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Ravishing Regencies #3
Shipwrecked with a Suitor
A man fleeing from rebellion, and a woman trapped in convention—and neither knew the other existed until tonight…
Pierre d'Épiluçon never expected to leave France, let alone flee for his life. After losing control of his vessel, the twenty-eight-year-old noblesse is rescued by a fisherman's daughter.
Helena, desperate to escape her own version of entrapment of dreary familial expectation, tries to nurse Pierre back to health and their opposing status—and political views—collide. The growing attraction between them, of course, seems to have just one cure…
Will Pierre recover from his injuries, or lose his heart? Can Helena grow to care for the shipwrecked suitor who sailed into her life?
This is the third in a series of eight Ravishing Regencies.
Pierre d'Épiluçon never expected to leave France, let alone flee for his life. After losing control of his vessel, the twenty-eight-year-old noblesse is rescued by a fisherman's daughter.
Helena, desperate to escape her own version of entrapment of dreary familial expectation, tries to nurse Pierre back to health and their opposing status—and political views—collide. The growing attraction between them, of course, seems to have just one cure…
Will Pierre recover from his injuries, or lose his heart? Can Helena grow to care for the shipwrecked suitor who sailed into her life?
This is the third in a series of eight Ravishing Regencies.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2018
93 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Emily E.K. Murdoch
185 books272 followersEmily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.
You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 7, 2018
Another delightful addition to the Ravishing Regencies series. Emily Murdoch has the touch to bring people together who are really opposites of each other and the road to finding their happy ever after. Fleeing from France so he could keep his head, Pierre lost control of his ship and ended up being rescued by Helena, a fisherman's daughter. But was that all that she was? She was anxious to escape her own ties that bound her. But nursing Pierre back to health, they bonded and grew close but unfortunately that did not last. There was really a gulf between their two backgrounds that seemed to have them at odds. Can they find love between them or will he just be a shipwrecked suitor who sails on his way? Excitedly waiting for the next in this series, although each book can be read as a standalone.
September 8, 2018
When a handsome dark stranger washes up on the beach outside her little cottage, Helena Metcalfes world is turned upside down. Pierre d’Epilucon is escaping Madame guillotine when he almost drowns at sea. Helena nurses him back to health. I truly enjoyed this story. Murdoch is a master of sexual tension. Can a nobleman fall for a girl who lives in poverty? Read it and find out.
August 28, 2019
This is an OK Regency romance, but I didn't really believe the couple was in love. They were definitely in lust, but their instalove was just too unlikely and unbelievable.
I liked Helena, but Pierre was harder to like. He was just so sure that his wealth/title made him better than others, and it took him a while to realize just how wrong he was. I also thought it was very unlikely that Helena would have had sex with him. She would have been worried about her reputation, and about getting pregnant. Women of that time period very rarely engaged in pre-marital sex, and especially not with someone they had only known a few days. Pre-marital sex was fairly common for betrothed couples, but not for others.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I liked Helena, but Pierre was harder to like. He was just so sure that his wealth/title made him better than others, and it took him a while to realize just how wrong he was. I also thought it was very unlikely that Helena would have had sex with him. She would have been worried about her reputation, and about getting pregnant. Women of that time period very rarely engaged in pre-marital sex, and especially not with someone they had only known a few days. Pre-marital sex was fairly common for betrothed couples, but not for others.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
August 23, 2018
Pierre haphazardly fled France for England with a bleeding thigh wound on a leaking sail boat (with a cache of the family jewels sewn into his court dress) during a storm apparently to escape the sharp blade of Madame La Guillotine. Sailing for leisure and pleasure on placid summer days is very different from sailing during a storm sans compass with the sail in tatters never knowing if he would still end up in France or on England's shores, so blisters on his hands from rowing are the least of his worries. Fortunately for the reckless peer, Helena Metcalfe (sister of an exclusive and skilled London courtesan and soon~to~be Duchess of Caershire) found him while she was out checking her crab traps. She took him home and patched up his wound and they have bonded. Unfortunately, such a state was shattered when he had the gall to accuse her of stealing. Helena should have chucked him back into the sea weighed down by those precious jewels since he put so much weight in them than on her love. ASS! But that is what is so credible and relatable about Ms. Murdoch's main characters; they are so human because of their flaws
October 3, 2018
From the opening sentence of this novella, the reader’s attention is grabbed as Pierre d'Épiluçon battles for his life on a storm-swept sea. The last thing he expected was to be half-conscious on a British beach with a beautiful woman struggling to move him. Although Helena is a fisherman’s daughter, she does come from a good background and finds herself caught in a difficult situation whilst tending to the shipwrecked French nobleman. The story is gentle, depicting the differences between the couple’s backgrounds, and ultimately leading to pain and disappointment. The situation was not helped when Pierre’s opinionated friend discovers Pierre in the rundown cottage and Helena is left with a sense of loss. The story is well-written and touches on the difficulties experienced both by Pierre fleeing his native country and Helena caught in poverty, not of her own making. Although this book is part of a series and characters from previous stories are mentioned in this one, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 26, 2018
The Ravishing Regencies series is a set of stand-alone and very unconventional novellas set in the Regency era. If you are tired of the trite and traditional Regency books full of blushing virgins and lavish balls, then this is the series for you! Each book features a couple from very different class and financial situations being thrown together by some accident of fate. In a way they are Cinderella stories about wealthy men who are tired of the traditional marriage choices and are fascinated by a woman from a lower social class. But each book has a vastly different plot to get you there and each is very romantic and steamy. Shipwrecked has the added drama of the French Revolution, spies, and war between France and England. Can a couple from different sides of the channel put all that aside and fall in love?? Read the book to find out. The books are short enough to be a great beach read, just be sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you get to the steamy parts. I receive these books as part of a pay-it-forward program and can't wait for Marooned with a Marquis!
June 23, 2019
Murdoch has an engaging writing style that instantly transports you to the past, capturing your attention and giving you a brief glimpse into the ideals of the time - she didn't disappoint me here!!
I was instantly drawn to Pierre and his plight and the innocently spirited, yet descended upon hard times, Helena who is fighting admirably to make the best of her poor circumstances.
Witnessing Pierre reassess the frustrating belief that the lower classes are merely there to serve, the prejudices and arrogance that where so commonplace and inbreed into those of wealth and status at the time is touched upon in this tale.
The blending of innocent assumptions with sexual yearnings and intriguing backstories, mutual vulnerability and deep attraction kept me entangled until the end.
A nice addition to the series where moments of charm, wit, touching sentiment as well as Helena's pride and refusal to be down trodden against the ignorance and arrogance of nobility and Pierre reassessing the true worth of a person in spite of his inbreed prejustices made this well worth the read!
I was instantly drawn to Pierre and his plight and the innocently spirited, yet descended upon hard times, Helena who is fighting admirably to make the best of her poor circumstances.
Witnessing Pierre reassess the frustrating belief that the lower classes are merely there to serve, the prejudices and arrogance that where so commonplace and inbreed into those of wealth and status at the time is touched upon in this tale.
The blending of innocent assumptions with sexual yearnings and intriguing backstories, mutual vulnerability and deep attraction kept me entangled until the end.
A nice addition to the series where moments of charm, wit, touching sentiment as well as Helena's pride and refusal to be down trodden against the ignorance and arrogance of nobility and Pierre reassessing the true worth of a person in spite of his inbreed prejustices made this well worth the read!
May 16, 2022
A cute, quick story of saving a man shipwrecked on the beach and falling in love.
Helena was trying to collect the catch in her crab nets when she finds a man, Pierre, laying on the beach after crashing his boat. She realizes he's still alive but badly injured, so she drags him back to her home to try to help him. She discovers that he's a criminal from France. As she helps him heal, they learn more about one another and realize they might find common ground after all.
First off, I have really enjoyed this series and the quick force-proximity stories. Helena was very strong and I liked seeing her do what needed to be done to keep her family afloat when things went wrong for her father. I also enjoyed Pierre learning that wealth doesn't mean value. I personally just found him annoying for too much of the book for me to really fall in love with this story and rate it higher. I think it might just be something about this particular trope that makes it not the best fit for me; I definitely think if you like riches-to-rags love stories you'll enjoy this one. I look forward to checking out the rest of the series.
Thank you to Emily E.K. Murdoch for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Helena was trying to collect the catch in her crab nets when she finds a man, Pierre, laying on the beach after crashing his boat. She realizes he's still alive but badly injured, so she drags him back to her home to try to help him. She discovers that he's a criminal from France. As she helps him heal, they learn more about one another and realize they might find common ground after all.
First off, I have really enjoyed this series and the quick force-proximity stories. Helena was very strong and I liked seeing her do what needed to be done to keep her family afloat when things went wrong for her father. I also enjoyed Pierre learning that wealth doesn't mean value. I personally just found him annoying for too much of the book for me to really fall in love with this story and rate it higher. I think it might just be something about this particular trope that makes it not the best fit for me; I definitely think if you like riches-to-rags love stories you'll enjoy this one. I look forward to checking out the rest of the series.
Thank you to Emily E.K. Murdoch for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2018
I loved this story!
The more I read of historical novels the more I am convinced and of the opinion that even though the Earls, Dukes, etc needed someone to inherit from them and that they should be all that more keen to get married and have a family, that they seem to need a good old kick in the butt and then perhaps the little lightbulb will go off or the penny will drop.
This was a really great story. I loved that fact that Helena gave Pierre her trust (on a misunderstanding) and that his intentions were not to marry her, but it turned into a lovely second chances story and that was really good.
Emily Murdoch's story telling has improved with each book and I am totally happy to recommend this one.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and the above is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
The more I read of historical novels the more I am convinced and of the opinion that even though the Earls, Dukes, etc needed someone to inherit from them and that they should be all that more keen to get married and have a family, that they seem to need a good old kick in the butt and then perhaps the little lightbulb will go off or the penny will drop.
This was a really great story. I loved that fact that Helena gave Pierre her trust (on a misunderstanding) and that his intentions were not to marry her, but it turned into a lovely second chances story and that was really good.
Emily Murdoch's story telling has improved with each book and I am totally happy to recommend this one.
I read an Advance Reader Copy and the above is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
March 2, 2019
This was a short but good read that was entertaining. Two people are thrown together when a French nobleman, Pierre is shipwrecked after escaping the war in France and the lady who lived on the beach that saving him, Helena. I liked Helena right away but getting to know and like Pierre took some time. She saves him, doctors a knife wound and they become familiar with one another. Pierre was typical nobility and only cared about his own feelings and finding his missing sister, but still took advantage of an innocent. Helena was a willing partner and knew she loved him and thought they would marry. He left her and then realizes how much Helena really meant to him and how his attitude of wealth had changed and they got their HEA.
September 1, 2018
This is a delightful tale of two people who find themselves thrown together by a war across the channel. I loved Helena right off, but Pierre had to grow on me, because he is typical of the French nobility. He only thought about himself and how he felt, never about Helena and he used Helena's feelings. He just up and left with his friend, because he preferred his luxury to what Helena had to offer. Emily Murdoch captured the attitude of the French nobility perfectly. It took a lot for me to actually to like Pierre because I hate charming men. It is their narcissism and arrogance that makes them unappealing. This story is perfect for an afternoon read.
February 7, 2019
I have been enjoying this series and enjoyed this story as well. It is an easy read and entertaining. This story is about Pierre who has escaped France and is shipwrecked outside of Helena's home. Love blooms quickly, too quick to keep away suspicions as they do not know each other well. Helena's acceptance of her lot in life was admirable. She had her dreams but went about the necessities of life. Pierre learned quickly about the differences between classes, and he had no problem in crossing the lines. At times, I smiled during their dialogue, and at others, I had tears, especially at the end. I look forward to the next story.
This is my unsolicited review.
This is my unsolicited review.
May 21, 2025
Shipwrecked with a Suitor is another delightful read from Emily, who continues to impress with her fresh take on historical romance. This novella blends intrigue, romance, and just the right amount of spice, offering a story that feels both unique and emotionally satisfying. I love how these shorter books serve as vivid snapshots into different worlds, and this one was no exception—it pulled me in right away and didn’t let go.
Helena’s character arc was compelling. She’s strong and independent, shaped by her circumstances, yet she retains a softness that makes her feel deeply human. Watching her navigate vulnerability without losing her strength was one of the highlights of the story. Emily has a real talent for creating heroines who are complex and relatable, and Helena is a perfect example of that. I can’t wait to see what Emily writes next!
Helena’s character arc was compelling. She’s strong and independent, shaped by her circumstances, yet she retains a softness that makes her feel deeply human. Watching her navigate vulnerability without losing her strength was one of the highlights of the story. Emily has a real talent for creating heroines who are complex and relatable, and Helena is a perfect example of that. I can’t wait to see what Emily writes next!
October 2, 2021
A Beautiful Written Story
I’m really enjoying this series! Another great love story with a happily ever after, proving that no matter what class you belong to, love can be found in unusual circumstances .
An arrogant aristocratic Frenchman Pierre who is blinded by his own beliefs of the lower class which was typical of that period only to be brought down to earth with a beautiful hearted Englishwoman Helena who’s family has fallen on hard times.
A must read if you love a shorter historical story with a HEA
I’m really enjoying this series! Another great love story with a happily ever after, proving that no matter what class you belong to, love can be found in unusual circumstances .
An arrogant aristocratic Frenchman Pierre who is blinded by his own beliefs of the lower class which was typical of that period only to be brought down to earth with a beautiful hearted Englishwoman Helena who’s family has fallen on hard times.
A must read if you love a shorter historical story with a HEA
October 14, 2019
A wonderful short romance! I liked the plot as it was clever with a certain touch of irony. The couple are just exactly what was needed for this romance to make sense. For love to flower in a very short period of time is not unbelievable for me as I proposed on my 5th date and was married two months later. We just celebrated our 63rd anniversary this year. I love the idea of the forever-after to be a real concept, thank you, Jack.
April 24, 2020
Shipwrecked with a Suitor is a sexy historical romance about a woman who rescues a Frenchman who washes up on the beach. The story is an entertaining quick read (or listen). The relationship moves perhaps too quickly for my liking, but it is a pretty tale.
This story contains a graphic sex scene. Adult readers only.
The narrator of the audiobook has a rich voice which is well suited to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This story contains a graphic sex scene. Adult readers only.
The narrator of the audiobook has a rich voice which is well suited to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 23, 2018
I found the premise of the story intriguing. A chance encounter on a stormy beach between two people from two different countries and social classes. A fishermen’s daughter trying to survive and a French disgraced nobleman. Fleeing his home country in search of his long lost sister. So much is happening in this story I couldn’t put it down.
August 24, 2018
Really good, quick read! The romance is good and I love the play between classes and perceptions of classes. The history is fascinating and it is very interesting to see how all of the romances tie into each other, even if tangentially. Loved it!
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 27, 2018
"Shipwrecked with a Suitor" by Emily E.K. Murdoch
A Delightful Regency short story romance ! A real page turner a one day read, at least for me it was.. I worried just a bit and chuckled just a bit.. and enjoyed a whole lot.
A Delightful Regency short story romance ! A real page turner a one day read, at least for me it was.. I worried just a bit and chuckled just a bit.. and enjoyed a whole lot.
November 7, 2018
Book three in the Ravishing Regencies series is a well-written book I was not putting down until I had finished it. This is Pierre d'Épiluçon and Helena Metcalfe 's story and is just 118 pages so a quick story to read.
June 20, 2021
This third Ravishing Regencies story is my favourite. I loved Helena (sister of Teresa) and Pierre (shipwrecked while fleeing from France). Sweet and sexy with a HEA.
This review is based on the audiobook. Narrator Verity Burns did a great job.
This review is based on the audiobook. Narrator Verity Burns did a great job.
November 29, 2018
Cute story.
So I read the first two in this series and I am not as much of a fan of book 3. It was a cute story and unique like the first two but not my favorite.
So I read the first two in this series and I am not as much of a fan of book 3. It was a cute story and unique like the first two but not my favorite.
February 15, 2019
It was a great read. It is a titled gentleman falling for the woman that rescues him. I may be a little bit biased as I was a kickstarter supporter.
November 8, 2020
Great love story
This was a great book. Pierre and Helena fell in love and learned to trust their hearts and live for each day.
This was a great book. Pierre and Helena fell in love and learned to trust their hearts and live for each day.
July 3, 2021
These 3 stories in the boxes set are very inticing for a great escape in the afternoon.
August 10, 2024
A Wonderful & Romantic Story.
This was an Adorable read.
Pierre & Helena were wonderful characters.
I look forward to reading Adena & Luke's story in the next book in this series.
This was an Adorable read.
Pierre & Helena were wonderful characters.
I look forward to reading Adena & Luke's story in the next book in this series.
September 10, 2018
I found this a good book. Helena rescued Pierre who escapes from France during the war and saves his life. Once he is well he abandons her. Can they find each other again.
November 6, 2018
For Pierre d'Épiluçon France is now too dangerous to stay, so he flees across the Channel in a stolen boat. Fortunately for him he is shipwrecked but saved by a local fisherman's daughter, Helena. Can this chance encounter and the differences in their situations make a happy ending possible or not.
An enjoyable, well-written quick read with some very likeable characters.
Received an ARC
An enjoyable, well-written quick read with some very likeable characters.
Received an ARC
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews