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Improper Lords #2
The Marquess Takes a Misstep
Perilously close to losing his inheritance, he turns his back on everything that matters to him to save her.
When about to choose his bride in London, Hartley Montford, newly minted Marquess of Pembury, learns his neighbor’s niece, Lady Madeline Howard, has gone missing, Hart drops everything to go in search of her. Despite Maddie being an annoyingly frank-speaking and independent young woman who he would never add to his list of possible brides.
Hart’s estate, Pembury, is badly in need of funds. As he and his father were at odds and the estate holds bad memories for him, he prefers his bachelor’s lifestyle in London. But he suddenly finds himself in urgent need of a wife. His Uncle William, the Montford second son, has stipulated in his will that Hart must cease his rakish lifestyle, settle down, marry and deal with his obligations, by a certain date. Or he’ll be cut out of the will.
When consulted, Maddie’s groom fears foul play. Suddenly, despite the pile of unpaid bills, the renovations needed for the estate, and the clock ticking to fulfil his obligations, Hart simply cannot give up until he finds her. But in London, the popularity he once enjoyed seems to have frayed around the edges as word spreads about his treatment of Vivian Spencer, the lady he was considering for a wife.
When Maddie’s parents died, her father made her Uncle Arthur Wakeham, a cold, indifferent man who rules her with an iron hand, her guardian. When he takes up with some questionable fellows, for nebulous reasons, Maddie grows afraid for her safety. She flees with her maid to her aunt’s house in Bath.
When Maddie and Hart meet, while endeavoring to save her from her scurrilous uncle, Hart asks Maddie to marry him. But did he take a grave misstep?
How can he convince Maddie his reason for marrying her was more than that of convenience?
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Improper Lords
Book 1 - The Duke’s Masquerade
Book 2 - The Marquess Takes a Misstep
Book 3 - The Earl’s Brazen Bargain
When about to choose his bride in London, Hartley Montford, newly minted Marquess of Pembury, learns his neighbor’s niece, Lady Madeline Howard, has gone missing, Hart drops everything to go in search of her. Despite Maddie being an annoyingly frank-speaking and independent young woman who he would never add to his list of possible brides.
Hart’s estate, Pembury, is badly in need of funds. As he and his father were at odds and the estate holds bad memories for him, he prefers his bachelor’s lifestyle in London. But he suddenly finds himself in urgent need of a wife. His Uncle William, the Montford second son, has stipulated in his will that Hart must cease his rakish lifestyle, settle down, marry and deal with his obligations, by a certain date. Or he’ll be cut out of the will.
When consulted, Maddie’s groom fears foul play. Suddenly, despite the pile of unpaid bills, the renovations needed for the estate, and the clock ticking to fulfil his obligations, Hart simply cannot give up until he finds her. But in London, the popularity he once enjoyed seems to have frayed around the edges as word spreads about his treatment of Vivian Spencer, the lady he was considering for a wife.
When Maddie’s parents died, her father made her Uncle Arthur Wakeham, a cold, indifferent man who rules her with an iron hand, her guardian. When he takes up with some questionable fellows, for nebulous reasons, Maddie grows afraid for her safety. She flees with her maid to her aunt’s house in Bath.
When Maddie and Hart meet, while endeavoring to save her from her scurrilous uncle, Hart asks Maddie to marry him. But did he take a grave misstep?
How can he convince Maddie his reason for marrying her was more than that of convenience?
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Improper Lords
Book 1 - The Duke’s Masquerade
Book 2 - The Marquess Takes a Misstep
Book 3 - The Earl’s Brazen Bargain
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2023
133 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Maggi Andersen
85 books328 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romance, and winner of the RONE award, Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives on a farm in the beautiful Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are mostly adventure stories, but also sensual romances. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen inspired her Regencies and Victoria Holt, her Gothic Victorian mysteries She also writes contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 7, 2023
This book has a lot of entertaining events to keep you intrigued with the story. Hart and Maddie are two people who should be together. I enjoyed the fun and excitement that the story brings to the readers. The romance is an easy page turner for your reading fantasy. The dialogue among the characters was easy to understand and helped the characters stand out more in the story. I liked the story. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2023
Lady Madeline Howard is under her uncle's control until she's twenty-one or married. Hartley Montford, the Marquess of Pembury owns the neighboring estate. Hart doesn't trust her uncle and is suspicious of Madeline's treatment and the strange meetings her uncle has at night. He feels protective and offers marriage, but can Madeline trust Hart with his reputation as a rake? I enjoyed reading this book very much. It has a continuous fast pace.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
February 1, 2025
Until June 2024, it had been awhile since I read a Maggi Andersen book. This is my 29th book by her. I read my first one in 2016, two books in 2017 and then picked her up regularly in 2018. I enjoy her books but haven't read her since 2022. She is not very steamy but you'll get a good read. I was looking for new releases and Amazon does a "customers who bought from this series also bought" where they list all the books in a specific series under an authors name. I found this series. I really enjoyed her Improper Ladies series so thought I'd check these out.
I really enjoyed Hartley and Madeline's story. I liked the storyline and the couple. Really good read.
I really enjoyed Hartley and Madeline's story. I liked the storyline and the couple. Really good read.
July 13, 2023
Hartley Montford, newly minted Marquis of Pembury, returns to Pembury & discovers that the marquisate is almost bankrupt, then his Uncle William dies & has stipulated in his will that Hart must cease his rakish lifestyle, settle down, marry and deal with his obligations, by a certain date. Or he’ll be cut out of the will. Hart meets his neighbour’s niece, Lady Madeline Howard & their attraction is immediate. Then he learns she has gone missing, Hart drops everything to go in search of her. Maddie’s groom fears foul play as there have been strange visitors to the estate late at night.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. A well written interesting read I really liked both Hart & Maddie & loved their journey to a HEA. There was mystery & suspense as well as romance but also lack of communication, which caused doubts to creep in. If only they’d spoken about their feelings instead of guarding them! The characters were well portrayed & had depth. The pace was good & I read it in two sittings
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. A well written interesting read I really liked both Hart & Maddie & loved their journey to a HEA. There was mystery & suspense as well as romance but also lack of communication, which caused doubts to creep in. If only they’d spoken about their feelings instead of guarding them! The characters were well portrayed & had depth. The pace was good & I read it in two sittings
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 11, 2023
Devious scheming, suspense & a touch of romance!
An engaging plot fueled by adventure, thwarting danger and rooting out hidden motives - that brought out Hart's protective side and Maddie's budding fortitude - which held me intrigued from that first dark ominous cloud that rolled in over Maddie's uncle and sent suspicions flying.
A sweet romance pursues, stumbled by the mishap of proposing a marriage of convenience when from first clash so much more simmered between them. Shifting what promised to be a heady romance, that flared from that first spark of chemistry at meet cute, full of this delightful tension that charged between them, to one hindered from lack of communication, vulnerability and uncertainty.
I loved Maddie's spirit in the beginning, it's a shame she became crippled somewhat by the haunting of his rakish past as her innocence and fear of unrequited love bleed through into her marriage. Making me miss at times that bolder air that had hooked me in so effortlessly at the start as her confidence dimmed through fear of Hart returning to his rakish ways. Not helped by Hart's lack of acting on his desires, I must say, by disguising his attraction.
Yet, despite that, I enjoyed the story, the twists and turns it led me down and the subcharacters that added a warmth and soundboard for their troubles. I particularly found joy in the small moments of intimacy Hart and Maddie shared, I just wished they hadn't held back their attraction and gave their building desire free rein so much more... a spot of much needed wooing required...as when together they were magic.
Nevertheless, a fun, suspenseful tale with characters that are so easy to like or loathe as the story demands! Will definitely be looking out for book 3!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
An engaging plot fueled by adventure, thwarting danger and rooting out hidden motives - that brought out Hart's protective side and Maddie's budding fortitude - which held me intrigued from that first dark ominous cloud that rolled in over Maddie's uncle and sent suspicions flying.
A sweet romance pursues, stumbled by the mishap of proposing a marriage of convenience when from first clash so much more simmered between them. Shifting what promised to be a heady romance, that flared from that first spark of chemistry at meet cute, full of this delightful tension that charged between them, to one hindered from lack of communication, vulnerability and uncertainty.
I loved Maddie's spirit in the beginning, it's a shame she became crippled somewhat by the haunting of his rakish past as her innocence and fear of unrequited love bleed through into her marriage. Making me miss at times that bolder air that had hooked me in so effortlessly at the start as her confidence dimmed through fear of Hart returning to his rakish ways. Not helped by Hart's lack of acting on his desires, I must say, by disguising his attraction.
Yet, despite that, I enjoyed the story, the twists and turns it led me down and the subcharacters that added a warmth and soundboard for their troubles. I particularly found joy in the small moments of intimacy Hart and Maddie shared, I just wished they hadn't held back their attraction and gave their building desire free rein so much more... a spot of much needed wooing required...as when together they were magic.
Nevertheless, a fun, suspenseful tale with characters that are so easy to like or loathe as the story demands! Will definitely be looking out for book 3!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
November 23, 2023
5 STARS,REGENCY CROOKS, DRAMA, LOVE
Maggi Andersen"s Book 2 of the Series: Improper Lords gives us a wonderful well written 5 STARS storyline. It gives the reader that unique taste of something different yet still exciting Regency Historical Romance Drama.
Hart, a new Marquess because his father has died is a very well known and liked Rake who had lived and let it be known he wasn't going to marry. However, unbeknownst to the greedy marriage hungry ladies of the Ton, now he has not only consider it but actually do the deed. This is because of the state of affairs of business his father left him & the Estate in. Then, thinking he might be saved his beloved Uncle who he had been close to had passed and left him as his heir under certain conditions. Yes, one was marriage and he needed that money to make all the necessary repairs.
Maddie is a beautiful 20 year old whose father had been an Earl, but both parents passed away leaving her under her awful Uncle's Guardianship. She knew deep down her father had not really known just how his brother would treat her as if she wasn't anyone. She just needed 6 more weeks until her birthday and she would get away from him.
So, as life occurs or fate Maddie an award winning horsewoman took a tumble off her prize horse Pearl going over a hedge because the side saddle slipped. Hart ridding on his neighboring property saw this and quickly came to her aide. So they met and although each was cautious about the other it was obvious they had both had chemistry with the other.
Maddie had some major upheavals and with Jane, her maid took flight on foot in the night and Hart finding out on his return from London, felt a huge need as her friend to find & help her. Their story is one of should we take the chance, to fighting for their lives individually, and together.
Maddie needed to marry to be safe & Hart needed a wife for his Uncle "s money, so they make a run for the border. They both tell themselves it's for different reasons while inside they are questioning themselves.
Oh, another interesting tidbit is Jane the maid & Henry the groom, it looks like they may be sweet on each other. They are along on the mad dash to Scotland.
Hart & Maddie have a true love story, and each one comes to the knowledge in different ways but it is wonderful.
RECOMMEND
Maggi Andersen"s Book 2 of the Series: Improper Lords gives us a wonderful well written 5 STARS storyline. It gives the reader that unique taste of something different yet still exciting Regency Historical Romance Drama.
Hart, a new Marquess because his father has died is a very well known and liked Rake who had lived and let it be known he wasn't going to marry. However, unbeknownst to the greedy marriage hungry ladies of the Ton, now he has not only consider it but actually do the deed. This is because of the state of affairs of business his father left him & the Estate in. Then, thinking he might be saved his beloved Uncle who he had been close to had passed and left him as his heir under certain conditions. Yes, one was marriage and he needed that money to make all the necessary repairs.
Maddie is a beautiful 20 year old whose father had been an Earl, but both parents passed away leaving her under her awful Uncle's Guardianship. She knew deep down her father had not really known just how his brother would treat her as if she wasn't anyone. She just needed 6 more weeks until her birthday and she would get away from him.
So, as life occurs or fate Maddie an award winning horsewoman took a tumble off her prize horse Pearl going over a hedge because the side saddle slipped. Hart ridding on his neighboring property saw this and quickly came to her aide. So they met and although each was cautious about the other it was obvious they had both had chemistry with the other.
Maddie had some major upheavals and with Jane, her maid took flight on foot in the night and Hart finding out on his return from London, felt a huge need as her friend to find & help her. Their story is one of should we take the chance, to fighting for their lives individually, and together.
Maddie needed to marry to be safe & Hart needed a wife for his Uncle "s money, so they make a run for the border. They both tell themselves it's for different reasons while inside they are questioning themselves.
Oh, another interesting tidbit is Jane the maid & Henry the groom, it looks like they may be sweet on each other. They are along on the mad dash to Scotland.
Hart & Maddie have a true love story, and each one comes to the knowledge in different ways but it is wonderful.
RECOMMEND
July 17, 2023
Stand alone story with action, violence, suspense, twists and nasty villains that kept the story fast paced.
I enjoyed both the main and secondary characters. At times I wanted to have a talk with the H. His wife is insecure because how they came about to be married. She's heard rumors about him and how takes mistresses and women love him in return, prior to their marriage. When another woman sets her sights on the H, he doesn't realize how this makes his wife feel.
The H's father didn't care how many mistresses he flaunted in front of his wife. He saw the hurt in his mothers eyes and vowed to not repeat it. If he would have shared this with the h, we would have a smoother road to HEA.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5, filled with passion. Romance builds very slowly, which I liked.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue, some romance and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
I enjoyed both the main and secondary characters. At times I wanted to have a talk with the H. His wife is insecure because how they came about to be married. She's heard rumors about him and how takes mistresses and women love him in return, prior to their marriage. When another woman sets her sights on the H, he doesn't realize how this makes his wife feel.
The H's father didn't care how many mistresses he flaunted in front of his wife. He saw the hurt in his mothers eyes and vowed to not repeat it. If he would have shared this with the h, we would have a smoother road to HEA.
Lovemaking within marriage, heat level 3.5 out of 5, filled with passion. Romance builds very slowly, which I liked.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, nice epilogue, some romance and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
July 26, 2023
What a fabulous second in the series of Improper Lords. The Marquess Takes a Misstep will keep your attention as it takes you on a rollercoaster ride that weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of intrigue, violence and a questionable guardian who is cold and controlling. Maggi Andersen has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, descriptive open bedroom door passion and enjoyable dialogue. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and as the uncertainties escalates the suspense builds and danger abound which brings this read together perfectly.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
July 20, 2023
This is a new to me author and I have not read the first in the series and had no issue jumping into the story. the action in this book did not take away from the romance of this book. The only thing I didn’t really like was that the MMC kind of dismissed the MFC feelings about other woman being flirtatious with him in front of her. This is why I prefer OM drama over OW drama. I want my men insecure if someone is gonna be. The intimacy scenes are not very detailed and I do wish at least the kissing was. I liked both of the main characters a lot. Both characters fought hard for each other and what they individually wanted. I also liked the cast of characters in the supporting role, his sister her hand maid. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 9, 2023
While surveying all that needs to be done to his inherited estate, Hart meets up with his neighbor’s ward Maddie. Impressed by her spunk, he becomes concerned when she runs away from her cruel uncle and no one seems to care. Hart tracks Maddie down and she tells him of the nefarious goings on at her uncle’s house. While Hart tries to hide and protect her, he finds he can not hide his growing feelings for her. He hopes for a compromise but finds love instead. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
July 12, 2023
Hartley Montford has just inherited the title of Marquess of Pembury. Unfortunately there's not much money in the coffers. If he doesn't show he has left his rakish behaviour behind and become responsible, there won't be any coming.
Orphaned Lady Madeline Howard is living with her uncle who has control over everything she does.
This historical romance has a lot of danger, adventure and a mystery to solve. Our hero is diverted from his own troubles to help our heroine. Action from the first to the last page.
Really good fun.
Orphaned Lady Madeline Howard is living with her uncle who has control over everything she does.
This historical romance has a lot of danger, adventure and a mystery to solve. Our hero is diverted from his own troubles to help our heroine. Action from the first to the last page.
Really good fun.
March 22, 2025
A good read
I enjoyed reading this book about Maddie and Hart, how they met to how they fell in love. The first time they met was when she fell off her horse as she was jumping over some hedges and he was concerned that she may have been hurt. Her uncle was an evil man and had little use for her and she became afraid of the men her uncle had coming to the house late at night. There was lots of excitement and unsavory people in this story. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading this book about Maddie and Hart, how they met to how they fell in love. The first time they met was when she fell off her horse as she was jumping over some hedges and he was concerned that she may have been hurt. Her uncle was an evil man and had little use for her and she became afraid of the men her uncle had coming to the house late at night. There was lots of excitement and unsavory people in this story. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
July 16, 2023
A favourite author of mine and this book didn't disappoint. Full of danger, adventure and a mystery to solve and of course romance. The Marquess is diverted from his own troubles which include inheriting a title which hasn't been looked after well and has little money to help our heroine when her life is threatened. Full of action from the first to the last page kept my interest so I couldn't put it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 4, 2024
Great read!
I really enjoyed this book. Maggi does a fantastic job of creating characters that come alive, characters that are endearing and interesting. You just never know when love will bite you in the buttocks. ❤️🔥🌶️
I really enjoyed this book. Maggi does a fantastic job of creating characters that come alive, characters that are endearing and interesting. You just never know when love will bite you in the buttocks. ❤️🔥🌶️
December 31, 2023
The Marquess Takes a Misstep
This story has everything in it. It has romance and mystery. I enjoyed it very much. I read book 3 already.
This story has everything in it. It has romance and mystery. I enjoyed it very much. I read book 3 already.
May 16, 2024
What an adventure! I loved how Maddie refused to be destroyed by her evil uncle and the Journey Hart had to go through before realizing his love for Maddie. Would have loved to have seen Mrs. Spencer get a good, public set down , but overall this is one delicious, action packed adventure ride. It truly was an original story. Haven’t ever read a romance novel quite like this! the climax was very well written, the story well paced and the characters are people I would really have loved to meet.
I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.
I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews