Lady Charlotte Cavendish was caught trying to run away with the groom by her extremely nasty father. She was given the choice of being sold in marriage to an elderly friend of her fathers or be sent to Bedlam. After five years in a passionless and loveless marriage she’s widowed and she now that’s she’s out of mourning she and her widow friends decide to start a Widow’s Club. The widows plan a party to revel in their widowhood, some want remarry and others like and some to just have a little fun.
Invited to the widow’s party Nash, the Earl of Wrotham, is looking for a wife and is quite surprised when he meets the beautiful Charlotte that is until he witnesses her scandalous behavior first hand. Nash becomes disillusioned when he thinks Charlotte is a loose woman. Nash finds himself being blackmailed by Charlotte’s father to perusing her and marring her to stop her scandalous ways or he’ll else he’ll ruin him. When Charlotte meets Nash the sparks fly making her wonder if perhaps she is being hasty in her vow never to marry. A grand adventure for the Wicked Widow’s club as they each hope to find happiness, love and family. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

I love the premise of this book, and the rest of the series, about moving on after a marriage (whether it was good or bad). So I came into this book a bit irritated because it was the second book in a row where the main character is named Charlotte… are there no other regency names? I ended up liking this novel and Charlotte much more than the previous one.

While the widow idea is novel and great, I felt that the fact that Charlotte is a virgin widow was just a little much. I feel that aspect was not important to the rest of the story in the slightest.

Lastly, Nash is a great male protagonist, aside from his 180 when it came to his feelings and intentions with Charlotte. I feel it could have happened much more gradually.

Overall this was a pretty good historical romance, I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

I really had trouble getting into this book. I realize that Lady Charlotte was a victim of her father. He basically sold her off to the highest bidder. But I found her very immature. There was no substance to her character.
The hero, Nash, i liked better then the heroine. He had lived a full life in the military. He didnt expect to become an Earl. But when he did, he took his responsibilities seriously, including looking for a wife.
They meet at a ball, Charlottes first ball, after coming out of mourning. The attraction is immediate.
But this is where the book annoyed me. The two of them are so wishy-washy. They can't make up their minds. They each peruse other people. Then they come back together, then apart. It drove me crazy. Sorry but I just couldn't connect to either character.

Publisher's Description:

The war years are behind them.
The future is before them.
And one by one, the widows of Lyttlefield Park are getting restless . . .

Lady Charlotte Cavendish is still the spirited girl who tried to elope in the name of love. That dream was thwarted by her father who trapped her into a loveless, passionless marriage. But now widowed, Charlotte is free to reenter the giddy world of the ton—and pursue her desires. For hardly your typical widow, she remains innocent to the pleasures of the flesh. Yet her life is finally her own, and she intends to keep it that way . . .

Nash, the twelfth Earl of Wrotham, is beguiled by Charlotte at first sight—and the feeling is mutual. When he receives her intriguing invitation to a house party, the marriage-minded lord plans to further their acquaintance. But even he cannot sway her aversion to matrimony, and only with great restraint does he resist her most tempting offer. For unbeknownst to Charlotte, the misadventures of the past are revisiting them both, and bedding her could cost him everything—or give him everything he ever wanted . . .

My Thoughts:

This well written first book of a new series drew me in.
A budding relationship with constant barriers and a bit of mystery make up this first book of a new series.

Lady Charlotte is a widow just coming out of mourning for a husband she didn't really mourn at all. She and her other widow friends have formed a club of sorts and intend to find lovers or new husbands for themselves.

When Charlotte meets Nash, the twelfth Earl of Wrotham, there is no doubt in her mind that this is the man for her, but Charlotte doesn't want a new husband. She is set on a lover instead.

Nash is looking for a wife and though he has a similar immediate attraction to Charlotte, it seems that a rake of the first order is constantly getting in the way of their budding relationship.

What role will Charlotte's stepson play in this story. We know him to be grasping and unkind very much like his father.

I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
Will their pasts be the end of this newly found attraction or will it lead to Nash's hopes for marriage?

I received a complimentary paperback and digital ARC copy of this book from the author and publisher to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This is a fun and entertaining historical read. Charlotte is married off by her father to an older man when she tried to elope with someone below her station. The marriage was an unhappy one and now that she is widowed she plans to enjoy and experience life. Nash is looking for a wife and is interested in Charlotte can he get her to change her mind about marriage? I liked the characters and the story held my interest throughout. A Good Read!

I love the start of a new series and this one really caught my attention. Widow's forming a club? Well yes and a great idea during this time period! Lady Charlotte Cavendish has paid her price of a forced marriage by her father and is determined to enjoy herself now that she is widowed. Forming a club with other widows has enabled them all to meet with men of their interest and purse marriage or anything else they might desire. Charlotte is not looking to be wed, but the man she meets, Nash, the Earl of Wrotham wants to settle down. Sparks fly between the two but Charlotte is very stubborn. I really could have shaken her because Nash was really very likable. Misunderstandings, suspense and some outside forces drive this story forward. Jenna Jaxon pulls you into the story with her wonderful descriptions and characters that seem real. Will Charlotte give in and marry Nash or stay determined to just enjoy herself without marriage? I cannot wait to read the next story in this series. With the descriptions of the other widows it has to be a lot of fun!

Lady Charlotte Fownhope's elopement with her groom, Edward was thwarted by her own father, the Earl of Grafton, they were forcibly torn apart. Edward is saved by a stranger, Charlotte is married off to one of his father's cronies. It's five years of miserable and loveless marriage. She sworn off marriage and decides to live as a merry widow alongside with her widows friends.

Nash, the Earl of Wroth, desires a wife. His attraction to Charlotte is hampered by her scandalous behaviour with Mr Garrett. But when her father blackmails him, he agrees to woo her. Nash took his duty to the earldom and England very seriously. Marrying Charlotte would assure the Earl of Grafton's backing of Nash's Parliament bill. Convincing her to marry him is a herculean task.

I have difficulty getting into the book. Charlotte is not my ideal heroine with her foolhardy attempts of taking a man or men as her lovers. Also, Nash didn't put a considerable amount of effort into wooing Charlotte.

The story-telling is far from bad but it lacks pizzazz.

This is my impartial review of the early e-copy from the publisher which I voluntarily read. All opinions are mine.

Lady Charlotte Cavendish forced into marriage to a man old enough to be her father, just because she tried eloping with the groom. What’s a father to do but punish said willfull daughter.
Widowed after her time in a loveless marriage -all six years she’s now free to flirt and have her every desire met. Her every desire being Nash the Earl of Wrotham, their chemistry is sizzling which foresees graeat things for their pleasure, she wants all the kisses without the strings attached.

I really enjoyed reading about the widows club, strong wonderful women that don’t back down from a challenge willing to have a say in their lives, the second time around.
Great witty dialogue the story flows well and the secondary characters add depth, overall this was a fantastic read.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. Thia is my honest unbiased opinion.

To Woo a Wicked Widow by Jenna Jaxon is the First book in The Widow's Club. This is the story of Charlotte and Nash.
Charlotte had didn't have an easy life. When she was caught trying to elope with a man below her station her father forced her to marry an older man. Now her husband is dead and the year of morning is over and Charlotte wishes to find the fun in life.
Nash just came into his title and wants to move forward with settling down and thinks that Charlotte would be the perfect one. But Charlotte isn't looking for marriage and Nash begins to hear things that might not make her the perfect wife. Can these two find that they are both what each need?

To Woo a Wicked Widow by Jenna Jaxon
The Widows Club #1

After war women become widows. When young women marry old men they, too, become widows and are back on the marriage market. In this book we meet most of the women that will form the Widows Club and perhaps meet some of the men they will end up with. The first book tells the story of Charlotte and Nash and how they eventually achieve their HEA.

Charlotte had a horrible childhood and it seems that when she came of age her father decided to marry her to someone she did not want – she wanted her groom – she tried to elope – but was caught. As punishment she was married off to an old man, a widow, a man with grown children. She had a miserable unconsummated marriage that finally ended when her husband died. She did her mourning and finally headed out in glorious color to attend a ball. She met two men at the ball that both pursued her. One would win her and the other, a rogue, was definitely up to no good.

Nash is an honorable man who sailed the seas until he was forced to return to take the title. He needs a wife and thinks Charlotte might be the one until…he finds out she might be besmirched.

There is a house party and then another one. There is a fete in the village. There are thieves causing trouble – they finally are caught. A couple of baddies do finally get their comeuppance and there is a HEA for Nash and Charlotte.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

A very clever premise; several widows in need of new husbands (or not) are gathered together by their friend Charlotte at a house party. There are gentlemen invited, some honorable and some not so much. Interesting relationships are hinted at but Charlotte and her neighbor, Nash, The Earl of Wrotham, have an attraction that is instant and pretty much overwhelming. The problem is that Charlotte does not want to give up her freedom for marriage and Nash will not make her his mistress. When Charlotte starts to yield in the direction of marriage a secret of Nash’s tears them apart.

This first book in the new series deftly sets up the series to follow. The romance is steamy and the writing is well done. I did not like Charlotte finding her at times silly. Nash was a likable character and I wondered what he saw in Charlotte beyond her beauty. The side characters, future heroines/heroes of the series, were introduced and personalities were established. I found this to be a decent Regency romance and an original concept.

4.5 Stars
Lady Charlotte Cavendish is still the spirited girl who tried to elope with her groom. That dream was thwarted by her father who trapped her into a loveless, passionless marriage with a man as old as her father. But now widowed, Charlotte is free to re-enter the giddy world of the ton—and pursue her desires. For hardly your typical widow, she remains innocent to the pleasures of the flesh. Yet her life is finally her own, and she intends to keep it that way. Nash, the twelfth Earl of Wrotham, is beguiled by Charlotte at first sight in Almack’s and the feeling is mutual. Charlotte retires to her home Lyttlefield Park in Kent, which happens to border on Nash’s principal seat Wrotham Hall.
An easy reading delightful book that kept my interest all the way through. The characters are well fleshed. I particularly liked Nash, he fell for Charlotte at their first meeting & even though he thought she was a wicked widow he couldn’t quite believe she was. Charlotte was likeable but very obstinate, whilst I could understand her reasons for not remarrying I found her a little tiresome at times. The gang of robbers added some mystery to the story & I was surprised as to who the leader was. I would have liked to have had an update on Courtland progressed. I look forward to more in the series.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

2.5 stars

I really liked the idea of the book, but I just couldn't connect to Charlotte.

The book opens with Charlotte's failed elopement with her father's groom Edward, the lovers are cruelly ripped apart when her father catches them. Thankfully, Edward is saved by an unknown man, but lost to Charlotte forever. Her father immediately marries her off to one of his cronies and for the next five years, Charlotte is trapped in a loveless marriage.

When her mourning is finally over, she had no desire to remarry and longs for independence. She along with several widowed friends start a Widow's Club and plan a house party to revel in their widowhood, some want remarry and others like Charlotte are just looking to spread their wings.

Nash, the Earl of Wrotham, is looking for a wife and is interested in Charlotte until he believes she is free with her favors. But when her father basically blackmails him, he agrees to court her. Nash was a very decent hero, he never expected to inherit, but when he did, he took his duty to the earldom and England very seriously. He was much more patient with Charlotte than I was and personally, I think he could have done better :)

I just couldn't get into the book, Charlotte began to annoy me early on with her wishy-washiness and I just stopped caring.

I wouldn't rule out reading future books, but this one just didn't work for me.

Lady Charlotte Cavendish has tried to elope with her groom, only to be caught by her father. However, rather than return her home, Charlotte’s father threatens to shoot the groom in front of her. His plans are foiled when a passing traveller intervenes, allowing the groom to escape but with Charlotte agreeing to marry a man as old as her father. The story moves on five years, with Charlotte a widow and eager to re-enter society. She forms a widow’s club with her cousin Jane, and other friends, in the hope of enjoying life. It is at her first ball, that she meets Nash, the Earl of Wrotham. Their chemistry is evident but before they can waltz, Charlotte is spirited away by another gentleman, who kisses her, leaving her to look slightly dishevelled. Nash, is mortified and quickly leaves. It was at this point that I wondered how the couple would ever get together but Charlotte is determined to hold a party where her widow friends can meet with men that they are interested in. She holds an event at her home, inviting Nash to attend. What follows are many events that threated to keep them apart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is Nash and Charlotte’s story. She is a widow and he is an earl. Her father wants him to marry her. She hates her father. Her dower property is near his home. There are many obstacles to overcome. The story was exciting. There was a gang, a strong heroine and a lord falling in love.

This book, a first in a new series about a group of young widows, was entertaining. Lady Charlotte is newly widowed from a loveless and emotionally abusive marriage. She has decided that since she is in a financial position to do so, she will not revisit the marital realm again- ever. Chatlotte isn’t averse to assisting her widowed friends in finding new mates, and sets out with a plan to do just that. It’s during this time she meets Nash, a recently installed Earl in the property adjoining her own. A former naval officer, Nash is a commanding and attractive man, extremely attractive.
Through a series of parties, events, colorful characters and a dangerours mystery to be solved, Charlotte must decide if she’s made the right choice. The story is enjoyable and has moments of humor and witty dialogue. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley. The story revolves around Charlotte, a young woman who had tried to elope, was caught by her father and married off to a much older man. Charlotte, now a widow and in control of her own life for the very first time finds herself attracted to Nash but refuses to give up her newly found freedom. The book contains a lot of drama, danger and new found love. It is a good read and there is a HEA but before that happens there is danger involved. I would recommend this book for a good read.

I really like the idea of the Widow’s Club. Women, some of whom did not have good marriages and some who did, get together to help each other whether it be to get married again or living a life afforded by their deceased husbands. The women are strong and do not take the first man that comes along. This story had a lot going on and some misunderstandings. Nash is a great character who is a little naughty but still respects the women. Charlotte is one of the women who does not want to marry again and pretty much does everything she can to not get married. I will admit that Charlotte did get on my nerves a bit and the interactions between Nash and Charlotte are too few. I like seeing more interaction between the main characters. You can see that all of the secondary characters will eventually get their own stories. Overall, a very nice read.

To Woo A Wicked Widow is my first book by Jenna Jaxon. It won't be my last. Ms. Jaxon has delivered a well-written book. The characters are phenomenal and just plain lovable. Charlotte's father married her off to a man his age that mistreated her for years before finally giving her freedom by dying. Nash unexpectedly inherits and becomes Earl of Wrothham. Their story is packed with drama, misunderstandings, humor, action, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed reading To Woo A Wicked Widow and would happily read more from Jenna Jaxon. To Woo A Wicked Widow is book 1 of The Widow's Club Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I requested this ARC to give a fair and honest review. These are my own comments. How to woo a wicked widow? Well, just treat her like she is everything to you and if you are very lucky she will show you just how wicked she is. Well written book with great story line and characters.