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Playful Brides #6
The Legendary Lord
THE MAKING OF A LEGEND�
When Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, flees the stuffy ballrooms of London for his Scottish hunting lodge, the last thing he expects to find ensconced before his fire is an incredibly beautiful woman. But the plight of lovely young Sarah Highgate, who has run away from an unwanted betrothal, inspires an eminently practical exchange. He’ll safeguard her reputation with the ton while she advises him how to best attract a proper bride�
As the undisputed belle of the season, Sarah has enchanted plenty of suitors. Still, she isn’t interested in marriage, especially not to the pompous bore her father has chosen for her. But her hasty escape seems reckless now that she’s estranged from her family and has no one to count on besides Christian. Turning the luckless lord into such a catch has another unplanned consequence for Sarah: Has he run away with her heart?
The Legendary Lord is the sixth installment of Valerie Bowman's Regency-set Playful Brides series.
When Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, flees the stuffy ballrooms of London for his Scottish hunting lodge, the last thing he expects to find ensconced before his fire is an incredibly beautiful woman. But the plight of lovely young Sarah Highgate, who has run away from an unwanted betrothal, inspires an eminently practical exchange. He’ll safeguard her reputation with the ton while she advises him how to best attract a proper bride�
As the undisputed belle of the season, Sarah has enchanted plenty of suitors. Still, she isn’t interested in marriage, especially not to the pompous bore her father has chosen for her. But her hasty escape seems reckless now that she’s estranged from her family and has no one to count on besides Christian. Turning the luckless lord into such a catch has another unplanned consequence for Sarah: Has he run away with her heart?
The Legendary Lord is the sixth installment of Valerie Bowman's Regency-set Playful Brides series.
309 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
89 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
48books1,295followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers� Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at and sign-up for her newsletter at:
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers� Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at and sign-up for her newsletter at:
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
June 22, 2024
This supposedly takes place in 1817 but doorbells that don't exist yet are being rung, the hero is wearing a plaid shirt, modern words like "cute" are used and the author completely flouts rules of the peerage for nonsensical scenarios that made no sense. How does a sheltered rich daughter of an Earl know her way around a kitchen much less how to magically cook meals and bake biscuits? Why on earth would someone invite an unmarried gentleman and unmarried young woman to his house for dinner? Together? And did I mention the heroine's chaperone is named Mrs. Goatsocks? 🐐 The hero suffers from crippling anxiety and supposedly has a stammer whenever he talks to women but he doesn't stammer not even once in this entire story. Imagine that. 🙄 The 1 star isn't even because of these flaws but they just added to the overall issues I had. Everything felt so thin and barely fleshed out. This had potential to be cute but literally half of the book is just the hero and heroine sitting in a cabin talking about helping each other out instead of actually doing anything. That's it. Just talking and the heroine cooking, no agency of any kind. There was no chemistry and the forced out ILY's at the very end were not believable considering the hero waits till the heroine is about to say "I do" at her wedding to
another man
to take action and even then with a lot of strong arming by his friends. It just made this whole story feel pointless. Both hero and heroine were weak, spineless, ninnyheads. If it wasn't for their meddling nosy friends these two knuckleheads would have never gotten together in the end. The ending was so lazy because you could tell the author wrote her couple into a corner and didn't know how to get them out of it when there were literally so many avenues she could have taken her story.
February 17, 2018
Also posted .
I was going to delete my originalrant review, but because that's what most people read, I'm keeping it at the end.
This review is going to sound terribly negative. So I want to start by saying that � as someone who hates topless man covers � I actually think this cover is creative and interesting and full of emotion, and I like it.
ŷ tells me this is the fourth Valerie Bowman book I’ve read � all in this same series. There’s a reason I keep coming back to Bowman’s work � she’s one of those authors who has a talent for writing lively scenes that keep you turning the pages.
Ƿɱ𱹱�
I did not end up finishing this one.
Now, the author markets her books as “Regency romps�. They’re anachronistic, they’re more Disney than Austen, and they’re also great fun. I know what I’m going into before I begin. Even if this one flew right out the Regency manners window with the heroine eating breakfast with the hero � alone and in her nightclothes � only a few hours after meeting him, I might still have continued.
Even though the “I’m not like other women � I’m better!� theme was started to wear on my feminist sensibilities, I might have continued.
This time, though�
Firstly: I simply could not get over the fact the heroine’s guardian was called “Mrs Goatsocks�. I thought it was a joke. I thought it would turn out this creature with the ridiculous name was a pet dog or something, but no�
Yes, there’re some English surnames that sound funny to foreign ears. However, there is a big history to them � the name evolved that way for a reason. It was almost offensive to use such a stupid, made-up, non-historic name, just because the English are “so cute!�. Just in case, I Googled, and searched, and Googled some more, and all searches for “goatsocks� turned up were pictures of socks with goats on them (who knew that was something people bought?!)
Ƿɱ𱹱�
The main issue? Sometimes there’s one thing in a book you just can’t overlook. One comment, or one mistake that’s too big for me to want to go on reading. For example, I’ve been known to DNF books that use any variation of the comment ‘dumb blonde�.
In the case of The Legendary Lord, it’s a combined language and research issue.
In this case? The offending word: biscuit.
An American “biscuit� versus what that word means to the rest of us:
These are biscuits:
As are these:
This bread-like, crusty, doughy thing Americans call a biscuit? I’ve never seen one in the decades I’ve lived in the British Commonwealth and Britain itself. I only know what they are from reading books set in the US South.
If Bowman had had her characters preparing and eating sushi, it would have been more believable � at least that’s a food you can find in Britain today! “Biscuit� wasn’t just a wrong word; it was a wrong THING. A wrong culture, a wrong country, and when it became a big theme in some sixty pages of scenes, mentioned eighteen times just in a few chapters, I couldn’t stand it anymore.
Both author and editors should know better if they’re setting books in Britain.
The heroine cooked them. The hero dipped them in meat sauce and also tore off the "crust" ("cookies" don't have crusts!) and fed them to the dog. The hero cooked them. The heroine ate them. And on and on it went for the whole “getting to know you� multiple-chapter section of the book.
Also: why in the world would the daughter of a Regency earl know how to cook?
Look: many of my favourite historical romance writers have grammar/terminology errors in their books. I’m willing to overlook a few Americanisms in a book set in England if the story is good. However, this one became such a focus of the story, I just could not ignore it.
As I said: it wasn’t the only issue. There were a lot of severe anachronisms, and the vague misogyny was a little irritating.
This book is getting fantastic reviews. However, a little while ago I saw an English reader mention that some British historical romances are not written for a British audience, that they are full of mistakes and play on stereotypes to sell a quaint version of Britain that has never existed. It was a statement that really resonated with me, because THAT is exactly the problem I have with a number of books in this genre. And this is one of them.
I’m sure if you know very little about the country or the era, you will enjoy the sparkling writing. Unfortunately for me, I cannot overlook the massive behavioural and language mistakes. Instead of enjoying the dialogue, I was obsessing over the hero dipping his dessert in his meat stew.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
The original review:
I'm halfway through and not sure I'm going to finish. I propose a new law: historical romances (set in Britain) MUST be edited by someone who knows British English.
Bowman obviously decided to have her characters bond over meals - meals of American "biscuits". The problem is: even in 2016, this is a massive Americanism. A biscuit is what Americans call a "cookie". And the hero dunks them in his meat stew. While the dog eats the "cookie" crusts.
I've never seen one of these American biscuits, and have certainly never eaten one, EVER. I only learnt what they were a few years ago, and that was from reading books set in the US south. And this book is set two centuries ago, when the chances of English aristocrats knowing what they were was zero.
Is this really a reason to DNF a book? It's not the only issue (no Regency manners exist, and the heroine is one of those 'I'm not like other women!!' types), but it is the one driving me mad.
Other things I have an issue with: calling the heroine's guardian 'Mrs Goatsocks'. How about 'Mrs Donkeyboots'? 'Mrs Sheepflipflops'? I thought it was a twist in the story, and she'd turn out to be a pet dog or something, but so far, no. It just feels far too much like when I lived in London and an international student friend burst out laughing every time I said ARSE instead of ASS, because it was 'SO CUTE'...
Also, the idea the heroine is Better Than Other Women because she insisted on learning how to work in a kitchen, even though she has an earl for a father.
The hero and heroine (and dog) have been bonding over "biscuits" for sixty pages. I'm going insane! How hard would this have been to research?
I've read a number of books by this author, and she writes beautifully. But she needs to set her books in her own country - or learn at a few things about Britain. The editors could use some help, too.
I was going to delete my original
This review is going to sound terribly negative. So I want to start by saying that � as someone who hates topless man covers � I actually think this cover is creative and interesting and full of emotion, and I like it.
ŷ tells me this is the fourth Valerie Bowman book I’ve read � all in this same series. There’s a reason I keep coming back to Bowman’s work � she’s one of those authors who has a talent for writing lively scenes that keep you turning the pages.
Ƿɱ𱹱�
I did not end up finishing this one.
Now, the author markets her books as “Regency romps�. They’re anachronistic, they’re more Disney than Austen, and they’re also great fun. I know what I’m going into before I begin. Even if this one flew right out the Regency manners window with the heroine eating breakfast with the hero � alone and in her nightclothes � only a few hours after meeting him, I might still have continued.
Even though the “I’m not like other women � I’m better!� theme was started to wear on my feminist sensibilities, I might have continued.
This time, though�
Firstly: I simply could not get over the fact the heroine’s guardian was called “Mrs Goatsocks�. I thought it was a joke. I thought it would turn out this creature with the ridiculous name was a pet dog or something, but no�
Yes, there’re some English surnames that sound funny to foreign ears. However, there is a big history to them � the name evolved that way for a reason. It was almost offensive to use such a stupid, made-up, non-historic name, just because the English are “so cute!�. Just in case, I Googled, and searched, and Googled some more, and all searches for “goatsocks� turned up were pictures of socks with goats on them (who knew that was something people bought?!)
Ƿɱ𱹱�
The main issue? Sometimes there’s one thing in a book you just can’t overlook. One comment, or one mistake that’s too big for me to want to go on reading. For example, I’ve been known to DNF books that use any variation of the comment ‘dumb blonde�.
In the case of The Legendary Lord, it’s a combined language and research issue.
In this case? The offending word: biscuit.
An American “biscuit� versus what that word means to the rest of us:
These are biscuits:
As are these:
This bread-like, crusty, doughy thing Americans call a biscuit? I’ve never seen one in the decades I’ve lived in the British Commonwealth and Britain itself. I only know what they are from reading books set in the US South.
If Bowman had had her characters preparing and eating sushi, it would have been more believable � at least that’s a food you can find in Britain today! “Biscuit� wasn’t just a wrong word; it was a wrong THING. A wrong culture, a wrong country, and when it became a big theme in some sixty pages of scenes, mentioned eighteen times just in a few chapters, I couldn’t stand it anymore.
Both author and editors should know better if they’re setting books in Britain.
The heroine cooked them. The hero dipped them in meat sauce and also tore off the "crust" ("cookies" don't have crusts!) and fed them to the dog. The hero cooked them. The heroine ate them. And on and on it went for the whole “getting to know you� multiple-chapter section of the book.
Also: why in the world would the daughter of a Regency earl know how to cook?
Look: many of my favourite historical romance writers have grammar/terminology errors in their books. I’m willing to overlook a few Americanisms in a book set in England if the story is good. However, this one became such a focus of the story, I just could not ignore it.
As I said: it wasn’t the only issue. There were a lot of severe anachronisms, and the vague misogyny was a little irritating.
This book is getting fantastic reviews. However, a little while ago I saw an English reader mention that some British historical romances are not written for a British audience, that they are full of mistakes and play on stereotypes to sell a quaint version of Britain that has never existed. It was a statement that really resonated with me, because THAT is exactly the problem I have with a number of books in this genre. And this is one of them.
I’m sure if you know very little about the country or the era, you will enjoy the sparkling writing. Unfortunately for me, I cannot overlook the massive behavioural and language mistakes. Instead of enjoying the dialogue, I was obsessing over the hero dipping his dessert in his meat stew.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
The original review:
I'm halfway through and not sure I'm going to finish. I propose a new law: historical romances (set in Britain) MUST be edited by someone who knows British English.
Bowman obviously decided to have her characters bond over meals - meals of American "biscuits". The problem is: even in 2016, this is a massive Americanism. A biscuit is what Americans call a "cookie". And the hero dunks them in his meat stew. While the dog eats the "cookie" crusts.
I've never seen one of these American biscuits, and have certainly never eaten one, EVER. I only learnt what they were a few years ago, and that was from reading books set in the US south. And this book is set two centuries ago, when the chances of English aristocrats knowing what they were was zero.
Is this really a reason to DNF a book? It's not the only issue (no Regency manners exist, and the heroine is one of those 'I'm not like other women!!' types), but it is the one driving me mad.
Other things I have an issue with: calling the heroine's guardian 'Mrs Goatsocks'. How about 'Mrs Donkeyboots'? 'Mrs Sheepflipflops'? I thought it was a twist in the story, and she'd turn out to be a pet dog or something, but so far, no. It just feels far too much like when I lived in London and an international student friend burst out laughing every time I said ARSE instead of ASS, because it was 'SO CUTE'...
Also, the idea the heroine is Better Than Other Women because she insisted on learning how to work in a kitchen, even though she has an earl for a father.
The hero and heroine (and dog) have been bonding over "biscuits" for sixty pages. I'm going insane! How hard would this have been to research?
I've read a number of books by this author, and she writes beautifully. But she needs to set her books in her own country - or learn at a few things about Britain. The editors could use some help, too.
November 1, 2016
'The Legendary Lord' by Valerie Bowman is book six in the "Playful Brides" series. This is the story of Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley and Sarah Highgate. I have read the other book in this series but easily feel this is a standalone book. But I will say that I enjoyed catching up with the past main characters. Christian has been in the previous stories as a secondary character that ends up helping the couples get together..so it was nice to see his story play out in this book.
Sarah parents has set her up to marry a popular and well connected man about town. But Sarah has tried to have feelings for him but he seems to only be able to talk about himself and nothing else. So Sarah gets the ideal to runaway and heads to her father's cabin but ends up at the wrong one. She ends up at Christian cabin. When he comes home from traveling and finds her there he thinks she is a thief at first but soon finds what actually is going on. Christian is not confident around the ladies and the ones he does become close to turn into his friends. So they strike a bargain that if Christian can get her back to London without a scandal Sarah will help him find a wife.
Truly enjoyed this book..can't wait for more from Ms. Bowman!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
Sarah parents has set her up to marry a popular and well connected man about town. But Sarah has tried to have feelings for him but he seems to only be able to talk about himself and nothing else. So Sarah gets the ideal to runaway and heads to her father's cabin but ends up at the wrong one. She ends up at Christian cabin. When he comes home from traveling and finds her there he thinks she is a thief at first but soon finds what actually is going on. Christian is not confident around the ladies and the ones he does become close to turn into his friends. So they strike a bargain that if Christian can get her back to London without a scandal Sarah will help him find a wife.
Truly enjoyed this book..can't wait for more from Ms. Bowman!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
September 27, 2016
ARC from NetGalley for honest review. 3.75
Sarah is the perfect, well behaved daughter who did as she was told. With her father being an Earl, Sarah was expected to marry well and was betrothed to the Marquess of Branford.
Sarah finds that she is questioning her betrothed and runs away to her fathers cottage. But unbeknownst to Sarah it's actually Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkley.
Christian has been searching for a wife with no success. He's somewhat shy, good looking and well liked, but he's always put in the "only friends" category.
Christian arrives at his lodge during a snow storm. As he enters he realizes that someone's in his home and comes across a sword wielding, beautiful young women.
That's how the story and their romance begins. Sarah needs help returning home without a scandal, not wanting to hurt her parents. Christian needs help finding a wife, to appear more appealing to women then just as friend and that's where Sarah has agreed to help. The two though for a time are stuck at the cabin/lodge during the snowstorm. During that time they become better friends and strong feelings develop between them. Each fights it knowing that Sarah is betrothed to a Marquess.
The story was sweet and cute. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. But I didn't love it. We had good secondary characters and it kept my interest but found it slowed a little towards the end.
Sarah is the perfect, well behaved daughter who did as she was told. With her father being an Earl, Sarah was expected to marry well and was betrothed to the Marquess of Branford.
Sarah finds that she is questioning her betrothed and runs away to her fathers cottage. But unbeknownst to Sarah it's actually Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkley.
Christian has been searching for a wife with no success. He's somewhat shy, good looking and well liked, but he's always put in the "only friends" category.
Christian arrives at his lodge during a snow storm. As he enters he realizes that someone's in his home and comes across a sword wielding, beautiful young women.
That's how the story and their romance begins. Sarah needs help returning home without a scandal, not wanting to hurt her parents. Christian needs help finding a wife, to appear more appealing to women then just as friend and that's where Sarah has agreed to help. The two though for a time are stuck at the cabin/lodge during the snowstorm. During that time they become better friends and strong feelings develop between them. Each fights it knowing that Sarah is betrothed to a Marquess.
The story was sweet and cute. I enjoyed the characters and storyline. But I didn't love it. We had good secondary characters and it kept my interest but found it slowed a little towards the end.
September 21, 2016
The Legendary Lord (Playful Brides #6) by Valerie Bowman is a 2016 St. Martin’s Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This installment in the ‘Playful Brides� series is a delightful Regency period romp, filled with light banter and charming characters.
Sarah Highgate can’t endure the thought of marrying the man her parents have chosen for her. So, despite a lifetime of cowering to her parent’s wishes and preparing herself to marry within the peerage, she snaps, and runs away from home, a fateful decision that will change her life.
Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkley, arrives at his Scottish lodge looking for a respite from London, only to find a most alluring lady has broken into his home. Once it has been established that Sarah mistook his hunting lodge for one belonging to her father, the two discover they are stuck together due to a winter storm.
When Sarah explains her dilemma, expressing her deep remorse for disappointing her parents and suggests she is beginning to regret the damage she has done to her reputation, Christian comes up with a way to help her reenter society without causing a scandal, and Sarah promised to help him find a wife, by turning him into a ‘Legendary Lord.�
If you want a pure Regency romance, you’ve come to the right place. Thank you Valerie Bowman for getting it right! I loved the setup, Sarah’s charm and wit, and Christian, is the perfect example of an introverted soul who just needs a little shove in the right direction, to help him gain confidence. He had me a little worried there for a while, though.
I also admired the proper language, the manners, and how true the author stayed to historical authenticity, in these regards.
Overall, this is a lovely story, captivating and infused with humor, and pleasing all around. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
4.5 stars
This installment in the ‘Playful Brides� series is a delightful Regency period romp, filled with light banter and charming characters.
Sarah Highgate can’t endure the thought of marrying the man her parents have chosen for her. So, despite a lifetime of cowering to her parent’s wishes and preparing herself to marry within the peerage, she snaps, and runs away from home, a fateful decision that will change her life.
Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkley, arrives at his Scottish lodge looking for a respite from London, only to find a most alluring lady has broken into his home. Once it has been established that Sarah mistook his hunting lodge for one belonging to her father, the two discover they are stuck together due to a winter storm.
When Sarah explains her dilemma, expressing her deep remorse for disappointing her parents and suggests she is beginning to regret the damage she has done to her reputation, Christian comes up with a way to help her reenter society without causing a scandal, and Sarah promised to help him find a wife, by turning him into a ‘Legendary Lord.�
If you want a pure Regency romance, you’ve come to the right place. Thank you Valerie Bowman for getting it right! I loved the setup, Sarah’s charm and wit, and Christian, is the perfect example of an introverted soul who just needs a little shove in the right direction, to help him gain confidence. He had me a little worried there for a while, though.
I also admired the proper language, the manners, and how true the author stayed to historical authenticity, in these regards.
Overall, this is a lovely story, captivating and infused with humor, and pleasing all around. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
4.5 stars
October 18, 2016
2 helms
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This was a light, easy to read, Regency romance with a beta hero and a style of writing almost reminiscent of Julia Quinn. I haven't read the other novels in this series, and there were many characters that made reappearances. I did feel like I have missed out on some interesting stories reading this out of order, but it didn't detract from the current book. This is also the first novel I have read by Valerie Bowman.
Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkley encounters Miss Sarah Highgate in his Scottish hunting lodge one winter evening. She has fled London to escape an unwanted betrothal and was fleeing to her father's hunting lodge but instead got lost and ended up at Christian's lodge. Christian being the noble gentleman, helps Sarah to find her way back to England without scandal in exchange for her help in making him more attractive on the marriage mart of the ton. In the few days they spend together at the lodge, they realise they are quite similar and what they are both seeking could be right under their noses!
I struggled to finish this and I really had to force myself to finish. I also skim read a lot of scenes (which I almost never do!). At the beginning, Christian and Sarah both sounded interesting: Christian a beta hero who has been friend zoned a lot and Sarah a society belle who likes to cook (I thought there would be more about her cooking as that would have been very different but sadly no). As the novel progressed, I found Christian and Sarah both highly annoying and just couldn't relate to them. I didn't feel the passion between them and to be honest, they were both just plain vanilla characters.
Valerie Bowman's voice is distinctively American rather than British and probably one of the other reasons I didn't enjoy this book set in Regency England. For example, the imagery I kept visualizing of the hunting lodge, was that of a modern day American log cabin rather than a rustic Scottish lodge. The vernacular was very modern and there were many examples of modern expressions like "whoa" and "to boot" which annoyed me. If you have similar reading tastes to me you may not enjoy this book, but if you are a Julia Quinn fan, this might be worth a look.
*Thank-you Valerie Bowman, Netgalley & St. Martin's Paperbacks for the ARC.
February 8, 2017
I'm soooooooooooooooo in love with this book!!!
I should know why, but the truth is that I love Valerie Bowman narrative. It is light and engaging. The characters are dense, deep and at the same time so easy to love, even when you feel angry with them for some reason ...
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, usually flee to his cottage in Scotland.
He tried for a long time to find a suitable wife, but the truth is that he ends up becoming friend with all the ladies and they marry others. Tired of it, he decided he would stay in Scotland or at his estate in Northumbria.
Imagine his surprise when he arrived at his cottage and find that it was invaded by the most beautiful lady he had already met...
Lady Sarah Highgate, daughter of the Earl of Highfield, had fled from London because she didn't like to know that she was engaged to the Marquess of Branford.
Her chaperone had broken her ankle and would be immobilized for more than a month, and a storm caused Sarah to be alone in the cottage with Christian for days.
But away from the two become uncomfortable, friendship flowing fast.
She was the Belle of the Season and Christian then asks for her help how he should act to draw attention of other ladies and get a bride.
After a few days, Sarah is seen worried that should go back to London, and Christian asks for help to his friends, Lucy and Cass.
Only then, Sarah knows that Christian is not only a gentleman, but a Viscount.
They have so many things in common, but the point was her father would never allow her to marry him. She was engaged to a marquess, Regency Prince's best friend himself.
Lucy and Cassandra help Sarah spreading about the famous and mysterious chaperone, Mrs Bunbury (she was introduced in previous book).
Back to London, Sarah still was Branford's fiancee, and Christian strictly follows all the tips given by Sarah for him to become more charming.
And it's a huge success!!!
Next ball in which they attend, Christian is the sensation of the night and becomes the Legendary Lord.
Despite being more than interested in Sarah, Christian doesn't think right to steal the bride of another gentleman. Sarah, in turn, thinks she should obey her parents unconditionally.
Lucy can't keep herself anxious to see both Sarah as Christian suffering.
Something needed to be done, and urgently.
And when it happens, it can all go wrong again...
Great love story. You will not be disappointed to read it.
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
I should know why, but the truth is that I love Valerie Bowman narrative. It is light and engaging. The characters are dense, deep and at the same time so easy to love, even when you feel angry with them for some reason ...
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, usually flee to his cottage in Scotland.
He tried for a long time to find a suitable wife, but the truth is that he ends up becoming friend with all the ladies and they marry others. Tired of it, he decided he would stay in Scotland or at his estate in Northumbria.
Imagine his surprise when he arrived at his cottage and find that it was invaded by the most beautiful lady he had already met...
Lady Sarah Highgate, daughter of the Earl of Highfield, had fled from London because she didn't like to know that she was engaged to the Marquess of Branford.
Her chaperone had broken her ankle and would be immobilized for more than a month, and a storm caused Sarah to be alone in the cottage with Christian for days.
But away from the two become uncomfortable, friendship flowing fast.
She was the Belle of the Season and Christian then asks for her help how he should act to draw attention of other ladies and get a bride.
After a few days, Sarah is seen worried that should go back to London, and Christian asks for help to his friends, Lucy and Cass.
Only then, Sarah knows that Christian is not only a gentleman, but a Viscount.
They have so many things in common, but the point was her father would never allow her to marry him. She was engaged to a marquess, Regency Prince's best friend himself.
Lucy and Cassandra help Sarah spreading about the famous and mysterious chaperone, Mrs Bunbury (she was introduced in previous book).
Back to London, Sarah still was Branford's fiancee, and Christian strictly follows all the tips given by Sarah for him to become more charming.
And it's a huge success!!!
Next ball in which they attend, Christian is the sensation of the night and becomes the Legendary Lord.
Despite being more than interested in Sarah, Christian doesn't think right to steal the bride of another gentleman. Sarah, in turn, thinks she should obey her parents unconditionally.
Lucy can't keep herself anxious to see both Sarah as Christian suffering.
Something needed to be done, and urgently.
And when it happens, it can all go wrong again...
Great love story. You will not be disappointed to read it.
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review
September 17, 2016
4.5
I know that my relationship with Valerie Bowman previously has been quite fluctuating and somewhat "stressing" but she certainly convinced me with this novel.
The story is very catching and fast paced, the protagonists are adorable, their relationship is of the sweetest sort; they are so obviously perfect for each other and the sentiment of longing between them is so heartwarming.
The author was very good with keeping the story simple but at the same time, very entertaining. I particularly liked the division of the plot in two parts, the first one in Scotland, at Christian's cottage, where they are carefree and cheerful, and the second in London society, where the reality struck. This novel is a success and so far is no doubt, my favourite in the series.
I'm very curious to see what's in store for Hart and Meg. There's a lot of anticipation here.
I received an ARC Copy of this novel
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October 7, 2016
This reads like a very light-hearted romance to me. Both Christian and Sarah are so unbelievably normal characters. Christian is a shy man who seems like an honest and kind man. He wants a wife but doesn't really know how to attract the ladies. Sarah is the toast of ton. Circumstances put them together and they spent some time together, developed some feelings for each other but Sarah had to go back to London. Christian helped Sarah to get back to London with her reputation intact so Sarah was going to help Christian find a wife.
The story went on like this. If you are in the mood for something light, you might like this book. I like my stories to be more about how people come to terms with themselves. And this book is too goody two shoes for me. But I really like how Valerie Bowman describes a scene. The characters seem to come to life, the way she depicts them in the book.
*This review is for an ARC provided by the publisher on NetGalley.
The story went on like this. If you are in the mood for something light, you might like this book. I like my stories to be more about how people come to terms with themselves. And this book is too goody two shoes for me. But I really like how Valerie Bowman describes a scene. The characters seem to come to life, the way she depicts them in the book.
*This review is for an ARC provided by the publisher on NetGalley.
November 14, 2016
Who doesn't love a goodPygmalion story? Especially with a little regency and gender-bender twist! I love that the hero of this story is Christian,Viscount Berkeley, who's been popping up in the previous book, seemingly to help the heroines get their heroes. Always a friend, never the boyfriend. So it's extra adorable when he finally goes from our luckless lord to our legendary lord.
Returning to his Scotland home, Christian stumbles upon Sarah Highgate, runaway belle of the season, who thinks she might have had made a mistake running away. Christian agrees to help Sarah return home with minimal scandal if she agrees to turn him into the catch of the season.
Stranded out at Christian's lodge with nothing but Fergus two (the adorable dog) for a chaperone, I loved seeing the development of Christian and Sarah's relationship from slightly wary accomplices, to budding friendship, to a cute romance that they both try so hard to deny. And oh I loved reveal of "new" Christian (with all his tips from Sarah) in London and Sarah falling even more head over heels for him!
Christian and Sarah had a really nice chemistry.They're perfect for each other even if they try to hide that fact.I really liked Christian. I thought he was quite adorable and it wonderful to see him become so confident in himself. Sarah was sweet but a little frustrating for me. I get she doesn't want to upset her family; it takes a bit, but she does learn to stand up for herself, hallelujah. That's probably the thing that drags the story a bit. There's also some over-the-top angst at the end, and it was a pretty done-to-wire for true love to prevail, but have no fear, it all works out.
Overall, it was a super cute book with a pretty darn adorable couple who's perfect for each other, but just require a few kick in the butts to work it all out.And we get the return of the previous characters (Lucy of is still causing chaos) trying to help out these lovebirds get their happily ever after, which means lots of chaos and hilarious moments. This is definitely worth checking out if you love a good My Fair Lady kind of romance.
{*Thanks to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Original review at
Returning to his Scotland home, Christian stumbles upon Sarah Highgate, runaway belle of the season, who thinks she might have had made a mistake running away. Christian agrees to help Sarah return home with minimal scandal if she agrees to turn him into the catch of the season.
Stranded out at Christian's lodge with nothing but Fergus two (the adorable dog) for a chaperone, I loved seeing the development of Christian and Sarah's relationship from slightly wary accomplices, to budding friendship, to a cute romance that they both try so hard to deny. And oh I loved reveal of "new" Christian (with all his tips from Sarah) in London and Sarah falling even more head over heels for him!
Christian and Sarah had a really nice chemistry.They're perfect for each other even if they try to hide that fact.I really liked Christian. I thought he was quite adorable and it wonderful to see him become so confident in himself. Sarah was sweet but a little frustrating for me. I get she doesn't want to upset her family; it takes a bit, but she does learn to stand up for herself, hallelujah. That's probably the thing that drags the story a bit. There's also some over-the-top angst at the end, and it was a pretty done-to-wire for true love to prevail, but have no fear, it all works out.
"I don't know what to do. I'm so confused."
"Let me convince you." He pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
Overall, it was a super cute book with a pretty darn adorable couple who's perfect for each other, but just require a few kick in the butts to work it all out.And we get the return of the previous characters (Lucy of is still causing chaos) trying to help out these lovebirds get their happily ever after, which means lots of chaos and hilarious moments. This is definitely worth checking out if you love a good My Fair Lady kind of romance.
"This?" Christian asked, raising the bandaged hand in question. "It's just something crazy I did for love."
{*Thanks to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Original review at
September 8, 2016
**I received a ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I liked this book, but I didn't love it.
Christian and Sarah are both likeable characters and both a bit too stubborn.
Sarah has run away from an unwanted betrothal, she mistakes Christian's hunting lodge in Scotland for her father's and has made herself at home. Her chaperone has been injured and Christian's caretaker has taken her to town to see a doctor, while they are away Christian unexpectedly comes to the house and is confronted by a sword wielding Sarah.
Sarah is a very open person, she is lovely both inside and out. Christian, who has been a secondary character in previous books, is a handsome man, but painfully shy around beautiful women and has been cast into the "friend zone" by all the women in his life. He desperately wants to find a wife and have a family, but he is constantly overlooked.
As these two spend time together, they agree to help each other, Christian will help Sarah get home without a scandal and Sarah will help Christian become the most sought after bachelor of the season.
What follows is an amusing tale of two people who should be together, but for reasons of their own, decide that they can't.
While I liked the story, I felt like the story dragged a bit and I was getting bored with Christian and Sarah's reasons for staying apart.
The writing was excellent, the love scenes warm, previous characters from the series play a major role and after a lot of anguish there is a HEA.
I would recommend this book, it is part of series, but you could easily read this as a stand alone title.
I am looking forward to what Ms. Bowman has in store for Cade, Meg & Hart!!
I liked this book, but I didn't love it.
Christian and Sarah are both likeable characters and both a bit too stubborn.
Sarah has run away from an unwanted betrothal, she mistakes Christian's hunting lodge in Scotland for her father's and has made herself at home. Her chaperone has been injured and Christian's caretaker has taken her to town to see a doctor, while they are away Christian unexpectedly comes to the house and is confronted by a sword wielding Sarah.
Sarah is a very open person, she is lovely both inside and out. Christian, who has been a secondary character in previous books, is a handsome man, but painfully shy around beautiful women and has been cast into the "friend zone" by all the women in his life. He desperately wants to find a wife and have a family, but he is constantly overlooked.
As these two spend time together, they agree to help each other, Christian will help Sarah get home without a scandal and Sarah will help Christian become the most sought after bachelor of the season.
What follows is an amusing tale of two people who should be together, but for reasons of their own, decide that they can't.
While I liked the story, I felt like the story dragged a bit and I was getting bored with Christian and Sarah's reasons for staying apart.
The writing was excellent, the love scenes warm, previous characters from the series play a major role and after a lot of anguish there is a HEA.
I would recommend this book, it is part of series, but you could easily read this as a stand alone title.
I am looking forward to what Ms. Bowman has in store for Cade, Meg & Hart!!
September 27, 2016
Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley, has escaped for a much needed reprieve from all things social to his hunting lodge in Scotland. All he needs is some peace and quiet and some time to himself. Christian was not in the least expecting to find a beautiful young woman already sleeping in his bed. One thing Christian is for certain of, he is about to discover just what this miss is up to.
Lady Sarah Highgate, the said miss, has run away from London also. She was headed for her family's estates, but ended up stranded at Christian's. Now, Sarah finds an enraged bully of a man threatening to toss her from her temporary lodgings. What is she to do?
After the dust settles between Christian and Sarah, both come to an understanding. They fall into a familiar and pleasant day-to-day routine until the times comes that Sarah must brave the masses and make her return to London. Once there, she will aid Christian in his endeavor to find a suitable bride, then she will marry her betrothed. Easier said than done. Discover what happens next in THE LEGENDARY LORD.
First of all, I adore author Valerie Bowman. She never lets me down. Her series, PLAYFUL BRIDES, is simply to die for. The characters, plots, romance... all gripping. THE LEGENDARY LORD, the latest in the series, revolves around Christian, a man who does not know his own worth. Seeing him become a stronger and more confident person was amazing. I am just thrilled that he finally gets his own leading lady, and there could be no better match than Sarah. She may be a beauty, but she does have brains. Sarah is very hard-headed and determined to do what is right, a trait which I applaud and curse. I am so proud of her for finally taking a leap of faith. THE LEGENDARY LORD will live on.
Lady Sarah Highgate, the said miss, has run away from London also. She was headed for her family's estates, but ended up stranded at Christian's. Now, Sarah finds an enraged bully of a man threatening to toss her from her temporary lodgings. What is she to do?
After the dust settles between Christian and Sarah, both come to an understanding. They fall into a familiar and pleasant day-to-day routine until the times comes that Sarah must brave the masses and make her return to London. Once there, she will aid Christian in his endeavor to find a suitable bride, then she will marry her betrothed. Easier said than done. Discover what happens next in THE LEGENDARY LORD.
First of all, I adore author Valerie Bowman. She never lets me down. Her series, PLAYFUL BRIDES, is simply to die for. The characters, plots, romance... all gripping. THE LEGENDARY LORD, the latest in the series, revolves around Christian, a man who does not know his own worth. Seeing him become a stronger and more confident person was amazing. I am just thrilled that he finally gets his own leading lady, and there could be no better match than Sarah. She may be a beauty, but she does have brains. Sarah is very hard-headed and determined to do what is right, a trait which I applaud and curse. I am so proud of her for finally taking a leap of faith. THE LEGENDARY LORD will live on.
November 4, 2016
I have been lucky enough to read several stories in this series and enjoyed every one. This was a great opportunity to catch up on the main characters from earlier books but I don’t think you would necessarily have to have read those books to enjoy this one.
This novel focusses on Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley, who escapes from the pressures of the season in London to return to his hunting lodge in Scotland. As the inclement weather threatens, he discovers Lady Sarah Highgate, dressed as a maid, ensconced in his bedroom with Fergus, the dog! It seems that she got lost running away and trying to reach her father’s hunting lodge, as more details are revealed the two get closer but she’s been betrothed by her parents to an eminent bachelor - one she doesn’t really like at all! As the two make a bargain with him helping her to return to London without scandal and her helping him to find a wife, life is going to turn things around for both of them.
There are some great laugh out loud incidents as the Viscount’s friends set out to help Sarah return safely and then try to get the two to admit their attraction to each other. I really enjoyed this historical romance and hope to read more from this talented author in future.
I was gifted an ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
This novel focusses on Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley, who escapes from the pressures of the season in London to return to his hunting lodge in Scotland. As the inclement weather threatens, he discovers Lady Sarah Highgate, dressed as a maid, ensconced in his bedroom with Fergus, the dog! It seems that she got lost running away and trying to reach her father’s hunting lodge, as more details are revealed the two get closer but she’s been betrothed by her parents to an eminent bachelor - one she doesn’t really like at all! As the two make a bargain with him helping her to return to London without scandal and her helping him to find a wife, life is going to turn things around for both of them.
There are some great laugh out loud incidents as the Viscount’s friends set out to help Sarah return safely and then try to get the two to admit their attraction to each other. I really enjoyed this historical romance and hope to read more from this talented author in future.
I was gifted an ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
October 15, 2016
Not my favorite in this series but still a good reading. Sarah and Christian have a good chemistry but sometimes they were so dumm that I would have loved to slap them with "reality" in the face. Looking forward for Hart and Cade story.
Non il mio favorito in questa serie, ma comunque una lettura divertente. Sarah e Christian hanno una buona chimica tra di loro, ma a volte i loro discorsi erano talmente "fuori dalla realtá" che avrei avuto voglia di prenderli a sberle. Ora ho grosse aspettative per la storia di Hart e quella di Cade.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
Non il mio favorito in questa serie, ma comunque una lettura divertente. Sarah e Christian hanno una buona chimica tra di loro, ma a volte i loro discorsi erano talmente "fuori dalla realtá" che avrei avuto voglia di prenderli a sberle. Ora ho grosse aspettative per la storia di Hart e quella di Cade.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
December 31, 2016
Funny and Yet Deep Emotional Undertones
FINAL DECISION: A man must take the risk to get what he wants and a woman who must upset expectations and disappoint others. THE LEGENDARY LORD starts with two people who are obviously meant for one another but have to fight their own natures to be together. Funny at moments but emotional as the two are seemingly destined to be apart. I loved the characters and the resolution. A winner!
THE STORY: Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, has many women friends but no woman to call his own. Every woman he might be interested in becomes his dear friend instead. Retreating to his hunting lodge in Scotland, Christian doesn't know how to proceed. When he arrives, he is held at sword point by a beautiful young woman who turns out to be Sarah Highgate, a woman who has run from her arranged engagement to a marquess. Now Sarah is beginning to have regrets for her flight because she realizes that she will disappoint her parents and be ruined. Christian realizes that he can be a friend and help Sarah avoid scandal and return to London. In exchange, Sarah offers to give Christian advice on how to change his image and become a Legendary Lord -- the gentleman of the season -- in order to find a wife. The problem becomes that Christian soon realizes that the woman he really wants is the one that he truly can only be a friend to -- Sarah.
OPINION: A hero who convinces the heroine to return to an arranged marriage and then regrets it. A heroine who wants to find love but is convinced to settle for the approval of her parents. These two are seriously mixed up. That is what makes them interesting because they are both struggling against convention and expectations.
Christian is a man who has made a habit of saving women and becoming friends with them. Unconcerned about town life, Christian is only serviceable in dress and he is more friendly than flirty. When he meets Sarah, she offers to help remake his image -- and she does. As with image, however, Christian remains who he truly is. As Sarah discovers, there are reasons that Christian remains single that has nothing to do with his clothes or image. I loved Christian because he is kind and supportive and he treats women well. I like that he has women friends (characters from the prior books in the series that he has helped) and he treats them as equals. They treat him as a beloved brother who they needle and care for.
Sarah was more difficult for me to immediately like because she starts out in such a great spot -- having taken a chance to run from her arranged marriage, but then experiences regret such that she is willing to return to her fiance to satisfy her parents (who I heartily disliked!) The question I had to ask was what other choices did Sarah really have. Sarah's opinions don't matter to her parents because society accepted that. To reject her parents' choice would mean that not only would Sarah lose the love of those she cared about but her physical and financial security as well. It's not easy being a rebel without support.
The story of Christian and Sarah is ultimately about commitment -- about putting yourself out for those you love -- about taking huge chances. These two people who mostly play it safe, but there can be nothing safe in love -- especially when you have to risk scandal to be together.
Christian and Sarah have different types of risks and challenges in their relationship. As much as Christian says he wants to marry, he is afraid of emotionally risking himself. As much as Sarah says she wants love, she is afraid of the approbation of her parents and society. Both claim to want to love, but neither wants to take the first scary step.
Balancing the mild angst in this book is humor from the heroines of the prior books in the series. As they scheme to push Sarah and Christian in the right direction, I laughed at their meddling ways and urged them on when it appeared that Sarah and Christian might miss their chance to be together.
I find it immensely satisfying to read about characters that I like and who I can identify with. Neither of these characters wants to be in the limelight. I can imagine them leading a happy and quiet life together after the pages of this book end and living happily ever after.
WORTH MENTIONING: Keep an eye out for a romance that is certainly on the horizon with Sarah's brother.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LEGENDARY LORD is the sixth book in the Playful Brides series. While there are appearances by continuing characters of the series, this book gives you everything you need to know and thus is a complete standalone as well.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
FINAL DECISION: A man must take the risk to get what he wants and a woman who must upset expectations and disappoint others. THE LEGENDARY LORD starts with two people who are obviously meant for one another but have to fight their own natures to be together. Funny at moments but emotional as the two are seemingly destined to be apart. I loved the characters and the resolution. A winner!
THE STORY: Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, has many women friends but no woman to call his own. Every woman he might be interested in becomes his dear friend instead. Retreating to his hunting lodge in Scotland, Christian doesn't know how to proceed. When he arrives, he is held at sword point by a beautiful young woman who turns out to be Sarah Highgate, a woman who has run from her arranged engagement to a marquess. Now Sarah is beginning to have regrets for her flight because she realizes that she will disappoint her parents and be ruined. Christian realizes that he can be a friend and help Sarah avoid scandal and return to London. In exchange, Sarah offers to give Christian advice on how to change his image and become a Legendary Lord -- the gentleman of the season -- in order to find a wife. The problem becomes that Christian soon realizes that the woman he really wants is the one that he truly can only be a friend to -- Sarah.
OPINION: A hero who convinces the heroine to return to an arranged marriage and then regrets it. A heroine who wants to find love but is convinced to settle for the approval of her parents. These two are seriously mixed up. That is what makes them interesting because they are both struggling against convention and expectations.
Christian is a man who has made a habit of saving women and becoming friends with them. Unconcerned about town life, Christian is only serviceable in dress and he is more friendly than flirty. When he meets Sarah, she offers to help remake his image -- and she does. As with image, however, Christian remains who he truly is. As Sarah discovers, there are reasons that Christian remains single that has nothing to do with his clothes or image. I loved Christian because he is kind and supportive and he treats women well. I like that he has women friends (characters from the prior books in the series that he has helped) and he treats them as equals. They treat him as a beloved brother who they needle and care for.
Sarah was more difficult for me to immediately like because she starts out in such a great spot -- having taken a chance to run from her arranged marriage, but then experiences regret such that she is willing to return to her fiance to satisfy her parents (who I heartily disliked!) The question I had to ask was what other choices did Sarah really have. Sarah's opinions don't matter to her parents because society accepted that. To reject her parents' choice would mean that not only would Sarah lose the love of those she cared about but her physical and financial security as well. It's not easy being a rebel without support.
The story of Christian and Sarah is ultimately about commitment -- about putting yourself out for those you love -- about taking huge chances. These two people who mostly play it safe, but there can be nothing safe in love -- especially when you have to risk scandal to be together.
Christian and Sarah have different types of risks and challenges in their relationship. As much as Christian says he wants to marry, he is afraid of emotionally risking himself. As much as Sarah says she wants love, she is afraid of the approbation of her parents and society. Both claim to want to love, but neither wants to take the first scary step.
Balancing the mild angst in this book is humor from the heroines of the prior books in the series. As they scheme to push Sarah and Christian in the right direction, I laughed at their meddling ways and urged them on when it appeared that Sarah and Christian might miss their chance to be together.
I find it immensely satisfying to read about characters that I like and who I can identify with. Neither of these characters wants to be in the limelight. I can imagine them leading a happy and quiet life together after the pages of this book end and living happily ever after.
WORTH MENTIONING: Keep an eye out for a romance that is certainly on the horizon with Sarah's brother.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE LEGENDARY LORD is the sixth book in the Playful Brides series. While there are appearances by continuing characters of the series, this book gives you everything you need to know and thus is a complete standalone as well.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
February 9, 2017
I’ve read all of this series now and although I’ve enjoyed most of them, there have been a couple that I struggled with and unfortunately this was one of them. It just seemed like there were far too many things happening here where it would have been impossible to smooth the way in society for the characters. And each time the Duchess of Claringdon comes up with another hairball scheme it’s all kind of brushed aside in a “haha, I’m a Duchess, I do what I like and people love me because I’m precocious.� Even though what she’s come up with is usually absolutely ridiculous.
At first Lady Sarah is presented as a bit of a rebel � she’s absconded with a chaperone to escape (or at least buy some time) before she’s forced to marry an undesirable man. She’s been raised strictly to always do what she is told, to not really think for herself. All important decisions will be made for her, first by her father and then presumably then by her husband. She’ll wear pretty dresses and as the daughter of an Earl, be expected to marry well, run a household and produce the standard heir and spare. Lady Sarah flees to Scotland where she ends up staying for a few days in a type of cabin, which is on Christian’s Scottish property. Christian arrives whilst she’s staying there and due to unforseen circumstances (the Scottish weather and her chaperone being injured) they spend several days alone together.
Christian is well known from previous books in this series, having been a contender for the aforementioned Duchess of Claringdon’s hand before she married the Duke all the way back in book 1. It seems that Christian has been forever on the fringe, interested in a few ladies but ultimately overlooked for someone else they fall in love with. He’s ready to settle down and get married but is just unable to land a bride � which is kind of hard to believe given that Christian is supposed to be good looking, wealthy and titled. You’d think that the mothers of the young ladies would have him firmly in their sights but perhaps being a viscount just isn’t enough to be eligible, what with the plethora of Dukes, Marquess� and Earls that populate historical romance.
After her disappearance Christian promises that his powerful women friends will help her smooth over her reputation and in return, she will make him a ‘legend� that the debutantes will all be desperate to marry. My biggest problem was that Sarah went to the trouble of sneaking away, escaping this betrothal with seemingly little plan for what would come after. She just seems resigned to go back to London and end up marrying her father’s choice anyway so it made her flight seem a little pointless. It was also surprising that they didn’t know each other � although Sarah is aware of a Viscount Berkely, she’s unaware that Christian himself is the Viscount.
I’ve liked Christian in previous books and he was okay in this one too. I think Sarah was the biggest problem I had � her character just seemed so inconsistent. She keeps remembering her upbringing, the ‘do what you’re told Sarah� with loathing and regret and yet she had a chance to change it but ultimately she would’ve gone back and married her betrothed and settled for that unhappy, bland life with barely a flicker, after her time in Scotland. She seems so different, like she wants to break the mold and be an entirely different person but then she just keeps doing the boring, staid things that are expected of her, intending to sacrifice her own happiness in the process. I found the ending unexpected � it went in a different direction to what I had assumed but I also found it a little bit cringeworthy too. I think it was supposed to be romantic and dramatic but it just came across as a bit�..weird.
I’m not sure if this is the last installment of this series but I think it will be for me. This was disappointing and Christian’s story was one I had looked forward to. Normally I love glimpses of previous characters when I’m reading a series but I’ve definitely had enough of the Duchess of Claringdon and her schemes. It’s run its course.
At first Lady Sarah is presented as a bit of a rebel � she’s absconded with a chaperone to escape (or at least buy some time) before she’s forced to marry an undesirable man. She’s been raised strictly to always do what she is told, to not really think for herself. All important decisions will be made for her, first by her father and then presumably then by her husband. She’ll wear pretty dresses and as the daughter of an Earl, be expected to marry well, run a household and produce the standard heir and spare. Lady Sarah flees to Scotland where she ends up staying for a few days in a type of cabin, which is on Christian’s Scottish property. Christian arrives whilst she’s staying there and due to unforseen circumstances (the Scottish weather and her chaperone being injured) they spend several days alone together.
Christian is well known from previous books in this series, having been a contender for the aforementioned Duchess of Claringdon’s hand before she married the Duke all the way back in book 1. It seems that Christian has been forever on the fringe, interested in a few ladies but ultimately overlooked for someone else they fall in love with. He’s ready to settle down and get married but is just unable to land a bride � which is kind of hard to believe given that Christian is supposed to be good looking, wealthy and titled. You’d think that the mothers of the young ladies would have him firmly in their sights but perhaps being a viscount just isn’t enough to be eligible, what with the plethora of Dukes, Marquess� and Earls that populate historical romance.
After her disappearance Christian promises that his powerful women friends will help her smooth over her reputation and in return, she will make him a ‘legend� that the debutantes will all be desperate to marry. My biggest problem was that Sarah went to the trouble of sneaking away, escaping this betrothal with seemingly little plan for what would come after. She just seems resigned to go back to London and end up marrying her father’s choice anyway so it made her flight seem a little pointless. It was also surprising that they didn’t know each other � although Sarah is aware of a Viscount Berkely, she’s unaware that Christian himself is the Viscount.
I’ve liked Christian in previous books and he was okay in this one too. I think Sarah was the biggest problem I had � her character just seemed so inconsistent. She keeps remembering her upbringing, the ‘do what you’re told Sarah� with loathing and regret and yet she had a chance to change it but ultimately she would’ve gone back and married her betrothed and settled for that unhappy, bland life with barely a flicker, after her time in Scotland. She seems so different, like she wants to break the mold and be an entirely different person but then she just keeps doing the boring, staid things that are expected of her, intending to sacrifice her own happiness in the process. I found the ending unexpected � it went in a different direction to what I had assumed but I also found it a little bit cringeworthy too. I think it was supposed to be romantic and dramatic but it just came across as a bit�..weird.
I’m not sure if this is the last installment of this series but I think it will be for me. This was disappointing and Christian’s story was one I had looked forward to. Normally I love glimpses of previous characters when I’m reading a series but I’ve definitely had enough of the Duchess of Claringdon and her schemes. It’s run its course.
April 28, 2017
3.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin:
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, is always the groomsman, never the groom. After helping a number of his friends find happiness, Christian is determined that next season, he will be the one walking down the aisle. Imagine his shock when the belle of the season, Lady Sarah Highgate, practically falls into his lap� Or rather, his Scottish hunting lodge. Sarah’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, but for once Christian isn’t uneasy around a woman and it’s not too long before it’s all too easy for him to imagine Sarah as his. There’s just one problem: she’s engaged to another man.
Sarah has been raised to do one thing: marry well. But the announcement of her betrothal a narcissistic marquess leaves her feeling like the walls are closing in around her. On impulse, Sarah flees to Scotland and winds up in the wrong house. Fortunately for her, Christian is a gentleman, and when he agrees to help save her reputation she offers to make him the most sought-after bachelor in London. But the longer she’s around Christian, the more Sarah regrets her decision� Because the new “catch of the season� has already caught her heart.
Valerie Bowman has a light, effervescent style that makes the pages of The Legendary Lord fly by. It’s a fast-paced, engaging story that I hated to put down, even when reading it a second time. I was so excited to see Christian get a book of his own. He’s long been a good friend to many a Playful Brides protagonist and it was time for him to find a love of his own. He and Sarah hit it off immediately, and the unconventional setting of the first part of the book means they get to know each other far better than they would have had they been in London. Both Christian and Sarah are kind, likeable people who charmed me from the start. They’ve got natural chemistry and the scenes with just the two of them (not including an adorable dog) in Scotland made it easy to fall into their burgeoning romance, which made me eager to see them end up happily married.
It wouldn’t be much of a story if there were no obstacles in Sarah and Christian’s path, and to me, this is where The Legendary Lord faltered slightly. The obstacles in and of themselves were understandable. Once they return to reality (aka London), there are the problems of Sarah’s engagement, her strong sense of duty, and the fact that Christian isn’t one to make waves. But my pet peeve in romance is a hero and heroine who are mostly passive when it comes to getting their happily ever after. It bothered me a bit that I felt like � if it weren’t for their friends (Lucy Hunt in particular) � Christian and Sarah would never have ended up together. On the one hand, their actions (or lack thereof) did give others a chance to repay Christian for the kindnesses he’s done them, and I appreciated that. On the other, I wanted to see Sarah and Christian fight a bit harder for each other because it was a bit unsatisfying to feel like things could have very easily gone a different way if not for Lucy and co.’s interference. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed The Legendary Lord . Ms. Bowman’s writing never fails to entertain me and I was thrilled to see Christian finally find love. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Playful Brides series, for there are a few characters whose stories I am dying to read.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, is always the groomsman, never the groom. After helping a number of his friends find happiness, Christian is determined that next season, he will be the one walking down the aisle. Imagine his shock when the belle of the season, Lady Sarah Highgate, practically falls into his lap� Or rather, his Scottish hunting lodge. Sarah’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, but for once Christian isn’t uneasy around a woman and it’s not too long before it’s all too easy for him to imagine Sarah as his. There’s just one problem: she’s engaged to another man.
Sarah has been raised to do one thing: marry well. But the announcement of her betrothal a narcissistic marquess leaves her feeling like the walls are closing in around her. On impulse, Sarah flees to Scotland and winds up in the wrong house. Fortunately for her, Christian is a gentleman, and when he agrees to help save her reputation she offers to make him the most sought-after bachelor in London. But the longer she’s around Christian, the more Sarah regrets her decision� Because the new “catch of the season� has already caught her heart.
Valerie Bowman has a light, effervescent style that makes the pages of The Legendary Lord fly by. It’s a fast-paced, engaging story that I hated to put down, even when reading it a second time. I was so excited to see Christian get a book of his own. He’s long been a good friend to many a Playful Brides protagonist and it was time for him to find a love of his own. He and Sarah hit it off immediately, and the unconventional setting of the first part of the book means they get to know each other far better than they would have had they been in London. Both Christian and Sarah are kind, likeable people who charmed me from the start. They’ve got natural chemistry and the scenes with just the two of them (not including an adorable dog) in Scotland made it easy to fall into their burgeoning romance, which made me eager to see them end up happily married.
It wouldn’t be much of a story if there were no obstacles in Sarah and Christian’s path, and to me, this is where The Legendary Lord faltered slightly. The obstacles in and of themselves were understandable. Once they return to reality (aka London), there are the problems of Sarah’s engagement, her strong sense of duty, and the fact that Christian isn’t one to make waves. But my pet peeve in romance is a hero and heroine who are mostly passive when it comes to getting their happily ever after. It bothered me a bit that I felt like � if it weren’t for their friends (Lucy Hunt in particular) � Christian and Sarah would never have ended up together. On the one hand, their actions (or lack thereof) did give others a chance to repay Christian for the kindnesses he’s done them, and I appreciated that. On the other, I wanted to see Sarah and Christian fight a bit harder for each other because it was a bit unsatisfying to feel like things could have very easily gone a different way if not for Lucy and co.’s interference. That being said, I still thoroughly enjoyed The Legendary Lord . Ms. Bowman’s writing never fails to entertain me and I was thrilled to see Christian finally find love. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Playful Brides series, for there are a few characters whose stories I am dying to read.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 29, 2016
Originally posted on
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
I just love Valerie Bowman, seriously she just puts her own unique spin on such classic tales and she’s at it again with The Legendary Lord. Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley has failed yet again to find a bride and flees to his cottage in Scotland where he finds Sarah Highgate living in his cottage. She’s running away too, and she’s so desperate to avoid the marriage her father arranged for her that she accepts a deal from Christian: He’ll protect her reputation if she teaches him how to catch a proper bride.
The biggest thing I liked about Christian was his awkwardness and inability to charm the ladies. In the majority of historical romances, the titled hero is a smooth talking rake who has his pick of proper (and improper) women. Christian was decidedly not that guy. He suffered from anxiety attacks and stuttered from time to time when it came to talking to women. His social handicaps were his selling point though. Bowman’s elimination of the typical rake in favor of a socially awkward viscount allowed for more attention to be paid to Christian’s personality rather than skirt chasing. It was refreshing. Christian has been a fixture in Bowman’s Playful Brides series from the very beginning, often helping out with the Duchess of Claringdon, aka Lucy’s mad schemes. I’ve always liked Christian because he had such a great sense of humor and adventure. It’s kind of par for the course when one is in Lucy’s odd circle of friends.
Lady Sarah took a little time to show her personality, or rather her courage. In the beginning she was extremely likable because she was away from London and her parents but later, when she was back home she sort of faded into the background. She was docile and malleable to the point of boredom. I liked Sarah better in the beginning, she was a character that really made things interesting. That Sarah didn’t come back after she returned to London. I would have liked to see Sarah save herself by standing up to her parents at least. Instead she let everyone else do it for her. That was a bit of a letdown when she had started off so strong.
The Legendary Lord is a bit of a read and it took a long time for anything romantic to really happen between Christian and Sarah. The first half of the book was a bit slow but it did allow a friendship to grow between the two. Finally when the romance starts to really kick off, the pace picks up significantly and that’s when I really started to have fun. No Playful Brides book would be complete without the meddling Lucy and she usually comes with Jane and Cassandra. I wasn’t disappointed when these three stepped in to help their mutual friend Christian. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lady Alex, Lord Owen, Daphne, Rafe, and even Rafe’s naughty twin Cade too! Sarah also has a brother, Hart, and a best friend named Meg that seem to have some kind of thing for each other. I smell more books coming! Yay!
Final Verdict: Even with Sarah turning out to be a wilting flower for the second half of the book, The Legendary Lord was a solid read. Valerie Bowman managed to create a satisfying story and happy ending for the one character who has been “Friend Zoned� more times than I can count. Christian is finally off the market!
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.
I just love Valerie Bowman, seriously she just puts her own unique spin on such classic tales and she’s at it again with The Legendary Lord. Christian Bancroft, Viscount Berkeley has failed yet again to find a bride and flees to his cottage in Scotland where he finds Sarah Highgate living in his cottage. She’s running away too, and she’s so desperate to avoid the marriage her father arranged for her that she accepts a deal from Christian: He’ll protect her reputation if she teaches him how to catch a proper bride.
The biggest thing I liked about Christian was his awkwardness and inability to charm the ladies. In the majority of historical romances, the titled hero is a smooth talking rake who has his pick of proper (and improper) women. Christian was decidedly not that guy. He suffered from anxiety attacks and stuttered from time to time when it came to talking to women. His social handicaps were his selling point though. Bowman’s elimination of the typical rake in favor of a socially awkward viscount allowed for more attention to be paid to Christian’s personality rather than skirt chasing. It was refreshing. Christian has been a fixture in Bowman’s Playful Brides series from the very beginning, often helping out with the Duchess of Claringdon, aka Lucy’s mad schemes. I’ve always liked Christian because he had such a great sense of humor and adventure. It’s kind of par for the course when one is in Lucy’s odd circle of friends.
Lady Sarah took a little time to show her personality, or rather her courage. In the beginning she was extremely likable because she was away from London and her parents but later, when she was back home she sort of faded into the background. She was docile and malleable to the point of boredom. I liked Sarah better in the beginning, she was a character that really made things interesting. That Sarah didn’t come back after she returned to London. I would have liked to see Sarah save herself by standing up to her parents at least. Instead she let everyone else do it for her. That was a bit of a letdown when she had started off so strong.
The Legendary Lord is a bit of a read and it took a long time for anything romantic to really happen between Christian and Sarah. The first half of the book was a bit slow but it did allow a friendship to grow between the two. Finally when the romance starts to really kick off, the pace picks up significantly and that’s when I really started to have fun. No Playful Brides book would be complete without the meddling Lucy and she usually comes with Jane and Cassandra. I wasn’t disappointed when these three stepped in to help their mutual friend Christian. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lady Alex, Lord Owen, Daphne, Rafe, and even Rafe’s naughty twin Cade too! Sarah also has a brother, Hart, and a best friend named Meg that seem to have some kind of thing for each other. I smell more books coming! Yay!
Final Verdict: Even with Sarah turning out to be a wilting flower for the second half of the book, The Legendary Lord was a solid read. Valerie Bowman managed to create a satisfying story and happy ending for the one character who has been “Friend Zoned� more times than I can count. Christian is finally off the market!
September 27, 2016
I binge-read the first three books in this series earlier on this year and really enjoyed myself. However I still struggle to identify the characters as there as so many (maybe it's time for a brush-up of the series?) At first I had no idea who Christian Berkeley was. Eventually his title sounded familiar but I still couldn't remember him from previous books. This annoyed me to no end but I tried not to let it spoil the book for me.
Christian Berkeley is a viscount who stutters and is uncomfortable in social situations. When he comes across Sarah Highgate, a runaway who was once the belle of the season they strike a deal- Christian will help her return to London with no harm to her reputation while Sarah needs to help Christian become the catch of the season.
I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books especially Jane Upton and Daphne Swift. This book was excellently written and such a pleasure to read. The Playful Brides series usually seems too long to me but this wasn't a problem with this book. I couldn't read fast enough or put the book down. This is a book that fans of historical romance will definitely enjoy.
Christian Berkeley is a viscount who stutters and is uncomfortable in social situations. When he comes across Sarah Highgate, a runaway who was once the belle of the season they strike a deal- Christian will help her return to London with no harm to her reputation while Sarah needs to help Christian become the catch of the season.
I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books especially Jane Upton and Daphne Swift. This book was excellently written and such a pleasure to read. The Playful Brides series usually seems too long to me but this wasn't a problem with this book. I couldn't read fast enough or put the book down. This is a book that fans of historical romance will definitely enjoy.
December 19, 2016
Christian, Viscount Berkeley, is everyone’s friend but has no luck with the ladies. He decides to visit his Scottish hunting lodge and finds Lady Sarah Highgate who has fled London as she doesn’t want to marry the man her parents selected. A snowstorm keeps them trapped as his manservant took her chaperone, who injured her ankle, to the doctor in town.
They strike a bargain that he’ll keep this encounter from the ton and she’ll help him become more noticeable to the ladies. This works out well until Sarah is jealous of all the attention he’s receiving. Sarah feels obligated to marry the man her parents chose even when her friends advise not to. So, who does she marry? Read this very enjoyable book to find out. I highly recommend it.
They strike a bargain that he’ll keep this encounter from the ton and she’ll help him become more noticeable to the ladies. This works out well until Sarah is jealous of all the attention he’s receiving. Sarah feels obligated to marry the man her parents chose even when her friends advise not to. So, who does she marry? Read this very enjoyable book to find out. I highly recommend it.
November 3, 2016
2.5 actual rating
This series is definitely dragging on a bit. Instead of focusing on the main couple, I get more pages of potential/older couples interacting with each other! I just didn't feel the connection, however cute the storyline was.
This series is definitely dragging on a bit. Instead of focusing on the main couple, I get more pages of potential/older couples interacting with each other! I just didn't feel the connection, however cute the storyline was.
June 7, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book.
The beginning was so sweet. I loved watching the MCs fall in love. But once they went back to London, the book became insufferable. And Sarah yelling at Christian was completely uncalled for. He was the perfect gentleman the entire time. She was the one with the issue, being engaged to someone else.
So good first half, crappy second half.
The beginning was so sweet. I loved watching the MCs fall in love. But once they went back to London, the book became insufferable. And Sarah yelling at Christian was completely uncalled for. He was the perfect gentleman the entire time. She was the one with the issue, being engaged to someone else.
So good first half, crappy second half.
October 28, 2018
As uneventful and dull as poor Christian. Enough with the meddling friends. They are getting annoying.
May 24, 2020
I loved this book of a shy viscount and a runaway bride.
August 23, 2021
I love Christian. He’s the goodest of gents.
May 15, 2019
The misunderstanding was stupid
January 23, 2018
For complete review check out my blog at
avoid
November 4, 2016See Sonya Heaney's review as a reminder why this author is not for me!
October 9, 2016
Fun, though slightly long in the middle - detailed review to come closer to publication!
November 7, 2016
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue :
Lady Sarah Highgate is nothing, if not a dutiful daughter. For as long as she can remember, her parents have drummed into her head that her purpose in life is to make the most advantageous marriage possible and to obey them. Up 'til now, she has done just that, but finding herself engaged to a man she has no desire to marry has sent her fleeing to her family's remote Scottish residence, hoping that her actions will cause her ruin. The problem is, she ends up at another home completely. When the owner comes home to find her in his bed, they get off to a very rocky start.
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, immediately knows that someone is trespassing, and he intends to send them packing. He's surprised to find himself challenged by a beautiful sword-wielding young lady, intent on protecting herself. Christian has been traveling, and looks a little scruffy and worse for wear, but he convinces Sarah that he doesn't intend to harm her. Sarah, feeling intimidated, stresses the fact that she's a lady and her father is an earl. Christian is not impressed, and hides his own title, just introducing himself as Mr. Forester.
As can be expected, Sarah and Christian get snowed in, and over the next days, they get to know each other very well. Sarah tells of her demanding parents and engagement, and Christian confesses that he badly wants a wife, but is only successful at being friends with many ladies. Sarah's bravado begins to fade, and she is now sick at the thought of being ruined. She's ready to go home and face the music and accept the marriage her parents have arranged. Though Christian is very attracted to Sarah, he won't try to change her mind, so he decides to help her instead. He arranges for some of his good friends with lofty titles to concoct an alibi for Sarah, saving her reputation. In exchange, Sarah coaches Christian on how to dress and act with ladies to catch their attention. Their idyll ends, and they part and go their separate ways. Yet, each continues to think about the other....
Months later, they both arrive back in town for the season, Sarah, as an engaged woman, and Christian as the new and improved version of himself. Soon Christian's good looks, his new expensive clothes, and his new outlook, have him surrounded by young ladies, wondering why they have never noticed him before. As much as they try, Sarah and Christian can't keep away from each other, though they clearly have no future together. Their meetings soon turn to stolen kisses, then to passion, yet neither makes any attempt to change the course of their lives.
Christian is a wonderful man - I have a hard time believing that he was just previously ignored, despite a shaggy haircut and less than topnotch wardrobe. A handsome young man with a title and a fortune would surely have been pursued by many. He also disappointed me by not having the will to try to change Sarah's mind or confess his feelings. As for Sarah, she was a lovely person, but very spineless. Her one act of rebellion seems to have taken all the spark out of her. Their friends can see that they're perfect for each other, and urge them to find a way. While they do find their happy ever after, I found the manner of it disappointing, as it showed Sarah in a disrespectful light, and humiliated her almost-groom, whose only sins were arrogance and wanting to marry her. There were a lot of enjoyable parts of THE LEGENDARY LORD, which had a light, somewhat fairy tale quality about it. If you're following the Playful Brides series, this installment is a must read for you.
Lady Sarah Highgate is nothing, if not a dutiful daughter. For as long as she can remember, her parents have drummed into her head that her purpose in life is to make the most advantageous marriage possible and to obey them. Up 'til now, she has done just that, but finding herself engaged to a man she has no desire to marry has sent her fleeing to her family's remote Scottish residence, hoping that her actions will cause her ruin. The problem is, she ends up at another home completely. When the owner comes home to find her in his bed, they get off to a very rocky start.
Christian Forester, Viscount Berkeley, immediately knows that someone is trespassing, and he intends to send them packing. He's surprised to find himself challenged by a beautiful sword-wielding young lady, intent on protecting herself. Christian has been traveling, and looks a little scruffy and worse for wear, but he convinces Sarah that he doesn't intend to harm her. Sarah, feeling intimidated, stresses the fact that she's a lady and her father is an earl. Christian is not impressed, and hides his own title, just introducing himself as Mr. Forester.
As can be expected, Sarah and Christian get snowed in, and over the next days, they get to know each other very well. Sarah tells of her demanding parents and engagement, and Christian confesses that he badly wants a wife, but is only successful at being friends with many ladies. Sarah's bravado begins to fade, and she is now sick at the thought of being ruined. She's ready to go home and face the music and accept the marriage her parents have arranged. Though Christian is very attracted to Sarah, he won't try to change her mind, so he decides to help her instead. He arranges for some of his good friends with lofty titles to concoct an alibi for Sarah, saving her reputation. In exchange, Sarah coaches Christian on how to dress and act with ladies to catch their attention. Their idyll ends, and they part and go their separate ways. Yet, each continues to think about the other....
Months later, they both arrive back in town for the season, Sarah, as an engaged woman, and Christian as the new and improved version of himself. Soon Christian's good looks, his new expensive clothes, and his new outlook, have him surrounded by young ladies, wondering why they have never noticed him before. As much as they try, Sarah and Christian can't keep away from each other, though they clearly have no future together. Their meetings soon turn to stolen kisses, then to passion, yet neither makes any attempt to change the course of their lives.
Christian is a wonderful man - I have a hard time believing that he was just previously ignored, despite a shaggy haircut and less than topnotch wardrobe. A handsome young man with a title and a fortune would surely have been pursued by many. He also disappointed me by not having the will to try to change Sarah's mind or confess his feelings. As for Sarah, she was a lovely person, but very spineless. Her one act of rebellion seems to have taken all the spark out of her. Their friends can see that they're perfect for each other, and urge them to find a way. While they do find their happy ever after, I found the manner of it disappointing, as it showed Sarah in a disrespectful light, and humiliated her almost-groom, whose only sins were arrogance and wanting to marry her. There were a lot of enjoyable parts of THE LEGENDARY LORD, which had a light, somewhat fairy tale quality about it. If you're following the Playful Brides series, this installment is a must read for you.
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