Such a great book! Anna lost most of her sight after a fever when she was a child and Edmund... Edmund surrounded himself with scandalous activities to forget about the scandals of his family. He doesn't thinks of the future until he discovers he has a child and is forced into maturity. I won't tell you how Anna enters his life but I will tell you that because of her blindness, he starts seeing everything around him in other way... and that's how he overcomes his fears.

Please keep writing like this! I hope to read more from you soon.

Edmund has been going by with roguish ways for long enough, according to his brother. It's high time he reform his ways, or risk having his purse strings cut off. When he gets an unexpected package in the form of a child and accompanied by a note from one of his conquests, he decides it's best he go off to London. Anna is an heiress and has led a sheltered life. Given her wealth, she could have any suitor she wants, but she lost her sight when she was younger due to a fever and unfortunately most suitors are put off by that. When she meets Edmund, he is surprised that she is not charmed by his good looks as most others are. They come up with a plan together to have a marriage of convenience where he can have access to her dowry and continue with his life as is and she can have more freedom to experience life without being hindered by her overprotected life as she is now. Anna was naive about Edmund's reputation, but even when she finds out about everything, including his illegitimate child, she takes everything in stride and keeps an open mind. Her open attitude makes Edmund rethink his own actions, and as he tries to better himself, it was really great to see the growth he went through. A great story of healing and growth alongside a beautiful romance. A lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Sandra Sookoo's Charming Miss Standish delivers an engaging couple, Edmund and Theodosia. When the two are forced into an alliance in order to achieve their own personal goals, a marriage formed in reluctance turns to love. Perfect regency read.

Edmund Ashdown, Viscount Evermore is at his brother's house when there is a delivery for him from his former mistress. Six-month old Poppy, who looks exactly like Edmund is a bit of a shock to him as he cannot remember his mistress, let alone that he fathered a child with her. Said mistress is no longer able to care for / raise Poppy so she drops her off at his brother's house for Edmund. Edmund, after being a disappointment to his family for quite a while decides he wants to keep Poppy and raise her himself.

Edmund has a carriage accident right outside Miss Standish's town house and she in insists on bringing him into the house. This leads to the two of them meeting and speaking for quite some time. Anna is happy for the opportunity to interact with a total stranger.

Miss Anna Standish who went blind at the age of ten after an illness that killed her mother and brother is kept virtually a prisoner by her father who insists she does not need to venture outside without having several people overseeing her care is feeling extremely restless and longing to experience more that life has to offer.

While she is playing her piano one afternoon, there is a carriage accident right outside her home and she sends a footman out to see if anyone needs assistance and to invite them in for some tea. She meets Edmund and finds it so easy to converse with him she insists he stay for dinner as well. They get to know each other better and Edmund decides to offer a marriage of convenience to Anna who could help him raise Poppy. The fact that she is an heiress helps his cause.

Following their wedding, they take Edmund's half-brother up on his offer to honeymoon at his home in Brighton where a series of "accidents" befall Anna. It is then that they realise someone is out to get Anna. Overall, a sweet story and a lovely conclusion to the rest of the family.

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and voluntarily leave my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 6 of the Willful Winterbournes and while you can probably read it on it's own, there is a huge backstory of family relationships and drama that comes into play that will give greater context to the behaviours of the characters in this story.

Edmund Ashdowne, Viscount Evermore, at 37 years has the emotional maturity of a teenager. He is the younger son, overlooked, ignored, and spent his adulthood with no focus or purpose beyond his own idle pleasures, and creating scandal. His brother, Graham, the Marquess of Grantley, has had enough of Edmund's behaviour and attitude and threatens to cut him off from his family and funds if he does not start mending his ways. Especially since he and their sister Bea, are starting to straighten out their lives and gain some stability and happiness in their unions, after discovering and starting to come to terms with their family scandal, involving the Winterbournes. But Edmund has always had a contentious relationship with his brother, and their attachment to the Winterbournes has only made him all the more fractious and resentful.

Then his past comes literally knocking on his door, throwing more chaos his way and in his family relationships. He finds out suddenly that he is the father of a baby girl born to one of his ex-mistresses and she abandons the babe to his care. Rather than get rid of her, Edmund embraces his new responsibility, and in defiance of his brother's scorn, endeavours to plan a different, more independent future.

He is at a lost when he has a carriage accident that ends up with him injured and given succor at the home of Miss Anna Standish. She is a 30ish spinster who is blind from a childhood fever. She lives with her overprotective father, and yearns to be given a chance to leave her gilded cage. She and Edmund connect and he comes up with a plan, to offer a marriage of convenience that would allow him access to the heiresses funds to give himself financial stability, but still have the freedom for his pleasures, but also give her freedom to explore more in life as well. Miss Standish is very naive about Society and does not know Edmund's reputation, but she trusts her instincts about him and also wants to grasp the chance at more in her life. Even when she finds out about his baby, she embraces the chance to be a mother.

I wanted to dislike Edmund, because his scheme seemed so selfish - marry the heiress, take her money, give her the responsibility of taking care of his bastard, while he continues his man-whore ways. Also sticking it in the face of his brother - HAH! So there! That even seems to be his thinking.

But Anna, even when faced with his reputation, and the animosity of the familial relationships, and then finding out the scandal, always seems to takes things at face value and see beyond the surface. Perhaps it was her experiences of loss in her past, and learning to live in the world with her blindness that has made her be so open minded and willing to listen and learn more than just the surface. Her attitude and acceptance of things, and willingness to find the beauty and joy in the world around her, including in him, forces Edmund take himself out of his own mind, and his own past, and think of things other than himself. Being responsible for a baby daughter he has fast come to love also makes him rethink and regroup about his life. When they go on a honeymoon in Brighton, his view of the world and his relationships is further rocked when he meets the Dowager Duchess of Ettemere, the woman who was married to the man who was part of the life changing scandal linking Edmund to the Winterbournes.

Edmund's emotional growth and his growing closeness with Anna, and her desire for a real marriage with him causes their relationship to grow and develop, and Edmund comes to the realization that he does want a family and a real marriage, and has no desire to return to his rakish life... but he has a lot of trouble admitting this, having been rejected in love and seeing how it has failed others in his life before.

This was a lovely romance with the marriage of convenience theme, and a reformed rake. I especially enjoyed the addition of the Dowager Countess of Ettesmere who had escaped to Brighton after the shocking revelation of her husband's betrayal of her and his best friend. She is hurt, and bitter, and now forced to confront of the proofs of his betrayal in her own home. But she also is a mother, and a good woman despite her own hurts, and provides them with valuable wisdom and reflections, and being with the new baby and the couple helps her to come out of her own hurts as well.

A lovely romance with also an underlying story of threat and danger as well that forces Edmund to express his true feelings to Anna in the end. Also a wonderful story of healing past hurts. I hope this is not the end, because I do feel that the Dowager Countess needs to renew her own faith in love and to be loved again as well. She suffered a great betrayal and hurt and I really want to see her healed.

4.5 stars out of 5

Charming the Rake

This is a lovely story about a rake who must mend his ways. He meets Anna by accident, and it was exactly that—an accident, a carriage accident, which causes him injury, to be precise. Anna invites Edmund into her house to provide assistance. Could she be the answer to his problems? A surprise baby was dropped on his doorstep, and she needed a mother. His brother threatened to cut him off, and Anna was an heiress. Would she agree to a marriage of convenience?

Anna was blind, so she did not have many offers. She also did not think she would receive any, so she accepted Edmund's offer. As the two got to know one another, would their marriage stay in name only? That was what Edmund wanted, but no one must have told him that he did not have a choice when it came to matters of the heart.

Anna and Edmund will have more to contend with than their new relationship, and you will want to read this delightful romance to find out more. There will be some mystery and suspense. I am also delighted to note that there are no cringe-worthy statements regarding Anna’s blindness. Often in literature, blind people are not portrayed well. However, in this book, Ms. Sookoo did a fantastic job with Anna. Thank you, Ms. Sookoo, for not exacerbating the stereotypes about blindness.

Charming Miss Standish is the sixth book in the Willful Winterbournes.

Edmund Ashdowne is the Viscount Evermore a rake through and through. He has been accustomed to getting his way by his looks. His elder brother has had enough and gives him an ultimatum change your ways or be cut off. Add to that a baby girl was delivered to him by messenger from one of his prior entertainments with a note telling him this is his child. Now under pressure to reform he needs to escape London.

Anna Standish is a wealthy heiress and has had a sheltered life. She lost her sight at the age of ten from a high fever. She is able to move freely in her home, she knows where everything is. She is plays the piano and dreams of one day being able to play in front of people on a grand stage. She hears a loud crash and tells the staff to bring in the wounded. Anna takes charge of caring for the lone injured man. They chat and he stays for tea until he feels better.

Edmund is surprised when he meets a woman who isn’t taken with his looks. He is charmed by Anna and invites her to his sister's musical the next day. When Anna arrives with her father and companion arrive, they are introduced to the Edmund's family and the music begins. Anna listens to the music that is her love. An accident occurs while Anna is waiting to get something to drink and her dress catches fire. Edmund is nearby to rescue her. They return to her home in order to save her embarrassment. Meanwhile Edmund begins to hatch a plan that would give them both what they want. They agree to a marriage of convenience, but Anna has one condition, he is to never lie to her.

As they begin their new life with the baby, a series of accidents begin to escalate around Anna. Edmund suspects someone is trying to kill Anna. The more time he spends with her he sees how much he has changed due to Anna and how important she is to him and the baby. But will he be able to see the truth before Anna is taken from him permanently.

This was a fun and entertaining romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Anna and Edmond. Anna being an older bride was more mature than the typical debutante. Their relationship in spite of being very short before marrying one another, was believable and had more depth to it. I highly recommend this story.

Edmund Ashdowne—Viscount Evermore is tired of trying to prove or disprove himself. He is tired of his brothers disapproving stare. The only one who seems to understand is a stepbrother he just found out about.
Miss Theodosia Standish is ready for excitement, is ready to stop being coddled, is ready to see but that won't happy. She is optimistic above it all. But she is determined to take the opportunity that literally lands at her door step.
I enjoyed reading the banter and where Sookoo took Edmund. I have really enjoyed getting to know this family and sincerely wish to see where they wind up. Hopefully there's more!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with guidelines.

Having read previous books in this series, I was interested in finding out how Edmund Ashdowne, the black sheep of the family, was going to resolve his difficulties and the anger that he experienced. He thought he had it all worked out, and then he receives a surprise delivery, and shortly afterward has a carriage accident that necessitates accepting the hospitality of the unmarriageable Miss Standish. Theodosia does not try to hide her condition and Edmund finds himself being charmed by the down-to-earth young woman who is not affected by his looks but is in desperate need of friendship and the freedom to live her life on her own terms. Little realizing that she is being sabotaged from within her own household, Theodosia takes the opportunity Edmund hands to her when he asks her to marry him. Not everyone is happy with that turn of events. When offered the use of his half-brother's house in Margate for his honeymoon, Edmund accepts the gift, but it does come with strings attached. I loved how the relationship between Edmund and the rest of his family worked out and especially that Theodosia was able to start experiencing life for the first time. Unfortunately, there is a snake in the grass and when it seems that Theodosia has been kidnapped, Edmund is prepared to upend heaven and earth to find her. Despite the harrowing drama, the novel does come to a lovely conclusion. This romance is part of a series and although it follows on from other books, it nevertheless is standalone and is well written. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A very different start to this book had me intrigued. It starts with Edmund receiving his child from his former mistress and getting I to an accident which leads him to Anna Standishs house.

There he meets intriguing Anna an almost blind, paino maestro, lonely heiress.

Edmund is starting to realize that he needs to set his life right but does not how since he has been straying and purposeless for all his life. He proposes a marriage of convinience to Anna, she gains independence from her father and a family, he gains her dowry and a mother for his baby daughter Poppy.

The couple decide to honeymoon at Brighton and there Anna slowly and steadily gives Edmund a purpose. Her steady love and compassion has him falling in love with her.

A little angst from a villain trying to kill Anna adds further intrigue to the story.

This story was well written, ending was great and the pacing was right

Edmund and Anna's story starts differently than I expected. The plot's pace started well, I was intrigued by how opposite both characters were (the fact that Anna is blind, I took it from a metaphorical point, too) and it worked. There was a bit of a dip for me towards the middle of the book, but then the plot redeemed itself and gave for a wonderful HEA.

Edmund has vented his anger over family scandal by becoming a walking scandal. Two incidents become the impetus of change. First, in the midst of his older brother’s latest lecture on his behavior, a surprise was delivered for him. It seems Edmund is a father. Then he meets Anna Standish, who has him brought inside and had him cared for after a carriage accident. As a child, Anna Standish suffered a fever that left her almost completely blind. She is overprotected by her father and companion, or at least she thinks she is. She loves music, is very talented, and enjoys playing her pianoforte. They strike up a quick friendship, and come with a plan for a marriage of convenience. The new family travel to Brighton for a honeymoon. They enjoy being with each other and Poppy, have fun on the shore, and begin to strengthen their relationship. There is danger lurking. Hints come as accidents seem to follow Anna. Will these two find the happy life they want, and deserve? Will the villain be stopped? This is an emotional story with complex characters, insight, a bit of humor, some danger, and happy ending. The epilogue is delightful.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Edmund Ashdowne, Viscount Evermore has enjoyed a scandal or two, but this last year they haven't been of his making or liking. His elder brother has ordered him to get his life in order and a surprise delivery makes that urgent.

Miss Anna Standish has been over protected since she lost most of her sight. Her wealthy father wants the best for her. She is happy just playing her piano.

In this historical romance we have characters that have complex emotions brought about by the way they feel about themselves. There is danger hiding behind the scenes and risks to take.

This is part of a series that play out a complicated family saga. The series is best read in order but each book has its own story.

Good fun.

Charming Miss Standish by Sandra Sookoo is the kind of book I’ve come to expect from Sookoo: love, spice, and a disability. This book had a kind of different beginning when a baby was delivered to Edmund Ashdowne, Viscount Evermore at his brother’s home, Ashdowne House. It was from a woman he barely remembered, but was clearly his. She looked just like him. Needless to say, this threw his brother into, yet again, a fury. Graham had given him an ultimatum: he needed to be out by the end of the month. Things got worse when, due to inattention, he wrecked his brother’s carriage. The good news is that a lovely lady invited him in to ascertain if he was damaged. Miss Anna Standish was the only daughter of a wealthy baronet and mostly blind. Edmund invited her to his sister’s musicale the next evening, and although she rarely went out, she decided to attend. There, her dress caught fire in a bizarre accident and she rushed home. The next day, Edmund appeared with a proposition: a marriage of convenience. She had money, he didn’t. She could be the mother to his daughter. He could give her a semblance of her dreams.
She accepted.

Edmund was the typical rake who spent his time and money on drink, women, and gambling. He really had no desire to be married, but figured after a while, he could resume his old life with no problem. It was kind of a coming of age for Edmund, who had always been treated as if he had no worth and so he had done his best to prove them all right. Anna expected more of him and he found herself giving it. He adored his daughter, Poppy, and it’s hard not to love a man who loves his child. Anna was simply a nice person, probably born that way. She loved Edmund almost immediately and did her best to show him love, another thing that had been sparse in his life. They were terrific, likable characters, well written and ones with whom the reader could empathize. The plot was believable but bizarre. Greed is a powerful motive to do ill and in this novel it was put to the test. A totally enjoyable novel.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Charming Miss Standish by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #CharmingMissStandish

Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, daughter of the Marquee of Sutton, was raised to be a dutiful wife, loving mother, and happy. Her mother taught her much, lived life, but died when she was a teen. A fever took her mother and since then her father, who usually ignored her, had married three times more, last was to his mistress, Hazel. Her late husband Duke is Dedham had an accident and since then blamed all his pain and suffering on Valencia which he made very blunt.


Rhain Lloyd, has twelve sisters, being the only male sibling taught him that women were strong, independent, loving, and lived to squabble. He treated them with respect but knew that his sister could be a handful. Six had married in their home town of Bryn Bychan. Isolde, the youngest, Del, Elin, Bronwen, Glynnis, Nesta are the six in London now with him and his mother.


Mrs. Tru Bernard-Hill, the Dowager Countess of Chatham, and Lady Shawley, Maeve, Delia, and Rosalind, friends of Valencia who have stood by her through good and bad and she for them. Rosalind the one who wants to remain single is the adventurous one,


Lord Burton, Lord Ashbourne, friends of her deceased husband are bruts, mean, and lechers, just like he was.

What is a widow to due when the heir finally show with his family in tow, stand tall, proud, and glare right back! Antagonize him at every opportunity, and stay away least you succumb to his brawn. Bicker right back at him too.

What is a,new duke to do when his house is overcome with the women in his family thrilled to be in London. However, he didn't need to see HER, the one the entices him, plagued his dreams. Well, determined space, forth right talk, witty quips, that's what.

Join in the chaos as Valencia takes charge of the six and drives Rhain to take his responsibilities seriously. Join in the fun, laughter, an lesson as the learn to shine and grow. Very delightful way to overcome spouse abuse and see there is a silver lining on the other side and that not all of them are bad.

Edmund Ashdowne, Viscount Evermore, has been accustomed to getting by on his handsome face and his scandalous reputation, but now that he’s been ordered to reform by his brother, the Marquis of Grantley, he’s rebelling. Then a basket arrives on the doorstep & Edmund has to grow up. Miss Anna Standish is an heiress in her own right. As the only living child to a wealthy baronet, her existence has been lonely, but what she longs for is love. Much in demand of fortune hunters, the fact she was born mostly blind puts many potential suitors off. In order to meet the goals she has for her own life, she will take a chance on an unconventional offer. When marrying in haste doesn’t exactly go to plan, Edmund realizes that his marriage of convenience won’t be as easy or as convenient as he thought.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. I love how the author isn’t afraid to tackle unusual tropes & more importantly how she makes them work really well. Complex characters with insecurities, a marriage of convenience made this one very good romance. I loved Anna & grew to love Edmund & I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Edmund Ashdowne, Viscount Evermore, is constantly berated by his older brother, the Marquess of Grantley. He has no purpose in life, until a basket with a letter shows up at his brother's door. Miss Anna Standish is blind and overly protected by her father. An opportunity for a different life appears at her front door by none other than Edmund. It's a marriage of convenience, but Anna has hopes for love, except someone is determined to tear them apart. The whole illegitimate, but legal children makes for a very complex story. It's an interesting plot twist in the series.
Very explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Shocks, Greed, Unbelievable Ending
A shocking delivery sets this story moving into unchartered territory. Edmond might be in more trouble than he could imagine. Now his life has completely changed with more changes to come.
We are introduced to Anna whom we learn she is almost completely blind, yet she is quite an independent person with a gift of playing the piano. 
A chance meeting sets these two interesting people on a whirlwind beginning and a marriage to boot.
There is so much intrigue that takes these two people into a relationship that is filled with tons of emotions, a huge mystery I didn't see coming and when I finally did it made for a terrifying conclusion to this amazing heartfelt story.
Absolutely loved this story that had me gripping the pages at the scary ending. 
A beautiful epilogue made my heart sing with joy.

Edmund is the second son, which means he's a spare with no responsibility. Anna is the blind, pampered, rich girl who wants a life. They come together to help each other accomplish personal goals but neither is prepared for what is taking incredible place in their lives. An interesting, mystery romance that takes us into the world of the rich and privileged as they forge a new path to live. Could you change your entire life if necessary? Not many can today so the courage and bravery of these two is well documented and cleverly written. I believe this is the last of the series so my recommendation would be to read the entire series in order to fully appreciate this final book.

A heart healing, life changing, romance between two so perfectly destined for each other!

Well wow, I've loved my time immeasurably with these Willful Winterbournes (despite jumping in at book 4) and CHARMING MISS STANDISH, wound itself around my heart until I too was charmed...winning its well deserved place, against some very tough competition, as my favourite (I've read) in the series so far.
By HEA, I was so gripped with feeling, entangled in the drama and exposing revelations of vulnerability, family and connection, I was wet with tears. I knew Edmund's road, beyond rogue and his contrived scandalous adventures, was going to be a good one, but, when you add in, an unexpected bundle of joy, and the oh so special Anna, with her quiet strength bound with a vivid determination to grasp for a more fulfilling future...one not restricted by her near blindness...then their journey to finding purpose and spreading their wings together was going to be a captivating one. Adding a whole vortex of swirling heartmelting tender warmth with barriers of heartaching insecurity, enhanced by a very satisfying and well crafted strive to do better, succeed and prove their worth.
There are just so many finely polished, well orchestrated facets to the plot and characters that opened up, whether expected or crept from the shadows, that truly fascinated, kept me reading and added a smoothness to the fluidity of the story as it unfolded. To create this well paced romance of balancing out insecurities, nourishing strengths and building confidences under this cocoon and great capacity they both had to love, that when together brought out the best in each other and allowed them to thrive.
The endearing father-daughter closeness and bonding. The slow burn, nurturing affection, blooming friendship and admiration that unfurled between Edmund and Anna. Coupled with the rising passion to steamy heady proportions, with delightful exploratory intimacy, they radiated, had me truly invested.
Especially, when you add the hurt and internal suffering caused by the stigma of family scandal, permeated by an there-is-something-not-quite-right mystery lingering on the horizon and tip toeing ever and more threateningly closer, to the tender sweetness and cultivating shift from a marriage of convenient need to one fulfilled by purpose, desire and yearning want, then you have a tale that is very special indeed!
Can't describe I much I enjoyed and loved this one and the array of side-characters that added love, guidance and colour to this fabulous romance and character altering tale. LOVED every minute!