ABOUT BREE
BREE WOLF is a USA Today bestselling author and award-winning word wizard, who is rarely seen without a book in hand or fingers glued to the keyboard.
Two Intertwined Love Stories (A Story in Two Parts): Winning her Hand & Conquering her Heart
Part One: Winning her Hand
Lady Winifred knows precisely how to choose the perfect husband: by making a list of suitable attributes and comparing them to the gentlemen of her acquaintance. Trent Henwood, Earl of Chadwick, is shocked when the woman he has loved all his life refuses to consider him for a husband…because he doesn’t fit her list. Determined, Trent challenges her idea of marriage, but will Winifred listen?
Part Two: Conquering her Heart
With a slew of suitors hell-bent on getting their hands on her dowry, Miss Abigail Abbott wonders what it would take to send them running for the hills. Griffin Ramsey, Earl of Amberly, seriously doubts his sister’s love for him when she insists he make the acquaintance of the most awful woman he’s ever laid eyes upon. Dressed like a giant insect, Miss Abbott seems to have made it her goal in life to inflict injury upon her fellow man. Until one afternoon changes everything and makes Griffin look at young Miss Abbott with different eyes.
BREE WOLF is a USA Today bestselling author and award-winning word wizard, who is rarely seen without a book in hand or fingers glued to the keyboard.
I love this book. I had previously read novellas found in this book but it is so fun to read them in succession. Upon returning to England after touring the world for five years, Winifred and Griffin make a pact. Griffin will find Winifred a "suitable" match and then Winifred will return the favor by finding Griffin a wonderful match. Winfred's story is in the first novella, Winning Her Hand. Griffin's amusing story is in the second novella, Conquering Her Heart. Both are delightfully entertaining!
On returning from the Continent after five years, Winifred decides it is time she married. She is firmly of the belief that compatibility is the key to a happy marriage and writes up a list of her qualities that need to be matched in a husband. Love is not a requirement and certainly the annoying, irritating, teasing Trent who she has known since childhood and calls her by the unflattering nickname of Fred, is not in the running.
Abigail is grieving and not in a place to think about marriage, however her new found grandfather (a Duke) is thrusting her into the Season with a large dowry and suitors are swarming like flies. And so, she dresses in bad taste, speaks in a high pitched voice, stomps on the feet of her dancing partners and spills drinks over them. This keeps most of the suitors away but also the ladies. When Winifred strikes up conversation with her she is soon dropping most of her pretence but feels betrayed when introduced to Griffin, Winifred’s brother. Enjoyable quick story, though they fell in love too quickly for my liking.
Note: I was surprised that Abigail wasn’t in mourning for her father but wearing bright colours and dancing.
WINNING HER HAND:
For a novella, this sure packs a lot.
Winifred has decided that it's time to get married and have a family before time runs out and she asks her brother to find her a husband, BUT, she is adamant that it cannot be a love match.
Trent, her brother's friend, has been in love with her for ages but she also doesn't want a fiery match which he would be.
So, how does one find someone that will be suitable for her?
Brilliant story, very clever theme and as usual it has been extremely well written and held my attention throughout.
I loved both of the main characters' strengths and weaknesses, the way they teased each other and the clever way Trent went about getting her to notice his good points.
This is a beautiful story that has happy ending and as I enjoyed it so much, I am happy to recommend it.
CONQUERING HER HEART:
This is Griffin and Abigail's story and tells us what his sister, Winifred, does to find him a wife - much to his dismay.
It is beautifully written (as is usual for this author) and packs a lot into a novella sized story which is full of twists and turns and mischief and shows very clearly that it is possible to go against the 'normal' and still have a great outcome.
I just loved Abigail's cleverly thought out plan to not get a husband which she puts into action going against her father's insistence that she get married very soon.
Bree Wolf has never disappointed me with her stories and this novella was yet another example of excellent craftsmanship.
I happily recommend this as a very enjoyable and entertaining story.
Rowan and Isabella’s story is a little strange for the time period and I completely enjoyed it. Well written with interesting characters and an outrageous plot. This story includes some fun bits and steam. Another fine addition to the series from this author.
This instalment covers the twins finding their futures while saving their brother from being blackmailed into marrying someone he does not love. Will Isabella be able to steal the evidence and accept gossip is not her whole life. Will Rowan realise what is in front of him & accept he is worthy of the place his adopted family have gifted him. I found this a really fun witty story. Isabella is quick of mind and saves the situation often, and the steam is also there between her and Rowan. Even the sneezing attacks was charming. Really enjoyed this story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series, A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship, not only for its ironically-named sub-title, but also for its humor and heart. The Duke of Clearford, creator of the "guide" has pretty much given up on advising potential suitors how to court his sisters. The first three are married, and now it's Isabella's turn. Like the others, she's not particularly interested in marriage--and why would she be when she already has so much freedom?
Rowan Haws is not interested in marriage either, but a potential business deal requires marriage, so he convinces Isabella to play the part of his wife. This ends with predictable results. The way that Isabella can bend the rules of society to pull off this deception is what I find especially surprising.
Lane’s books are always filled with laughs, clever dialogue, and intense sex scenes. Her complex characters always experience transformations. Isabella and Rowan are no exception. Isabella learns she can relinquish the need to control everything because Rowan will be there to keep her safe. Rowan, who had vowed not to marry, takes a bit longer to transform. He needs to see himself as worthy of Isabella and accept the love and acceptance that has been offered to him by his adoptive parents. Then, he needs to face his fears of rejection from the upper classes. Yes, some will reject him, but he doesn’t need their acceptance. Isabella and the very large extended family forming around her will accept him with open arms as soon as he stops hiding. And as long as he has her, he can withstand the disapproval from those who don’t matter.
I love this author and her wild creativity. A story filled with steam, gossip, chemistry, secrets, wit, and more. It just sizzles!
Rowan has an instant attraction to Isabella. She's a lady pretending to be a maid. Rowan is a bachelor who wants to own an inn but who must marry first to have a chance at it.
What starts out as a pretend marriage turns into opportunities of a lifetime. The characters are amazing and outstanding. The story is so engaging that I couldn't put it down. Don't miss this one, you will really regret it.
Lady Isabella Merriweather hoards gossip like dragon’s gold, especially now that her brother Samuel the Duke of Clearford’s happiness is at stake. She’ll do anything to ensure he marries the right woman, even donning a maid’s uniform and challenging a mysterious hotelier who wants her to be his wife. Rowan Trent needs a pretend bride, not a real one as he’s busy buying a new inn, a deal in danger when the owner refuses to sell to a bachelor.
The fifth book in the series but it’s easily read on its own. Another absolute delight I loved both Rowan & Isabella & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA, witty banter, sizzling chemistry made for a book I found very hard to put down & I devoured it in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own