Charmed in an Arranged Marriage: A Historical Regency Romance Novel (Love Beyond Expectations Book 1)

Customer Reviews

• A*C

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love comes slowly
  
  Lovely quick read. Clean. Story draws you in and is believeable. I could actually see similar happening in the olden days. My great grandparents for one. Although minus the scandal). Recommend.

  May 24, 2025

• S********g

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Well written story
  
  Excellent book. Well written story line and believable characters.

  May 19, 2025

• R*****a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Don’t miss this one
  
  Wonderful story. Frustrating at times because the reader saw what the characters did not. Overall well written and very enjoyable.

  May 8, 2025

• K**e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Delightful!
  
  Dorothy does it again! Another delightful story with great twists and turns. Didn’t see some of them coming!

  May 6, 2025

• K*******i

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Excellent read!!
  
  I feel like at times the story dragged a little, but I was amused and spellbound through the majority of this book. I recommend this for any one who enjoys regent romances.

  March 10, 2025

• R*****.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Good read!
  
  The writing is descriptive, the storyline is different in that the two who were thrust upon one another decided to make the most of their situation, rather than fight it, there is some suspense in the way of a possible scandal, love is realized and there is a HEA. Loved it!

  February 15, 2025

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Nice story
  
  It was nice that this couple became friends even though they were going to have an arranged marriage. The story didn’t end when you thought it was going to, so that was a pleasant surprise.

  February 8, 2025

• T********l

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  True love overcomes spiteful and selfish family
  
  I loved the book. The plot was so real and did not lag. I fell in love with the characters THANK YOU for the extended ending.

  January 16, 2025

• S******r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Loved it. Flesh and heart characters
  
  The editing got sloppy at the end, in particular, with mistakes throughout. I gave it a four star for that reason. I liked the storyline and found the characters interesting. The nasty aunt is a person almost every family has, but is put up with, and her actions not fully noticed since she’s just that way. I almost quit reading during the ball scene… not due to the writing, but because of what happened. I was so mad! I resumed it the next day and finished to the HEA. Well-done. I’ll read more by Ms. Sheldon.

  January 10, 2025

• B****y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Clean Regency Romance
  
  Engaging and enjoyable book to read. Really liked the two main characters.

  January 2, 2025

• S**************z

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love is always first
  
  When Edward accidentally bumps into Isabella they never knew they would fall in love. It was both Edward’s father And Isabella that decide they would wed. They did not like the idea at first but in the end they do fall in love.

  December 26, 2024

• m****m

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  good book
  
  I liked how this one read a little differently. They decided early on to enjoy the relationship rather than hate each other and fight through most of it. The twist in it with the culprits was surprising. I liked Edward and Isabella and they were perfect for each other. i would recommend the book.

  December 25, 2024

• K****G

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  emotions are wild
  
  I loved the shared enthusiasm for the museum and the plot twists as well as the emotional ups and downs. Good read.

  December 20, 2024

• V*c

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Easy entertaining read
  
  The characters were witty, charming and likeable. The story was interesting and a happy ever after read. The author did a good job in making the story an exceptional read. I would recommend this book to anyone.

  December 16, 2024

• C******F

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Excellent Author
  
  Highly recommend this book

  December 15, 2024

• L******.

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  inaccurate info, lots of grammatical errors
  
  Sons-in-law of Dukes do not inherit the title (only biological sons inherit titles). A 16yo girl would not be attending adult balls & parties (they’d need to be “debuted” first). The paternal aunt “Catherine” turns out to be a widow (not a spinster, as she was introduced), & in such cases her dead husband’s family would be responsible for her for life (not her brother). The story’s concept could have been so much more interesting (but it was overly simplistic, the main characters fell “deeply in love” after spending very little time around each other; this read like a young teen romance; no graphic scenes thank goodness but characters were flat & under-developed; even the mother of the bride “squealed” with excitement??). Not Ms. Sheldon’s best work, by far. This author is much more capable than this book would lead me to believe. If this is your first experience with this author, don’t give up!!

  November 15, 2024

• R*****d

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Easy
  
  Easy fun read

  November 13, 2024

• M**********y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Quaint and fun story line.
  
  Dorothy Sheldon writes the most delightful. They are perfect for rainy afternoons or anytime. They are clean, well-written tales with a touch of humor and intrigue tossed into a a charming group of characters. Definitely enjoyable..

  November 7, 2024

• C*******n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Perfectly Arranged
  
  What are the odds that two harden, self-centered lords who care only for business and appearances, strike an arranged marriage between their children that results in a perfect love match? Well, in this case, it was perfectly arranged!

  October 24, 2024

• d******g

  Rating: ⭐⭐

  Long, drawn out, boring. Main 2 characters so obedient that that they are invisible
  
  The chapters are so short! Just when the main couple are actually in each others presence, a stroll, a dinner or a dance, the antagonists enter the scene, the couple goes their separate ways in a state of confusion. Repeat next short chapter. Rapidly got tired of the elders in both families, seemed like more storyline about them than actual writing about the couple. Much more centered on side characters and a cat that is mentioned a lot…..cat is even an antagonist! The 2 main characters just seem to passively go with the flow. Set it aside many times and finally deleted.

  October 22, 2024

• K**********************************************************************.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A good read.
  
  Enjoyed the story, could have been a bit more exciting, but still enjoyable and best of all nice and clean.

  October 14, 2024

• L******u

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  great story…..but
  
  I really like this author she writes a great story but ……the editing on this one puts me in mind of an eighth grade boy who hates writing class the editing is not bad but its not good either. by the time I got to 52% I was starting to get irritated ……i love to read i dont like being irritated by what i love. Please take more time with the editing. ty

  August 17, 2024

• E***********y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Complete Piffle
  
  I had read one other book by this author, but found this difficult to read. The plot revolves round two difficult tyrannical fathers but I could see no reason to make their offspring completely lacking in common sense. The debuting? heroine is presented with a hideous ballgown. It was too tight, she could easily have made it split or have an encounter with a bottle of ink or her aunt’s cat. The hero is attracted to the girl but gives her no support or encouragement . There are lots of anachronisms One did not buy a new dress off the peg neitherdo young gentlemen wear long boots to evening entertainments. Altogether it was not very believable or entertaining

  July 22, 2024

• M*******n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Full of angst and twists.
  
  Such hateful old women. Finally glad to get the scoop on them. The young couple was meant to be together. I would have liked to hear the fathers repent and ask forgiveness of their families. And send Catherine far far away.

  May 25, 2024

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  Very predictable!
  
  It’s an ok read. Very predictable tho. I prob won’t read any more of these books. Good storyline but no excitement!

  May 16, 2024

• J****B

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Delightful.
  
  Dorothy Sheldon has broke the mold of nearly every other historical fiction. Her hero is not blessed with muscles popping from his chest. He’s ‘ not particularly handsome but an educated secret writer of ladies beloved romances. On top of that is is very fearful of being rejected by the very beautfle woman he loves. Very well plotted. Jane B

  May 15, 2024

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Simple story
  
  Girl and boy falling in love, Sven through meddling parents. They both needed to grow up a little. Fast read

  May 10, 2024

• R*****a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Can a forced arranged marriage be any more than 2 people just being together?
  
  Dorothy Sheldon is exploring a forced arranged marriage for Lord Edward and Lady Isabella, set up by their fathers. The marriage is to bring the 2 families closer for business alliances, no thought was given to the 2 people involved. Both are resistant to this marriage, wanting nothing to do with it. Then they get to know each other some: they both like literature and history, so some common ground. Both have lost someone in their family they cared for very much, so they agree to be friends. But others want this marriage even less than they do and underhanded plans are set to end their relationship. Will they care or be glad for this? Well get this story and see what Dorothy has in store for this couple. I found the story very entertaining and compelling. Get it and enjoy!

  May 2, 2024

• K*************r

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  So so
  
  Apart from the 21st century American language, it was not a story that made me feel as if I were present in the 19th century Regency period.

  March 28, 2024

• A***e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Well written
  
  The characters were firm in their thoughts and not endlessly wavering, making tiresome drama. There was realistic drama which was interesting to read.

  March 20, 2024

• K***e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Loved it
  
  I absolutely loved Edward & Isabella’s story, and so will you. Thanks, Dorothy, for writing another wonderful book. I can’t wait for more.

  March 8, 2024

• N********n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Forced marriage
  
  Two powerful fathers arrange a marriage between their children. Neither of the children want to marry, but as they court, they find they have a lot in common, history and literature. As they come to better understand each other, a villain tries to break them apart. It was a nice clean read with good character development.

  February 22, 2024

• C*m

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Unique
  
  I have read lots of clean regency romances and this one has a uniqueness to it that is refreshing! I loved the two main characters and watching them find love. Must read this!

  February 21, 2024

• O****************s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Charmed in an Arranged Marriage
  
  Dorothy has once again given us a great story with plenty of romance and a few surprises. The characters are real and lovable. I hated for the book to end.

  February 21, 2024

• g***********y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Arranged doesn’t mean acceptance.
  
  This author makes few mistakes in grammar or plot twists although the paternal aunt of the groom in this story got away with way too much negative behavior toward Lady Isabelle and no one seemed to notice. Isabelle’s aunt seemed clueless. The love story was flowing along until Edward reacted to a situation with Bells and his cousin where he acted very badly. My unanswered question was why the big hurry to hold the wedding without Isabel’s mother? The book is fun reading and one of the better authors in this genre.

  February 20, 2024

• D******n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love Comes With Trouble
  
  Lady Isabella and Lord Edward have been told they are going to marry each other. Even though it is not what they want not knowing the other their fathers are insistent (and one is blackmailed) believing the marriage would give them an advantage. Upon meeting each other there is an immediate attraction and decide instead of fighting their father’s become friends. As they conversed and got to know one another they find they had many of the same interests they could discuss. As plans continued Edward had an overbearing aunt that was controlling the wedding plans with a vindictive plot. ARC Review

  February 19, 2024

• J**********e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Charmed, for sure!
  
  Just as our hero and heroine were charmed with each other, I was charmed by this delicious story of finding love when it is least expected.

  February 18, 2024

• M******************a

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  From strangers to love; duty to desire; doubt, forgiveness and devotion
  
  This is such a highly-recommended lovely romantic read! This reader was thoroughly delighted and satisfied with a time well-spent on this sweet love story. Though initially forced into an arranged marriage with each other, Lady Isabella and Lord Edward, by physical attraction and a deeper understanding of each other’s qualities over time spent together made them realize that perhaps, theirs is more a courtship merely veiled as an arrangement. They realized though too late to voice out their feelings for each other when a sinister person conspired to drive a wedge between them and keep them apart. Will the Lady forgive the, Lord who has captured her heart but who has accused her of a most egregious act? Will the Lord be successful in seeking for forgiveness and obtaining redemption after realizing that he could not carry on with life without her by his side? This is a 4/5 rounded up to 5 stars. The negligible deduction arise from the omission of consequences/comeuppance of one of the villains, as well as a handful of typographical errors which may have been avoided by careful editing. Otherwise, this is an enjoyable and excellent romance.

  February 18, 2024

• C***n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Happy Ending
  
  Bella and Edward (not from Twilight) are being forced into a marriage of convenience. However their love story is one of their own making. It was a great read with a villainous character that kept the plot interesting. A great read with a happy ending.

  February 17, 2024

• M***e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great read
  
  Having two people meet that are opposite and then to fall for each other is more like real life. Loved the characters they each bring something special to the story.

  February 16, 2024

• B************i

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Wonderful!!
  
  I have become a huge fan of this author. I’ve loved reading historical romance since I was in junior high. Stopped for many years and then picked up a book by this author a few years ago and now once again found my love for historical romance books. This author never disappoints. This book has wonderful, well rounded characters and a good storyline. Lady Isabella Redcliffe is a very independent lady who isn’t happy when her father makes an arranged marriage for her. Then she meets her new fiance and of course he’s drop dead gorgeous. Lord Edward Harrington isn’t pleased about the marriage either but with his father pretty much black mailing him into this marriage he doesn’t have a choice. During their courting time, both Isabella and Edward find out being with each other isn’t too bad and they plan to make the best of it. That is until Edward’s cousin decides to put a stop to it and ruin Isabella. That’s all I’ll say so as not to ruin it but it’s a good, clean read.

  February 16, 2024

• W******j

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

  OK Book
  
  This book was an OK read for me. The main characters were both likeable, but the plot seemed to take a long time to develop. I found it hard to stay engaged in the story and actually put the book down a couple of times because it lost my interest.

  February 15, 2024

• B***Y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Really good characters
  
  Very good reading. Well written and very entertaining. Good plot and very good ending.

  February 14, 2024

• G**********y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Great story
  
  I enjoyed this book very much. Had a hard time putting it down . Romance,betrayal,victory,love are well described in this love story.

  February 14, 2024

• RH

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  It’s a bit different !
  
  There was enough twists and turns to hold my interest, and the supporting characters were interesting, as were the main characters, of course. A good read !

  February 14, 2024

• M***i

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Meant to Be
  
  Edward and Isabella were thrust together by their fathers only to find they really did belong together. The story had appealing characters, a good pace and even an evil aunt. I enjoyed the book a lot!

  February 14, 2024

• E****************y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A lovely story, but a little slow moving.
  
  This is a very sweet story. However, it is a little slow moving with some intrigue. You dislike aunt Catherine almost immediately, even though you don’t know why she’s the way she is. You’re a little surprised that. does not see the problem right off .

  February 14, 2024

• A**e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Everything is not as it seems
  
  Edward and Bella meet by accident at the British Museum. Bella has words with him because she thinks he is eavesdropping on her conversation with her maid. She does not know him or his name as she leaves quickly. Her father is upset she snuck out of the house. Bella is informed by her father that he has arranged her marriage to someone she does not know. She will meet him at dinner. Imagine her surprise when she meets Edward. She is embarrassed. When she meets his family his sister Catherine is rude to her. She cannot understand why since they have never met. The more she meets Edward, she realizes they have a lot in common. At her betrothal ball, she is lured into the gardens. Edward is not pleased. Read the book to discover what happens.

  February 14, 2024

• S****n

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Interesting twist
  
  Bella and Edward are two very independent people. Having their lives arranged for them changes everything. You don’t know what they will feel or how they will react until they finally get to the end.

  February 13, 2024

• S******.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Arranged Yet Loved
  
  A little twist to the arranged marriage scenario that made you love both characters. Enjoyed it!!

  February 13, 2024

• L*****G

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Very good
  
  Good story and great chemistry between the two who are forced into a marriage together! Very enjoyable!

  February 13, 2024

• M**K

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Delightful!
  
  Enjoyed this clean regency romance novel by Dorothy Sheldon. Lady Catherine, one of the aunts, remained true to her disagreeable form; was pleasantly surprised at a few twists. I first became enamored with Dorothy Sheldon while reading the Tillewood sisters series, which I also highly recommend.

  February 12, 2024

• T******.

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  I loved the story of Isabella and Edward.
  
  I enjoyed reading this book about a rebellious woman Isabella and her arranged betrothal Edward. I hated the wicked woman and her wicked nephew. I especially hated it when the two were so mean to Isabella and Edward wouldn’t try to understand. A great story is boring without a problem to solve. I love Dorothy Sheldon books. She always makes the story interesting.

  February 12, 2024

• C************y

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  A truly charming book!
  
  I really enjoyed Charmed by an Arranged Marriage. It was a truly charming book! She is a bit feisty and he is a bit reserved … until the sparks fly :)

  February 12, 2024

• J*d

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Very good read!
  
  Lady Belle’s father decided to arrange a marriage for her with a friend’s son Lord Edward.. Neither Belle or Edward were initially very happy but as time went by they realized they had many things in common. A major stumbling block in their relationship was Edward’s Aunt Catherine who ended up causing a scandal causing Belle to run away. Will love find a way or will Catherine succeed?

  February 12, 2024

• c**********3

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Romance
  
  Well written. Love the characters.

  February 12, 2024

• T******s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Relatable story
  
  Given that Bella had no choice in her marriage partner, it stands to reason that she would hate him. Although as she gets to know him, it is quite difficult to do. She tries to stand her ground, but eventually falls for the handsome man. Women really had few rights during this time, so this story was very accurate, and made you understand how much more freedom women enjoy today!

  February 12, 2024

• J*******s

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Jk
  
  Good book – I enjoyed from start to finish

  February 12, 2024

• r**e

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Love of books
  
  Well written, full of love, drama, intrigue, family issues, a marriage of convenience, twists and turns. Edward and Bella are pushed into this marriage by each of their fathers. They both had plans to what they really wanted to be or have. They both have issues within their personal lives but do have some likes that are the same. They both love to read and like history. It does help them along the path of their marriage to find a love. Sharing the moments with them is sweet. All the characters, both bad and good are well developed and defined. Curl up and enjoy this book. Would recommend to all. I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

  February 12, 2024

• Jo

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  Marriage of convenience
  
  Forced into a marriage of convenience, Bella and Edward must learn how to exist together. These types of marriages were very common during this time frame. So this author has taken a long hard look at how some of them survived and flourished. Dealing with past issues, family, society and the novelty of marriage, this is a fully engaging story. I found myself immersed in the story seeing wonderful characteristics that help people to overcome struggles. Nice reading story.

  February 11, 2024