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Gentlemen of Fortune #1
Married: The Virgin Widow
Her hands bound by blackmail and duty, Laura Penrose was forced to marry her sweetheart's ruthless cousin. Now a widow, her sweetheart has returned.Ford Barrett, Lord Kingsfold, believes Laura betrayed him and has a debt to pay--she owes him a wedding... and a wedding night!
Laura sacrificed herself once out of duty--she won't be taken again for revenge. But this new, dark, dangerous Ford discards her pleas.... Can she tell him she never wronged him, before he discovers her more innocent secret?
Laura sacrificed herself once out of duty--she won't be taken again for revenge. But this new, dark, dangerous Ford discards her pleas.... Can she tell him she never wronged him, before he discovers her more innocent secret?
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 30, 2010
24 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 22, 2018
Yo empecé al revés. Leí de primero el segundo, luego el tercero y de último el primero. Pero lo bueno es que cada cosa ocurre en lugares distintos y casi paralelos y no influye mucho.
Ahora tocó el turno de Simon y Laura. Ellos estuvieron comprometidos hace siete años, pero ella rompió con él y se embarcó a la India, donde amasó una fortuna y una sed de venganza por su orgullo herido.
Sinceramente el inicio me disgustó un poco, porque aunque él hablaba de "venganza" era obvio que se derretía de amor por ella todavía. Lo mismo se aplica a Laura. Y aunque ambos trataban de tratarse con indiferencia, no lo lograron ni por un momento. Ahora, todo se pone muchísimo mejor cuando sabemos que ella esconde un as bajo la manga, también el hecho de su virginidad intacta, hay cosas que le ponen mucho "sabor" a la trama hasta el final..
Ahora tocó el turno de Simon y Laura. Ellos estuvieron comprometidos hace siete años, pero ella rompió con él y se embarcó a la India, donde amasó una fortuna y una sed de venganza por su orgullo herido.
Sinceramente el inicio me disgustó un poco, porque aunque él hablaba de "venganza" era obvio que se derretía de amor por ella todavía. Lo mismo se aplica a Laura. Y aunque ambos trataban de tratarse con indiferencia, no lo lograron ni por un momento. Ahora, todo se pone muchísimo mejor cuando sabemos que ella esconde un as bajo la manga, también el hecho de su virginidad intacta, hay cosas que le ponen mucho "sabor" a la trama hasta el final..
October 15, 2017
Bien, hasta ahí. Quizá sería 2 y media.
Es que muchos de los problemas se originan en secretos. ¿Por qué no aclararlos y listo?
Está bien, hay resentimientos y manipulaciones familiares.
Por la mitad bastante bien pero la actitud de Ford ante el último secreto me pareció excesiva. Y después todo se arregla en un pif-paf.
Este es el primer libro de la serie Caballeros de fortuna, que leí exactamente en el orden inverso. Se puede pero se pierden algunas cosas.
Es que muchos de los problemas se originan en secretos. ¿Por qué no aclararlos y listo?
Está bien, hay resentimientos y manipulaciones familiares.
Por la mitad bastante bien pero la actitud de Ford ante el último secreto me pareció excesiva. Y después todo se arregla en un pif-paf.
Este es el primer libro de la serie Caballeros de fortuna, que leí exactamente en el orden inverso. Se puede pero se pierden algunas cosas.
May 24, 2011
MARRIED THE VIRGIN WIDOW is a classic Regency era romance. What makes it a classic in my opinion is not so much the great romance between Laura and Ford, but the way Deborah Hale captures the life of the entire community, just the way Jane Austen used to do. When Laura and Ford get together, it doesn't just mean happiness for them. The neighbors, the servants, the tenants, and the immediate family are all deeply involved in the outcome of the marriage. (Laura's two younger sisters are wonderful heroines, BTW, and I was really disappointed that one of them is already married!) Deborah Hale does an amazing job of creating a real look at what the marriage means to an entire community, not just to the lovable hero and heroine.
Ford is the kind of hero who means to punish the heroine at first, but soon ends up falling in love with her. Laura is the kind of noble, dignified, gentle and patient heroine who is able to disarm almost any form of anger with her natural goodness. Watching the two of them get together is a real treat, both when they are at social occasions and in their more intimate moments -- like when he rescues her from a sudden rain storm.
As an experienced author of romance, Deborah Hale is an expert at utilizing "The Big Misunderstanding" to keep the hero and heroine apart. The structure of this novel shifts most of the evil deeds into the past, yet through Deborah Hale's masterful plotting the evil villain Cyrus is a very chilling presence right up to the last page of the novel. The details of his Machiavellian machinations are both gripping and heart-rending, for the plots he laid before his death still cast a shadow over Laura and Ford. At times it was a little exasperating to see how stubborn they both are about hiding things from each other, but as Laura says at the end of the book, "I am sick of secrets."
I would definitely recommend this book to any readers of Regency or historical romance.
Ford is the kind of hero who means to punish the heroine at first, but soon ends up falling in love with her. Laura is the kind of noble, dignified, gentle and patient heroine who is able to disarm almost any form of anger with her natural goodness. Watching the two of them get together is a real treat, both when they are at social occasions and in their more intimate moments -- like when he rescues her from a sudden rain storm.
As an experienced author of romance, Deborah Hale is an expert at utilizing "The Big Misunderstanding" to keep the hero and heroine apart. The structure of this novel shifts most of the evil deeds into the past, yet through Deborah Hale's masterful plotting the evil villain Cyrus is a very chilling presence right up to the last page of the novel. The details of his Machiavellian machinations are both gripping and heart-rending, for the plots he laid before his death still cast a shadow over Laura and Ford. At times it was a little exasperating to see how stubborn they both are about hiding things from each other, but as Laura says at the end of the book, "I am sick of secrets."
I would definitely recommend this book to any readers of Regency or historical romance.
June 26, 2011
I'm a sucker for those "forced to marry" scenarios in romance novels. I don't know why, but I've always loved them! This story's got a nice twist though!
Ford (love that name) and Laura were supposed to wed years ago. Laura ended up breaking off the engagement and married another man for the good of her family, but Ford never understood why she left him and fled to the Indies.
When her husband dies and leaves her penniless, Ford returns and forces her to get engaged to him. Of course, they end up falling in love again, but there are a lot of twists and turns that keep you interested throughout the way!
The hero in this book is one of those wounded, angry heroes that just oozes sexy everytime he shows up on the page. I've always loved Deborah Hale's heroes and this one was no exception!
Great read!!
Ford (love that name) and Laura were supposed to wed years ago. Laura ended up breaking off the engagement and married another man for the good of her family, but Ford never understood why she left him and fled to the Indies.
When her husband dies and leaves her penniless, Ford returns and forces her to get engaged to him. Of course, they end up falling in love again, but there are a lot of twists and turns that keep you interested throughout the way!
The hero in this book is one of those wounded, angry heroes that just oozes sexy everytime he shows up on the page. I've always loved Deborah Hale's heroes and this one was no exception!
Great read!!
June 21, 2020
Too boring - did not finish....sorry
March 10, 2011
Well for being a book about a theme I'm not crazy about, the big misunderstanding, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this one. Laura Penrose was forced to marry her sweethearts ruthless cousin, Cyrus and it forced Ford Barrett away to make his fortune abroad. Laura was engaged to Ford but abruptly ended their engagement via a letter and it broke Fords heart, and as he had creditors after him, he had to flee. Ford has now returned to claim his late cousins title and with the plan to extract revenge on Laura by forcing her to marry him and finally laying claim to her.
Ah, but of course, the love that Laura and Ford once shared reflares almost instantly and they slowly start up a new relationship. Ford is very sweet to Lauras ailing mother and her two sisters and it helps break down a few barriers. Laura is holding a secret very close to her and eventually agrees to marry Ford to help her family, who is broke.
Now, there were many times I wanted to shake both of them and say "just talk to each other already" but the story moved along with bits and pieces of their battered past coming to light often enough that it helped with the flow. When all the secrets of the past are finally revealed, Ford naturally over reacts but thankfully Laura sticks to her guns and finds a happily ever after for both of them. Their is a sweet side story for one of Lauras sisters that was a cute bonus. I mainly read this one as I had picked up the next in this miniseries, Bought: The Penniless Lady and it was nice to get a quick glimpse of the next characters. Overall though, this is a good story about one of my least favorite story lines and well done with just enough steam that I look forward to more books by Deborah Hale. 3 1/2 stars
Ah, but of course, the love that Laura and Ford once shared reflares almost instantly and they slowly start up a new relationship. Ford is very sweet to Lauras ailing mother and her two sisters and it helps break down a few barriers. Laura is holding a secret very close to her and eventually agrees to marry Ford to help her family, who is broke.
Now, there were many times I wanted to shake both of them and say "just talk to each other already" but the story moved along with bits and pieces of their battered past coming to light often enough that it helped with the flow. When all the secrets of the past are finally revealed, Ford naturally over reacts but thankfully Laura sticks to her guns and finds a happily ever after for both of them. Their is a sweet side story for one of Lauras sisters that was a cute bonus. I mainly read this one as I had picked up the next in this miniseries, Bought: The Penniless Lady and it was nice to get a quick glimpse of the next characters. Overall though, this is a good story about one of my least favorite story lines and well done with just enough steam that I look forward to more books by Deborah Hale. 3 1/2 stars
January 19, 2012
Deb Hale always pens an enthralling story, and for those who long for different venues from the ubiquitous English-set Regency, this is a read for you! This series features three friends and business partners who set off to make their fortunes in exotic Singapore. Hale's evocative writing lets you see, taste and smell the fascinating city that draws in her heroes - and the heroines who capture the hearts of these rugged self-made men.
MARRIED features Laura Penrose, who to protect her family is forced to marry the cousin of the man she loves. Thinking she betrayed him, Ford Barrett sets out for Singapore, where he makes his fortune--and ends up inheriting the estate of the cousin Laura married. Now obliged to return to England to take up his duties as Lord Kingsfold, Ford wants revenge...and Laura.
MARRIED features Laura Penrose, who to protect her family is forced to marry the cousin of the man she loves. Thinking she betrayed him, Ford Barrett sets out for Singapore, where he makes his fortune--and ends up inheriting the estate of the cousin Laura married. Now obliged to return to England to take up his duties as Lord Kingsfold, Ford wants revenge...and Laura.
February 28, 2013
I loved getting to know Ford and Laura. Their complicated past kept me turning the pages and hoping that they would finally find love together. Ford returns home with quite a chip on his shoulder, which I don't blame him, but Laura doesn't deserve his revenge. As facts get revealed, he is forced to rethink his plans. My heart went out to both of them. I can't wait to read the next in this series.
There is just something special about Deborah Hale's books for me. I really respond to her style and characters. My emotions run deeper, my attachment to her stories never ends. I reread her books whenever I need that connection. LOL I just finished this one and am already looking forward to reading it again! Definitely one I will recommend to everyone who will listen.
There is just something special about Deborah Hale's books for me. I really respond to her style and characters. My emotions run deeper, my attachment to her stories never ends. I reread her books whenever I need that connection. LOL I just finished this one and am already looking forward to reading it again! Definitely one I will recommend to everyone who will listen.
March 20, 2011
I oh so enjoyed this one. I am often reading one of Deborah Hale's books standing up - in my kitchen cooking supper, watching my kids play - because once I start reading them they are hard to put down. This definitely falls into that category. Definitely worth a look - nice internal conflict, sustained right until the end. I've already started on the second book in this series and I suspect I'll be reading that one over my stove too:)
March 24, 2012
What went wrong here?
This story had such a fabulous potential, and I hate to admit how disappointed it left me.
Both Ford and Laura are likable enough, it started just right, it has all the elements to make it an interesting read, the plot is good...
But, somewhere along the way it just became too complicated, too love you/hate you/love you, too indecisive, too... I have no idea whatsoever.
It simply left me completely detached, and unfortunately feeling it was executed quite poorly.
This story had such a fabulous potential, and I hate to admit how disappointed it left me.
Both Ford and Laura are likable enough, it started just right, it has all the elements to make it an interesting read, the plot is good...
But, somewhere along the way it just became too complicated, too love you/hate you/love you, too indecisive, too... I have no idea whatsoever.
It simply left me completely detached, and unfortunately feeling it was executed quite poorly.
October 23, 2011
An interesting historical story about a woman who to save her family has married the cousin of the man she loved but who left her. The cousin has died and the man returns to take his 'title'. Really finding out what happened and why is interesting. The storyline moves along quite nicely. There's plenty of interesting things to find out.
April 28, 2011
This was a great start to Deborah Hale's Gentlemen of Fortune series. The characters intrigued you, the storyline moved at a perfect pace and I wanted to stay up late to finish it to find out how it ended. I was not disappointed. Now I'm anxious to start book 2!
May 7, 2012
This book was rubbish. It felt so disjointed, one thing happened then another thing happened without any warning what so ever even though it related to what had just happened. It was slow and drawn out.
June 27, 2013
I expected this to be a shallow historical romance novel . It was a far cry from being that . I was extremely surprised ( in a pleasant manner ) to see that it had depth both in the plot and in character development . It was really well thought and i loved the suspense .!
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March 1, 2011Miniseries: Gentlemen of Fortune
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December 24, 2014Miniseries: Gentlemen of Fortune
December 4, 2011
A story of lost love and second chances. I enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next related book - His Penniless Lady.
May 31, 2017
the story has so much ups and down it's like a roller coaster but at least everything is justified.
I enjoyed this story thoroughly.
I enjoyed this story thoroughly.
July 28, 2018
Me gusto mucho, es una clásica novela donde los secretos son el plato principal, pero al fina triunfa el amor
August 9, 2018
Great characters. Wonderful plot. Secrets to the end before revealed. I loved Laura, the leading woman character. She was strong and sensitive. Great book. I would recommend this.
March 18, 2019
je me suis un peu ennuyer
January 8, 2020
Poor editing
Throughout the book words are split apart randomly. Very irr itat ing! The story is good enough to keep the reader going.
Throughout the book words are split apart randomly. Very irr itat ing! The story is good enough to keep the reader going.
September 2, 2016
3 and a half stars
This is a really good story. It's got all the elements of a good Regency historical in a country setting, which is not very common in this type of novel. The plot is complex without being too far-fetched and the characters are very well-rounded and likeable. I could not give it a 4-star rating because I really think the last 'secret' to be revealed did not merit the hero, Ford's excessive reaction. And given that Laura's first husband was crooked, I knew that bigamy could not have been anything but a product of his devious mind. And yet, Laura doesn't question it, and neither does Ford. Instead, despite their so-called love for each other, they are both ready to believe the worst. To add insult to injury, Ford chooses to resolve this dilemma by hurting his marriage and the woman he loves rather than verifying the facts first. Well, to my mind this part of the plot did spoil the ending somewhat. Hence why I could not rate it any higher. Otherwise, it is certainly a good story and an enjoyable read.
This is a really good story. It's got all the elements of a good Regency historical in a country setting, which is not very common in this type of novel. The plot is complex without being too far-fetched and the characters are very well-rounded and likeable. I could not give it a 4-star rating because I really think the last 'secret' to be revealed did not merit the hero, Ford's excessive reaction. And given that Laura's first husband was crooked, I knew that bigamy could not have been anything but a product of his devious mind. And yet, Laura doesn't question it, and neither does Ford. Instead, despite their so-called love for each other, they are both ready to believe the worst. To add insult to injury, Ford chooses to resolve this dilemma by hurting his marriage and the woman he loves rather than verifying the facts first. Well, to my mind this part of the plot did spoil the ending somewhat. Hence why I could not rate it any higher. Otherwise, it is certainly a good story and an enjoyable read.
March 19, 2011
I have been staring at the blank screen for a few minutes trying to decide how to start...
I like the premise for this book - they were going to marry but his evil cousin got in the way. He left the country has turned into a hard man and has returned years later because his cousin has died.
She was tricked into marrying the cousin, she had to protect her family and is hurt and confused by Ford's behaviour now that his back.
It is a typical Harlequin Historical, if you don't read them it hard to understand why anyone would but I am not going to explain it now. I would have liked a bit more tension between I think there was an opportunity for a little more heat there.
All in all - Harlequin time well spent.
I like the premise for this book - they were going to marry but his evil cousin got in the way. He left the country has turned into a hard man and has returned years later because his cousin has died.
She was tricked into marrying the cousin, she had to protect her family and is hurt and confused by Ford's behaviour now that his back.
It is a typical Harlequin Historical, if you don't read them it hard to understand why anyone would but I am not going to explain it now. I would have liked a bit more tension between I think there was an opportunity for a little more heat there.
All in all - Harlequin time well spent.
November 30, 2011
I always believe in family and family bonds so I get crazy angry when family hurts other family members. So I was terribly mad at dead Cyrus in this story. Laura is the heroine in this story of silence and lies. There are three kind of lies; white lies (compliments), lies by omission (silent lies) and malicious lies (nasty Machiavellian lies). There are a lot of all three in this romance novel. Ms. Hale is a master in the misunderstood unrequited love plot. I usually get frustrated by this type of story, but I was carried along with the flow of the story and I finished it at 2 a.m. when I have to wake up at 7:30 a.m for the morning school run, and I couldn't stop myself. So I would like to give 3 stars, but I'm too tired right now so...
2 and a half stars
2 and a half stars
September 12, 2011
This is part of a series by Deb Hale about three partners in a trading business in Singapore. In this one, the hero's come home in triumph after leaving England poor, to make his fortune. He's angry at the heroine (his former sweetheart), believing he was betrayed by her, and determined to make her pay. By marrying her. But she won't marry out of duty again. He has to love her--and while she's resisting him, they discover a lot of things aren't the way either one of them thought they were...there's some old family issues lingering that caused a lot of stupid problems--but now they can fix them. I enjoyed the story.
August 1, 2011
I began this series out of order. Book #2 was really good so I went back to read book#1 before I moved onto book #3.
Here in book #1 Ford is informed his uncle is dead leaving him the Lordship. Ford is excited to finally receive it as well as tempted to get revenge on the widow who was originally HIS fiancé! His intent is mean but once he lays eyes in Laura after 7 yrs he is reminded of his past love for her…I don’t want to ruin the story … so I recommend this story it has a few twist in turn as they try to trust one another again and figure out what went wrong 7 years ago.
Here in book #1 Ford is informed his uncle is dead leaving him the Lordship. Ford is excited to finally receive it as well as tempted to get revenge on the widow who was originally HIS fiancé! His intent is mean but once he lays eyes in Laura after 7 yrs he is reminded of his past love for her…I don’t want to ruin the story … so I recommend this story it has a few twist in turn as they try to trust one another again and figure out what went wrong 7 years ago.
July 22, 2011
This series starts off well. There's not a ton about the trade, but it does deal with the issues of inheritance, primogeniture, expectations, and love. Which is quite reasonable for a novel. I really enjoyed it.
August 27, 2017
I wish the story would of been more to my liking.
May 14, 2014
It was a cute story but lacking. Just seemed like so much drama that could have been fixed if the couple would have just really talked to each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews