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Ladies of Passion #3
How to Fall for the Wrong Man
If Mary Babington-Smith knows nothing else, it's that Lord Edwin Sutton kissed her. Regardless of who-kissed-whom, with the deed witnessed, they have no choice but to carry on with a temporary, fake, engagement. When Edwin sweetens the deal, offering Mary the money she needs to pursue her independence if she can play the lovesick fiancée for two weeks, Mary rises to the challenge. In two weeks, she'll have everything she wants, and this time she'll be the one to walk out of his life.
Despite Sutton's argumentative, self-assured nature, when Mary glimpses a sliver of the boy he used to be, she vows to peel away every layer of armor he uses to shield his emotions. Somewhere underneath that worldly exterior is the kind-hearted man she once loved, but in order to find him, she'll have to give him the power to hurt her...and he's already broken her trust once...
Despite Sutton's argumentative, self-assured nature, when Mary glimpses a sliver of the boy he used to be, she vows to peel away every layer of armor he uses to shield his emotions. Somewhere underneath that worldly exterior is the kind-hearted man she once loved, but in order to find him, she'll have to give him the power to hurt her...and he's already broken her trust once...
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2018
35 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Harmony Williams
25 books156 followersHarmony Williams is the Canadian author of more than fifteen novels, including the Ladies of Passion trilogy and the Lady Katherine Regency Mysteries. She grew up in a historic rural town, where she spent most of her time with her nose in a book. Not much has changed in that respect, though she occasionally resurfaces long enough to play Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, teach her adorable niece the merits of reading, or exercise her 100-lb lapdog using her wheelchair or walker. She now lives in the suburbs with her partner, Mark, and their rescue dog, Edgar, in a house that is almost big enough to fit her book collection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 8, 2018
❤️❤️❤️
💋
First by this author.
The idea of the story was good , characters were interesting and their backgrounds were intriguing and fleshed .
It was written in the first person, which I personally have always found off putting, but that’s no reflection on the book as a whole or the quality of writing .
The author is able to hold you in her world with her descriptions, and the chemistry between the H and h is great .
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars and would read more of her work if not written in first person .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋
First by this author.
The idea of the story was good , characters were interesting and their backgrounds were intriguing and fleshed .
It was written in the first person, which I personally have always found off putting, but that’s no reflection on the book as a whole or the quality of writing .
The author is able to hold you in her world with her descriptions, and the chemistry between the H and h is great .
I would give this book 3 1/2 stars and would read more of her work if not written in first person .
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review
June 18, 2018
It is not often that stories are told in first person. It takes me back to Victoria Holt novels I read years ago and definitely gives a different perspective! Mary and Edwin knew each other when they were young and things did not turn out too well. But as they meet again and find themselves in a unique situation, Edwin proposes that he and Mary act like they are engaged, for at least a two week period. What could be easier than that? Mary will earn some money and Edwin will go back to the his regular life. She is determined to be the one to walk out on Edwin this time as he did her years ago. But plans often fail and the old chemistry between them sparks to life and they have a hard time fighting it! But at times you just wanted to shake them both instead of being so stubborn! This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it and hope to read more. Prepare to be entertained and sit back and enjoy!!
June 6, 2018
The story revolves around Edwin who needs a pretend fiancé for two weeks in order to secure a place in a greenhouse for his plants. A longtime unmarried friend, Mary is contracted to be this person. They knew each other as children and when he left to go to school, they friendship suffered greatly. During this two weeks they each learn that there is more between them than they realized. The book is a good read and it is a straight forward romance and I would recommend it.. I received this book through Netgalley.
June 7, 2018
Edwin is very serious about his woman, "his expression was serious as he loomed over me, capturing my gaze and holding it. “Never.” He spat the word with vehemence. “I’d let no other woman in here but you.” The intensity of his gaze scared me." There are times Edwin has a one track mind, "his smile slipped as he drummed his fingers on the cover of his book. “You aren’t coming back to bed, are you?” I gave him an incredulous look." I liked this book, both Edwin and his woman were pigheaded so it made for some interesting arguements.
June 18, 2018
Historical Romance? Check. Strong Feminist Character? Check. LGBTQIA influences? Check. I got all of this and much, much more in this book. It made me cheer all the way through even when I wanted to bop Mary over the head so she'd realize that she didn't need to give anything up to get what she wanted. One of the best things about these books are the chuckles and the twists. Harmony Williams is my new go to for historical romances.
June 27, 2018
Publisher's Description:
If Mary Babington-Smith knows nothing else, it's that Lord Edwin Sutton kissed her. Regardless of who-kissed-whom, with the deed witnessed, they have no choice but to carry on with a temporary, fake, engagement. When Edwin sweetens the deal, offering Mary the money she needs to pursue her independence if she can play the lovesick fiancée for two weeks, Mary rises to the challenge. In two weeks, she'll have everything she wants, and this time she'll be the one to walk out of his life.
Despite Sutton's argumentative, self-assured nature, when Mary glimpses a sliver of the boy he used to be, she vows to peel away every layer of armor he uses to shield his emotions. Somewhere underneath that worldly exterior is the kind-hearted man she once loved, but in order to find him, she'll have to give him the power to hurt her...and he's already broken her trust once...
My Thoughts:
This may be the best book I have read by this author. It is entertaining and well written.
Although written in first person which is usually a turn off for this reader this book still held my attention and I didn't become overwhelmed by the writing as I usually do with books of this nature.
Sutton and Mary have known each other since childhood but as is common he went away and in doing so lost his friendship with Mary.
Now he is back and he needs her help so that he can get a place for his precious plants in a greenhouse. Well botanist do tend to love their plants more than life itself.
Mary on the other hand has a soft spot for furry creatures. She has quite a menagerie and will be the subject of her father's wrath if she brings one more into their household..
The laughter and love brought into this read by the cats and dog are an essential part of this story and not to be missed.
Will Sutton and Mary rekindle their lost friendship and more?
This is very well written in spite of being written in first person. I didn't feel like I was reading that sort of book.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. I loved the humorous nature in this book and hope to read more to come by this author.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
If Mary Babington-Smith knows nothing else, it's that Lord Edwin Sutton kissed her. Regardless of who-kissed-whom, with the deed witnessed, they have no choice but to carry on with a temporary, fake, engagement. When Edwin sweetens the deal, offering Mary the money she needs to pursue her independence if she can play the lovesick fiancée for two weeks, Mary rises to the challenge. In two weeks, she'll have everything she wants, and this time she'll be the one to walk out of his life.
Despite Sutton's argumentative, self-assured nature, when Mary glimpses a sliver of the boy he used to be, she vows to peel away every layer of armor he uses to shield his emotions. Somewhere underneath that worldly exterior is the kind-hearted man she once loved, but in order to find him, she'll have to give him the power to hurt her...and he's already broken her trust once...
My Thoughts:
This may be the best book I have read by this author. It is entertaining and well written.
Although written in first person which is usually a turn off for this reader this book still held my attention and I didn't become overwhelmed by the writing as I usually do with books of this nature.
Sutton and Mary have known each other since childhood but as is common he went away and in doing so lost his friendship with Mary.
Now he is back and he needs her help so that he can get a place for his precious plants in a greenhouse. Well botanist do tend to love their plants more than life itself.
Mary on the other hand has a soft spot for furry creatures. She has quite a menagerie and will be the subject of her father's wrath if she brings one more into their household..
The laughter and love brought into this read by the cats and dog are an essential part of this story and not to be missed.
Will Sutton and Mary rekindle their lost friendship and more?
This is very well written in spite of being written in first person. I didn't feel like I was reading that sort of book.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. I loved the humorous nature in this book and hope to read more to come by this author.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 2, 2018
The premise of this story was interesting, and had it not been for the main characters, I would have given it a higher rating. The one good thing this has going for it is although it is part three in a series, it can be read as a stand alone novel.
Mary may think she's independent, but in reality she's pig headed and annoying. She consistently puts herself in dangerous situations with little care for her own well-being, but when Sutton shows any kind of concern she makes it seem like he's the one being selfish. She repeatedly picks fights with him, and accuses him of not allowing her to follow her ambitions when in reality he's using the common sense she lacks to keep her safe.
Also, for someone who is so eager for her fake engagement to be over, she sure does run to his home (his arms, and his bed) on a nearly daily basis. In fact, I kept waiting for the cliche pregnancy out of wedlock plot twist, but thankfully that did not come.
I also blame Sutton to an extent because Mary gave him ample opportunity to declare his feelings for her and he didn't. Nor did he give her the true reason behind his actions towards her. So much of the unnecessary drama between these two could have been avoided had they taken the time to be honest with each other and took the time to stop being so stubborn.
I do believe there are people who will enjoy this novel (as evidenced by the 4 and 5 star reviews it has already accumulated), however this one was just not for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Mary may think she's independent, but in reality she's pig headed and annoying. She consistently puts herself in dangerous situations with little care for her own well-being, but when Sutton shows any kind of concern she makes it seem like he's the one being selfish. She repeatedly picks fights with him, and accuses him of not allowing her to follow her ambitions when in reality he's using the common sense she lacks to keep her safe.
Also, for someone who is so eager for her fake engagement to be over, she sure does run to his home (his arms, and his bed) on a nearly daily basis. In fact, I kept waiting for the cliche pregnancy out of wedlock plot twist, but thankfully that did not come.
I also blame Sutton to an extent because Mary gave him ample opportunity to declare his feelings for her and he didn't. Nor did he give her the true reason behind his actions towards her. So much of the unnecessary drama between these two could have been avoided had they taken the time to be honest with each other and took the time to stop being so stubborn.
I do believe there are people who will enjoy this novel (as evidenced by the 4 and 5 star reviews it has already accumulated), however this one was just not for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
June 1, 2018
I received this novel from net galley and he publisher for an honest review. Thank you!
Mary Babington-Smith and Lord Edwin Sutton where friends as children and the Edwin left, which deeply hurt Mary since she was in love with him. Edwin needs to marry and asks Mary to pretend to be in love with him for 2 weeks. If she cannot pull it off, then she will have to marry him. If she does, she gets money, which she and her father need and she can use it to help the animals she rescues. Mary refuses but Edwin says they are engaged to his mother and aunt. His aunt is also Mary's Godmother. She has no choice and demands a contract, but enjoys her independence and does not want to be "owned". Edwin has no desire to marry for love, but both challenge the other. Edwin's servants like to push them together, since they think they are good together. Mary and Edwin ignite passion with each other, but then Mary learns of Edwin's deception. She is deeply hurt and he never told her that he is in love with her. Both are stubborn people, but everyone can see they are good for other, but will they?
Mary Babington-Smith and Lord Edwin Sutton where friends as children and the Edwin left, which deeply hurt Mary since she was in love with him. Edwin needs to marry and asks Mary to pretend to be in love with him for 2 weeks. If she cannot pull it off, then she will have to marry him. If she does, she gets money, which she and her father need and she can use it to help the animals she rescues. Mary refuses but Edwin says they are engaged to his mother and aunt. His aunt is also Mary's Godmother. She has no choice and demands a contract, but enjoys her independence and does not want to be "owned". Edwin has no desire to marry for love, but both challenge the other. Edwin's servants like to push them together, since they think they are good together. Mary and Edwin ignite passion with each other, but then Mary learns of Edwin's deception. She is deeply hurt and he never told her that he is in love with her. Both are stubborn people, but everyone can see they are good for other, but will they?
June 15, 2018
If you love non-conventional heroines then this is a must read novel. Both main characters are amazing, I loved the chemistry between them. They were childhood friends, but grew apart due to misunderstandings. Now they can't stand to be together, or so they think. However, the more time they do spend in each others company the more they realize how good they are together. Things will not be easy for them though, because their mutual attraction aside, they're now very different. Nothing of their childhood friendship remains and they can't possibly have any sort of harmonious relationship. Even their fake relationship is not going exactly as they'd like. For now they are stuck with each other so they better enjoy themselves, soon they may never have any reason to see each other again.
It's well-written and quite interesting story. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical romance fans.
It's well-written and quite interesting story. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend to all historical romance fans.
June 9, 2018
Mary Babinington-Smith, an unusual lady, who loves to wear breeches and men clothes. she does it so she can get to places that might not be safe. She is very independent. Lord Edwin Sutton and Mary use to play together as children. He went to school and had to leave her behind.
I really loved this story, the complex emotions of the two main characters are amazing. The friendships they forge, the kindness from family is truly inspirational. The tale weaves around this couple who have been separated for quite a while and come back into each others sphere. I thought the author did a great job of keeping our attention and made it worth the time to read it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really loved this story, the complex emotions of the two main characters are amazing. The friendships they forge, the kindness from family is truly inspirational. The tale weaves around this couple who have been separated for quite a while and come back into each others sphere. I thought the author did a great job of keeping our attention and made it worth the time to read it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
June 16, 2018
I have been given a review copy of this title through NetGalley and I have voluntarily decided to give my opinion. How to Fall for the Wrong Man is the third book in the Ladies of Passion series. Even though this is the third book in the series each book can be standalone so you don’t necessarily have to read them in order. Getting to meet Mary Babington-Smith and Lord Edwin Sutton and getting to see this game they are playing was great. I loved getting to see them go through this and getting to see if they could get past their defenses and have something truly amazing. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
June 4, 2018
Overall, I found this novel pleasant. It's a good rainy day read with lots of romance thrown in. You can see how everyone around them wants Sutton and Mary together and yet their own stubbornness pushes them in the opposite direction. When they strike up a deal that puts them together (due to their own reasons) you see passion ignite. Both of them try to fight their attraction, which was comical to see at times. This novel was a lot of fun and made me swoon all the way through!
4/5 Stars
***I received this novel from net galley and he publisher for an honest review. ***
4/5 Stars
***I received this novel from net galley and he publisher for an honest review. ***
June 23, 2018
Harmony Williams pulled me into the masquerade. How to Fall for the Wrong Man should be called Mistakes Made when you Land The Right One. Edwin and Mary have gotten so used to playing their parts, their heart's have gotten lost in the shuffle. In her quest for independence, Mary ignores her feelings. Edwin wears his on his sleeve, yet doesn't fully understand them. Williams makes historical a modern treat with her lovable, clueless characters and her stories of enchanting love.
July 2, 2018
Mary Babington-Smith would be a fool not to accept Lord Edwin Sutton's fake engagement proposal, especially when the money he's offering will give her the chance to achieve her independence and set her dreams in motion. However, she never imagined she'd fall in love with the man. Will their fake engagement become one for real or will they both walk away from their shot at happy ever after?
Being a romance reader that much prefers stories be told in the third person, I think Ms. Williams did a marvellous with this historical romance, even though it's told in the first person from the heroine's point-of-view. Really, the characters were fascinating and often butted heads with the heroine being quite independent and fierce while the hero is determined to look out for her and protect her because she certainly doesn't put enough stock in her own protection, even if it does seem she can take care of herself.
As for the dialogue, it was very entertaining, as this is a story encompasses the friends to lovers and fake relationship tropes. Will Edwin be able to win Mary's heart? Will they realize how in love they are with each other before it's too late? Moreover, I really enjoyed both the main characters. The heroine is resilient, courageous, has a heart of gold in the way she always wants to do something to help others whether it be humans or animals; and I liked how determined she was to win the challenge the hero proposed. Can she play the hero's lovesick fiancé for two weeks? I also liked how she made good friends with some of the secondary characters, even though it felt wrong to be deceiving her new friends.
While the hero, he's confident, is used to getting his own way and I liked how he pushes the heroine's buttons just as much as he pushes hers. I also liked how protective he was of the heroine and how determined he was to win her over because he needs her just as much as she needs him. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how much of a challenge the heroine was because she's so independent and isn't about to let any man dictate what she can and can't do. Will she realize that all the hero is trying to do is protect her?
Overall, Ms. Williams has delivered a really god read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong and heady from the moment they come face-to-face for the first time; the romance shows how good these two are together; and the ending had me loving that these two didn't give up on each other because they're meant to be together. I would recommend How to Fall for the Wrong Man by Harmony Williams, if you enjoy Historical Romances, the friends to lovers trope, the fake relationship trope, or books by authors Eva Devon, Darcy Burke, Jess Michaels and Callie Hutton.
September 3, 2018
Highly enjoyable and humorous. Full review to follow.
I received a free copy of this novel in a giveaway.
Mary Babington-Smith is determined to live a life of her own terms and desires, unconcerned with the expectations of society and at times her own safety. She doesn’t see why the sudden return of Lord Edwin Sutton, the first boy to break her heart, should change any of that. A sudden kiss, however, changes everything. With rumors swirling, Edwin makes an unexpected offer: if Mary can pretend to be his smitten fiancée for two weeks, he’ll compensate her with enough money to secure her independence. But new passions and old emotional wounds threaten to expose their shared arrangement and possibly Mary’s heart…
It took a bit for me to warm up to this historical romance. While Mary and Edwin have sufficient chemistry and an intriguing history, I found the setup for the “pretend to be engaged” troupe is a little forced and rushed, basically being offered in the first chapter. But once I realized I was actually reading a historical romantic comedy, I tore through it in a few days, putting it down only whenever someone said, “Are you going to spend your whole vacation reading?”
(Also, people who ask me this? Stop asking me this. Of course, I just want to read. I always just want to read.)
Mary and Edwin are probably one of the more interesting and unconventional romance pairings I’ve come across. She prefers to don masculine clothes in public, binds her chest, takes female lovers, is a fierce protector of abused and abandoned animals and completely unapologetic about any of it. She can also be stubborn, emotionally closed off, and reckless with her personal safety. Edwin’s arrogance and broodiness are delightfully offset by the fact he’s also a botanist obsessed with his plant “children”, best friends with his butler, and frequently caught in vulnerable positions by Mary, both physically and emotionally. The supporting characters are encouraging and supportive of Mary and Edwin and their respective personality/actions, which created multiple opportunities for some genuinely funny scenes.
What I loved most of this novel, though, was that Williams largely does away with most of the traditional social mores for the period concerning the characters’ personalities or actions. Some might argue that makes it historical inaccurate, but personally, I loved it. By focusing on the evolving relationship between Mary and Edwin and how their contrasting personalities complimented each other, as opposed to the hardships they would have most likely experienced given the era, Williams injects a light-hearted and playful vibe to storyline to offset the more emotional aspects of the characters’ shared journey.
I received a free copy of this novel in a giveaway.
Mary Babington-Smith is determined to live a life of her own terms and desires, unconcerned with the expectations of society and at times her own safety. She doesn’t see why the sudden return of Lord Edwin Sutton, the first boy to break her heart, should change any of that. A sudden kiss, however, changes everything. With rumors swirling, Edwin makes an unexpected offer: if Mary can pretend to be his smitten fiancée for two weeks, he’ll compensate her with enough money to secure her independence. But new passions and old emotional wounds threaten to expose their shared arrangement and possibly Mary’s heart…
It took a bit for me to warm up to this historical romance. While Mary and Edwin have sufficient chemistry and an intriguing history, I found the setup for the “pretend to be engaged” troupe is a little forced and rushed, basically being offered in the first chapter. But once I realized I was actually reading a historical romantic comedy, I tore through it in a few days, putting it down only whenever someone said, “Are you going to spend your whole vacation reading?”
(Also, people who ask me this? Stop asking me this. Of course, I just want to read. I always just want to read.)
Mary and Edwin are probably one of the more interesting and unconventional romance pairings I’ve come across. She prefers to don masculine clothes in public, binds her chest, takes female lovers, is a fierce protector of abused and abandoned animals and completely unapologetic about any of it. She can also be stubborn, emotionally closed off, and reckless with her personal safety. Edwin’s arrogance and broodiness are delightfully offset by the fact he’s also a botanist obsessed with his plant “children”, best friends with his butler, and frequently caught in vulnerable positions by Mary, both physically and emotionally. The supporting characters are encouraging and supportive of Mary and Edwin and their respective personality/actions, which created multiple opportunities for some genuinely funny scenes.
What I loved most of this novel, though, was that Williams largely does away with most of the traditional social mores for the period concerning the characters’ personalities or actions. Some might argue that makes it historical inaccurate, but personally, I loved it. By focusing on the evolving relationship between Mary and Edwin and how their contrasting personalities complimented each other, as opposed to the hardships they would have most likely experienced given the era, Williams injects a light-hearted and playful vibe to storyline to offset the more emotional aspects of the characters’ shared journey.
July 5, 2018
Romance is always such a fickle and wonderful thing…but love—love is hardly ever something that is planned, but the most beautiful thing in the world to have. Love can be kind and warm—it can also be traitorous and a very sly emotion to that of your mind. Your heart tells you one thing that your mind often goes against every chance it gets. Williams has an entertaining historical romance that portrays one woman at odds with herself in a farce engagement with a man who seems to love his plants more than he could possibly love anything or anyone else.
Mary Babington-Smith is quite ordinary and wants to stay that way. She doesn’t like to dress up or partake in any of the feminine atrocities that wives and maidens are supposed to be doing. In fact, she wants to save animals. After coaxing a stray kitten into her arms from a nearby alley, she is almost run over by a carriage. The man that gets out is none other than a childhood friend who abandoned her in London to pursue his education elsewhere. With a stab of resentment and her anger bubbling up, a marriage proposal was the absolute last thing that she expected to come spewing from his lips. Once it does, she doesn’t know what to do with it, especially once he admits that it would be a fake engagement and a deal could be struck if she abides by the terms. Always longing for her own animal shelter, she doesn’t have to think twice…but when things start to get heavy over the next several days—she realizes that she may have struck up a bargain with the wrong man. What is in it for him? What he could do to her heart if her feelings weren’t reciprocated could break her.
Williams has an interesting story, filled with entertainment and humor. The main characters are so enamored with each other, but their actions are often what takes them away from each other. Isn’t that usually how life works? You are so concerned with what someone else thinks that you would rather tiptoe around the subject and make a complete mess of yourself or a situation before you would ever ask that other person for their truth? In this novel, it is quite hilarious. The character development is excellent, the pace is steady, and the story is well-written. If you are a reader of historical romance, you may be interested in picking this novel up for a read.
This book was downloaded by Turning Another Page from NetGalley and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for How to Fall for the Wrong Man by Harmony Williams.
Mary Babington-Smith is quite ordinary and wants to stay that way. She doesn’t like to dress up or partake in any of the feminine atrocities that wives and maidens are supposed to be doing. In fact, she wants to save animals. After coaxing a stray kitten into her arms from a nearby alley, she is almost run over by a carriage. The man that gets out is none other than a childhood friend who abandoned her in London to pursue his education elsewhere. With a stab of resentment and her anger bubbling up, a marriage proposal was the absolute last thing that she expected to come spewing from his lips. Once it does, she doesn’t know what to do with it, especially once he admits that it would be a fake engagement and a deal could be struck if she abides by the terms. Always longing for her own animal shelter, she doesn’t have to think twice…but when things start to get heavy over the next several days—she realizes that she may have struck up a bargain with the wrong man. What is in it for him? What he could do to her heart if her feelings weren’t reciprocated could break her.
Williams has an interesting story, filled with entertainment and humor. The main characters are so enamored with each other, but their actions are often what takes them away from each other. Isn’t that usually how life works? You are so concerned with what someone else thinks that you would rather tiptoe around the subject and make a complete mess of yourself or a situation before you would ever ask that other person for their truth? In this novel, it is quite hilarious. The character development is excellent, the pace is steady, and the story is well-written. If you are a reader of historical romance, you may be interested in picking this novel up for a read.
This book was downloaded by Turning Another Page from NetGalley and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a five-star rating for How to Fall for the Wrong Man by Harmony Williams.
December 20, 2022
3,5
I cried
I cried
June 15, 2018
Finally, we have Mary’s story! As a dynamic and powerful character in the other installments, Mary steals every scene she was in.
Williams continues with her delightful friends to lovers trope. Like Francine and Julian, it is clear that Mary and Edwin are meant for each other if only they would stop being so stubborn. While Mary continues to be a strong female lead, her single-mindedness about her independence and not becoming a man’s property blind her. While her strength is commendable, she can be frustrating to the point that the reader wants to shake her and tell her to stop being stupid.
Edwin is an absolute peach who clearly only has Mary in his heart. Unfortunately, if he was honest with Mary upfront, it could have saved a lot of heartache. Instead, the reader is treated to a cycle of Mary being angry at Edwin for ridiculous reasons and denying that they love each other.
The story is filled with just as much heat as it does emotion. Edwin and Mary have blatant chemistry that refuses to be ignored. It was only a matter of time before they came together. If you are hoping for a sweet coupling behind closed doors, you’re sadly mistaken as Williams’ scenes are both explicit and erotic. That being said, it is again frustrating to see Mary waffle between wanting Edwin and pushing him away over.
Overall, the novel is a gripping read written in Williams’ smooth style. The reader will fly through the pages as they hope both Mary and Edwin will come to their senses. The only genuine complaint I have is that we don’t get much of their history together. While the story can be enjoyed as a standalone, it almost feels like the reader is missing out on a lot of background information. We are told that Edwin and Mary have significant history together, but it doesn’t really feel like they do.
Williams continues with her delightful friends to lovers trope. Like Francine and Julian, it is clear that Mary and Edwin are meant for each other if only they would stop being so stubborn. While Mary continues to be a strong female lead, her single-mindedness about her independence and not becoming a man’s property blind her. While her strength is commendable, she can be frustrating to the point that the reader wants to shake her and tell her to stop being stupid.
Edwin is an absolute peach who clearly only has Mary in his heart. Unfortunately, if he was honest with Mary upfront, it could have saved a lot of heartache. Instead, the reader is treated to a cycle of Mary being angry at Edwin for ridiculous reasons and denying that they love each other.
The story is filled with just as much heat as it does emotion. Edwin and Mary have blatant chemistry that refuses to be ignored. It was only a matter of time before they came together. If you are hoping for a sweet coupling behind closed doors, you’re sadly mistaken as Williams’ scenes are both explicit and erotic. That being said, it is again frustrating to see Mary waffle between wanting Edwin and pushing him away over.
Overall, the novel is a gripping read written in Williams’ smooth style. The reader will fly through the pages as they hope both Mary and Edwin will come to their senses. The only genuine complaint I have is that we don’t get much of their history together. While the story can be enjoyed as a standalone, it almost feels like the reader is missing out on a lot of background information. We are told that Edwin and Mary have significant history together, but it doesn’t really feel like they do.
June 26, 2018
1814
Mary Babington-Smith is the daughter of a widowed barrister. She worries about her father because he works long hours and is exhausted. As she was out walking, she was nearly hit by a cart as she was rescuing a kitten. But Lord Edwin Sutton, nephew of Lady Gladston, pulled her to safety. Mary and Edwin have known one another for years. He is a botanist and Mary loves to rescue animals in need.
Edwin proposes an engagement of convenience in exchange for funds that Mary can use to open a shelter for stray animals. Edwin impresses upon her that she will have to act like she is truly in love with him.
Mary has been summoned to see Lady Gladstone, who is also her godmother. When she arrives, she sees Edwin is there too. Lady Gladstone is insisting that Mary and Edwin marry. It appears that the day he rescued her from the cart, he kissed her in public and now there is a caricature of it in the newspaper. Thus, they will have to marry to avoid a scandal. But again, Edwin promises her that it is just a farce engagement to only last for 14 days.
This is a very convoluted story that had me shaking my head in confusion. It appears that Mary likes to dress in men’s clothes and meander around the streets. I couldn’t figure out if she was on the lookout for animals needing a home or if she was just a kook. The relationship between Mary and Edwin is also confusing. I realized this was like book number 3 in a series, and I have not read the first 2 books. This is not a stand-alone story and to keep up with the plot, it’s obvious one needs to read the first 2 books to make heads or tails of what is going on.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Mary Babington-Smith is the daughter of a widowed barrister. She worries about her father because he works long hours and is exhausted. As she was out walking, she was nearly hit by a cart as she was rescuing a kitten. But Lord Edwin Sutton, nephew of Lady Gladston, pulled her to safety. Mary and Edwin have known one another for years. He is a botanist and Mary loves to rescue animals in need.
Edwin proposes an engagement of convenience in exchange for funds that Mary can use to open a shelter for stray animals. Edwin impresses upon her that she will have to act like she is truly in love with him.
Mary has been summoned to see Lady Gladstone, who is also her godmother. When she arrives, she sees Edwin is there too. Lady Gladstone is insisting that Mary and Edwin marry. It appears that the day he rescued her from the cart, he kissed her in public and now there is a caricature of it in the newspaper. Thus, they will have to marry to avoid a scandal. But again, Edwin promises her that it is just a farce engagement to only last for 14 days.
This is a very convoluted story that had me shaking my head in confusion. It appears that Mary likes to dress in men’s clothes and meander around the streets. I couldn’t figure out if she was on the lookout for animals needing a home or if she was just a kook. The relationship between Mary and Edwin is also confusing. I realized this was like book number 3 in a series, and I have not read the first 2 books. This is not a stand-alone story and to keep up with the plot, it’s obvious one needs to read the first 2 books to make heads or tails of what is going on.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 17, 2018
Sweet and hot, funny and touching, a highly enjoyable read
I hadn't read this author before, so I found Mary's sensuality and awareness of her own sexuality a little surprising. Not that I'm complaining, it's just not quite what I expected from a romance set in this time period. Note that while I could tell this book was part of a series, it held up pretty well as a standalone. Though I did wonder about Mary's relationship with Hariti and whether there was more explanation in previous books, that information wasn't necessary to the story here. In any case, I suspect reading the previous books would have added to the enjoyment of this one.
Fiercely independent, in addition to Mary's determination not to marry and become any man's chattel, she also struggles with accepting help rather than giving it, even when it's coming from people who care about her. Mary also has to come to terms with her abandonment and trust issues, particularly when it comes to Edwin. Edwin has issues of his own, but since the story is told from Mary's POV, we don't have as clear a picture as to what he's feeling. Once childhood friends, this is a second chances story of sorts as the two of them warily rebuild their damaged relationship.
There are some interesting secondary characters here as well, for example, Isaac and Nancy. Members of Edwin's household, but also part friends, part family to both Edwin and Mary, they take a great deal of interest in the developing relationship, sometimes with amusing results. Of course, dog lover that I am, I always enjoy animal antics, and Mary's dog Puck helps provide some comic relief.
Sweet and hot, funny and touching, I found this a highly enjoyable read and I'll be looking for more books from this author. 5 stars
B2B Kelly
I hadn't read this author before, so I found Mary's sensuality and awareness of her own sexuality a little surprising. Not that I'm complaining, it's just not quite what I expected from a romance set in this time period. Note that while I could tell this book was part of a series, it held up pretty well as a standalone. Though I did wonder about Mary's relationship with Hariti and whether there was more explanation in previous books, that information wasn't necessary to the story here. In any case, I suspect reading the previous books would have added to the enjoyment of this one.
Fiercely independent, in addition to Mary's determination not to marry and become any man's chattel, she also struggles with accepting help rather than giving it, even when it's coming from people who care about her. Mary also has to come to terms with her abandonment and trust issues, particularly when it comes to Edwin. Edwin has issues of his own, but since the story is told from Mary's POV, we don't have as clear a picture as to what he's feeling. Once childhood friends, this is a second chances story of sorts as the two of them warily rebuild their damaged relationship.
There are some interesting secondary characters here as well, for example, Isaac and Nancy. Members of Edwin's household, but also part friends, part family to both Edwin and Mary, they take a great deal of interest in the developing relationship, sometimes with amusing results. Of course, dog lover that I am, I always enjoy animal antics, and Mary's dog Puck helps provide some comic relief.
Sweet and hot, funny and touching, I found this a highly enjoyable read and I'll be looking for more books from this author. 5 stars
B2B Kelly
June 28, 2018
Mary Babington-Smith can’t seem to please anyone. She surprised me. I was sitting reading their story when I came upon a steamy scene. It didn’t seem to fit her character that has me wondering what else she’s hiding from us. Edwin Sutton has an interesting proposition. I think you’ll find him as much a mystery as Mary does. I could see the tug of war going on between these two.
The author had a way of constantly surprising me with Mary. She’s not someone that will ever fit into a box – doesn’t do what’s expected. She seems to be a little unconventional– it’s what makes her unique. I know that some people don’t like a story told in the first person but what better way to see what she’s thinking. It’s a great way to keep Edwin a mystery. As his layers peel back, we see how he affects Mary. He’s also into plants and I could use his expertise. Looks as if he has a green thumb and mine sometimes leans toward brown. I could use his help.
One thing about this author is that her characters are not what you expect when you hear the words “historical romance”. She creates a story that’s a nice surprise. It’s what makes the story a page-turner because you’ll never know what to expect – you come to enjoy the unexpected. It may be part of a series but it stands on its own but may have you curious as to what the other books are about. We get a quirky ending but it’s also romantic. Overall, if you love unconventional romances than you just might enjoy this one.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The author had a way of constantly surprising me with Mary. She’s not someone that will ever fit into a box – doesn’t do what’s expected. She seems to be a little unconventional– it’s what makes her unique. I know that some people don’t like a story told in the first person but what better way to see what she’s thinking. It’s a great way to keep Edwin a mystery. As his layers peel back, we see how he affects Mary. He’s also into plants and I could use his expertise. Looks as if he has a green thumb and mine sometimes leans toward brown. I could use his help.
One thing about this author is that her characters are not what you expect when you hear the words “historical romance”. She creates a story that’s a nice surprise. It’s what makes the story a page-turner because you’ll never know what to expect – you come to enjoy the unexpected. It may be part of a series but it stands on its own but may have you curious as to what the other books are about. We get a quirky ending but it’s also romantic. Overall, if you love unconventional romances than you just might enjoy this one.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 9, 2018
Mary Babington-Smith is thrown for a loop when her ex-best friend, Edwin Sutton, begs her to enter into a pretend engagement. Mary wants to say no, but Edwin seems desperate and he's willing to pay her for her troubles. Mary is even more confused when Edwin and her share a rather heated kiss. Suddenly, old hurts rise up and Mary rushes off after declining Edwin's offer.
Edwin wheedles Mary until he gets her to accept his offer. Before long, they both find themselves putting on a performance before friends and family. The only problem is that their arrangement is becoming more and more real. Mary wants to let Edwin back in, but she is afraid to get hurt again. Could this be her second chance at love with Edwin?
Author Harmony Williams is new-to-me, and her writing in first person was hard for me to follow at first. I like to see things from both perspectives, but I still enjoyed her novel, HOW TO FALL FOR THE WRONG MAN. Edwin and Mary were once two peas in a pod, but over time, circumstances caused them to drift apart. In my opinion, Mary was a little to harsh on Edwin. I think in time, she realizes that and once she moves past it, she is able to see Edwin is still the boy she once loved. Only now, Edwin is a man. Their story is a very different and refreshing one.
Edwin wheedles Mary until he gets her to accept his offer. Before long, they both find themselves putting on a performance before friends and family. The only problem is that their arrangement is becoming more and more real. Mary wants to let Edwin back in, but she is afraid to get hurt again. Could this be her second chance at love with Edwin?
Author Harmony Williams is new-to-me, and her writing in first person was hard for me to follow at first. I like to see things from both perspectives, but I still enjoyed her novel, HOW TO FALL FOR THE WRONG MAN. Edwin and Mary were once two peas in a pod, but over time, circumstances caused them to drift apart. In my opinion, Mary was a little to harsh on Edwin. I think in time, she realizes that and once she moves past it, she is able to see Edwin is still the boy she once loved. Only now, Edwin is a man. Their story is a very different and refreshing one.
September 2, 2018
Mary is a fiercely independent woman in a time when women had very little independence; they mostly had to find a husband so they could be taken care of by him instead of by her parents. Edwin is a botanist who is so deeply focused on his plants he will often forget simple things like eating. The two of them together make for an odd match but when Edwin needs a fiancé Mary agrees to a temporary contract. These two childhood friends quickly discover that the long buried feelings for each other were completely mutual & there might be more between them than they actually thought.
I don’t believe I have previously read anything by author Harmony Williams but I do love the historical romances & now I can’t wait to see what else she’s written. She wrote a character that all women would love; Mary is a champion for all those ‘helpless’ – the servants, women and animals – and always has a helping hand for others. She has such a strong heart that I just absolutely fell in love with her spirit. I also really enjoyed how the author had two of the most stubborn and headstrong people fall in love. The pacing in this book is fairly steady, and the length isn’t too long – so you can expect to spend a day in the world of Mary and Edwin.
**4 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
I don’t believe I have previously read anything by author Harmony Williams but I do love the historical romances & now I can’t wait to see what else she’s written. She wrote a character that all women would love; Mary is a champion for all those ‘helpless’ – the servants, women and animals – and always has a helping hand for others. She has such a strong heart that I just absolutely fell in love with her spirit. I also really enjoyed how the author had two of the most stubborn and headstrong people fall in love. The pacing in this book is fairly steady, and the length isn’t too long – so you can expect to spend a day in the world of Mary and Edwin.
**4 Stars - I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
December 4, 2018
Protagonist Mary is a progressive female who absolutely has no self-control when it comes to stray animals. She throws everything to the wind and climbs up trees to rescue animals, wears breeches, and generally ignores her father (who works long hours to support the family).
Enter Edwin, a minor lord who probably has been in love with her since childhood. She hates him so much because he left her years ago... to go to university. -.- He dares her to have a faux engagement with him, presumably to get his mother off his back and makes this ridiculous wager with Mary: if she's able to convincingly play the part of a lovesick fiancee, she gets 2000 pounds; if she doesn't, she has to marry him. Mary, for all her intelligence, thinks that this is a fair wager and proceeds to indulge in her unreasonable behaviour while sleeping with him.
Published in 2018, the author tries too hard to make this book progressive for its time, reflecting the lgbtq community and feminist/equality in Mary, which felt too forced to me. Mary is an excellent example of why 'feminist' is seen in negative terms; she decides that being independent means she has to do everything> herself, cannot receive the slightest bit of help, and puts all men down (especially blaming Edwin for leaving her in order to pursue an education).
Enter Edwin, a minor lord who probably has been in love with her since childhood. She hates him so much because he left her years ago... to go to university. -.- He dares her to have a faux engagement with him, presumably to get his mother off his back and makes this ridiculous wager with Mary: if she's able to convincingly play the part of a lovesick fiancee, she gets 2000 pounds; if she doesn't, she has to marry him. Mary, for all her intelligence, thinks that this is a fair wager and proceeds to indulge in her unreasonable behaviour while sleeping with him.
Published in 2018, the author tries too hard to make this book progressive for its time, reflecting the lgbtq community and feminist/equality in Mary, which felt too forced to me. Mary is an excellent example of why 'feminist' is seen in negative terms; she decides that being independent means she has to do everything> herself, cannot receive the slightest bit of help, and puts all men down (especially blaming Edwin for leaving her in order to pursue an education).
June 29, 2018
2.5 stars
This was my first Harmony Williams book. I enjoyed her writing and the overall premise of the book. The action takes place over a two week period when Edwin and Mary enter into a fake engagement that suits both their short term needs.
I liked Edwin. He may not be verbal about his attraction for Mary for much of the book but his actions make it clear he is; and Williams certainly knows how to write intimate scenes. The interactions between Edwin, Mary and the servants are fun and offer light relief throughout the book.
However, I developed an early dislike for Mary and was never able to shake it. Mary might be a saviour to animals and people less fortunate than herself, but she is often rude; and her selfishness and wilful ignorance of the needs and desires of the people around her makes for an unlikeable character. It wasn’t until around the 80% mark that she lowered her walls and showed some vulnerability and compassion to those around her. It was too late in coming for me.
I also feel that some plot threads were abandoned leaving me with more questions than answers. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the writing enough that I would be interested in reading another book by the author.
This was my first Harmony Williams book. I enjoyed her writing and the overall premise of the book. The action takes place over a two week period when Edwin and Mary enter into a fake engagement that suits both their short term needs.
I liked Edwin. He may not be verbal about his attraction for Mary for much of the book but his actions make it clear he is; and Williams certainly knows how to write intimate scenes. The interactions between Edwin, Mary and the servants are fun and offer light relief throughout the book.
However, I developed an early dislike for Mary and was never able to shake it. Mary might be a saviour to animals and people less fortunate than herself, but she is often rude; and her selfishness and wilful ignorance of the needs and desires of the people around her makes for an unlikeable character. It wasn’t until around the 80% mark that she lowered her walls and showed some vulnerability and compassion to those around her. It was too late in coming for me.
I also feel that some plot threads were abandoned leaving me with more questions than answers. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the writing enough that I would be interested in reading another book by the author.
June 23, 2018
How to Fall for the Wrong Man by Harmony Williams is book Three in the Ladies of Passion Series. This is the story of Mary Babington-Smith and Lord Edwin Sutton. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book.
Mary lost her mother at a early age but did have her father but with that Marry had some freedom to wear mans cloths and freely walk around saving her animals and sometimes a person or two. It also allowed her to play with Edwin and they were close friends but when he left to go to school it tore that friendship apart. Now in the present day they are not close at all and with Mary's friends leaving her via Marriage she is finding herself alone with her father. Mary still goes around saving animals but money has become a issue of sorts. So when Edwin offers her a marriage of convince she turns him down...but then he changes it to and engagement that if she can play the doting love for two weeks he will give her money for a animal shelter. Mary does agree to this but in the days and weeks they get to know each other again and feelings start to turn very real.
Loved reading their story and have really enjoyed this series!
Mary lost her mother at a early age but did have her father but with that Marry had some freedom to wear mans cloths and freely walk around saving her animals and sometimes a person or two. It also allowed her to play with Edwin and they were close friends but when he left to go to school it tore that friendship apart. Now in the present day they are not close at all and with Mary's friends leaving her via Marriage she is finding herself alone with her father. Mary still goes around saving animals but money has become a issue of sorts. So when Edwin offers her a marriage of convince she turns him down...but then he changes it to and engagement that if she can play the doting love for two weeks he will give her money for a animal shelter. Mary does agree to this but in the days and weeks they get to know each other again and feelings start to turn very real.
Loved reading their story and have really enjoyed this series!
June 22, 2018
3.75 Stars
If Mary Babington-Smith likes to collect stray animals & when Lord Edwin Sutton offers Mary the money she needs to buy a sanctuary for stray animals in exchange for playing the lovesick fiancée for two weeks, Mary rises to the challenge. In two weeks, she'll have everything she wants, and this time she'll be the one to walk out of his life. Edwin & Mary have known each other for years & Mary loved him only to have her heart broken when he left
Another enjoyable read from the author my only criticism is that it’s told in the first person which I personally find a little off putting that said I enjoyed the book. The characters are well rounded & the pace is good & flows well.. Of course we’d met Mary in the earlier books in the series & I was so glad she now has hr story. Edwin & Mary are very likeable & are ideally suited which they gradually discover as hey spent time together. I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
If Mary Babington-Smith likes to collect stray animals & when Lord Edwin Sutton offers Mary the money she needs to buy a sanctuary for stray animals in exchange for playing the lovesick fiancée for two weeks, Mary rises to the challenge. In two weeks, she'll have everything she wants, and this time she'll be the one to walk out of his life. Edwin & Mary have known each other for years & Mary loved him only to have her heart broken when he left
Another enjoyable read from the author my only criticism is that it’s told in the first person which I personally find a little off putting that said I enjoyed the book. The characters are well rounded & the pace is good & flows well.. Of course we’d met Mary in the earlier books in the series & I was so glad she now has hr story. Edwin & Mary are very likeable & are ideally suited which they gradually discover as hey spent time together. I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 28, 2018
Ms Williams is a new to me author and while I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it.
I liked Mary, Edwin, and their somewhat complicated backstory and their very complicated current situation.
As much as I enjoyed the Mary, Edwin, and the unique cast of secondary characters I really struggled with reading this at times. Part of it was the feeling as I moved through the book that there was a lot I didn't know, especially about Mary, that I needed to.
I struggled a little with connecting to the characters and the situations they found themselves in. I also had a sense of confusion regarding the true time period of the book. The premise of the book as presented in the blurb wasn't exactly what I encountered in the story and what was in the story seemed a bit thin.
Having not read anything else by this author, it's hard to say if this is a consistent issue or specific to this book. I am curious about the author though.....
I liked Mary, Edwin, and their somewhat complicated backstory and their very complicated current situation.
As much as I enjoyed the Mary, Edwin, and the unique cast of secondary characters I really struggled with reading this at times. Part of it was the feeling as I moved through the book that there was a lot I didn't know, especially about Mary, that I needed to.
I struggled a little with connecting to the characters and the situations they found themselves in. I also had a sense of confusion regarding the true time period of the book. The premise of the book as presented in the blurb wasn't exactly what I encountered in the story and what was in the story seemed a bit thin.
Having not read anything else by this author, it's hard to say if this is a consistent issue or specific to this book. I am curious about the author though.....
June 10, 2018
‘How to fall for the wrong man’ follows Mary Babington-Smith and Lord Edwin Sutton, who were childhood friends until Edwin left, leaving Mary heartbroken. On his return, he presents an interesting proposal to her: he wants her to pretend to be in love with him for two weeks and in doing so, he will give her money which her family desperately needs, so long as she pretends to be in love with. What follows in the next two weeks are many interesting arguments but both Mary and Edwin soon realise, that their feelings are more than pretend.
This was an interesting story but I did find the first person perspective, detracted from the storyline.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting story but I did find the first person perspective, detracted from the storyline.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2018
I haven't ready a historical romance in a while, but I was nuts about this couple. Mary and Edwin are a blast together. He twists Mary's arm into pretending to be his fiancé, and if she can't fake it she must marry him. She agrees because he says he'll give her money to put toward an animal shelter. Oh, she's a feisty one that will make you laugh out loud as she leads Edwin in a merry dance before stealing his heart.
This is the third installment of Harmony Williams' Ladies of Passion series. No need to have read any of the previous, although characters from those novels do make guest star appearances. This story is utterly enjoyable all on its own. This won't be the last Harmony Williams story I'll grab!
This is the third installment of Harmony Williams' Ladies of Passion series. No need to have read any of the previous, although characters from those novels do make guest star appearances. This story is utterly enjoyable all on its own. This won't be the last Harmony Williams story I'll grab!
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