A Love to Remember by Bronwen Evans
Disgraced Lords #7

Phillips feels unworthy of his Earldom but promises himself to do his brother proud taking up the mantle. In his mind that means never marrying or begetting a child that will be the future Earl. For two years he and Rose, a widowed duchess, have an affair. He holds true to his resolve wanting an affair forever as she begins to want marriage and children – with him. Whether or not the two will end up with a HEA depends on whether or not Phillip will come to his senses and learn to live for himself in joy rather than remain feeling guilty about the death of his brother Robert.

Thank you to NetGalley and Randomhouse-Loveswept – this is my honest review

3 Stars

This is the 7th installment in the Disgraced Lords series. I have read a few of the other Disgraced Lords novels. I have really enjoyed them all. This is the story of Rose, Duchess of Roxborough, and Philip, Earl of Cumberland. They begin an affair, and due to tragic pasts. neither one is interested in marriage and that suits them both fine; until hearts become involved. This is a romance novel without a lot of detail regarding surroundings. It is character driven and written with style; flowing well. There is also some kidnapping and attempted murder thrown in. All-in-all a novel I would recommend to anyone that enjoys a romance set in the era of Bonny Prince Charles.
This review is also posted on goodreads and will be posted to Amazon once released.

I like this author and liked this story. Phillip took too long in getting over his guilt but came through when needed. I was glad that Rose held off telling phillip that she was expecting and I was relievedv that they started to communicate about who was trying to hurt them. I would have thought there would have been more security when they knew Rose was in danger although the maid a as in on it. It was nice to have a more mature relationship. Thanks

A Love to Remember by Bronwen Evans is a different historical romance. The two main characters were already lovers as the book begins. Both Philip and Rose seem to be made for each other. They enjoy each other’s company, friends, family and they have hot sex. The problem being Philip does not want to marry anyone and Rose Deverill always thought one husband was enough. However, love does not always listen to the participants and denying feelings do not help matters change.

The book was a nice, fast read that kept my attention. I liked the characters and how they interacted. I was not prepared for the surprise murder attempt and found the whole episode well placed to push Philip and Rose to each other. Bronwen Evans’s newest book in her series of disgraced Lord, A Love to Remember was a good read.

Publisher's Description:

A fiercely independent duchess and a brooding, reclusive earl are tested by the demands of desire in this unforgettable romance from the USA Today bestselling author of A Kiss of Lies and A Night of Forever.

For Rose Deverill, one husband was enough. As the wealthy widow of the Duke of Roxborough, she has cultivated an unsavory reputation meant to discourage wife hunters. Thanks to a string of steamy affairs, Rose is perfectly content to be known by polite society as the “Wicked Widow”—until she’s reunited with the man she fell in love with at age fifteen. Their bedroom encounters are scorching, but it breaks Rose’s heart to wonder whether her reckless behavior ruined her for Philip Flagstaff.

The second son of the Earl of Cumberland, Philip never wanted the title. But after Philip’s older brother, Robert, follows him into the Battle of Waterloo, his worst fears come to pass. Now Robert lies in a soldier’s grave, and Philip is determined never to pass on the inheritance to children of his own. Then Rose appears, soothing the pain with her delightful curves and passionate kisses. The notorious Duchess seems to want nothing from him—and yet Philip has never ached to give a woman more.

My Thoughts:

I love Bronwen Evans books, this one not withstanding. She never fails to entertain me.

Rose has many reasons not to want to repeat the mistake of her first marriage. The best way to avoid that in her opinion is to never marry again. She, therefore cultivates the image of a very wicked widow.

Philip has inherited a title he never wanted and frankly feels undeserving of. He holds himself responsible for the death of his older brother who jumped in to save Philip in a bloody battle.

Will the guise. that Rose has cultivated be the end of any decent relationship evolving between her and Philip? Is an affair the only thing they will ever have together?

I found the byplay between hero and heroine in this book entrancing. With an eventual abduction being the catalyst to bring these two together in more than a scandalous way.

I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.25 of 5.0 flames.
The relationship between these two characters is a very heated one.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and voluntarily reviewed.

Evans adds another Libertine Lords tale to her Disgraced Lords series with the love story of Philip Flagstaff, Lord Cumberland to the Wicked Widow, Rose Deverill, Duchess of Roxburgh. Philip and Rose never doubt the affection between them, but what is not clear is how they are going to reconcile their different goals with respect to love and marriage. Philip, haunted by a promise made to his dead brother, and guilt over his death, doesn’t feel that he can be the husband and father to her son that Rose wants.

Philip, Rose, and especially Rose’s son Drake are charming, likable characters. This was an easy to read, rainy day kind of book!

I have liked all the books in this series that I have read. I wasn't sure about this one at first. I am not sure why, but I really enjoyed it. It made me teary eyed a couple of times. Phillip was so tortured over his brother's death and Rose tried to help him, but he made a vow and he wasn't going to break it. Even though it meant that he would lose Rose.

Although this is the seventh installment of this series, you do not need to have read the the others in order to enjoy this story. Each of the stories in this series for the most part are considered "stand alone" stories that feature their own beginning and ending (although the first books in this series did contain one overall arc that was featured throughout the stories, this one does not). Some of the characters from previous stories are mentioned, but there is nothing in this series that would be considered a spoiler for the others.

I will admit that the synopsis of this story is a bit misleading. Going into this story, I thought it was feature some of Rose's more "debauched" behavior leading up to her being reunited with Philip. However as soon as the story begins you are told that she and Philip have in fact been lovers for the past two years. This is easy enough to overlook however, and I think works out better because you can see they have feelings for each other - even if they can't admit that to themselves.

I very much enjoyed all of the characters in this story, but Rose stands out by far as my favorite. So often I've read novels where the widows, even young ones, would never entertain the thought of taking a lover, much less a string of them as Rose has done. It is her willingness to openly express her sexuality that makes her feel more real. She is a woman - and is not afraid to show it. Thankfully, due to the high ranking friends she has, she needn't worry about the ton shunning her as they might otherwise do either.

The romance between Philip and Rose was red hot like you may expect, but it was his tender relationship with her son Drake that was most endearing. He treated the boy with the utmost care, as if he would a child of his own, when even today, that isn't something commonly found.

One of the things I enjoy most about the novels done by Ms.Evans is the beautiful way she tells a story. You are immediately drawn into the world she has painstakingly created, and your attention is kept until the very last word. I have a hard time getting anything done when I have a book of hers, I simply must finish it.

In closing, I believe this novel will still appeal to those who enjoy a well written "friends to lovers second chance" historical romance that has just the right amount of mystery thrown in. I would read more from this author!

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.

Philip Flagstaff enlisted in the military and found himself fighting in the Napoleonic war, what he never expected was his brother, the heir to the Earl of Cumberland to follow him and to join. During the war Robert unexpectedly sacrifices himself to save Phillip’s life and now Phillip suddenly finds himself the heir and he’s is filled with massive guilt.
Rose Deverill the wealthy widow of the Duke of Roxborough, has earned the reputation as the “Wicked Widow”. Rose has had a childhood crush on Phillip for years so when Robert died it only seemed natural she comfort him while he was grieving. Rose up until now has been perfectly content to be known by polite society as the “Wicked Widow” that is until she realizes her feeling for Phillip run much deeper and any previous lover she’s had. Phillip has sworn to never marry and produce an heir, he doesn’t feel he deserves it. Rose and Phillip need to find a solution to their dilemma soon her son, Drake already feels like Phillip is his father. Drake’s guardian will soon force Rose to marry before her reputation becomes an embarrassment to her son. When someone threatens little Drake and Rose Phillip reacts when he realizes he needs to get a grip on his guilt, his love for Rose and Drake are all that matter. A great book of how two people overcome their own demons and themselves to reach out to find their HEA. I loved this story of love, passionate romance and a little mystery throne into the mix!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC copy from Net Galley.

I enjoyed this book. This author always surprises me her twists and turns! You can feel Philips pain in losing his family and feel Out of depth he feels. You can also feel the passion burning brightly between him and Rose. Loved it!

A Love to Remember
The Disgraced Lords #7
Bronwen Evans
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a sweet and romantic story between Rose and Philip. I always enjoy reading a good historical romance. This was my first Bronwen Evans book. It can definitely be read as a standalone. Although I'm interested in going back and reading books 1-6.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an eARC from NetGalley.

This Regency romance has all the elements of a great novel--a strong heroine, a tragically lost and wounded soul in the hero and a solid storyline with some exciting and unexpected twists and turns. However, it lacks the polish to make the novel fully come together. The dialogue is often quite stilted and unnatural, particularly during the book's main crisis. Since speech is the main device used to advance the plot during this critical juncture, the departures from the voices previously established for the characters is especially jarring and distracting. While some of the cast of other Disgraced Lords novels make an appearance in this installment, it is not necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy A Love to Remember (though they are good). This is a fun, quick read, but not my favorite work by Bronwen Evans.

I received this as an ARC. Having not read the previous (6!) books in this series, I was happy to see that you could read it as a stand alone. I enjoyed the angst of a man and woman, who each had their own reasons for not wedding, come to appreciate what is most important in their lives, each other. Now while I await the next book, A Dream of Redemption, I will read the previous books in this series.

As a lover of historical romance books I can count on Bronwen to deliver an amazing story. The continuation of the Libertine Scholars series was fantastic. I couldn't put it down. Mystery, suspense and romance are a powerful combination.

This is the first historical I have read in years! Evans really kept my interest throughout the book...I love the story of the heroine as a little girl in love with the older brother's friend. I felt Rose as a widow was ingenious since I really cannot stand the innocent heroine.
I felt the conflict was a little drab. Phillip's inner conflict to me was not enough motivation to continue reading...but I did. And the ending when she's gone and where he realizes he can't live without her didn't pack much of a punch for me, it seemed kind of just written as a way to fill the pages.
All in all, I enjoyed reading A Love To Remember if for the characters, if for nothing else.

First off, I haven't read the other books in the series and it's not necessary to do so. However, after reading this one, I definitely want to check out the others. We see the couples from the other books in this story and it's a group of friends who seem to have a really strong bond. I liked getting to know them in this book and it made me curious as to their own stories.
This book centers around Rose and Phillip who start a relationship after the death of Phillip's brother. It's interesting to see this story since Rose is not the usual debutant that you see in historical romances. Instead she's a widow who has been enjoying the freedom of being a young widow. While they carry on together, Phillip's grief and guilt over his brother's death prevents the couple from truly moving forward. I really enjoyed the story and watching Rose and Phillip struggle. They were definitely people you wanted to root for. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good historical romance.

Tremendous Series! Bronwen has finished this incredible series?(I hope not) With an incredible story of the Duchess of Roxborough, Rose, and Philip, the Earl of Cumberland. Philip, the Second son, should not have been Earl, his brother Robert, who took over after the death of their father, took care of the remaining siblings; turned the estate around, and gave his life for Philip, at the Battle of Waterloo! The guilt Philip bears, is wearing on him daily, if not for Rose, and her small, five year old son, The Duke of Roxborough, who idolizes Philip, and very much wants him as a father, and Rose who Very much wants him as her husband! Which will win out, honor, or love? I highly recommend! Thanks! I know that you will Enjoy this book, as much as I have!
carolintallahassee 👒

I quite liked this story! I received an ARC from netgalley, and did not realize that I would be reading the fifth book in a series that I had not read before, but I did not find I was missing anything. Can definitely be read on its own. The story had suspense, romance and mystery. I was pleasantly surprised, because I honestly wasn't expecting much.

Sometimes the "romance" dialogue was a bit sappy for my taste, but that was pretty sparse. It was a nice quick read.

I loved the intense loyalty that Rose and Philip had for each other and those that they loved. Of course there was a lot of denial and that was frustrating for me as a reader, but it was very important to the story. I loved the villian twist. Philip is absolutely and empathically loveable who is too hard on himself, but where would the story be, if he wasn’t. Loved his slow realization of the truth to who he was and who he had become. Loyalty is my favorite character in a hero, loyalty and the passion to protect those they love. Rose is very admirable. She is a woman who doesn’t let others see her as weak, but she knows she is and she deals with it, and she is a great friend and draws wonderful and loyal friends to herself. I think Rose is a strong woman, a wonderful single mother and she knows how to get what she wants and that she makes her own happiness. I felt anger at her family and her dead husband. I think she is smart to go after what she wants and to live life on her terms.

I am giving a fair and honest review in exchange for this ARC. You can count on Bronwen Evans to spin a wonderful story and this tale is no different. I am usually very particular about the books i read and so when one comes up from certain authors I jump. Great tale, well written with so many good (and bad) characters.