Arranged marriage stories have always intrigued me. I can’t imagine marrying a veritable stranger. Lots of readers love them and I do too, but they really spike the tension for me. I’m a worrier and all I can think of is the myriad of ways such an arrangement can go wrong. But in the hands of Anabelle Bryant, it’s one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read. And in her newest, London’s Best Kept Secret, it becomes one of the most empowering situations for Dearing and Charlotte to be placed in.
Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing was a quiet, reserved man. He was more than confident in his ability with finances, but completely unconfident in matters of the heart. And with Lady Charlotte, he became riddled with self-doubt and devoid of conversational skills. So often he thought to approach her but then backed away. And unfortunately, other suitors were vying to fill the space. Once Dearing realized this, making Charlotte his became his sole focus. So he used what he knew best. Money. To ensure his betrothal to Charlotte, he went to great and somewhat underhanded lengths. Hopefully Charlotte would grow in her affection for him before she discovered the truth of his actions. Because if she knew what he’d done to gain her hand in marriage, she would despise him. He needed a marriage based on trust and affection if it were to endure his betrayal. Dearing had planned their life meticulously but had failed to execute his plan, to change the status of his marriage from cordial to personal and, soon after, intimate. He knew he was to blame. He was so consumed by guilt, he couldn’t take what he so desperately wanted. His “crippling shyness and guilty knowledge of manipulative misdeeds” prevented him from approaching her. He was to blame for their fragile coexistence and it was time he did something about it. His very future lay at stake.
Lady Charlotte longed for the affectionate relationship her parents shared. Though she knew almost nothing of Lord Dearing, she admired him for extricating her family from ruin. She found him captivating, intelligent, heroic, and exceedingly handsome. She was certain, once married, they’d grow into friendship. And in time that friendship would hopefully grow into more. But they’d been married 10 months. 10 months without an embrace, a kiss, passion. Nothing but a stagnant, awkward tension that grew between them each day. She felt useless and unwanted, afraid Dearing didn’t desire her as she longed for him. She’d tried to be an amenable and biddable wife but politeness was getting her nowhere. It was all so confusing.
After turning to trusted friends for advice, Charlotte and Dearing both decided it was time to make changes. Dearing must court his wife, get to know her, woo her. Charlotte must become more courageous, flirt more. It was time for action. And things did change one step at a time. Sometimes three steps forward and one step back, but they were changing. It was obvious each craved the other’s nearness, affection, and admiration, but they still had much to learn about each other. Their marriage evolved slowly. Conversation, laughter, flirtation, and passion began to replace the cordial but strained relationship they’d shared. They were becoming closer each day. Both were beginning to feel a sense of contentment and unexpected relief. Finally, that elusive happiness appeared within reach. Would it be enough once Charlotte discovered the truth?
I was so anxious for Charlotte and Dearing’s story. I first met them in the first book of this Midnight Secrets series and it was more than obvious that Charlotte was unhappy in her marriage. At the time, I wanted to shake Charlotte and tell her to speak up. And I wanted to kick Dearing because, frankly, I thought he was a jerk. But of course Anabelle Bryant worked her magic like she always does and showed me so much more of these two characters than I’d previously seen. It didn’t take long for me to fall completely in love with both of them and cheer for them to find their happily ever after.
What I’d mistaken for callousness and aloofness in Dearing was really insecurity, self-doubt, and fear of rejection. Dearing had incredible business acumen and no difficulties dealing in business affairs. He had no difficulty around women either when nothing was at stake. But “Charlotte elicited a strong and tangible reaction in him. She owned his heart.” Sure, his tactics gaining her hand weren’t the most admirable. But who could fault a man so desperately in love?
Where I’d first thought Charlotte was spineless and needed some sense shaken into her, I discovered she was quite strong. She didn’t jump to conclusions. She weighed things out in her mind. She worried that perhaps Dearing didn’t find her attractive. She too feared rejection. She felt restless and helpless at times but she remained hopeful. Hopeful that they could learn, grow, and evolve. I loved that about her, and the fact that she was determined to make the marriage work because she saw the goodness in her husband.
Their entire relationship truly moved in reverse of the norm. They were married before ever getting to know one another, court, and fall in love. I loved seeing that relationship and their affection grow. It wasn’t always easy. There were definitely obstacles in their path that caused them to lose ground. But with each success, each smile, touch, embrace, or kiss, they each grew more confident and bold. They evolved together for each other and because of each other.
Dearing, who I’d thought an uncaring jerk turned out to be one of the most romantic and loving heroes I’ve read. And Charlotte, who I’d thought a wimp, was actually one of the strongest and level headed heroines I’ve known. It truly was like watching a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis and revealing itself to be something amazing and beautiful.
I am amazed at Anabelle Bryant’s talent in drawing these characters so well. This slow evolution of their characters as well as their relationship added so much to the story. The little intimacies that come from living together became even more powerful, and the slow but steady seduction amped up the sensuality. The love that unfolds between Charlotte and Dearing is tender, and the sexual tension between them practically crackles. When they finally came together, the passion was explosive.
I feel such a connection with this author’s books. Her vivid characters, beautiful and eloquent prose, and brilliant imagination always help me escape real life for a few hours and just daydream about a completely different time and place where there’s always a happy ending.

In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success.

Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her new husband’s behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next?
This story is full of surprising twists and turns and shocking reasons for what appears at first to be just another loveless ton marriage. Jeremy's reasoning seems sinister at best and Charlotte seems very ignorant.
The cover to this book drew me in but I must admit I had to read this book twice to make certain I wasn't missing anything.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. The storyline was somewhat hard to follow but there are parts of it that make for a very interesting read.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I Read and reviewed voluntarily.

I ws so looking forward to this but unfortunately it ws another Anabelle Bryant that I just couldn't get into. I usually love her books and the way that she writes the connection between 2 characters but the reason I didn't finish the previous book in this series was because of the main characters interference and judgement of her best friend's marriage. Sadly, as this story is about said best friend and her marriage, the main character from the first book is back with a judgey vengeance.
I really would have loved this book were it not for her but there we are. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Regretfully, 1 star.

London's Best Kept Secret is a great regency romance with 2 main characters that have good chemistry. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Jeremy is a Viscount is an extremely smart, gifted financier who has fallen for Lady Charlotte. He notices that she has quite a few male admirers and he doesn't want to lose her to another man. As great as he is with finance he does not seem to be able to come up with a way to approach Charlotte and express his interest in her. He does something completely unorthodox to ensure he was the person she married.

Lady Charlotte is attracted to her husband. What she cannot determine is why he married her if he did not want to spend time with her or even have a real marriage outside of the chaste kiss he gave her at their wedding. He works most of the time and still sleeps in a separate bedroom from Charlotte. She knows something is not quite right and when she finds out just what Jeremy did it will be a miracle if she can forgive him. How this plays out makes this a great read that I enjoyed. Review can be found at Lady Techie's Book Musings http://LadyTechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com.

I loved this book so much! This is the second book in The Midnight Secrets. This is Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing and Charlotte's story. We also get to connect with characters from the first book, which is why I love books in a series, especially Anabelle's books. The characters are so vivid and when I get into the book it is so real to me, it is like I am in the story. I can feel both the characters' feelings, their sadness, happiness and their thoughts!

This book is a little different than Anabelle's other books in that it has a lot of angst! All kinds of angst. and a lot of miscommunication, which is really daunting for both of these characters. Charlotte can't believe what is happening and is so confused, and Jeremy has caused himself a lot of problems which you will read about.

The plot is great and a few twists will have you wondering where this story will end up! The best part is the rich details of the time period they are in and how it affects the characters and mold them in what they have become.

As with all good books, there are other things going on besides the main problem and this brings its own issues as well. In this book we find out how damaging a truth hidden can affect everyone. That's all I can say about this book, without giving anything away!

I give this book 5 secret stars and can't wait for the next in the Midnight Series. It is better for you to read book 1 first, London's Wicked Affair (Midnight Secrets Book 1) so you will get the total benefit of this series.

This story is so charged with unfulfilled desire and passion that titilates throughout most of the book. My issue is that Jeremy’s actions and his guilt were hard to overlook and that Charlotte forgives and accepts him is a testament to true love. An intriguing look at the lengths people will go to obtain what they want and the depths people will sink for a wager. An excellent story and one with an unusual premise.

I love Ms. Bryant's work and I was so looking forward to this book. Jeffery and Charlotte have a lot of potential. This book was just not the one for me. I found it very slow in spots, so much so that I was flipping past pages. This book seemed to be a good one and by the time I got to the end, it was more what I was looking for. It is not a bad book, it was just slow in spots for me.

London’s Best Kept Secret ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Anabelle Bryant

This is book two of the Midnight Secret Series although this book is a stand alone.

Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing is commanding in his financial matters but lacks that same ability in matters of love. Dearing was mesmerized when he first saw Lady Charlotte and followed her to all the balls she attended never revealing himself.

When he observed her being perused by other bachelors he knew his shyness would lose the love of his life. The same methods used by him in his financial decisions he applied To turn the tables in his favor. Although, somewhat unscrupulous it worked. This secret of his machinations ate at his inner conscience.

Charlotte and Dearing’s marriage certainly did not get off to a great start. His conscience and shyness being the problem.

Ms Bryant has a gifted way with her characters that warms you inside and out. One moment you urging him on to speak his thoughts and the next your terrified of how Charlotte will feel when she realizes all her own choices were taken from her.

While hoping for a HEA you don’t see how it is possible. Read this book and see..

This whole book all together just didn’t do it for me. I honestly did not like the entire premise nor did I think what the hero did was romantic. I also thought the heroine was extremely naive. Overall I just didn’t enjoy it.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the opposite of romance. It’s actually kind of rapey. Hard pass

This novel was full of angst and sweet moments. Jeremy wins the hand of his wife, Charlotte in a gamble but the story is really about the way he slowly finds the courage to get to know his wife and not let his guilt continue to widen the gap in his relationship. Charlotte is a lovely character who plays the piano and secretly also wants to get close to her husband. I'm glad that they finally bridge the gap although several other misunderstandings and secrets threatened to keep them apart.
I love a good book with plenty of angst although I thought this one took a bit long to resolve itself. Nevertheless, it was a engaging and compelling romance.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is known for his cunning and skill in making good investments. Some might even go as far as saying his new wife, Charlotte, is just another business decision. What they don't know is that although Jeremy might have done some shady things to win Charlotte, he does care for her.

Charlotte is tired of her marriage being empty. She wants more and she is determined to have it. Just when it feels like they might make a real go of it, complications arise. Both have their secrets from one another... secrets that could be the end of what has only just begun.

Author Anabelle Bryant first captivated me with book one in her MIDNIGHT SECRETS series, LONDON'S WICKED AFFAIR. Although the second installment, LONDON'S BEST KEPT SECRET is entertaining, it fell short compared to it's predecessor. The attraction between Jeremy and Charlotte is strong enough, however, I feel their relationship is just too wishy-washy. Charlotte I liked, but I had a hard time coming to care or relate to Jeremy. The scene with Charlotte's distraught sister only led to lowering my opinion of Jeremy more. I did enjoy hearing from the hero and heroine of the first novel, Lunden and Amelia, again.