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Emily Royal
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Henry's Bride (London Libertines Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Emily Royal (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 1,388 ratings
Thrust together when a duel goes wrong, can an awkward debutante and a libertine lord find love in a marriage of circumstance?

Enjoy Book 1 "Henry's Bride" in the fabulous new series "London Libertines". Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Jeanette Claybone, newcomer to society thanks to her father’s recent baronetcy, struggles to navigate the waters of the ton during her first season. When an evening walk with the wrong hungry suitor ruins her reputation, she calls a duel for her honor but is left injured. Disowned by all, she finds an unlikely savior in renowned rake Henry Drayton.

Believing her reputation ruined, and determined to enjoy the sin she’s already been punished for, Jeanette succumbs to Henry’s passion. Upon discovering Jeanette told the truth about her virtue, Henry asks for her hand.

The hasty marriage pleases neither of them. Jeanette wanted to marry for love, not convenience. A committed bachelor, Henry, believes he’s been duped. At night, their shared passion is addictive but by day, Henry seems to want nothing to do with his new wife. However, behind his cold demeanor lies a secret burden. He is one of few men who have noticed the rise in disappearances of London’s prostitutes.

Soon, Henry’s investigation into a profitable slave ring draws him and his associates into danger. When Jeanette’s inquisitive nature leads her to become caught up in it, Henry must reveal his heart or lose all that he holds dear.

Can a ruined woman and a renowned rake find love in their unlikely union?

London Libertines
Book 1 - Henry's Bride
Book 2 - Hawthorne's Wife
Book 3 - Roderick's Widow
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    London Libertines
  2. Print length
    326 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 3, 2019
  6. File size
    3.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07SL1HM2Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 3, 2019
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ London Libertines
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 1,388 ratings

About the author

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Emily Royal

Emily Royal

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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. After graduating from Oxford and enjoying a brief dream of becoming a pilot she started a career in financial services.

She now lives in rural Scotland with her husband, two daughters and a menagerie of pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, writing or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and can often be found wandering in the Highlands of Scotland looking for inspiration.

Emily can be found at www.emroyal.com and on twitter at @eroyalauthor

For a free novella, Sign up to Emily's newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/e5806720bfe0/emilyroyalauthor

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,388 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one mentioning it draws readers in from the first chapter. The writing quality and character development receive mixed reactions - while some find it well-written with well-developed characters, others note the hero treats the heroine badly. The romance aspect is also mixed, with customers describing it as emotion-filled.

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Story qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityRomance
28 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the story of finding love and mystery in this book, with one customer noting how the first chapter draws them in.

"...I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day...." Read more

"An enjoyable story, complex and emotion filled. An unlikely union between Jeanette and Henry, but a deserving happy ending." Read more

"...a while but I got but I can tell you is this book was wonderful wonderful awesome thrilling and I do highly recommend this book to everyone I don’t..." Read more

"...I love an angsty book with the delicious pain of OW drama (not cheating though!)...." Read more

21 customers mention "Character development"9 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some praising the well-developed characters while others find them overdone and criticize the hero's mean behavior.

"...The hero is despicable, but possibly salvageable. The heroine is strong, brave, loving and kind, and she recognizes weak character when she sees it...." Read more

"...I need a better adjective wonderful is not good enough the characters were just marvelous I could’ve hated Henry but I didn’t I knew he would see..." Read more

"...actually, is not with the H or h - but with the contradictions of the characters in the story starting with Jeanette's parents...." Read more

"This is an entertaining romance with strong characters and elements of mystery included. A good start to the series...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it well written and praising the author's superb job, while one customer notes it reads like a rough outline.

"Masterfully written and a delight to read! I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day...." Read more

"...The writing and storyline became so juvenile and the bad guy was revealed so early but of course it was meant to me a shock at the end...." Read more

"This author is a very good writer. However, this is the second novel I read that portrays the hero as a self indulgent heartless human...." Read more

"Hated every character. Awful writing awful story. Everyone sucked. Makes me not want to read any more of Emily’s books. Ever. Ever ever." Read more

8 customers mention "Romance"3 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed feelings about the romance in the book, with some finding it emotional and kind, while one customer mentions there is little to no romance, and another finds it depressing.

"...The result is that it is difficult to become involved in a one sided romance...." Read more

"...will be captured in the first chapter and it will be an emotional roller coaster to the most satisfactory ending...." Read more

"...Yes this is fiction, but the book gets boring and extremely frustrating when we know they love each other but it takes 250 pages for them to find..." Read more

"...I hated the verbal abuse the heroine had to endure. It’s so depressing , he basically used as blow up doll..zero passion or love...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Momo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Yes! Yes! Yes!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Masterfully written and a delight to read! I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. Your emotions will be captured in the first chapter and it will be an emotional roller coaster to the most satisfactory ending. The hero is despicable, but possibly salvageable. The heroine is strong, brave, loving and kind, and she recognizes weak character when she sees it. She is the first heroine I’ve read about who challenges her nemesis to a duel to avenge her honor! Yes!!
    Helpful
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  • Amj
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unlikely union leads to love
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    An enjoyable story, complex and emotion filled. An unlikely union between Jeanette and Henry, but a deserving happy ending.
    Helpful
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  • Linda S Adams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Epic
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have lost a nice sleep over this book once I started reading I couldn’t stop I literally could not stop I have not gone to sleep yet because I have to finish this book I’m so glad I did it was a wonderful book I need a better adjective wonderful is not good enough the characters were just marvelous I could’ve hated Henry but I didn’t I knew he would see her worth eventually I needed poops spoiler I did hate him for a while but I got but I can tell you is this book was wonderful wonderful awesome thrilling and I do highly recommend this book to everyone I don’t think there’s a person out there that would not like this book if there is I don’t want to know them because they got to be hard as nails
    One person found this helpful
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  • Deborah R.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Henry & Jeanette
    Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    MF, no cheating/sharing, low heat, HEA
    I love an angsty book with the delicious pain of OW drama (not cheating though!). My biggest problem with this book, actually, is not with the H or h - but with the contradictions of the characters in the story starting with Jeanette's parents. First, Dad is a great guy and Mom just wants a good match, regardless of the cost. Then, they put it all on Jeanette, the oldest daughter, to make sure their, and her other sisters, futures are secured (selfish much??). THEN they abandon her without even hearing her side of the story - such great, loving parents?! THEN they act so protective and loving towards her - after they already deeply betrayed her. Just was not realistic at all, regardless of the society at the time. As for the rest of the story, how the heck the H thought she had entrapped him - he found her on the side of the road! He wouldn't let her leave! Just one person's words and suddenly she is the bad person. Too many contradictories in the story - but hey, the angst was top notch!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Pamdave
    5.0 out of 5 stars love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    So glad I ignored all the bad reviews. In fact, I’m wondering if they read the same book. Smh

    There was angst, a murder, ruination, marriage, steam, love, and redemption. The H was a rake but he had a good heart. He was trying to find out who was murdering the whores. The h was not a timid woman and this got her into terrible in the Ton. She finds that she loves the H. Misunderstandings abounded because he was trying to protect her from being a murder victim and she thought he didn’t love her, but, in fact, despised her. Redemption comes at the end. He grovels for the woman he loves. Wonderful story.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Review not optional
    Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I dislike writing these so much that I don't rate most of the books I read. However, readers deserve to be warned of this story. Henry is an unmitigated ass who treats Jeanette very poorly, even when we are to feel relief that he has seen the error of his ways. The sex scenes are as annoying as any I have read ... the explicit descriptions defy logic. And yet, I wept at Jeanette's abandonment and betrayal as if this were a classic Hardy novel. I felt satisfaction at her leadership and success in the country, and tentative hope "watching" Rupert grow up. I expect this story more accurately reflects the attitudes of the times than the ones in which women are treated (eventually) as equal partners in marriage rather than possessions, and it was unsatisfying. Usually I can be persuaded of the goodness of the hero (by application of unrealistic current standards of romance and honor), but in this case, I think Henry remains psychologically unworthy of Jeanette. I read the last words still not liking him and knowing that Jeanette's weakness for his sexual prowess is probably her only serious flaw and wish better for her.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Barbara K. Literski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Henry’s Love
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed reading Henry’s Bride!! I realized that the ton was so snobbish the I am glad that Jeanette Claybone was raised on a farm with her family. Her father was given a baronet and her mother is from France. All Jeanette wants is to be free and help her father with his ledgers.
    Things do not work out as planned. She ends up married to Henry, Lord Ravenwell.
    Henry is on a mission to find out who is killing the women for hire. They are frightened and Bow Street Runners are not helping.
    This is a good story and there is so much more that happens. It really should be read!!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Eleni Sakellis
    4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining story
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is an entertaining romance with strong characters and elements of mystery included. A good start to the series. Recommended for fans of the genre.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Compelling story!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I couldn't put the book down. I wanted to see what was coming next... I would have given 5 stars, except there were a few times when the emotions of the characters felt stiff. I can't wait to read the next book😊
    Report
  • Katherine Sivieng
    4.0 out of 5 stars A bit of a mess but I liked it
    Reviewed in Australia on December 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    There are some great elements in this book: a female main character who values deeds and compassion over form and propriety; a male lead character who can recognise spirit and intelligence and has a genuine sense of decency. The characters aren’t all consistent in their behaviour and are frequently pretty dumb. Some of the secondary characters are drawn incredibly inconsistently. It’s still more feminist and progressive than your average historical fiction and I enjoyed it overall.
    Report
  • G. Hanhart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jeanette and Henry marry under the worst of circumstances- can anything redeem their marriage?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Jeanette Clayborne has on,y just entered Society thanks to her father’s recently acquired baronetcy.

    She becomes embroiled in scandal when she is the subject of an unscrupulous bet between a group of High Society friends.

    Henry Drayton (heir to a dukedom) marries her but vows he will never love her.

    Henry is involved in a personal investigation of the murders of a number of prostitutes.

    Henry and Jeanette find it difficult to communicate their true feelings for each other. Henry’s personal experience of parental love is not a great example and he believes that Jeanette’s family manipulated them into marrying to further their own ambitions.

    Danger threatens not just their marriage but their lives.

    Jeanette proves herself to be an able manager of the estate and warm hearted as well.

    Eventually things resolve themselves.

    I look forward to reading about how the other friends improve their characters and find their HEAs.
    Report
  • HeyerFan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Despite subject matter, a lighthearted read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book was well written and engaging and deals with the unsavoury side of both libertines and the trade in women who are considered invisible and disposable. The men in this book were thoroughly unpleasant characters; though Oakville does later redeem himself but only after he has done untold damage. I hated the way Henry treated Jeanette, though he was honourable enough to do the right thing by her and towards the latter half of the book his treatment was done to protect her.
    Report
  • M,WHITWORTH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
    💋💋
    I really enjoyed this book .
    I was a breath of fresh air to read.
    Such a good book deserves high praise , it has everything you could want from a story in spades.

    These two characters are awesome together , they have a chemistry all their own that hooks you from the first page.
    From their meeting to their unfortunate marriage, to their anxious relationship.
    Their emotions are brilliant and compliment each other perfectly.

    As you work through the book you find yourself lost in their world , feeling their ups and downs in life , their achievements and disappointments, tensions and passions . An adventure that’s addictive even though it’s heartbreaking at times .

    It’s been a pleasure to read, and I can’t wait to repeat the experience with the next book in the series.

    I would highly recommend this to others , I’m sure it will thrill you as much as it did me.
    Report

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