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HAWTHORNE
Camilla has lived and worked all her life in the manor with her mother, the housekeeper. After her death, her boss, the Duchess Hawthorne, became the closest she has ever had to family—until she passed away, too, leaving nothing but uncertainty in her future.
The manor is inherited by the duchess’ nephew, the only blood-related member eligible to take over the entire estate.
To Vincent Hawthorne, this is nothing but some extra wealth and the perfect reason to move out from under his mother’s controlling personality.
To Camilla, the change means fear. The inherent fear that these newcomers will get rid of her and deprive her of the only thing she has ever known as home.
But when the hot, sexy bachelor duke claims his inheritance, none of them was expecting the late noblewoman to ensure Camilla’s place in the manor…and in the duke’s life.
Tension and attraction nest within them, bringing the new boss and his employee impossibly closer and creating love where it shouldn’t. But the upper crust has always been rotten from the inside, and the fragility of their feelings may not survive scot-free.
Is Hawthorne Mansion hiding darker secrets than expected?
Or will Vincent’s duties stay in the way of their happiness?
The manor is inherited by the duchess’ nephew, the only blood-related member eligible to take over the entire estate.
To Vincent Hawthorne, this is nothing but some extra wealth and the perfect reason to move out from under his mother’s controlling personality.
To Camilla, the change means fear. The inherent fear that these newcomers will get rid of her and deprive her of the only thing she has ever known as home.
But when the hot, sexy bachelor duke claims his inheritance, none of them was expecting the late noblewoman to ensure Camilla’s place in the manor…and in the duke’s life.
Tension and attraction nest within them, bringing the new boss and his employee impossibly closer and creating love where it shouldn’t. But the upper crust has always been rotten from the inside, and the fragility of their feelings may not survive scot-free.
Is Hawthorne Mansion hiding darker secrets than expected?
Or will Vincent’s duties stay in the way of their happiness?
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2024
7 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Mel Veran
3 books19 followersOn the edge of reaching the "Big Thirties" (just two years away from now), the author is Portuguese and works as a certified Tourist Guide. Not only that, she is also a history and music addict and loves to travel around the world. She is happily committed her job, her fiancé and her four-pawed child, her twelve year old dog. Writing is a recent passion that has turned her world upside down and has given her the opportunity of publishing this book, her debut. Hopefully reading the book will make you as happy as it made her while writing it.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 22, 2025
This book features forbidden love, forced proximity, workplace romance, a possessive male lead, and a housekeeper-duke romance. If you're interested in these tropes, then this book is for you!
Camilla White, the kind, caring, and confident young housekeeper, caught my attention from the start. After Elizabeth Hawthorne's (Vincent's aunt) passing, Camilla's job is secured under one condition: Vincent Hawthorne, the new owner of the estate, cannot fire her unless she chooses to leave. There are so many things that I liked about Camilla. One of them is how she was confident with everything and how she handled any situation so gracefully. She didn't let anyone break her!
Vincent Hawthorne is a captivating and complex character - possessive, loving, smart, and with breathless dialogues. This man has a dirty mouth that left me breathless. Another thing I liked about Vincent is how he always defends his workers and Camilla from his mother. Instead of calling them workers, he calls them by their name. His little gestures towards Camilla *giggling* were so cute!! I wish I could find my own Vincent Hawthorne! Just kidding, or am I?
The story was beautifully written, with a gripping plot, engaging characters, and sizzling chemistry. The tension was intense, and I appreciated the author's writing style. Also, special mention to another of my favorite characters from the book: Edgar Hawthorne, Vincent's brother. He's the friend everyone wants in their life, always trying to lighten up the situation. Overall, I would recommend this amazing book to y'all!
Camilla White, the kind, caring, and confident young housekeeper, caught my attention from the start. After Elizabeth Hawthorne's (Vincent's aunt) passing, Camilla's job is secured under one condition: Vincent Hawthorne, the new owner of the estate, cannot fire her unless she chooses to leave. There are so many things that I liked about Camilla. One of them is how she was confident with everything and how she handled any situation so gracefully. She didn't let anyone break her!
Vincent Hawthorne is a captivating and complex character - possessive, loving, smart, and with breathless dialogues. This man has a dirty mouth that left me breathless. Another thing I liked about Vincent is how he always defends his workers and Camilla from his mother. Instead of calling them workers, he calls them by their name. His little gestures towards Camilla *giggling* were so cute!! I wish I could find my own Vincent Hawthorne! Just kidding, or am I?
The story was beautifully written, with a gripping plot, engaging characters, and sizzling chemistry. The tension was intense, and I appreciated the author's writing style. Also, special mention to another of my favorite characters from the book: Edgar Hawthorne, Vincent's brother. He's the friend everyone wants in their life, always trying to lighten up the situation. Overall, I would recommend this amazing book to y'all!
January 13, 2026
Oh my, how exciting this one was.
Camilla was such a loveable character. I admired her strength after everything she’s put through. Losing her parents and the woman who was like a mother to her hit her hard but she stood tall and carried on. Even when a new duke moves in and his not so nice mother accompanies him.
Vincent is very intriguing. On the outside he’s tough and straight to the point but underneath the harshness is his loving and smart self. He’s next in line to the throne and although he’d never say, it’s the last thing he wants. When he inherits a new estate, the estate he used to go to as a kid he sees his childhood friend is still there the girl that has always captured his attention.
Their closeness is forbidden, she’s a servant and he’s royalty. They feel the pull but know the inevitable will happen.
It’s been so much fun watching the back and forth between them but when that moments comes around..the moment they realise the can’t keep away…phew.. Let’s just say the spice hits hard in this, Vincent has a dirty dirty mouth and damn, I loved every second of it.
Also I just have to give a shoutout to Edgar because that guy had me giggling away. I love how easy it is to wind the older brother up.
AND ALSO THAT PLOT TWIST? I didn’t see that one coming..
This is a new to me author but with how well this book is written and how easily the characters came to life in my head I know I’ll be reading more in the future.
If you like a book recommendation and you’re a lover of
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Grumpy Sunshine
Workplace Romance
Spice
Duke/Housekeeper
then you’ll enjoy this one.
Camilla was such a loveable character. I admired her strength after everything she’s put through. Losing her parents and the woman who was like a mother to her hit her hard but she stood tall and carried on. Even when a new duke moves in and his not so nice mother accompanies him.
Vincent is very intriguing. On the outside he’s tough and straight to the point but underneath the harshness is his loving and smart self. He’s next in line to the throne and although he’d never say, it’s the last thing he wants. When he inherits a new estate, the estate he used to go to as a kid he sees his childhood friend is still there the girl that has always captured his attention.
Their closeness is forbidden, she’s a servant and he’s royalty. They feel the pull but know the inevitable will happen.
It’s been so much fun watching the back and forth between them but when that moments comes around..the moment they realise the can’t keep away…phew.. Let’s just say the spice hits hard in this, Vincent has a dirty dirty mouth and damn, I loved every second of it.
Also I just have to give a shoutout to Edgar because that guy had me giggling away. I love how easy it is to wind the older brother up.
AND ALSO THAT PLOT TWIST? I didn’t see that one coming..
This is a new to me author but with how well this book is written and how easily the characters came to life in my head I know I’ll be reading more in the future.
If you like a book recommendation and you’re a lover of
Forbidden Romance
Forced Proximity
Grumpy Sunshine
Workplace Romance
Spice
Duke/Housekeeper
then you’ll enjoy this one.
January 27, 2025
I absolutely adored the writing in this story—it was captivating from start to finish! The tension between Vincent and Camilla was electric, keeping me hooked the entire time. But I can’t go without highlighting my favorite character, Edgar Hawthorne. He brought so much lightness to every situation and always had something witty or funny to say, making him an absolute standout for me.
I highly recommend this book—it’s a must-read! 😮💨❤️🔥
I highly recommend this book—it’s a must-read! 😮💨❤️🔥
January 30, 2025
Que livrinho tão bom foi este 🥹
A Camilla (Little Milla) é uma mulherona e finalmente teve tudo o que merecia, queria protegê-la sempre.
Vicent embora tenhas tido alguns comportamentos que só me apetecia bater-te, perdoo-te pela maneira como proteges-te sempre sempre a Camilla.
Sarah... You can go to HELL!!! 😡
Se querem um romance proibido com bastante spicy não percam este livro 🌶🤭
A Camilla (Little Milla) é uma mulherona e finalmente teve tudo o que merecia, queria protegê-la sempre.
Vicent embora tenhas tido alguns comportamentos que só me apetecia bater-te, perdoo-te pela maneira como proteges-te sempre sempre a Camilla.
Sarah... You can go to HELL!!! 😡
Se querem um romance proibido com bastante spicy não percam este livro 🌶🤭
March 12, 2025
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into the story but when possesive Vincent showed up, I was there. The forbidden love, hot scenes and evil mother make for a interesting story. Camilla is a kind soul but this cinderella does not need saving, in the end she saves herself. And I love how she did it.
I also really liked the bond that grew between her and Edgar.
I really liked Mel's writing and yes, I really need to point out one more time how gorgeous that cover is!
I also really liked the bond that grew between her and Edgar.
I really liked Mel's writing and yes, I really need to point out one more time how gorgeous that cover is!
January 6, 2025
This was a pretty amazing Forbidden them against the world romance. With the world of royalty and expectations of the roles people play in world that looks down on some, this was a pretty incredibly beautiful story.
When you Meet Camilla in the start of this story you get a picture of a woman who was loyal to the woman she worked for and looked at as a second mother. Like her mother she worked in the home of Elizabeth Hawthorne who was a noble
Woman connected to the crown. After her mother’s passing when she was only a child, she was cared for and eventually worked for Elizabeth. So when the book starts with the passing of a pretty influential woman in her life you really feel for this woman. She is grieving but due to her position in life it was her job to serve others who show up to pay their respects to a woman she loved. Camilla even though she was not born with advantages could’ve done anything in life but she spent the last few years caring for Mrs Hawthorne.
Vincent is Elizabeth’ nephew and the one that was left with her estate. He is also second in line to be king. You
Learn quickly that when he was a child he would visit his aunt and was drawn and was friends with Camilla. But after his own father passed away those visits stopped and they hadn’t seen each other in years. It was pretty clear in the books they always had a connection, one that started as children playing to being attracted and drawn to each other. Vincent was never really allowed to be a kid and Camilla was his freedom of his responsibilities.
The spark they had was pretty clear. The forbidden aspect to the story was very strong with the possibility that Vincent, who is a Duke and was very close to becoming the next King, It made their love story that much more of a fight. They both weren’t perfect. Vincent isn’t use to certain things in life. He had expectations and pressures he never wanted. But he wants Camilla and he has moments of possessiveness and also fear of losing her. Camilla at the start was very doubtful that this was a smart thing but she can’t help it at the same time. There is a lot of angst and frustrating moments that make you feel for them. There are plenty of twists you might not see coming but are very important to the story. The main Villian in this story has one moment of showing her true colors of her character and opinion of Camilla. A content warning is this villian uses words that put Camilla down due to her Asian roots. It’s one moment but very important part of the plot in my opinion.
When you Meet Camilla in the start of this story you get a picture of a woman who was loyal to the woman she worked for and looked at as a second mother. Like her mother she worked in the home of Elizabeth Hawthorne who was a noble
Woman connected to the crown. After her mother’s passing when she was only a child, she was cared for and eventually worked for Elizabeth. So when the book starts with the passing of a pretty influential woman in her life you really feel for this woman. She is grieving but due to her position in life it was her job to serve others who show up to pay their respects to a woman she loved. Camilla even though she was not born with advantages could’ve done anything in life but she spent the last few years caring for Mrs Hawthorne.
Vincent is Elizabeth’ nephew and the one that was left with her estate. He is also second in line to be king. You
Learn quickly that when he was a child he would visit his aunt and was drawn and was friends with Camilla. But after his own father passed away those visits stopped and they hadn’t seen each other in years. It was pretty clear in the books they always had a connection, one that started as children playing to being attracted and drawn to each other. Vincent was never really allowed to be a kid and Camilla was his freedom of his responsibilities.
The spark they had was pretty clear. The forbidden aspect to the story was very strong with the possibility that Vincent, who is a Duke and was very close to becoming the next King, It made their love story that much more of a fight. They both weren’t perfect. Vincent isn’t use to certain things in life. He had expectations and pressures he never wanted. But he wants Camilla and he has moments of possessiveness and also fear of losing her. Camilla at the start was very doubtful that this was a smart thing but she can’t help it at the same time. There is a lot of angst and frustrating moments that make you feel for them. There are plenty of twists you might not see coming but are very important to the story. The main Villian in this story has one moment of showing her true colors of her character and opinion of Camilla. A content warning is this villian uses words that put Camilla down due to her Asian roots. It’s one moment but very important part of the plot in my opinion.
January 29, 2025
Imagine a grand estate where chandeliers glow like fallen stars, where whispered secrets drift through gilded hallways, and where love—fierce, forbidden, and undeniable—simmers beneath the surface.
Welcome to Vincent and Camilla’s world.
Camilla White was never meant to belong. Born to a housekeeper, raised in the shadows of nobility, she learned to hold her head high despite a world that looked down on her. When the only mother figure she ever knew—Elizabeth Hawthorne—passes away, she is left with nothing but memories and an ironclad contract that ensures her place in the estate. Enter Vincent Hawthorne, the new Duke and second in line to the throne, whose presence is as commanding as the title he carries.
From the moment he lays eyes on her again, the battle begins. Not just between them—but within them. Vincent, with his sharp tongue and sharper gaze, is a man who has spent his life bound by duty, shackled to expectations he never chose. Camilla is everything he was never allowed to want. But he wants her anyway. Desperately.
What starts as stolen glances and lingering touches soon ignites into a wildfire of emotions—raw, reckless, and impossible to contain. Vincent is possessive, protective, and utterly undone by the woman who was never meant to stand at his side. And Camilla? She fights it. She knows better. But some wars aren’t meant to be won.
This book isn’t just a romance; it’s an experience. It sweeps you into a world of royal intrigue, class divides, and a love so intense it feels like a rebellion. It’s longing and heartbreak, laughter and stolen moments in candlelit corridors. It’s Vincent falling first and falling hard, Camilla standing strong even when the world tells her she shouldn’t, and a love story that refuses to fade.
And let’s not forget Edgar Hawthorne—charming, witty, and the friend we all wish we had, bringing light to even the heaviest moments.
With a plot that grips you, a romance that sets your heart racing, and writing so vivid you’ll feel like you’re right there in the estate, this novel is a masterpiece of tension, passion, and storytelling.
So if you crave a love story that burns slow but blazes bright, that defies expectations and makes you feel every moment, then this book is waiting for you.
Dare to step into the Hawthorne estate—you may never want to leave.
Welcome to Vincent and Camilla’s world.
Camilla White was never meant to belong. Born to a housekeeper, raised in the shadows of nobility, she learned to hold her head high despite a world that looked down on her. When the only mother figure she ever knew—Elizabeth Hawthorne—passes away, she is left with nothing but memories and an ironclad contract that ensures her place in the estate. Enter Vincent Hawthorne, the new Duke and second in line to the throne, whose presence is as commanding as the title he carries.
From the moment he lays eyes on her again, the battle begins. Not just between them—but within them. Vincent, with his sharp tongue and sharper gaze, is a man who has spent his life bound by duty, shackled to expectations he never chose. Camilla is everything he was never allowed to want. But he wants her anyway. Desperately.
What starts as stolen glances and lingering touches soon ignites into a wildfire of emotions—raw, reckless, and impossible to contain. Vincent is possessive, protective, and utterly undone by the woman who was never meant to stand at his side. And Camilla? She fights it. She knows better. But some wars aren’t meant to be won.
This book isn’t just a romance; it’s an experience. It sweeps you into a world of royal intrigue, class divides, and a love so intense it feels like a rebellion. It’s longing and heartbreak, laughter and stolen moments in candlelit corridors. It’s Vincent falling first and falling hard, Camilla standing strong even when the world tells her she shouldn’t, and a love story that refuses to fade.
And let’s not forget Edgar Hawthorne—charming, witty, and the friend we all wish we had, bringing light to even the heaviest moments.
With a plot that grips you, a romance that sets your heart racing, and writing so vivid you’ll feel like you’re right there in the estate, this novel is a masterpiece of tension, passion, and storytelling.
So if you crave a love story that burns slow but blazes bright, that defies expectations and makes you feel every moment, then this book is waiting for you.
Dare to step into the Hawthorne estate—you may never want to leave.
February 4, 2025
I don't know what it is about Mel Veran but coincidentally I always end up reading the ARCs of her books when I'm in a reading slump, and each time she manages me get me out of it and fall into reading again and again. The same goes for this absolutely beautiful book. When I first started this book, I was a bit skeptical because I rarely enjoy instant attraction kind of situation (though that's not exactly the case here as they've known each other since childhood), BUT! Camilla and Vincent. They pulled me into their story so well that once the plot started building, I couldn't put the book down. Though from the blurb I had some idea about the backstories but OH! MY! GOD! The plottwistttt!!!!!!!!! I did not see it coming! The turns the story took, the way everything was staged, the way the characters were written! Everything was so so intriguing!!! And the ending! It was hilarious and so so satisfying lol! I had a lot of fun towards the last chapters!
Camilla and Vincent have such a beautiful chemistry throughout the book! They hit it off the moment their eyes connect... But they fought so hard to stay in the boundaries that they've been bound by birth to... But their attraction supersedes "reason". And they fall in love... they don't just fall. They crash into the net of love so hard for each other... For the first 50% their love burns differently, but last 50%? They 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 for each other.
It was so satisfying to not only see but also feel the passion, jealousy, love, regret, pain, heartbreak, acceptance, yearning of the story.
The book has been so fantastically written that it felt amazing to witness the pain of love and betrayal... Mel has done such a wonderful job writing this book! Such a nice reading experience it was! Thank you Mel for giving me the pleasure of reading an arc of this! Thank you!
Also,public request but I really I need my own Edgar! 🥹🥹🥹
Camilla and Vincent have such a beautiful chemistry throughout the book! They hit it off the moment their eyes connect... But they fought so hard to stay in the boundaries that they've been bound by birth to... But their attraction supersedes "reason". And they fall in love... they don't just fall. They crash into the net of love so hard for each other... For the first 50% their love burns differently, but last 50%? They 𝚋𝚞𝚛𝚗 for each other.
It was so satisfying to not only see but also feel the passion, jealousy, love, regret, pain, heartbreak, acceptance, yearning of the story.
The book has been so fantastically written that it felt amazing to witness the pain of love and betrayal... Mel has done such a wonderful job writing this book! Such a nice reading experience it was! Thank you Mel for giving me the pleasure of reading an arc of this! Thank you!
Also,public request but I really I need my own Edgar! 🥹🥹🥹
January 16, 2025
If you want the feeling of being transported to a time of kings and queens but with a modern day take this is it! Beautifully written novel of romance, forced proximity, he falls first. Spicy all around!
Camilla is just your every day housekeeper, taking over the job that was once her mother’s in the home she grew up in. Raised by her employer and taught all the mannerisms of the royal Camilla holds herself to the highest standards. Vincent, Duke of Hawthorne has just inquired his aunts estate, but with that comes a few stipulations. One being that Camilla never be fired and is to live at the estate until she chooses to leave. First glance has him struggling to stay away. Loaded with spice and drama this one keeps you wanting more!
Camilla is just your every day housekeeper, taking over the job that was once her mother’s in the home she grew up in. Raised by her employer and taught all the mannerisms of the royal Camilla holds herself to the highest standards. Vincent, Duke of Hawthorne has just inquired his aunts estate, but with that comes a few stipulations. One being that Camilla never be fired and is to live at the estate until she chooses to leave. First glance has him struggling to stay away. Loaded with spice and drama this one keeps you wanting more!
February 23, 2025
Camilla & Vincent great love
Kings and queens in modern days! Amazingly written romance, forced proximity & he falls hard/first. Spicy 🔥
Camilla is a housekeeper raised by her employer with the highest standards. She can never be fired by the Duke that inherited the estate until she chooses to herself.
The Duke tries not to give in to his desire for Camilla & she keeps hers at bay......but not for long and then everything begins with a deal....OMG I don't want to spoil anything.
Please dear dear author can we have Edgar's book ASAP!!!
Kings and queens in modern days! Amazingly written romance, forced proximity & he falls hard/first. Spicy 🔥
Camilla is a housekeeper raised by her employer with the highest standards. She can never be fired by the Duke that inherited the estate until she chooses to herself.
The Duke tries not to give in to his desire for Camilla & she keeps hers at bay......but not for long and then everything begins with a deal....OMG I don't want to spoil anything.
Please dear dear author can we have Edgar's book ASAP!!!
January 31, 2025
This is not my typical go-to trope, but the story line fascinated me and I was eager to read it. The story is really a beautiful love story that takes you away to a time of kings and queens and all that wonderful majestic pageantry. The characters are incredible and I was truly swept away into their journey of trials, tribulations, romance, passion, and true happiness. The author is very talented as she creates another time with a modern twist. A joy to read.
April 4, 2025
You could cut the tension in this book with a sword!!! It was so so addictive and hot 🔥
Camilla and Vincent were perfect for each other. They gave back to the other so good and the chemistry was instant fireworks. The angst and the forbidden aspect was so so swoony!!!
Family drama, plot twists and super hot romance, this book had everything and I'm such a fan of the author for creating this beautiful world.
Camilla and Vincent were perfect for each other. They gave back to the other so good and the chemistry was instant fireworks. The angst and the forbidden aspect was so so swoony!!!
Family drama, plot twists and super hot romance, this book had everything and I'm such a fan of the author for creating this beautiful world.
February 4, 2025
I loved it so much. Really recommend reading this book. Every detail was perfect.
April 9, 2025
So classy!
Strong characters who know what they are worth
Romantic, mystery and twists!!
Think medieval massive castles, kings, queens and family disputes!
Loved it :)
Strong characters who know what they are worth
Romantic, mystery and twists!!
Think medieval massive castles, kings, queens and family disputes!
Loved it :)
April 14, 2025
Oh. My. God. Vincent Hawthorne, you infuriating, brooding, impossible man—what am I supposed to do with you?!
He walks into Hawthorne Manor, all arrogant and untouchable, a man who doesn’t just own the estate but commands every space he steps into. And Camilla? She’s been holding this place together for years, strong-willed, determined, and completely unprepared for the storm that is Vincent.
The tension? Unbearable.
The chemistry? Unmatched.
The way he looks at her, like he’s trying not to lose control? I need oxygen.
Camilla isn’t some helpless damsel—she pushes back, challenges him, makes him feel in ways he never expected. And Vincent? He may be used to getting what he wants, but Camilla makes him work for it. Their slow-burn romance is filled with longing, heated glances, and moments so intense I had to remind myself to breathe.
And let’s not forget the secrets lurking in the shadows of Hawthorne Manor—because just when you think it’s all about forbidden love and fiery passion, the plot thickens.
If you love possessive heroes, defiant heroines, and a romance so charged it could set the whole manor on fire, drop everything and read this book NOW.
Because honestly? I’m still stuck in Vincent Hawthorne’s gravitational pull, and I don’t want to escape.
Qotd: Tell me—are you team brooding, possessive heroes or strong, defiant heroines? Because this book has BOTH!🤩🤩
He walks into Hawthorne Manor, all arrogant and untouchable, a man who doesn’t just own the estate but commands every space he steps into. And Camilla? She’s been holding this place together for years, strong-willed, determined, and completely unprepared for the storm that is Vincent.
The tension? Unbearable.
The chemistry? Unmatched.
The way he looks at her, like he’s trying not to lose control? I need oxygen.
Camilla isn’t some helpless damsel—she pushes back, challenges him, makes him feel in ways he never expected. And Vincent? He may be used to getting what he wants, but Camilla makes him work for it. Their slow-burn romance is filled with longing, heated glances, and moments so intense I had to remind myself to breathe.
And let’s not forget the secrets lurking in the shadows of Hawthorne Manor—because just when you think it’s all about forbidden love and fiery passion, the plot thickens.
If you love possessive heroes, defiant heroines, and a romance so charged it could set the whole manor on fire, drop everything and read this book NOW.
Because honestly? I’m still stuck in Vincent Hawthorne’s gravitational pull, and I don’t want to escape.
Qotd: Tell me—are you team brooding, possessive heroes or strong, defiant heroines? Because this book has BOTH!🤩🤩
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews