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The Duke's Brothers #1
Lord James and His Bride
Lord James Melton is the second oldest brother and the first spare, heir apparent unless his brother has a son. He resides in a townhouse in London during the Season where he enjoys a well-earned reputation as a Rake. But James adores his nieces and always visits the Dorset Estate in the off-season.
Abigail is the middle daughter of five. Her mother has already married off 4 daughters, finances are low and she is now ailing in health. They have moved from a large house in Bath to a smaller sea-front townhouse in Weymouth for the sea bathing which her doctor recommended.
When a chance encounter has James and Abigail meeting, the rake is delighted to have a new lady to pursue and plots to have her invited to a soiree at the Duke's Estate. He soon finds out she has been scorned by society thanks to a jilted engagement, and thinks that makes her mistress material.
Abigail believes James is genuinely courting her, but becomes wary when she hears the gossip about his rakish ways. Her fears become reality when James makes a mistress proposal to Abigail. Understandably, the gently born lady is outraged.
When James realises that Abigail is the one for him, how will he make the lady forgive him for everything he's done?
Abigail is the middle daughter of five. Her mother has already married off 4 daughters, finances are low and she is now ailing in health. They have moved from a large house in Bath to a smaller sea-front townhouse in Weymouth for the sea bathing which her doctor recommended.
When a chance encounter has James and Abigail meeting, the rake is delighted to have a new lady to pursue and plots to have her invited to a soiree at the Duke's Estate. He soon finds out she has been scorned by society thanks to a jilted engagement, and thinks that makes her mistress material.
Abigail believes James is genuinely courting her, but becomes wary when she hears the gossip about his rakish ways. Her fears become reality when James makes a mistress proposal to Abigail. Understandably, the gently born lady is outraged.
When James realises that Abigail is the one for him, how will he make the lady forgive him for everything he's done?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2021
348 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Miers
36 books105 followersFiona Miers has a super busy life, like most modern women. But she always finds time for reading and writing romance.
Her love affair with the romance genre started when she was only 11 years old, when her mother and Nana handed her her first Mills and Boon.
Since that day, she's built her own business, become a mother to two beautiful little girls, and fallen in love with the most spectacular man on the planet.
Fiona writes historical romance. She also writes paranormal romance and more erotic stories under the pen names, Amelia Shaw and Tamsin Baker.
Her love affair with the romance genre started when she was only 11 years old, when her mother and Nana handed her her first Mills and Boon.
Since that day, she's built her own business, become a mother to two beautiful little girls, and fallen in love with the most spectacular man on the planet.
Fiona writes historical romance. She also writes paranormal romance and more erotic stories under the pen names, Amelia Shaw and Tamsin Baker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 28, 2021
I rarely give a one star review, as I'm not extremely hard to please when it comes to my historical romances.
But this book left me feeling rather... irritated and disappointed. Mostly irritated. I cannot stand a book that only pretends to be historical, but then it ignores the social behaviors and mores of the period.
Going out with a gentleman unchaperoned? Unheard of...
Going to a secluded place with a man during a party, spending practically any amount of time alone with him and everybody being aware of it? Instant and utter ruin. 😒
Not to mention being so casual about the heroine having had sexual experiences outside of marriage. It was the 1800s! It is not even mentioned or even implied that her previous sexual experience had been with her former fiancé... That would have been somewhat understanding and it would have added more depth to her backstory.
Modern views and social behaviors simply "dressed" in Regency costumes are not what I want in a Regency romance.
Speaking of sex... wtf was that scene?! So out of the blue and only after three brief previous meetings. It had no emotional buildup, no sexual tension, just some supposedly "spicy" words thrown around... Ugh... And, for me, it cast a shade on the heroine's intelligence, at least. It made her seem so desperate for love and attention that she would give herself just like that to any guy who merely charmed her a bit. And all that in an era when a woman's virtue was her most treasured asset!
And on top of it all, all this happened after all the rumors launched by her ex fiancé that she was an immoral woman. What are you doing, girl?! I would have thought she would guard her heart and her virtue much better in light of her experiences.
But let's not forget the hero... a war hero traumatized by war, a rescuer of people in need... a man who thought it was ok to have and unmarried lady, who had been previously hurt and betrayed by an ex, as mistress for just the summer. A man who admits to having had sex with an innocent lady (and by innocent I mean a virgin and daughter of a Duke, no less) and then discarding her like she was a lightskirt. This was a huge "no-no" in that period. Not even the worst rakes do this in historical romances, and here it is of no consequence for either the hero or the heroine (she is just a bit jealous, but after he tells her some pretty love speech, she forgets all about that poor girl).
Not to mention that the whole scene in the book where the duke's daughter approaches a complete stranger (the heroine) at the theater and tells her she was deceived by the hero's pretty words and had sex with him is preposterous! No woman of that time would risk her reputation like that just to warn a stranger! It is simply absurd.
The writing could be improved upon, I guess. But the characters feel flat and unreal. Some interesting themes are touched upon (war trauma, relationship trauma) but it is just a (failed - in my opinion) attempt to add depth to the story.
But this book left me feeling rather... irritated and disappointed. Mostly irritated. I cannot stand a book that only pretends to be historical, but then it ignores the social behaviors and mores of the period.
Going out with a gentleman unchaperoned? Unheard of...
Going to a secluded place with a man during a party, spending practically any amount of time alone with him and everybody being aware of it? Instant and utter ruin. 😒
Not to mention being so casual about the heroine having had sexual experiences outside of marriage. It was the 1800s! It is not even mentioned or even implied that her previous sexual experience had been with her former fiancé... That would have been somewhat understanding and it would have added more depth to her backstory.
Modern views and social behaviors simply "dressed" in Regency costumes are not what I want in a Regency romance.
Speaking of sex... wtf was that scene?! So out of the blue and only after three brief previous meetings. It had no emotional buildup, no sexual tension, just some supposedly "spicy" words thrown around... Ugh... And, for me, it cast a shade on the heroine's intelligence, at least. It made her seem so desperate for love and attention that she would give herself just like that to any guy who merely charmed her a bit. And all that in an era when a woman's virtue was her most treasured asset!
And on top of it all, all this happened after all the rumors launched by her ex fiancé that she was an immoral woman. What are you doing, girl?! I would have thought she would guard her heart and her virtue much better in light of her experiences.
But let's not forget the hero... a war hero traumatized by war, a rescuer of people in need... a man who thought it was ok to have and unmarried lady, who had been previously hurt and betrayed by an ex, as mistress for just the summer. A man who admits to having had sex with an innocent lady (and by innocent I mean a virgin and daughter of a Duke, no less) and then discarding her like she was a lightskirt. This was a huge "no-no" in that period. Not even the worst rakes do this in historical romances, and here it is of no consequence for either the hero or the heroine (she is just a bit jealous, but after he tells her some pretty love speech, she forgets all about that poor girl).
Not to mention that the whole scene in the book where the duke's daughter approaches a complete stranger (the heroine) at the theater and tells her she was deceived by the hero's pretty words and had sex with him is preposterous! No woman of that time would risk her reputation like that just to warn a stranger! It is simply absurd.
The writing could be improved upon, I guess. But the characters feel flat and unreal. Some interesting themes are touched upon (war trauma, relationship trauma) but it is just a (failed - in my opinion) attempt to add depth to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
All In A Day At The Beach🌴🌄💕
ADULT Regency Romance💕 and Adventure.
Leaving the Past in the Past....
Spinster Abigail 💃💋meets ex soldier, Lord James Melton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, in a serendipitous day at the 🌴🌄beach in the coastal tourist town of Weymouth, wherein he saves her mother👵 from the machinations of a bathing machine gone wild!
Abigail💃💋 is from a good and nobly attached family that has fallen on somewhat hard times since her father died. She was also the victim of a failed betrothal to an untruthful and deceitful Lord.
Lord James🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is the spare, the brother of a Duke, Charles. Lately back from the war, James🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 has nightmares and doesn't know what to do with himself, he thinks he is a broken man.
Lord James🐺🍆⛲ finds himself drawn to the outspoken and articulate Abigail💃💋 after their chance meeting at the 🌴🌄beach. Proposing she be his mistress almost ruins everything💔!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
I enjoyed this short ADULT Regency novel, even though some of the customs and events in it weren't historically accurate.
ADULT Regency Romance💕 and Adventure.
Leaving the Past in the Past....
Spinster Abigail 💃💋meets ex soldier, Lord James Melton🐺🍆⛲💪🔪, in a serendipitous day at the 🌴🌄beach in the coastal tourist town of Weymouth, wherein he saves her mother👵 from the machinations of a bathing machine gone wild!
Abigail💃💋 is from a good and nobly attached family that has fallen on somewhat hard times since her father died. She was also the victim of a failed betrothal to an untruthful and deceitful Lord.
Lord James🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 is the spare, the brother of a Duke, Charles. Lately back from the war, James🐺🍆⛲💪🔪 has nightmares and doesn't know what to do with himself, he thinks he is a broken man.
Lord James🐺🍆⛲ finds himself drawn to the outspoken and articulate Abigail💃💋 after their chance meeting at the 🌴🌄beach. Proposing she be his mistress almost ruins everything💔!
ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.
I enjoyed this short ADULT Regency novel, even though some of the customs and events in it weren't historically accurate.
September 29, 2022
Abigail had been engaged to Timothy, but he refused to marry her because her family were not wealthy - and then he spread a lie that Abigail had an affair with a married man, and that she was having a child.
Abigail met James, a second son, who had come home from the war. She fell in love with James and thought he loved her too.
I didn't love this story, it was o.k. I liked the HEA ending best. 2.5☆
Abigail met James, a second son, who had come home from the war. She fell in love with James and thought he loved her too.
I didn't love this story, it was o.k. I liked the HEA ending best. 2.5☆
January 17, 2021
James, after spending six years fighting in the war against Napolian, meets Abigail on the beach near his brother’s estate. Sparks fly, but as they spend time together, their individual pasts get in the way. The memories of the horrors of the war are more alluded to than articulated, but it is clear from his anguish that they doninate his thoughts. Abigail suffered a betrayal by her previous intended, and had decided to become a spinster until she met James. However, she tended to give off mixed messages. They are both so well portrayed in this story, that it is hard not to get caught up in their relationship and become invested in its outcome. Julia is an interesting character brought in to stir the pot....and I still haven’t decided whether she is friend or foe. I found this story interesting (loved the bathing machines), entertaining and loved the ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2021
Nice story
March 25, 2022
3.5 stars.
February 6, 2023
Not for me—DNF. I commend Miers for her determination to write books and the courage to publish them, but if this is an example of the rest, I won’t read any more. it was in need of an editor or beta. By page 38 I was too distracted by typos, redundancies, continuity errors, and stilted language to continue. I did LOL the fourth time James was described as the younger brother of the duke. If he does not hold the title what else could he be? And speaking of the term, “Brother,” it was used 154 times.
September 30, 2022
4 1/2 stars
O liked the story. I just wished that I didn't just read another book by this author right before. It was a little confusing because these characters had similar names then the ones in the previous book.
After I decided they weren't the same characters I liked the story. I just thought that James was jerk at times.
O liked the story. I just wished that I didn't just read another book by this author right before. It was a little confusing because these characters had similar names then the ones in the previous book.
After I decided they weren't the same characters I liked the story. I just thought that James was jerk at times.
September 8, 2025
He lied to her straight in.the face over his former lover who approached her. He was so awful ruined the book for me. I hate liars and manwhores. There was no cheating but it just seem
end like he could.take.her or leave her.
end like he could.take.her or leave her.
January 16, 2021
A wonderful tale of love and self discovery, as two people who should have nothing in common, somehow are perfect for each other. The story flows at an enjoyable and natural pace, with plenty of fun moments.
January 4, 2024
A slow read, but very cute with a happy ending.
June 4, 2022
good idea for story but….
The story line is good but the actual writing was not so good. Amateurish. I wanted to really like this story.
However, this was a modern story set in regency England. Throw in a few earls and dukes and then hope for the best. During that time, a young woman did not invited a man in for a ‘nightcap’. Also, James was first a sergeant in the story and then later, it was noted that the duke, his brother, bought him a commission as a lieutenant colonel. And the h’s mother who could not stay alone had somehow gone to the doctor on her own. Smh.
The story itself was described in the blurb. If the writing improves, I would really like to read about the brothers, especially the older brother, the Duke, and his estranged wife.
The story line is good but the actual writing was not so good. Amateurish. I wanted to really like this story.
However, this was a modern story set in regency England. Throw in a few earls and dukes and then hope for the best. During that time, a young woman did not invited a man in for a ‘nightcap’. Also, James was first a sergeant in the story and then later, it was noted that the duke, his brother, bought him a commission as a lieutenant colonel. And the h’s mother who could not stay alone had somehow gone to the doctor on her own. Smh.
The story itself was described in the blurb. If the writing improves, I would really like to read about the brothers, especially the older brother, the Duke, and his estranged wife.
January 16, 2021
Will she forgive?
Lord James Melton is a bit of a fool and his foolishness will come back and bit him in a big way. Abigail on the other hand is a lady who trusted a fool until she learns his true nature. Can James grow up and can Abigail ever forgive him? I really enjoyed the story it flowed well, had great characters, and I loved the interaction between the cast of characters. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the additional books. I am happy to recommend this piece. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Lord James Melton is a bit of a fool and his foolishness will come back and bit him in a big way. Abigail on the other hand is a lady who trusted a fool until she learns his true nature. Can James grow up and can Abigail ever forgive him? I really enjoyed the story it flowed well, had great characters, and I loved the interaction between the cast of characters. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the additional books. I am happy to recommend this piece. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 17, 2022
I read the Heir and a Spare series and enjoyed them so was looking forward to reading this book. I hadn’t got far when I actually doubted it was by the same author and had to check. Aside from a not very good plot there are glaring continuity errors, eg James fought in the war as a sergeant for eight years but later he was a Lieutenant Colonel who served for six years. Also, why would the niece of an Earl think herself of too low a status to mix with nobility. All in all, not very impressed. Sorry.
September 14, 2021
This book started out good, but I got more an more irriated and frustrated with it as I read on. The behaviour of the characters doesn't seem to fit the time period. Not just little things, but big ones. In addition, I don't like romance and how it played out. It felt like James was using her. He never redeemed himself in my eyes. There didn't seem to be much love between from James's side. It felt fake. I didn't enjoy this and the the future I'll avoid books by this author.
July 25, 2021
Lord James and His Bride, Book 1 in The Duke's Brothers series (perhaps the series should have been titled "The Duke and His Brothers" since Book 4 was about the Duke himself), was about Lord James Melton, the first of three brothers (and heir apparent until the Duke produced a son) to His Grace Charles Melton, the Duke of Waign, and Miss Abigail Roth, who was the middle (and only one still not married) daughter of five, and niece to the Earl of Somerset.
(Side note: this book had a good (or bad?) amount of grammatical errors that the reader had to weigh through in order to understand what the author was trying to say...so much redundancy...sadly.)
James, who had been gone to war for the past 8 years (the blurb said 6 years but the book said 8, and then James also said 6 years, so no telling which was correct), returns to the family estate to spend the summer with his family. James, who had been a sergeant in the army, suffered from nightmares, the horrifying images of his fallen comrades, and other maladies common for most soldiers and, therefore, believed himself to be too damaged and too broken to ever have a wife or family of his own.
Abigail, the only daughter left at home, traveled from Bath to Weymouth with her mother to aid her during her illness. London society had turned their back on Abigail, who had been jilted by an earl who had been her fiance due to the lack of her family's finances and all of the terrible things he had been happy to spread around about her and, therefore, was considered unworthy.
An unfortunate, yet mild, event at the beach brought about James and Abigail's first meeting. Even from that very first moment, the chemistry between the two sparked into existence. The attraction was mutual, immediate, and intense. The more time they spent together, the greater the passion grew.
(Another side note: it was actually the Duke's idea to invite Abigail to the soiree and not James' as the blurb stated.)
Upon the Duke's suggestion, James had Abigail's lineage investigated. When he received the report, he learned of her failed engagement and the rumors that had swirled around her. Rather than asking Abigail outright about the things he had read in the report, James determined to await further reports.
Abigail, while attracted to James, was also very wary of allowing things to progress between them because of the hurt she had endured at the hand of her former fiance. However, her mother was determined to meddle and play matchmaker between the two, much to Abigail's dismay.
James, still thinking he could never be whole enough to have a family, was determined to make Abigail his summer fling. When he offered her the proposition, it nearly broke her. James told her that, since neither one of them was looking for anything on a permanent level, he wanted her for his summer "companion" (read that as mistress), but then Abigail ran from him after telling him a few home truths.
There was plenty of angst, drama, humor, heartache, pain, and joy throughout this story, and not just with the main characters. Some of the supporting characters had his or her share in the emotions filling this book.
While it did have grammatical errors peppering its pages, this story was good. It met all the requirements a true romance reader would expect. This book has found a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection.
(Side note: this book had a good (or bad?) amount of grammatical errors that the reader had to weigh through in order to understand what the author was trying to say...so much redundancy...sadly.)
James, who had been gone to war for the past 8 years (the blurb said 6 years but the book said 8, and then James also said 6 years, so no telling which was correct), returns to the family estate to spend the summer with his family. James, who had been a sergeant in the army, suffered from nightmares, the horrifying images of his fallen comrades, and other maladies common for most soldiers and, therefore, believed himself to be too damaged and too broken to ever have a wife or family of his own.
Abigail, the only daughter left at home, traveled from Bath to Weymouth with her mother to aid her during her illness. London society had turned their back on Abigail, who had been jilted by an earl who had been her fiance due to the lack of her family's finances and all of the terrible things he had been happy to spread around about her and, therefore, was considered unworthy.
An unfortunate, yet mild, event at the beach brought about James and Abigail's first meeting. Even from that very first moment, the chemistry between the two sparked into existence. The attraction was mutual, immediate, and intense. The more time they spent together, the greater the passion grew.
(Another side note: it was actually the Duke's idea to invite Abigail to the soiree and not James' as the blurb stated.)
Upon the Duke's suggestion, James had Abigail's lineage investigated. When he received the report, he learned of her failed engagement and the rumors that had swirled around her. Rather than asking Abigail outright about the things he had read in the report, James determined to await further reports.
Abigail, while attracted to James, was also very wary of allowing things to progress between them because of the hurt she had endured at the hand of her former fiance. However, her mother was determined to meddle and play matchmaker between the two, much to Abigail's dismay.
James, still thinking he could never be whole enough to have a family, was determined to make Abigail his summer fling. When he offered her the proposition, it nearly broke her. James told her that, since neither one of them was looking for anything on a permanent level, he wanted her for his summer "companion" (read that as mistress), but then Abigail ran from him after telling him a few home truths.
There was plenty of angst, drama, humor, heartache, pain, and joy throughout this story, and not just with the main characters. Some of the supporting characters had his or her share in the emotions filling this book.
While it did have grammatical errors peppering its pages, this story was good. It met all the requirements a true romance reader would expect. This book has found a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection.
February 19, 2024
Spoiler Notes
Lord James and his Bride by Fiona Miers (1/21)
[The Duke’s Brother’s - 1] (F Epic Fail) [2-18-24]
New Author 2024 - Novella
Abigail (21) - Beautiful - Not a Virgin
Piano Teacher - No Scenes but it was mentioned
Was engaged to an Earl’s son until he and his father discovered her family had no wealth. He broke the engagement and then set forth the story she had an affair with a married man and was pregnant with the married man’s baby. To protect himself in case she came up pregnant from their activities. Maybe?
James (Age Unknown) - The Duke’s Spare
Army Sergeant in Military 8 Years
Or, later in the book… Duke brother bought him a
Lieutenant Colonel Commission for 6 Years
So pick your favorite, I guess.
Now Former Military - PTSD - Nightmares
Panic Attacks in Crowds
Enjoys swimming naked in waters off a semi-private beach. Which might have gone unremarked but he had to rescue Abigail’s mother when a wave capsized her bathing chair. Abigail, her mother and a servant got an eyeful.
And at the end of the book he was swimming in the nude again when he had to rescue a young boy clinging to some rocks. Striding out of the waters to a beach full of people wringing their hands and getting an eyeful.
So many instances of 21st century thinking instead of 19th century social rules. It was a slog to get through.
And I almost forgot to add James offered her the opportunity to be his companion which almost sounded better than mistress for the rest of the summer. Abigail was hurt that he was treating her like the trollop she was acting like with him. He thought he was doing her reputation a favor so the community wouldn’t think he’d had his way with her and then kicked her to the curb. Which is the very thing he did with a Duke’s daughter in London right after he got back from France and before he made the trip home and met Abigail. No Forced Marriage there with the innocent Duke’s daughter. James denied knowing her at first. No remorse that I recall.
Lord James and his Bride by Fiona Miers (1/21)
[The Duke’s Brother’s - 1] (F Epic Fail) [2-18-24]
New Author 2024 - Novella
Abigail (21) - Beautiful - Not a Virgin
Piano Teacher - No Scenes but it was mentioned
Was engaged to an Earl’s son until he and his father discovered her family had no wealth. He broke the engagement and then set forth the story she had an affair with a married man and was pregnant with the married man’s baby. To protect himself in case she came up pregnant from their activities. Maybe?
James (Age Unknown) - The Duke’s Spare
Army Sergeant in Military 8 Years
Or, later in the book… Duke brother bought him a
Lieutenant Colonel Commission for 6 Years
So pick your favorite, I guess.
Now Former Military - PTSD - Nightmares
Panic Attacks in Crowds
Enjoys swimming naked in waters off a semi-private beach. Which might have gone unremarked but he had to rescue Abigail’s mother when a wave capsized her bathing chair. Abigail, her mother and a servant got an eyeful.
And at the end of the book he was swimming in the nude again when he had to rescue a young boy clinging to some rocks. Striding out of the waters to a beach full of people wringing their hands and getting an eyeful.
So many instances of 21st century thinking instead of 19th century social rules. It was a slog to get through.
And I almost forgot to add James offered her the opportunity to be his companion which almost sounded better than mistress for the rest of the summer. Abigail was hurt that he was treating her like the trollop she was acting like with him. He thought he was doing her reputation a favor so the community wouldn’t think he’d had his way with her and then kicked her to the curb. Which is the very thing he did with a Duke’s daughter in London right after he got back from France and before he made the trip home and met Abigail. No Forced Marriage there with the innocent Duke’s daughter. James denied knowing her at first. No remorse that I recall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
this sucked BAD, like really, really bad.
0.5 stars. I think it tried to touch on some interesting subjects, like James' war trauma, and I was excited when I started this book because I thought there might be some depth to it, something a little more than just a romance. I was sorely disappointed.
Upon meeting Abigail, it's almost like he doesn't have any of this trauma. He isn't "plagued by visions" anymore. He just says he's damaged and broken. We don't SEE him being damaged and broken.
That brings me to the biggest issue I had with the book. There was a lot of saying that ohh, Abigail understands him, and they get along so great, she feels like she can be herself, yada yada. Okay? Can we see that? Please and thank you? Why are we getting this UNNECESSARY conversations recapping CONVERSATIONS WE SHOULD HAVE WITNESSED?
Not to mention the discrepancies with the setting. I may be mistaken in this, as I didn't go back to check... But didn't Abigail and Mrs. Roth move to Weymouth AFTER all her sisters were married and her father passed away, FOR THE FIRST TIME? And she met Julia, FOR THE FIRST TIME, in Weymouth, and quickly got close to her? Because boy, there are for sure a lot of references to paintings her father brought home, time she spent with her father at this house, time she spent there as a kid.. and references to Julia not being a help during the whole Timothy situation. Like, yeah, with the information we've been given... Julia wasn't even in the picture then !! Anyways this bugged me A LOT.
It was short but it almost didn't feel like it due to the repetitious, wordy, stilted writing. And GOD don't get me started on the dialog. What a mockery of period pieces. I can't believe this has as high a rating as it does. It's utter trash lol
0.5 stars. I think it tried to touch on some interesting subjects, like James' war trauma, and I was excited when I started this book because I thought there might be some depth to it, something a little more than just a romance. I was sorely disappointed.
Upon meeting Abigail, it's almost like he doesn't have any of this trauma. He isn't "plagued by visions" anymore. He just says he's damaged and broken. We don't SEE him being damaged and broken.
That brings me to the biggest issue I had with the book. There was a lot of saying that ohh, Abigail understands him, and they get along so great, she feels like she can be herself, yada yada. Okay? Can we see that? Please and thank you? Why are we getting this UNNECESSARY conversations recapping CONVERSATIONS WE SHOULD HAVE WITNESSED?
Not to mention the discrepancies with the setting. I may be mistaken in this, as I didn't go back to check... But didn't Abigail and Mrs. Roth move to Weymouth AFTER all her sisters were married and her father passed away, FOR THE FIRST TIME? And she met Julia, FOR THE FIRST TIME, in Weymouth, and quickly got close to her? Because boy, there are for sure a lot of references to paintings her father brought home, time she spent with her father at this house, time she spent there as a kid.. and references to Julia not being a help during the whole Timothy situation. Like, yeah, with the information we've been given... Julia wasn't even in the picture then !! Anyways this bugged me A LOT.
It was short but it almost didn't feel like it due to the repetitious, wordy, stilted writing. And GOD don't get me started on the dialog. What a mockery of period pieces. I can't believe this has as high a rating as it does. It's utter trash lol
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December 28, 2025What a silly, silly, silly book. If it were only silly while having likable protagonists, I would not mind it. But, these two are horrible! They are not nice people. The male protagonist has one redeeming quality - his military service. In my view, that does not suffice to excuse or explain his utterly callous behavior towards females of his acquaintance. He “ruins” young ladies and admits to it, but “it’s in his past” so that’s fine? There should have been more groveling, more atonement, more … something. Some moral feeling … It might be that the author was in their mind just translating some modern-day romance novel to the time of Napoleon, empire waists, and carriages? It was a huge miscalculation on their part. The heroine has very little self-esteem. I understand that it was a time when daughters and wives were basically property. Given that in that world, a woman’s virtue was her currency, this “heroine” is rather stupid in bandying hers about.
Some horrible affronts to the sub-genre: Everyone calls everyone else by their first name. People swim naked in public. There are non-royal princes about.
One might be wondering why I finished the story in the first place. Well, I skimmed through most of the last third. Yes, I still feel entitled to writing a review. Moreover, I wanted to figure out what would happen with the Duchess and Duke. It seems that they get their own book. It took me a minute to realize it’s the last book since the Duke is referred to as “Lord” in the title.
Some horrible affronts to the sub-genre: Everyone calls everyone else by their first name. People swim naked in public. There are non-royal princes about.
One might be wondering why I finished the story in the first place. Well, I skimmed through most of the last third. Yes, I still feel entitled to writing a review. Moreover, I wanted to figure out what would happen with the Duchess and Duke. It seems that they get their own book. It took me a minute to realize it’s the last book since the Duke is referred to as “Lord” in the title.
January 16, 2021
☄️☄️ONE DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY☄️☄️
Blazing blizzard boo! Fiona hit the motherload with this ground shaking, tumultuous tilt-her-world, delivering up some justified payback and pulling out all the stops, holding you prisoner from start to finish, jetting this jewel to incredible heights. Serendipity and shenanigans descend in a flurry of misfortune and missteps, intimidating struggles and challenging triumphs while exposing the dramatic twists and wicked turns unfolding, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, putting our characters through their paces fusing this jewel together seamlessly. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity, baring boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Fiona, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Blazing blizzard boo! Fiona hit the motherload with this ground shaking, tumultuous tilt-her-world, delivering up some justified payback and pulling out all the stops, holding you prisoner from start to finish, jetting this jewel to incredible heights. Serendipity and shenanigans descend in a flurry of misfortune and missteps, intimidating struggles and challenging triumphs while exposing the dramatic twists and wicked turns unfolding, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, putting our characters through their paces fusing this jewel together seamlessly. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity, baring boundless emotions and infinite affections, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Fabulous job Fiona, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
January 16, 2021
Lord James Melton is a well known rake and resides in London during the season and is a doting uncle to his nieces at their family home in Dorset during the rest of the year.
Abigail is one of 5 daughters all bar Abigail are married, due to illness and financial straits they are forced to relocate from Bath to Weymouth for the sea air and bathing.
A chance encounter between the two allows James to indulge in his rakish behaviour and lay court to her with an eye to making her his new mistress, especially after he finds out that she has previously bern jilted and is even in society's eyes as soiled. However Abigail believes that he is in earnest and seeks to make her his wife and that his intentions are honourable until she chances to overhear gossip that casts everything in a different light. Her worries and fears become justified when James offers her a carte blanche and not the proposal that her heart desires. She rejects him in no uncertain terms leaving James fully aware of what he has lost and herself distraught at how he could think that she would ever consent to such an offer.
Will James realise what he has lost and can he gain her forgiveness for his grievous error when he does.
Abigail is one of 5 daughters all bar Abigail are married, due to illness and financial straits they are forced to relocate from Bath to Weymouth for the sea air and bathing.
A chance encounter between the two allows James to indulge in his rakish behaviour and lay court to her with an eye to making her his new mistress, especially after he finds out that she has previously bern jilted and is even in society's eyes as soiled. However Abigail believes that he is in earnest and seeks to make her his wife and that his intentions are honourable until she chances to overhear gossip that casts everything in a different light. Her worries and fears become justified when James offers her a carte blanche and not the proposal that her heart desires. She rejects him in no uncertain terms leaving James fully aware of what he has lost and herself distraught at how he could think that she would ever consent to such an offer.
Will James realise what he has lost and can he gain her forgiveness for his grievous error when he does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2021
A scorned lady and a haunted soldier find each other and true love
Another of Ms. Miers’ great regency romance stories. This one has a gripping plot and well developed characters that keep the reader involved in the action. This well written book is one that I highly recommend.
Lord James Melton has returned from six years fighting Napoleon. In an unusual and embarrassing incident he meets Miss Abigail Roth and is immediately smitten with her. She has been scorned by society for a failed engagement when her ex-betrothed spreads malicious untrue rumors about her, but she still wants to find a love match. Abigail falls for James and as their relationship develops she is expecting a marriage proposal. Instead James asks her to be his mistress for the rest of the summer. She is devastated and rejects his suggestion and tells him she does not want to see him ever again. As James considers the situation, he realizes that is truly in love with Abigail and believes that he has lost her forever. Following another bizarre incident, the story ends with an HEA. \
A very enjoyable book and you won’t want to miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another of Ms. Miers’ great regency romance stories. This one has a gripping plot and well developed characters that keep the reader involved in the action. This well written book is one that I highly recommend.
Lord James Melton has returned from six years fighting Napoleon. In an unusual and embarrassing incident he meets Miss Abigail Roth and is immediately smitten with her. She has been scorned by society for a failed engagement when her ex-betrothed spreads malicious untrue rumors about her, but she still wants to find a love match. Abigail falls for James and as their relationship develops she is expecting a marriage proposal. Instead James asks her to be his mistress for the rest of the summer. She is devastated and rejects his suggestion and tells him she does not want to see him ever again. As James considers the situation, he realizes that is truly in love with Abigail and believes that he has lost her forever. Following another bizarre incident, the story ends with an HEA. \
A very enjoyable book and you won’t want to miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2021
Lord James Melton considers himself incapable of love. With his nightmares from six years of fighting Napoleon, he is not fit for marriage. When he inadvertently meets Miss Abigail Roth, he is attracted to her. Abigail is dealing with the scorn of society due to her failed engagement and lies spread by her former betrothed. Still hoping for marriage, she trusts that James will propose as their relationship deepens.
So when James instead wants her for a mistress for the summer, she is deeply offended and breaks things off with him. Only then does James realize that he has destroyed the love that was developing – and he may never win her back again. Can she ever forgive him for his rude insult? Will she ever trust in their love again and give him another chance to make it right?
This was a well done story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was so proud of Abigail for finding the strength within to reject that shameful offer and walk away, even though I know if must have killed her inside. Now it will depend on the depth of her love whether she will even let him approach her again. Grab your copy and see if there is any hope for them to find what they both need. Even with PTSD driving his feeling of being broken, I do hope he realizes how he hurt her and makes amends.
So when James instead wants her for a mistress for the summer, she is deeply offended and breaks things off with him. Only then does James realize that he has destroyed the love that was developing – and he may never win her back again. Can she ever forgive him for his rude insult? Will she ever trust in their love again and give him another chance to make it right?
This was a well done story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was so proud of Abigail for finding the strength within to reject that shameful offer and walk away, even though I know if must have killed her inside. Now it will depend on the depth of her love whether she will even let him approach her again. Grab your copy and see if there is any hope for them to find what they both need. Even with PTSD driving his feeling of being broken, I do hope he realizes how he hurt her and makes amends.
September 5, 2022
Book in 5 words: Too Short, Interesting, Predictable, Unconvinving Insta-Love, One-dimensional Characters
Series: Yes, however, the books are standalones within a series.
Series #: 1
Summary: Hero, Lord James Melton, and heroine, Miss Abigail Roth, meet unexpectedly and they both are struck by insta-love. They begin a courtship, however, James messes things up by proposing a summer fling. James sees he messed up and works on getting Abigail back.
Analysis: The book had interesting moments, however, the story was predictable and the insta-love was unbelievable mostly on James' end. Then, the conflict of the story was not well written and it felt underwhelming, for example, . If the author could have built up the characters more and the conflict, maybe it could have saved the story.
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Heat Level: 2
Series: Yes, however, the books are standalones within a series.
Series #: 1
Summary: Hero, Lord James Melton, and heroine, Miss Abigail Roth, meet unexpectedly and they both are struck by insta-love. They begin a courtship, however, James messes things up by proposing a summer fling. James sees he messed up and works on getting Abigail back.
Analysis: The book had interesting moments, however, the story was predictable and the insta-love was unbelievable mostly on James' end. Then, the conflict of the story was not well written and it felt underwhelming, for example, . If the author could have built up the characters more and the conflict, maybe it could have saved the story.
HEA: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Heat Level: 2
January 19, 2021
Interesting
I enjoy everything I read by Fiona Miers. I really did like Lord James and his Bride. The way they met was most entertaining. But James’s attitude just upset me.
No No No No ! That’s what I said when I started reading chapter seventeen. I knew James was going to ask Abigail to be his mistress instead of his wife but did he have to be such an ass about it? After the way Lord Timothy betrayed her Abigail felt bad enough about herself and guarded her heart. James knew this and yet he still went ahead with offer. No matter what he believed she wanted, it did not give him leave to be so insulting to her. Then after he so blatantly lied to her about knowing Lady Catherine he had the nerve to be mad because Abigail declined his offer of summer companion. No No No No !
James and Abigail both have past hurts they each chose to deal with them differently. I’m glad they got their happy ever after I just wish James could have groveled a little bit more.
I
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy everything I read by Fiona Miers. I really did like Lord James and his Bride. The way they met was most entertaining. But James’s attitude just upset me.
No No No No ! That’s what I said when I started reading chapter seventeen. I knew James was going to ask Abigail to be his mistress instead of his wife but did he have to be such an ass about it? After the way Lord Timothy betrayed her Abigail felt bad enough about herself and guarded her heart. James knew this and yet he still went ahead with offer. No matter what he believed she wanted, it did not give him leave to be so insulting to her. Then after he so blatantly lied to her about knowing Lady Catherine he had the nerve to be mad because Abigail declined his offer of summer companion. No No No No !
James and Abigail both have past hurts they each chose to deal with them differently. I’m glad they got their happy ever after I just wish James could have groveled a little bit more.
I
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this book. While I did enjoy it and the first meeting between Abigail and James was original I just did not feel the connection to the characters the way that I normally do when I read a book by Fiona Miers. I thought the character of Abigail was well written and likable but she lacked a certain depth that would have made her memorable. I initially liked James a great deal but then that changed midway through the book when he showed a callous side to his nature and even though he did somewhat redeem himself in the end it was not enough to make me really like him again. To be perfectly honest I found that I was more interested in the characters of Charles and Emma (the Duke and his wife) than I was in the MC. This book lacked the normal pizazz and emotional pull that I am accustomed to finding in a book by Ms. Miers and was not up to her usual high standard of quality. It was okay rather than the usual good or great I am accustomed to reading by 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.
March 28, 2022
I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Miss Abigail Roth and Lord James Melton.
Miss Abigail Roth lives with her mother. She been scorned by society after a terrible engagement. She wish to find someone to love and also be love in return. So when Lord Molten comes to the rescue of her mother that fall out of her ocean bathing chair. And then he come and sweep her off her feet. But the only thing that he wants is a fling.
Lord James Melton has return from the war after six long years. He having a hard time with coping with life now. He decides to travel to Weymouth to spend time with family. When he gets there he takes his brother's horse for a ride to the ocean beach and also decides to go for a swim. He never expected that he would be helping a lady and her daughter out.
I had fun reading the story. It does have twists and turn throughout that story the was quite interesting.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Miss Abigail Roth lives with her mother. She been scorned by society after a terrible engagement. She wish to find someone to love and also be love in return. So when Lord Molten comes to the rescue of her mother that fall out of her ocean bathing chair. And then he come and sweep her off her feet. But the only thing that he wants is a fling.
Lord James Melton has return from the war after six long years. He having a hard time with coping with life now. He decides to travel to Weymouth to spend time with family. When he gets there he takes his brother's horse for a ride to the ocean beach and also decides to go for a swim. He never expected that he would be helping a lady and her daughter out.
I had fun reading the story. It does have twists and turn throughout that story the was quite interesting.
I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
February 2, 2021
This is an interesting and sometimes amusing story. Abigail was hoping that when she and her mother moved away from London that she could leave her scandal behind and live her life in peace. James had recently returned from the war, lost and thinking himself damaged. They met one day when Abigail had her mother in a bathing house in the ocean and a wave knocked her mother into the water. James heard Abigail scream and swam over to see what was happening, and ended up helping Abigail get her mother out of the water. James and Abigail were both instantly smitten. After James invites Abigail to a soiree, then to a poetry night, she thought he was interested in courting her. But, even though James liked spending time with her, he believed himself too damaged to offer marriage. Neither wants a broken heart, but neither wants to stay away from the other. They have a sweet relationship that helps both leave the past behind.
March 28, 2022
There is so much more than what has been stated in the description.
James is so glad to be back home but he is tormented by the war he left behind.
Abigail has been jilted and run over and is DONE! However James walks (or swims as this case may be) right in to her life with a connection they both know is real.
The description says he offers her a position as his mistress also that she needs to get married but those are not exactly true. He offers for them to be committed to each other but only for the summer. A courtship of sorts with benefits of sorts. She has been jilted but she and her mother are surviving comfortably.
I enjoyed the plot and storyline. The humor of the author was evident from the first chapter. A very charming both worth the time to read.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book
James is so glad to be back home but he is tormented by the war he left behind.
Abigail has been jilted and run over and is DONE! However James walks (or swims as this case may be) right in to her life with a connection they both know is real.
The description says he offers her a position as his mistress also that she needs to get married but those are not exactly true. He offers for them to be committed to each other but only for the summer. A courtship of sorts with benefits of sorts. She has been jilted but she and her mother are surviving comfortably.
I enjoyed the plot and storyline. The humor of the author was evident from the first chapter. A very charming both worth the time to read.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book
March 19, 2022
The soldier and the spinster
Having been jilted by her fiance, with her reputation in tatters, Abigail and her mother move from Bath to Weymouth for a fresh start, where Lord James has arrived at his brother's ducal seat to spend the summer with his brothers. Their meeting is nothing short of scandalous when he rescues her mother from near drowning, but inadvertently exposes his entire person to her, having been swimming nude.
Abigail may have seen his naked body, but reaching his bare soul is a much harder task. Can James open up to Abigail about the trauma of the Napolianic war and learn to believe he is still worthy to be loved? Can Abigail learn to trust another man not to break her heart again?
I received an ARC copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Having been jilted by her fiance, with her reputation in tatters, Abigail and her mother move from Bath to Weymouth for a fresh start, where Lord James has arrived at his brother's ducal seat to spend the summer with his brothers. Their meeting is nothing short of scandalous when he rescues her mother from near drowning, but inadvertently exposes his entire person to her, having been swimming nude.
Abigail may have seen his naked body, but reaching his bare soul is a much harder task. Can James open up to Abigail about the trauma of the Napolianic war and learn to believe he is still worthy to be loved? Can Abigail learn to trust another man not to break her heart again?
I received an ARC copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
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