A well written book with strong characters that was well paced and kept my interest while dealing with some very sensitive issues which are better understood today but still a valid issue in the 19th century. The title suited it well as I did feel that Rawden was in lust more than love, so it didn't feel like a great love story. The first book was a better I feel. I received an advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review

Injured at Quatre Bras, Lord Rawden Durant, Earl of Beaulieu, suffers permanent emotional and physical wounds. Thinking he hides a dark secret, he fears exposure that would destroy him. He does not want a wife, and he never intends to marry. Like his friends, the Mad Matchmakers, he battles enemies real and imagined, which an unknown villain exploits. When Rawden discovers the dreadful circumstances faced by the lady he desires, he makes an offer he never expected and finds himself engaged to the woman of his dreams. The daughter of a disgraced general, Miss Patience Wallace is in dire circumstances & can’t believe her luck when Rawden rescues her.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own even though the Rockinghams from the first book feature heavily. I really liked both Rawden & Patience who were attracted to each other from their first meeting at the Rockingham’s betrothal. I enjoyed their journey to a HEA. I felt that they fell in lust first, especially Rawden & both tried to deny their feelings, again Rawden more than Patience. There is the mystery of who is threatening Rawden but he is helped by his close friends. Whilst the book deals with sensitive issues it also has humour. A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I also liked that the epilogue gave an introduction to the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

She is in dire financial circumstances and he suffers from ptsd but covers it up by being incorrigible. The situation calls for their getting married but their souls recognize each other as mates long before they would admit it. With friends who give the benefit of their experiences, what can go wrong? The book has witty and funny exchanges between friends and a group of veterans who have formed the mad matchmakers. “I had a thought … it must have been very lonely” exchange just cracked me up and only a small sample of the banter. All characters are likeable, even the ‘bad’ guy!

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

The characters in this book were easy to like and I enjoyed reading about the PTSD aspect of the Earl. I was a bit confused about the very naughty book and the inference to naughty sexual play but we never got to read about any of it actually happening.

I really did not like Rawden. He is autocratic, even stating he does not care what others think of him. During their courtship, he tells Patience he hopes she will keep his interest so that it will not be necessary to take a mistress.

It does not seem like anything really happened between them to connect/strengthen their relationship, but Patience is suddenly seeking help for Rawden. He did become a devoted husband, but not until the end. Until then, he seemed to be in lust, not love. Sad.

I so enjoyed the first book in this series, but this ‘dom’ type hero was not for me. I will not post my review since I do not like negating a book but prefer to let readers decide for themselves.

4 stars

I quite enjoyed this book, perhaps not as much as the first of the series. It was witty at the beginning then it got a bit serious and I wasn't sure what the hero was up to. I was partially right about the villain. The heroine IMO was better at the beginning once married she seemed to get a bit lost and there seemed to be lots of sex so I was unclear whether our hero loved her or was in lust. The other mad matchmaking soldiers are there to help the story along as is the hero and heroine from the first book. In fact I think they seemed a bit forward in this book, probably because Arabella was a close friend. We learn why the hero is estranged from his family.

The author was keen to point out that people rarely recover from PTSD they eventually find ways of coping whilst living with it. At the end of this story the author leads us into the next hero. I'm in two minds about whether I will follow.

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

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. The book was fantastic and a fun read, I loved this story ad I hope to read more by this author.

The Accidental Groom is captivating story is filled with action and intrigue, and the characters are amusing. I can't wait for more from this series.