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Reluctant Regency Brides #4
The Captain of Betrayal
Once bitten, twice shy...
At the age of eight and twenty, Polly Jenkins has happily resigned herself to the life of a spinster. Many years ago, a young man broke her heart, and she has guarded it fiercely ever since. Polly's life, on the coast of Cornwall, is one of peaceful happiness--until, that is, Captain James Black arrives at her door. The young man she once knew is gone, replaced by a dashing Captain--one who is determined to marry her, and who won't take no for an answer...
Captain James Black had lived a life most men would envy as a decorated war hero with wealth and charm at his disposal. Despite all this, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Ludlow, was missing one thing; Polly Jenkins. Many years ago he betrayed her terribly and now that he had found her again, James was determined to put things right and to put a ring on Polly's finger. True, his intended bride seemed more than a little reluctant, but Captain Black was more than prepared to go to battle for her heart.
This sweet Regency Romance can be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of a series.
At the age of eight and twenty, Polly Jenkins has happily resigned herself to the life of a spinster. Many years ago, a young man broke her heart, and she has guarded it fiercely ever since. Polly's life, on the coast of Cornwall, is one of peaceful happiness--until, that is, Captain James Black arrives at her door. The young man she once knew is gone, replaced by a dashing Captain--one who is determined to marry her, and who won't take no for an answer...
Captain James Black had lived a life most men would envy as a decorated war hero with wealth and charm at his disposal. Despite all this, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Ludlow, was missing one thing; Polly Jenkins. Many years ago he betrayed her terribly and now that he had found her again, James was determined to put things right and to put a ring on Polly's finger. True, his intended bride seemed more than a little reluctant, but Captain Black was more than prepared to go to battle for her heart.
This sweet Regency Romance can be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of a series.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2018
211 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Stone
41 books144 followersClaudia Stone was born in South Africa but moved to Plymouth as a young girl. Having trained as an actress at RADA, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of acting on Broadway in 1988. She never did see her name in lights, but she did meet a wonderful Irishman called Conal who whisked her away to the wilds of Kerry, where she has lived ever since.
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 16, 2018
Virgin hero! Not a hypocrite that says “I’ve been in love with you since always” but ended sleeping around because ‘his macho needs’ 🙄🙄🙄
April 30, 2021
3.5 stars.
This is what I've come to expect from Claudia Stone The beginning of the story always captures my attention. However, my attention starts to drift past the halfway mark. I appreciated the lack of OP drama and the clean content. I just wish that there was more plot and character development. The biggest plus in this story was Overall, I will continue to read more by this author.
This is what I've come to expect from Claudia Stone The beginning of the story always captures my attention. However, my attention starts to drift past the halfway mark. I appreciated the lack of OP drama and the clean content. I just wish that there was more plot and character development. The biggest plus in this story was Overall, I will continue to read more by this author.
September 10, 2018
Childhood friends reunited
This was as a cute short story about two poor children who were separated very young but met again after many years. The hero had treated the h terribly when she came to him once. She was devastated. Ten years later he finds her and he tries to win her heart. It was pretty cute when the town's old fishermen tried to guess what he had done to make her mad. Very cute scene. It wasn't the greatest of novels but it kept my interest and it tied all of the stories together. Plus a secret is revealed about the hero's past that wasn't that much of a secret. I figured it out at the beginning of the story but it was still good. There is a scene where an old widow tried to tell the heroine what to expect on the wedding night and it was amusing. The heroine ended up packing a fireplace poker to make sure it didn't happen. If course we had a great ending and a cute epilogue at the end. I wouldn't call this a book though. More like a short story or novella.
This was as a cute short story about two poor children who were separated very young but met again after many years. The hero had treated the h terribly when she came to him once. She was devastated. Ten years later he finds her and he tries to win her heart. It was pretty cute when the town's old fishermen tried to guess what he had done to make her mad. Very cute scene. It wasn't the greatest of novels but it kept my interest and it tied all of the stories together. Plus a secret is revealed about the hero's past that wasn't that much of a secret. I figured it out at the beginning of the story but it was still good. There is a scene where an old widow tried to tell the heroine what to expect on the wedding night and it was amusing. The heroine ended up packing a fireplace poker to make sure it didn't happen. If course we had a great ending and a cute epilogue at the end. I wouldn't call this a book though. More like a short story or novella.
July 16, 2018
Oh my goodness, there are so many dimensions to this story I dare not try to describe them all. Let me just say this is James and Polly's love story that begins when they were children of 8 and 7 respectively and follows through their journey into adulthood. It is a wonderful story of love and betrayal. You will not regret your decision to buy this book or regret the time it takes to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2019
A very well written sweet romance. It like the storyline and plot. Their chemistry is great and the main characters are likeable.
A story with twists and emotional features. He betrayed her and now his coming back to own her. Not an easy thing to do but he fights for his woman.
A very engaging, sweet and easy read.
A story with twists and emotional features. He betrayed her and now his coming back to own her. Not an easy thing to do but he fights for his woman.
A very engaging, sweet and easy read.
July 10, 2018
It's finally here and I'm sorry it took so long, but I hope you think it was worth the wait. Captain is probably one of the more emotionally complex books that I have written. The hero of the story betrays our heroine terribly (for reasons that are not good, but that are understandable). It was difficult to write, but I loved the journey that James went on, and the emotions that Polly grappled with upon his return.
Oh, but it all sounds terribly maudlin! Captain of Betrayal has lots of funny bits and I had a great giggle writing some of the scenes. There's something a bit different about our hero too, which I hope you like! You don't often see a hero with this particular trait, but it made me love James all the more!
Oh, but it all sounds terribly maudlin! Captain of Betrayal has lots of funny bits and I had a great giggle writing some of the scenes. There's something a bit different about our hero too, which I hope you like! You don't often see a hero with this particular trait, but it made me love James all the more!
February 10, 2019
Ok
Not much to it.
Forgiveness came very quickly. A few far fetched claims were made.
This seems to be the end of the series.
Not much to it.
Forgiveness came very quickly. A few far fetched claims were made.
This seems to be the end of the series.
December 15, 2018
Wow!!!
July 17, 2018
The fourth book in the Reluctant Regency Brides series it is a well-written book that I enjoyed reading. This is a set I want to read again. Polly Jenkins and Captain James Black's story is about a second chance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2018
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
October 4, 2025
I somehow knew I wasn't going to like this story as much as the others and I was right. While for once there was some depth to the characters and the background it just felt like too much in the beginning. It just felt like most of the book they were either children or separate. Polly's character in a Book 1 made her seem like she'd be a more interesting character in her own story - she kind of wasn't. She seemed tough as a girl and we're told she's tough as an adult but not really seeing it. When they do reunite as adults it just feels off.
Also the timeline of Black's career seems off. Book 1 I believe mentioned he had a commission and how did someone pay for that - implying he wouldn't have had the money. He didn't and didn't get it from his family so how DID he end up captaining a prestigious boat during the war? It almost felt like the author forgot what she wrote in prior books about her characters from book to book.
Olive is the most prevalent character from a prior book although Jane also makes brief appearances. The heroes from those books are briefly mentioned until Everleigh's presence is more pronounced near the end. The hero and heroine from Book 3 seem to have been mostly forgotten. There will be some brief closure with the characters but it was rushed. Also the ending here was kind of rushed. But if you're like me and want to see a series to the end, you'll read it although in comparison to the first 3 books this was a disappointment.
Also the timeline of Black's career seems off. Book 1 I believe mentioned he had a commission and how did someone pay for that - implying he wouldn't have had the money. He didn't and didn't get it from his family so how DID he end up captaining a prestigious boat during the war? It almost felt like the author forgot what she wrote in prior books about her characters from book to book.
Olive is the most prevalent character from a prior book although Jane also makes brief appearances. The heroes from those books are briefly mentioned until Everleigh's presence is more pronounced near the end. The hero and heroine from Book 3 seem to have been mostly forgotten. There will be some brief closure with the characters but it was rushed. Also the ending here was kind of rushed. But if you're like me and want to see a series to the end, you'll read it although in comparison to the first 3 books this was a disappointment.
August 7, 2024
The story is entertaining but, as with other books by this author, the blatant inconsistencies are slightly irritating. For example: the female protagonist is said to have been born in 1798, the male protagonist is said to be a year older and, still, he's supposed to have been at the battle of Trafalgar (1805) after enlisting in the Navy at the age of 17?! Also, the female protagonist's sister, who was called Emily in previous books, is Sarah in the first chapters and then goes back to being Emily...
I don't expect all historical romances to be thoroughly researched and consistent, nor do I demand very careful editing, but there's a minimum. At least there are no modern or American expressions and characters don't behave as if they'd been born in the 21st century (mostly).
I don't expect all historical romances to be thoroughly researched and consistent, nor do I demand very careful editing, but there's a minimum. At least there are no modern or American expressions and characters don't behave as if they'd been born in the 21st century (mostly).
September 10, 2019
I'm a bit torn on this ;
What I liked ;
-Polly and James's backstory
-They were friends to lovers
- James saving himself for marriage to Polly ...he waited and looked for TEN years for her ....not crying 😭 ( WHAT A GUYYYY ) 🥰
What I didn't like ;
The first time Polly kisses him James is thinking how he wanted to take her to the church to get married that very second ....so he can "bed" her ....that burst the romantic bubble. . 😒 *eyeroll * . Y'all need to chillllll !
That one thing stuck in the back of my head and knocked off a star for me.
Content ;
Talk of the marriage bed being painful .
James in the scene I just talked about .
What I liked ;
-Polly and James's backstory
-They were friends to lovers
- James saving himself for marriage to Polly ...he waited and looked for TEN years for her ....not crying 😭 ( WHAT A GUYYYY ) 🥰
What I didn't like ;
The first time Polly kisses him James is thinking how he wanted to take her to the church to get married that very second ....so he can "bed" her ....that burst the romantic bubble. . 😒 *eyeroll * . Y'all need to chillllll !
That one thing stuck in the back of my head and knocked off a star for me.
Content ;
Talk of the marriage bed being painful .
James in the scene I just talked about .
September 21, 2020
A satisfying love story for a cool heroine and her Capt. Wentworth
What a wonderful story about childhood friends and a second chance at love. I loved Polly ever since meeting her in the Duke of Ruin and was delighted from the moment that the Fredrick Wentworth- like Captain Black turned around and saw Polly again after a decade of looking for her. I can't wait to read Catherine (Hestia's mysterious lady's maid), Edward (Captain Black's half brother), Emily Jenkins and all the intriguing other ladies who visit the boarding house stories!
What a wonderful story about childhood friends and a second chance at love. I loved Polly ever since meeting her in the Duke of Ruin and was delighted from the moment that the Fredrick Wentworth- like Captain Black turned around and saw Polly again after a decade of looking for her. I can't wait to read Catherine (Hestia's mysterious lady's maid), Edward (Captain Black's half brother), Emily Jenkins and all the intriguing other ladies who visit the boarding house stories!
June 30, 2023
James Black betrays his old friend while in the company of his school chums (and toffs). He instantly regrets denying he knows Polly and spends the next decade looking for her. When they meet again, Polly refuses his apology.
Polly has been a strong character since the first book in this series. I'm glad to see she got her own story. The story about James' lineage was an add-on that was surprising.
Reluctant Regency Brides – Total of 4
1. The Duke of Ruin (2017)
2. The Lord of Heartbreak (2017)
3. The Marquess of Temptation (2018)
** 4. The Captain of Betrayal (2018)
Polly has been a strong character since the first book in this series. I'm glad to see she got her own story. The story about James' lineage was an add-on that was surprising.
Reluctant Regency Brides – Total of 4
1. The Duke of Ruin (2017)
2. The Lord of Heartbreak (2017)
3. The Marquess of Temptation (2018)
** 4. The Captain of Betrayal (2018)
January 22, 2026
The MMC betrayed his best friend and soul mate because he was a pathetic coward who cared more about pleasing his bully friends. He threw away, turned his back on her, and left her to rot in poverty to impress his posh boy friends.
Years later he shows up, flashes his abs, has a cocky grin... and the heroine forgives him immediately. Not only that, within a scant few pages she's fawning over him and prioritizing his hurt feelings. Did a man write this?
This book wants you to think its a grovel romance. It isn't!
Years later he shows up, flashes his abs, has a cocky grin... and the heroine forgives him immediately. Not only that, within a scant few pages she's fawning over him and prioritizing his hurt feelings. Did a man write this?
This book wants you to think its a grovel romance. It isn't!
May 22, 2019
Betrayal of best friends
Growing up Polly and James were inseparable! One night in front of his so called friends James betrayed her trust! Polly went on to take care of her special sister (autistic) managing to make a life for them but never forgetting her friend! James became a captain and never stopped searching for Polly! Twists, turns and secrets revealed make a love to keep!
Growing up Polly and James were inseparable! One night in front of his so called friends James betrayed her trust! Polly went on to take care of her special sister (autistic) managing to make a life for them but never forgetting her friend! James became a captain and never stopped searching for Polly! Twists, turns and secrets revealed make a love to keep!
November 22, 2019
Enjoyed the creative plot of this Regency novel about childhood friends separated, who find one another years later, just for Polly first to be spurned by James until he matures and realizes his love for her. Although it was rather predictable in its conclusion, it was a sweet, clean entertaining novel recommended to those who favor this genre.
November 18, 2020
I swear, I have read this before, I just must have forgotten to rate it. I would have preferred more groveling and some angst, but this story, while good, doesn’t really cater to those tropes. But I enjoyed it. Polly theoretically belongs on the abused heroine shelf but she doesn’t seem affected by her father’s abuse, so I’m leaving her off.
August 14, 2019
James and Polly
Betrayals and reinstated friendships and families. James was forsaken by his father and uncle. Then he betrayed Polly. After 10 years he found her and wanted forgiveness. - Babs
Betrayals and reinstated friendships and families. James was forsaken by his father and uncle. Then he betrayed Polly. After 10 years he found her and wanted forgiveness. - Babs
March 30, 2019
A good book.
The book keeps your interest throughout. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to someone else. Very enjoyable to read.
The book keeps your interest throughout. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to someone else. Very enjoyable to read.
November 10, 2019
Love this author
April 10, 2020
Part of Regency Brides Collection
This book was fairly depressing. The writing was not as good as the previous books. Several contradictory information in the storytelling.
This book was fairly depressing. The writing was not as good as the previous books. Several contradictory information in the storytelling.
June 14, 2020
Couple reunites after young man pretends he doesn't know her to impress his snooty friends. Turns out he's legitimately nobility. She runs a bluestocking boardinghouse, part of series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Just an overall good book
This was a really good book. I really like it when an author has a man wait for a woman before having sex.
This was a really good book. I really like it when an author has a man wait for a woman before having sex.
December 13, 2025
One of the best I've read from this author.
January 8, 2021
Disappointed
By the end of chapter 3 I knew without doubt what was coming, & was so disappointed.
I flicked through, reading bits here & there, read the last chapter & that was that.
By the end of chapter 3 I knew without doubt what was coming, & was so disappointed.
I flicked through, reading bits here & there, read the last chapter & that was that.
September 14, 2025
No idea why I kept reading this series after book one. I suppose I got invested in the characters, however, I do think this author needs to do more research into the time period her books take place in and invest in an editor.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews