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The Audacious Ladies of Audley #1
Not Quite a Marriage
Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, once swore he’d left England for good. Yet after five years of self-imposed exile in West Africa, he’s no longer the same spoiled, selfish boy who ran away from a domineering father, a disappointed grandmother, and a decidedly unwanted wife. Proving himself to the family he abandoned will be no easy task, but Spencer no longer shies away from a good fight. He hardly expects his formerly docile wife will be the hardest to convince. When Philadelphia refuses to accept his apologies—or to allow him back into her bed—Spencer finds himself tempting her into a bargain he cannot afford to lose.
Philadelphia Burnett’s desires were once as vast as the sky. But now, after suffering one devastating loss after another, the only thing she allows herself to want is a home. So when her estranged rake of a husband returns from a five-years’ absence to claim the estate promised to her, Delphie resolves to fight him every step of the way. Beechcombe Park will be a sanctuary for her, and for the wayward Audley cousins she’d promised her sister she’d always protect. She cannot, will not, suffer even one more loss.
Especially not the loss of her heart...
Philadelphia Burnett’s desires were once as vast as the sky. But now, after suffering one devastating loss after another, the only thing she allows herself to want is a home. So when her estranged rake of a husband returns from a five-years’ absence to claim the estate promised to her, Delphie resolves to fight him every step of the way. Beechcombe Park will be a sanctuary for her, and for the wayward Audley cousins she’d promised her sister she’d always protect. She cannot, will not, suffer even one more loss.
Especially not the loss of her heart...
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2021
35 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Bliss Bennet
9 books100 followersBliss Bennet writes smart, edgy novels for readers who love history as much as they love romance.
Despite being born and bred in New England, Bliss finds herself fascinated by the history of that country across the pond, particularly the politically-volatile period known as the English Regency. Though she’s visited Britain several times, Bliss continues to make her home in New England, along with her husband and ever-growing piles of research books.
Despite being born and bred in New England, Bliss finds herself fascinated by the history of that country across the pond, particularly the politically-volatile period known as the English Regency. Though she’s visited Britain several times, Bliss continues to make her home in New England, along with her husband and ever-growing piles of research books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 13, 2021
This book is about redemption. A young man is dominated by his father, Lord Morse, and acts out in a rebellious way. He marries a young woman and has a child that dies shortly after birth. Lord Morse dominates and controls all around him. Living with him is to have your whole life controlled. Spencer Burnett ran off to Sierra Leone at the age of 23 and left his wife alone for 5 years. In that time, he has grown up and wants a second chance and this is his story. The book is also about the conditions in Sierra Leone and how the abolitionists were working in England. There is sex in marriage that is a bit racy. I enjoyed the love story more than the historical parts. The writing reminds me a bit of Evie Dunmore.
This is the first in a series and I plan to read the next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book
This is the first in a series and I plan to read the next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book
April 27, 2024
I really wanted to like this more than I did. But I think it's a case of it's just me. I'm a wimp.
The story was heavier and darker than I was expecting.
And yet the grovel and his falling in love with her was delicious.
There's a lot of layers to the story, so it was more complex than I was expecting.
There's also some dark topics like the mysterious death of a child and slavery.
The author obviously does quite a bit of research for her stories and I felt it was true to the times.
Spencer married Delphi when his father told him to. But she was only 15 at the time and grieving from the recent deaths of her mother and older sister. So the start of the marriage was inauspicious and then their first baby dies before he's a year old and they each blame themselves for different reasons.
I found that part of the story hard to read. It was so sad and awful.
Then there's Spencer's father who is like a greedy tyrannical spider that shows up often enough that I found myself dreading his next appearance.
Spencer can't stand being under his father's thumb anymore, so he runs off to London first and is unfaithful. Then he runs off to Sierra Leone, where he meets people who guide him into becoming a decent man.
(All this is in the past and the story gets going with Spencer's return. )
Circumstances force him to return, but really he was ready to return. He knows he was a coward to leave his wife like that just so he could get away from his father. He knows he has a lot to make up for. But he doesn't really care at this point. He has no fond memories of Delphi and their marriage.
Mostly he feels guilt. But it's a start.
He works at being a better husband and he's not perfect, but he's ready to put himself out there to win her trust back.
But Delphi has spent those same years under his tyrannical father's thumb. She couldn't even leave to return to her father's place because he isn't much better.
My nit picks were mostly to do with the father who casts a shadow on the whole book and Delphi, who was so unwilling to change. I totally understood her difficulty in trusting Spenser again. And it was different for her because she did love him when they married but he didn't really think of her at all. So her heart was broken as well as her trust.
BUT it got so frustrating how she would never tell him ANYTHING. Getting her to talk to him was like pulling teeth.
The ending was sweet though and I really felt he groveled nicely. He truly saw how he had hurt her.
Safety is pretty OK
The story was heavier and darker than I was expecting.
And yet the grovel and his falling in love with her was delicious.
There's a lot of layers to the story, so it was more complex than I was expecting.
There's also some dark topics like the mysterious death of a child and slavery.
The author obviously does quite a bit of research for her stories and I felt it was true to the times.
Spencer married Delphi when his father told him to. But she was only 15 at the time and grieving from the recent deaths of her mother and older sister. So the start of the marriage was inauspicious and then their first baby dies before he's a year old and they each blame themselves for different reasons.
I found that part of the story hard to read. It was so sad and awful.
Then there's Spencer's father who is like a greedy tyrannical spider that shows up often enough that I found myself dreading his next appearance.
Spencer can't stand being under his father's thumb anymore, so he runs off to London first and is unfaithful. Then he runs off to Sierra Leone, where he meets people who guide him into becoming a decent man.
(All this is in the past and the story gets going with Spencer's return. )
Circumstances force him to return, but really he was ready to return. He knows he was a coward to leave his wife like that just so he could get away from his father. He knows he has a lot to make up for. But he doesn't really care at this point. He has no fond memories of Delphi and their marriage.
Mostly he feels guilt. But it's a start.
He works at being a better husband and he's not perfect, but he's ready to put himself out there to win her trust back.
But Delphi has spent those same years under his tyrannical father's thumb. She couldn't even leave to return to her father's place because he isn't much better.
My nit picks were mostly to do with the father who casts a shadow on the whole book and Delphi, who was so unwilling to change. I totally understood her difficulty in trusting Spenser again. And it was different for her because she did love him when they married but he didn't really think of her at all. So her heart was broken as well as her trust.
BUT it got so frustrating how she would never tell him ANYTHING. Getting her to talk to him was like pulling teeth.
The ending was sweet though and I really felt he groveled nicely. He truly saw how he had hurt her.
Safety is pretty OK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
If memory serves me correctly, this book received a DIK status on AAR. I was expecting an angst fest due to the tropes (marriage in trouble, second chance romance). However, it didn't quite live up to my expectations and was a bit of a disappointment. It was still a decent read, but not quite what I was hoping for, so I'm giving it 3 stars.
November 22, 2021
Bliss Bennet’s Not Quite A Marriage, in her new series, The Audacious Ladies of Audley, was everything I would expect from Bennet: carefully researched, with nuanced characters, and a romance that builds slowly but surely towards a satisfying conclusion. I was gleeful with enjoyment for the novel’s first half, with shades of “worthy of Balogh” phrases dancing in my head as I considered what I would write for this post. Unfortunately, the second half wasn’t as marvellous and the reason was that Bennet left her romance to wander in and out of the narrative like a weakly-conceived secondary character, while exposition dominated the room. It was frustrating reading because I thought she did not focus on the novel’s strongest aspect, the relationship between hero Spencer Stiles and heroine, with the unlikely and unfortunate name of Philadelphia, thankfully shortened to Delphie.
You may read the rest on my blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
You may read the rest on my blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
November 16, 2021
Excellent book.
Read
December 30, 2021A forced marriage at a young age is never the best, especially with a dominating father and a tragedy that soon occurs. He runs by enlisting and is gone for five years.
She has endured so much and with an absent husband, has tried to secure a place for her and others.
Luckily an estate is left to her husband and she is in charge. So she is determined to hold her place.
Having matured through his years in service, he is ready to come back to his wife and be responsible. But will she have him?
A second chance romance with a long journey to a happy ever after.
She has endured so much and with an absent husband, has tried to secure a place for her and others.
Luckily an estate is left to her husband and she is in charge. So she is determined to hold her place.
Having matured through his years in service, he is ready to come back to his wife and be responsible. But will she have him?
A second chance romance with a long journey to a happy ever after.
November 23, 2021
Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, once swore he’d left England for good. Yet after five years of self-imposed exile in West Africa, he’s no longer the same spoiled, selfish boy who ran away from a domineering father, a disappointed grandmother, and a decidedly unwanted wife. Proving himself to the family he abandoned will be no easy task, but Spencer no longer shies away from a good fight. He hardly expects his formerly docile wife will be the hardest to convince. When Philadelphia refuses to accept his apologies—or to allow him back into her bed—Spencer finds himself tempting her into a bargain he cannot afford to lose.
Philadelphia Burnett’s desires were once as vast as the sky. But now, after suffering one devastating loss after another, the only thing she allows herself to want is a home. So when her estranged rake of a husband returns from a five-years’ absence to claim the estate promised to her, Delphie resolves to fight him every step of the way. Beechcombe Park will be a sanctuary for her, and for the wayward Audley cousins she’d promised her sister she’d always protect. She cannot, will not, suffer even one more loss.
Especially not the loss of her heart...
Spencer and Delphia are meant to be together. A controlling father is almost the test of them. It could mean the end of their happily ever after.
Bliss Bennet has written a compelling story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Philadelphia Burnett’s desires were once as vast as the sky. But now, after suffering one devastating loss after another, the only thing she allows herself to want is a home. So when her estranged rake of a husband returns from a five-years’ absence to claim the estate promised to her, Delphie resolves to fight him every step of the way. Beechcombe Park will be a sanctuary for her, and for the wayward Audley cousins she’d promised her sister she’d always protect. She cannot, will not, suffer even one more loss.
Especially not the loss of her heart...
Spencer and Delphia are meant to be together. A controlling father is almost the test of them. It could mean the end of their happily ever after.
Bliss Bennet has written a compelling story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
3 1/2 stars. I wanted to like this book. The book was well written in that the author used interesting and uncommon vocabulary at times and the political and historical details seemed to be well researched. The H has returned after abandoning his wife five years ago after the death of their son. He has worked at changing from the self centered, hurtful husband that he used to be. He makes several, thoughtful, insightful observations that show growing understanding about himself and his relationships. The h has married the H shortly after the death of her vivacious outgoing sister who was to marry the H. She sets herself a goal of taking over a home so that her four female cousins have a safe haven without considering if this is what they want or if it's really helpful.
I love the abandoned wife trope and lots of angst. I've noticed that it takes skill to write about events in the hurtful past in a story in a way that connects the reader to the characters' emotions during the experience. If the reader doesn't feel the pain then it's difficult to care how hard the H is trying to reconcile with his wife. It really lagged especially in longish descriptions of the politics around slavery.i found myself skimming through sections.
I love the abandoned wife trope and lots of angst. I've noticed that it takes skill to write about events in the hurtful past in a story in a way that connects the reader to the characters' emotions during the experience. If the reader doesn't feel the pain then it's difficult to care how hard the H is trying to reconcile with his wife. It really lagged especially in longish descriptions of the politics around slavery.i found myself skimming through sections.
November 13, 2021
A sweet, well-developed twist on a second chance romance. Both Spencer and Delphie were pushed by circumstance and domineering relatives into a marriage neither wanted or was prepared for. When tragedy struck, Spencer abandoned his wife without a word. Time and distance change both of them. When the loss of the family matriarch forces them back together, Spencer is determined to do better, but Delphie is committed to guarding her heart.
Spencer is an appealing hero and the chemistry with Delphie, when she lets down her guard, is quite enjoyable. It is easy to root for both characters and their happiness. There is an elaborate side plot about abolitionism in England which may be interesting to readers who like a little more than just straight romance. The story also deals quite explicitly with the death of a baby and this is not clearly warned in the blurb, so FYI to those for whom that might be distressing.
Spencer is an appealing hero and the chemistry with Delphie, when she lets down her guard, is quite enjoyable. It is easy to root for both characters and their happiness. There is an elaborate side plot about abolitionism in England which may be interesting to readers who like a little more than just straight romance. The story also deals quite explicitly with the death of a baby and this is not clearly warned in the blurb, so FYI to those for whom that might be distressing.
November 10, 2021
Lord Morse dominates his son's life forcing him into a marriage he does not want. After the death of his young son, he abandons his wife and ends up in Sierra Leone, Africa. Over five years later, Spencer returns to England on the death of his grandmother. The wife he knew has grown up into a woman he desires. Delphi does not trust him after the pain of his desertion. Spencer has two months to prove himself for a marriage he really wants. Delphi has her own guilt to overcome. Actions speak louder than words. A lot of pain and angst with some steamy sex. The first book I've read by this author is on my wishlist for the next book in the series. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
July 16, 2023
DNF, literally got half way and I really really tried reading this but I kept getting distracted, I just wasn't into it unfortunately. 😭😭🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
February 6, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Not Quite a Marriage” is a rousing tale of two hearts evolving with maturity.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Not Quite a Marriage” is a rousing tale of two hearts evolving with maturity.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 4, 2025
I echo what many other reviewers have said: I wanted to like this more. I love a good second-chance/marriage-in-crisis story, especially because they’re difficult to execute—but when it’s well-done, the payoff is deeply satisfying. This was just so sad and depressing. The heroine has been through the wringer. And I don’t have the mental fortitude at the moment to endure a long-suffering heroine who is helplessly attracted to - and loves, ugh - the wastrel husband who abandoned her. These two are stuck together for life, so it’s a good thing he works hard to prove he’s a changed man.
December 22, 2024
An extended version of this review is on A Middle-Aged Divorcee Writes Smut. Blog is 18+ but this post is clean. https://m-adws.blogspot.com/2024/12/i...
The plot of Not Quite a Marriage is fairly standard for a Regency romance. Hero Spencer left his wife, heroine Philadelphia, years ago. Now he has matured and comes home to make amends, but Philadelphia does not want him back.
What I loved about this book is that I learned real history from it. When Spencer left his wife he volunteered to work for the British government in Sierra Leone. He has now returned to London, and his efforts to improve Britain's actions in Sierra Leone serve as the backdrop to the plot. Did you know that the British navy would hijack ships carrying people who had been captured to be sold into slavery, bring them to Sierra Leone, and more or less free them? I had no idea. Bennet is never didactic, and it was a delight to read a novel that addressed the broader context in which Regency England existed.
I was also very happy with Bennet's treatment of the book's villain, Spencer's father. He is presented as a vile narcissist (a DSM-5 narcissist who falls apart if not receiving admiration, not a Kardashian narcissist who obsesses about their own looks). I was worried that the book would end as so many do with him having a change of heart and suddenly becoming a loving old man. He didn't; he ended the book every bit as unpleasant as he began. In writing him this way, Bennet showed that she has the same courage of her convictions as her main characters do.
The plot of Not Quite a Marriage is fairly standard for a Regency romance. Hero Spencer left his wife, heroine Philadelphia, years ago. Now he has matured and comes home to make amends, but Philadelphia does not want him back.
What I loved about this book is that I learned real history from it. When Spencer left his wife he volunteered to work for the British government in Sierra Leone. He has now returned to London, and his efforts to improve Britain's actions in Sierra Leone serve as the backdrop to the plot. Did you know that the British navy would hijack ships carrying people who had been captured to be sold into slavery, bring them to Sierra Leone, and more or less free them? I had no idea. Bennet is never didactic, and it was a delight to read a novel that addressed the broader context in which Regency England existed.
I was also very happy with Bennet's treatment of the book's villain, Spencer's father. He is presented as a vile narcissist (a DSM-5 narcissist who falls apart if not receiving admiration, not a Kardashian narcissist who obsesses about their own looks). I was worried that the book would end as so many do with him having a change of heart and suddenly becoming a loving old man. He didn't; he ended the book every bit as unpleasant as he began. In writing him this way, Bennet showed that she has the same courage of her convictions as her main characters do.
June 2, 2024
An intriguing second chance romance, but with a twist. This couple married young, but the hero, Spencer, was supposed to marry the bride’s older sister. After the death of that young lady and her mother, he (after some prodding from his very controlling father) agreed to marry her younger sister, Philadelphia, not realizing how young she was (not yet 16), nor how grief-stricken she must have been.
After a year of frequent battles with his father, the death of his son sends Spencer far from England’s shores on a diplomatic mission that an uncle helped him obtain. It isn’t a fancy, glittering post, but it is the making of Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles. It is the work and the people who help transform Spencer from a fairly self-centered and easily provoked (especially by his father) youth to a reasonable and rational man.
In the five years her husband has been away, Delphie Burnett has come to terms with her losses as best she could. But now, her husband plans to return. And her father-in-law is scheming for a grandchild. He also wants control of the estate owned by her husband’s recently deceased grandmother, which the old lady’s will probably gives to Spencer, although Delphie hopes she can be named as an executor.
How long will the plans survive? How much have Spencer and Delphie changed during their years apart? Can they return to the hopeful start of their marriage, if it had such an optimistic origin?
After a year of frequent battles with his father, the death of his son sends Spencer far from England’s shores on a diplomatic mission that an uncle helped him obtain. It isn’t a fancy, glittering post, but it is the making of Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles. It is the work and the people who help transform Spencer from a fairly self-centered and easily provoked (especially by his father) youth to a reasonable and rational man.
In the five years her husband has been away, Delphie Burnett has come to terms with her losses as best she could. But now, her husband plans to return. And her father-in-law is scheming for a grandchild. He also wants control of the estate owned by her husband’s recently deceased grandmother, which the old lady’s will probably gives to Spencer, although Delphie hopes she can be named as an executor.
How long will the plans survive? How much have Spencer and Delphie changed during their years apart? Can they return to the hopeful start of their marriage, if it had such an optimistic origin?
November 17, 2021
Bliss Bennet's storytelling is catnip for the Historical Romance reader. In Not Quite a Marriage she gifts them with characters and a relationship to root for.
Spencer Bennet is a reformed rake (a bit self-reformed, and isn't that the best kind?) who has been rather inadvertently faithful to his wife while working in the British colony of Sierra Leone. He's returned to find that Philadelphia Burnett - who has suffered rather silently for five years since he abandoned her for, at least to her, parts unknown - is no longer the sickly young girl he remembers, and winning her forgiveness may be harder than he'd hoped. Delphie's longed for independence is once more dependent on her wayward husband, but she is determined to turn her home into a haven for her young female cousins.
Haunted by the past and challenged on all sides, this is a second chance romance that - enlivened in different ways by Spencer's calculating father and Delphie's outspoken cousin - sweeps the reader along as the estranged couple must determine the shape of their future and whether their marriage can ever become a mutual love match.
From the moment I read the description of Not Quite A Marriage, I was hooked, and the mixture of some favorite aspects of Regency romances with more unexpected elements kept my interest throughout. It had me wondering how it would have been to experience it as a closed door romance, but then concluding that it would have dampened my delight in a bit of a lesson that Spencer learns. And I found myself fascinated with the way in which the author addresses issues of colonialism and incorporates the anti-slavery movement that continued after slavery was outlawed in Great Britain, from Spencer's political activism to Delphie's more domestic efforts. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us in book two. Recommended.
This review refers to an ebook I was gifted by the author and voluntarily read. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Spencer Bennet is a reformed rake (a bit self-reformed, and isn't that the best kind?) who has been rather inadvertently faithful to his wife while working in the British colony of Sierra Leone. He's returned to find that Philadelphia Burnett - who has suffered rather silently for five years since he abandoned her for, at least to her, parts unknown - is no longer the sickly young girl he remembers, and winning her forgiveness may be harder than he'd hoped. Delphie's longed for independence is once more dependent on her wayward husband, but she is determined to turn her home into a haven for her young female cousins.
Haunted by the past and challenged on all sides, this is a second chance romance that - enlivened in different ways by Spencer's calculating father and Delphie's outspoken cousin - sweeps the reader along as the estranged couple must determine the shape of their future and whether their marriage can ever become a mutual love match.
From the moment I read the description of Not Quite A Marriage, I was hooked, and the mixture of some favorite aspects of Regency romances with more unexpected elements kept my interest throughout. It had me wondering how it would have been to experience it as a closed door romance, but then concluding that it would have dampened my delight in a bit of a lesson that Spencer learns. And I found myself fascinated with the way in which the author addresses issues of colonialism and incorporates the anti-slavery movement that continued after slavery was outlawed in Great Britain, from Spencer's political activism to Delphie's more domestic efforts. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us in book two. Recommended.
This review refers to an ebook I was gifted by the author and voluntarily read. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2021
5 stars
A second chance story that I really liked. Philadelpia has been married to Spencer for 5 years but he left soon after the death of their son. His father is a bully and eventually his oppression got too much for the rebellious Spencer and he left, unfortunately leaving Delphia, a not very assertive girl, under his corrosive influence. Delpia is hoping that Spencer's grandmother would leave her the house allowing her to invite her cousins who also would benefit from some independance. Much to the Earl's annoyance the house is left to Spencer with Delpia as the executor whilst Spencer is away. At the same time Spencer is on the way back from Sierra Leone hoping to see his grandmother one last time. Bathsheba, Delpia's cousin looks like the next book in the series. She is a quaker who is very much into the abolitionist cause. Lots of good history as well as interesting characterisation.
There is well writing scenes of passion and we find out what prevented Spencer's marriage being a success.
I think you'll love this book and heartily recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A second chance story that I really liked. Philadelpia has been married to Spencer for 5 years but he left soon after the death of their son. His father is a bully and eventually his oppression got too much for the rebellious Spencer and he left, unfortunately leaving Delphia, a not very assertive girl, under his corrosive influence. Delpia is hoping that Spencer's grandmother would leave her the house allowing her to invite her cousins who also would benefit from some independance. Much to the Earl's annoyance the house is left to Spencer with Delpia as the executor whilst Spencer is away. At the same time Spencer is on the way back from Sierra Leone hoping to see his grandmother one last time. Bathsheba, Delpia's cousin looks like the next book in the series. She is a quaker who is very much into the abolitionist cause. Lots of good history as well as interesting characterisation.
There is well writing scenes of passion and we find out what prevented Spencer's marriage being a success.
I think you'll love this book and heartily recommend it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 16, 2022
A Husband Who Must Prove Himself
Set in 1824, just after the Regency, this is the story of Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, and his wife Philadelphia. He’s back from Sierra Leone where he lived for five years having escaped his unwanted wife and domineering father. Now he has returned to England and wants to prove to his wife he’s a changed man. Philadelphia doesn’t trust him and wants the estate promised her, Beechcombe Park, to be a sanctuary for her and the Audley cousins she’d promised to protect. But she’ll give him two months.
Bennet writes very well with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions. This tale features some interesting historical notes about the quest to finally end slavery reflecting significant research. Nevertheless there are many discussions about abolition that do go on. If you find the subject of interest, you will not mind. They are well done.
As Spencer agrees with his wife’s view of the world and defends her to his overbearing father, both Delphie and the reader begin to recognize a change in him. Their marriage just might have a second chance.
For lovers of deep historical detail, this will be a fascinating read.
Set in 1824, just after the Regency, this is the story of Spencer Burnett, Viscount Stiles, and his wife Philadelphia. He’s back from Sierra Leone where he lived for five years having escaped his unwanted wife and domineering father. Now he has returned to England and wants to prove to his wife he’s a changed man. Philadelphia doesn’t trust him and wants the estate promised her, Beechcombe Park, to be a sanctuary for her and the Audley cousins she’d promised to protect. But she’ll give him two months.
Bennet writes very well with well-developed characters and vivid descriptions. This tale features some interesting historical notes about the quest to finally end slavery reflecting significant research. Nevertheless there are many discussions about abolition that do go on. If you find the subject of interest, you will not mind. They are well done.
As Spencer agrees with his wife’s view of the world and defends her to his overbearing father, both Delphie and the reader begin to recognize a change in him. Their marriage just might have a second chance.
For lovers of deep historical detail, this will be a fascinating read.
December 17, 2021
This is the first installment of the new The Audacious Ladies of Audley series. It is also the first for me reading something by Ms. Bennet. I found it to be a charming and sweet story about redemption and second chance at love. Spencer is forced by his father into a marriage that he does not want. He ends up leaving England and abandoning his wife, Delphie. When he returns five years later, he sees his wife in a new light and realizes he wants his marriage to work, but winning Delphie's forgiveness and trust will not be easy. But he is not going to give up and is ready to fight for her. Delphie has already lost so much, and is not willing to lose her heart to the husband that abandoned her. The couple must face the challenges of the past and present before they can move forward together. This was a well-written story that pulled me in from the beginning and kept my attention all the through. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 27, 2024
Philadelphia Burnett (what a great name!) is faced with the return of a husband who abandoned her after a whirlwind marriage and the loss of their child. But Spencer Burnett, her erstwhile husband, seems to have changed. Can she let him back into her heart (and bed) after years of his absence? Spencer himself was not sure about Delphi when he returned, but it turns out that she is changed as well. She is no longer the shrinking violet she was six years ago.
Both of these characters are interesting and realistic, within the world of constraint and manners which was de rigueur in regency England among the upper classes. There is fascinating historical detail of England's debate on abolition, even while colonizing African countries, specifically Sierra Leone. The romantic tension between Delphie and Spencer is compelling, and the sex scenes are assured and steamy. I loved the evil father in law and waiting for his comeuppance. This is a great immersive literary historical romance that I will recommend to friends.
Both of these characters are interesting and realistic, within the world of constraint and manners which was de rigueur in regency England among the upper classes. There is fascinating historical detail of England's debate on abolition, even while colonizing African countries, specifically Sierra Leone. The romantic tension between Delphie and Spencer is compelling, and the sex scenes are assured and steamy. I loved the evil father in law and waiting for his comeuppance. This is a great immersive literary historical romance that I will recommend to friends.
January 5, 2024
I tried twice with this book and simply cannot like it
Hero left his sickly, young wife for 5 years and returns to set things right. He has his head on straight and fully intends to make amends. It's expressed that he has been celibate for years, but the "unexpected barb of lust" rears its head when he spies his wife (whom he thinks is a maidservant) cleaning books. You're telling me he can go all that time without a woman, but a mere glimpse of this estranged wife brings on lustful feelings? He wasn't attracted to her before, but the author has waved her magic wand and now he is sexually aroused by her...instantly. Shut up. That's enough. It's almost worse than insta-love when two people actually are strangers. I love an ugly duckling story, but can we calm down a little bit? He barely enters the room before he pops a boner over the heroine ...
Hero left his sickly, young wife for 5 years and returns to set things right. He has his head on straight and fully intends to make amends. It's expressed that he has been celibate for years, but the "unexpected barb of lust" rears its head when he spies his wife (whom he thinks is a maidservant) cleaning books. You're telling me he can go all that time without a woman, but a mere glimpse of this estranged wife brings on lustful feelings? He wasn't attracted to her before, but the author has waved her magic wand and now he is sexually aroused by her...instantly. Shut up. That's enough. It's almost worse than insta-love when two people actually are strangers. I love an ugly duckling story, but can we calm down a little bit? He barely enters the room before he pops a boner over the heroine ...
November 29, 2022
There were so many elements of this book that I loved. I appreciated that the main couple is basically on page together for 85% of the book. Second-chance at a terrible marriage is (of course) my favorite trope. And radical politics in a regency setting is catnip for me. The main characters are lovely people who have dealt with extremely difficult circumstances -- the reason for the separation makes perfect sense and the obstacles they have to overcome are logical as well. The side characters / future protagonists are intriguing.
If I have a quibble it's that I felt like a beat was missed in the emotional development between the two by not showing any of their past on the page.
All-in-all though very lovely work. I'm so glad Bliss Bennet is writing! She is very much my cup of tea.
If I have a quibble it's that I felt like a beat was missed in the emotional development between the two by not showing any of their past on the page.
All-in-all though very lovely work. I'm so glad Bliss Bennet is writing! She is very much my cup of tea.
April 12, 2024
Wow. Another great author discovered! Bliss Bennet lush writing reminds me of Mimi Matthews, but open door. I love second chance romance, especially if there's been a separation and they have to completely start from scratch. That just makes the hard won hea so much sweeter.
Delphie and Spencer were briefly married and then he left for 5 years. She had a experience the loss of their baby alone. Obviously she feels hurt, betrayed and devastated. He shows up again suddenly, determined to make things right. Over the course of the story Delphie and the reader finds out his reason for leaving and how he has tried to become a better person.
It's going to take a lot to get Delphie to trust him again. She's been living with an abusive FIL.
Their journey to hea is so worth it.
Delphie and Spencer were briefly married and then he left for 5 years. She had a experience the loss of their baby alone. Obviously she feels hurt, betrayed and devastated. He shows up again suddenly, determined to make things right. Over the course of the story Delphie and the reader finds out his reason for leaving and how he has tried to become a better person.
It's going to take a lot to get Delphie to trust him again. She's been living with an abusive FIL.
Their journey to hea is so worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
A read that starts out with estranged spouses. Our heroine Delphie, struggles with forgiveness, Our hero Spencer, with penance, and the father who loves to come between them even after years of their separation. An interesting read. I finished it rather quickly. The pluses: I like that the book deals with reconciliation, especially within a marriage, and that the characters had so many layers. The minus: At times, I wanted to beat the heroine upside her head. She made the hero grovel a little bit too much for my taste. All in all, I was still able to finish and still enjoy the book. I would say this book is for readers 18+. Happy reading!
April 23, 2024
Very complicated read. Years before he treated the heroine quite badly. She was only fifteen when he was forced to marry her. They had a child and the baby died at nine months. He left and went back to london, he cheated on her and was an idiot. Then he took off to Africa for five years where he was celibate. And then he came home. There is an awful Father there too. He is decidedly evil. Truly. I enjoyed his recourtship of her and how much he has changed. And this heroine doesn't forgive or forget and seriously fought to separate. There is a lot of history here and it was interesting about the slave trade.
November 17, 2021
Spencer returns to England after five years in the foreign service in Africa. His wife, Delphie, wants nothing to do with him—not after the way he abandoned her when she needed him most. Can he prove to her he's a better man?
Delphie is complex, outwardly docile but inwardly planning ways to take charge of her life. Spencer has been raised not to show or trust emotion, but he's learning that he needs to be more open and expressive with his wife. The book deals with serious subjects but has a happy ending.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Delphie is complex, outwardly docile but inwardly planning ways to take charge of her life. Spencer has been raised not to show or trust emotion, but he's learning that he needs to be more open and expressive with his wife. The book deals with serious subjects but has a happy ending.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
November 24, 2021
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a first in a new series by an new author to me. In this we have two people that are married young and go through a terrible tragedy. After several years they decide to give the marriage a shot. I did like the premise it was pretty good I just really did not like the lead female Delphie was just annoying and I was not a fan. Overall good story just annoying characters.
November 25, 2021
Abandoned by her husband at the worst time of her life she never expected him to return six years later. He is trying to make amends for his abandonment. A forced marriage at a tender age made him rebel. But Philadelphia is not ready to give Spencer a chance since she is in a place where she is in command of her life. He convinces her to give him two months to prove himself. While he does so she is not sure she is ready to give up her freedom even though they love each other.
August 30, 2023
If you like historical romance that's based on excellent research and is full of heart then this is the one for you. I loved the way the writer has woven the slave trade, Sierra Leone's rich history and the detrimental effects that the British had on these important events with a lovely second chance romance together.
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