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The Shackleford Sisters #2
Temperance
In this funny romantic series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…
Reverend Shackleford was at a loss. He’d truly believed that in marrying his eldest daughter Grace to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, his problems would be over. But as the Reverend was now beginning to realise, it wasn’t sufficient to have a wealthy Duke in the family if the daughter he was trying to marry off had the manners of a stable hand. And to Reverend Shackleford’s knowledge, his second eldest daughter Temperance’s version of modest reserve was making sure to kick a miscreant in the shins rather than his ballocks. Put simply, Temperance was the exact opposite of her name and a harpy to boot. In fact the Reverend very much feared that unless he could find someone to teach her at the very least how to hold her temper, he would be stuck with her forever. But as he was always telling his curate, the Almighty works in mysterious ways. Indeed, Reverend Shackleford believed his prayers were finally answered when he found the very person to take Temperance in hand.
Lady Gertrude Fotheringale was genteel, discreet and suitably impoverished. Or so he thought…
Adam Colbourne, the eighth Earl of Ravenstone had no intention of taking a wife. As a boy he’d witnessed the cold, impersonal, not to mention loveless, nature of his parents’ union. Marriage he concluded, was not anything he wished to experience. And the scheming matchmaking mothers of each Season’s crop of debutantes in no way gave him any reason to change his mind. That was until a chance meeting with a foul mouthed raven-haired termagant, who in the space of one night turned his world entirely upside down…
Perfect for fans of funny, lighthearted Regency Romances with a little bit of steam.
Reverend Shackleford was at a loss. He’d truly believed that in marrying his eldest daughter Grace to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, his problems would be over. But as the Reverend was now beginning to realise, it wasn’t sufficient to have a wealthy Duke in the family if the daughter he was trying to marry off had the manners of a stable hand. And to Reverend Shackleford’s knowledge, his second eldest daughter Temperance’s version of modest reserve was making sure to kick a miscreant in the shins rather than his ballocks. Put simply, Temperance was the exact opposite of her name and a harpy to boot. In fact the Reverend very much feared that unless he could find someone to teach her at the very least how to hold her temper, he would be stuck with her forever. But as he was always telling his curate, the Almighty works in mysterious ways. Indeed, Reverend Shackleford believed his prayers were finally answered when he found the very person to take Temperance in hand.
Lady Gertrude Fotheringale was genteel, discreet and suitably impoverished. Or so he thought…
Adam Colbourne, the eighth Earl of Ravenstone had no intention of taking a wife. As a boy he’d witnessed the cold, impersonal, not to mention loveless, nature of his parents’ union. Marriage he concluded, was not anything he wished to experience. And the scheming matchmaking mothers of each Season’s crop of debutantes in no way gave him any reason to change his mind. That was until a chance meeting with a foul mouthed raven-haired termagant, who in the space of one night turned his world entirely upside down…
Perfect for fans of funny, lighthearted Regency Romances with a little bit of steam.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
4217 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Watts
47 books251 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
September 27, 2021
Not for me. May have spoilers.
I did Not like the hero at all. And Temperance was just okay. It was very odd. Not my idea of romance for sure. One reason and this is my personal pet peeve but he still slept with and had a mistress until the end of the book almost. I got sick of him talking about going to her. And he was interested in the heroine so that disgusted me. He did decide to break it off but I just can't stand stuff like that after he was already sexually interested in the heroine. The rest of the book was all about the evil woman who was trying to blackmail the hero because he had spent the night with the heroine in a barn. They become engaged but it just didn't play out that well for me. The heroine accidentally meets the mistress who offers her tips on how to please her future husband in bed. She breaks off with him then but still goes and sleeps with him one night. He goes away for three months and she sinks into depression because she Loved him. He comes for her at the end. Honestly I did not care by that point. I really wanted to like it but just missed the mark for me. Others may really like it.
I did Not like the hero at all. And Temperance was just okay. It was very odd. Not my idea of romance for sure. One reason and this is my personal pet peeve but he still slept with and had a mistress until the end of the book almost. I got sick of him talking about going to her. And he was interested in the heroine so that disgusted me. He did decide to break it off but I just can't stand stuff like that after he was already sexually interested in the heroine. The rest of the book was all about the evil woman who was trying to blackmail the hero because he had spent the night with the heroine in a barn. They become engaged but it just didn't play out that well for me. The heroine accidentally meets the mistress who offers her tips on how to please her future husband in bed. She breaks off with him then but still goes and sleeps with him one night. He goes away for three months and she sinks into depression because she Loved him. He comes for her at the end. Honestly I did not care by that point. I really wanted to like it but just missed the mark for me. Others may really like it.
February 10, 2024
Temperance has a temper, which often gets her in trouble. Adam meets Temperance and his troubles start. Her father still a bumbling fool.
May 13, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and wanted to rip my ears off. The male narrator had a nasal voice who sounded like he was constantly whining. The story was barely okay and was definitely not my favorite historical romance.
January 30, 2025
These books are like potato chips. Less than satisfactory yet totally addictive. If it were just the romance then I’d give it two stars. But it’s so dang funny! Yes, Temperance is horrible, but Adam is awesome, and the shenanigans of Reverend Shackleford, Percy and Freddy are hysterical. I recommend the audiobook, not because it’s well done (it’s annoying) but because on double speed I only wasted a couple of hours on it, though spending a rainy afternoon laughing really isn’t wasteful.
April 19, 2025
Going through these books pretty fast, but they are not that long to begin with. This one deals with daughter #2 of the Shackelford sisters, Temperance. I like this one better than book #1, as there are more things going on. The romance, as always, is as expected though.
April 3, 2022
I really liked Temperance.. but disliked the hero. Somehow there seemed to be no connection between them except for physical attraction. Also he continued seeing his mistress! How ugh is that. He didn’t seem to show or express love for her until the very end.. and even then he stayed away from her for several months! If he were eager to marry her it seems odd that he behaved that way. Temperance deserved better, imo.
So two stars only. Write better heroes!
So two stars only. Write better heroes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
UPDATE:
I continued listening through this series while it was a ‘free audio’ with my subscription service. The somewhat irreverent sense of humor, antics and characters began to grow on me, enjoying each successive book increasingly more. I have nearly completed listening & (alternately) reading the entire series now. I purchased the audios for my own library on a recent sale as I can see myself listen through the series again some time in the future. This series is now among my ‘guaranteed’ Pick Me Up titles. I’ve reviewed each book separately with the closing note that these are uniquely fun.
ORIGINAL POST:
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. This series reminds me somewhat of an Old-style Comedy (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners) with certain outrageous behavior, occasional crude humor plus a sweet & Steamy intimacy scene or two as well. Temperance is a light novel which I find myself preferring lately. I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series for long. I enjoy wry humor but the outrageousness is a bit outside my usual style.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
A Historical Romance Comedy.
South Devonshire ~
The local vicar of Blackmoor, Augusta Shackleford, has eight daughters - one married and three more of marriageable age. With a 5yr old son trailing the daughters, a year ago vicar Shackleford decided to begin marrying off his daughters as quickly as possible. Schackleford’s oldest daughter wed successfully and happily to a Duke the previous year. With that success still in mind, the vicar is hopeful he can find someone to marry Temperance, his 22 yr old daughter. Unfortunately, Temperance has a temper and she has not yet learned to curb her tongue.
Adam Caldwell, the 8th Earl of Ravenstone is the only son of a prestigious title with an abundance of money, a home in London and an estate and property in Willshire. Ravenstock’s parents married for the usual reason - money, influence and the begetting of a heir. Their marriage was not a harmonious one. After considering the situation, Adam has decided that he will never marry. He is satisfied with his mistress and no complications.
When Adam’s mother insists that he meet her at the Blackmoor’s soirée in the country, Ravenstock has no idea that his life as he knew it was about to change. Drastically.
Comments ~
1) I listened to the free audiobook available through my subscription service. TEMPERANCE is bk2 in the series. For some reason the male narrator chose a scratchy, irritating, aged sounding voice (rather than an attractive one) for the MMC in this book. The narrator’s regular voice is quite nice. Unfortunately, I felt the choice of voice for the MMC made him sound quite unattractive.
2) I could not identify with FMC Temperance. She was an incredibly immature girl/young lady which seems unrealistic as a reverend’s daughter for that time. Her father, although undoubtedly the comic relief in this series, is rather daft. The private musings of the MMC didn’t impress me either, nor the fact that he had a mistress. So, I really didnt identify with anyone well. Yet certain sections of this story are entertaining and brought a smile or a gasp of “Goodness!” and I felt the antagonist aspect was believable. The series, and the book TEMPERANCE, is a Historical Romance with, I thought, an odd/unusual sense of humor. I read GRACE, bk1 first and preferred those characters more.
2) Although TEMPERANCE is bk2, it could be read as a Standalone novel or out of order. I connected with the main characters in bk1 better - both the narrator’s choice of voice and the character qualities.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language, coarse street slang and private musings occur.
VIOLENCE - PG. Mostly mild.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. An intimacy scene occurs at the end. Earlier, innuendos and a mistress mentioned.
I continued listening through this series while it was a ‘free audio’ with my subscription service. The somewhat irreverent sense of humor, antics and characters began to grow on me, enjoying each successive book increasingly more. I have nearly completed listening & (alternately) reading the entire series now. I purchased the audios for my own library on a recent sale as I can see myself listen through the series again some time in the future. This series is now among my ‘guaranteed’ Pick Me Up titles. I’ve reviewed each book separately with the closing note that these are uniquely fun.
ORIGINAL POST:
MY RATING GUIDE: 3 Stars. This series reminds me somewhat of an Old-style Comedy (I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners) with certain outrageous behavior, occasional crude humor plus a sweet & Steamy intimacy scene or two as well. Temperance is a light novel which I find myself preferring lately. I’m not sure if I’ll continue with the series for long. I enjoy wry humor but the outrageousness is a bit outside my usual style.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= THIS WAS OKAY/fairly good; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I SELDOM give 5 Stars).
A Historical Romance Comedy.
South Devonshire ~
The local vicar of Blackmoor, Augusta Shackleford, has eight daughters - one married and three more of marriageable age. With a 5yr old son trailing the daughters, a year ago vicar Shackleford decided to begin marrying off his daughters as quickly as possible. Schackleford’s oldest daughter wed successfully and happily to a Duke the previous year. With that success still in mind, the vicar is hopeful he can find someone to marry Temperance, his 22 yr old daughter. Unfortunately, Temperance has a temper and she has not yet learned to curb her tongue.
Adam Caldwell, the 8th Earl of Ravenstone is the only son of a prestigious title with an abundance of money, a home in London and an estate and property in Willshire. Ravenstock’s parents married for the usual reason - money, influence and the begetting of a heir. Their marriage was not a harmonious one. After considering the situation, Adam has decided that he will never marry. He is satisfied with his mistress and no complications.
When Adam’s mother insists that he meet her at the Blackmoor’s soirée in the country, Ravenstock has no idea that his life as he knew it was about to change. Drastically.
Comments ~
1) I listened to the free audiobook available through my subscription service. TEMPERANCE is bk2 in the series. For some reason the male narrator chose a scratchy, irritating, aged sounding voice (rather than an attractive one) for the MMC in this book. The narrator’s regular voice is quite nice. Unfortunately, I felt the choice of voice for the MMC made him sound quite unattractive.
2) I could not identify with FMC Temperance. She was an incredibly immature girl/young lady which seems unrealistic as a reverend’s daughter for that time. Her father, although undoubtedly the comic relief in this series, is rather daft. The private musings of the MMC didn’t impress me either, nor the fact that he had a mistress. So, I really didnt identify with anyone well. Yet certain sections of this story are entertaining and brought a smile or a gasp of “Goodness!” and I felt the antagonist aspect was believable. The series, and the book TEMPERANCE, is a Historical Romance with, I thought, an odd/unusual sense of humor. I read GRACE, bk1 first and preferred those characters more.
2) Although TEMPERANCE is bk2, it could be read as a Standalone novel or out of order. I connected with the main characters in bk1 better - both the narrator’s choice of voice and the character qualities.
READER CAUTION ~
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language, coarse street slang and private musings occur.
VIOLENCE - PG. Mostly mild.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. An intimacy scene occurs at the end. Earlier, innuendos and a mistress mentioned.
March 7, 2024
In all honestly, I have fallen in love with the bumbling, well-meaning father/vicar of this series. This book, however, wasn’t as good as the first and I didn’t really like the two main characters. The Earl was only motivated by lust and sex and never really admitted that he even loved her, just had a raging need to bed her all the time. There wasn’t much to like about Temperance, she wasn’t sweet and she was very dumb and naive to just want to be bedded and not marry. All these things considered, the author does spin a witty tale when she maneuvers the father into the mix. And there is something addicting about turning a confirmed rake. So far, the two books in the series have had one detailed bedroom scene each, and while that isn’t much compared to most novels, it’s too racy for my blood so I doubt I will read anymore.
September 14, 2024
Temperance is the second book in The Shackleford Sisters series. These books are lighthearted comedic takes on regency era novels.
Reverend Shackleford has 8 daughters and needs to marry them off. Having succeeded in getting the eldest Grace married to the Duke of Blackmore his attention has turned to his second daughter Temperance.
Temperance has a hot temper that gets her in trouble often. It's not just her temper, she is very impulsive. These traits lead her to spending a storm in a barn with a stranger.
Adam Coulbourn is an Earl and a Rake who just wants to keep mistresses and not get married. Then he meets Temperance who challenges and argues with him about everything.
The book is a short and enjoyable read. I'll be picking up the third book soon.
Reverend Shackleford has 8 daughters and needs to marry them off. Having succeeded in getting the eldest Grace married to the Duke of Blackmore his attention has turned to his second daughter Temperance.
Temperance has a hot temper that gets her in trouble often. It's not just her temper, she is very impulsive. These traits lead her to spending a storm in a barn with a stranger.
Adam Coulbourn is an Earl and a Rake who just wants to keep mistresses and not get married. Then he meets Temperance who challenges and argues with him about everything.
The book is a short and enjoyable read. I'll be picking up the third book soon.
May 4, 2024
A fascinating read!
Having read the first book in this series, I was keen to read the second one. I was not disappointed!
A wonderful read for those who love historical romance! I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down.
I'm very much looking forward to book three. Highly recommended!
Having read the first book in this series, I was keen to read the second one. I was not disappointed!
A wonderful read for those who love historical romance! I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down.
I'm very much looking forward to book three. Highly recommended!
March 11, 2024
Just slightly less trite and predictable than it's predecessor. I did not roll my eyes at any point in this volume. A solid 3 stars. Will continue with the series as I wait on my holds list that seems to move at a snail's pace.
January 13, 2025
Amusing story. I’ll read the next book in the series.
October 17, 2024
One story line Harlequin-type book with (skippable) sex scene. And male narrator had mmc sounding like 1920’s radio broadcaster, high voice and fast talking 🤣. Imho there are more in the series but i’ll pass.
June 19, 2024
Temperance by Beverley Watts
Book Two of the Shackleford Sisters series was easily as hilarious and exciting as Book One. I urge any prospective reader to locate the audiobook version as it had me giggling constantly, not only with the witty and sarcastic writing, but also with Mark Elstops Monty Python-esque delivery.
We meet Adam, the young Earl of Ravenstone who, having seen the cold and transactional marriage of his parents, has no intention of marrying. Of course, his mother has other plans and lures him to a house party in Devonshire.
Feisty Temperance ‘Temper’ Shackleford, (who suits her nickname far more than her Christian one), is desperately trying to find a way out of etiquette lessons and unconventionally meets Adam in an impromptu rainstorm. Neither guesses that they will run into eachother so soon- at the house party, given by Temperance’s sister and attended by Adams mother.
Another excellent read for regency romance lovers! I’ll be adding ‘a face like a bag of smashed crabs’ to the rest of the choice phrases this series has so far offered up.
Book Two of the Shackleford Sisters series was easily as hilarious and exciting as Book One. I urge any prospective reader to locate the audiobook version as it had me giggling constantly, not only with the witty and sarcastic writing, but also with Mark Elstops Monty Python-esque delivery.
We meet Adam, the young Earl of Ravenstone who, having seen the cold and transactional marriage of his parents, has no intention of marrying. Of course, his mother has other plans and lures him to a house party in Devonshire.
Feisty Temperance ‘Temper’ Shackleford, (who suits her nickname far more than her Christian one), is desperately trying to find a way out of etiquette lessons and unconventionally meets Adam in an impromptu rainstorm. Neither guesses that they will run into eachother so soon- at the house party, given by Temperance’s sister and attended by Adams mother.
Another excellent read for regency romance lovers! I’ll be adding ‘a face like a bag of smashed crabs’ to the rest of the choice phrases this series has so far offered up.
December 22, 2024
wow, where do i even start? first of all, i absolutely adore Temperance. i love how she always stands her ground and does what’s right, no matter what. she refuses to bow to anyone and i admire her so much for that. now, Adam… oh Adam. i have such a love-hate relationship with him. at first, i adored him, then i found myself disliking him for a bit and before i knew it, i was back to loving him again. he’s a decent male lead and i feel like the author really nailed that arc of giving a bad impression at the start, only to completely win you over by the end.
i also have to mention MR SHACKLEFORD. i can’t believe i ever hated this man in the first book!!! he was brilliant and i have such a soft spot for fathers who genuinely try their best for their daughters. every time he appeared, it was a delight.
overall, this was such an incredible read. it was fast-paced, engaging and had me hooked from beginning to the end. i can’t think of a single complaint. this is easily a five star read for me
i also have to mention MR SHACKLEFORD. i can’t believe i ever hated this man in the first book!!! he was brilliant and i have such a soft spot for fathers who genuinely try their best for their daughters. every time he appeared, it was a delight.
overall, this was such an incredible read. it was fast-paced, engaging and had me hooked from beginning to the end. i can’t think of a single complaint. this is easily a five star read for me
June 27, 2022
Vicar Shackleford thought he’d have his pick of husbands for his remaining seven daughters with money to spare for his son. Temperance was not correctly named, punching a suitor left him doubled over. The vicar arranges for Temperance to attend etiquette classes with an ill-suited odious woman. Horrified by that plan, Temperance takes off in a temper.
Adam Colbourne, eighth earl of Ravenstone’s successfully avoided all manner of schemes plots by mothers of eligible young things determined to wed, even as they plotted with his own mother. Travelling to attend his mother, Adam didn’t count on sharing a barn during an overnight rainstorm with a fiery tempered Temperance… with no chaperone!
Torn about the direction of her future, Temperance makes several missteps but Adam suffers from no such conundrum, he wants Temperance. Unaware their subsequent discussion about their shared evening, Temperance and Adam find themselves the subject of blackmail to ruin.
Rating: 3.5stars
Adam Colbourne, eighth earl of Ravenstone’s successfully avoided all manner of schemes plots by mothers of eligible young things determined to wed, even as they plotted with his own mother. Travelling to attend his mother, Adam didn’t count on sharing a barn during an overnight rainstorm with a fiery tempered Temperance… with no chaperone!
Torn about the direction of her future, Temperance makes several missteps but Adam suffers from no such conundrum, he wants Temperance. Unaware their subsequent discussion about their shared evening, Temperance and Adam find themselves the subject of blackmail to ruin.
Rating: 3.5stars
June 30, 2023
Impossible Tangle
Temperance Shackleford has a temper and gets into trouble. She had kicked a boy and injured him. She wanted to go talk to her sister, so she was sneaking out. While walking to her sister house it started to rain and she slipped. She noticed a barn and went there to wait it out.
Adam Colbourne (Earl of Ravenstone) was on his way to the Duke of Blackmore his horse was injured and it was raining. He noticed the barn and decided to wait there.
Adam was resting after taking care of his horse and Temperance shows up. They have back and forth, they both spend the night. Next evening they are at her sister house and she is introduced to Earl of Ravenstone, she realized who it is.
Rumors going around that Temperance and the Earl where together. The Earl is being blackmailed. The search is on for the blackmailer.
Temperance Shackleford has a temper and gets into trouble. She had kicked a boy and injured him. She wanted to go talk to her sister, so she was sneaking out. While walking to her sister house it started to rain and she slipped. She noticed a barn and went there to wait it out.
Adam Colbourne (Earl of Ravenstone) was on his way to the Duke of Blackmore his horse was injured and it was raining. He noticed the barn and decided to wait there.
Adam was resting after taking care of his horse and Temperance shows up. They have back and forth, they both spend the night. Next evening they are at her sister house and she is introduced to Earl of Ravenstone, she realized who it is.
Rumors going around that Temperance and the Earl where together. The Earl is being blackmailed. The search is on for the blackmailer.
December 27, 2024
Tapping down her anger
I absolutely loved Temperance and Adams story. He an Earl and she’s the daughter of the local Vicar! She has a temper that gets her into trouble like taking shelter in a barn in the middle of the night with a man inside. Temperance has never been able to control her temper so when a local lad was teasing her and called her a trollop, she did the only thing that came to mind and that was kicking him in the bullocks!
Her temper is her down fall but when she meets her mysterious man again she finds out not only is he a Lord but one of her sister’s guests.
Adam is stunned to find his dream woman his the Dukes sister-in-law. Every time he looks at her he grows hard!
But with Blackmail in the air can Adam squash the rumors before they even start. A wonderful read with a beautiful ending.
I absolutely loved Temperance and Adams story. He an Earl and she’s the daughter of the local Vicar! She has a temper that gets her into trouble like taking shelter in a barn in the middle of the night with a man inside. Temperance has never been able to control her temper so when a local lad was teasing her and called her a trollop, she did the only thing that came to mind and that was kicking him in the bullocks!
Her temper is her down fall but when she meets her mysterious man again she finds out not only is he a Lord but one of her sister’s guests.
Adam is stunned to find his dream woman his the Dukes sister-in-law. Every time he looks at her he grows hard!
But with Blackmail in the air can Adam squash the rumors before they even start. A wonderful read with a beautiful ending.
November 1, 2025
This had a little more plot to it, and I enjoyed Tempe’s plucky attitude. I do wish the author would have seen Tempe and Adam been given a couple of sentences to discuss the mistress. I didn’t really care for the fact that Adam continued his arrangement with said mistress after the initial meeting, but it wasn’t problematic ultimately. I’m eternally grateful the author didn’t write that Tempe and Adam knocked boots after he had gone to Nicholas’ house straight from the mistress’ bed where Adam had lamented about having gone through the motions but didn’t give his normal enthusiasm 🤢. I did enjoy Tempe’s response to the mistress though when they met. It was also a little fuzzy about how the mistress knew about Adam and Tempe. Anyway, I think the story would have been helped a lot by clearing up those couple of things.
July 29, 2025
Temperance continues the vivacious adventures of the Shackleford family in Regency-era England, blending light, romantic comedy with period charm. Temperance Shackleford, second daughter of the rather beleaguered Reverend, is determined to curb her notorious temper—or so her father believes—by placing her under the tutelage of a suitably refined gentleman.
Although the characters remain quirky and amusing, the storyline feels entirely predictable, following familiar beats without much depth or surprise. There’s mild steam and gentle wit, but it doesn’t dig deeply into emotional or historical complexity.
All in all, Temperance is a perfectly fine, lightweight historical romance—ideal when you want something entertaining that won’t demand too much from its readers. It’s a pleasant diversion, but not one that lingers.
Although the characters remain quirky and amusing, the storyline feels entirely predictable, following familiar beats without much depth or surprise. There’s mild steam and gentle wit, but it doesn’t dig deeply into emotional or historical complexity.
All in all, Temperance is a perfectly fine, lightweight historical romance—ideal when you want something entertaining that won’t demand too much from its readers. It’s a pleasant diversion, but not one that lingers.
January 29, 2024
better than book 1.
This book was better than the first book but still has ways to go. I did find myself rooting for the characters more in this book. But I think the individual character personalities and development still need more work. Why did Temperance have such a temper? The inner dialogue and outer actions were at odds and made the Temper thing seem like a writers gimmick instead of an actual personality trait.
Lastly I enjoyed the secondary characters more in this book than the last however I still feel like the author needs to provide more scenes/interactions within Shackleford family home so we can become acquainted with and begin to care more for the main characters yet to come.
This book was better than the first book but still has ways to go. I did find myself rooting for the characters more in this book. But I think the individual character personalities and development still need more work. Why did Temperance have such a temper? The inner dialogue and outer actions were at odds and made the Temper thing seem like a writers gimmick instead of an actual personality trait.
Lastly I enjoyed the secondary characters more in this book than the last however I still feel like the author needs to provide more scenes/interactions within Shackleford family home so we can become acquainted with and begin to care more for the main characters yet to come.
February 21, 2025
4 STARS, HISTORICAL ROMANCE
4 STARS for Book 2 by Beverly Watts for her remarkable look at a Vicar, a father of 7 daughters, with a humor & drama storyline of the Series: The Shackleford Sisters. A good BLURB is provided. It has some good characters.
You can't help but feel sorry just a little for the poor father or the girls all the opposite of their names. In Book I Grace ended up married to a Duke, but as far as the others who knows. However, some are just 12, 11, & younger so he only has to marry off half of them & then let them take over marrying off the younger sisters when time.
It is worth the read to see what the sister might do and see what their father will get in to.
RECOMMENDED
4 STARS for Book 2 by Beverly Watts for her remarkable look at a Vicar, a father of 7 daughters, with a humor & drama storyline of the Series: The Shackleford Sisters. A good BLURB is provided. It has some good characters.
You can't help but feel sorry just a little for the poor father or the girls all the opposite of their names. In Book I Grace ended up married to a Duke, but as far as the others who knows. However, some are just 12, 11, & younger so he only has to marry off half of them & then let them take over marrying off the younger sisters when time.
It is worth the read to see what the sister might do and see what their father will get in to.
RECOMMENDED
May 13, 2025
I really wanted to like this book so much, but I am so tired of the Reverend Shackleford, the father of eight girls, who is stuck in this stereotypical bumbling pompous person who always makes stupid decisions and bungle things up. The author also tends to repeat the same phrases over and over, Being in a cake, heyvee cavey or something like that and just seems to have a short list of sayings from the time period. I find it quite annoying that there’s not a fresh take. The second story resembles the first far too much. If Book 3 doesn’t show some creativity. I will probably stop reading the series before I finish book 3!
January 8, 2024
Temperance was her name, foul temper was a more apt description of her. Quick to anger and foul mouthed. She was hardly the perfect picture of a vicars daughter. When the butchers son called her a name, she put him in the bed without considering the repercussions. Trying to sneak out at night to go to her married sister for help, she gets caught in a rain storm. Seeking shelter in a barn, she finds it already occupied by a earl also on his way to her sister's house. Her husband the Duke is hosting a houseparty. Now they are forced to spend the night in the barn.
December 17, 2024
Not a fan of this one at all. I found both Adam and Temperance to be completely insufferable. I didn't feel that they both had a relationship or loved each other by the end. I hated them together, especially considering Adam didn't leave Marie until the very end. It was disingenuous. Temperance wasn't much better. She got herself into these horrible situations because she couldn't walk away or thought she knew better. I couldn't stand her. The only reason I finished this book was because of Grace and Nicholas. Yes I'm going on to the next sister because the writing of this series is decent.
December 14, 2023
This is an M rated book, which I didn’t realise it would be.
Those scenes are easy to skip past if you feel inclined, and not many. Otherwise an okay read, although some of the language was coarser at times than necessary and quite out of character with the rest of the book.
Also, the quickness in which they got into bed, while he kept his mistress, and even when the heroine knew this she still wanted to stick around!
Those scenes are easy to skip past if you feel inclined, and not many. Otherwise an okay read, although some of the language was coarser at times than necessary and quite out of character with the rest of the book.
Also, the quickness in which they got into bed, while he kept his mistress, and even when the heroine knew this she still wanted to stick around!
July 16, 2024
The stories in the Shackleford Sisters series are fun little loosely-historically-placed mystery fluff with a tiny bit of spice mixed in. Dialogue is trite and forced, plot is highly predictable, spice is basically the same in every book in the series, but it passed the time entertainingly enough. Unfortunately, Watts needs a better editor. Punctuation and typographical errors run rampant in every book in this series.
October 21, 2024
hmmmm
These are just not for me anymore. I don’t think they are very funny as described and this one had a bit of vulgar language I wan’t expecting. I just didn’t think this was the right genre for that. I was really hoping to like them.
These are just not for me anymore. I don’t think they are very funny as described and this one had a bit of vulgar language I wan’t expecting. I just didn’t think this was the right genre for that. I was really hoping to like them.
June 23, 2025
O Reverendo Shackleford achou que ao casar a primeira filha com um homem tão rico e poderoso - nada menos que um duque - tudo ficaria mais fácil para ele em relação às outras filhas solteiras. Ledo engano.
Na verdade, há uma escassez de bons partidos na cidade onde ele mora. Por isso, ele precisaria da ajuda do genro e da filha mais velha para serem os responsáveis por levarem sua próxima filha solteira para Londres e ajudá-la a se casar.
Mas um um enorme empecilho: a própria Temperança.
Temperança significa ter moderação, equilíbrio e parcimônia em suas atitudes. A filha dele é muita coisa, exceto isso.
Ela é conhecida por ser muito bonita, mas também pelo gênio de pavio curto e responder às provocações da pior forma possível, com violência.
O pai, então, decide que ela precisa de um certo refinamento, para isso, ele contrata uma viúva na cidade, Lady Gertrude Fotheringale.
Porém, algo nessa mulher não cheira bem (talvez seja o bafo dela por fumar charutos), e Temperança foge para a casa da irmã em busca de ajuda.
Uma tempestade aparece do nada, e ela se vê obrigada a se refugiar numa propriedade abandonada, e ao chegar lá, descobre que não passará a noite sozinha.
Adam Colbourse, o 8° Conde de Ravenstone, já estava de saco cheio das artimanhas da mãe para forçá-lo a se casar, coisa que ele não estava interessado.
Depois de receber quatro recados enviados pela mãe, este última dizendo que ela estava batendo as botas, ele resolve ir vê-la e tentar contê-la. Ela passava uma temporada na casa do Duque de Blackmore.
Adam envia a carruagem com seu valete e malas na frente, e segue a cavalo. Isso acaba por atrasá-lo já que ao forçar demais o cavalo, o animal acaba tendo uma pedra presa no casco, o que o faz mancar.
Para fugir da forte chuva que se aproximava, ele encontra uma velha propriedade. Porém, sua paz logo é perturbada pela chegada de uma jovem que teve a mesma ideia que ele.
Esse primeiro encontro deixou impressões fortes em cada um, mas também alguma animosidade, afinal, Temperança não iria deixar de responder à altura só porque ele era o homem mais bonito que ela já havia encontrado.
Por ele se hospedar na casa do cunhado de Temperança, seria impossível eles nunca mais se encontrarem, mas o que os faz ter que assumir um compromisso - não desejado - foi uma chantagem criada em cima de um mal-entendido.
Enquanto tentam descobrir a verdadeira identidade do chantagista, Adam e Temperança se veem presos num jogo de descobertas e conformidades, quando se torna impossível fugir do destino.
-----
Mais uma vez, a parte cômica da história fica a cargo do reverendo, que em atos de desespero acaba por protagonizar as cenas mais estranhas.
O casal tem uma faísca de química; algo que se tivesse sido trabalhado um pouco mais ficaria perfeito.
A tal personalidade forte da protagonista é mencionada, mas quase nada mostrada. Logo ela se torna uma moça com comportamento assustado e quieta no canto; totalmente diferente do que é prometido na sinopse.
Ainda acho que a editora deveria trazer a árvore genealógica dos Shackleford já que a série é composta por inúmeros livros, e as irmãs são de mães diferentes.
A capa é maravilhosa. Leitura leve, dá para ler numa tarde.
3 estrelas
Na verdade, há uma escassez de bons partidos na cidade onde ele mora. Por isso, ele precisaria da ajuda do genro e da filha mais velha para serem os responsáveis por levarem sua próxima filha solteira para Londres e ajudá-la a se casar.
Mas um um enorme empecilho: a própria Temperança.
Temperança significa ter moderação, equilíbrio e parcimônia em suas atitudes. A filha dele é muita coisa, exceto isso.
Ela é conhecida por ser muito bonita, mas também pelo gênio de pavio curto e responder às provocações da pior forma possível, com violência.
O pai, então, decide que ela precisa de um certo refinamento, para isso, ele contrata uma viúva na cidade, Lady Gertrude Fotheringale.
Porém, algo nessa mulher não cheira bem (talvez seja o bafo dela por fumar charutos), e Temperança foge para a casa da irmã em busca de ajuda.
Uma tempestade aparece do nada, e ela se vê obrigada a se refugiar numa propriedade abandonada, e ao chegar lá, descobre que não passará a noite sozinha.
Adam Colbourse, o 8° Conde de Ravenstone, já estava de saco cheio das artimanhas da mãe para forçá-lo a se casar, coisa que ele não estava interessado.
Depois de receber quatro recados enviados pela mãe, este última dizendo que ela estava batendo as botas, ele resolve ir vê-la e tentar contê-la. Ela passava uma temporada na casa do Duque de Blackmore.
Adam envia a carruagem com seu valete e malas na frente, e segue a cavalo. Isso acaba por atrasá-lo já que ao forçar demais o cavalo, o animal acaba tendo uma pedra presa no casco, o que o faz mancar.
Para fugir da forte chuva que se aproximava, ele encontra uma velha propriedade. Porém, sua paz logo é perturbada pela chegada de uma jovem que teve a mesma ideia que ele.
Esse primeiro encontro deixou impressões fortes em cada um, mas também alguma animosidade, afinal, Temperança não iria deixar de responder à altura só porque ele era o homem mais bonito que ela já havia encontrado.
Por ele se hospedar na casa do cunhado de Temperança, seria impossível eles nunca mais se encontrarem, mas o que os faz ter que assumir um compromisso - não desejado - foi uma chantagem criada em cima de um mal-entendido.
Enquanto tentam descobrir a verdadeira identidade do chantagista, Adam e Temperança se veem presos num jogo de descobertas e conformidades, quando se torna impossível fugir do destino.
-----
Mais uma vez, a parte cômica da história fica a cargo do reverendo, que em atos de desespero acaba por protagonizar as cenas mais estranhas.
O casal tem uma faísca de química; algo que se tivesse sido trabalhado um pouco mais ficaria perfeito.
A tal personalidade forte da protagonista é mencionada, mas quase nada mostrada. Logo ela se torna uma moça com comportamento assustado e quieta no canto; totalmente diferente do que é prometido na sinopse.
Ainda acho que a editora deveria trazer a árvore genealógica dos Shackleford já que a série é composta por inúmeros livros, e as irmãs são de mães diferentes.
A capa é maravilhosa. Leitura leve, dá para ler numa tarde.
3 estrelas
December 13, 2024
The Shackleford Sisters #2 : Temperance by Beverley Watts
In this humorous novella-style historical romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on Regency society in a delightful mix of Jane Austen's wit and Bridgerton's charm. Reverend Augustus Shackleford is on a mission to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight unruly daughters—a tall order, given that he has let them run wild their entire lives. Not one of them possesses a single ladylike bone, and chaos inevitably ensues, full of harebrained schemes, havey-cavey, adventures, and plenty of sisterly affection.
Synopsis: The second installment of The Shackleford Sisters focuses on Temperance, the Reverend's second-eldest daughter. After marrying off his eldest, Grace, to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, Reverend Shackleford thought his troubles were over. Unfortunately, Temperance proves to be the exact opposite of her name. Her idea of "modest reserve" involves kicking miscreants in the shins rather than the bollocks, leaving her father despairing of ever finding her a suitable match. Unless someone can teach her to hold her temper, the Reverend fears he'll be stuck with her forever.
Review: The story introduces a lively cast of characters, including Adam Colbourne, the eighth Earl of Ravenstone, who has no interest in taking a wife; Lady Gertrude Fotheringale, a conwoman posing as an impoverished genteel widow; and, of course, Temperance herself—a foul-mouthed, hot-tempered, raven-haired termagant. With Reverend Shackleford still bumbling his way through schemes that inevitably backfire, readers are treated to barn encounters, blackmail, shootings, pride, and the looming threat of ruin.
This book is marginally better than the first book in that the plot and the characters were more relaxed therefore more entertaining . It's clear the series leans more heavily on comedy than on romance or quote on quote steam aspects. The Shackleford Sisters #2: Temperance is short, silly, and enjoyable—provided you don't take it too seriously. Two down, six to go!
In this humorous novella-style historical romance series, the Shackleford sisters descend on Regency society in a delightful mix of Jane Austen's wit and Bridgerton's charm. Reverend Augustus Shackleford is on a mission to secure advantageous marriages for each of his eight unruly daughters—a tall order, given that he has let them run wild their entire lives. Not one of them possesses a single ladylike bone, and chaos inevitably ensues, full of harebrained schemes, havey-cavey, adventures, and plenty of sisterly affection.
Synopsis: The second installment of The Shackleford Sisters focuses on Temperance, the Reverend's second-eldest daughter. After marrying off his eldest, Grace, to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, Reverend Shackleford thought his troubles were over. Unfortunately, Temperance proves to be the exact opposite of her name. Her idea of "modest reserve" involves kicking miscreants in the shins rather than the bollocks, leaving her father despairing of ever finding her a suitable match. Unless someone can teach her to hold her temper, the Reverend fears he'll be stuck with her forever.
Review: The story introduces a lively cast of characters, including Adam Colbourne, the eighth Earl of Ravenstone, who has no interest in taking a wife; Lady Gertrude Fotheringale, a conwoman posing as an impoverished genteel widow; and, of course, Temperance herself—a foul-mouthed, hot-tempered, raven-haired termagant. With Reverend Shackleford still bumbling his way through schemes that inevitably backfire, readers are treated to barn encounters, blackmail, shootings, pride, and the looming threat of ruin.
This book is marginally better than the first book in that the plot and the characters were more relaxed therefore more entertaining . It's clear the series leans more heavily on comedy than on romance or quote on quote steam aspects. The Shackleford Sisters #2: Temperance is short, silly, and enjoyable—provided you don't take it too seriously. Two down, six to go!
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