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  • Writer's pictureJocelyne Fowler

Willful Widow by Elise Marion

This is such a sweet and charming second installment in the Lawless Ladies series! Elise Marion does a lovely job of crafting a delight story with a strong female group of friends at the center. Marion's writing is well paced, extremely engaging and filled with sweetly swoon worthy moments. I was absolutely taken with the first novel in this series and I am impressed to find that this installment holds its own. Marion has a way of creating compelling characters who are willing to help and do anything to survive in a world that does not always have a favorable place for women and a means for them to survive. Her characters are three dimensional with understandable problems who fight tooth and nail for those they love.


Effie, is a single mother who has spent the majority of her life caring for everyone else around her. She is always putting other people's needs before her own, no matter what the cost. When she goes out on a solo highwayman robbery (without her group of friends that she tends to work with) she comes across Griffin, the hero. Griffin immediately finds out that his highwayman is not a man but a lady and when he comes across her at his sister's dress fitting he is immediately draw to Effie. Griffin, instead of reporting her to authorities, does some investigation work trying to uncover who Effie truly is and why she might need to result to robbery for survival.


I found Griffin to be such a wonderful hero, he is a hard working, self-made man, from a noble family (his brother is the viscount). Griffin never draws to the wrong conclusion about Effie, instead he investigates what he wants to know and is also open to her answers and responses. I love that Griffin does not condemn Effie for using robbery as a means of income, instead he understands that this is something she has had to do in order to protect herself, her son and then many people who rely on her. Effie is strong and independent in her own right, she makes sacrifices for her friends and family without regret. I love that Griffin does not see this as a weakness in Effie, rather that it is a strength and that he wants to help her with some of this burden so he can help her blossom into the woman she truly is. Griffin has such an awareness of Effie that gives him a deep understand of what she finds most important in her life. I really enjoyed that Elise Marion has peppered moments into the novel where Griffin and Effie's son can have some communication and time together, Griffin see the boy as someone he cares for and wants to protect along side Effie which is absolutely endearing! Watching Griffin and Effie's attraction grow is really lovely, Griffin never pressures Effie as they enter into an arrangement, he always makes sure she feels in control and has her full consent. Their chemistry blossoms into some really delightful sensual scenes and the heat level of this romance works very nicely with this story. I also love that during the third act breakup Griffin is never bitter towards Effie, he sees she needs space, he gives her that space and he trusts that she will do what she needs to do.


I would highly recommend this beautiful romance, not only do you get supportive female friendships, but a truly lovely romance between two people who learn to trust each other and provide a safe haven for the other. Elise Marion also does a lovely job of setting up the next novel in the series and I am extremely excited to check it out and continue on as the books release!


Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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