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The Wallflower Brides #1
Married to the Rake
Wallflowers and rakes do seldom mix well.
But he comes offering a deal...
The centuries-old feud between the Larkins and the Waverlys has taken its toll. Brook Waverly wants this fight solved. Now. His ageing father cannot take much more of the stress and he's determined the problem shall be resolved before he comes to inherit.
So he needs her help...
Chloe is distrustful of Mr.Waverly--and rightly so. Not only is he her lifelong enemy but he has a reputation that would make the most experienced of women blush. And boy does he make this wallflower blush! However, she has little interest in continuing the silly feud and, with her little brother set to inherit one day and her father's failing health, the sooner it is all over, the better.
Working with the handsome, and far too charming Mr.Waverly to get their fathers to come to an agreement is...interesting. Especially when he seems to be less concerned with ending the feud and more interested in her. Can she really trust him or is this just another way for his family to get their revenge on hers?
If you love enemies to lovers and rakes with a heart of gold, buy Married to the Rake today or borrow for free in KU!
Miss Chloe Larkin is completely assured of that. Especially when said rake is a member of the Waverly family--the people responsible for a feud that has been ongoing since practically the dawn of time.
But he comes offering a deal...
The centuries-old feud between the Larkins and the Waverlys has taken its toll. Brook Waverly wants this fight solved. Now. His ageing father cannot take much more of the stress and he's determined the problem shall be resolved before he comes to inherit.
So he needs her help...
Chloe is distrustful of Mr.Waverly--and rightly so. Not only is he her lifelong enemy but he has a reputation that would make the most experienced of women blush. And boy does he make this wallflower blush! However, she has little interest in continuing the silly feud and, with her little brother set to inherit one day and her father's failing health, the sooner it is all over, the better.
Working with the handsome, and far too charming Mr.Waverly to get their fathers to come to an agreement is...interesting. Especially when he seems to be less concerned with ending the feud and more interested in her. Can she really trust him or is this just another way for his family to get their revenge on hers?
If you love enemies to lovers and rakes with a heart of gold, buy Married to the Rake today or borrow for free in KU!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2019
1800 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Holt
314 books700 followersSamantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
April 26, 2021
DNF at 81%
Married to the Rake
I thought this would be about ...well, you know... being married. To a rake.
But I’m at 81% and they still aren’t married. ( I hope to god they DON'T marry either. They are both utterly dull characters.)
It’s a tedious story with uninteresting characters and no real conflict, let alone realistic plot.
Married to the Rake
I thought this would be about ...well, you know... being married. To a rake.
But I’m at 81% and they still aren’t married. ( I hope to god they DON'T marry either. They are both utterly dull characters.)
It’s a tedious story with uninteresting characters and no real conflict, let alone realistic plot.
October 2, 2020
I typically like Samantha Holt's books, however this one was a bit tedious for me to read. This is the first in the Wallflower Brides. It is the story of Brook and Chloe and the bitterness that has caused both families to become sworn enemies. Brook a professed rake and Chloe the epitome of a lady in society whose banter and supposedly dislike of one another, somehow initiate sparks between the two characters. A historic Hattfield and McCoy where this feud dates back generations and a wallflower and philanderer trying to bridge the riff between families.
The story became a litttle tiring for me as I thought the marriage was going to take place earlier but went way too long to get to the married to the rake part. The repetitiveness of the dislike between families went on and on and that also made me want to discontinue the read. Although I finished the story, it was not as enjoyable as I would have wanted it to be. Rather giving this a DNF, I modestly give it 2-Stars and hope the others in this series are not repeats.
The story became a litttle tiring for me as I thought the marriage was going to take place earlier but went way too long to get to the married to the rake part. The repetitiveness of the dislike between families went on and on and that also made me want to discontinue the read. Although I finished the story, it was not as enjoyable as I would have wanted it to be. Rather giving this a DNF, I modestly give it 2-Stars and hope the others in this series are not repeats.
January 23, 2020
I'll give this a 2.25 stars. It did one thing for me which is remind me to pick up historical romance... something I have not been doing the last few years.
This book follows Chloe and Brook whose families are bitter enemies. The feud dates back generations and Brook, a known philanderer - exageratedly so - teams up with Chloe, the bookish wallflower, who is much more attractive than she thinks, to end the feud.
The writing was simplistic and unrealistic for the time. The banter was ok but could have been better. Chloe was obnoxious as a heroine. Brook was ok but tried to be a bad boy who is soft at heart and misunderstood.... The tropes were aplenty. Not to mention that the title is Married to the Rake but NOBODY gets married in it!
AND The only sex scene was fade to black.
But this book did make me want to pick up historical romance again, so at least there's that.
This book follows Chloe and Brook whose families are bitter enemies. The feud dates back generations and Brook, a known philanderer - exageratedly so - teams up with Chloe, the bookish wallflower, who is much more attractive than she thinks, to end the feud.
The writing was simplistic and unrealistic for the time. The banter was ok but could have been better. Chloe was obnoxious as a heroine. Brook was ok but tried to be a bad boy who is soft at heart and misunderstood.... The tropes were aplenty. Not to mention that the title is Married to the Rake but NOBODY gets married in it!
AND The only sex scene was fade to black.
But this book did make me want to pick up historical romance again, so at least there's that.
June 30, 2019
Chloe and Mr.Waverley fall in love and have to think of a way to break the dispute between their parents so they can live their happily ever after, a funny and sweet story. I recommend for readers who like a cute story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2019
Married to the Rake (The Wallflower Brides Book 1) by Samantha Holt
I love Samantha Holt. She gives suspense a sense of humor by giving heartache a heart. Chloe and Waverly have a situation on their hands. How do they end a feud between the families they both love? Could LOVE have been the answer all along? Married to the Rake is an uphill battle that proves to be worth the climb.
I love Samantha Holt. She gives suspense a sense of humor by giving heartache a heart. Chloe and Waverly have a situation on their hands. How do they end a feud between the families they both love? Could LOVE have been the answer all along? Married to the Rake is an uphill battle that proves to be worth the climb.
August 8, 2020
It was fine. Boring, but fine
July 2, 2019
Miss Chloe Larkin loved books but she had a poor opinion of herself, as she thought herself too curvy. Brook Waverley had quite a reputation and was often mentioned in the gossip sheets. Although they lived next to each other, there had been a long standing feud between their families. I enjoyed the way that Chloe and Brook tried to resolve matters between their families and also their own growing connection. However, the fathers aren’t willing to meet and there is a determined rival for Brook. This was an entertaining read and I look forward to reading the stories of Chloe’s two friends, Augusta and Joanna. I received a copy from Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2020
i'm breaking my rule of only giving harmful books 1 star because this book was extremely underwhelming. i found it really boring and overly simplistic. what makes it when more annoying is its supposed to be an enemies to lovers novel with feuding families, but the tropes were poorly utilised.
the plot was weak. the characters, excruciating bland and the one stereotypical character even made it more worse. my eyes were practically glazed throughout the whole book.
the plot was weak. the characters, excruciating bland and the one stereotypical character even made it more worse. my eyes were practically glazed throughout the whole book.
August 10, 2021
Vaya despropósito. Malo, malo, malo.
July 6, 2019
The centuries-old feud between the Larkins and the Waverlys has taken its toll. Brook Waverly wants this fight solved. Now. His ageing father cannot take much more of the stress and he’s determined the problem shall be resolved before he comes to inherit.
Miss Chloe Larkin is a wallflower who would rather lose herself in a book than dance at a ball.
Chloe is distrustful of Brook as not only is he her lifelong enemy but he has a reputation that often makes the scandal sheets. However, she has little interest in continuing the silly feud and, with her little brother set to inherit one day and her father’s failing health, the sooner it is all over, the better.
Working together to get their fathers to come to an agreement means spending time together & getting to know each other.
An engaging fun read that I read in a sitting, I love enemies to lovers as I think this trope lends itself to the best dialogue, Brook & Chloe certainly had some witty, verbal spats. Chloe has pretty low self esteem & thinks herself too curvy whereas Brook loves her curves. The road to their HEA is highly entertaining & as they saw when a rake fells he fells hard & Brook certainly did. I would have liked an epilogue but as this is the first in a new series hopefully we’ll catch up with them in subsequent books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Miss Chloe Larkin is a wallflower who would rather lose herself in a book than dance at a ball.
Chloe is distrustful of Brook as not only is he her lifelong enemy but he has a reputation that often makes the scandal sheets. However, she has little interest in continuing the silly feud and, with her little brother set to inherit one day and her father’s failing health, the sooner it is all over, the better.
Working together to get their fathers to come to an agreement means spending time together & getting to know each other.
An engaging fun read that I read in a sitting, I love enemies to lovers as I think this trope lends itself to the best dialogue, Brook & Chloe certainly had some witty, verbal spats. Chloe has pretty low self esteem & thinks herself too curvy whereas Brook loves her curves. The road to their HEA is highly entertaining & as they saw when a rake fells he fells hard & Brook certainly did. I would have liked an epilogue but as this is the first in a new series hopefully we’ll catch up with them in subsequent books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 21, 2021
The Larkin family and the Waverly family have been feuding over the boundary between their two lands for as long as Brook Waverly can remember. And it has been stressing his father to the point of a near heart attack. So, Brook decides he needs to end the feud as fast as possible. He enlists the help of Chloe Larkin, catching her while she visits the local book store. He talks her into secretly meeting him at the boundary line, and he realizes that she is beautiful, and intelligent, and adorable, and that he would very much like to put aside his rakish ways and court her properly, though with their fathers feuding, that just won’t be possible.
I loved this Romeo and Juliet inspired romance. Though Chloe has far more reservations than Juliet, considering she knows Brook’s main objective is to stop the feud, she can’t be certain he actually wants her for her. He’s dashing and popular with the ladies, while she’s a wallflower who prefers spending time reading in the library, and she knows she’s plain, so she can’t fathom why he would want to be with her. I loved his perseverance and determination and understanding that he needed to get her to realize that she was beautiful in his eyes and that his love was genuine and deeper than any of the flings he’d had in the past, and that the gossip rags had greatly exaggerated the number of relationships he’d had. Even though it’s a trope that’s been done to death, I still love the whole theme of a wallflower finding love. And I loved the feud between the fathers. It was just hilarious at times when they kept moving the border markings and having to paranoidly keep checking it all the time and even the scene of the two elder men ready to duke it out in the town square.
Now I did feel lied to with the title. As in, Brook mentioned it over quite a few times that his rakish reputation had been greatly exaggerated, so with just a handful of relationships, he wasn’t really a rake. Someone complained on this in their review of one of the other books in the series, but it holds true here too. I read my way through the entirety of this book and at no point is the heroine “married” (nor is she ever a Bride like the collection title suggests). With the title being “Married to the Rake” a reader expects the heroine to either already having married him before the start, or to marry him within the first couple of chapters and the rest of the book having to reconcile the idea of having to solve his philandering ways or deal with the fallout of previous affairs, while holding onto their relationship (which would have been a rather interesting plot for a book since pretty much all of the regency books on the market right now center on the first falling in love and end with the wedding in the last chapter).
I loved this Romeo and Juliet inspired romance. Though Chloe has far more reservations than Juliet, considering she knows Brook’s main objective is to stop the feud, she can’t be certain he actually wants her for her. He’s dashing and popular with the ladies, while she’s a wallflower who prefers spending time reading in the library, and she knows she’s plain, so she can’t fathom why he would want to be with her. I loved his perseverance and determination and understanding that he needed to get her to realize that she was beautiful in his eyes and that his love was genuine and deeper than any of the flings he’d had in the past, and that the gossip rags had greatly exaggerated the number of relationships he’d had. Even though it’s a trope that’s been done to death, I still love the whole theme of a wallflower finding love. And I loved the feud between the fathers. It was just hilarious at times when they kept moving the border markings and having to paranoidly keep checking it all the time and even the scene of the two elder men ready to duke it out in the town square.
Now I did feel lied to with the title. As in, Brook mentioned it over quite a few times that his rakish reputation had been greatly exaggerated, so with just a handful of relationships, he wasn’t really a rake. Someone complained on this in their review of one of the other books in the series, but it holds true here too. I read my way through the entirety of this book and at no point is the heroine “married” (nor is she ever a Bride like the collection title suggests). With the title being “Married to the Rake” a reader expects the heroine to either already having married him before the start, or to marry him within the first couple of chapters and the rest of the book having to reconcile the idea of having to solve his philandering ways or deal with the fallout of previous affairs, while holding onto their relationship (which would have been a rather interesting plot for a book since pretty much all of the regency books on the market right now center on the first falling in love and end with the wedding in the last chapter).
March 13, 2023
Rated 3.5
May 26, 2024
Biting and predictable
October 5, 2019
First of all, whoever came up with the title has not read the book it's...totally misleading.
I thought the marriage would be at the beginning or at the very least in the middle...it was not. Spoiler alert: The marriage didn't even take place at all! Sooo...I don't even feel bad about "spoiling" it. I just don't want someone to go in with the same misleading thought as I did.
Thou there was a rake at least.
Second of all - ... I forgot what was second ;p
I think it was the star rating, yup. I couldn't decide whether to give it 3.5 stars or 4.
4 seems tad too much because while I did like the book and found it enjoyable and refreshing and read in one go...the level of glee & happiness derived from it wasn't quite what I usually consider a 4* read. Tad below it.
But at the same time...3.5* seems too little because it indeed had a rather novel idea and not one I have read often and thus stands out with it's distinctive plot and it's nuances and I'd even say rather expert writing - for historical romance it had not too much describing and not too little conversation either. Quite the perfect balance.
So yes, in addition the writing was good and the characters also fairly not just like-able but even great in their own way. Forthright? Down to earth? Delightful? Pleasant.
Hmmm so maybe it does get those 4* after all, because even thou the excitement level was not as high as usual for a 4* read, it certainly is up to par with it's plot, characters and writing, in fact, plot and characters may even be better.
Yes, 4* it is.
Thirdly - usually we get the higher end of nobility - dukes, earl's & such, but here it's the genteel class - merely misters and misses. Which also managed to give the book...a warmer feeling? Closer to the readers heart? At least it did for me.
In a way it was also a refreshing breeze.
I love my dukes and all, but can get tired of them and their mostly similar plots and personalities, plus I haven't come across a lot of lower level(?) historical romances (thou that's probably partly on me as well...but mostly on authors XD) and thus this one was a lovely read.
Gave me nostalgic feels of Pride and Prejudice even though the two are nothing alike either in plot, characters or writing. But the Mr's and misses along with the overall feeling of the book did bring about the same fondness.
Married to the Rake Wallflower Bride
s
, the 1st book in the Wallflower Brides series is a lovely down to earth historical romance with a dash of excitement ;)
I thought the marriage would be at the beginning or at the very least in the middle...it was not. Spoiler alert: The marriage didn't even take place at all! Sooo...I don't even feel bad about "spoiling" it. I just don't want someone to go in with the same misleading thought as I did.
Thou there was a rake at least.
Second of all - ... I forgot what was second ;p
I think it was the star rating, yup. I couldn't decide whether to give it 3.5 stars or 4.
4 seems tad too much because while I did like the book and found it enjoyable and refreshing and read in one go...the level of glee & happiness derived from it wasn't quite what I usually consider a 4* read. Tad below it.
But at the same time...3.5* seems too little because it indeed had a rather novel idea and not one I have read often and thus stands out with it's distinctive plot and it's nuances and I'd even say rather expert writing - for historical romance it had not too much describing and not too little conversation either. Quite the perfect balance.
So yes, in addition the writing was good and the characters also fairly not just like-able but even great in their own way. Forthright? Down to earth? Delightful? Pleasant.
Hmmm so maybe it does get those 4* after all, because even thou the excitement level was not as high as usual for a 4* read, it certainly is up to par with it's plot, characters and writing, in fact, plot and characters may even be better.
Yes, 4* it is.
Thirdly - usually we get the higher end of nobility - dukes, earl's & such, but here it's the genteel class - merely misters and misses. Which also managed to give the book...a warmer feeling? Closer to the readers heart? At least it did for me.
In a way it was also a refreshing breeze.
I love my dukes and all, but can get tired of them and their mostly similar plots and personalities, plus I haven't come across a lot of lower level(?) historical romances (thou that's probably partly on me as well...but mostly on authors XD) and thus this one was a lovely read.
Gave me nostalgic feels of Pride and Prejudice even though the two are nothing alike either in plot, characters or writing. But the Mr's and misses along with the overall feeling of the book did bring about the same fondness.
July 2, 2019
Bookish wallflower Chloe Larkin is much happier in the library than the ballroom and has given no real thought to ever marrying. She has enough to deal with managing her father's temper over the constantly-moving border between their family's land and that of the Waverleys, the neighbors with whom the Larkins have been feuding since Medieval times. The frivolous feud is taking its toll on the health of both patriarchs and Brook Waverley wants to put an end to it and see his father's last days lived out in peace. To do that he enlists Chloe's help.
Chloe distrusts the rake with a poor reputation, not to mention that he is the enemy. However, she also wants peace with their families so she agrees to work with Brook to get their fathers together. Soon, however, Brook seems more concerned with spending time with Chloe than ending the feud and she begins to wonder if she can trust the feelings he professes or if this is all a plot to get more revenge on her family.
This book employed some plot devices that I just don't really care for but, of course, it all worked out in the end in rather romantic and dramatic fashion. I've read several books by this author and while this is not my favorite, I liked the characters and I'll still likely follow this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chloe distrusts the rake with a poor reputation, not to mention that he is the enemy. However, she also wants peace with their families so she agrees to work with Brook to get their fathers together. Soon, however, Brook seems more concerned with spending time with Chloe than ending the feud and she begins to wonder if she can trust the feelings he professes or if this is all a plot to get more revenge on her family.
This book employed some plot devices that I just don't really care for but, of course, it all worked out in the end in rather romantic and dramatic fashion. I've read several books by this author and while this is not my favorite, I liked the characters and I'll still likely follow this new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2019
I'm with Chloe, I'd rather be reading a book in a library instead of attending a ball! lol She really is a gal after my own heart!! This was such a delightful story which involves Miss Chloe Larkin and Mr. Brook Waverley trying to figure out how to end a feud between their families that have been going on for ages.
Both their fathers absolutely hate each other and it's all due to disputed land between their properties AND due to a woman from their past!! I did have to laugh every time the border fencing kept being moved, I could just picture it all:) Two grown men acting like children!!
As Chloe and Brook try to think up of a plan to get the two fathers together, their attraction to each other gets in the way! Brook is known as a rake and Chloe is known as a wallflower so she doesn't trust his attention, never dreaming that he could actually be attracted to her.
I found the story even paced and I loved the banter between Chloe and Brook:) I now look forward to the next book in the Wallflower Brides series!!
I was given an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Both their fathers absolutely hate each other and it's all due to disputed land between their properties AND due to a woman from their past!! I did have to laugh every time the border fencing kept being moved, I could just picture it all:) Two grown men acting like children!!
As Chloe and Brook try to think up of a plan to get the two fathers together, their attraction to each other gets in the way! Brook is known as a rake and Chloe is known as a wallflower so she doesn't trust his attention, never dreaming that he could actually be attracted to her.
I found the story even paced and I loved the banter between Chloe and Brook:) I now look forward to the next book in the Wallflower Brides series!!
I was given an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 25, 2019
This is an entertaining, romantic and dramatic story. The Waverleys and Larkins have fueding for centuries, even though no one remembers what started it. The current generation, being Brook Waverley and Chloe Larkins, want to end the feud. The current gripe is about a parcel of land at the edge of the estates, and both sides move the dividing fence to where they want it, then the other side has it moved to where they want it. It's a constant battle that both fathers want fixed their way as soon as it's discovered. Brook and Chloe begin meeting to try to figure out a way to end the feud, and start to fall in love. The problem is Chloe is positive that someone as good looking and charming as Brook could never be interested in plain, wallflower her. And Brook not only isn't looking to marry, he doesn't like Chloe. For Chloe the feeling is mutual. The harder they try to fix things, the worse they get. Brook and Chloe are amusing and stubborn, and very likable, and I enjoyed reading their story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 6, 2019
His wild wallflower...
Samantha Holt has developed complex and intriguing characters and a story line that keeps you engaged. Chloe is the wallflower that doesn't feel attractive to men so she stays on the sideline, accepting that she will be a spinster. The family's enemy is handsome (and he knows it) Brook. Brook is a rake and when he begins paying attention to her he is surprised at how much fun it is to tease her, . And Chloe doubts and enjoys the attention and honesty behind it but, she fights right back. The back and forth is fun and adds lightness to the war that their families are occupied with... While this is the a literal turf war that began in the 12th century they are expected to participate in support of their Fathers's, the war is not theirs. They hatch a plan to end the war which adds an interesting element to the story. The supporting characters (Chloe's BFFs: Joanna & Augusta) are so captivating that they deserve stories of their own.
Well done and recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Samantha Holt has developed complex and intriguing characters and a story line that keeps you engaged. Chloe is the wallflower that doesn't feel attractive to men so she stays on the sideline, accepting that she will be a spinster. The family's enemy is handsome (and he knows it) Brook. Brook is a rake and when he begins paying attention to her he is surprised at how much fun it is to tease her, . And Chloe doubts and enjoys the attention and honesty behind it but, she fights right back. The back and forth is fun and adds lightness to the war that their families are occupied with... While this is the a literal turf war that began in the 12th century they are expected to participate in support of their Fathers's, the war is not theirs. They hatch a plan to end the war which adds an interesting element to the story. The supporting characters (Chloe's BFFs: Joanna & Augusta) are so captivating that they deserve stories of their own.
Well done and recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2019
An Age Old Feud🔪 Comes To An End💞
Due to a hundreds of years long feud between neighboring families, the Waverly and the Larkin family have been enemies. The two aging father's want the feud over their land boundry to end. Brook Waverly🐺, the heir, known as a rake, also wants to set his father's mind at ease. He finds himself drawn to Chloe Larkin💃💋, a young woman destined to be a wallflower🌼 and spinster because of her mother and father's careless and self-serving lifestyle.
Handsome rake that he is, Brook🐺 has never had a problem with winning a woman over, but Chloe💃💋 is a fiery and stubborn redhead. She is prejudiced against him not only because of his reputation but also the fact that he's a Waverly!
Brook🐺 sees a conquest! He must have her for his own. Maybe it's a way to finally end the feud.....
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this book with KU.
This is a sweet historical Regency type Romance which I thoroughly enjoyed! The two main character's roles are told through dual points of view.
Due to a hundreds of years long feud between neighboring families, the Waverly and the Larkin family have been enemies. The two aging father's want the feud over their land boundry to end. Brook Waverly🐺, the heir, known as a rake, also wants to set his father's mind at ease. He finds himself drawn to Chloe Larkin💃💋, a young woman destined to be a wallflower🌼 and spinster because of her mother and father's careless and self-serving lifestyle.
Handsome rake that he is, Brook🐺 has never had a problem with winning a woman over, but Chloe💃💋 is a fiery and stubborn redhead. She is prejudiced against him not only because of his reputation but also the fact that he's a Waverly!
Brook🐺 sees a conquest! He must have her for his own. Maybe it's a way to finally end the feud.....
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got this book with KU.
This is a sweet historical Regency type Romance which I thoroughly enjoyed! The two main character's roles are told through dual points of view.
January 11, 2020
I felt like this book was more of a footnotes version of a romance novel. It seemed like you were peering through a window at a love story instead of really getting to witness it up close. I did not feel as though I saw them actually fall in love with each other.
Despite them being neighbors it it seemed odd that they didn't have more interactions between them mentioned before they began to plot. There were also parts where they would write letters to each other, but we only really see one or two of these notes. Those notes don't really display the character's personalities either. Yet there is a part of the books where the male lead is thinks about how much he loves their exchanges.
This book was only okay. It is a prime example of the why the saying "show, don't tell" exists.
Despite them being neighbors it it seemed odd that they didn't have more interactions between them mentioned before they began to plot. There were also parts where they would write letters to each other, but we only really see one or two of these notes. Those notes don't really display the character's personalities either. Yet there is a part of the books where the male lead is thinks about how much he loves their exchanges.
This book was only okay. It is a prime example of the why the saying "show, don't tell" exists.
December 24, 2019
There was little wrong with this except some grammatical errors, the name Grace was thrown in while talking of Joanna, and some misspellings but it was often enough to be slightly annoying. Other than that I loved this enemy to lovers. A very Romeo and Juliet type story without the bloodshed and a much happier ending. I even thought of how fickle Brook seemed at times (as was Romeo loving Rosaline one moment and Juliet the next). I loved the contrasting personalities and how Chloe and Brook took their differences and somehow made a new dynamic for the two of them. She brought out the best in him and he brought her out of her shell. They were a wonderful example of opposites attract.
July 9, 2019
This is a very well written book with a bit of a Romeo and Juliet scenario without the tragic ending,
This is one of the best Samantha Holt books I have read and I have read a great many.
This is a very quick read in a sweet/clean genre.
I gave this new title by Samantha Holt 4.5 of 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is one of the best Samantha Holt books I have read and I have read a great many.
This is a very quick read in a sweet/clean genre.
I gave this new title by Samantha Holt 4.5 of 5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2019
A good dash of angst but not quite enough to land on that shelf. There is a nice bit of insecurity on the heroine’s part, but most of the drama centers on the family feud. The hero fell a little too quickly for my tastes, but still, I do love a Regency Era Regina George
May 11, 2020
Miss Chloe Larkin is comfortable with being a wallflower. She would rather sneak off to the library during a ball than dance. Brook Waverly is the opposite, he loves balls and has the reputation for being a rake. The Larkins and Waverlys have been feuding since the 13th century. One thing they have in common is the desire to stop the fighting and live peacefully. One thing they did not expect was the palatable attraction they would feel for each other.
This is a delightful, heartwarming historical romance and an enemy to lovers story. The story is told from the point of view of the two main characters. The characters themselves are engaging, complete with strengths and faults. The narrative is well crafted and gives the reader a sense of the time period in which the story takes place. It also provides insights into the emotions, motivations and actions of the characters. The dialogue is wonderfully done with whit, humour and romance. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with their pasts, trust issues, insecurities, fears and the barriers that are put on them. The have a lot of issues to overcome if they even have a chance to be truly happy. The well written storyline flows smoothly and quickly filled with just the right balance of humour, romance, obstacles, twists and surprises. I enjoyed this story and was so engaged, I read it one sitting. If you love enemies to lovers historical stories with great characters, you will most likely love this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a delightful, heartwarming historical romance and an enemy to lovers story. The story is told from the point of view of the two main characters. The characters themselves are engaging, complete with strengths and faults. The narrative is well crafted and gives the reader a sense of the time period in which the story takes place. It also provides insights into the emotions, motivations and actions of the characters. The dialogue is wonderfully done with whit, humour and romance. The author takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as the characters deal with their pasts, trust issues, insecurities, fears and the barriers that are put on them. The have a lot of issues to overcome if they even have a chance to be truly happy. The well written storyline flows smoothly and quickly filled with just the right balance of humour, romance, obstacles, twists and surprises. I enjoyed this story and was so engaged, I read it one sitting. If you love enemies to lovers historical stories with great characters, you will most likely love this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2024
Married to the Rake is a very enjoyable enemies to lovers that is more Romeo and Juilet without the tragic end. I wish Samantha Holt had written 50 more pages and given some of the scenes more room to breathe. It was absolutely wonderful as it was, but I can't help but think how it could have been at a little bit longer.
So Chloe and Brook belong to two warring families whose land borders each other. They fight over the small strip at the center, moving a fence back and forth. Brook and Chloe are often tasked with going and checking on the fence. They are both getting tired of the nonsense and vow together to try and stop the feud.
In the meantime they both learn that their fathers had loved the same woman, and they had very different accounts of what had gone on in that triangle.
Chloe and Brook try three different times to get their dads in the same place at the same time, thinkkng if rhey were in public that they would have to behave. They were very wrong about that.
All of this planning puts Brook and Chloe alone a lot, and feelings grow between them. They have easy banter and feel comfortable around each other. Of course there is chemistry but this book is pretty clean (except the bizzaro last paragraph).
I always love stories where someone asks the guy how he will feel if someone else ends up with the girl, and he goes off like the hounds from hell are nipping at his feet. That is usually followed by the grand gesture, and who doesn't love those?
So Chloe and Brook belong to two warring families whose land borders each other. They fight over the small strip at the center, moving a fence back and forth. Brook and Chloe are often tasked with going and checking on the fence. They are both getting tired of the nonsense and vow together to try and stop the feud.
In the meantime they both learn that their fathers had loved the same woman, and they had very different accounts of what had gone on in that triangle.
Chloe and Brook try three different times to get their dads in the same place at the same time, thinkkng if rhey were in public that they would have to behave. They were very wrong about that.
All of this planning puts Brook and Chloe alone a lot, and feelings grow between them. They have easy banter and feel comfortable around each other. Of course there is chemistry but this book is pretty clean (except the bizzaro last paragraph).
I always love stories where someone asks the guy how he will feel if someone else ends up with the girl, and he goes off like the hounds from hell are nipping at his feet. That is usually followed by the grand gesture, and who doesn't love those?
April 26, 2020
So on a whim I downloaded this as an eBook to my kindle as part of my unlimited subscription.
As the name and picture imply this is a historical romance. Which follows a very typical enemies to lovers’ format. The main character Chole Larkin is a typical bookish type of heroine. She lives with her family in a typical regency estate happily gallivanting away her days with books and meeting her two close friends. Enter the ‘rake’. Mr Brook Waverly. The son of a neighbouring family, of which the Larkins are sworn enemies. The families share a boundary line which for generations the two families are argued over about 20ft of land, constantly moving the line back and forth.
Can you see where this story is heading?
Chloe and Brook team up to try and stop the constant argument about the line once and for all, so that their aging fathers can finally rest. Obviously, a budding romance begin from this otherwise it would be an extremely poor romance.
I liked the characters. Nothing was too cheesy, as these types of books can sometimes get. It was a quick easy, sweet kind of book. I genuinely want to know about the characters and the sub plot. Her friends were also interesting, and it seems the other 2 books in this series focus on their love lives.
I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t as ‘steamy’ as I would have liked. That was the only thing that for me, would have bumped up the rating. It kind of left me feeling a little bit short changed, but I think that is just my personal taste for these types of books. If you like your romance on the cleaner side, this would probably be right up your street.
Overall a nice, sweet, easy read. A solid 3 stars.
Will this book win awards, no sorry it won’t. But, did I enjoy it? Yes. Will I read the other two in the series? Yes, definitely!
As the name and picture imply this is a historical romance. Which follows a very typical enemies to lovers’ format. The main character Chole Larkin is a typical bookish type of heroine. She lives with her family in a typical regency estate happily gallivanting away her days with books and meeting her two close friends. Enter the ‘rake’. Mr Brook Waverly. The son of a neighbouring family, of which the Larkins are sworn enemies. The families share a boundary line which for generations the two families are argued over about 20ft of land, constantly moving the line back and forth.
Can you see where this story is heading?
Chloe and Brook team up to try and stop the constant argument about the line once and for all, so that their aging fathers can finally rest. Obviously, a budding romance begin from this otherwise it would be an extremely poor romance.
I liked the characters. Nothing was too cheesy, as these types of books can sometimes get. It was a quick easy, sweet kind of book. I genuinely want to know about the characters and the sub plot. Her friends were also interesting, and it seems the other 2 books in this series focus on their love lives.
I was a bit disappointed it wasn’t as ‘steamy’ as I would have liked. That was the only thing that for me, would have bumped up the rating. It kind of left me feeling a little bit short changed, but I think that is just my personal taste for these types of books. If you like your romance on the cleaner side, this would probably be right up your street.
Overall a nice, sweet, easy read. A solid 3 stars.
Will this book win awards, no sorry it won’t. But, did I enjoy it? Yes. Will I read the other two in the series? Yes, definitely!
July 31, 2020
A fun regency romance not to be missed
A new to me author, and I’m glad I gave it a go.
Quite a fun read. An unlikely duo set out to fix the rift between their fathers. The more time they spend together the more they find that they enjoy each other’s company more than they expected. Would a marriage between them be possible, would it heal the rift or make things worse? Could a lost diary be the answer to all their problems?
The characters were delightful. I loved her two friends who were so supportive and caring and gave her the confidence she was lacking. But most importantly to Brook who really did bring out the very best in her and loved her despite not liking crowds and balls. A real gentleman
A new to me author, and I’m glad I gave it a go.
Quite a fun read. An unlikely duo set out to fix the rift between their fathers. The more time they spend together the more they find that they enjoy each other’s company more than they expected. Would a marriage between them be possible, would it heal the rift or make things worse? Could a lost diary be the answer to all their problems?
The characters were delightful. I loved her two friends who were so supportive and caring and gave her the confidence she was lacking. But most importantly to Brook who really did bring out the very best in her and loved her despite not liking crowds and balls. A real gentleman
April 24, 2021
Title - Married to the Rake...may be a bit misleading. Yes, perhaps Family Feud would have been a better title. Two young people who want to help their aging parents out from under the stress of a long-term feud keep attempting to bring the angry fathers together. At times, each waffles and let's the other down until finally they decide marriage is the only way to resolve the issue. Well, I got very tired of checking the border to see if the fence had been moved. It didn't move the plot forward. Thank heavens for little brothers! Though reading in the closet with a candle...going to burn the whole place down!
August 31, 2020
I did not like it
I very very rarely give negative reviews or low ratings but there are too many people out there trying to get published for me to wind up with this uncooked turkey. This story was so "meh" I hated everyone in it. At one point I felt like I hated the author . Chole has raven hair that makes her appear even paler in the beginning and through out the rest of the book she is a redhead.
I usually give better ratings because it is no easy thing making up a whole story but not even that consideration made me up my rating. This author is a no for me.
I very very rarely give negative reviews or low ratings but there are too many people out there trying to get published for me to wind up with this uncooked turkey. This story was so "meh" I hated everyone in it. At one point I felt like I hated the author . Chole has raven hair that makes her appear even paler in the beginning and through out the rest of the book she is a redhead.
I usually give better ratings because it is no easy thing making up a whole story but not even that consideration made me up my rating. This author is a no for me.
April 12, 2021
The book itself was charming and enjoyable but there was one significant problem. Chloe and Brook realize they have each been told a different version of what happened between their fathers. They determine that they need to find out what actually happened. Chloe's little brother even finds the diary of the woman that came between them and Chloe reads it. But the story never explains exactly what the event was that the two men remember so differently. This frustrates me to no end. It cost the book a star.
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