Love at first sight, atleast for the mmc, Sandy.

Baron Mackay was enchanting, kind, patient and loved his family. He is captivated by Isabelle from the moment he saw her and courts her sweetly.

Isabelle slowly come around and starts envisioning a happy life with the baron, after experiencing traumatic experiences at the hands of her step father.

The stepfather aka villain, is a brute, rapist and murderer and meets with a fitting end.

Romance was slow burn but built up quickly.

A nice quick read.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Baron Saunders MacKay, Sandy to his loved ones, sets out to fulfil his grandfather's wager, and marry. Meeting Miss Isabelle Devereaux, Sandy thinks he might have found his wife, but though she seems receptive to his attentions, there is something she is hiding. And when her stepfather returns from the dead, Isabelle needs to find a way to escape, and Sandy might be her only hope.

I think I liked this a little more than the first book, but the story was definitely darker. I could tell where the plot line was going, and hated that it had to be included, but it helped to explain the way Isabelle acted at times. Sandy and Isabelle did have a bit of an insta-love romance, but it worked so well for them. Sandy was a protector, and from the moment he met her, he took on that role with her. I liked their connection, and though there was a blip in their relationship which was extremely unnecessary, I felt like they were a better couple than in book 1.

When a Marriage Wager Leads to Love

Sandy’s family has a marriage wager going, and he wants to win. However, when he meets Isabelle, love is his priority.

Isabelle had a terrible secret, and because of it, she never intended to marry. However, when she met Sandy, he turned her world upside down. She fell in love with him, but could she marry him?

A secret stood between Isabelle and Sandy, and it threatened their happiness. What was this terrible secret, and could Isabelle tell Sandy the truth? Only if she did so would they both find the happiness they sought. I enjoyed this historical romance and would recommend it. It had secrets, suspense, and a bit of darkness. Could love destroy the darkness that ruled Isabelle’s life for many years? For the answer, you would want to get lost between the pages of this entertaining book.

I loved this! Trigger warning for abuse. Isabelle was the most relatable character for me and Sandy would be my perfect match. Absolutely loved!

This is book 2 in the series, The Welwyn Marriage Wager. The premise of the series revolves around six cousins whose grandfather has wagered that they all have to marry in order to inherit property and wealth from him. Isabelle is resigned to becoming a spinster. She's not happy about it, but she knows that is her fate because of the secrets she is hiding from her past. But then she meets Sandy, Baron MacKay, and is utterly charmed by him. Sandy, in turn, is captivated by Isabelle and is interested in pursuing her and making her his wife. He does, after all, have the family wager weighing on him. Isabelle, despite her misgivings, falls in love with him and wants to marry him. But then her past and her secrets catch up with her, and she is conflicted. She doesn't want to lie to Sandy, but she is also reluctant to tell him the whole truth.
The story was filled with charm, romance, and steam, but also dealt with a very serious issue at its core. Ms Jaxon did a nice job of portraying the seriousness of the issue given the time period of the story. The storyline flowed nicely and definitely kept my interest all the way through and the characters were well-developed with depth and personality. A very engaging story and an enjoyable addition to the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

A romance with heartache and agony, I found myself intrigued from the start of this novel. Baron Sandy MacKay has set his eyes on Isabelle Devereaux and decides that she is the perfect woman to help him win his bet with his family. At least Sandy is honest with her from the beginning, and although there is an attraction between them, love does not play a part. Struggling with the albatross hanging around her neck, Isabelle's terror increases when she is suddenly confronted by the past. Just when it would seem that she and Sandy have found a way to set her free, Isabelle realizes that she cannot bring her shame down on his family and she makes a run for it. Fortunately, Sandy is a patient man, and rather than taking her disappearance as an insult, he goes after her to determine the cause of her panic. As the suspense mounts, Isabelle discovers that she is falling in love with Sandy and that when her situation spirals out of control, he once again steps into the fray, with his halo firmly in place. The novel comes to a very satisfactory conclusion, but not without some tense moments along the way. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

When Isabelle Deveraux meets Sandy, Baron MacKay, she has no intention of falling in love. However, when she is with Sandy, life is so much happier that she can’t help loving him. So when Sandy asks her to marry him, Isabelle is certain that it will all work out. Yet, as the day gets closer, she starts to panic and their future together begins to seem uncertain.
This was an enjoyable read with two such likeable characters. Sandy is almost too good to be true but Isabelle is so uncertain about everything, that I found her at times, challenging to like.
The plot was well paced so it never had a dull moment.

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

“The Baron’s Halo” is the first novel I’ve read by Jenna Jaxon. This is book two in her series, The Welwyn Marriage Wager. Baron Sandy McKay and his cousins are presented with a marriage wager by their grandfather. If married within a year, money and land is the prize. With that in mind, Sandy keeps an eye out for a potential bride. His eyes land on Isabelle Devereaux, unaware that Isabelle is not looking for a husband because of her difficult past. Isabelle’s mother is unaware of all the issues plaguing her daughter and her reluctance to wed so she encourages Isabelle to partake in a London season. Isabelle and Sandy’s romance is not a whirlwind affair, it is slow and deliberate as Sandy eases his way into Isabelle’s heart. She begins to unveil her issues to Sandy, trying to believe there is no impediment to marriage and her former conviction that she remain a spinster. As the slow romance continues the story takes an abrupt, emotional turn into domestic violence and sexual abuse. Through it all Sandy is there, supportive and patient. There are not many nineteenth century romances that delve into such serious issues, Jenna Jaxon did a reasonably good job of weaving this story together although it did get a bit choppy in places. The two main characters, Sandy and Isabelle, went well together. Isabelle needed patience and understanding and that is what she got in Sandy, any character of lesser virtue and the story wouldn’t have worked. Their foray into the marriage bed was patient and slow, fitting in with the story as Sandy eased Isabelle away from painful interactions into joyous, passionate interactions between husband and wife. The ending seemed rushed and out of place with the rest of the story. Overall, I have given this four stars. I do think trigger warnings would be a good idea with this story. I received this novel from NetGallery, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Duke of Welwyn's six grandsons have accepted his wager to marry within a year. These Quartermain cousins love to wager. With one cousin already married, Sandy, Baron MacKay of Carnwath Scotland, is accepting every invitation of The Little Season. Miss Isabelle Devereaux promised her mother she would enjoy the season and be receptive to marriage. Sandy can't take his eyes off Isabelle and knows she's the one. The return of her step-father sets off a chain of events that reveal the darkness Isabelle and her mother lived with and the challenge for Sandy to make Isabelle his bride. Sandy is very sweet and once his patience pays off it's very hot!
Triggers of physical and mental abuse.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Is love strong enough to overcome a stomach churning secret?

Threaded throughout this charming romance is a lightness, wit and sweetness that swirls and shines around our chivalrous, considerate, mischievous-eye-twinkling Sandy. That helps to cut through the darkness that suddenly descends to cloak them.
I loved the teasing flirtatious banter infused with a comforting, I'm-safe-with-you chemistry and hint of nervous, 'do they feel the same way for me' tension. That stems from the dazzling draw and instant love Sandy feels towards the vulnerable Isabelle as he steps into rescue her and so deliciously slips under her defences. And for the first time makes her believe he maybe the one that can rescue her from the life of a spinster she feels she is destined for, as she begins to aspire to allow herself to love in return. Especially as close acquaintance and simmering attraction brings a new found hope that he might just be the angel she needs to rid her of the pain that haunts her. A notion I didn't fully understand until about a third of the way into the book when the dark ominious storm clouds rolled in and overshadowed the sweet blossoming romance brewing to slowly reveal the shocking secret that threatens to rip such a happy future away from them.
An enjoyable, 'white knight' building up to steamy romance, with a touch of darkness empowered by the turmoil of abuse. Where colourful well defined characters will make you believe the love of the right partner can truly raise you up and provide the hope needed to heal scars and fight any darkness that wields its heinous claws.
I'm really looking forward to seeing where this series will take us next. Especially if it leads us to the lovelorn Julius or carefree Yule who have already grabbed my attention!

Saunders MacKay, Baron MacKay, is looking for a wife. He and his cousins are in a wager with their grandfather to marry. When Sandy sees Isabelle at a ball, he immediately knows she is the one. Isabelle Devereaux isn’t interested in a husband, but her mother is encouraging her and Sandy is working hard to convince her to be his. She tries to resist her attraction to him until her stepfather “returns from the dead.” She is extremely frightened of him and has to find a way to escape the house. She agrees to marry Sandy. Isabelle has secrets that she knows she must, but does not want to, tell Sandy if they are to be happy. Can she trust him to still want her when she tells him? This is an emotional story with a violent episode in the heroine’s past. Isabelle is a sweet person, but she is just plain scared of men. She calls Sandy an angel, and she’s right. He deserves a halo. He is understanding, loving, supportive, and protective. When a new threat from her old nemesis arises, not only does Sandy prove his love and support, but his grandfather, the duke, steps in to help. Great addition to the series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Isabelle Devereaux isn’t looking for a husband but thanks to her mother here she is, in the middle of the social whirl of the Little Season. Thinking to refuse any gentleman who offers for her, Isabelle endures the lavish entertainments, saddened that she’ll remain a spinster. Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, in search of a wife to win a family wager. Dazzled by Isabelle’s beauty, he’s drawn to the vulnerable young lady. Desperate to marry Sandy, Isabelle puts her misgivings aside, but circumstances spiral out of control as their wedding approaches
The second book in the series of six cousins whose grandfather has wagered that they all need to marry to inherit wealth & a property each from him. An interesting romance Isabelle has secrets which come back to haunt her & threaten her relationship with Sandy. I really liked both Sandy & Isabelle even though I found him to be too good but he’s hugely protective of Isabelle . I loved the chemistry between the couple & how their love grew & deepened so I was surprised when she kept something from him. A well written captivating romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Not a halo....

We meet Sandy, after he's spent a month with his mistress (we really did not need that as part of this story and it really detracts from the plot - like Romeo). He instantly is smitten with Isabelle the moment he sees her at a ball and skips and introduction to make her acquaintance.. We get clues all is not right with Isabelle immediately. Sandy, a baron who loves to wager, is out to wed to fulfill his grandfather's wager that he and his cousins wed within a year. Sandy is game. Isabelle is not. She is hiding secrets that require a trigger warning or two. She has a very abusive stepfather and at eighteen is trying not to get married because of those secrets. Sandy has to work to earn Isabelle's trust.

So now Saunders ‘Sandy’ MacKay, the Scottish Baron MacKay of Carwarth, is on the hunt for a bride to win a family wager. He’s immediately drawn to the beautiful but shy Miss Isabelle Deveraux and showers her with attention, charm, kindness and generous nature.
Isabelle wasn’t looking for a husband. Because of her past she’s convinced no one will ever accept her and she’ll remain a spinster. Resisting Sandy’s charm with all her might, she can’t help but fall for him. Hoping for the best while fearing the worst, she agrees to marry him.
But then her stepfather returns from the dead. Old demons wake and fear paralyses her. She doesn’t want to lie to Sandy, but doesn’t want to reveal the truth either.
Can she bring herself to go through with the wedding? Or will she run?

📚 This story is about a damsel in distress and her noble prince. Full of romance, humour and steam with a serious subject at its centre. But even though the matter - physical and verbal abuse (on and off-page) - is heavy, the plot felt thin. It all came together too easily for me and the MMC is just too good to be true even for a romance novel. I feel this plot has a lot more potential.
It was a nice read, but it was missing something for me.

Sandy is part of a large family who continue to wager on anything and everything. But more than that he is truly a gentle, honorable man. Not an alpha but one who has great strength, compassion and an amazingly generous heart. In walks Isabella whom he becames enamored with and thus the story begins. A well written story of love, devotion, crafted in such a fashion as to keep the reader engaged, thrilled and waiting for a dramatic event to occur. And one does! A villain that you being hoping meets a horrible ending, love strong enough to shield and protect. This is one story you don't want to miss due to the twists, turns and unexpected. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

The Baron’s Halo by Jenna Jaxon is a touching story of a topic not much touched upon in the Regency romances I have read: abuse, of all kinds. Isabelle Devereaux was a beauty but she knew she could never marry. Nor could she tell anyone why. Then she met Saunders (Sandy) McKay, Baron MacKay of Carnwarth, and she began to think all things were possible. Until the fateful day when her stepfather returned from the dead. She would find away to avoid him, but sadly her mother could not. Coincidentally, Sandy chose that night to propose. She gladly accepted and requested the wedding take place soon. Skeptical but compliant, Sandy agreed. She had told him part of the story but not all of and when the time came to make her vows, she couldn’t lie to the man she loved so she ran out of the room and disappeared. Sandy refused to believe she did not love him and search for her in town. Her mother finally told him about Isabelle’s grandmother in Carlisle. It took only a week or so for him to find her and for her to tell him the whole story, expecting him to trudge out of the house with this new knowledge.

This was a terrific story, in part because of its different kind of storyline. Sandy, also was every bit as good and kind as he seemed and he had the backing of a huge family, including a duke. Isabelle was just beginning to come into her own when he stepfather reappeared. It was all horrible beyond words. And very well done by Jaxon, between the very sympathetic characters and the accurate portrayal of his despicable man, who knew no bounds. Excellent work!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Baron’s Halo by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #JennaJaxon #TheBaronsHalo

This book dealt with the subject of domestic violence. As such, its tone was more serious than what I am used to in a romance novel. Sandy, the hero, was a perfect man in every way. Isabelle was emotionally damaged by her past. She decides that she can never marry. Sandy is immediately drawn to Isabelle, but she tries to fight her feelings. When Isabelle's circumstances suddenly change, she clings to Sandy like a life raft, only to let go at the worst possible moment. With great patience and understanding, Sandy manages to secure Isabelle's fragile heart.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. Unfortunately, this story gets weighed down by the subject matter. The witty conversations and steamy moments are there, but the characters seem relatively flat. The hero needed to rescue the innocent victim. Given a different theme, I would be willing to try this author again in the future.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Isabelle Devereux is having her first London season, even though there is no way she wants a husband.

Baron MacKay, known as Sandy is part of a family who will wager on anything at anytime. The latest wager is one his grandfather has with him and his cousins. They need to marry to win.

Although this historical romance has a few very upsetting moments for our heroine, the majority of it is fun and our characters are wonderful.

You will have met many of these characters in the previous book in this series, and because of the "wager" it's better to read them in order. The family involved are outrageous but great fun.

Good fun.

Isabelle Devereaux is willing to pretend to enjoy the little season until she meets the right man. Before then when her syep father emerges from the grave it becomeses essential that she marry.
Baron MacKay comes and sweeps isabelle off her feet only for her to leave him at the alter.
This book addresses two issues which might make a few squirm. Womens right and lack there of. Wonderful story line. Including both courtship.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

The Baron's Halo is the second book in The Welwyn Marriage Wager series.

Isabelle Devereaux is supposed to be enjoying her first season now that she is out. However, she has no interest in finding a husband. Her mother begs her to try to have fun and look for a husband. Isabelle pretends that she is, but she is not.

Baron MacKay, Sandy to his friends, is in search of a wife to win a family wager he and his cousins have agreed to with their grandfather. Sandy sees Isabelle, and he is drawn to the vulnerable young lady. From the moment they meet, he works hard to charm her. Slowly Sandy has wormed his way into her heart, but she tries to stay distant until the man she thought was dead has returned. Isabelle is desperate to avoid him at any cost even agreeing to marry Sandy. But she will have to disclose the secrets she has kept before she can be happy and put the past behind her.

This was a fast afternoon read. I really enjoyed the story of Sandy and Isabelle. Their love story was one of patience and strength to overcome the abuse Isabelle suffered.