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The Curse of the Coleraines #2
Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer
From the winner of the 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Historical comes a new gothic historical romance.
Brody Gilvaroy, the Earl of Coleraine, is willing to hang for a murder he didn’t commit to protect the innocent. He struggles to find the real killer before it’s too late. As time slips away, he’s forced to choose between saving his own neck or helping his enchanting neighbor escape her dire situation, even though she wants nothing to do with him. If only she would accept his proposed bargain...
Years ago, Tessa Hall trusted the wrong man. Ever since, she’s fought to regain her good name. She lives on sufferance with her distant cousin as a despised poor relation. Her chances for a respectable life are destroyed when her benefactor decides she should earn her keep as his mistress. Rescue comes from the most unlikely source. Lord Coleraine is a worse pariah than she is. But her only option may be to trust a man everyone else believes is a cold-blooded murderer. His scandalous offer could save them both, if only for a little while...
Brody Gilvaroy, the Earl of Coleraine, is willing to hang for a murder he didn’t commit to protect the innocent. He struggles to find the real killer before it’s too late. As time slips away, he’s forced to choose between saving his own neck or helping his enchanting neighbor escape her dire situation, even though she wants nothing to do with him. If only she would accept his proposed bargain...
Years ago, Tessa Hall trusted the wrong man. Ever since, she’s fought to regain her good name. She lives on sufferance with her distant cousin as a despised poor relation. Her chances for a respectable life are destroyed when her benefactor decides she should earn her keep as his mistress. Rescue comes from the most unlikely source. Lord Coleraine is a worse pariah than she is. But her only option may be to trust a man everyone else believes is a cold-blooded murderer. His scandalous offer could save them both, if only for a little while...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2013
3 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
Katy Madison
28 books61 followersKaty Madison has always loved stories. As a child she was always lugging a book around. At the age of eight, after
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 6, 2013
I really liked this book. Tessa really knew what she wanted and what she would or wouldn't do to get what she wanted. She had always been overlooked and it was about time that she took control of her life. Brody was always very selfless. He put everyone ahead of himself. It was great for the two of them to get together. The only thing that I didn't like, and I won't go into detail because it would spoil the ending, is how it ended. I wanted more. I will be very happy to read any books that come after. I have to know.
November 26, 2013
I have the oddest sense of déjà vu with this book. Though I cannot find another book with similar outlines in my bookshelves I get the sense that I have read this. Regardless of my sleep deprived brain's notions of recognition, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were a good number of simple to overlook errors such as missing a's or doubled phrases that got to me but it didn't detract from the story.
It ends as a series cliffhanger and that kills me which is the main reason it lost a star for me. The children (Lance especially) not knowing how the very quick changes in circumstances at the end were adjusting or feeling about it bothered me. Had I realized it would be a series cliffhanger before I started my rating would probably be five stars but without that knowledge I was too disappointed in the sudden end of the story. Absolutely looking forward to the rest of the series now though!
It ends as a series cliffhanger and that kills me which is the main reason it lost a star for me. The children (Lance especially) not knowing how the very quick changes in circumstances at the end were adjusting or feeling about it bothered me. Had I realized it would be a series cliffhanger before I started my rating would probably be five stars but without that knowledge I was too disappointed in the sudden end of the story. Absolutely looking forward to the rest of the series now though!
April 7, 2014
Frustrating,is the world that I would use if I ever try to define the book. Nothing happened,for so long,I've began to wish him dead,so we could move a little. I liked him though,heroine was the one that made me want to growl to the skies.I kept watching pages go by without being anything significant that would fill them.And then all of a sudden
everything's happened at once and author's wrapped it up,rather clumsily,if you ask me..Other than that,every one in the book,except hero himself,do not give a shit about him facing the gallows and then his own death. Even the heroine. Her first thought was always what would happen to her,if he die..DIE I tell you,have a little sense. She couldn't sent the letters which are the one thing that would save him,because..guess what..she couldn't abandon her housekeeping obligations for an hour or so.what?! This is my second book from ms madison,first one "awakening his duchess" was refreshing and so different and consistent..but this..I don't know what that means but I feel black.
everything's happened at once and author's wrapped it up,rather clumsily,if you ask me..Other than that,every one in the book,except hero himself,do not give a shit about him facing the gallows and then his own death. Even the heroine. Her first thought was always what would happen to her,if he die..DIE I tell you,have a little sense. She couldn't sent the letters which are the one thing that would save him,because..guess what..she couldn't abandon her housekeeping obligations for an hour or so.what?! This is my second book from ms madison,first one "awakening his duchess" was refreshing and so different and consistent..but this..I don't know what that means but I feel black.
January 7, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. When I first started reading I liked the hero Lord Coleraine. I couldn't help it. Right from the start he is stepping in and helping someone in need even though everyone thinks and expects him to be the bad guy. And as the story develops and you learn more about Brody and his background you can't help but fall in love with him. He is a true hero and I think what makes him great is that instead of making sure everyone knows all of his good deeds he hides them away. Tessa was a great character too. I liked how she stuck to her guns about her situation. She just didn't give in when things got tough. In all it was a great read.
January 16, 2014
Katy Madison's novels are a must read for any lover of historical romances. Her plots are original and exciting, her characters swoon worthy, and her stories will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer is gripping right from the very beginning. The hero, Brody Gilvaroy, the Earl of Coleraine, is facing the death penalty for a crime he didn't commit. Resigned to suffer because of past actions, he refuses to defend himself against the allegations if it means putting others he cares about at risk. He is noble, virtuous, and charming, although he considers himself the very worst of scoundrels.
Tessa Hall is a poor relation who relies on family for employment after a past scandal she can't live down. She lives across the way for the Earl of Coleraine, and when danger gives her no other options, she just might need to rely on her neighbors for help.
What transpires is a tale full of love, murder, deception, and mystery that makes this book impossible to put down. While I very much enjoyed the story, the ending was quite rushed and failed to answer many questions. It appears this was done as a cliff-hanger to the next book, but it left the novel feeling a bit unfinished. I very much enjoy Madison's writing, so I eagerly await the next book in the series and hope that it answers some of the questions raised in Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer.
Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer is gripping right from the very beginning. The hero, Brody Gilvaroy, the Earl of Coleraine, is facing the death penalty for a crime he didn't commit. Resigned to suffer because of past actions, he refuses to defend himself against the allegations if it means putting others he cares about at risk. He is noble, virtuous, and charming, although he considers himself the very worst of scoundrels.
Tessa Hall is a poor relation who relies on family for employment after a past scandal she can't live down. She lives across the way for the Earl of Coleraine, and when danger gives her no other options, she just might need to rely on her neighbors for help.
What transpires is a tale full of love, murder, deception, and mystery that makes this book impossible to put down. While I very much enjoyed the story, the ending was quite rushed and failed to answer many questions. It appears this was done as a cliff-hanger to the next book, but it left the novel feeling a bit unfinished. I very much enjoy Madison's writing, so I eagerly await the next book in the series and hope that it answers some of the questions raised in Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer.
August 30, 2015
Yet another book that took me forever to read, but I am not blaming the book this time. I think its me, but it did feel like I would never finish.
This book felt like it was never the end at about 30% yet it was far from it. I know it wasn't just me that feels this way. Am I?
Not that this wasn't a good story, cause if you take out some of the extra stuff and what to me just felt like repeating, it was good.
Tess fought a good fight against succumbing to Lord Coleraine. I loved how she thought the best in him no matter what. What I couldn't stand was how Lord Coleraine put himself down, more or less, about how decent he was or the good guy through out the whole book. Never once would he admit to any good deeds he did, even when those were thrown in his face.
Just a bit of mystery, like who is the killer. Someone is out to make Lord Coleraine look like a killer. And lots of talk about Tessa and Lord Coleraine having a scandalous affair, but no real "smut" or sexual acts in this book. So no worries for the younger people to read, this could be ok for a late teen to read.
The writing is good, but to me way to much "fluff" in the book.
This book felt like it was never the end at about 30% yet it was far from it. I know it wasn't just me that feels this way. Am I?
Not that this wasn't a good story, cause if you take out some of the extra stuff and what to me just felt like repeating, it was good.
Tess fought a good fight against succumbing to Lord Coleraine. I loved how she thought the best in him no matter what. What I couldn't stand was how Lord Coleraine put himself down, more or less, about how decent he was or the good guy through out the whole book. Never once would he admit to any good deeds he did, even when those were thrown in his face.
Just a bit of mystery, like who is the killer. Someone is out to make Lord Coleraine look like a killer. And lots of talk about Tessa and Lord Coleraine having a scandalous affair, but no real "smut" or sexual acts in this book. So no worries for the younger people to read, this could be ok for a late teen to read.
The writing is good, but to me way to much "fluff" in the book.
February 1, 2014
A first reads giveaway winner! Overall, a very well-written, intriguing book, though I would have preferred more mystery at the beginning as to whether or not Lord Coleraine was actually guilty.
The foreplay throughout the book was very hot, and the pace of the novel, up until the end, was great. However, I felt that after the climax, the book went downhill - the author seemed to be hurrying to reach the end of the novel. I'm guessing this is going to be a series and I'll definitely read the next installment, but I would have liked more of a twist as to who the killer was. It all sort of wrapped up really fast, as though the author got tired of writing. I also felt that Brody's "secret" was pretty easy to guess, so I would have liked some more twists that left me guessing.
I'd give it three and a half stars if I could - the beginning of the book was a five star read, but the end left me wanting something more.
The foreplay throughout the book was very hot, and the pace of the novel, up until the end, was great. However, I felt that after the climax, the book went downhill - the author seemed to be hurrying to reach the end of the novel. I'm guessing this is going to be a series and I'll definitely read the next installment, but I would have liked more of a twist as to who the killer was. It all sort of wrapped up really fast, as though the author got tired of writing. I also felt that Brody's "secret" was pretty easy to guess, so I would have liked some more twists that left me guessing.
I'd give it three and a half stars if I could - the beginning of the book was a five star read, but the end left me wanting something more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2014
So much build up, unsatisfactory resolution Maybe it's just me, but I didn't feel this book had enough romance. Most of the book focused on the murder/mystery (which seemed to never really be resolved). Brody and Tessa had chemistry, but it took soooo long for them to get together. By the time they did, I didn't really care anymore. It took me forever to get through this book. I knew this was a murder/suspense novel, but I really read it for the romance. I've read historical romantic suspense stories that kept my attention. This was not one of them. I felt the ending was rushed, and nothing really resolved. I noticed this will be a series. I will probably give the next book a try. Maybe that will tie up some loose ends. This book was not my cup of tea, but it won't deter me from reading more from this author.***I received a copy of the book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.***
October 9, 2015
Had to read the next book in the series
After reading the inspectors scandalous night I had to read the second book in the series Lord Coleraine's scandalous offer. At first I was looking for answers to questions left from the ending of the first. Then I loved the way the author told us Tessa and Brody's story. The attraction between them is so pulling. Tessa is a string woman who doesn't deserve the life she is living. Brody is trying to help women in need although they all end up missing. Their is so much going on and the cliffhanger is there to make you ready for the next book.
After reading the inspectors scandalous night I had to read the second book in the series Lord Coleraine's scandalous offer. At first I was looking for answers to questions left from the ending of the first. Then I loved the way the author told us Tessa and Brody's story. The attraction between them is so pulling. Tessa is a string woman who doesn't deserve the life she is living. Brody is trying to help women in need although they all end up missing. Their is so much going on and the cliffhanger is there to make you ready for the next book.
April 4, 2015
This is a good book about a good man misjudged by his actions known as the evil earl Tessa finds out when he offers her a position as either his mistress or his housekeeper that all the women that have disappeared after moving in with him are not dead they have relocated to get away from abusive spouses. And he would rather go to jail for murder than tell where they are. But Tessa after finding out what he has been doing cannot do anything less than whatever it takes to save him!
December 29, 2013
Another lucky Goodreads Giveaway Score. This book has a ton of mystery and romance. The author takes her time developing the characters. I would have liked to have more resolution in the ending. I'm assuming that this will be a series and that we will get some answers in the sequel?? I would recommend this book for anyone that loves that gothic feel to a novel.
April 28, 2014
Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer is full of mystery, suspense, romance, and adventure. I loved the characters of Brody and Tessa. Brody is a such a great hero and Tessa is such a strong woman. I really liked this book. A really great read. I can't wait to read Book 2 of this series. Recommended. 5 stars.
January 10, 2014
3.5 stars. I was hooked from the first chapter. There was a great mystery to be solved and just the right amount of romantic tension between the hero, Brody and the heroine, Tessa. The ending may disappoint some readers, but keep in mind this is book 1 of a series. Overall, a good read.
This is the second book I have read by Katy Madison and am looking forward to her next book.
This is the second book I have read by Katy Madison and am looking forward to her next book.
June 29, 2014
Excellent book - the only problem I had was the rather unusual and abrupt ending with many dangling and loose ends.
Then...
I read the excerpt at the end of the kobo e-book where it was revealed (via the tbr book list) that this is the first of a series about the Coleraine family, so I can't wait to read the next one.
Then...
I read the excerpt at the end of the kobo e-book where it was revealed (via the tbr book list) that this is the first of a series about the Coleraine family, so I can't wait to read the next one.
September 30, 2015
Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer is my first book by Katy Madison. This book is well written with lovable characters, action and heat. Brody and Tessa's story is a wonderful read. I look forward to reading more from Katy Madison in the future. Lord Coleraine's Scandalous Offer is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
August 12, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by Katy Madison, but it won't be the last. Tessa and Brody's story was wonderfully written. You will fall in love with the characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a GREAT romance story :D
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews