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The Marriage Game #3

The Temptation of Lady Serena

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Ella Quinn's bachelors in The Marriage Game series are charming and cunning when it comes to the ways of love—until the right woman captures their unsuspecting hearts...

Custom-made gowns...nights at the theater...and a host of eligible bachelors. Accustomed to living a quiet life in the Scottish Borderlands, Lady Serena Weir has never had any of these luxuries. But when Serena's brother demands she finally have a Season in London, she's thrust into a glamorous world she's only dreamed of...

Robert, Viscount Beaumont, remembers all too well what it feels like to be in love. That is why he must keep his distance from Serena. He's only felt his pulse stir the way it does now when he made the mistake of loving the wrong woman once before. Yet the more he strives to resist his feelings, the nearer he is to falling under Serena's seductive spell...

356 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2014

341 people are currently reading
582 people want to read

About the author

Ella Quinn

53 books2,520 followers
USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
703 reviews120 followers
July 6, 2015
I got 30% of the way in and just cannot read anymore. This author was recommended to me and I could see certain aspects of her writing that I would like, but this plot and the characters were just too unrealistic/jerkish for me.

Here are my reasons (this may be spoilerish):

1. I read the first 30% and waited for something to happen (and nothing did). It was just scene after scenes of parties and Robert being tortured with lust and Serena being totally naive. There was a juxtaposition of sweet writing with jarring sequences of Robert's lustful thinking. It did not go together.

2. Robert was a huge ass. He lusted constantly and then manipulated the situation to get what he wanted, knowing Serena would not agree. And then he acted like a high-handed boor afterwards. Ugh.

3. After the sham engagement, everyone agrees to flee London until Robert professes love to Serena. This is not realistic. Robert ruined Serena. A long engagement was not an option and everyone agreeing Robert must profess love would've been nice, but was just plain silly considering the time period.
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
December 19, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

This is my first Ella Quinn book and let me just tell you. I LOVED IT!! One of those books that almost slipped through the cracks, I was thrilled when I discovered it on Netgalley. The Temptation of Lady Serena is book three in her The Marriage Game series and yes I am scrambling to get the first two! It was just that good.

Lady Serena Weir has been left to mold in the Scottish Highlands, running her family's estate first for her ailing father and then for her absent brother. Now her brother is back with a new wife and they want Serena gone. At 26 she is way to old to take on the ton, isn't she? Feeling insecure and well abused, Serena has no choice but to make her way into London's Society. Hoping beyond hope that she will find someone or something that will offer her a way to survive. A way to function independently, She fears a repeat of her family's neglect. Fortunately for Serena.. the glittery life of London loves her.. while she may be just a country girl at heart, she is also poised, intelligent and beautiful (with a more than decent dowry as well). Serena has the ton by it's collective horns. With plenty of choices available to her Serena realizes that she can have it all, Serena can marry for love.

Robert, Viscount Beaumont, no longer believes in love. Been there, done that. But he is totally and completely intrigued by Lady Serena. She will make a perfect wife..all he has to do is finesse and finagle things until Serena says yes. Sounds like a plan...

Robert has a lot to learn, Serena is willing to live a life of scandal before she submits to a loveless marriage. But fortunately for idiot face, she loves him and is willing to give him a chance. The drama in this book is in the engagement. Where Robert is forced to learn what a real Marriage could be. To learn to open his heart and let go of the fear. This poor man has to learn how to love.

This was a fun read, a reprieve from the the dark and brooding books that seem to be popping up these days. Not that I don't love a dark and broody hero, but this book is about the relationship. About two people that are supposed to be together but being human have to find their way. I enjoyed the hoops Serena made Robert jump through, mostly because they weren't mean spirited or manipulative.

Check it out when you get the chance.

Shauni


This review is based on the ARC of The Temptation of Lady Serena, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on January 2, 2014
Profile Image for Liza O'Connor.
Author 58 books92 followers
September 3, 2013
The Temptation of Lady Serena by Ella Quinn.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of The Temptation of Serena, the third in the Marriage Game series.

As much as I loved the former two, this plot resonated deep within me.

Perhaps it was her bad boy leading man, Robert. He reminds me somewhat of my character Trent (from A Long Road to Love Series).

Autocratic, lack of consideration for others, selfish and self-centered. Although to be fair, Robert’s a far cry better than Trent.

And then there is Serena. How can you not love her? She’s been used as little more than a convenience, with no thought to her future or happiness by her closest relatives. At the age of 14, when her mother dies, her father turns over the management of the house to her. And it’s a massive estate. Instead of calling in some female relative to assist, they yank Serena from her childhood and toss her into a job that would overwhelm most women.

Did Serena cry foul? No. She worked her hardest to do the job. And she did it magnificently.

When her father died, she had hoped her brother would return and take charge of the estate, but instead, managing the estate farms was added to her responsibilities. Never mind she should be having her year in London so she could find a husband and begin her life.

Her brother could have cashed out of his commission and returned home, but he chose to do what he wanted, never caring a wit about his sister growing long in the tooth.

When he finally returned with his bride to the estate, Serena became unemployed and unwanted. So the brother sends her to London for a season. No doubt at the encouragement of his wife, who could not gain ‘control’ of the house while Serena remained.

A 26 year old debutante. How humiliating for her. And why would any man want her?
She could not see all her positive attributes. She was beautiful both inside and out, experienced at running a large estate, (also both inside and out) and as Robert would discover, she possessed a passionate heart.

She fell in love with him almost at first sight.
Yet Robert had no interest in love. He wanted a marriage of convenience.

Yet the more Robert remained in her company, the more possessive of her he grew. He became determined to secure her as his wife, yet he refused to open his heart to love.

Or at least admit he loved her, because in my opinion and that of many of his relatives, he had already lost his heart to her, but he denied the truth, even to himself.

Stubbornly, Serena refuses his hand until he can say he loves her. She’d rather live alone than suffer unrequited love her entire life.

Unable to convince her to accept him even though he could not return her love, Robert attempts to force Serena’s hand by compromising her, thus stealing her right to choose and enter into a marriage of love.

Worse yet, when she refuses to be manipulated into marriage, he begins to channel his father telling her she has no choice in the matter.
How wrong he is.

It’s a Trent moment…or for a historical reference, a Darby moment…where our hero behaves badly, then later realizes what an ass he has become. And Ella Quinn delivers the unfolding flawlessly.

This is my favorite of the series so far. For me, this story had a strong Jane Austen/Pride & Prejudice feel to it. I found reading it a soothing and comforting way to end my day. Ella’s plot is fresh and delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed watching our very strong heroine take a hard blow, but stand firm and grow even stronger. Once united, these two become the strongest and my favorite of all the couples thus far.

And as always Ella introduces us into new couples who will no doubt show up in later books. I, for one, cannot wait.
Profile Image for Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie*.
430 reviews242 followers
October 10, 2013
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW

NOTE: THE EXPECTED DATE OF PUBLICATION IS 14 February 2014 BUT IT IS AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON US, AMAZON UK, AMAZON CANADA, AMAZON FR, AMAZON IT, BARNES AND NOBLE AND iTUNES.


★✩★✩★✩★✩★

Once again, Ella Quinn charmed me with her third book in The Marriage Game Series. Reading her books is like curling up by a blazing fire on a cold winter’s night with a delicious mug of hot chocolate…makes you feel all cosy and warm. She populates her books with such delightful characters…the sort of people you would love to have as neighbours and friends, and she captures the Regency era so well.

I love Ms Quinn’s heroines…always strong, intelligent and resilient and Serena is no exception.

“I—I am a fish out of water. I never thought to have a London Season."

It was so easy to relate to Serena, maybe because I have felt totally adrift at certain times in my life. At the age of 26, she is forced to leave the only home she has ever known and is thrust into the glittering world of the ton...a world she doesn't understand. She can run an estate efficiently but knows nothing of balls or modistes. Despite her trepidation, she is determined to make the best of it with help from her aunt and uncle and friends who have her best interests at heart unlike her insensitive brother, James and his wife.

He needed an heir, not another broken heart.

Robert has managed to avoid marrying as long a possible but, when his irascible old grandmother tells him - "Decide what you want in a wife, my boy, find her and marry her.” - he knows his bachelor days are numbered. Betrayed by his first love, he will never risk his heart again. If he must marry, then it will be a marriage of convenience where he will maintain full control.

I never felt for one moment that these two weren’t meant to be together. Their initial attraction is so palpable and I loved the scene in theatre where Robert watches the unfeigned delight on Serena’s face and is totally captivated. Serena is equally taken with Robert…

Her chest tightened as his eyes, the color of bright moss, caressed her. Her heart skipped as she fought to regain control of her traitorous senses.

and, before long, she’s fallen in love with him.

As with all the best romances, the course of true love never runs smoothly. Robert’s problem is that he refuses to admit what everyone around him, even his servants, knows…that he is head over heels in love with Serena. Serena refuses to marry a man who doesn’t love her and, in a moment of pure Alpha male arrogance, he attempts to force her hand by compromising her. Not a good idea, Robert! Serena is not a lady to be coerced and it will take more than sweet-talking to win her back.

Rupert lifted a glass to Robert. “I never thought I’d see you married. How did she catch you?”
“She didn’t. Gave me a devil of a chase, and I almost didn’t catch her. It was a near thing, I’ll tell you.”


Of course, a happy ending is ensured and I enjoyed the journey with lots of devious scheming; an impromptu family shopping trip to Paris; a hasty pursuit; a significant amount of grovelling; a last ditch stand at the ancestral home of the Beaumont’s; a long-awaited declaration; some deliciously wicked goings on in the viscountess’s bedchamber, bath chamber and not to forget on the Turkish carpet! All ends well with a wedding or two

As usual, Ms Quinn treats us to a rich array of secondary characters; Phoebe and Marcus (from The Seduction of Lady Phoebe) and Anna and Sebastian (from The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh); Serena’s Aunt Ester and Uncle Henry; Robert’s irascible grandmother and Aunt Freddy. There is also a charming secondary romance between Freddy and an old flame, Edward, Lord Malfrey.

I love the family dynamics in Ms Quinn’s stories. They are always the source of some delightful wit and humour such as this exchange between Robert and his grandmother…

Lady Beaumont nodded. “Good, now take your fidgety self off. You’ll give me a spasm if I have to watch you anymore.”
Robert smiled with amusement. “Grandmama, what a faradiddle. You’ve never had a spasm in your life.”
“No, but there’s no saying I won’t start having them,” she retorted.
“Would you like me to bring you some vinaigrette or feathers to burn when I next visit?” he asked with credible solicitude.
His grandmother threw a pillow at him.
He ducked and blew her a kiss as he left the room.


Once again, Ms Quinn delights with this warm, funny, sweet romance with irresistable characters that are sure to win your heart.


REVIEW RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

SENSUALITY RATING: HOT

My sincere thanks Ella Quinn, for kindly providing me with an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.


The Marriage Game to date (click on book cover for more details) :

The Seduction of Lady Phoebe (The Marriage Game, #1)  The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh (The Marriage Game, #2)- 7 November 2013  The Temptation of Lady Serena (The Marriage Game, #3) - 14 January 2014


Future books:

DESIRING LADY CARO (The Marriage Game#4)
Releases Spring 2014

This review is also posted on my blog:

http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,523 reviews132 followers
December 21, 2013
This was an ok read. It was book three in the series, and it would work as a stand alone since I had not read the previous books and I was not lost at all.

I liked Robert quite a bit. He was a bit high-handed in the way he proposed to Lady Serena and the immediate actions, but he overcame it and turned out to be a really likable hero. Lady Serena left me wondering. Here she was, a 26 year old woman who seemed more like a teenager when she got to London for her very first season. Yet, when Robert finally got her to his family home, her maturity showed.

There was a good bit of drama in here. First when Serena left Robert after his proposal (you've got to read the book to see what the drama is there LOL), then when Robert gets Serena to their home and there's a problem with some missing boys, and lastly, the drama at the wedding. I felt that last little bit at the wedding was too much and not needed.

I really would have liked to see some sort of conclusion that dealt with Serena's brother and sister-in-law and her.

All in all, not a bad book and I'll probably read more by this author.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Profile Image for Jennifer.
145 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2013
The Temptation of Lady Serena is now one of my favorite books and Ella Quinn is my new favorite author!

Lady Serena Weir is in London for her first season. She is much older than the average debutante as she has been spent the last few years managing her families estate in Scotland. Her brother has decided that it is time for her to select a husband so she is sent to London and the marriage mart. Shortly after arriving she is introduced to Robert Viscount Beaumont and is instantly captivated by his good looks and charm.

Robert spies Serena first in Yorkshire and then again in London. While he does not know who she is he is immediately attracted to her grace and beauty. He is quite surprised and delighted when he is introduced to her at his friend house. Robert begins to pursue Serena with single minded determination. Things are not moving as quickly as he would like so Robert manipulates things to his advantage, or so he believes. What Robert doesn’t count on is how far Serena will go for love.

I was absolutely delighted with The Seduction of Serena! I found myself caught up in the Serena and Roberts’ story. It is just an enjoyable story to read. Serena and Robert are two people that genuinely care about one another.

Robert is your traditional autocratic rake. He wouldn’t know love it hit him on the head. He needs some gentle (and not so gentle)prodding from friends and family before he realizes what is staring him in the face. But Robert finally realizes that what he feels for Serena is love. And once he realizes it he knows that his life will not be complete without Serena by his side. Serena is a wonderful character. She is strong and intelligent with a deep love for the people on her land. Serena knew pretty quickly that she loved Robert and wouldn’t marry him unless he admitted that he loved her. I applauded Serena when she stayed true to her feelings even if that met refusing his suit. While she loves Robert she is not willing to marry him because society says she should.

Another aspect of the story that I really enjoyed was the time, Robert and Serena’s story stretched over time. Their story was not easy or quick but there journey was great to read as they went from acquaintances to lovers. It was beautiful.

The Temptation of Lady Serena is hands down one of the best historical romances I have read. It is a must read for anyone that wants a great love story.
Profile Image for Collette Cameron.
Author 139 books1,598 followers
September 2, 2016
4.5 stars!
What a pleasure it was to receive and advance reader copy of The Temptation of Lady Serena, the third book in Ella Quinn’s The Marriage Game Series.

I loved the independent, highly capable Lady Serena, who finds herself a bit lost in the world of the Regency haut ton. Essentially banished when her brother marries and brings his new bride home, Serena is forced to leave an estate she’s managed for over a decade, and enter the Marriage Mart at an age some consider too old.

Having his heart crushed once was enough for Robert, and he’s unwilling to give his heart to anyone ever gain. He sets his sights on Serena, determined to make her his bride, yet she demands the one thing from him he cannot give; his love.

I adore the large cast of characters in Ms. Quinn’s books, and after reading her first two novels, it’s like seeing old friends again. Charming characters, a lovable hero and heroine, plus incredible attention to historical detail make The Temptation of Lady Serena a must read for any Regency romance fan.
Profile Image for Aki.
1,010 reviews
February 9, 2020
Kommt leider nicht an die Geschichten der anderen Teile heran. Dennoch nett zu lesen.
Profile Image for Ermione Pickwick.
302 reviews15 followers
July 6, 2015
THIS NOVEL WILL BE RELEASED ON 14 JANUARY 2014


I consider myself a big Marriage Game's admirer and if you haven't had the opportunity (or the to impulse) to read the first two romances of the series,The Seduction of Lady Phoebe and The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh, I heartily recommend them!

Well, The Temptation of Lady Serena outdid the precedents; it's amazing!
Robert is one of the most realistic and interesting characters I've ever read about but, I must say, I don't know why, the men in this series are always better than the women (with “better” I mean the final result and the general idea of the character and not a specific aspect); the female characters, with the story development, become “too perfect”, this is clearer with Anna Marsh and less evident with Lady Serena, who I appreciated a lot.

[...]

Wow. I already had the opportunity to see how Ella Quinn is good and brilliant when it comes to the emotional part of her romances but in The temptation on Lady Serena she surprised me: the emotions here are so strong that the reader can actually feel them. Robert's torment, his doubts, his strong and obvious love he doesn't want to admit, his obsession...are amazingly described and expressed, I felt all of them.
Robert is so unprepared that he acts stupidly and the realisation of how autocratic he can be and the following regret, create splendid moments between our two protagonists.
I liked Serena, her background is really interesting and I loved her behaviour, especially at the beginning; I totally sympathise with her reasons.

There's only one “critic” I'd like to do, as in Anna Marsh I don't get why the author spent so much time with interludes, some of them are really funny and useful to better appreciate the characters but in other occasions they make the storyline heavier.



TO READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW: my link text

** I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,374 reviews44 followers
January 4, 2014


Lady Serena Vere was born and raised at Castle Vere in Scotland till her twenty-sixth birthday. She has cared for the land, it's occupants and the Castle on her own since her fathers death, and has been very happy doing it. Her brother James has been in the military, and recently resigned, bringing home a bride named Madeline. Mattie sees no need for Serena to continue taking care of things, and has suggested she be sent to London for the Season. Being twenty six she is already past the appropriate age, but realizes her life at her home in Vere Castle will never be the same. She is deposited in York to spend a few days with her Aunt Catherine, then will be on to London. While riding on her own one morning, she sees a gentleman on a large black horse heading toward her, she knows the warnings she has been given about riding alone, and heads back at a gallop. The man on the black horse is intrigued, he has never seen this beautiful young woman before.

Upon arriving in London, she is whisked away to buy appropriate clothing, lessons for dancing, and all else necessary to be presented in the best possible way. She has cousins and their husbands, her Aunt Catherine and several other relatives to sponsor her, and is surrounded by young men seeking a chance to meet and court her. Serena is overwhelmed by the attention, but has set her mind to one thing. She will marry for love, and only for love. Viscount Robert Beaumont is a well known rake in London society. He prefers the company of married women and widows, and has no plans to ever marry. He had his heart broken once......never again. That is, until he meets the beautiful girl who was riding that horse in York. He lays eyes on Lady Serena and wants to make her his, anyway possible. Even if it means compromising her.

This novel was so rich in Regency history. The language, the fashions, the parties and the wonderful characters. I felt the beginning was a little slow, but once Serena arrived in London, and met the infamous Lord Beaumont the story moved along quickly. It has serious sizzle and some delightful humor.

I received this novel from the publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce
Profile Image for Nelle Nazario.
874 reviews62 followers
November 16, 2014
I stumbled upon this Ella Quinn novel in Netgalley. It is book 3 of her Marriage Game series. I don't like to read books out of sequence but this story intrigued me. Ella Quinn is a "new to me" author and I'm so glad I read this!



Lady Serena Wier has been living in the wilds of Scotland at her family estate, Castle Vere. Since the age of 14, when her mother passed, she has taken the reigns of her ailing fathers estate. Left to her own devices until the age of 26, when her selfish brother finally comes home with a new wife, Serena has made caring for the estate her life. Sent to London for her first Season, Serena is nervous and expecting failure because of her "old" age. She thrives! Because she has a pretty substantial dowry and is over her majority, she can decide to marry for love.



Robert, Viscount Beaumont, plans to marry for convenience and not for love. Anything but love, due to a disastrous first love years ago. He is, nevertheless, fascinated by Serena's charming personality. Desperate to have her as a wife, knowing she'll only marry for love, he foolishly traps her into marriage. Or so he thinks.

After the engagement is where the drama persists and the story really comes to life. Willing to risk scandal and, with the protection and help of their mutual friends and family, Serena teaches Robert that to love is a risk that has monumental results. The stubborn man takes a long time to open his heart and realize that he's already in love with Serena.

Ms. Quinn does a delightful job of providing humor, passion and intrigue. The secondary characters, Roberts' Aunt Freddy and grandmother are a hoot! There is a secondary love story in here as well that turns out well. I am now on a mission to read the first two books in this series, The Seduction of Lady Phoebe and The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh.

I was provided an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Gramlich.
514 reviews38 followers
December 8, 2013
Lady Serena Weir believes she is past the appropriate age to come out and still secure a love match. When her brother ships her off for a season Serena quickly learns with just the right touches she can become the belle of the ball and have more than her share of potential mates. Robert Beaumont, Viscount Beaumont never even considered marriage to be something of interest to him despite family pressure. Then at one simple dinner party he is introduced to the beauty and innocence of Serena. One glimpse showed him that there is a woman for him and that he needs to get a move on to secure her in his life forever.

Once Robert set his sights on Serena the game of seduction began and getting her to say yes to marriage an obsession. Being knocked off his balance by this woman Robert decides any act he has to perform to close the deal is acceptable even though they are a bit rash and not very well thought out. Robert learns quickly that his high handed tactics will not win over Serena as she is not a woman to be pushed in one direction or another just on the advice of a strong willed man. Serena will consider nothing but love between she and her husband so getting Robert to understand that just saying we are to marry is not enough.

Robert may be a little over protective and Serena a touch head strong but knowing how to find the perfect compromise is a blessing not a curse. Serena changes everything about Robert, his relationships with his tenants, and shows through every deed and action that she will utilize his entire life to show him how much she loves him.

Ella Quinn always shows her talented writing in every book which displays the magic of love between two strong characters that maneuver through the murky romance of merging personalities and lives.
Profile Image for My Book Addiction and More MBA.
1,958 reviews71 followers
December 16, 2013
THE TEMPTATION OF LADY SERENA by Ella Quinn is another interesting Regency Historical Romance. #3 in "The Marriage Game", but can be read as a stand alone. See, "The Secret Life of Miss Anna Marsh" and "The Seduction of Lady Phoebe" Once again, Ms. Quinn does not disappoint. Meet Robert, Viscount Beaumont and Lady Serena Weir,which has been in previous stories. Lady Serena is thrust into the glamorous world of the London ton by her brother,who has decided she should have a London Season. While, Lady Serena would rather have her quiet life in the Scottish Borderlands and beautiful ball gowns and night after night of entertainment. Enter....Robert,Viscount Beaumont,who will turn her world upside down. A true romantic story with a side trip to France. If you enjoy a classic Regency Romance with engaging characters, than "The Temptation of Lady Serena" is the story for you to pick up for your reading enjoyment. A great,quick read! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Profile Image for Emily.
5,866 reviews546 followers
January 1, 2016
Lady Serena Weir was content in her life in the Scottish Borderlands, she had never planned on anything else. When her brother marries though, his wife insists on Lady Serena going to London and having season. Despite her hesitancy to be part of the marriage market, Lady Serena finds herself enjoying herself as well as making friends. She meets Robert, Viscount Beaumont and there is something there. Lady Serena knows if she chooses to marry it will be for love, but Robert knows nothing about love nor does he want to.

For Robert though he finds he can't fight his feelings for Lady Serena and has to settle his weariness from his past before he can move forward. His only focus now is Lady Serena but can he trust in what he is feeling?

Excellent story. Loved how Robert goes from Rake to falling for Lady Serena. He worries she will be like the rest of the women who are only looking for a strategic match, Lady Serena though is completely refreshing. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Shannon   The Romance Addict!.
1,606 reviews
September 24, 2014
h: Lady Serena Weir
H: Viscount Beaumont "Robert"

So I really liked the book. I was hooked by the first chapter.

I loved Serena she was a fresh air for most h are kinda rude/dumb/mean or sex kittens. She was....sweet. She said what she felt and was nice . I also liked the idea of Robert but i think he changed in the middle of the book and after that I just didn't like him very much.

This is a book about a 26 Spencer who is finally getting her season. She is fresh and sweet and all the men of the ton are falling at her feet, even Robert. Robert is your typical rake in the beginning (which i love) who has been hurt in the past and has sworn off love....till Serena. Even though i went from loving it to liking it by the end i would still recommend this book for all historical romance readers.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
323 reviews42 followers
February 5, 2015
The third installment of the Marriage Game Series. Lady Serena Weir is sent for a season. She feels she is too old for a season but she can't go back home. Viscount Robert Beaumont was lovestuck when he sees Miss Serena. He could not get her out of his mind. He drove his servants crazy. The only way to get Miss Serena out of his system is to trap her. Robert had to work the full of his brain capacity to make Miss Serena his bride. It was nice to revisit the other couples from the previous. As always, Lady Phoebe is still my favorite. I would love to see his series continue.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,419 reviews90 followers
May 25, 2015
I'm so into this Ella Quinn series. It's wonderful. I adore this story of Robert & Serena.
This is a wonderful love story about the relationship between Robert & Serena before their wedding.
On to the next book in this series. Aah, love is grand!
390 reviews24 followers
May 28, 2023
Heroine: Serena Weir, 26. Sister of the Earl of Vere, who is anxious for her to marry and leave his household. She is Scottish.

Hero: Robert Beaumont, over 30. Viscount Beaumont. After having his heart broken, he is cynical about marriage. His friend is married to Serena’s cousin. He is English.

Date: 1816

How they meet: Serena’s brother sends her to London for a season, chaperoned by an aunt. Serena and Robert first spy each other when Serena is out riding on her aunt’s land, but do not actually meet until they are both invited to dine at Serena’s cousin’s house in London. Robert’s attraction is immediate, but since he’s not looking to marry, he tells himself to stay away from her.

What happens: Serena has led a secluded life on her family’s Scottish estate, so the London social scene is new to her, as is all the attention she is getting from men. Her cousin is there to guide her and sees the attraction between Serena and Robert. The cousin warns Robert that if he doesn’t have true feelings for Serena and doesn’t intend to marry her, he should stay away. Robert is very confused by his feelings, worried about getting his heart broken again, yet feels compelled to be near Serena. He begins courting her.



Verdict: I really enjoyed this story and found the characters to be multi-faceted and overall likable. The hero was quite literally love sick in the beginning which made for some humorous scenes. There was a lot of day-to-day life described (which I enjoy, but some might find the plot to be slow-moving) and a lot of examination of the hero’s and heroine’s emotions. Even though it has the trope of the heroine insisting on a love declaration that the hero doesn’t want to give, the author found a clever (and funny) way to deal with the issue. There’s lots of personal growth in this story. The hero’s heavy-handedness is tempered by sincere adoration and I think it made him an interestingly complex character (as opposed to just a frustrating one). There are a lot of intimate scenes in this one, although most are fairly brief you definitely feel the strong chemistry between them. Main characters from books 1 and 2 in the series make frequent appearances in this book. Those stories weren’t fresh in my mind when I read this and I wasn’t confused, so I think this would read ok as a standalone.

Steam-level: very steamy and explicit

Rating: 5 stars
2,337 reviews7 followers
November 23, 2023
„Der Viscount ihrer Wünsche“ von Ella Quinn ist der dritte Band ihrer Regeln der Verführung Reihe.
Mit 26 Jahren und keinerlei gesellschaftlicher Erfahrung kommt Lady Serena Weir aus ihrem abgelegenen schottischen Landgut gezwungenermaßen für ihre erste Saison nach London. Eigentlich hat sie keine großen Hoffnungen, aber durch die Hilfe ihrer engagierten Verwandten verwandelt sich Serena schnell zum Juwel der Saison. Serena schwebt auf jeden Fall eine Liebesheirat vor, aber ausgerechnet ihr hartnäckigster Verehrer, Viscount Beaumont, hat der Liebe abgeschworen und will nur eine Vernunftehe. Auch wenn sich Serena stark zu Robert hingezogen fühlt, kann sie mit dieser Aussicht keiner Ehe zustimmen. Aber Robert denkt nicht daran, sich deshalb abschrecken zu lassen, und greift zu drastischen Mitteln.

Auch dieser Teil der Reihe von Ella Quinn liest sich leicht und flüssig und man kann schnell in die Welt des Regency abtauchen. Man benötigt auch keine Vorkenntnisse und kann das Buch problemlos unabhängig von den anderen lesen.
Serena kann einem wirklich leidtun, denn sie wird von ihrer neuen Schwägerin förmlich aus dem Haus getrieben, obwohl sie über zehn Jahre völlig allein den Familienbesitz verwaltet hat, während ihr Bruder beim Militär war. Entsprechend wenig begeistert ist sie von einer eigenen Saison, aber sie möchte wenigstens Liebe in ihrer Zukunft wissen.
Für Robert und sein anfängliches Verhalten fallen mir einige Bezeichnungen ein, die allesamt wenig schmeichelhaft sind. Es fiel mir wirklich schwer, ihn irgendwie zu mögen, da seine unfairen und selbstsüchtigen Maßnahmen alles überschatten. Natürlich räumt ihm die Autorin genug Zeit und Raum ein, damit er seine Fehler erkennt und ein besserer Mann wird. Dabei schrammt die Handlung aber immer mal wieder hart an der Grenze zur Langatmigkeit.
Um dies zu verhindern, sind einige spannende Wendungen eingebaut, die sich jedoch immer schnell und harmonisch auflösen. Insgesamt ist das Buch trotzdem sehr unterhaltsam und bietet ausreichend Abwechslung.

Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe gern eine Leseempfehlung!
Profile Image for Nicole Normand.
1,961 reviews31 followers
June 3, 2023
I found this book discounted on Amazon via Bookbub; this is my honest review
-I don't think it's fair for the reader to have to submit to open bedroom scenes 18 times in one book! And this book of 324 pages means every 18 pages, there are 2-3 pages or more of adult writing that doesn't give anything more to the story. On the contrary, it gets more boring every time.
-My second pet peeve would be the author using French when she doesn't know French to start with; if she did, she wouldn't make those blatant errors and it's an insult to us that do know French. In the same breath, why did Beaumont have a French name for his horse?
-I found the exact same description of St. Eth House in a previous book. Words could have been changed. Still a great deal of descriptions of buildings, clothing, people, etc. which was interesting.
-I thought it was really horrible and nasty of Robert to ruin Serena so she couldn't back down. I'm so glad Lady Beaumont opposed that.
-I didn't understand how Catherine and Freddy were great chaperones and then they kind of disappeared, which also permitted all those "I want you now!".
-Many repetitions such as how Serena was different in the country than in Town (at least 4 times).
-There are multiple stories going on in the back and those were more interesting, such as S' dresser Miss Mac Duff and R's valet Mr. Henley, but especially Edward and Freddy's heart-wrenching love story; their son Rupert, the Earl of Stanstead was super sweet and funny.
-I disagree with Edward when he told Robert that to keep the peace he needs "to agree with your wife more often than not". The wife is not always right and they both need to say what they think.
-Editing needs another pass. To-day vs. today, to-morrow vs. tomorrow, anything French except Démon's name, wrong verb. Some sentences are ill-written such as "Would I could dance every set with you".
Profile Image for Sheilo.
336 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2023
Wunderschöner Regency Roman von Ella Quinn

Serena hat sich jahrelang alleine um das Anwesen ihres Bruders gekümmert. Dieser kehrt plötzlich nach Hause zurück, zusammen mit seiner Ehefrau. Diese möchte Serena loswerden und schickt sie zur Saison nach London, die erste für Serena, obwohl sie bereits 26 Jahre alt ist.
Serena muss sich zunächst an das andere Leben in London gewöhnen, aber zu einem Gentlemen fühlt sie sich sofort hingezogen, Lord Beaumont. Dieser sucht jedoch nach einer Vernunftehe, wohingegen für Serena nur eine Liebesheirat in Frage kommt.

Mit ihrem neuen Roman "Der Viscount ihrer Wünsche" nimmt und Ella Quinn uns wieder mit in die wunderbare Zeit des Regency. Wie alle Bände der Reihe "Regeln der Verführung" ist auch dieser unabhängig von den anderen lesbar, jedoch kann man sich auch auf das Wiedersehen von einigen Charaktern freuen.
Ich liebe des Schreibstil von Ella Quinn sehr und sie lässt sich für jeden ihrer Romane immer wieder etwas neues einfallen, sodass es auch als Fan der Autorin nie langweilig wird. Den Leser erwarten starke und authentische Charakter mit eigenem Kopf und viele fliegende Funken zwischen den Protagonisten.
Wer Regency-Romane wie Brigerton und Co. liebt, wird auch die Geschichte von Serena und Robert lieben und sich auf die ein oder andere interessante Wendung freuen. Von mir gibt es eine große Leseempfehlung.
Profile Image for Penosa.
133 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2024
This book could have been a psychological thriller because of how Robert Beaumont acted in the beginning. He saw her as a sexual object that he could possess if he only trapped her into marrying him. I don't believe he changed, it was so unrealistic and I could not suspend my disbelief. One thing is historical inaccuracy, which I usually don't care about, and the other is just plain miracles on trash romance leads.

Lady Serena is so bland, even when they depict her as this strong-willed woman, she always cries to Robert's family and friends and then they scold him for her. And it works! Multiple times! Everybody is on his case because he just makes decisions without considering her, but she does exactly the same thing with his resources, his house, and his life! It is unbelievable.

I did not particularly care for any of the side characters (well, the servants' snarky comments about their masters were pretty funny). The plot felt too disjointed, the romance too non-sensical, there are too many characters that I don't care about, and the world feels so empty and unrealistic.

If I had to guess, he will cheat on her after one year, and she will spend all his money on charity without telling him.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
84 reviews22 followers
March 17, 2019
The heroine has lived in Scotland all her life with no exposure to polite society yet she seems to have no discernible accent & fits in just a little to easily with polite English society. Maybe she is from the Lowlands & that could explain her lack of "Scottishess" but it seems that is not adequately addressed. Also, in this time period expecting a woman who has never been presented to land a husband at the age of 26 is stretching belief just a little too much.
I also don't like that there is not much exploration of her relationship with her brother. He comes back from the war married & kicks her out and tells her go to London & find a husband & then when she does complains because he's not a high enough rank. I just felt she should be a little bit more bothered by this. I get that they weren't close but it has to hurt to have your brother turn his back on you like that & not have any sort of resolution.
Profile Image for Sue Gosland.
1,216 reviews2 followers
Read
April 20, 2022
This was a really fun story, about a sheltered young lady who was kept busy running her family's estate in Scotland, until her brother came home from war with a new bride. He and his bride decide Serena needs a Season in London, even though she is older than all the girls coming out that year and has never left their estate before. She is sent to stay with her cousin, aunt and uncle and tries to figure out what all the fuss is all about. She is spotted by Robert, Viscount of Beaumont, who decides Serena is perfect to marry, even if he doesn't want to fall in love. Serena, however, wants a love match. While she falls in love with him, can he admit he is falling in love with her? He tries to trap her into marriage without letting her know how he feels, and all sorts of mayhem ensues. Does she get the love match she so needs? Does he get over his fear and admit how he feels? Great fun!

The novella added on this book was cute, but too short.
99 reviews
September 15, 2018
Reviewing this after I have read 5 books in this series. In each of them the handsome hero pursues the very beautiful heroine.
Serena is much older and accomplished but again Robert pursues her only because her beauty attracts his attention. He was the most difficult among the heros of this series to like and I still do not believe in his change. And he does come across as an obsessed alpha-male.
Good for one-time read, but doesn't go into my favorites for the simple reason that it is all about the man falling in love with a beautiful woman. Beauty still holds the trumps in these "Marriage Games".
Profile Image for PATRICIA KUNA.
841 reviews3 followers
December 24, 2021
I really like this book.

Serena wants to marry but she needs a man that loves her.
She ends up falling in love with Robert, Viscount Beaumont.

He has had not had a good experience with love.

So he just wants to marry but he needs to decide if he can love Serena.

He invites her to his estate. She settles in very easily and as she goes about taking care of the household.
Robert watches this and he comes to realize that she is the woman for him and He wants to marry her and he tells her that he loves her.

They come to find that love that was meant for them.
I also read the Novella- The Second Time Round.

I love her books.
Profile Image for Ursula S.
546 reviews34 followers
October 17, 2023
I should probably give this one a 4.5 rating. It was entertainingly written, and the FMC was, once shown in her element, rather charming. The lead male, however, was pretty much the epitome of an abusive male. Granted, the author worked hard at convincing us he was not going to physically harm the FMC, but I had trouble liking him. By the second half of the book, though, he did seem almost like an entirely different character.

The high rating here was because this was a one sitting read--even as I read along, slightly horrified at the male lead and what he might do next.
1,290 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2022
This series marches on

This is another brilliant story that see this series marching on with aplomb. this amazing story that gets a bit steamy at times, is full of wonderfully created characters, and has a bit of suspense as well as a mystery to solve. A story that has everything to keep you enthralled through out.
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