Can She Trust a Man Who Once Broke Her Heart?

About the Book

Book: Never Love a Lord

Author: Regina Scott

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Fortune’s Brides: The Wedding Vow #4

Release Date: November 7, 2022

Summary: He refused to court her once. Can she trust his intentions this time?

Spunky Petunia Bateman may be a commoner, but she is far from common. Anyone who cannot appreciate that is not worth her time. Then her best friend’s fiancé, the deposed crown prince of Batavaria, awards her a title, and the man she once loved decides she might be worth another look. Think again, sir!

Lord Ashforde had considered the lovely Miss Bateman for his bride three years ago. But his family history convinced Ash that cool heads and calm demeanors must prevail. There is nothing cool and calm about his feelings for Petunia, which have only grown since he rashly decided against her. But can he convince her, and himself, to give their love another try?

When the prince asks Petunia to persuade Ash to take up their cause to see their kingdom restored, the two are thrown together, and the enemies of Batavaria take note. Can love blossom amid skullduggery? Especially with an unlikely couple that might be made for each other?

About the Author

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first Regency romance novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Regency romance The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998). In 2011, she was delighted to move into Christian romance with the publication of The Irresistible Earl. October 2019 marked her debut for prestigious publisher Revell. Her novels have been translated into Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese; and a large number have been issued in hardcover, large print editions.

Her books have won praise and awards from industry professionals and readers alike. She has twice won the prestigious RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice award for best historical Christian romance of its type, for The Heiress’s Homecoming in 2013 and Would-Be Wilderness Wife in 2015. Booklist, the magazine of the American Library Association, named her book, A Distance Too Grand, one of the top ten romances of 2019. Never Doubt a Duke, the first book in her bestselling Fortune’s Brides series, was picked by staffers at Hope by the Book as one of the best reads of 2018. And, in 2022, she hit the Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller List in the Religious category for a reprint of Would-Be Wilderness Wife.

Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two grown sons. They reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally–both her parents were excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for A Match for Mother the novella, which was written as a tribute to her.

Regina Scott has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, dressed as a Regency dandy, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course. Her extensive historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection takes up the entire closet in her office.

She has been featured a number of places. Find them in her website at http://www.reginascott.com/about.htm

My Review

This novel is the perfect read for anyone who loves a second chance romance, what appears as unrequited love, and rejection tropes.

Petunia, or Tuny, was rejected once. She doesn’t want a second time. I mean who would. But I am so glad she gave Ash a second chance…not like she had much say in the manner because of her assignment. I enjoyed seeing her open up and learn to trust again. I liked that she wasn’t alone this time. She involved her family and friends, which is what one should do. Family is there for a reason, which is what I really liked about this book.

Ash didn’t have the most stellar father figure or role model. But he was determined not to follow his father’s footsteps. In doing so, he ended up hurting Petunia. He needs a second chance at redeeming himself as he has made a grave error. I liked watching him try to win Petunia’s, who is now Lady Moselle, affection back. In the process, I liked that Ash had to learn that he wasn’t his father, which is another positive message.

I loved that Ash went for Petunia’s heart. He knew what she liked in food, and once he found out about her love for books, he went to great lengths for her to have books. I also liked that he took time to get to know Petunia’s nieces and never acted as if he were above them.

However, I also liked that they shared the same affinity for books.

It was very entertaining and left me anticipating the decision that Lord Ashforde would make. I liked the family aspect and enjoyed seeing Rose and Daphne’s rambunctious nature. I liked that Matty was in his girl’s life and helped take care of them. Yes, he is the father, but normally, I’ve seen fathers in this time period give a more standoffish attitude towards their children. So this was a pleasant welcome.

There are a lot more positive points to this book. I recommend it. And it was a clean read.

I requested and received an ebook copy of this book courtesy of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

Parental Guide: Rating

Language/Profanity: None

Sex/Nudity: Mention of a man having at least a dozen different women he was with while being married, no details. Kisses, no excessive details. Couples hug.

Violence/Gore: Mentions of a step mother being cruel, no details. Mentions of a man being a boxer. Mention of a man almost killing a man. A man is kidnapped. A friendly fight happens, mentions of blood on lip, and a swollen eye. A man punches a man.

Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: Mentions about a father being a drunk, no details.