This was a sweet and fun read with a couple looking for a fresh start at love after painful losses in their pasts.

Roth and Charlotte were delightful together. Their time together was filled with lighthearted banter and passionate chemistry between the two of them.

The only thing keeping me from giving The Make- Believe Widow a higher rating is that it felt rushed even for a novella.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When I read that someone is pretending to be a widow, my stomach goes in knots before I even get started. This is one such story. James is a widower and is looking for a new mom for his 2 kids. He wants someone he won't get attached to but will do the job. Enter... Charlotte. She's pretending to be a widow and fits the bill, kind of. You know the truth has to come out, so there's the stress as you wait for it to happen. In the meantime, you've got a lovely story of 2 people opening up to what they thought was closed. Wonderful!

The premise of this book is ridiculous. That reputable people would gather in their host's home to engage in romantic dalliances without regard to the possible fallout of STDs, resulting pregnancies, etc. is all in an age where a woman's reputation meant everything is absolutely absurd. If you can get past that, it's an enjoyable read, but I won't read another by this writer as I prefer more realistic historical situations when I read historical fiction.

I might not recover after this story…

In “The Make-Believe Widow” we follow the story of Charlotte who for the past 10 years was pretending to be a widow. Now she is attending a party where ladies and gentlemen have a second chance at love. Her interest is instantly sparked by Lord Rotherham who is looking for a new mother for his two daughters. She doesn’t want to “remarry”, he doesn’t want to fall in love… Will they get what they want?

Every time when I think that there is no chance that I will get to read a historical romance that will leave me speechless this happens. “The Make-Believe Widow” is filled with emotions that are destroying you from inside out! I loved it. You have to read it, simple. After you can thank me for this rollercoaster :) You welcome :)

A enjoyable historical romance, slightly slow in parts with a predictable storyline but still one to while away the winter evenings with.

This is the fourth book of the Matchmaking Chronicles series. It's been five years since James lost his wife, and he is ready to start looking for mother for his two daughters. He has no intention of falling love, he tried that already with his first wife and never got any of that emotion from her in return. But then he meets Charlotte at a house party and he can't deny the sparks that ignite between them. For the past ten years, Charlotte has been masquerading as a widow, when in fact she has never been married. She is equally as captivated by James as he is of her, but because of the fear she holds of her secrets being exposed, she doesn't believe they have any chance together.
This was a lovely, engaging story that held my interest all the way through. I liked the way James and Charlotte really connected and they both learned to open their hearts and allow themselves to love even though they had their misgivings and reservations. Both were well-developed characters and had strong and electrifying chemistry right from the start. Their banter and witty exchanges were such fun to read. They were really wonderful together and I enjoyed following their story. An entertaining and enjoyable addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I enjoyed this rich but brief romance. It has plenty of tension, heat, and emotion. I found myself wanting more of the story, and that of the other characters on the sidelines. The author has a way of making the most of her words in her books.

I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The story had a rocky and slow beginning, but as it progresses, there are some enjoyable moments.
At the end, I didn't connect with the characters, but I think that it's more a ME situation.

This was a cute little story. A little short but full. The 2 protagonists were well developed but the reader knows nothing about any other character. I guess since they were not the focus of the story they were unimportant.

Anyway, I think the progress of their relationship was a little idealist but believable. I liked them as a couple and I can definitely say I cannot always say that about couples in stories I have read.

In all, I would definitely recommend to other readers!

Darcy Burke is among my favorite authors. She has written another delightful story with interesting characters and good story line. An easy, light read that you should not miss.

Charlotte Dunthorpe and James Ludlow, the Earl of Rotherham, both deserve a second chance to find love. A house party at the country estate of Lord and Lady Cosford may be the opportunity. A house party for attendees to find temporary or permanent connections. Charlotte and Roth are immediately attracted to each other. He is looking for a wife and mother to his two daughters, she can only have a brief moment of happiness. Complications in the past have formed her future, but an Earl who loves and knows he's loved in return will find a way for happiness. With humor and angst, the best kind of romance to read.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Second chance romance in the regency area - where sometimes appearances and meeting society's expectations are more important than the truth.

James Ludlow, Earl of Rotherham (known as Roth to his friends), is on the look-out for a new mother to his daughters.

To enjoy some level of freedom as an independent woman Charlotte is pretending to be a widow despite her husband dying before they managed to marry. Seh runs her own household and is dedicated to training your girls to become maids for the upper classes.

Charlotte and Roth meet at a house party organised by a joint friend. The purpose of the party is to allow people to make new acquaintances, perhaps for something long-term or at least for a weekend of fun - all very modern sounding in my view, but let's go with it as it gives us a good starting point to build on for this enjoyable and captivating story.

Charlotte and James are the most memorable recency couples. This was a quick read on their love and I'm glad I read it. It was so good!
I just reviewed The Make-Believe Widow by Darcy Burke. #TheMakeBelieveWidow #NetGalley
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This was a lighthearted read about two people looking for a second chance at love❤️
I'm always down to read a historical romance, and this did not disappoint Roth and Charlotte came through with good banter and all-around cuteness 😍
Thank you, Netgalley, and the publisher for providing me with this e-arc

Charlotte Dunthorpe is a widow, or so she says. Being a widow has given her freedom and flexibility that she does not want to give up. Charlotte also uses her freedom to train girls from disadvantaged background as maids. Marriage would take all that away from her. When her dearest friend invites her to a house party, Charlotte sees an opportunity to relax, have fun and maybe have a brief affair, but when she meet Roth that all changes.

James Ludlow, the Earl of Rotherham (Roth) has come to the house party to find a wife and a mother for his two gorgeous daughters. However, Roth's first wife lied about her love for him and now he is reluctant to look for love and will not tolerate lying. When his breath is taken away by Charlotte he must decide whether he wants a quick affair and not marriage.

What will happen when Roth discovers Charlotte's lie? What will happen when the one person that could ruin Charlotte meets Roth and comes back into Charlotte's life? Will Roth look past the lie and will Charlotte marry the man she loves?

This was a wonderful, light read with only minimal angst. As per usual Darcy Burke's writing is delightful and expresses the emotions of both characters. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of Darcy's books.

Big thanks to Netgalley, Zealous Quill Books and Darcy Burke for this ARC.

The regency times really weren't as chaste as their clothing makes out! It was all smoke and mirrors, all about reputation and what you had to do to protect it. A wonderful book with lovely characters and of course, a great romance.

I always enjoy Darcy Burke’s books and this one was not an exception!
Widower James Ludlow, Earl of Rotherham, attends a house party in search of a mother for his two daughters, and his primary requirement is that he doesn’t fall in love. However, he meets a charming widow with seemingly wonderful maternal instincts, and he can’t ignore the sparks between them. Perhaps a little passion wouldn’t be so unwelcome…
Everyone thinks Charlotte Dunthorpe is a widow, but she’s only pretending to be. When her dear friend invites her to a matchmaking house party that isn’t only for the purposes of marriage, Charlotte is tempted to indulge in a short liaison. Instead, the dashing and kind-hearted Rotherham offers her the chance for the family she always wanted. She must refuse or risk exposing her devastating secrets and ensuring the absolute ruin of all that she holds dear.
What a sweet, amazing, romantic book!! I enjoyed it a lot! It’s short, emotional and with a bit of aghast. There’s chemistry, but there’s also a connection and that’s what I loved most about this story. I wanted to see a bit more of his daughters, but I was engaged in the story from de beginning. The valet! What a great secondary character!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

James, the Earl of Rotherham attends a house=party designed to bring couples together, be it either for a quick affair or seeking to wed. Roth, as he is called by friends, is seeking a spouse, being a widower he feels after 5 years have passed since he lost his wife he needs to find a mother for his 2 young daughters. When Roth meets Charlotte he immediately feels a strong pull between them, the air practically crackles with electricity every time she comes near him. Charlotte on the other hand is not seeking to marry again, even though she does feel the strong attraction between the two. Charlotte has secrets, the first being she is not really a widow, and she can not marry, for to do so she would have to confess her secrets and this she can not do. They decide to embark on a fleeting affair, one that will only last until the end of the house party, but when the time comes they extend their time together for two more days, Charlotte accompanying Roth to an inn where he is to meet friends to travel to another party. Arriving at the inn Roth encounters on of his party has arrived early, when Charlotte sees who he is referring to she almost runs away for Roth's friend is her worse enemy, the one man who can destroy everything Charlotte has built in the last 10 years and ruin her completely.
I enjoyed Charlotte and Roth's story, it was a quick, fun read with all the bits of place and time you would expect in a regency romance. I recommend for a quick, light read on a sunny afternoon.
Thank you to Darcy Burke and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

A fun book by Darcy Burke. Good, light reading for the summer. A regency novel with a twist and of course a happy ending.

Darcy Burke never disappoints. The Make-Believe Widow is somewhat light-hearted in that Ms. Burke takes you to a house party designed to help couples meet. As fourth in the series, you know a little about Charlotte and Roth already, but this is their HEA journey. The couple who host and hostess the house party are deeply in love and would like to see others be as fortunate as themselves. Definitely, this can be read as a stand-alone; or, in succession in the series. It’s great either way.

Sweet, adorable Charlotte has been living a lie the past ten years and does not want to be found out. She would prefer not to marry so as not to be forced to reveal her secret. Well, she meets the love of her life and can only embark on an affair, not look for marriage. James Ludlow, the Earl of Rotherham (Roth), is looking for a mother for his daughters. But, wait, he falls for Charlotte, knowing she is not marriage minded. Of course, Charlotte’s lie is bound to catch up with her in the most heart-wrenching way that threatens their love affair.

A little bit of groveling goes a long way for Charlotte and Roth. You, as the reader, just sit back, read and enjoy the romance!