If you enjoy historical romance, particularly stories set in the Regency era, with witty banter, charming characters, and a healthy dose of humor, then this novella is a must-read. Fans of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series will especially love this prequel, but new readers are also welcome to join in on the fun!
The story follows Cecilia Harcourt, a young Englishwoman who finds herself orphaned and entirely alone after her brother, Thomas, is wounded while fighting for the British Army in New York. Desperate to find her missing brother and protect herself from an unscrupulous uncle who wants her inheritance, Cecilia travels to the colonies.
Upon arriving in New York, Cecilia finds not her brother, but his best friend, Captain Edward Rokesby, unconscious in a makeshift hospital. To gain access to him and ensure he receives adequate care in the appalling conditions of occupied New York, she impulsively claims to be his wife. If you enjoy historical romance, particularly stories set
If you are looking to start the series, make sure to check out the first book, , before diving into this one!
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The protagonist, Cecilia Harcourt, is defined by her limited agency. Following her father's death, she is left with two "unbearable choices": live with a maiden aunt or marry a predatory, "slimy" cousin, Horace, who intends to seize her inheritance. Cecilia’s decision to travel across the Atlantic to find her wounded brother, Thomas, is not merely an act of sisterly devotion but a radical bid for survival. The Deception: The "Make-Believe" Marriage
The novel connects directly to the broader Bridgerton family tree through the Rokesby family, who are close neighbors to the Bridgertons in Kent. Key Traits Protagonist If you are looking to start the series,
Like any beloved series, the Rokesbys books have garnered a mix of reactions. Here’s a breakdown of what both readers and critics have said.
The story follows Cecilia Harcourt, who travels to New York to find her injured brother, Thomas, only to discover he has disappeared. Desperate and facing dire straits, she finds her brother's best friend—and fellow British officer—Edward Rokesby, in a coma. To protect herself in a dangerous, unfamiliar place, Cecilia makes a desperate choice: she claims to be Edward’s wife.