often in public. Isabella is convinced she never wants to marry, Nicholas is convinced he wants to marry a young biddable woman who will never give him any trouble, but the more time they spend together, the more they want to spend. A few kisses turn into desperate desire, and all the while the fact that Isabella is the one who helped Harriet run away remains hidden. I loved the slow burn here in the development of their relationship, how they each came to evolve what they thought they wanted from life. Appreciated the maturity (she’s 29, he’s early 30s) and the fact they both found something they hadn’t thought possible. Also loved seeing Lt. Mayhew obtain the kittens from his story! :D
September 24, 2018
Lady Isabella Knox enjoys her independence. She collects strays dogs, kittens, runaway brides but she has no intention of collecting a husband, she’s perfectly happy with her life.
Major Nicholas Reynolds returns from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride & to live away from death & destruction but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing.
When a slip of Isabella’s tongue brands the major an ogre and his chances of marriage disintegrate she sets out to undo the harm she inadvertently caused. How better to revive the major’s marriage prospects than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation?
A well written well paced story that drew me in from the start & had me enthralled all the way through. The characters are well fleshed & likeable, Nicholas is honourable & straight as a die so there was always going to be a problem about Isabella’s lie. Isabella is beautiful, generous, sympathetic & caring. The two are made for each other but they know their futures are set in stone she as a spinster aunt & he wedded to a young mouldable wife! I particularly enjoyed how the pair came to like & respect each other. The story is quite straight forward with no mystery to solve just a couple of secrets to cause problems. It was also enjoyable for the heroine to be older & happy with her life, no wicked family member making her life difficult or hidden past.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Major Nicholas Reynolds returns from the Battle of Waterloo a hero. He’s had enough of soldiering; all he wants now is a bride & to live away from death & destruction but his scarred face sends young ladies fleeing.
When a slip of Isabella’s tongue brands the major an ogre and his chances of marriage disintegrate she sets out to undo the harm she inadvertently caused. How better to revive the major’s marriage prospects than for the two of them to indulge in a make-believe flirtation?
A well written well paced story that drew me in from the start & had me enthralled all the way through. The characters are well fleshed & likeable, Nicholas is honourable & straight as a die so there was always going to be a problem about Isabella’s lie. Isabella is beautiful, generous, sympathetic & caring. The two are made for each other but they know their futures are set in stone she as a spinster aunt & he wedded to a young mouldable wife! I particularly enjoyed how the pair came to like & respect each other. The story is quite straight forward with no mystery to solve just a couple of secrets to cause problems. It was also enjoyable for the heroine to be older & happy with her life, no wicked family member making her life difficult or hidden past.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 21, 2021
This one was weird...I read it because I loved Mayhew and Willie's novella from Love and Other Perils, but definitely didn't like it as much. It wasn't bad? Nicholas just felt arrogant and immature for 3/4 of the book, with a really weird view on what a "peaceful marriage" entails.
I really liked Isabella and her rationale for being happily single and not wanting romance or marriage; I didn't like how everyone she explained herself to (including Nicholas) was just like "what a waste" or "but you're sad and alone without a husband or children," and once she did decide to get married it felt like her happiness as a single lady was totally undermined, like proving everyone right that the ultimate goal in a woman's life IS to get married and have kids. I don't know. It just felt weird. Sure, she fell in love and wanted to get married, but it also felt like society successfully convinced her into marriage. 🤷 Eh!
I did like how the misunderstanding was treated and resolved. It wasn't too drawn out and both sides reflected deeply and rationally and the reconciliation felt truly earned. I even cried! 😆
I really liked Isabella and her rationale for being happily single and not wanting romance or marriage; I didn't like how everyone she explained herself to (including Nicholas) was just like "what a waste" or "but you're sad and alone without a husband or children," and once she did decide to get married it felt like her happiness as a single lady was totally undermined, like proving everyone right that the ultimate goal in a woman's life IS to get married and have kids. I don't know. It just felt weird. Sure, she fell in love and wanted to get married, but it also felt like society successfully convinced her into marriage. 🤷 Eh!
I did like how the misunderstanding was treated and resolved. It wasn't too drawn out and both sides reflected deeply and rationally and the reconciliation felt truly earned. I even cried! 😆
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January 9, 2024I had started this probably 1-2 years ago and got about 40% in before pausing, not because it wasn't good, probably just because I wasn't in the right mood for it. This still has parts I don't love, like the fact that the MMC is shopping for a wife half his age (he's 34yo, looking to marry someone who's 17!) The younger, the better - he wants someone quiet and passive who he can mould into the perfect wife for himself instead of a woman who is already "set in her ways". That gives me the ick. It's explained in terms of how he found that young recruits in war were better comrades to go to war with but how can you compare civilian & married life with war & new recruits/soldiers like that? Wanting a human you can order around and control without listening to their input...
I'm ~60% through now so at least I'm making progress. I'm disappointed that the FMC breaks from her longstanding desire to remain a spinster and starts dreaming about marrying the MMC after only 1 - 2 kisses. I liked that she seemed more independent and knew what she wanted in the beginning, now she's got body betrayal syndrome, just like 90+% of HR heroines, which was disappointing.
I'm ~60% through now so at least I'm making progress. I'm disappointed that the FMC breaks from her longstanding desire to remain a spinster and starts dreaming about marrying the MMC after only 1 - 2 kisses. I liked that she seemed more independent and knew what she wanted in the beginning, now she's got body betrayal syndrome, just like 90+% of HR heroines, which was disappointing.
October 7, 2019
Looking for a wife
Major Nicholas Reynolds is no longer in the army. Tired of death, all he wants is to marry, have a family and find peace. Unfortunately the young lady he is to marry ran away. Lady Isabella Knox is independent and known for collecting strays. When a runaway young lady is in trouble, Isabella takes her under her wing and takes her to her home in London. With his intended missing and breaking their engagement by letter, Nicholas must start over looking for a young lady he can mold into a biddable wife. When Isabella accidentally references the major as an ogre, things go from bad to worse. Only she can make it up to him for her mistake. The more they are together, the more Isabella and Nicholas are attracted to each other, especially after they kiss. Now Isabella is afraid to reveal her secrets since she could lose Nicholas. A charming romance with a few twists and turns.
Major Nicholas Reynolds is no longer in the army. Tired of death, all he wants is to marry, have a family and find peace. Unfortunately the young lady he is to marry ran away. Lady Isabella Knox is independent and known for collecting strays. When a runaway young lady is in trouble, Isabella takes her under her wing and takes her to her home in London. With his intended missing and breaking their engagement by letter, Nicholas must start over looking for a young lady he can mold into a biddable wife. When Isabella accidentally references the major as an ogre, things go from bad to worse. Only she can make it up to him for her mistake. The more they are together, the more Isabella and Nicholas are attracted to each other, especially after they kiss. Now Isabella is afraid to reveal her secrets since she could lose Nicholas. A charming romance with a few twists and turns.
July 7, 2020
4.5 stars
I really really enjoyed this novella which I gulped in one sitting. Well developed characters and protagonists I would enjoy having in my life. Lovely lovely people and so deserving of the love they found in each other. It's a big I ended with a satisfied sigh. There is no pretense, no drama to extend the length of the story or plot, no sex but lots of wonderful kisses. The h is 29 years old and had only been kissed once before - totally believable in my book and it was swooning just to read how their attraction to each other grew.
Brava Ms Larkin ! I will be looking for more of her writing. Written by a sensible and loving person for like-minded readers; no underage youngsters or immature childish antics. Just 2 lovely adults who do the right thing by each other and no stinging on feelings. Just lovely sigh.
I really really enjoyed this novella which I gulped in one sitting. Well developed characters and protagonists I would enjoy having in my life. Lovely lovely people and so deserving of the love they found in each other. It's a big I ended with a satisfied sigh. There is no pretense, no drama to extend the length of the story or plot, no sex but lots of wonderful kisses. The h is 29 years old and had only been kissed once before - totally believable in my book and it was swooning just to read how their attraction to each other grew.
Brava Ms Larkin ! I will be looking for more of her writing. Written by a sensible and loving person for like-minded readers; no underage youngsters or immature childish antics. Just 2 lovely adults who do the right thing by each other and no stinging on feelings. Just lovely sigh.
September 3, 2018
4* for I really liked it.
I feel calling this a Beauty and the Beast retelling is misleading. Lady Isabella is 29 and while she enjoys the social outings of the Season, she's not looking for a husband. She's has a strong sense of decency and fairness. She's mortified when a notorious gossip hears her label Major Reynolds an ogre and sets out to correct her error. This allows the h and H to become better acquainted and makes for a more believable ending. I loved the main characters - both mature and self-assured. No thoughts of doubt ad nauseam here. The humor is subtle - mostly scenes involving animals and small children - which had me grinning.
I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
I feel calling this a Beauty and the Beast retelling is misleading. Lady Isabella is 29 and while she enjoys the social outings of the Season, she's not looking for a husband. She's has a strong sense of decency and fairness. She's mortified when a notorious gossip hears her label Major Reynolds an ogre and sets out to correct her error. This allows the h and H to become better acquainted and makes for a more believable ending. I loved the main characters - both mature and self-assured. No thoughts of doubt ad nauseam here. The humor is subtle - mostly scenes involving animals and small children - which had me grinning.
I received a free copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 11, 2018
I enjoyed reading this novel very much. The characters are charming and the plot premise - young girl forced by a guardian to marry a titled gentleman - a common incident in that time.
Emily Larkin is well versed in custom and behaviour of Regency, the descriptions of all those social events are very entertaining and I could see it like "head cinema".
Most of all I liked Isabella and Nicholas, the ogre. Both are very sympathetic characters, their love developped slowly and their banter was witty. Emily Larkin writes very good dialogues, her characters communicate instead of having long internal monologues.
Inserting all those stray cats, dogs, and a damsel in distress was a masterstroke.
I received a free copy of this book and it has not affected my review.
Emily Larkin is well versed in custom and behaviour of Regency, the descriptions of all those social events are very entertaining and I could see it like "head cinema".
Most of all I liked Isabella and Nicholas, the ogre. Both are very sympathetic characters, their love developped slowly and their banter was witty. Emily Larkin writes very good dialogues, her characters communicate instead of having long internal monologues.
Inserting all those stray cats, dogs, and a damsel in distress was a masterstroke.
I received a free copy of this book and it has not affected my review.
February 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and it has not affected my review.
I enjoyed this book while I read it, but I'm afraid that only a few days later I've completely forgotten everything about it (except the contrived inciting scene where the heroine calls the hero an ogre, because it was so awkward, and the fact that the heroine shelters a woman named Harriet, because it makes me think of Emma). Alas.
I adored Unmasking Miss Appleby by this same author, and look forward to enjoying more entries in that series (historicals with a magical twist), but this was much more of a typical Regency romance and I didn't find that any of it really stood out to me.
I enjoyed this book while I read it, but I'm afraid that only a few days later I've completely forgotten everything about it (except the contrived inciting scene where the heroine calls the hero an ogre, because it was so awkward, and the fact that the heroine shelters a woman named Harriet, because it makes me think of Emma). Alas.
I adored Unmasking Miss Appleby by this same author, and look forward to enjoying more entries in that series (historicals with a magical twist), but this was much more of a typical Regency romance and I didn't find that any of it really stood out to me.
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