I loved Alex and Catherine’s character. The twins Martha and Abigail, was a perfect addition to Alex character as a guardian. I think he felt more like their father. I loved the idea and determination of Catherine taking charge of her own life and affairs. The explanation and duties described during these times added to the admiration of her character from the reader. Alex was great, I like that the writer didn’t shape his character into some ego maniac with a swelled head. The two characters worked well together as a team, I thought. The romance department was a slow process. I would have liked to see a few stolen kisses in the early start of the book and progress to more than kissing.

I wish I knew that Worth Fighting For was the second in a series, but it didn’t hurt the book at all for me. I believe the first book is Worth Waiting For. I found Worth Fighting For to be engaging, if formulaic, and I give it four out of five stars.

Catherine, the widowed Baroness de Greaves, has brought the de Greaves estate out of poverty over the past five years and turned it into a successful enterprise. Now, however, she must plan to make her exit as Alex, the new Baron, has finally arrived from America. She plans to stay on for a month to help him transition into his new role, which turns into three months to be a governess to his nieces – and to conduct a passionate affair before the start of the London season. Both have pasts they’re hiding from, and neither claim they’re looking for anything serious, but will love get the better of them?

It’s a romance, so clearly the answer is yes, and I’m here for the happy ending. I do not want to read a sad romance, ever. I know that attitude does not accurately reflect life, but my escapism is people having wild sex and falling in love! Or, solving mysteries. Preferably all three. Anyways, I digress. I liked the happy ending and wish all the best things for Alex and Catherine.

Another review of this book (and I’m annoyed that I read it because I wanted to write my review untainted, and here I am) said that they liked how Catherine and Alex could talk to each other as normal people, and their problems and attitudes towards them weren’t overblown or unrealistic. In that, I have to agree. Catherine has some reservations about her previous marriage, and Alex is watching out for his nieces, which are both realistic, I think. And, I’d agree that I like how Catherine and Alex don’t scream at each other, cry, revenge, or move halfway across the county when they disagree. I found both characters and their dialogue realistic, which was very pleasing.

If you’re looking for a clean romance, this isn’t it – there is a fair amount of dirt and I was totally satisfied with that. It didn’t override the plot and I feel it was beneficial to the story.

The only thing I thought could be improved with this novel was that it was very formulaic; given that the characters and problems were fairly realistic I think there could have been an element or two added to spice up the story a little bit from the Resist Attraction -> Give In to Attraction -> Separate -> Resist Attraction -> Give Into Attraction Permanently plotline.

Nothing about this book made it stand out from any other romance, particularly. But, I also wasn’t bored and I was satisfied with the ending. If you’re looking for a dirty romance that won’t keep you in great suspense with a happy ending, this is the book for you!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the copy in exchange for an honest review. If you want to check out more of Matilda Madison’s work, her website is https://www.matildamadison.com/.

Was a nice change to see a strong woman standing up and fighting for herself and becoming independent in those years. Very rarely seen in books from that time,

I was pleasantly surprised by this superb book. The writing was excellent and the characters well-developed. Enjoyed the thrilling plot and the good writing.

Even though he unexpectedly inherited the title of Baron de Greaves five years ago, Alexander Rhodes has neglected to travel to England to claim it until now. When he arrives at his new home it’s to find it inhabited not by the decrepit old widow he expected, but by a beautiful young woman whose welfare is now his responsibility.

Catherine, the widowed Lady de Greaves, has spent the last five years treating the barony as her pet project and turning it into a profitable estate. Though its properties are entailed and not hers she has made a name for herself, as well as her own wealth, in the horse industry. The new baron is not what she expected but she’s not impressed with the arrogant American and not convinced he can manage the estate she’s spent so much time repairing without ruining it all over again.

The initial uncertainty between Alex and Catherine blooms into a brief affair, and each feels an intense connection to the other, even while knowing that nothing can last between them. But as dangers Alex hoped to leave behind in America come to threaten him and his two young nieces, he’s even more determined to prove to Catherine that he’s nothing like the men she’s known up till now and that their connection isn’t something that can be ignored.

I really liked this premise with the proper heroine who’s made something of herself after being freed from a vile husband and the hero who’s unexpectedly inherited and needs some guidance to navigate high society. For me, however, Catherine was a bit too proper and starched, unrelentingly so, and I just found her frustrating and annoying after a while, not to mention repetitive in her dialogues and inner monologues. She was irritatingly uptight much of the time and incredibly quick to jump to conclusions. This was a much slower burn than I had anticipated, perhaps due to her attitude towards the hero, and their physical intimacy felt forced when it did happen the first time. Not that the hero is forcing the heroine or anything like that, just that the characters didn’t seem quite ready to be intimate when they were. I think I felt this way because Catherine had so very many inner monologues about her freedom being the only thing that mattered to her, and she spent a lot of time forcing herself to be an emotionless automaton. I was expecting this book to be incredibly erotic and yet, many of their encounters are mentioned in passing and occur off page, which surprised me, and I think also contributed to that feeling I got of stiltedness between these MCs. I found Catherine to be entirely too focused on society, especially given that she spent most of her time living away from it.

By the time I was nearing the end of the book I was surprised that Alex was still so determined in his pursuit of Catherine after how much she pushed him away, but that persistence reflected well on him as a hero. It definitely began to feel like Catherine was just using Alex for physical pleasure and I loved that he felt that too and wasn’t afraid to call her out on it, even if her only response was a bunch of lame excuses. She was very much determined to see Alex only in terms of how he compared to other men, most specifically the two horrible ones she had life experience of, rather than seeing Alex for himself. It took her way too long and they went through way too much before she finally revealed her emotions to him for me to really like her. I did enjoy Alex’s two nieces as characters and I think I would’ve liked the plot more if their storyline and the threat to them had received more attention and page time than Catherine’s ad nauseum assertions of her refusal to give up her freedom or cede any control, even though no one ever asked her to.

Little threads of plot were dropped in various places in this story, but often not picked up again for quite a while, such that I forgot them. This didn’t necessarily detract from the story, but it did affect the continuity a bit at times. There is some clunky phrasing and choppy flow, along with several instances of wrong word usage, all of which had me itching to be the editor on this book, but which I’m sure will be polished up before the book’s official release. I did not care for this heroine much at all, but this author definitely has potential and I’d be willing to try her work again in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was worth the read and will read more. Loved it all and will read more from this author. I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Must read.

This is the second story in the Worth series by Matilda Madison. While there were some power and trust issues between the main characters in the first book I had issues with, and definitely some editing issues, I enjoyed the writing and story, and the emotional give/take between the characters. The groundwork for this story was laid out in the first book, but they do not have to be read together to enjoy this story.

Alex Rhodes is an American who has come to England with his twin nieces to claim the barony that he inherited 5 years previously. He doesn't care about the title or inheritance as he was enjoying his life of freedom, travel, and adventure in America, with a successful family shipping business. However, with the suspicious death of his sister, he decided to look towards the future of his nieces and go to England to claim his inheritance. He is rough, brash, big, and overwhelming, and doesn't care about English Society or expectations, but he knows he must do something to help his nieces marry well in the future.

Catherine is the widow of the prior Baron, and not anything that Alex expects, as she is young, beautiful, strong, and independent. In the 5 years it too since the death of the prior baron and Alex coming, she took the failing, insolvent estate, established a thriving horse breeding program, and poured the monies back into the barony, made it thrive, to save the tenants and land. She wasn't married long, but long enough for it to eradicate her notions of romance and trust of men. She values her freedom too much to trust it and her wealth to another man in marriage. She plans on leaving the estate to her own home to live independently and continue her horse breeding.
But Alex persuades her to stay to help tutor him and the girls in how to manage in Society, knowing that he must establish himself somewhat in it, for the girls' futures.

However, she and Alex are very inconveniently attracted to each other, and she only has bad memories and experiences of the marriage bed, and wonders if Alex could be different from her elderly abusive husband. She and Alex embark on a love affair while on the estate with the plan to stop it when they leave to go to London.

This was an ARC copy I received so there were some issues with some editing, such as some half finished words or inappropriate words, which I hope are gone in the published version. But as I found the same issue with the first book, which I bought, I suspect that this will not be the case. But that is a minor annoyance that did not detract overall from my enjoyment of the story.

I enjoyed how Catherine was established as a poor, somewhat broken widow but encouraged by her brother to find her inner steel, and how she became a strong, independent entrepreneur in a time when women were not even considered to have been able to think for themselves. I appreciate that Alex respected her intelligence and appreciated her independence, though it did seem that he did overwhelm her at times (intentionally or not) when she stated clearly she would not be controlled - but then again, he was aware of this and tried to reassure and not control her. Again, another relationship give and take that I enjoyed reading about. I also liked the backstory of the nieces and his family tragedy and attempts to help them, that added a nice element of danger and drama to the story as well, and provided the family/mothering aspect that Catherine so obviously wanted.

Generally well written, but in need of better and more careful editing.

3.75 stars out of 5.

When the proper, reserved young widow goes “F*ck it, might as well”. The unexpected heir to her thankfulky-departed husband’s barony, a rugged American straight from the frontier, has already asked her to help polish his nieces for entering into British society, makes sense to also fit in some steamy gratification since she’s sticking around. Catherine has spent her merry widow years single-handedly raising up a dilapidated estate and becoming a prosperous bad-ass horsebreeder while she’s at it. LOVE how she shows a heroine can be fiercely independent without having to be outrageously wild. Highly capable and valuing her freedom above else, she’s a bit complex as she still values proper manners and tradition and honoring one’s position and legacy through them. And our American adventurer likey her competence, he likes it a LOT. They both said they were meant to roam the earth alone because of reasons, hence perfect scenario for no-strings-snowed-in widow’s awakening, and the baron is here for it. He’s basically down for whatever she wants, whenever she wants, however she wants. Affair with a countdown, oh yes. Self-imposed must-keep-freedom-at-all-cost countdown. Takes her a minute to realize she’s been calling the shots from the beginning. She’s been through some trauma and requires a gentle touch, I appreciated how we eased in but did wish once they were full-on, we got to see more descriptive steamy times of her vocalizing what she wants and maybe more reveling in being dominated and giving up control in the bedroom at first, before giving up control of her heart. Does that make sense? Fine, more show-me-how-they-do-it-on-the-frontier smut, ok?
Don’t mind me, I’m just a spice glutton, there was some good steam here.

I read the intense angst-fest that is the first book in this series, and right away I knew the widow and the American were to be such a good opposites attract romance pairing. This book has the same unputdownable quality but with a more simmering, even-keeled progression. I again enjoyed the writing, loved the isolation while at the estate, then to London ballrooms and a bit of suspense at the end. I’m definitely invested to see Lydia and Lord Davies go at it!

Catherine is a widowed Baroness, who's dead husband was abusive their entire relationship. At his death she finds herself with the first taste of freedom in her life. She uses it to become a very successful horse breeder and finally is able to live her life for herself.

When the new Baron, Alex the American heir, arrives with his two nieces, Catherine is struck with his presence and an attraction she was not expecting. The two have excellent chemistry and agree on a physical affair, with of course no strings attached and no catching feelings. But Alex soon loses his heart to Catherine and must convince her that loving and trusting him wouldn't mean giving up her freedom.

I adored this! What a delight to find a new historical romance author who writes longing and passion so well. Enjoyed the background plot and hint of danger it provided, and loved how Alex let Catherine take the reins so often in their physical relationship.

Can't wait to read more from this author, she is now on my radar!

I was provided an ARC for review

Worth Fighting For by Matilda Madison is the second book in the Worth series. American Alexander Rhodes has been ignoring his duty in inheriting the title of Baron de Greaves for five years. When he discovers the Widow de Greaves is not an old woman—but a young woman he is very attracted to, Alex is surprised. Catherine has spent the last five years waiting for the new Baron to show up. She has done her best with Wembley Manor in the meantime, and her best is quite good. The pair are initially frustrated with each other, but soon they give into the passion between them. But danger from Alex’s past is creeping up on them.

I liked the backstories for both Alex and Catherine. I enjoyed the writing style. I will definitely read more from Matilda Madison.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Worth Fighting For is the second book in The Worth Series Book 2. I overall thought it was enjoyable. The book is about Catherine and Alex. Catherine Rhodes promises herself never to let another man control her life. Not after suffering the cruelty of her father and now deceased husband. Alex, the new Baron de Greaves, arrives from America to begin his new life in London society. The chemistry sparks between Alex and Catherine as they start a passionate affair. Until a threat from America places both their lives on the line. Great mystery ensues with a steamy romance along the way.

The widowed Dowager, Catherine Rhodes, makes a promise to herself, never let any man control her life. She had enough with the cruelty of her father and deceased husband.
Alex Rhodes, the new Baron de Greaves is American. He doesn't care about London Society, but for his twin nieces he will play the part of an English baron. Catherine is willing to polish Alex and his nieces for their arrival in London. Alex and Catherine start a passionate affair, but it will lead nowhere, until a threat from America places their lives on the line. Great plot with a steamy romance.
Heat level 4.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

Worth Fighting For by Matilda Madison was a historical romance. The book focuses on Alexander Rhoads who is the Baron de Greaves. He is an American and he has avoided coming to Britain for five years, but he has finally decided to come to his land and his title. His first stop is to meet the old Baron’s wife. Thinking she is old and hapless was his first mistake.

Catherine was determined to make her own decisions and control her own life. She knows the American is probably clueless about how to take care of the Manor and the history of the title. She has managed to make the land and estate profitable. She is running her own business with horses and is not going to take a step back for anyone.

Too bad both Catherine and Alexander are interested in each other, really interested… Both neither trust the other - or most anyone. The story was interesting, even when the characters were clueless about each other. I found it was a good read and enjoyed the secondary characters and the villain of the story.

Worth Fighting For by Matilda Madison was worth reading!

4.5 stars

The story though it is nothing new in terms of plot is so beautifully written and so compelling that I could hardly put it down. I wish I had a physical copy so that I could underline, annotate and put post-its to mark my favorite pages. Because there were pages and pages of incredibly romantic and also moving paragraphs. Not only about love and longing but also about loneliness, fear of losing control, longing and angst.

Matilda Madison is an author that is new to me. This book starts as an enemies to lovers and forced proximity story. Catherine has traumas from her very short marriage five years ago. A marriage to a controlling man who left her in a lot of debts. He was the late Baron de Greaves and he died of old age and illness leaving Catherine fending for herself and starting a business as a horsewoman with the financial help of her brother, who was the hero of the first book. Thanks to her talent and her determination she manages to set the estate, the townhouse and her horses to rights even becoming wealthy for the sake of the heir.

Alex’s sister died in mysterious circumstances leaving two young twin daughters. They’re Bostonians and he’s found to be the heir of the de Greaves baronetcy through a distant relative. For a reason that I won’t unveil it takes him and the girls five years to finally move to England and with the help, first of Catherine’s brother, then from Catherine herself they are able to settle in a completely different country and in completely different circumstances. Alex is very protective of her nieces and he begs Catherine to stay with them for a while to educate the girls in the customs of the ton. When winter leaves and the Season starts something from Alex’s past comes back to haunt him, and both he and Catherine will need all the strength and companionship they could possibly have.

This is the story of a man who falls deeply in love with a woman who doesn’t bear to be touched because of her past. He puts her needs and her desires first and lets her lead every situation so she can feel comfortable in his presence. I loved Alex so much. But of course Catherine is just as brilliant, she’s not afraid of love but she’s reluctant to let a man into her heart for fear of losing control over herself. She’s been alone for five year, fending for herself and succeeding as a business woman, she is taken as a rarity amongst the ton and the gentlemen wouldn’t court her. Ironically the reasons why she’s never been courted by these idiots are the same reasons why Alex loves her so much; she’s hardworking, witty, intelligent, knows what she wants and takes no nonsense from anybody. They both are trustworthy but what they need to finally be together is to trust love itself.

This was my first book from this author. Very enticing book cover. This story is a slow burner with interesting characters. There are some steam moments but they are not that spicy. People that don't like too much spice will love this. I like my books very spicy.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC and the opinions expressed here are all mine.

I enjoyed the read. It had entertaining content relevant to the genre. Overall I found it pleasant and would highly recommend it to friends and family.

3 🌟's | a solid historical romance from a new-to-me author! i picked this up after seeing a booktuber talk about her enjoying it/the premise sounded interesting! this second book in the "worth" series follows widowed baroness Catherine de Greaves and the new Baron de Greaves, Alexander Rhodes, an American. he finally claims the baron title by returning to the home that widow Catherine has kept up all these years. with him comes two young girls, his nieces, who make for the cutest side characters! the attraction between the MC's was definitely palpable and there was quite a lot of steamy goodness to read :) there was push and pull as the heroine has dealt with a traumatic past marriage and has a hard time with physical and emotional trusting in the hero but in the end, we do get the HEA.

overall, i enjoyed this one. nothing too crazy but just a solid read.

📝 tropes: widow, single parent/guardian
🌶 spice 2.5/5
CW: abusive past relationship

The book was a little bit slow at the beginning but then the things started to evolve. I liked intereaction between characteres and the way the story unfoleded. To summarize, a light regency afternoon read that will keep you entrtained.

The first half of this book was so slow with very little dialog and not much happening. It seemed to be reiterating itself. What I did love about the story was Catherine’s independence and her remaking her home all by herself. After the halfway point the story picked up and was more enjoyable.

It started a little slow but it picked up. i liked these characters. Their vast differences are what drew them to each other and helped each other.