Ruining Miss Wrotham

This fifth instalment in Emily Larkin’s Baleful Godmother series is a charming and beautifully romantic road-trip story that pairs up a most unlikely couple. As she has demonstrated in all the books in this series, Ms. Larkin is a fabulous storyteller with the ability to create memorable, likeable characters and inject new life into well-used tropes by sprinkling in a bit of magic and whimsy while firmly grounding her story in the familiar – to historical romance fans at least – world of early nineteenth century England. Ruining Miss Wrotham is laced with gentle humour, sensuality and tenderness as we watch our heroine discover surprising truths about herself, her wants and her desires, while struggling with her growing feelings for a man she should have no feelings for at all.

Miss Eleanor Wrotham is counting the days until her twenty-third birthday, because then she will be able to choose a magical gift from Baletongue, the malevolent and pitiless faerie godmother who is bound to deliver a supernatural power to the females of her family line as the result of an ages-old curse. Eleanor knows what she will chose; the ability to locate missing people, and with only a few days to go, is impatient for the faerie’s visit so she can use her gift to find her younger sister, Sophia, who eloped with her lover some months earlier and has now gone missing. But when Eleanor receives a months-old note telling her that Sophia is in London – in Seven Dials – she wants to go to her immediately, regardless of the fact that it’s one of the most dangerous areas in the city. She asks her former fiancé – who jilted her once he learned of her sister’s disgrace – for help, but he refuses and as she is storming out of his house, bumps into the last man on earth she would have considered helpful or trustworthy, the deliciously handsome but highly disreputable Mordecai Black, bastard son of the late Earl of Dereham.

It’s apparent from the first page that there is a lot more to Black than meets the eye – and given he’s a hulking six-foot-five, there’s a lot of him to meet! – and that he’s in love with Eleanor and has been for some time. He tries to dissuade her from going to look for her sister by offering to find her himself, but Eleanor will have none of it, and he has no alternative but to allow her to go with him. Ms. Larkin paints a vivid picture of the dank, rubbish-strewn streets of the stews of London, and creates a strong atmosphere of menace as the couple ventures into a part of the city into which only those with no alternative – or no idea of self-preservation – would ever go. They find the place where Sophia was when she sent the note, but learn that she left with a friend some time ago, most likely to travel to Exeter and the home of someone who helps fallen women.

For a young, unmarried lady to travel alone is scandalous and dangerous, but Eleanor doesn’t care and wants to set out for Exeter immediately. Her meagre funds mean she must travel by stagecoach, but Black will not hear of it and insists upon escorting her himself. He also insists on procuring her a disguise in order to protect her reputation, even though Eleanor maintains that the fact of her sister’s elopement has already ruined her good name and she has no reputation left to protect.

Thus begins the journey during which Eleanor starts to uncover the truth about Mordecai Black and learns that he is not nearly as black (pun unintentional!) as he has been painted. He’s an honourable perceptive and intelligent man who lives life on his own terms and doesn’t give a fig for what people think of him. He’s also gorgeous and charismatic – and Eleanor is unnerved by the visceral pull of attraction she feels towards him. She is stunned to learn that he once asked her father for her hand in marriage – although not that he had been refused – and is furious that her father never told her of the proposal. Eleanor can’t imagine what prompted Black to ask – they are not well acquainted, so surely he can’t be in love with her? – yet she can’t help being flattered that such an attractive man would want her. Even so, she steels herself against the temptation he represents, and tells herself she doesn’t want him; having been manipulated and controlled by her tyrannical father her entire life, the last thing Eleanor wants now he is dead is to find herself subject to another man’s domination – and Black is nothing if not high-handed and dictatorial. But he’s also generous and kind, and the longer they spend together, the harder it becomes for Eleanor not fall in love with him, in spite of his tendency to try to order her around.

Ruining Miss Wrotham is a carefully crafted, multi-layered novel in which the sub-plots are skilfully woven into the main storyline to create a cohesive, well-paced whole that grabbed my attention from the first page and didn’t let me go until the end. The romance is a delectable slow-burn, with Black determined to allow Eleanor time to realise that they are kindred spirits while the undeniable sparks of sexual awareness sizzle in the air between them. Their over-dinner conversations are delightful, their enforced proximity engendering trust and shared confidences, and his nightly marriage proposals are incredibly sweet – there were times I wanted to give Eleanor a good shake and tell her just to accept him already! But her reasons for refusing are understandable, especially as at this period in time, women were little more than possessions and her experiences with her father would naturally make her wary.

Historical romances are full of heroines who are repeatedly told not to put themselves in danger and then go ahead and do just that because they don’t want to be told what to do. Fortunately, Emily Larkin doesn’t fall into that trap; Eleanor doesn’t like it when Black is high-handed, but she understands that his intention is to protect her, and rather than having them constantly at odds, the author has them learning to make compromises in order to keep each other safe. It’s not easy for either of them to adapt in this way and they make mistakes, but their willingness to try speaks volumes about the depth of their feelings for each other.

While all this is going on, Eleanor finally gets her visit from Baletongue – but things don’t go as planned, which leads to something of a rift between her and Black. Fortunately for them both, the Earl of Cosgrove (Unmasking Miss Appleby) and Icarus and Letty Reid (Trusting Miss Trentham) are on hand to provide assistance, but while I liked seeing them again, their sudden and fortuitous appearance smacks a bit of the deus ex machina, and strikes a bit of bum note.

That, however, is the only major criticism I can level at the story, which is otherwise captivating and thoroughly enjoyable. The way that Eleanor sometimes sees Black’s concern for her safety as attempts to control her can be a little irritating, but as I’ve said above, it works within the context of her character, and I liked her in spite of it. Mordecai Black, however, is sure to win you over immediately; a swoon-worthy rogue with a heart of gold, his absolute devotion to Eleanor will melt even the hardest heart.

Ruining Miss Wrotham is part of a series that can be read without reference to the other books, although an understanding of the basic premise – that the heroines have a faerie godmother who is nothing like the one in Cinderella! – is probably a good idea if you’re not going to start at the beginning. That said, the first book, Unmasking Miss Appleby was one of my favourite books of 2016 (and a DIK), so it’s well worth checking out. Whatever you decide, Emily Larkin is a gifted author of historical romance and one fans of the genre shouldn’t miss.

reviewed for All About Romance by Caz

Eleanor Wrotham is trying to find her younger sister Sophia, she has sworn off overbearing men after her fiancé Roger broke off their engagement but she needs a man’s help and the man who steps forward is as domineering as he is dangerous, the notorious Mordecai Black.
The illegitimate son of the Earl of Dereham, Mordecai is infamous for his skill with women. His affairs are legendary but few people realize that Mordecai has rules, and one of them is Never ruin a woman.
Mordecai is much maligned because he’s a bastard but as the story progresses his true character emerges. Eleanor certainly has her eyes opened as the pair travel to find Sophia.
This is the fifth in the series but could well be a stand alone book, there are appearances from others in the series & mention of characters from other books by the author which I personally love. I’ve loved the other books in the series but this is my favourite so far. The attraction between Mordecai & Eleanor is apparent & his proposals had me laughing but she wants to be free from domineering men. Both Mordecai & Eleanor are very likeable, their characters are well developed. I was routing for Mordecai from the beginning & I wanted to shake & yell at Eleanor at times as she took so long to realise what a catch he was The plot is so well paced & I found it really hard to put the book down & even though it’s 300 pages I read it in under a day – a true indication as to how much I love a book.
The author is fast becoming an automatic must read, I’ve read most of her books & I’ve not been disappointed. This book is very well written & a joy to read.

Emily Larkin continues her Baleful Godmother series with another smart heroine and lovable (and sexy) hero. Its always exciting to guess what superpower our heroines will ask for. Nell Wrotham’s wish is a surprise, to the reader and to herself. I suspect there will be more heard from this pair in the future. (Some of the characters from previous novels pay a surprise visit at the end of the book as well.)

This novel was an enjoyable read. The author continues her series about women who will receive a gift from the "fairy Godmother". They have been told to use their wish wisely or else it could cause them pain in different ways. There is also romance and overcoming "prejudices".
Eleanor 'Nelly" Wrotham refuses to marry a man who is like her father, controlling and domineering. She wants to have choices and make her own decisions without having a man dictate her every move.
Mordecai Black is the illegitimate son of an earl and has a reputation as being an excellent lover and a rake. Mordecai is more than he appears to be and is a good man despite what the ton thinks of him. He comes to town looking for Nelly and where he finds her surprises him.
Nelly is looking for her sister who became ruined after being with a soldier. She did not receive her letters, for her father opened any mail addressed to her and had others do the same. Nelly needs to find her sister, since she is the only family she has left and will use her wish in her 23rd birthday to find her if necessary. Mordecai offers to help her, but there is more to it than that. His reputation will cause her ruin if the ton find out she is travelling with him, but he wants to marry Nelly. However, Nelly refuses his multiple proposals, believing she is ruined in the eyes of the ton and could not do that to him. Mordecai does not give up though, but continues to help her in the pursuit of her sister.
As they travel together, Nelly learns more about Mordecai, realizing he is a good and kind man. However, Nelly feels she cannot be his wife but offers to be his mistress. Mordecai is shocked at first, but realizes he can use this to convince Nelly to marry him. Nelly begins to fall in love with Mordecai. However, when trouble comes their way, Nelly has to use her wish. When Mordecai sees her use her gift, Nelly is hurt by his response. Will Nelly be able to find her sister? Will Mordecai accept Nelly's gift or will hr reject her because of it?

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Larkin and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Taking the hero and heroine out of the usual ballrooms was such a pleasant surprise. I adored Mordecai Black. His reputation is not who the man really is and Nell gets to see a side of him that few know. Granted he looks dangerous with his dark good looks and his height, but he is more honorable than many of the noblemen of the ton. His concern for Nell's reputation was admirable.

Ms. Larkin weaves a romance that was believable between Black and Nell along with a dose of mystery and danger. Mordecai Black has offered marriage to Nell nine days in a row. Would she finally realize that he was the one who would allow her spirit to soar or had she waited too long to accept his proposal? Not having read any of the previous books in the series did not affect my enjoyment reading this story, although it probably would have helped to understand the "magical" element in the book. Fans of Regency romance will definitely enjoy this story.

Five stars! Another great read in the series. I enjoyed how the couple got to know each other and fall in love during a jouney to find a missing person. I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. I love the magical elements.

Not only is the Baleful Godmother series new to me, so is Emily Larkin. Ruining Miss Wortham is a delightful book. There are several reviews out there already explaining the synopsis of Miss Wortham’s ruin, so I will not repeat it. I found the concern Nell had for her missing sister to feel real. When Mordicai offers to help, Nell is on the point of being so distraught, she will accept anyone’s help. Yes, she is a bit unnerved, but who would not be.

Mordecai Black is every woman’s dream – tall, 6’5, wealthy, a heart of gold, kind and extremely patient. Nell has just as kind a heart and is willing to go to any lengths to find her sister and child. The faerie godmother element keeps you wondering what Nell will do with her power. Again, her kind heart takes control, so we should not be surprised by the request of her one wish. That one wish allows her to use magic at just the right times.

What I liked most about this book is the relationship that slowly builds between Mordecai and Nell. She is very curious about everything to do with Mordecai and he is willing to answer her questions and tutor her in sexual play. Ms. Larkin handles the build-up of their sexual activity quite well. You may want to go back to the beginning of the series and read from there. I certainly do, but I felt that enough details were given of the previous books in the series, that I enjoyed Ruin without having read them first. Had I read the series in sequence, I would have appreciated the return of previous characters a bit more. Either way, Ruin is a great weekend read, not too dark, not too silly, just entertaining.

a good interesting historical romance. Well-developed plot.

Stunning!!! I loved this story, I truly enjoyed every page. The story of Mordecai was so complete and made you fall in love with him.... I have to admit I balled my eyes out towards the end but no worries this is an HEA.

I had about fifteen books in my to be read queue and I picked this one, Ruining Miss Wrotham a Baleful God Mother series book first because I absolutely love every single book I have read by Emily Larkin. She's been on my Favorite Author list for awhile now and has yet to dissapoint me.
I love the depth of character development and chemistry between them. Although there is an aspect of magic and even though it is a big part of the story it doesn't overwhelm the plot either which makes it easier to read in my opinion. I appreciate the opportunity to read the book and Thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Publisher's Description:
Eleanor Wrotham has sworn off overbearing men, but she needs a man’s help—and the man who steps forward is as domineering as he is dangerous: the notorious Mordecai Black.
The illegitimate son of an earl, Mordecai is infamous for his skill with women. His affairs are legendary—but few people realize that Mordecai has rules, and one of them is: Never ruin a woman.
But if Mordecai helps Miss Wrotham, she will be ruined.

My Thoughts:
I have read other books in this series but to me this was the best one yet.
The characters are memorable and the storyline well thought out and developed.
Mordecai and Eleanor's story, book #5 of this series is an unforgettable mixture of mystery, love, magic and the heroine's ability to trust the actions of an overbearing hero.
Although part of a continuing series this book reads well as a standalone. There are a couple of repeat characters but knowing their story is not an essential element to the enjoyment of this book.
I gave this book 4.5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
It is not necessary to read the other titles in this series to enjoy this read.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

When I initially requested this book, I was hesitant about the faerie concept, not having read any of Emily Larkin’s books. I am so glad that I read this novel. It would have to be one of the best that I have read in a long time. I have already purchased two more and I am so looking forward to reading more by Ms Larkin.
What made this novel different was that the feelings that Mordecai Black has for Nell, are so apparent from the beginning. There also were none of the normal fluffy romances where we constantly wonder “does he like her or does she like him”. Their chemistry was intense but this grew to some far greater.
I must say that I loved the character of Mordecai and the premise of the story. I just hope another book comes along to fill the gap, otherwise, I will have to start reading this book again.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

First let me say this, read this book! If you ever enjoyed a historical romance this is the book that you absolutely must read immediately. If you’ve ever considered reading a historical romance, this is the book that you should begin with.

I was awarded this book on Netgalley after its publication date. Due to that fact and obstacles in my life, I placed this one lower on my ARC list and ignorantly allowed it to sit there. I am an idiot! This was one of the most entertaining, enlightening, heartfelt and romantic books I have read in forever!

I’m not really sure what I was expecting going into this but what I received was a book that will stay with me always. The characters are so real and, in my opinion, true to the time period. Their speech and actions were written in a manner that I didn’t get bogged down but hurried to consume more of it. I could not get enough. I felt like I was gorging myself on this story and yet still so very hungry for more.

I’m not going to get into what happens, and not because there is a huge twist or a deep secret, but because the simple act of reading the words and learning more and more as each page was turned was so very enthralling to me. (Did you see that? Enthralling? Yeah, I’ll try to tone it down some.)

I will say that Mordecai is the perfect historical hero and he’s got the alpha thing down ladies. Nell is a strong heroine that is so very sweet and yet she isn’t going to irritate you with stupid decisions. This couple is just…perfect. I absolutely loved how every night Mordecai would…oh wait, I said I wasn’t going to tell you anything. You’ll have to read it to find out what this incredible hero does. Here’s a warning, he’s going to steal your hearts!

Now picture this, me giddy, twirling, dancing and skipping because not only did I just finish this book, but there are more out there that I haven’t read yet!

As previously stated, this was an ARC and this is absolutely my honest opinion.

Very nice romantic story about two lonely people and how they fell in love. Unfortunately, the author's introduction of a fairy godmother was an unnecessary part that wasn't needed to the book. Would've been a better book without it.

A definite good edition to the series! A historical with magical elements. I was surprised and delighted at the way this author has written this tale. I was happily engrossed with the story from the first chapter. What a wonderful creative talent the author has shown to be able to mix the elements of a story like this! I can only say buy the book it is a good read! I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

Passion and petulance with a good dose of perfection!

Mordecai Black and Nell Wrotham. What a tale and what a pair!
He is a large man with a large heart and dark secrets. A perfect foil for Nell.
Nell is one in a line of daughters going back in time who is given a wish by a faerie godmother--not the sweet old lady short, rather the eyes flashing and lightning crashing sort!
And a faerie godmother gift was something to be thought about. But then life gets in the way and suddenly the gift Nell thought long and hard to ask for just didn't meet the circumstances. All else became moot. But how is Mordecai going to take the apparition of Nell's gift. After all what a godmother gives cannot be taken away!
I loved the dance between Mordecai and Nell. A scintillating read from go to woe!

A NetGalley ARC
(June 2017)

well written romance,for me gould be read as standalone.
I loved both characters,the story is wel paced,loved the dark sides.
If you are a fan,of fun,well paced,historic romance novells.
this one is a real must read.

loved it.

Mordecai was a true gentlemen and a pleasure to read. To see a man go to such lengths to help a woman he barely knows made him a great Hero. To learn he paid attention to Nell from afar and learned her character showed what a great husband he would be to her if she accepts him. So many obstacles was thrown in his way of pursuing her, just made me root for him more. I also enjoyed the magic aspect of the story even though it really wasn't a big part of it.

It's been awhile since I have read a historical romance novel and it was a bit shocking to read about a heroine that knows nothing about sex. It seems so unreal that a woman can be that innocent after reading today's contemporary novels. I grew up on HR and I enjoyed dipping my toes back into this genre. I've never read Emily Larkin before and I'm happy to find that I really enjoyed this story and will be looking for more of her books. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Rated 3.5!

Eleanor Wrotham has one sole purpose... find her missing sister. She turns her back on society and leaves behind everything she knows to begin her search. It is in her parting with her ex-betrothed that she runs into his cousin, Mordecai Black. They barely know one another, but Mordecai insists on coming to her aid, which is more than she can say for his cousin.

Now that Eleanor has broken her engagement, Mordecai means to win her for his own. Unfortunately, Eleanor refuses his offer of marriage right off the bat. Mordecai is a determined man though and is not above doing what he must to show Eleanor that he cares for her, even if it means traipsing all over the countryside in order to locate Eleanor's beloved sister. Somehow, someway, Mordecai will prove to Eleanor that he will stick by her side through thick or thin, and he is the only man she wants in that position for the rest of her life.

RUINING MISS WROTHAM is very entertaining. I loved the interaction between the main characters, Mordecai and Eleanor. They are both so much alike which makes for an interesting story, but in the end, compromise can be achieved... someone just has to give in first. Although it's not the first in the series, I believe RUINING MISS WROTHAM, can definitely be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first novel in Emily Larkin's BALEFUL GODMOTHER series so I look forward to purchasing it and reading the others in order.

"Ruining Miss Wrotham" is a well-written, engaging historical romance that I liked. Nell is about to turn 23, which is momentous because she has a fairy godmother who will grant her a wish on her 23rd birthday. What does she want? She wants to find her younger sister, approximately 16, who ran away with a soldier. Nell's father recently passed away and she learns that her sister has been trying to reach her for months. She needs someone to help her find her sister.
Mordecai is looking for Eleanor, he wants to marry her, even has a marriage license in his pocket. When he finds her, he offers his assistance in finding her sister and asks Eleanor to marry him. She refuses the marriage, but is grateful for his aid in locating her sister except when he becomes highhanded and trying to keep her safe.
Mordecai is a true romantic, which made for an interesting male lead. He wanted to marry Eleanor, he felt a spark between them the first time they danced and from that moment on he believed they were meant to be together - so sweet. Eleanor isn't so sure, yes she felt the spark, but she's not sure she actually wants to marry a man.
Affection and trust grow between Mordecai and Eleanor. There are some semi-steamy love scenes, I prefer steamer books than this one, but they moved the story and relationship between the leads along nicely. The plot is interesting - will they find her sister safe, what will Eleanor wish for?
I enjoyed the book and even though it is part of a series, not having read the previous books didn't create any confusion for me. Good read!

Never read this author before, and was a little worried about magic being part of the story but it doesn't play a large part. The characters were extremely well written and I was rooting for them with every trial they went through to be together.
I received an ARC copy of this book from netgalley.

This book was recommended to me in an email from netgalley. I followed the link in the email thinking it would take me to the book's page and let me learn more about it, but instead it provided me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. And, since it was by an author I had not read and was the 5th book in a series, I really and truly forgot about it for a while. MY MISTAKE!!!!

I really and truly enjoyed this book. I loved getting to know Nell and Mordecai! It has been a while since I've found a hero to be so swoon worthy, but oh, my, I just loved him. He was very modern in that he could be domineering and alpha, but would apologize for it, or at least explain why he was being so forceful with his opinions. He had a dark and broody past, but yearned for love, companionship, and family. I loved how he knew, almost from the start, that Nell was the woman for him and that he was devoted and faithful to her, even when she was engaged elsewhere and their future was uncertain. His loyalty, his honor, his going above and beyond to help Nell find her sister...Not to mention what he carries in his coat pocket! Well, what can I say...SWOON.

Then there's Nell. She's obviously devoted to her sister, but has been dealt a raw hand by her family. I appreciated her need and drive to find her sister, to put her remaining family ahead of her own needs or wants. I love how she had to grow into her romantic feelings, while holding back the panic about her sister, and also balancing out her fairie godmother storyline. She has a good head on her shoulders and doesn't make any real cringe worthy decisions - aside from turning down Mordecai!

As for the book in general, it much like a missing person, road trip sort of historical romance with everyone trying to avoid scandal with the Ton. But, there is a paranormal element, as well, making it a lovely mix-up of the two romance genres. I adored meeting the other women in Nell's family and learning about their gifts and can only hope that the rest of the series focuses on them. The pacing is excellent, the writing is top notch, and, while this book work as a stand alone novel, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

This is a wonderfully written romance.
The characters are full of depth and very likeable.
Did not expect this at all.
Brilliant.