Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When first love goes wrong, it can lead to a rancorous rivalry…and a second chance to make everything right again years later…

When newlywed Lord and Lady Felcourt invite their respective families and friends to spend the summer at their country estate, Hawthorne House, no one suspects that the groom’s brother, Mr. Grayson Hawthorne, and the bride’s brother, Lord Charles Aspenden, Viscount Broxbourne, have a history together…and that history isn’t good.

The two former lovers are at each other’s throat almost from the moment the party begins. But when the bride and groom have a falling out that could end both families’ chances for lasting happiness, it’s up to Grayson and Charlie to either patch things up between the bride and groom or split them up and go their own separate ways for good. Which will it be?

 

 

Vanquished by a Viscount is an enemies-to-lovers, second chance, MM romance that involves two men who love to hate to love each other, an archery competition, being stuck in a carriage in the rain, the arrival of a steamy figure from the past, and healing bruised hearts.

Book Review

“The past is unalterable in any event. The future is the only thing we can change. Learning the lessons of the past is the only way to shape the present and the future.” – Jim Butcher

 

Seven years ago, Lord Charles Aspenden (Charlie) made the worst mistake of his life. To protect his sister Barbara’s social status, he gave up the love of his life, Grayson Hawthorne (Gray). Predictably, Gray took it badly, and they became bitter rivals. Now, as his sister asks him to spend a month at Hawthorne House for her post-wedding festivities, Charlie dreads having to be in Gray’s presence for an entire month.

 

After the breakup, Gray traveled, trying to escape the pain Charlie caused. No matter where he went, he still felt the loss. He booked passage to Australia, hoping for relief, but then Barbara, now his sister-in-law, asked him to attend her celebration. Despite the difficulty of seeing Charlie again, Gray agreed to go.

 

Returning to Hawthorne House feels strange yet familiar. When his sister hugs him, Charlie realizes he belongs. Even as he plans to ignore Gray, he searches for him, hoping to avoid facing difficult feelings. As soon as they see each other, they begin to bicker, causing everyone around to be uncomfortable. After a while, they both leave in a huff, much to the relief of the present company.

 

No matter how much they insist their connection is poisoned by animosity, when alone, both are left restless, unable to push away the old ache, both emotional and physical, which returns with full force. Neither man expected this to happen, but it is said that hate is the opposite of love; however, it is actually indifference. It’s clear from their hostility that they are nowhere near ready to admit it.

 

‘Vanquished by a Viscount’ is an excellent addition to the ‘Tales of the Brotherhood’ series. I was deeply invested in Charlie and Gray’s plight. Their breakup almost brought me to tears. It was poignant and painful. I wished Charlie could have been more gentle, but I suppose that’s how it had to be for Gray to believe him. Barbara was delightful and scheming at the same time. I really liked her and loved the way she loved her brother and wanted him to be happy. Thanks, Merry. I can hardly wait for the next addition.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book was purchased by the reviewer.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 243 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	15-August-2025
Price	$4.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Vanquished-Viscount-Tales-Brotherhood-Book-ebook/dp/B0FBK9PQ35