Despised & Desired - The Marquess's Passionate Wife

by Bree Wolf

Formats

Included in Subscription

He carries scars no one sees. Hers are worn openly. But both need healing. Sir Frederick Lancaster survived the war—but survival came at a cost. Haunted by loss, guilt, and the cruel luck that left him breathing while his friend did not, he lives each day as though he owes the world a debt he can’t repay. When tragedy strikes again and a title he never wanted falls into his lap, duty demands he wed. What it does not demand… is hope.

She was burned. Judged. Pitied. But she never gave up. Ellie Munford knows what people see when they look at her—and what they assume about the scars she wears on her skin. But pain has taught her grace, and in the ashes of loss, she’s chosen joy. Still, when Frederick becomes her unexpected husband, she wonders: can her quiet resolve reach someone trapped in so much darkness?

Their marriage was meant to serve duty. But Ellie makes Frederick wish it could be more. As their bond grows, Frederick begins to see Ellie not as consolation, but as possibility. Her laughter surprises him. Her kindness humbles him. And slowly, Ellie shows him that scars can be honored… without letting them take the lead. That pain may shape a person, but it doesn’t define them. Not unless they let it.

He thought he was cursed. She came to prove he could still be chosen.

🔥 If you’ve ever struggled to forgive your past—and longed for someone who sees you clearly and loves you still… this story is yours.

NOTE: Each love story in this series can be read as a stand-alone. However, most readers prefer to read them in order.

Formats

Open reader Upgrade Account

Included in Subscription

Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

Regency (1811–1820)

Series

Love's Second Chance Series • Book 5

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑🫑🫑

Profanity

2 Mild

Violence

2 Mild

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

2 Mild

Publication Date

June 22, 2016

Language Versions

English

Fiction Form

Novel

Sensitive Themes

Arranged or forced marriage, Depression or anxiety, Grief or loss of a loved one, Murder or attempted murder, PTSD or trauma recovery

About the Author

Hi, I’m Bree Wolf—a USA Today bestselling author, former academic, and life-long lover of stories. I studied English and Specialized Translation, wandered the halls of universities, spending more years than I should have trying to be reasonable.Eventually, that quiet, persistent voice in my head said: It’s time to write.I’ve since published over fifty historical romances, each one stitched together from pieces of my own heart: doubts, regrets, fears, and messy, hopeful dreams. I love chocolate (especially when chapters get emotional), cry far too easily at my keyboard, and have a deep spiritual bond with cats… which is tragically one-sided, as I’m terribly allergic. A lifelong heartbreak, truly.

WOW!

You can't miss this book from Bree Wolf! It is one of her best's!!!! Passion, love, drama, pain... We all deserve to be happy and in love!

Profoundly poignant story!

A genuinely fascinating and profoundly poignant story of a distinguished family rebuilding their lives as they rediscover heartwarming affection, calmness, and happiness in the midst of suffering!

Lovely Beauty and the beast with a twist

It wasn't until I got through the first quarter of this that I realized I've read it before. This is the one that hooked me on the whole series. It is a bit clunky in some spots but I enjoyed reading it through again. I definitely will be reading through the series again.

PTSD

This is a story of a man who fought in the Napoleonic Wars and, unsurprisingly, returned home with PTSD. Considering the total barbarity of war in those days (even worse, if possible, than today) it was to be expected.Elspeth (Ellie) and Rick (Frederick) met when she was twelve and he a few years older. She was caught in a compromising position while paddling in a cool stream with no shoes or stockings on! Rick made his two friends swear to not say anything and sent them away. He then turned his back while she put her shoes and stockings on and then escorted her back to the house. Each of them remembered this incident as they grew older.Rick and his friend went off to war while Ellie grew up into a lovely young lady. However there was a house fire in which she was badly burnt saving her brother.Rick came home a changed man after losing his best friend on the battle field.Ellie remained her loving self but others insisted on feeling sorry for her and the pitying glances never stopped.When a marriage of convenience is arranged between these two Frederick doesn't remember her and is determined to do his duty and sire an heir but to then return to the battlefield.The strange thing is that he never sees Ellie's scars, only the goodness inside her.The story highlights the depths of despair that a soldier experiences while suffering with PTSD. It is a timely reminder while we have so many soldiers returning from war with this condition which no government seems to want to acknowledge! Not all of their stories end happily!This is not just a romance and will appeal to anyone who cares for all soldiers and first responders who suffer from this debilitating disease!

A Beautiful story that you will love

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.The story is well written and enchant you until the last page.The main characters are strong and with a painful past. Elsbeth manages to continue to see the beautiful side of life and the joy it can bring, while Frederick was isolated from the life and to avoid pain.Only with great patience and love Elsbeth manages to bring back the joy and the will to live with her husband Frederick and his family.A wonderful story full of feelings, desires, pain, but in the end will bring joy and love.