What do you think?
Rate this book
Headstrong Harts #2
Queen of My Hart
Sometimes, a losing hand can be the greatest victory of all.
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is to marry a title—and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter's plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley's illegitimate daughter instead.
Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace for eight years. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn't understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she—a world of society, traditions, and etiquette, where even the servants don't hide their scorn. But she soon learns that beneath her husband's ruthless exterior lies a passionate man who renders her breathless with his fiery kisses and skillful touch.
But when Meggie's past returns to haunt her, she must decide whether she can trust the husband she's growing to love—or risk losing him forever.
Contains mature themes.
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is to marry a title—and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter's plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley's illegitimate daughter instead.
Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace for eight years. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn't understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she—a world of society, traditions, and etiquette, where even the servants don't hide their scorn. But she soon learns that beneath her husband's ruthless exterior lies a passionate man who renders her breathless with his fiery kisses and skillful touch.
But when Meggie's past returns to haunt her, she must decide whether she can trust the husband she's growing to love—or risk losing him forever.
Contains mature themes.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
About the author
Emily Royal
35 books175 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 24, 2021
Queen of my Hart
Headstrong Harts Series #2
Emily Royal
https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor/
Release date 11/24/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Sometimes, a losing hand can be the greatest victory of all.
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is to marry a title—and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter’s plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley’s illegitimate daughter instead.
Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace for eight years. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn’t understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she—a world of society, traditions and etiquette, where even the servants don’t hide their scorn. But she soon learns that beneath her husband’s ruthless exterior lies a passionate man who renders her breathless with his fiery kisses and skilful touch.
Meggie rises to the challenge and proves herself an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, and Dexter wonders whether Fate chose for him a better wife than he would have chosen for himself.
But when Meggie’s past returns to haunt her, she must decide whether she can trust the husband she’s growing to love—or risk losing him forever.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her past and his scars come between them ...
After Delilah’s story, I was very curious about her brother, the jaded Dexter.
He sure is not someone easily appreciated, he is a hard nutshell to break through, but behind all this cold aloof demeanor, there is a kind heart.
He rose himself from the gutter, creating his own circumstances, making him a force to be reckoned even by those who would look at him with disdain.
Even if I was more than furious when he decided to punish physically a maid in his estate.
And while tricked to marry the one woman he would never have chosen, if he had been a villain, he could have directed his anger on her.
He only asked her to trust him and be straightforward with him.
Yet she held back.
When more than one time, he reached out, trying to free her from her past.
Of course, he is far from perfect, so flawed, with a temper but not one to let it have a hold on him.
Why his friends are so loyal to him.
And while he has made errors and still makes mistakes, when he cares he will go to the end of the earth to ensure his dearests’ happiness.
Maggie had been trashed and abused all her life, reminded of her lowly birth and her sins at every step.
And while once more, she has her life upended, her new master is not the monster she expected. He is no easy man to live with, he decides and commands. And while he does know really how to handle her, in his own way, he tried to protect her.
It was badly done, as he is often late to support her which angered me. Yet he learns his lessons and when necessity comes, he shows his backing.
As a doormat for all her life, I would have loved to see her stand for herself once. Yet at each abuse, she cowers and bents her shoulders, thus how I was upset at her for not trusting her husband’s word and letting her fears restrain her.
The author demonstrates her talent at creating three dimensional characters with Dexter and Maggie, while she finds her voice, he exposes his heart but it is no smooth journey and up to them to triumph from those set on destroying them by keeping them apart.
5 stars
Now I await Devon’s tale.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Headstrong Harts Series #2
Emily Royal
https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor/
Release date 11/24/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Sometimes, a losing hand can be the greatest victory of all.
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is to marry a title—and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter’s plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley’s illegitimate daughter instead.
Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace for eight years. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn’t understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she—a world of society, traditions and etiquette, where even the servants don’t hide their scorn. But she soon learns that beneath her husband’s ruthless exterior lies a passionate man who renders her breathless with his fiery kisses and skilful touch.
Meggie rises to the challenge and proves herself an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, and Dexter wonders whether Fate chose for him a better wife than he would have chosen for himself.
But when Meggie’s past returns to haunt her, she must decide whether she can trust the husband she’s growing to love—or risk losing him forever.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her past and his scars come between them ...
After Delilah’s story, I was very curious about her brother, the jaded Dexter.
He sure is not someone easily appreciated, he is a hard nutshell to break through, but behind all this cold aloof demeanor, there is a kind heart.
He rose himself from the gutter, creating his own circumstances, making him a force to be reckoned even by those who would look at him with disdain.
Even if I was more than furious when he decided to punish physically a maid in his estate.
And while tricked to marry the one woman he would never have chosen, if he had been a villain, he could have directed his anger on her.
He only asked her to trust him and be straightforward with him.
Yet she held back.
When more than one time, he reached out, trying to free her from her past.
Of course, he is far from perfect, so flawed, with a temper but not one to let it have a hold on him.
Why his friends are so loyal to him.
And while he has made errors and still makes mistakes, when he cares he will go to the end of the earth to ensure his dearests’ happiness.
Maggie had been trashed and abused all her life, reminded of her lowly birth and her sins at every step.
And while once more, she has her life upended, her new master is not the monster she expected. He is no easy man to live with, he decides and commands. And while he does know really how to handle her, in his own way, he tried to protect her.
It was badly done, as he is often late to support her which angered me. Yet he learns his lessons and when necessity comes, he shows his backing.
As a doormat for all her life, I would have loved to see her stand for herself once. Yet at each abuse, she cowers and bents her shoulders, thus how I was upset at her for not trusting her husband’s word and letting her fears restrain her.
The author demonstrates her talent at creating three dimensional characters with Dexter and Maggie, while she finds her voice, he exposes his heart but it is no smooth journey and up to them to triumph from those set on destroying them by keeping them apart.
5 stars
Now I await Devon’s tale.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
July 1, 2021
Same story as the first!
I really enjoyed this book but I read it after I read the first one and they have the Same storyline but a couple of pieces were changed. I love this trope and I like her heroes (more towards the end of the book) and the sweet heroines , I love it all but reading them back to back was probs my wrong. I should have read something in between them maybe. Oh well. I still really liked the story. The heroes are faithful, they are cruel, then they fall in love and become teddy bears. In this one, it is not as dark as the first. The heroine was 15 and thought she loved this guy and he ruined her and never came back again. A baby was born but it died. And her Father was a very vile evil man. And her half-sister was a piece of work. She was terrible. I hated her. But loved the heroine . She was smart and I loved the Cinderella aspect very much. I do like these types of stories and wish we had more.
I really enjoyed this book but I read it after I read the first one and they have the Same storyline but a couple of pieces were changed. I love this trope and I like her heroes (more towards the end of the book) and the sweet heroines , I love it all but reading them back to back was probs my wrong. I should have read something in between them maybe. Oh well. I still really liked the story. The heroes are faithful, they are cruel, then they fall in love and become teddy bears. In this one, it is not as dark as the first. The heroine was 15 and thought she loved this guy and he ruined her and never came back again. A baby was born but it died. And her Father was a very vile evil man. And her half-sister was a piece of work. She was terrible. I hated her. But loved the heroine . She was smart and I loved the Cinderella aspect very much. I do like these types of stories and wish we had more.
March 7, 2021
This beautifully written tale should grace every romantic’s library.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 22, 2020
Emotional, absorbing, and romantic, this well written novel has a thread of tension running through it from the opening chapter to the warm-hearted conclusion. I did not intend to stay up past midnight to read this book but found I could not put it down. Dexter is a hard man who has fought his way to the upper echelons of society where he is a well-respected banker with powerful friends. However, his struggle is not without casualties, and in the process, he has alienated his immediate family. When the opportunity comes to take his revenge on the one man who is responsible for most of his pain, he is duped into marrying the wrong woman. Or so it would seem. Despite his harsh exterior, Dexter is nevertheless an honourable man and he does his best to protect Meggie from the fallout of her malicious father's schemes. Despite her humble beginnings, Meggie has learned her life-lessons well and she is a strong, intelligent woman who wins the respect of those closest to her. I found my emotions being aroused by this romance and was so glad that Dexter finally broke through his hard shell to bring Meggie the hope and healing she so desperately needed. I received a copy of this excellent novel through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 29, 2020
Oh I did enjoy this book very much! I wasn’t sure that I was going to like the character of Dexter, at first, but when his background was explained, the reasons for his actions became clear and he became more likeable as the story progressed. He was a self made man and was quite ruthless at times. Margaret ( Meggie) has such a caring personality, even though she hadn’t had an easy life. I liked the way that Meggie’s influence changed Dexter’s outlook. Their growing relationship was also a joy and the comeuppance of a spiteful person. There was a lovely ending to this story. Dexter had a number of siblings and I look forward to reading their stories, particularly that of his brother.
November 21, 2020
A well-paced historical romance with great characters, Queen of My Hart begins when Dexter, determined to marry into a title, makes a bet with Viscount Alderley, a man that whipped him as a child and disrespects him as an adult. Though he wins the gamble, his plan to marry Alderley’s daughter Elizabeth backfires when Alderley presents his eldest, illegitimate daughter, Meggie.
Meggie has no relationship with her father and is stunned when he comes to force her to marry a stranger. When he threatens all she holds dear, Meggie has no choice but to marry Dexter, but she decides to make the best of an unfortunate situation in order to protect those she cares about. She never expects to develop feelings for the brash and brutally honest man she married, nor does Dexter expect to become smitten by the lovely Meggie. But with secrets from their past in the way, can this couple ever give in to their feelings and learn to trust each other?
Meggie is such a remarkable character. She is kind and friendly, and she cares deeply. Not overly experienced in the ways of high society, Meggie often makes social blunders. She is a woman who has been through a lot, including abandonment and living a life of heartbreak and betrayal. However, she still has this unbreakable resilience and optimism.
Dexter is very different from Meggie. Closed off and brutally honest, he holds people at a distance. He’s a successful and ambitious man, but even his own siblings can’t break through his tough exterior. Dexter is hard-working and determined to elevate his station in society, but he doesn’t nurture some of the most important relationships in his life until he meets Meggie.
Both Dexter and Meggie have trust issues, and since their marriage started under unconventional circumstances, they struggle to fully open up to each other. It’s clear that they have feelings for each other, but abandonment issues and fear of rejection hinder them. It was lovely to see them slowly connect and learn to open up to each other.
I enjoyed this historical romance. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the romance is filled with chemistry. There are times when I wanted to shake Dexter and knock some sense into him, and I didn’t love the abundance of predatory men, but Meggie and the romance made up for it. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Meggie has no relationship with her father and is stunned when he comes to force her to marry a stranger. When he threatens all she holds dear, Meggie has no choice but to marry Dexter, but she decides to make the best of an unfortunate situation in order to protect those she cares about. She never expects to develop feelings for the brash and brutally honest man she married, nor does Dexter expect to become smitten by the lovely Meggie. But with secrets from their past in the way, can this couple ever give in to their feelings and learn to trust each other?
Meggie is such a remarkable character. She is kind and friendly, and she cares deeply. Not overly experienced in the ways of high society, Meggie often makes social blunders. She is a woman who has been through a lot, including abandonment and living a life of heartbreak and betrayal. However, she still has this unbreakable resilience and optimism.
Dexter is very different from Meggie. Closed off and brutally honest, he holds people at a distance. He’s a successful and ambitious man, but even his own siblings can’t break through his tough exterior. Dexter is hard-working and determined to elevate his station in society, but he doesn’t nurture some of the most important relationships in his life until he meets Meggie.
Both Dexter and Meggie have trust issues, and since their marriage started under unconventional circumstances, they struggle to fully open up to each other. It’s clear that they have feelings for each other, but abandonment issues and fear of rejection hinder them. It was lovely to see them slowly connect and learn to open up to each other.
I enjoyed this historical romance. The characters are well-developed and interesting, and the romance is filled with chemistry. There are times when I wanted to shake Dexter and knock some sense into him, and I didn’t love the abundance of predatory men, but Meggie and the romance made up for it. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2022
I’ve never despised a fictional character more than Dexter Hart. He was an absolute despicable ass from the very first page who didn’t even have a dramatic reason for the way he behaved not only to his wife, Meggie, but all of his siblings as well. Since I didn’t like him even a single bit I was certainly not rooting for the ‘romance’ in this book and kept my fingers crossed for an unfortunate horse accident.
Speaking of the romance. Dexter and Meggie get married quite quickly, consummate their marriage and before we get more than a handful of scene of them together Meggie get’s send off to the country estate and we do not see them interacting for a good while. When they meet up again they don’t get along either and then ~somehow~ end up in love with each other. A bit into them being in love Dexter gets a personality transplant, but even that did not managed to endear me to him.
Meggie was a nice spot in this books. It was easy to root for her happiness and feel for her hard past, though she was painfully naive and clueless at times (How did she not know what a Modiste was? I understand her not knowing specific names of the top Modistes in London but that she had no idea about the concept of it at all??).
Overall this was a very predictable story with a main character so unlikeable that he took away most of the enjoyment I might’ve had reading this otherwise.
CW: attempted sexual assault; talks about the death of a child
Speaking of the romance. Dexter and Meggie get married quite quickly, consummate their marriage and before we get more than a handful of scene of them together Meggie get’s send off to the country estate and we do not see them interacting for a good while. When they meet up again they don’t get along either and then ~somehow~ end up in love with each other. A bit into them being in love Dexter gets a personality transplant, but even that did not managed to endear me to him.
Meggie was a nice spot in this books. It was easy to root for her happiness and feel for her hard past, though she was painfully naive and clueless at times (How did she not know what a Modiste was? I understand her not knowing specific names of the top Modistes in London but that she had no idea about the concept of it at all??).
Overall this was a very predictable story with a main character so unlikeable that he took away most of the enjoyment I might’ve had reading this otherwise.
CW: attempted sexual assault; talks about the death of a child
December 20, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After pulling himself and his family out of the gutter, the self-made Dexter Hart only wants one more thing - revenge. He was ridiculed and punished by the wicked Viscount Alderley as a boy, and now that he holds more wealth than imaginable, he's out to punish Alderley by forcing his hand and marrying his eldest daughter. After winning a wager, Dexter seems to have defeated Alderley, but when the old Viscount reveals his eldest daughter is not the Honourable Elizabeth, but rather his bastard daughter, Meggie, who he's had hidden in the countryside. Now forced to marry beneath him, Dexter sends his new wife away to the country, and tries to ignore the growing connection between them.
After reading What the Hart Wants, I was intrigued by Delilah's older brother, and was glad when Dexter's story became available to review on NetGalley. However, I just really disliked Dexter in this entire book, even if he did redeem himself towards the end of the story. He was rude, condescending, and wholly ignorant to the feelings of others around him. He basically shunned half of his family, talked down to Meggie, and cared only about the titles and prestige that came with society. His lust for Elizabeth, who was a raging bitch if ever there was one, annoyed me to no end, and I just wanted to hug Meggie at nearly every turn. For Meggie, she was a lovely character, who had been hurt in the past, and it's because of her this book is a 3 star read for me. I loved her growth and development, and felt so sorry for what she had faced being the illegitimate daughter of Alderley, and being seduced and left pregnant when she was just a bairn herself. I think I probably will read Hidden Hart, just to see if we learn more about Meggie, but I'm in no real rush.
After pulling himself and his family out of the gutter, the self-made Dexter Hart only wants one more thing - revenge. He was ridiculed and punished by the wicked Viscount Alderley as a boy, and now that he holds more wealth than imaginable, he's out to punish Alderley by forcing his hand and marrying his eldest daughter. After winning a wager, Dexter seems to have defeated Alderley, but when the old Viscount reveals his eldest daughter is not the Honourable Elizabeth, but rather his bastard daughter, Meggie, who he's had hidden in the countryside. Now forced to marry beneath him, Dexter sends his new wife away to the country, and tries to ignore the growing connection between them.
After reading What the Hart Wants, I was intrigued by Delilah's older brother, and was glad when Dexter's story became available to review on NetGalley. However, I just really disliked Dexter in this entire book, even if he did redeem himself towards the end of the story. He was rude, condescending, and wholly ignorant to the feelings of others around him. He basically shunned half of his family, talked down to Meggie, and cared only about the titles and prestige that came with society. His lust for Elizabeth, who was a raging bitch if ever there was one, annoyed me to no end, and I just wanted to hug Meggie at nearly every turn. For Meggie, she was a lovely character, who had been hurt in the past, and it's because of her this book is a 3 star read for me. I loved her growth and development, and felt so sorry for what she had faced being the illegitimate daughter of Alderley, and being seduced and left pregnant when she was just a bairn herself. I think I probably will read Hidden Hart, just to see if we learn more about Meggie, but I'm in no real rush.
November 15, 2020
Dexter Hart has risen from humble beginnings to become a wealthy and powerful banker, but he's always wanted revenge against a man who harmed him and his family. During a card game meant to ruin his enemy, Viscount Alderley, Dexter offers one last card flip: Alderley's money returned against marriage to his daughter. But Alderley double crosses him, and promises the hand of his "eldest daughter," which turns out to be his illegitimate one. Margaret Alder has lived in strained, but peaceful, circumstances, until her natural father blackmails her and forced her to wed. Meggie is thrown into a world she doesn’t understand, with a husband who is just as unhappy about the situation as she is.
This is the second book in the Headstrong Harts series. I did not read the first book and do think I missed a little bit of Dexter's family history. Even though it's a series about the Hart siblings, Meggie was the central focus and the book can stand alone.
This is my first time reading this author and I found the writing to be very engaging! I started this book in the evening and read late into the night to finish it in one sitting. Auctioned/gambled/sold tropes almost always work for me. I liked that the main characters are thrown together early, the situation is awkward, and they are forced to work things out. The story moves along very well, but I wish the romance and love scenes had been as fleshed out as the overall plot. However, there is something that happens in the second half of the story that I really did NOT like, and that lowered my rating. I will definitely look for more books from this author in the future.
Tropes: Wagered, Forced Marriage, Anti-Hero
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #QueenofmyHart #NetGalley
This is the second book in the Headstrong Harts series. I did not read the first book and do think I missed a little bit of Dexter's family history. Even though it's a series about the Hart siblings, Meggie was the central focus and the book can stand alone.
This is my first time reading this author and I found the writing to be very engaging! I started this book in the evening and read late into the night to finish it in one sitting. Auctioned/gambled/sold tropes almost always work for me. I liked that the main characters are thrown together early, the situation is awkward, and they are forced to work things out. The story moves along very well, but I wish the romance and love scenes had been as fleshed out as the overall plot. However, there is something that happens in the second half of the story that I really did NOT like, and that lowered my rating. I will definitely look for more books from this author in the future.
Tropes: Wagered, Forced Marriage, Anti-Hero
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #QueenofmyHart #NetGalley
November 19, 2020
The opening chapter of this book was riveting. Dexter had been planning his revenge against his enemy for years and he was in the perfect position to win his prize--his enemy's daughter, Elizabeth. It seems Elizabeth wants the same thing although she hides it from her father, but when her father tricks Dexter into marrying the wrong daughter, Dexter is angry beyond words. He was now stuck with the timid bastard daughter. Margaret has endured a terrible childhood and has a terrifying secret that she hopes never comes to light. When her father marries her off to Dexter, she's terrified of him and soon realizes he was tricked into their marriage and doesn't care for her. Can these two tortured souls find happiness together?
I wanted to like this book, but there are things that almost had me stopping especially the whipping of a poor servant girl for daring to go swimming with Margaret. Dexter's tough exterior seemed over the top in some chapters and then all of a sudden he's falling in love with Margaret. There didn't seem to be any defining moment that would bring about that especially since he'd banished her to the country the day after the wedding. While I wasn't especially enamored with Dexter, I found the epilogue heartwarming and I'm glad I finished the story.
I voluntarily read the advanced read copy and all opinions are my own.
I wanted to like this book, but there are things that almost had me stopping especially the whipping of a poor servant girl for daring to go swimming with Margaret. Dexter's tough exterior seemed over the top in some chapters and then all of a sudden he's falling in love with Margaret. There didn't seem to be any defining moment that would bring about that especially since he'd banished her to the country the day after the wedding. While I wasn't especially enamored with Dexter, I found the epilogue heartwarming and I'm glad I finished the story.
I voluntarily read the advanced read copy and all opinions are my own.
April 28, 2022
DnF
You know when you read a book but it rubs you the wrong way and you don't know why.
It mat be because of the crass hero or something to do with the dialogue or just the speed at which the story progressed. It didn't seem natural and I didn't enjoy it - only made it to page 60 and I stopped.
As I always say - life is too short for bad books.
You know when you read a book but it rubs you the wrong way and you don't know why.
It mat be because of the crass hero or something to do with the dialogue or just the speed at which the story progressed. It didn't seem natural and I didn't enjoy it - only made it to page 60 and I stopped.
As I always say - life is too short for bad books.
January 16, 2023
Hart-ache
Dexter Hart wants to marry status, but his nemesis tricks him into wedding his 'natural' daughter, Meggie. She has a secret that she's too afraid to tell her husband, especially after hearing his thoughts on the subject.
Book two of this series doesn't disappoint, as the author manipulates her characters skilfully.
Dexter Hart wants to marry status, but his nemesis tricks him into wedding his 'natural' daughter, Meggie. She has a secret that she's too afraid to tell her husband, especially after hearing his thoughts on the subject.
Book two of this series doesn't disappoint, as the author manipulates her characters skilfully.
Want to read
March 23, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2021)! 🎁
November 22, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
What an awesome story!
It really made me sigh with satisfaction.
These two , although thrown together when they least expect or want a marriage are so beautiful together, yes they have some teething problems and have to fight against the evil sister and others who would separate them, but their chemistry is so lovely and enjoyable to read.
It’s a book I can say was excellent and satisfying to read in so many ways.
I love Emily’s writing and can’t wait for the next book , I’m hoping it’s Devon’s he needs a good woman and some love.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
What an awesome story!
It really made me sigh with satisfaction.
These two , although thrown together when they least expect or want a marriage are so beautiful together, yes they have some teething problems and have to fight against the evil sister and others who would separate them, but their chemistry is so lovely and enjoyable to read.
It’s a book I can say was excellent and satisfying to read in so many ways.
I love Emily’s writing and can’t wait for the next book , I’m hoping it’s Devon’s he needs a good woman and some love.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
November 26, 2020
2 stars
Maybe it just wasn't meant for me, but I had a difficult time connecting to any of the characters, including Dexter and Meggie. Since I felt no connection with either of them, Dexter pretty much irritated me with his black and white view of morality and decorum, and Margaret frustrated me when she constantly ran from her problems. This could be understandable because she definitely had many horrible things go wrong in her life, but it was difficult for me to empathize. Everything about this book was stilted and awkward for me to read, from the dialogues to the characterization. Overall, this book left me feeling disappointed.
Maybe it just wasn't meant for me, but I had a difficult time connecting to any of the characters, including Dexter and Meggie. Since I felt no connection with either of them, Dexter pretty much irritated me with his black and white view of morality and decorum, and Margaret frustrated me when she constantly ran from her problems. This could be understandable because she definitely had many horrible things go wrong in her life, but it was difficult for me to empathize. Everything about this book was stilted and awkward for me to read, from the dialogues to the characterization. Overall, this book left me feeling disappointed.
November 29, 2020
I have complicated feelings about this book. I liked it and I didn't. It is well written with really good character development and depth. BUT I am really tired of reading about assholes. And Dexter is a really big asshole. Despite having a big heart (reportedly) underneath it all - I am not sure I really ever got past his attitude and behavior.
Dexter is the oldest brother in a family of siblings that grew up working class poor in a small village. Dexter has come up in the world as a banker and now wants to secure high class marriages for all his siblings and himself. He also wants revenge on the titled man who treated him and his family so badly. He is going to effect his revenge by marrying the man's daughter. Only, the pretty nasty guy tricks Dexter into marrying his first-born illegitimate daughter instead of his legitimate one. Meggie has had a pretty terrible life - she was raised on her father's estate but pretty much treated like garbage. She is working as a teacher in a small school when her father arrives and drags her off to marry Dexter against her will. He pretty much blackmails her into it. Dexter proceeds with the marriage as a matter of honor - but isn't happy about it.
There are secrets and betrayals along the way - but Meggie brings out a good side of Dexter and has the kindness and tenderness he needs to temper his asshole behavior. The issue is - the only person he really isn't a big jerk to by the end is Meggie. He turns the corner there - but not really to anyone else. His siblings hate him and his colleagues seem to just tolerate him. And - so did I.
I found this book to be fairly paternalistic and borderline misogynistic. Meggie is very sweet and smart - and supposedly shows the men in the book that women can be more than one dimensional - but it felt very thin to me. I don't think that was the author's intent - but I just didn't feel it. Maybe there was just to much male toxicity going on for me to feel any female empowerment at all. And - like I said - I'm tired of that. I want partners to talk and find balance - not smile and pat the other person on the head.
Overall - this was just ok to me. If you like more traditional regencies - this is one I'd recommend to you. But it is definitely not for fans of more progressive historicals.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Dexter is the oldest brother in a family of siblings that grew up working class poor in a small village. Dexter has come up in the world as a banker and now wants to secure high class marriages for all his siblings and himself. He also wants revenge on the titled man who treated him and his family so badly. He is going to effect his revenge by marrying the man's daughter. Only, the pretty nasty guy tricks Dexter into marrying his first-born illegitimate daughter instead of his legitimate one. Meggie has had a pretty terrible life - she was raised on her father's estate but pretty much treated like garbage. She is working as a teacher in a small school when her father arrives and drags her off to marry Dexter against her will. He pretty much blackmails her into it. Dexter proceeds with the marriage as a matter of honor - but isn't happy about it.
There are secrets and betrayals along the way - but Meggie brings out a good side of Dexter and has the kindness and tenderness he needs to temper his asshole behavior. The issue is - the only person he really isn't a big jerk to by the end is Meggie. He turns the corner there - but not really to anyone else. His siblings hate him and his colleagues seem to just tolerate him. And - so did I.
I found this book to be fairly paternalistic and borderline misogynistic. Meggie is very sweet and smart - and supposedly shows the men in the book that women can be more than one dimensional - but it felt very thin to me. I don't think that was the author's intent - but I just didn't feel it. Maybe there was just to much male toxicity going on for me to feel any female empowerment at all. And - like I said - I'm tired of that. I want partners to talk and find balance - not smile and pat the other person on the head.
Overall - this was just ok to me. If you like more traditional regencies - this is one I'd recommend to you. But it is definitely not for fans of more progressive historicals.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
November 23, 2020
Queen of My Hart by Emily Royal is a charming story of Dexter Hart wanted to marry Elizabeth Alderly, not so much because her loved her or really even wanted her, but because he wanted to bring her to heel. How she was within his grasp. Her father had bet, and lost, every farthing he had. Dexter suggested he agree to giving him her hand if marriage, if he lost. The bet was on one cut of the cards. The papers were drawn up, the cuts, were made, Dexter had won. But Alderly had gotten the best of him. He had contracted his eldest daughter. Few realized he had a natural daughter who was older than Elizabeth. She was now Dexter's betrothed. As it turns out, Dexter got the better end of the deal. His new wife would be Meggie/Margaret, a school marm from a small village. The biggest problem was that she would have to learn to be a lady. He needed someone to entertain, to function in society as his wife. She was no more interested in marrying him than he was in marrying her, but neither had any choice. Could her make this work out?
After an amazing wedding night, he sent her to the country. She had no idea why. But she was determined to make the best of it. He had leased an estate that had been neglected. She had minimal staff and plenty to do so she dived right in. Shortly after she got a letter wherein her father had invited him self, and Elizabeth to visit. She notified her husband and kept working. Meggie was a hard worker and such a nice person that she soon had the entire staff loyal to her. They didn't always approve of her behavior toward them, much too informal but they loved her. Dexter arrived, put out that he had been summoned, to discover what had been accomplished and how hard Meggie was working. He was impresssed. Alderly and Elizabeth arrived and were not at all pleasant to Meggie, but she fought back, gaining his respect and a little of his love. As time went on, things righted themselves between the two of them and they fell in love (no surprise). Dexter had never been happier, nor had Meggie. It was a good story, with pleasant characters and one true villain. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Queen of My Hart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #queenofmyhart
After an amazing wedding night, he sent her to the country. She had no idea why. But she was determined to make the best of it. He had leased an estate that had been neglected. She had minimal staff and plenty to do so she dived right in. Shortly after she got a letter wherein her father had invited him self, and Elizabeth to visit. She notified her husband and kept working. Meggie was a hard worker and such a nice person that she soon had the entire staff loyal to her. They didn't always approve of her behavior toward them, much too informal but they loved her. Dexter arrived, put out that he had been summoned, to discover what had been accomplished and how hard Meggie was working. He was impresssed. Alderly and Elizabeth arrived and were not at all pleasant to Meggie, but she fought back, gaining his respect and a little of his love. As time went on, things righted themselves between the two of them and they fell in love (no surprise). Dexter had never been happier, nor had Meggie. It was a good story, with pleasant characters and one true villain. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Queen of My Hart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #queenofmyhart
November 19, 2020
I found the premise of this book absolutely riveting! Dexter Hart is a shrewd businessman who's worked his way from the very bottom to the very top. And now that he has the money, he also wants the power, specifically the power over the man who treated him terribly when he was a child because of his lower station. His plan to get that power? Winning that man's daughter in a card game. But what happens when this calculating strategist wins a different prize than he bargained for?
My jaw dropped several times in the first chapter of this book, and I was absolutely hooked from page one. There was also an interesting host of side characters that didn't feel flat or inconsequential, which I really enjoyed. The writing was accessible and entertaining, and some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud. Royal also uses symmetry in interesting ways throughout the novel, such as starting various chapters with the same line. I loved finding these creative tactics and felt like they really helped bring the storyline together.
The evolution or pacing of the relationship felt very strange to me in several places. Dexter seems to inexplicably have a change of heart rather early on, which makes some of the later conflicts seem unfounded. I also felt very torn about the female character's (hiding her name to avoid spoilers!) decision to run/hide from Dexter in the last bit of the book. Any time a partner feels the urge to hide from another, that sets off red flags all over the place. Keeping in mind victims' reactions and perceptions of plot devices like this, I would definitely give trigger warnings for several events in the book (child abuse, violence, attempted sexual assault, potential domestic abuse).
Overall, I found this book entertaining, if heavy in various places. I would have liked to see more development of the chemistry and relationship between the two main characters, so that it felt less contrived and more of a natural pacing for the relationship. I would also emphatically warn that if you aren't a fan of the "Bought/Wagered Bride" trope, this book is *not* for you--you won't enjoy it. I felt like the trope was executed well and I enjoyed the premise immensely!
My jaw dropped several times in the first chapter of this book, and I was absolutely hooked from page one. There was also an interesting host of side characters that didn't feel flat or inconsequential, which I really enjoyed. The writing was accessible and entertaining, and some of the dialogue made me laugh out loud. Royal also uses symmetry in interesting ways throughout the novel, such as starting various chapters with the same line. I loved finding these creative tactics and felt like they really helped bring the storyline together.
The evolution or pacing of the relationship felt very strange to me in several places. Dexter seems to inexplicably have a change of heart rather early on, which makes some of the later conflicts seem unfounded. I also felt very torn about the female character's (hiding her name to avoid spoilers!) decision to run/hide from Dexter in the last bit of the book. Any time a partner feels the urge to hide from another, that sets off red flags all over the place. Keeping in mind victims' reactions and perceptions of plot devices like this, I would definitely give trigger warnings for several events in the book (child abuse, violence, attempted sexual assault, potential domestic abuse).
Overall, I found this book entertaining, if heavy in various places. I would have liked to see more development of the chemistry and relationship between the two main characters, so that it felt less contrived and more of a natural pacing for the relationship. I would also emphatically warn that if you aren't a fan of the "Bought/Wagered Bride" trope, this book is *not* for you--you won't enjoy it. I felt like the trope was executed well and I enjoyed the premise immensely!
June 19, 2024
An a**hole of a hero and a naive heroine, what could go wrong?
Everything. Literally everything.
For the life of me I couldn't root for their romance at all. I was super disturbed with how Dexter character was written. He was entitled, manipulative and a big hypocrite. The whole story stemmed from his desire to take revenge on Meggie's father because of how abusive he was to Dex and his family, specifically that one instance where the lord thrashed Dexter to the point of leaving permanent scars.
Now, this would make you think that Dexter would be a fair, merciful man when treating those poorer or under his employ. Yeah, this didn't happen. He became a replica of the people he despised, in his scheme to become part of the ton, he was turned into one of them, even going as far as believing he was a fair man when almost all of his family and his wife were either scared of him or downright hated him.
He was a really despicable character, and the sudden 180 transformation didn't atone for his actions to be honest.
Meggie, on the other hand, was exhausting to read. She was extremely naive to the point I was questioning how she survived until 23 with only one major disaster. It also didn't set well with me how easy to please she were, I get she was depraved of love and attention, but she needed a dash of wariness.
What kept me reading was the writing style, although some characters were vulgar, the writing itself was easy to read and enjoyable so I wasn't bored.
The ending was expected, everything was leading to it, apart from maybe the last revelation, it wasn't necessary but it definitely added drama.
I wasn't a big fan.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Everything. Literally everything.
For the life of me I couldn't root for their romance at all. I was super disturbed with how Dexter character was written. He was entitled, manipulative and a big hypocrite. The whole story stemmed from his desire to take revenge on Meggie's father because of how abusive he was to Dex and his family, specifically that one instance where the lord thrashed Dexter to the point of leaving permanent scars.
Now, this would make you think that Dexter would be a fair, merciful man when treating those poorer or under his employ. Yeah, this didn't happen. He became a replica of the people he despised, in his scheme to become part of the ton, he was turned into one of them, even going as far as believing he was a fair man when almost all of his family and his wife were either scared of him or downright hated him.
He was a really despicable character, and the sudden 180 transformation didn't atone for his actions to be honest.
Meggie, on the other hand, was exhausting to read. She was extremely naive to the point I was questioning how she survived until 23 with only one major disaster. It also didn't set well with me how easy to please she were, I get she was depraved of love and attention, but she needed a dash of wariness.
What kept me reading was the writing style, although some characters were vulgar, the writing itself was easy to read and enjoyable so I wasn't bored.
The ending was expected, everything was leading to it, apart from maybe the last revelation, it wasn't necessary but it definitely added drama.
I wasn't a big fan.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
November 25, 2020
Dexter Hart worked his way from poverty to become a prominent London banker. He has finally found a way to get revenge for his treatment as a child, but his plan doesn’t work exactly as he wanted. Somehow, his enemy manages to trick him into marrying his illegitimate daughter. Meggie has endured a rather hard but fulfilling life since her father turned her out. Imagine her shock when he forces her away to marry Dex. Neither is happy; neither trusts the other. Meggie finds herself in a world she doesn’t understand. Dex doesn’t view her as an intelligent capable woman, and doesn’t believe she will ever learn to fit in. The way forward is a difficult one. Will they be able to weather what comes their way? Can they leave the past and find happiness?
This is not a short book, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The captivating story is full of deceit, betrayal, fear, and pain. It is also full of healing and hope. Dex is harsh, but honorable. Meggie is intelligent, kind and caring, perfect for Dex. It just takes a while for him to see it. Maybe fate hasn’t been unkind after all. The Pelhams and Oliver were great friends to the couple. The only word for Alderly, his daughter Elizabeth, and Georgie Hanson is evil, true villains. There is a tense excitement throughout the story right up to the very end where everything seems to fall right into place. The epilogue is beautiful. I enjoyed the story, and I love the series. I highly recommend both.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
This is not a short book, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. The captivating story is full of deceit, betrayal, fear, and pain. It is also full of healing and hope. Dex is harsh, but honorable. Meggie is intelligent, kind and caring, perfect for Dex. It just takes a while for him to see it. Maybe fate hasn’t been unkind after all. The Pelhams and Oliver were great friends to the couple. The only word for Alderly, his daughter Elizabeth, and Georgie Hanson is evil, true villains. There is a tense excitement throughout the story right up to the very end where everything seems to fall right into place. The epilogue is beautiful. I enjoyed the story, and I love the series. I highly recommend both.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
November 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is for himself and his siblings marry a title and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter’s plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley’s illegitimate daughter instead. Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn’t understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she. Meggie rises to the challenge and proves herself an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, and Dexter wonders whether Fate chose for him a better wife than he would have chosen for himself.
This is the second book in the series & is easily read on its own. A well written well paced book, which I read in two sittings & finished well into the night. Misunderstandings, secrets & assumptions made the couple’s road to a HEA highly entertaining. I loved Meggie who’d suffered so much but was still caring & loving. I also loved the gruff Dex who gradually realised how much of a treasure his wife was. I would have liked to have seen the some of Alderley family totally ruined
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Born into poverty, self-made banker Dexter Hart is now one of the wealthiest men in London. His ambition is for himself and his siblings marry a title and who better than the daughter of his enemy Viscount Alderley, the man who once whipped him as a boy, and on whom he vowed revenge? But Dexter’s plan backfires, and he finds himself tricked into marrying Alderley’s illegitimate daughter instead. Margaret Alder has known heartbreak and betrayal, and has lived in exile and disgrace. When her natural father rips her away from her home, he bullies her into marrying a stranger. The marriage thrusts Meggie into a world she doesn’t understand, with a bridegroom even more reluctant than she. Meggie rises to the challenge and proves herself an intelligent and kind-hearted woman, and Dexter wonders whether Fate chose for him a better wife than he would have chosen for himself.
This is the second book in the series & is easily read on its own. A well written well paced book, which I read in two sittings & finished well into the night. Misunderstandings, secrets & assumptions made the couple’s road to a HEA highly entertaining. I loved Meggie who’d suffered so much but was still caring & loving. I also loved the gruff Dex who gradually realised how much of a treasure his wife was. I would have liked to have seen the some of Alderley family totally ruined
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 20, 2021
ok what the fuck was this??? dax was a piece of shit from beginning to end and the only thing that changed was how others reacted to him like he was suddenly being kind or worthy of love from megs. he was a sucky brother, husband and friend! he was callous and mean and at no point was there any indication those two fell in love.
pretty much right after they consummated the marriage megs gets sent off to bumfuckshire where she's enjoying herself but missing her husband (how sway) and then he pops up to mess with her fun and physically abuse her maid. megs cares about that for literally 2 days and then forgives him and it's never brought up again.
they really acted like ardelyde or whatever the fuck the dad's name was wasn't that bad towards the end and the great big villain being ONE person for every character that dealt with hardship in this novel was laughable and gross.
and then the ending!!
it was written competently if by the book. it was like a fill in the blank of historical romance with random tropes thrown into a pot with no finesse or charm.
2 stars.
pretty much right after they consummated the marriage megs gets sent off to bumfuckshire where she's enjoying herself but missing her husband (how sway) and then he pops up to mess with her fun and physically abuse her maid. megs cares about that for literally 2 days and then forgives him and it's never brought up again.
they really acted like ardelyde or whatever the fuck the dad's name was wasn't that bad towards the end and the great big villain being ONE person for every character that dealt with hardship in this novel was laughable and gross.
and then the ending!!
it was written competently if by the book. it was like a fill in the blank of historical romance with random tropes thrown into a pot with no finesse or charm.
2 stars.
November 24, 2020
Dexter Hart was born and raised in poverty. As he rose above his upbringing he is now one of the wealthiest men around. Vowing vengeance against the one man Viscount Alderely that had him beaten as a small boy. His plan is almost complete when he wins the final bet, the eldest daughter of Viscount Alderely. What he doesn’t count on is being betrothed to the wrong daughter.
Margaret Alder is the illegitimate daughter of Viscount Alderely. When he pays her a visit she knows it can’t be good. Always the hated daughter he comes to inform her of her betrothal and when Margaret refuses he threatens her into the marriage.
Neither Dexter or Margaret is happy with the marriage and when he dumps her in the country for her own good Margaret tries her best to become the lady Dexter wants. Dexter is all about propriety and Margaret is nothing like that, but he can’t help falling for her and admiring the woman she is. Dexter has to overcome his past before he can have a future with Margaret and Margaret will have to learn to trust Dexter.
I loved this story! Dexter is so ruthless and cares about revenge at any cost even at the cost of Margaret’s feelings. Margaret is so sweet and deserves someone to love her. Wonderful story and I definitely recommend reading this book!
Margaret Alder is the illegitimate daughter of Viscount Alderely. When he pays her a visit she knows it can’t be good. Always the hated daughter he comes to inform her of her betrothal and when Margaret refuses he threatens her into the marriage.
Neither Dexter or Margaret is happy with the marriage and when he dumps her in the country for her own good Margaret tries her best to become the lady Dexter wants. Dexter is all about propriety and Margaret is nothing like that, but he can’t help falling for her and admiring the woman she is. Dexter has to overcome his past before he can have a future with Margaret and Margaret will have to learn to trust Dexter.
I loved this story! Dexter is so ruthless and cares about revenge at any cost even at the cost of Margaret’s feelings. Margaret is so sweet and deserves someone to love her. Wonderful story and I definitely recommend reading this book!
November 27, 2020
Dexter Hart is a self-made man, he’s lifted himself up out of poverty to be one of London’s most wealthy bankers. He’s been driven to succeed by his hatred for the Duke of Auderly who as a nine year old boy had him whipped and he looks forward to one day having his revenge.
Dexter Hart thinks he’s outsmarted his enemy, he’s won the duke’s daughter Elizabeth’s hand in marriage in a game of cards, but he quickly finds out the duke has another natural daughter born out of wedlock. Margaret Alder aka Meggie is the bastard daughter of the Duke of Auderly, his first daughter. Her father has sent for her to marry her off to Dexter. Both Margret and Hart agree to a marriage neither one wants. With this marriage she’s thrust into a world she doesn’t know and a husband who doesn’t want this marriage any more than she does. Hart knows she’s not been trained to live in London’s society and sends her to his country home. I love how these two gradually learn to trust each other, all Hart ask for is complete honestly from Meggie, but he can tell there’s something she’s holding back from him. Can there new love survive when secrets come to light and their world is shattered? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
Dexter Hart thinks he’s outsmarted his enemy, he’s won the duke’s daughter Elizabeth’s hand in marriage in a game of cards, but he quickly finds out the duke has another natural daughter born out of wedlock. Margaret Alder aka Meggie is the bastard daughter of the Duke of Auderly, his first daughter. Her father has sent for her to marry her off to Dexter. Both Margret and Hart agree to a marriage neither one wants. With this marriage she’s thrust into a world she doesn’t know and a husband who doesn’t want this marriage any more than she does. Hart knows she’s not been trained to live in London’s society and sends her to his country home. I love how these two gradually learn to trust each other, all Hart ask for is complete honestly from Meggie, but he can tell there’s something she’s holding back from him. Can there new love survive when secrets come to light and their world is shattered? I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
April 11, 2021
Out of deception sprouts much needed hope!
What an emotional whirlwind of an adventure - I just didn't want to put it down!
I was drawn to Dexter in book 1. This brooding enigma, even through his displays of seemingly uncompassionate behaviour - where at times I could have pleasurably throttled him - there was just something about him that stopped me giving up on him, made me look deeper, assess his motives and eagerly peel back the layers, whilst I desperately looked for any cracks to appear in his seemingly unyielding icy façade. Where each glimpsed spark of warmth, twitch of lips into a smile and bumbling kindness was all the more potent for its rarity. When matched with Margaret the chemistry and desire for him to not cock up such a wonderful gift became almost palpable.
Meggie is a wonderful character. Her core of strength and goodness shines through her uncertainities, struggles, misunderstandings and vulnerabilities and is all the more surprising as she is repeatedly being downtrodden, underestimated and her humble origins constantly thrown in her face. So, you can't help but celebrate every small act of defiance and cheer in awe at her wit, kindness and well timed moments of spirit that burst forth and make Dexter standup and notice. Especially when they are so delightfully unexpected and pluck away so effectively at his heart strings, reshaping his misperceptions and moulding them into a deep desire for a true bond to form and love to blossom.
Can love and connection flourish and weather the revenge, tricks and sacrifice that led to their marriage, or will twisted and haunting pasts, a desperately hidden secret and cruel jealousy and greedy machination, bubbling and brewing beneath the surface, prove too much to overcome? Man it was crazy how much I thirsted to find out and with an ending so filled with such sweet bliss and happiness it will have me statisfyingly sighing and smiling everytime I think about this story!!
Another well written, highly compelling read by Royal which has a fluidity and engaging flow that tangles you in a whirlpool of emotions through each ebb, dip and solid wall the couple face. Absolutely loved every moment.
Devon's turn next and I can't wait a minute longer; straight on to book 3!!
What an emotional whirlwind of an adventure - I just didn't want to put it down!
I was drawn to Dexter in book 1. This brooding enigma, even through his displays of seemingly uncompassionate behaviour - where at times I could have pleasurably throttled him - there was just something about him that stopped me giving up on him, made me look deeper, assess his motives and eagerly peel back the layers, whilst I desperately looked for any cracks to appear in his seemingly unyielding icy façade. Where each glimpsed spark of warmth, twitch of lips into a smile and bumbling kindness was all the more potent for its rarity. When matched with Margaret the chemistry and desire for him to not cock up such a wonderful gift became almost palpable.
Meggie is a wonderful character. Her core of strength and goodness shines through her uncertainities, struggles, misunderstandings and vulnerabilities and is all the more surprising as she is repeatedly being downtrodden, underestimated and her humble origins constantly thrown in her face. So, you can't help but celebrate every small act of defiance and cheer in awe at her wit, kindness and well timed moments of spirit that burst forth and make Dexter standup and notice. Especially when they are so delightfully unexpected and pluck away so effectively at his heart strings, reshaping his misperceptions and moulding them into a deep desire for a true bond to form and love to blossom.
Can love and connection flourish and weather the revenge, tricks and sacrifice that led to their marriage, or will twisted and haunting pasts, a desperately hidden secret and cruel jealousy and greedy machination, bubbling and brewing beneath the surface, prove too much to overcome? Man it was crazy how much I thirsted to find out and with an ending so filled with such sweet bliss and happiness it will have me statisfyingly sighing and smiling everytime I think about this story!!
Another well written, highly compelling read by Royal which has a fluidity and engaging flow that tangles you in a whirlpool of emotions through each ebb, dip and solid wall the couple face. Absolutely loved every moment.
Devon's turn next and I can't wait a minute longer; straight on to book 3!!
February 23, 2024
What a Story!
My goodness! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, as Lilah found her HEA with Fraser, a brawny Scot who inherited a Dukedom with an unsavory reputation. But this second book really had me hooked from the beginning. Dexter Hart, Lilah’s older brother and self-made banker finds himself tricked into marrying the illegitimate daughter of the one enemy (a nobleman) he will see brought down. Margaret is a sweet and caring young woman who finds herself a pawn in a world she knows little about, while having secrets to conceal. Though her new husband appears ruthless and hard, she slowly realizes that inside he is extremely loyal and caring. And, he, too, carries burdens that he hides from his wife. The entire story is skillfully developed to uncover each of their fears, longings and need for acceptance. The journey is laden with highs and lows, and with setbacks and ghosts from the past. And yet, there always seems to be a sliver of hope - interestingly enough, from Dexter more so than Margaret. But then her life never seemed to hold much good in it before her marriage. This was a slowly developing love story that brought together two lonely people who found love and true happiness and opened the way for a family to heal.
My goodness! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, as Lilah found her HEA with Fraser, a brawny Scot who inherited a Dukedom with an unsavory reputation. But this second book really had me hooked from the beginning. Dexter Hart, Lilah’s older brother and self-made banker finds himself tricked into marrying the illegitimate daughter of the one enemy (a nobleman) he will see brought down. Margaret is a sweet and caring young woman who finds herself a pawn in a world she knows little about, while having secrets to conceal. Though her new husband appears ruthless and hard, she slowly realizes that inside he is extremely loyal and caring. And, he, too, carries burdens that he hides from his wife. The entire story is skillfully developed to uncover each of their fears, longings and need for acceptance. The journey is laden with highs and lows, and with setbacks and ghosts from the past. And yet, there always seems to be a sliver of hope - interestingly enough, from Dexter more so than Margaret. But then her life never seemed to hold much good in it before her marriage. This was a slowly developing love story that brought together two lonely people who found love and true happiness and opened the way for a family to heal.
December 4, 2020
Unwanted no more
Margaret aka Maggie led a very sheltered life in the country with teaching children and chess! Dexter was a self made man, having experienced little tenderness and a lot of guilt for the way he handled things wit his siblings especially his sister! In a bid for a bride his winning the hand of Viscount Alderly natural daughter is a blessing in disguise! The daughter at the gambling table was a viper of easy virtue! You have to read this book to find out how poisonous she was! Maggie had opportunities to be honest with her husband but she was not! Fear kept her silent but knowing how contemptuous the person that held her secret was I have compassion but I cannot like her! The 5 stars is the hero! He changes so much in this story and its attributed to Meggie who encourages him to interact with his siblings with all their imperfections because aren't we all imperfect! Dexter is a consummate lover but not skilled in warmth and laughter until he loosen up! He is the hero in this story and goes to great lengths to show the depth of his love!
Margaret aka Maggie led a very sheltered life in the country with teaching children and chess! Dexter was a self made man, having experienced little tenderness and a lot of guilt for the way he handled things wit his siblings especially his sister! In a bid for a bride his winning the hand of Viscount Alderly natural daughter is a blessing in disguise! The daughter at the gambling table was a viper of easy virtue! You have to read this book to find out how poisonous she was! Maggie had opportunities to be honest with her husband but she was not! Fear kept her silent but knowing how contemptuous the person that held her secret was I have compassion but I cannot like her! The 5 stars is the hero! He changes so much in this story and its attributed to Meggie who encourages him to interact with his siblings with all their imperfections because aren't we all imperfect! Dexter is a consummate lover but not skilled in warmth and laughter until he loosen up! He is the hero in this story and goes to great lengths to show the depth of his love!
November 29, 2020
"Fifteen years was a long time to wait for vengeance on the man who had almost killed him."
Dexter knew he had Alderley in a corner. He had won all of his money and bet him one last time. Dexter would be given his daughter's hand to marry. Him the grandson of a blacksmith. Unfortunately, he was tricked and ended up with his first daughter, Meggie who was born out of wedlock and nobody knew about her, until then.
Intriguing you say? Well yes and such a great story! The hardened scarred heart of Dexter and the untonish Meggie who had been dealt a hard hand. But she had such a heart regardless of her ability to act the lady.
The journey for them both was filled with a little anguish, secrets, villians (yes her real father and her half sister Elizabeth who I just wanted to smack!) and Hart's siblings, who we do not meet all, but I cannot wait to read Devon's story.
I highly recommend this story that won my heart!
Dexter knew he had Alderley in a corner. He had won all of his money and bet him one last time. Dexter would be given his daughter's hand to marry. Him the grandson of a blacksmith. Unfortunately, he was tricked and ended up with his first daughter, Meggie who was born out of wedlock and nobody knew about her, until then.
Intriguing you say? Well yes and such a great story! The hardened scarred heart of Dexter and the untonish Meggie who had been dealt a hard hand. But she had such a heart regardless of her ability to act the lady.
The journey for them both was filled with a little anguish, secrets, villians (yes her real father and her half sister Elizabeth who I just wanted to smack!) and Hart's siblings, who we do not meet all, but I cannot wait to read Devon's story.
I highly recommend this story that won my heart!
November 14, 2020
An enjoyable and well crafted regency romance by Emily Royal. Queen of my Hart had it all with great characterization, heartbreak, betrayal, and a developing love that conquers all in the end.
Dexter is a self made banker and Meggie was born out of wedlock and living in exile. Dexter is loyal and honourable, and Meggie is kind hearted and intelligent. They have to learn to trust in each other to overcome the challenges and mistrust surrounding them. A wonderful ending and happily ever after.
Dexter is a self made banker and Meggie was born out of wedlock and living in exile. Dexter is loyal and honourable, and Meggie is kind hearted and intelligent. They have to learn to trust in each other to overcome the challenges and mistrust surrounding them. A wonderful ending and happily ever after.
November 26, 2020
Dexter Hart was born with nothing but his brother and sisters but now he is a successful banker. Lord Alderley has been a thorn in his side for many years. He wins the marriage of the Lord's oldest daughter not realizing the Lord has another daughter hidden away in the country..
Margaret Alder has to marry Dexter and enter a life she knows nothing about. Can they each learn to trust the other and learn what love is? Dexter has gotten the best part of the bargain though it takes him awhile to learn that, A fun read.
Margaret Alder has to marry Dexter and enter a life she knows nothing about. Can they each learn to trust the other and learn what love is? Dexter has gotten the best part of the bargain though it takes him awhile to learn that, A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews