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A ruthless tycoonSavage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better . . .
A sheltered beauty
Helen has had little contact with the glittering, cynical world of London society. Yet Rhys's determined seduction awakens an intense show more mutual passion. Helen's gentle upbringing belies a stubborn conviction that only she can tame her unruly husband. As Rhys's enemies conspire against them, Helen must trust him with her darkest secret. The risks are unthinkable . . . the reward, a lifetime of incomparable bliss. And it all begins with...
Marrying Mr. Winterborne
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I absolutely loved this book! It had everything I love in a historical romance and nothing I didn't. All of the characters, both main and supporting, felt fleshed out and like they had a purpose. The plot had high stakes without seeming random, and that final scene in the train station... I was on the edge of my seat! I can't remember the last time I was so enthralled.
First, the characters. Helen is a sweet heroine who isn't saccharine, someone moral without being an unattainable Florence Nightingale. Someone with thoughts, fears, and insecurities. I loved the touch where Helen strives, at the beginning of the novel, to overcome her shyness and even admits that it has hindered her! This was so refreshing!
Winterbourne was another show more interesting character, mostly because he was different than other heroes in that he was almost always injured or sick. Instead of making him unmanly, it made him more sympathetic, and his desire to overcome his past and the prejudice around him was believable.
What really made this book was the supporting cast: Winterbourne's secretary, Dr. Gibson, Helen's half-sister, her long dead parents, her living one, and Pandora and Cassandra all played a vital part of the story without being too clownish or too cliché. It brought the story to life.
The piece de resistance was the climactic moment when Helen is running away from the antagonist and waiting at the train station. Each delayed minute, each furtive glance around the station had me gripping the book. Of course she was going to be okay, but the question was how! Without giving too much away, the ending was satisfying because it showed her tenacity and also allowed Winterbourne to save her.
If you love quieter, shyer heroines who aren't as bombastic, then I highly recommend this romance. It won't disappoint. show less
First, the characters. Helen is a sweet heroine who isn't saccharine, someone moral without being an unattainable Florence Nightingale. Someone with thoughts, fears, and insecurities. I loved the touch where Helen strives, at the beginning of the novel, to overcome her shyness and even admits that it has hindered her! This was so refreshing!
Winterbourne was another show more interesting character, mostly because he was different than other heroes in that he was almost always injured or sick. Instead of making him unmanly, it made him more sympathetic, and his desire to overcome his past and the prejudice around him was believable.
What really made this book was the supporting cast: Winterbourne's secretary, Dr. Gibson, Helen's half-sister, her long dead parents, her living one, and Pandora and Cassandra all played a vital part of the story without being too clownish or too cliché. It brought the story to life.
The piece de resistance was the climactic moment when Helen is running away from the antagonist and waiting at the train station. Each delayed minute, each furtive glance around the station had me gripping the book. Of course she was going to be okay, but the question was how! Without giving too much away, the ending was satisfying because it showed her tenacity and also allowed Winterbourne to save her.
If you love quieter, shyer heroines who aren't as bombastic, then I highly recommend this romance. It won't disappoint. show less
Unhappy with Kathleen's meddling at the end of Cold-Hearted Rake, Helen Ravenel decides to go ahead with the wedding plans herself. ...as soon as she can convince Rhys Winterborne, that their wedding is still good to go.
Actually she professes her attraction, but I like the GIF
Like the typical business magnate, Rhys first tries throwing money at the girl, and when that doesn't yield the desired results, he proposes ruination. As Miss Manners Lady Berwick would later remark "there is no greater enemy of virtue than a charming Welshman", so what were you expecting?!
Even though I was initially planning to read more serious stuff, I somehow ended up tackling yet another bodice ripper historical romance. I couldn't just pass up a book I've show more been waiting for a year now. I have no self-control!
HR are the literary equivalent of junk food
Still, I regret nothing! Helen and Rhys have excellent chemistry, which made reading about their interactions, as well as others' view of their curtship so much fun.
Which is not to say, that there weren't also some rather cringe-worthy exchanges, as well:
Heck, I could even sympathize with Helen's reluctance to break the news of her true parentage to Rhys. It's truly lucky that no one's ever written a novel about me, because readers would have had to suffer through several years worth of procrastination.
Score: 3.3 / 5 stars
I was sporting a constant grin all through the reading experience.
As far as I'm concerned this novel was just perfect for its genre.
========================================
Review of book 1: Cold-Hearted Rake
Review of book 3: Devil in Spring
Review of book 4: Hello Stranger
Review of book 5: Devil's Daughter
Review of book 6: Chasing Cassandra
Review of book 7: Devil in Disguise show less
Actually she professes her attraction, but I like the GIF
Like the typical business magnate, Rhys first tries throwing money at the girl, and when that doesn't yield the desired results, he proposes ruination. As Miss Manners Lady Berwick would later remark "there is no greater enemy of virtue than a charming Welshman", so what were you expecting?!
Even though I was initially planning to read more serious stuff, I somehow ended up tackling yet another bodice ripper historical romance. I couldn't just pass up a book I've show more been waiting for a year now. I have no self-control!
HR are the literary equivalent of junk food
Still, I regret nothing! Helen and Rhys have excellent chemistry, which made reading about their interactions, as well as others' view of their curtship so much fun.
Damning himself silently, [Rhys] couldn’t keep from asking, “Has she mentioned me?”
Devon’s brows flew upward. “Mentioned you? You’re all Helen talks about. She’s been reading Welsh history books and plaguing the family with accounts of Owain Glyndŵr and something called the Eistedfodd.” His eyes sparkled with friendly mockery. “Helen was hacking and spitting so much the other day that we thought she was coming down with a cold, until we realized she was practicing the Welsh alphabet.”
Which is not to say, that there weren't also some rather cringe-worthy exchanges, as well:
“Couldn’t we just say that I’ve been ruined? Devon would have to take my word for it.”
Mr. Winterborne shook his head before she had even finished the question. “I’ll need an earnest payment. That’s how a deal is bound in business.”
“This isn’t a business negotiation,” she protested.
He was adamant. “I want insurance in case you change your mind before the wedding.”
“I wouldn’t do that. Don’t you trust me?”
“Aye. But I’ll trust you more after we sleep together.”
Heck, I could even sympathize with Helen's reluctance to break the news of her true parentage to Rhys. It's truly lucky that no one's ever written a novel about me, because readers would have had to suffer through several years worth of procrastination.
Score: 3.3 / 5 stars
I was sporting a constant grin all through the reading experience.
As far as I'm concerned this novel was just perfect for its genre.
========================================
Review of book 1: Cold-Hearted Rake
Review of book 3: Devil in Spring
Review of book 4: Hello Stranger
Review of book 5: Devil's Daughter
Review of book 6: Chasing Cassandra
Review of book 7: Devil in Disguise show less
Fantastic book that picks up right where Cold-HeartedRake left off. In that book, Helen and Rhys had been introduced by her cousin Devon, who was looking to use Helen to form a business alliance. When both men were injured in a train accident, Helen took it upon herself to nurse Rhys back to health. It was an odd friendship that developed, between the common-born self-made tycoon and the shy and sheltered Lady Helen. Rhys decided then that he wanted Helen for his own, and she agreed for reasons of her own. But a misunderstanding and interference from her sister-in-law Kathleen, ends the engagement.
This book opens with Helen visiting Rhys at his place of business (just not done!) to explain what had happened and try to reinstate their show more engagement. I was impressed by Helen and how she stepped way out of her comfort zone to do so. Rhys was not welcoming at first. Though a talented and confident man, sure of his abilities in business, there is part of him that is very vulnerable. He saw Helen's earlier reaction to him as disgust and a rejection of who he is, and now believes she only wants him back because of his wealth. I loved this entire scene, as Helen slowly convinces him that it was him she wants. I especially loved the part about the ring. Though Helen gets her wishes, Rhys has his own condition to guarantee that the marriage will take place. He wants her thoroughly compromised so that no one can stop it. Rhys is both determined and nervous about carrying out his plan - he wants her like he has no other, but he also realizes that he must treat her carefully. This scene was steamy and sweet, and I loved seeing Rhys's tenderness.
The reinstatement of the engagement causes some new tensions, as the desire between Rhys and Helen flares hotter every day. Rhys wants them to marry immediately, but Helen wants to wait until their mourning for her brother is over. Once again, Rhys finds himself wanting to make Helen happy, even if it is hard on him. As her family moves back to the country to put some distance between them, both Helen and Rhys miss each other desperately. During the trip home, Helen discovers something about her past that explains several things, but leaves her more confused about herself. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that her secret could have a direct effect on her marriage to Rhys.
Their return to London puts Helen and Rhys in close contact again. I loved how they found ways to be together. While their physical relationship continued to intensify, there were also times where they simply talked. I loved seeing how quickly Helen began to understand Rhys and what drives him. She also has a determined way of defending him, to others and to himself. Rhys turned out to be an even more sensitive man that I expected. He is obviously smitten with Helen and determined to do anything to make her happy. The changes in him were obvious, as he went from brooding workaholic to a man who is able to let his softer side show.
When the secret that Helen has rears its ugly head in London, she has some serious decisions to make. Does she tell Rhys and take a chance that he will take it badly, or follow others' advice and keep quiet? A horrifying discovery sends her on a quest for something that could end it all. I loved her determination to make things right, no matter the cost to herself. The intensity of this part had me wondering how it was going to turn out. I loved the ending, with Rhys being both tough and tender, protective and besotted. The follow up scene was hilarious as he planned and carried out their elopement.
I also loved the secondary characters. Helen's sisters, Cassandra and Pandora are terrific in their determination to be themselves, not just another society miss. They are intelligent and kind-hearted and would do anything for their sister Helen. Devon's brother West makes only a small appearance in this book, but I still loved seeing him pretend to hang on to his rakish ways. I loved Dr. Gibson, the lady doctor who made such a big impression on Rhys. Her feistiness and self-confidence were great, as was her assistance to Helen. I also loved Rhys's secretary, Mrs. Fernsby and her ability to manage Rhys. show less
This book opens with Helen visiting Rhys at his place of business (just not done!) to explain what had happened and try to reinstate their show more engagement. I was impressed by Helen and how she stepped way out of her comfort zone to do so. Rhys was not welcoming at first. Though a talented and confident man, sure of his abilities in business, there is part of him that is very vulnerable. He saw Helen's earlier reaction to him as disgust and a rejection of who he is, and now believes she only wants him back because of his wealth. I loved this entire scene, as Helen slowly convinces him that it was him she wants. I especially loved the part about the ring. Though Helen gets her wishes, Rhys has his own condition to guarantee that the marriage will take place. He wants her thoroughly compromised so that no one can stop it. Rhys is both determined and nervous about carrying out his plan - he wants her like he has no other, but he also realizes that he must treat her carefully. This scene was steamy and sweet, and I loved seeing Rhys's tenderness.
The reinstatement of the engagement causes some new tensions, as the desire between Rhys and Helen flares hotter every day. Rhys wants them to marry immediately, but Helen wants to wait until their mourning for her brother is over. Once again, Rhys finds himself wanting to make Helen happy, even if it is hard on him. As her family moves back to the country to put some distance between them, both Helen and Rhys miss each other desperately. During the trip home, Helen discovers something about her past that explains several things, but leaves her more confused about herself. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that her secret could have a direct effect on her marriage to Rhys.
Their return to London puts Helen and Rhys in close contact again. I loved how they found ways to be together. While their physical relationship continued to intensify, there were also times where they simply talked. I loved seeing how quickly Helen began to understand Rhys and what drives him. She also has a determined way of defending him, to others and to himself. Rhys turned out to be an even more sensitive man that I expected. He is obviously smitten with Helen and determined to do anything to make her happy. The changes in him were obvious, as he went from brooding workaholic to a man who is able to let his softer side show.
When the secret that Helen has rears its ugly head in London, she has some serious decisions to make. Does she tell Rhys and take a chance that he will take it badly, or follow others' advice and keep quiet? A horrifying discovery sends her on a quest for something that could end it all. I loved her determination to make things right, no matter the cost to herself. The intensity of this part had me wondering how it was going to turn out. I loved the ending, with Rhys being both tough and tender, protective and besotted. The follow up scene was hilarious as he planned and carried out their elopement.
I also loved the secondary characters. Helen's sisters, Cassandra and Pandora are terrific in their determination to be themselves, not just another society miss. They are intelligent and kind-hearted and would do anything for their sister Helen. Devon's brother West makes only a small appearance in this book, but I still loved seeing him pretend to hang on to his rakish ways. I loved Dr. Gibson, the lady doctor who made such a big impression on Rhys. Her feistiness and self-confidence were great, as was her assistance to Helen. I also loved Rhys's secretary, Mrs. Fernsby and her ability to manage Rhys. show less
Loved this sweet and sexy story. Sure Kleypas borrowed somewhat liberally from Mr. Selfridge for Rhys's character, but she made him more interesting. Making him Welsh was inspired. I did not much like Rhys in the last book (disappointing as it is my son's middle name) but he turned out to be lovely and complex and challenging. Exactly what I needed as the world was falling apart around me. Thank God for books
I think I can safely say that I really enjoy Lisa Kleypas because this is my fourth book I've read in this series and I have loved all of them!
After I finished book one, I was so excited for this one because it was teased so well in that book and it definitely lived up to that. This book is about Helen and Rhys. I thought Helen was a good character but I loved Rhys. I thought he was just so romantic I mean he built her a greenhouse! and from the very beginning I loved him, which is rare for me. Helen is very charming and I liked seeing her grow over this book and her relationship to her family and to Rhys. This was just a really great couple. I could basically see where the relationship was going but I was so excited about where it was show more going that it just made the book better.
One thing I love about Kleypas is that she finds such a perfect balance between the romance and the plot. It's one thing I really like about reading historical romance. There's usually really interesting conflicts because of just the structure of society and class and all those things and Kleypas pulls those elements together so well. I typically want the romance to drive the plot (that's what makes it a romance) but I still need other things to be happening to be entertained. I was fully entertained and Helen had a lot of other things going on but I would have like to see a little bit more of plot on Rhys' side.
I can't wait to continue in this series. I want to read book four and five before the next release comes out this summer. I have a ton of library books to read right now and then I have to wait for the hold to come in but I want to get to book four really soon! show less
After I finished book one, I was so excited for this one because it was teased so well in that book and it definitely lived up to that. This book is about Helen and Rhys. I thought Helen was a good character but I loved Rhys. I thought he was just so romantic
One thing I love about Kleypas is that she finds such a perfect balance between the romance and the plot. It's one thing I really like about reading historical romance. There's usually really interesting conflicts because of just the structure of society and class and all those things and Kleypas pulls those elements together so well. I typically want the romance to drive the plot (that's what makes it a romance) but I still need other things to be happening to be entertained. I was fully entertained and Helen had a lot of other things going on but I would have like to see a little bit more of plot on Rhys' side.
I can't wait to continue in this series. I want to read book four and five before the next release comes out this summer. I have a ton of library books to read right now and then I have to wait for the hold to come in but I want to get to book four really soon! show less
I think it was a liiiittle overhyped (Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase was peak for me and the book I will judge all other romances against, sorry not sorry), but it was enjoyable. A nice introduction to Lisa Kleypas, I think. Loved the rounded cast with aunt, sisters, cousins, servants, employees. (Where's Mrs. Fernsby's book??? You know she and Dr. Havelock would be ON FIRE.) I really felt like I wanted to read book 1 for the setup with the main family of Ravenels but I think that's just me and my completionist ways, I don't think it was necessary because all the important information was probably on the pages here.
I picked this one up because I had enjoyed the first in the series very much. I had low expectations, though, because the male love interest seemed more the stereotypical Romance genre alpha-male, on the rapey-side, based on his appearance in Cold-Hearted Rake. Much to my surprise, though, the author gave him a more nuanced character in this book, and although he was certainly a bit manipulative, the heroine had full agency. Most of what I like about this series of books is the rediscovery of Romance as an enjoyable, escapist read.
Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Overdrive. Excellence performance by Mary Jane Wells.
Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Overdrive. Excellence performance by Mary Jane Wells.
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Author Information
93+ Works 49,107 Members
Lisa Kleypas received a degree in political science from Wellesley College. In 1985, she was named Miss Massachusetts in the Miss America competition. She published her first romance novel at the age of 21 and has been a full-time writer ever since. She is primarily known for her historical romance novels, but she also writes contemporary romance show more novels. Her books include Sugar Daddy, Crystal Cove, and Cold-Hearted Rake. She has won numerous awards including a Rita award for her Christmas anthology novella Wish List in 2002, the award for Best Sensuous Historical Romance from Romantic Times magazine for Lady Sophia's Lover in 2002, and the RITA award for best Short Historical for Worth Any Price in 2004. Lisa's novel's Marrying Winterborne and Hello Stranger made the New York Times Bestseller List. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Some Editions
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- Una moglie per Winterborne
- Original title
- Marrying Winterborne
- Original publication date
- 2016-06
- People/Characters
- Rhys Winterborne; Helen Ravenel; Pandora Ravenel; Cassandra Ravenel; Dr. Garrett Gibson; Ethan Ransom (show all 9); Devon Ravenel (Earl of Trenear); West Ravenel; Kathleen Ravenel (Countess of Trenear)
- Dedication
- To Greg—my husband and my hero.
Love always, L.K. - First words
- "Mr. Winterborne, a woman is here to see you."
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"After all...I am a Winterborne."
- Canonical DDC/MDS
- 813.54
- Canonical LCC
- PS3561.L456
- Disambiguation notice
- ISBN 1504734963 is an unabridged audiobook
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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- 30,816
- Reviews
- 39
- Rating
- (3.92)
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- 6 — English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Portugal), Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 23
- ASINs
- 6
