How unusual is it for a couple to be so completely, thoroughly, in lust with each other from the opening pages of a book—is the lust a kissing cousin to love? Is this an HEA in the first chapter? Hold your horses.

Philip Flagstaff, who became the new Earl of Cumberland after the death of his older brother Robert at Waterloo, is raddled with guilt. If he had not insisted on going to war, his older brother would not have joined him. Philip never intends to have an heir, deciding instead to let the earldom pass to his younger brother.

But not wanting children doesn’t mean not wanting and needing the comfort and affection of a woman he cares for deeply. Fortunately, Rose Deverill, the object of his affections and the wealthy widow of the Duke of Roxborough, lives life according to her own rules.

But Rose had men—a different man whenever she wanted, in fact. She just didn’t have a husband. Which meant she did not have to put up with a man’s tantrums, his boring displays of jealousy, or worry that she might be left financially ruined by his profligate spending. When a man bored her, she simply sent him on his way. After all, none of them really mattered to her.

There had been a man, once, that mattered to Rose. Someone she “fell in love with at age fifteen.” Philip, of course. They re-discovered each other the day of his brother’s funeral and two years later, Rose muses, “he didn’t seem to be tiring of her. She had certainly not tired of him.” A lot can change in two years, however. The guardian for Rose’s son informs her that her “Wicked Widow” reputation is not longer acceptable as her son matures. She is to choose a husband or he’ll choose one for her. Although Rose had never really acknowledged to herself that she was considering re-marriage, this cruel ultimatum has her exploring her deepest wants and wishes.

Surely the fact that she had not ended their affair, as she normally did after a few months with a paramour, must tell Philip what was in her heart. Or did he believe the tale she’d spun to the ton that she never intended to remarry. Worse, did he not see her as worthy of marriage? If she’d ever imagined she had a chance of winning Philip’s heart, she would never have cultivated such a wicked reputation.

It, while no worse than his—definitely no worse than his—counted against her. Men tended to want their wives chaste, virginal, and young. She was none of those things. How she hated that damnable double standard.

She told her heart not to expect more from Philip. The only reason they’d become lovers in the first place was because of his grief. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that, two years later, he would still need her. Still want her. As far as she was aware he had no other mistress or lover.

But a man never married his mistress. An earl certainly did not.

She rolled over to face him. Simply looking at him still took her breath away. Bright blue eyes framed in a face of artistic angles and aristocratic lines, lips full and inviting, and deep auburn hair glinting copper in the sunlight. He could make her wet with a simple smile.

Who wouldn’t want to marry such a delightful specimen? But Rose has been avoiding speaking with Philip about the future for more than twelve months—she fears that he “didn’t want a future that included her.”

Rose’s friends encourage her to be hopeful. Portia recalls how quickly her now husband came around when he thought she was considering another: “A rival tends to crystallize a man’s view on love very quickly.” Another thing that makes a man contemplate marriage: the prospect of a life without the one he loves, adores, yearns for—even if he doesn’t admit that to himself until she says she is breaking off their relationship. It takes concerned friends and family, much brandy, and some serious introspection for Philip to face up to the truth, even if it takes a while.

Philip Flagstaff, you are an idiot.

He knew he should not have had that extra bottle of brandy, but he’d dined with Arend and Isobel and they were so damned happy. Watching them together, excited at the approaching birth of their first child, he’d been tempted to leave them to their excitement, race to Rose, tell her he’d made a mistake, and beg her to marry him.

But he hadn’t.

And introspection is not enough for Philip to turn away, immediately, from the path of self-defeating guilt over his brother’s death. It is to Bronwen Evan’s credit that A Love to Remember is a complicated and absorbing look at the factors that bring adults together—and keep them apart. Rose and Philip lead each other a very merry dance, occasionally threaded with stumbles and threats from within and without, but they are truly a couple meant to be together.

I enjoy the authors writing style, but sometimes find the explicit sex a little much. So with this said it was still a good book although I am irritated with Philip's and his determination to reject happiness annoying throughout the book.

Rose Deverill, Duchess of Roxborough, one marriage was more than enough. She never intends on marrying again and indeed she is enjoying her widowhood so much that she is known as the "Wicked Widow". She is satisfied with her lovers and raising her young son, but her relationship with Philip Flagstaff, Earl of Cumberland, is challenging her intentions. The two have been lovers for several years and recently, Rose's thoughts have turned toward the possibility of a future with Philip -- perhaps even marriage. But Philip is also against the idea of marriage. Having gained the title after his older brother sacrificed his own life for Philip's, Philip is wracked with guilt and intends on making sure the title eventually goes to someone more worthy than he. So he intends never to marry or have children. When threats arise toward Rose and her son, Philip has to decide what Rose means to him.

Thanks Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept and netgalley for this ARC.

It's hard to explain how much this romance pulls you in and won't let go till the end. The old adage you don't know what you got til it's gone - applies to this book. The danger, web of lies, and passion make this book fiery and awesome.

A Love To Remember by Bronwen Evans was nothing I had expected. With it's eye catching sexy cover, and a sedate nondescript title, I had not expected an outstanding, five star, tantalizingly romantic read, I absolutely could not put down! The story is masterly written bringing the story to life with notable detail, complex characters, and just the right amount of intrigue, suspense, romance, and divine heat to keep you reading until the end. Just when you think you know what will happen and with who? Guess again! I strongly recommend this novel to everyone and anyone who loves a great story and wants more than the typical generic romance storyline you have to work at to keep reading or to stay awake.
I'm so grateful to be adding an A+ author to my favorites list, all because I accepted an advanced copy of this novel for an honest review.

Oh how I love this book. I could bearly put it down to sleep. I have read every book in The Disgraced Lords series and have love them all but they pale in comparison to this book. I don't know where to start and I wish I could simply said, "just go read this book you will love it" and be done but I can't.
Philip Flagstaff the second son to a Earl was always doing something wrong and needing his family to save him. After a particularly bad financial investment he decides to enroll in the Kings army. His brother Robert the Earl of Cumberland follows him in to service in hopes to protect him. After stepping in front of a fatal blow meant for Philip Robert dies leaving Philip as the new Earl, and a guilt that weighs heavy on is soul. He whole heartedly believes the wrong brother died.
Rose Deverill never had her season, her fafter married her off at eighteen to a man old enough to be her grandfather. The good that came out of her loveless marriage was her son Drake. She prayed everyday to be a widow and vowed never to remarry and live as a free woman. After discovering what sexual pleasure was in the following years she become known as the Wicked Widow and she truly could not care.
Rose's best friend is Portia, Philip's sister and as a young girl she fancied herself in love this him. On the day of Robert's funeral hours after everyone had gone she convinces Philip to leave his graveside and go home. On that day he found comfort in Rose's arms, now two years later their affair is still strong but things have changed. Rose truly loves Philip and he her but he will not allow himself any true happiness. He made a promise to himself to make Robert proud of him but he will not marry and the Earldom will go to his brother Thomas or his children. Rose wants more, she wants children, Philip's children. Can she convince him he deserves happiness and love or will he put his guilt in front of everything.
The sexual heat in this book is off the charts. The dialog is witty and characters are fun but also sadness and heartache. There is suspense and twists and turns that I did not see coming. I can't not wait for the next book A Dream of Redemption.

Ever since Robert Philip Flagstaff’s brother has died in the war leaving Philip the new Earl of Cumberland Philip can’t forget the guilt and shame blaming himself for Robert’s death. There is one saving grace Rose Deverill the Duchess of Roxborough. Two years later Rose remains Philip’s salvation but Rose is bored by their sexual relationship she wants more from Philip. Rose wants a family, children, marriage and most of all love from Philip. Will Rose be able to convince Philip to give her all of this or will Rose give Philip up to find what she wants. Will Philip be able to put his guilt, shame and feelings of never wanting to marry to put everything on the line and prove to Rose that he does love her?
This might be the second book of Ms. Bronwen Evans that I have read and not really liking how the male protagonist treats the heroine I still thought the story was okay. How can I say that when I am giving the book a three stars? This is no reflection on Ms. Evans style of writing because she still writes a good engaging story with some characters that either you like or hate which I found myself doing. Even though this is part of a series it can be read alone too. I just was a little upset by the way the characters were reacting to each other maybe because it seemed too modern for them to be acting that way.
I think that’s the most amazing thing that these characters can inspire such strong emotions in me. What do I mean by that well in Philip I understand his feelings of blame, guilt and strong aversion to marriage but I couldn’t help but agree with his way of treating Rose like a prostitute I know he doesn’t mean to do it still it bothered me. Rose is a duchess not a common whore sure he sleeps with her but he just made me so mad. Okay he’s an Earl so maybe he’s above that and can treat anyone beneath him I still wanted to slap and kick him in his privates because he deserved to treat Rose better. So no I didn’t connect with Philip because he made me so mad one moment I wanted to kick or hurt him the next moment I thought well he’s not so bad but I still wanted him to never get Rose. On the other hand Rose didn’t deserve Philip. I am glad that she was willing to give him up even though her heart wanted him. I did like Rose for recognizing her sexual nature and not hiding from it or her past but she seemed so modern for a regency heroine. Maybe Rose should have left for America and took her chances there in finding love somewhere else. I did like Rose and wanted to give her a big hug and tell her that it will get better without Philip. In another sense I kept wondering what happened to Lord Tremain does he marry Lucy even though both were just minor characters. I yearned to find something redeeming in Philip wanted something better for Rose still I couldn’t help but groan when they both acknowledge their feelings. Would this prevent me from reading another book from Ms. Evans no but I don’t think I will read this book again.

The story of Rose and Phillip is unconventional and original, yet still portrays Evans' unique character touch. A romance fraught with guilt and unrecognized love seems to be unfolding rather predictably, until an unfathomable accident occurs, shifting the plot and keeping you on your toes.
Evans comes through once again with a heartfelt romance that's as original as its characters. Fabulous addition to the series.

That moment when you discover a series and you are far behind with the reading...

Philip Flagstaff has just bury his eldest brother, Robert, Earl of Cumberland. Philip was always the problem son. He doesn't feel worthy of inheriting the title of his brother, and believes that everyone around him thinks him guilty of Robert's death. So he makes a promise to himself not to marry or have an heir. The title would be passed to his brother Thomas.

The years go by and Philip and Rose, Duchess of Roxborough, a widow with a small son, are lovers. Everyone knows about their relationship. Rose has always been close friend with Philip's sister, Portia, and they all hope that after two years of relationship, Philip will finally propose to Rose.
But that is not what happens, and tired of waiting for the love of her life, Rose ends their relationship.
Philip still clings to the promise not to marry, but is jealous to discover that Rose's first lover, after her husband's death, Viscount Conrad Tremain, is back in town.

And the worse news is that Tremain is bankrupt, looking for a wealthy wife.
Philip is torn between his heart and his fear of not being an Earl as good as his brother.
But when he knows that Rose is in danger, he has to take action on their future, and get rid of the threat that surrounds them.

This is book 7 in the series, and now I need to go back to read the previous books and meet Philip's friends.
It can be read as stand alone.
I like the author's narrative.

5 stars

Another gem from Bronwen Evans. I enjoyed this extremely romantic historical romance. I loved that Rose wasn't your typical innocent heroine. I thought the twist at the end was perfect. Definitely didn't see that coming.

Your heart can't take anymore. Rose can't carry on like this anymore, she loves Philip deeply but he won't marry her and she wants to be a part of his life. She doesn't want to be his mistress forever but Philip has no wish to marry. Philip knows that he is hurting her but he can't change his mind now as then he would have let his brother down even more.
Rose can't understand why he is hurting her so, she thought that he really wanted her & her son to be part of his life but he has started pushing her away and everyone has noticed. Can she win him back or should she just try & move on?
Will Philip wake up before it is too late for him and Rose? Can he never get past the guilt of his brother's death? Do they ever have a chance for a future together?
A great read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

“But sometimes love is not enough.”

What started as an affair between the merry widow, the Duchess Rose Deverill the Earl of Cumberland, Philip Flagstaff ended up as true love. The only thing is that Philip is struggling with the way he came into his earldom and has vowed to never marry.
Feeling responsible for his brother Robert's death at Waterloo, Philip has decided to forgo marriage and children as a penance.
However when his mistress and the woman he loves and the life of her son are threatened Philip is forced to look at what he is prepared to sacrifice for honour and guilt.
A different story that highlights the tug between perceived honour and love.

A NetGalley ARC
(August 2017)

FINAL DECISION: The tale of longtime lovers who have reached a turning point in their relationship, this novella is very sexy. I enjoyed the connection between Rose and Philip but was a bit annoyed with Philip's motivations.

THE STORY: For Rose Deverill, Duchess of Roxborough, one marriage was more than enough. She never intends on marrying again and indeed she is enjoying her widowhood so much that she is known as the "Wicked Widow". She is satisfied with her lovers and raising her young son, but her relationship with Philip Flagstaff, Earl of Cumberland, is challenging her intentions. The two have been lovers for several years and recently, Rose's thoughts have turned toward the possibility of a future with Philip -- perhaps even marriage. But Philip is also against the idea of marriage. Having gained the title after his older brother sacrificed his own life for Philip's, Philip is wracked with guilt and intends on making sure the title eventually goes to someone more worthy than he. So he intends never to marry or have children. When threats arise toward Rose and her son, Philip has to decide what Rose means to him.

OPINION: For me, one of the highlights of this book is how Rose accepts and relishes her own sexual nature. She regrets her past only because she fears that Philips doesn't want to marry her because of it. But she truly doesn't regret her lovers or her past. She enjoys sex and recognizes that she is not willing to live a celibate life even if Philip cannot be part of her future. In a genre filled with wide-eyed virgins, this fully realized woman was a definite positive.

Indeed, Philip's own response to Rose's past was also welcome. He has some jealous moments, but doesn't judge Rose for her past lovers. His acceptance of her on all levels is one thing that makes him special. Even if he is annoyingly guilt ridden and thus making stupid irrational decisions.

I liked that Rose and Philip are longtime lovers by the time this book really starts. This isn't a relationship often depicted in historical romances. What the story shows is that a story can start mid-relationship and still have something to show about how their relationship progresses and changes.

I enjoyed this book even though Philip's determination to reject happiness annoyed me for quite a while in this book.

WORTH MENTIONING: Which looked to be an ending to the series is not. There are more Disgraced Lords books coming.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A LOVE TO REMEMBER is the seventh book in the Disgraced Lords series. This novella can be read on its own. I have read some, but not all of the previous books in the series, and while this book does have references to other characters, the romance is self-contained (but fans of the series will get some treats).

STAR RATING: I give this book 3.5 stars.

NOTE:  I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review.  All opinions contained herein are my own.

I really enjoyed A Love To Remember, the latest book in Bronwen Evans' Disgraced Lords series. Both Philip and Rose are easy characters to relate to though Philip's sense of honour drove me to distraction at timed. I liked the twist in this story which sees Rose, the Duchess of Roxborough, opening the story as Philip's mistress of two years. It was soon clear that it would take more than compatibility in the bedroom to bring these two their happy ever after. With a few nefarious characters thrown into the mix, this story had plenty of plot twists to keep me guessing, making it an eminently satisfying read.

Rose is a young widow and mother of a young child that, after enduring a marriage with a man much older than her, decided to enjoy her life, taking lovers and refusing all offers of marriage. Rose had been in love with Philip since she was young and, after been Philip's exclusive lover for two years, she deciced that she wanted more than an affair, she wanted marriage and love.

The problem is that Philip blames himself for his older brother's death, for he sacrificed his own life to save Philip at Waterloo, so Philip decided he would never marry or have children, so the earldom he feels he stole from his older brother will go to his younger brother.

I read three books from this serie and, sadly, all them are very similar. There's a hero who doesn't believe or want love, because of something that happens in his past, and there's a heroine who makes this hero start loving her. In some point of the story, a villain appears, the heroine gets in trouble and the hero finds out that he can't live without her.

Rose, for all the talking about being an idependent woman, actually wasn't so independent. And Philip was the tipical tortured hero, who spends the whole book saying that he's never going to marry but, in the end, just gets married.

It isn't that the story is bad, I guess my main issue with this book is that the plot is very predictable (and very similar to the others of this serie), so there wasn't any plot twists or anythig different from the expected.

A Love to Remember is book 7 in the Disgraced Lords series by Bronwen Evans although it can be read as a standalone. I've skipped around this series and have only read 4 books so far but I love these characters.

This is the story of Rose and Phillip. Rose was married at the age of 18 to her father's friend, the Duke of Roxborough. He was more than twice her age and to say she was glad when he died would be an understatement. The one good thing that came from that marriage was her son, Drake. She has no desire to remarry and is known to the ton as the Wicked Widow. The one man who could change her mind about marriage is her lover of two years and childhood friend, Phillip.

Phillip, the Earl of Cumberland, lives with a lot of guilt since his brother, Robert, died taking a sword that was meant for him. He blames himself for Robert's commission in the army and takes a vow to let the Earldom pass to his younger brother by never marrying or producing an heir. When Rose admits she wants more or their affair must end, he is torn. He wants to be with Rose but not in marriage. When Drake's life is threatened, will he realize that maybe he has been too hard on himself and that he indeed loves Rose? Or will it be too late?

I love this series and Bronwen Evan's writing. This is exactly what I've come to expect from the Libertine Scholars and I love devouring their stories. I say devour because so far I have read them all in one sitting. I look forward to reading the rest of this series and I might even re-read them all in order one day.

The writing is solid. Good dialog. While the basic storyline has been followed before (unexpected heir with a guilt complex + widow who swears not to marry again) it is nicely told. I especially liked the scenes involving the children - Rose's son Drake and his friend Henry. Rose is aware her son's guardian could make life very difficult for her. Philip's guilt-complex and Rose's determination to never re-marry did get a bit old, though.

"A Love To Remember" is a book about Rose, a widow who has a long list of lovers since. She never commits to anything with her lovers and plans to stay away from marriage. Phillip is dealing with the loss of his older brother and becomes the Earl of Cumberland. He feels deep regret over the loss of his brother and like Rose, he doesn't plan on getting married. This book does a good job dealing with loss, grief, and ultimately love. Rose is a modern and great character. She is also complex and a layered character. Phillip was also a joy to read as well.

What a wonderful story of two hearts that need each other and a chance of love. Philip, the Earl of Cumberland, has earned the title at the death of his older brother. He vows never to marry and focus on making the estate and his family secure. Duchess Rose Deverill vows to never marry again after her tortured marriage to a Duke. This is a suspenseful story filled with strong emotions and a powerful sense of longing that will not be denied. This book is part of a wonderful series but can be read alone. Bronson Evans is a master of making the characters come alive and you can feel their pain and triumphs. As the pages are quickly turned and the book comes to the end, you are eagerly looking for her next book to read!!

4☆

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: supporting characters with their own books
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from Bronwen Evans.