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The Sons of Eliza Bryant #1
Thief of Broken Hearts
Seventeen years ago, after losing his mother and brothers in a horrific tragedy, Endymion de Waryn left his memories, his past, and the childhood friend he’d been forced to marry behind in Cornwall, vowing never to return. Now, as the Duke of Pendeen, he lives a very ordered life, just as he prefers. Having scheduled the months of August and September to conceive an heir, he summons his wife to London to do just that. When her answer is an emphatic No! he is left no choice but to break his vow and go to Cornwall to fetch her. However, a duchess who meets her husband at the door with one of Manton’s finest firearms needs more than a ducal command to be fetched.Seventeen years ago, Rhiannon Harvey, daughter of a wealthy coal merchant, made a devil’s bargain with a ruthless duke to marry his heir the boy she loved with all her girlish heart. Wedded, bedded, and left to run the ducal Cornwall estate, she becomes the keeper of her husband’s tragic memories, owner of the family’s secrets, and a duchess not to be trifled with. Her husband’s uninvited arrival introduces her to a man haunted by the past he cannot remember and one determined, God help her, to woo her into his bed.When Rhiannon’s life is threatened, she and Endymion must work together to discover why. His haunted memories and inept wooing may bring them together. But the secrets of the past promise to tear them apart and if they cannot overcome the lies and betrayals of their broken hearts, their newfound love may be stolen from them forever.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2018
19 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Cornell
56 books123 followersLouisa Cornell read her first historical romance novel, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, at the age of nine. This inspired her to spend the next three years of her young life writing the most horrible historical romance novel ever written. Fortunately it has yet to see the light of day. As Louisa spent those three years living in a little English village in Suffolk (Thanks to her father's Air Force career.) it is no surprise she developed a lifelong love of all things British, especially British history and Regency-set romance novels. (And Earl Grey tea!)
During those same three years, Louisa's vocal talent was discovered. Her study of music began at the London College of Music and continued once she returned to the States. After four music degrees and a year of study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, Louisa was fortunate enough to embark on a singing career in opera houses in Germany, Austria, and most of Eastern Europe.
Now retired from an active career in opera, Louisa has returned to her first love – writing Regency-set historical romance. She has completed four books to date and A PERFECTLY DREADFUL CHRISTMAS is her publication debut.
Two time Golden Heart finalist, three time Daphne du Maurier winner, and three time Royal Ascot winner, Louisa is a member of RWA, SMRWA and the Beau Monde Chapter of RWA. She lives in LA (Lower Alabama) with a Chihuahua so grouchy he has been banned from six veterinary clinics, several perfectly amiable small dogs, and a cat who terminates vermin with extreme prejudice.
You can learn more about Louisa and her future publication plans at : www.louisacornell.com and https://www.facebook.com/RegencyWrite....
During those same three years, Louisa's vocal talent was discovered. Her study of music began at the London College of Music and continued once she returned to the States. After four music degrees and a year of study at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, Louisa was fortunate enough to embark on a singing career in opera houses in Germany, Austria, and most of Eastern Europe.
Now retired from an active career in opera, Louisa has returned to her first love – writing Regency-set historical romance. She has completed four books to date and A PERFECTLY DREADFUL CHRISTMAS is her publication debut.
Two time Golden Heart finalist, three time Daphne du Maurier winner, and three time Royal Ascot winner, Louisa is a member of RWA, SMRWA and the Beau Monde Chapter of RWA. She lives in LA (Lower Alabama) with a Chihuahua so grouchy he has been banned from six veterinary clinics, several perfectly amiable small dogs, and a cat who terminates vermin with extreme prejudice.
You can learn more about Louisa and her future publication plans at : www.louisacornell.com and https://www.facebook.com/RegencyWrite....
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 24, 2019
Seventeen years ago, Endymion de Waryn left his home and the woman he was rushed to wed after losing his mother and brothers in a horrific tragedy. Now as a Duke, he lives a very ordered life and because of that decides to summon his wife to London but when she responds with a definite no, he resolves to go to Cornwall to fetch her himself. Do they still have a chance to have a happy life together and will he let his past go, even after discovering the lies they have been keeping from each other all this time?
Good story, i could not put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good story, i could not put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2019
Long Lost Love💔, Found at Last💘
Love💘 is a thief. If a man steals your heart, he will break💔 it. Make certain that thief is man enough to mend💘 it, and be woman enough to mend his💘....
London, 1797,
A 16 year old Duke is forced into an arranged marriage with a 14 year old girl, and the two are separated the next day.
The young Duke is manipulated and beaten by his elders, molded by force into the man they want him to be. His young wife is put into the management of a large estate with farmers at Cornwall, where she succeeds admirably.
1814, London
Seventeen years later, the Duke realizes he needs an heir! Duh! He pencils into his regimented appointment book, two weeks to go see his wife and sire an heir!
This is a crazy ADULT ROMANCE book about how the two people, now adults and strangers, must change to accommodate each other and work together. Somewhere in the midst of that, love💘 grows!
Love💘 is a thief. If a man steals your heart, he will break💔 it. Make certain that thief is man enough to mend💘 it, and be woman enough to mend his💘....
London, 1797,
A 16 year old Duke is forced into an arranged marriage with a 14 year old girl, and the two are separated the next day.
The young Duke is manipulated and beaten by his elders, molded by force into the man they want him to be. His young wife is put into the management of a large estate with farmers at Cornwall, where she succeeds admirably.
1814, London
Seventeen years later, the Duke realizes he needs an heir! Duh! He pencils into his regimented appointment book, two weeks to go see his wife and sire an heir!
This is a crazy ADULT ROMANCE book about how the two people, now adults and strangers, must change to accommodate each other and work together. Somewhere in the midst of that, love💘 grows!
May 18, 2021
I did enjoy this story very much and read it in a day. Rhiannon was a strong woman who had been running the estate in Cornwall for many years. Now, Endymion, Duke of Pendeen, her husband is back, wanting an heir. Much has changed in the time since they last saw each other. Rhiannon has become a beautiful woman, who has the loyalty of her staff. Unfortunately, Pendeen has been influenced by his manipulative grandfather. There is much ground for Pendeen to make up and his friend Voil who has come with him, tries to give him some helpful advice. Voil is certainly a character who will make you smile. There is a murder to solve and also who is trying to kill Rhiannon. This is the first in the series and I look forward to reading the next.
November 23, 2019
A soft 4.
February 12, 2025
Witty And Captivating
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It‘s a very well written romance with childhood friends to lovers, marriage of convenience tropes, about an already married couple and packed with LOL moments, hilarious banter and bickering, drama, mystery, lots of secrets, unexpected twists, suspense, danger and steamy love scenes.
I loved the protagonists, the chemistry between them and their verbal sparrings. Rhee is a very strong, independent heroine and Dymi has suffered a lot in his youth and is a tad awkward when it comes to his wife. Some of the supporting characters were endearing as well.
I am happy to recommend the book and look forward to the next installment!
Rhiannon „Rhee“ Harvey de Waryn Duchess of Pendeen has come to terms with the fact that her husband disappeared after their wedding night almost two decades ago and never returned. She loves her independence and running the country estate in Cornwall. She is all the angrier when he summons her to London to produce an heir to his strict timetable and she refuses his request. When her husband, despite his rejection of Cornwall, suddenly appears before her, interferes in her affairs and tries to woo her in an unflattering way, she is not prepared to give in...
Endymion "Dymi" de Waryn, Duke of Pendeen leads a controlled and ordered life, just as his late grandfather taught him. Due to a severe fever, he can barely remember his childhood in Cornwall or his marriage to Rhee. But the impressions and fragments of memory fill him with panic. When his wife refuses to join him in London, he has no choice but to return to Cornwall. The self-confident woman who confronts him puts up with nothing from him and runs the estate with a strong hand. His feelings for her grow stronger and stronger, more and more terrible memories return and Dymi soon discovers that Rhee's life is in danger...
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
It‘s a very well written romance with childhood friends to lovers, marriage of convenience tropes, about an already married couple and packed with LOL moments, hilarious banter and bickering, drama, mystery, lots of secrets, unexpected twists, suspense, danger and steamy love scenes.
I loved the protagonists, the chemistry between them and their verbal sparrings. Rhee is a very strong, independent heroine and Dymi has suffered a lot in his youth and is a tad awkward when it comes to his wife. Some of the supporting characters were endearing as well.
I am happy to recommend the book and look forward to the next installment!
Rhiannon „Rhee“ Harvey de Waryn Duchess of Pendeen has come to terms with the fact that her husband disappeared after their wedding night almost two decades ago and never returned. She loves her independence and running the country estate in Cornwall. She is all the angrier when he summons her to London to produce an heir to his strict timetable and she refuses his request. When her husband, despite his rejection of Cornwall, suddenly appears before her, interferes in her affairs and tries to woo her in an unflattering way, she is not prepared to give in...
Endymion "Dymi" de Waryn, Duke of Pendeen leads a controlled and ordered life, just as his late grandfather taught him. Due to a severe fever, he can barely remember his childhood in Cornwall or his marriage to Rhee. But the impressions and fragments of memory fill him with panic. When his wife refuses to join him in London, he has no choice but to return to Cornwall. The self-confident woman who confronts him puts up with nothing from him and runs the estate with a strong hand. His feelings for her grow stronger and stronger, more and more terrible memories return and Dymi soon discovers that Rhee's life is in danger...
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
July 15, 2019
I was looking for a new author to read & I came across this book by Louise Cornell - it sounded very interesting & I had never read any of her books. I am so happy I found her!
Endymion "Dymi" de Waryn, Duke of Pendeen left his home in Cornwall seventeen years ago after his mother & two brothers were murdered & he was whisked off to London by his grandfather & uncle. After the grisly catastrophe, Dymi left his memories, past & the childhood friend he’d been forced to marry (he was 15 & she was 14), vowing never to return. Seventeen years later he lives the organized life that he prefers & has decided it is time to contact his wife so he may sire an heir.
Seventeen years ago, Rhiannon Harvey, daughter of a wealthy coal merchant, wedded the childhood friend she loved - they were rushed to wed, bed & he was gone the next morning, leaving her to oversee the successful running of the ducal seat in Cornwall. She becomes a duchess that is respected & highly regarded - she also holds the secrets to her husband's lost memories & family secrets.
Now, he has returned, uninvited to get her in to his bed but she does recognize the stranger he has become. Can he woo her, can she help him chase away his demons, why is someone trying to kill her, can they ever go back to the friends they were seventeen years ago or do they want to? I highly recommend this book & cannot wait to read the second on in this series.
Endymion "Dymi" de Waryn, Duke of Pendeen left his home in Cornwall seventeen years ago after his mother & two brothers were murdered & he was whisked off to London by his grandfather & uncle. After the grisly catastrophe, Dymi left his memories, past & the childhood friend he’d been forced to marry (he was 15 & she was 14), vowing never to return. Seventeen years later he lives the organized life that he prefers & has decided it is time to contact his wife so he may sire an heir.
Seventeen years ago, Rhiannon Harvey, daughter of a wealthy coal merchant, wedded the childhood friend she loved - they were rushed to wed, bed & he was gone the next morning, leaving her to oversee the successful running of the ducal seat in Cornwall. She becomes a duchess that is respected & highly regarded - she also holds the secrets to her husband's lost memories & family secrets.
Now, he has returned, uninvited to get her in to his bed but she does recognize the stranger he has become. Can he woo her, can she help him chase away his demons, why is someone trying to kill her, can they ever go back to the friends they were seventeen years ago or do they want to? I highly recommend this book & cannot wait to read the second on in this series.
October 27, 2019
Didn’t Quite Work for Me
I enjoyed the first part of the book as we got to know the duke and his estranged duchess. But then it felt like the story got a bit repetitious and didn't really have an escalating progression of events that a story should have to keep it interesting. I soon found it a little tiresome, especially the continual reference to 17 years ago and other such concepts; yes, we know! Because the heroine had such contempt for the hero at first, I had a hard time believing her turn around. It's one thing that authors need to consider. When the couple is very distant from each other at the start of the novel, the author has to work to show us a true evolution, which will be a rocky road but should mostly progress in a 3-steps-forward, 2-steps-back way. I did not feel that happened here. Therefore, I found this a somewhat disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I enjoyed the first part of the book as we got to know the duke and his estranged duchess. But then it felt like the story got a bit repetitious and didn't really have an escalating progression of events that a story should have to keep it interesting. I soon found it a little tiresome, especially the continual reference to 17 years ago and other such concepts; yes, we know! Because the heroine had such contempt for the hero at first, I had a hard time believing her turn around. It's one thing that authors need to consider. When the couple is very distant from each other at the start of the novel, the author has to work to show us a true evolution, which will be a rocky road but should mostly progress in a 3-steps-forward, 2-steps-back way. I did not feel that happened here. Therefore, I found this a somewhat disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 17, 2019
The story is set in Cornwall though it started in London. This is more of a mystery than a romance and there are still unanswered questions and more to be discovered when this one ends though most definitely not a cliff~hanger... just that the reader would be compelled to know more... maybe in the next 2 books as there are 3 sons whose names were derived from Greek mythology ~ 2 of them from the Trojan War ~ the result of having a classics scholar for a father. You will meet Achilles here and maybe the next book would be his story and the third book would be Hector's... This one is Endymion's story and of Rhiannon's, his neglected wife of seventeen years. Another GOOD one from this insightful author.
October 12, 2019
Duke of Pendeen has sent to his estate for his wife to join him in London to in order to procreate the next heir of Pendeen. His Duchess responds with a resounding no. Forcing the Duke to visit the estate where he is met by his wife with a gun. He has to convince her to agree to making love in order to produce the next heir. She wants nothing to do with him since he left the morning after the wedding and never came back until years later. Now he has to convince her she is wrong while keeping her and himself safe. This is a great romance story.
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.
October 25, 2019
This was such an awesome read that I couldn't atop reading tell the end. The story line and characters pulled me in form the beginning and the word usage was done so well it made me feel like I was there watching the story unfold. I loved Endymion and Rhiannon the author did such a wonderful job with their characters and their chemistry. With many lol moments and the authors humor the book kept my interest through the whole book it's a definite must read for any fan and I can't wait to read more form this author!!!
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.
October 26, 2019
The first book in The Sons of Eliza Bryant series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Endymion de Waryn the Duke of Pendeen married Rhiannon seventeen years ago and went to London leaving her there. He has not seen her in all that time he wants a heir and demands she come to London. But Rhiannon is not someone who follows anyone's orders and she says NO. It will takes these two alot to come together as he left her with a broken heart. I enjoyed reading this story, and I want to read the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2024
I read this as part of an anthology, and I have say, this stories outline was what me pick the book up.
This was an unusual story, a very, very long separation that I have rarely encountered before. Rhee is pretty amazing. Yes, she did something devious, but she's also paid the piper for 17 years. She is well loved and respected and does not fear standing up to her hulk of a husband. Dymi, I just felt said for. His life was such a mess, but between his friend, wife, and brother, he gets a good scolding.
The ending was also well done, while the groveling was not intense. It wassignificant.
Ends in a cliffhanger, and we need stories of the other characters as well.
This was an unusual story, a very, very long separation that I have rarely encountered before. Rhee is pretty amazing. Yes, she did something devious, but she's also paid the piper for 17 years. She is well loved and respected and does not fear standing up to her hulk of a husband. Dymi, I just felt said for. His life was such a mess, but between his friend, wife, and brother, he gets a good scolding.
The ending was also well done, while the groveling was not intense. It wassignificant.
Ends in a cliffhanger, and we need stories of the other characters as well.
October 27, 2019
Thief of Broken Hearts is the first book in The Sons of Eliza Bryant series and the first I have read by this author. This historical romance has well-developed characters that are strong, likable, and have a long history between them. The storyline is well written and fast-paced, with mystery, danger, suspense, and a possible second chance at romance. I love that Rhiannon stood up to Endymion instead of obeying him blindly as a wife was supposed to do in that era.
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.
October 27, 2019
New author and a wonderful surprise.
Endymion de Waryn somehow thought his beloved wife would just love to come to London in late summer just so he could conceive an heir. Now, this was after leaving her in Cornwall for 17 years. I think he was lucky she did not shot him. I really enjoyed this story Rhiannon and Endymion have to face some interesting challenges and I loved how the author ended the tale. This was an excellent story and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Endymion de Waryn somehow thought his beloved wife would just love to come to London in late summer just so he could conceive an heir. Now, this was after leaving her in Cornwall for 17 years. I think he was lucky she did not shot him. I really enjoyed this story Rhiannon and Endymion have to face some interesting challenges and I loved how the author ended the tale. This was an excellent story and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 1, 2019
This is my first book by this author and I think I will be checking out her other offerings. This story could have been better as far as the “exciting” scenes go as they were somehow less that thrilling. Overall the main characters are great but his friend is a little over the top. There is a mystery relating to her maid, Bea, but there is no hint at anything that would lead to another story nor do we learn her secret. Not a bad book to read on a cloudy day.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 12, 2021
3.75 I really liked Rhiannon and Dymi. Voil was a fun character to have around, too. I thought the relationship/history between Rhiannon and Dymi was intriguing. The mystery behind Dymi’s past wasn’t completely resolved, though, which kept me from giving this a higher rating. Also, there was no epilogue, which I really missed. I’m hoping that the series will continue to fill in the blanks. However, just to be clear, this doesn’t end with a cliff hanger.
November 2, 2019
Overall, this is a good story! I really like Endymion and Rhiannon. There is a bit of mystery and intriguing twists and turns. However, I did feel there is unnecessary repetitiveness in the story causing it to drag in spots. I did find some parts of the story to be entertaining and others emotional. I liked how the story concluded.
November 3, 2019
I loved his story which kept me reading straight through. The twists and turns this story took as Endymion and Rhiannon pair up after 17 years married, but apart was delightful. The author has a wicked sense of humor which she endows her characters with. Looking forward to reading more of her work
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.
November 5, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written by Louisa Cornell; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2025
All things consider this is a story worth reading! Endymion and Rhiannon are likeable characters with humorous streak. There is a bit of mystery and intriguing twists and turns. The repetitiveness of the some parts in the story cause it to be boring at times. I liked the ending though.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this as a regency romance novel, it had characters that felt like they belonged in this world and how the romance was told. The plot was what I was hoping for and enjoyed getting into this storyline. Louisa Cornell has a strong writing style and am excited for more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2018
Louisa Cornell delivers a gem to start an intriguing new series.
May 3, 2019
Seventeen years ago, after losing his mother and brothers in a horrific tragedy, Endymion de Waryn left his memories, his past, and the childhood friend he'd been forced to marry behind in Cornwall, vowing never to return. Now, as the Duke of Pendeen, he lives a very ordered life, just as he prefers. Having scheduled the months of August and September to conceive an heir, he summons his wife to London to do just that. When her answer is an emphatic No! he is left no choice but to break his vow and go to Cornwall to fetch her. However, a duchess who meets her husband at the door with one of Manton's finest firearms needs more than a ducal command to be fetched.
Seventeen years ago, Rhiannon Harvey, daughter of a wealthy coal merchant, made a devil's bargain with a ruthless duke to marry his heir the boy she loved with all her girlish heart. Wedded, bedded, and left to run the ducal Cornwall estate, she becomes the keeper of her husband's tragic memories, owner of the family's secrets, and a duchess not to be trifled with. Her husband's uninvited arrival introduces her to a man haunted by the past he cannot remember and one determined, God help her, to woo her into his bed.
When Rhiannon's life is threatened, she and Endymion must work together to discover why. His haunted memories and inept wooing may bring them together. But the secrets of the past promise to tear them apart and if they cannot overcome the lies and betrayals of their broken hearts, their newfound love may be stolen from them forever.
**
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews