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The Proposition: A Novel
A woman trapped in a loveless engagement joins forces with a mysterious man bent on vengeance against her fiancé in The Proposition, a lively tale of intrigue, revenge, and romance.
What would you propose?
Clemency Fry has always been certain that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement—a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl. But her outlook on romance suddenly changes after meeting the handsome Lord Boyle. With the proposition of a different sort of union, one with mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over, but when the wedding is set and the plans are in motion, Lord Boyle turns cold and dismissive. Clemency fears the worst has come to fruition; she had been right all along about affairs of the heart. She has fallen into the one trap she swore she never would.
Then Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister, who also fell for his charm and wealth. Audric sees Clemency’s predicament as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is risky and outrageous, and could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain, but the season has just begun—and romance is surely in the air.
What would you propose?
Clemency Fry has always been certain that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement—a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl. But her outlook on romance suddenly changes after meeting the handsome Lord Boyle. With the proposition of a different sort of union, one with mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over, but when the wedding is set and the plans are in motion, Lord Boyle turns cold and dismissive. Clemency fears the worst has come to fruition; she had been right all along about affairs of the heart. She has fallen into the one trap she swore she never would.
Then Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister, who also fell for his charm and wealth. Audric sees Clemency’s predicament as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is risky and outrageous, and could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain, but the season has just begun—and romance is surely in the air.
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Published August 2, 2022
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About the author
Madeleine Roux
50 books4,868 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author of the ASYLUM series, Allison Hewitt Is Trapped, Sadie Walker Is Stranded and the upcoming House of Furies series.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 29, 2022
I might be biased but...
March 27, 2022
After reading a treatise on how unfavorable marriage is to women, Clemency Fry has grown up never intending to marry. She’s got a point; marriage in 1819 was hardly equitable for women.
But somehow, she becomes engaged to and then disenchanted by Lord Turner Boyle. We don’t see any of this action, so it’s difficult to understand how she went from thinking herself in love to desperate for an escape.
Audric Ferrand has finally tracked the person who wronged his sister. When he realizes Boyle’s fiancée is miserable, he knows she’ll fit into his plan to ruin Boyle’s reputation and asks for her help.
Historical details for 1819 were way off. Single people of the opposite sex exchanging letters, a wedding luncheon not breakfast, wearing gloves at the table, men breaking engagements without repercussion, long trains on gowns, cholera decades before Europe’s first cholera outbreak, tricorn hats, you need four people for whist not two, etc. Regency romance readers will notice.
The footnotes were so irritating. They were an unnecessary distraction that added absolutely nothing to the story.
The way Audric teases information about Boyle got old. It took too long to find out their backstory. This was slow, and without much romance between Clemency and Audric as they went along. Audric had become a tool for revenge, hunting down wrongdoers while suffering regret for not protecting his sister. And Clemency gets on board with punishing Boyle very quickly when all she had to do was end the engagement. It felt more like revenge fiction than a romance. These two had no chemistry. And I could not believe Audric couldn’t realize the reason behind Clemency’s choices that instigated their third act breakup. The final resolution was equally unbelievable.
2.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
But somehow, she becomes engaged to and then disenchanted by Lord Turner Boyle. We don’t see any of this action, so it’s difficult to understand how she went from thinking herself in love to desperate for an escape.
Audric Ferrand has finally tracked the person who wronged his sister. When he realizes Boyle’s fiancée is miserable, he knows she’ll fit into his plan to ruin Boyle’s reputation and asks for her help.
Historical details for 1819 were way off. Single people of the opposite sex exchanging letters, a wedding luncheon not breakfast, wearing gloves at the table, men breaking engagements without repercussion, long trains on gowns, cholera decades before Europe’s first cholera outbreak, tricorn hats, you need four people for whist not two, etc. Regency romance readers will notice.
The footnotes were so irritating. They were an unnecessary distraction that added absolutely nothing to the story.
The way Audric teases information about Boyle got old. It took too long to find out their backstory. This was slow, and without much romance between Clemency and Audric as they went along. Audric had become a tool for revenge, hunting down wrongdoers while suffering regret for not protecting his sister. And Clemency gets on board with punishing Boyle very quickly when all she had to do was end the engagement. It felt more like revenge fiction than a romance. These two had no chemistry. And I could not believe Audric couldn’t realize the reason behind Clemency’s choices that instigated their third act breakup. The final resolution was equally unbelievable.
2.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
May 22, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Rating: 3 Stars
Publication Date: August 2, 2022
Number of Pages: 336
"The Proposition” is a first time read by Madeleine Roux, new author to this reader. The story started out very well where we meet Clemency Fry who has been deemed unattainable where marriage is concerned but it is not until she lets down her guard and have true emotions for Lord Boyle and a betrothal is made. Lord Boyle believes he has gained an avenue of wealth from the Fry family until tragic happens and their finances are depleted. Knowing this, he starts to treat Clemency with difference and is now standoffish where she is concerned.
Audric Ferrand is determined to revenge his sister’s pain and heartache that was caused by Lord Boyle when he had an affair that left her with child as a very young woman. Upon arriving to London, he makes it his purpose to run paths with Clemency to disclose partial truths about her betrothed and gain her assistance with taking her own revenge against him and the way he is treating her and her family circumstances.
I loved this story up until a little over half the book. It started to drag a bit and the author tried to rush putting a lot of lose ends together for the plot twists and turns uncovered in the story. Unfortunately, I started to skip quite a few pages just to get close to the ending to know the outcome. Enjoyable but slow in parts. Clemency and Audric are likeable characters.
Rating: 3 Stars
Publication Date: August 2, 2022
Number of Pages: 336
"The Proposition” is a first time read by Madeleine Roux, new author to this reader. The story started out very well where we meet Clemency Fry who has been deemed unattainable where marriage is concerned but it is not until she lets down her guard and have true emotions for Lord Boyle and a betrothal is made. Lord Boyle believes he has gained an avenue of wealth from the Fry family until tragic happens and their finances are depleted. Knowing this, he starts to treat Clemency with difference and is now standoffish where she is concerned.
Audric Ferrand is determined to revenge his sister’s pain and heartache that was caused by Lord Boyle when he had an affair that left her with child as a very young woman. Upon arriving to London, he makes it his purpose to run paths with Clemency to disclose partial truths about her betrothed and gain her assistance with taking her own revenge against him and the way he is treating her and her family circumstances.
I loved this story up until a little over half the book. It started to drag a bit and the author tried to rush putting a lot of lose ends together for the plot twists and turns uncovered in the story. Unfortunately, I started to skip quite a few pages just to get close to the ending to know the outcome. Enjoyable but slow in parts. Clemency and Audric are likeable characters.
August 11, 2022
Roux doesn't disappoint with her latest novel. I have a proposition that 5 stars isn't enough to rate it. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Clemency Fry has framed her opinion of marriage based on Jane Austin and other writers, seeing it not in the best light. She never saw herself as one to fall in love and get married, but when a Baron asks for her hand, she tentatively accepts in order to help support her family. Her sister, a widow, tries to help Clemency see that marriage is a joy, not a prison sentence. Enter Audric Ferrand, a very wealthy new neighbor who brings warnings of Clemecy's fiance not being who they say they are. Hatching a scheme to ruin the Baron before he can ruin Clemency, can Ferrand truly be trusted? And what will happen when matters of the heart get in the way?
Roux is one of my favorite authors. I fell absolutely head over heels for her writing style while reading her House of Furies series(which I HEAVILY recommend for supernatural fantasy lovers!!!!). This was my first novel by Roux that did not have supernatural elements to it, but she lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I'm not a huge romance reader....I like a little romance with my plot, but if the whole story revolves around it I lose interest quickly. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed The Proposition so much, there were many cogs working in the machine, not just romance that moved it forward. I really loved that Clemency was open to marriage to assist her family and wasn't bitter about it as so many heroines tend to be. Ferrand was witty and his scheming is second to none.
Five stars and glowing reviews for The Proposition. Recommended for readers looking for a light and fun novel that has surprising reveals and a small bit of fluff. Recommended for readers 15+ as there is light smut, but nothing too graphic.
Clemency Fry has framed her opinion of marriage based on Jane Austin and other writers, seeing it not in the best light. She never saw herself as one to fall in love and get married, but when a Baron asks for her hand, she tentatively accepts in order to help support her family. Her sister, a widow, tries to help Clemency see that marriage is a joy, not a prison sentence. Enter Audric Ferrand, a very wealthy new neighbor who brings warnings of Clemecy's fiance not being who they say they are. Hatching a scheme to ruin the Baron before he can ruin Clemency, can Ferrand truly be trusted? And what will happen when matters of the heart get in the way?
Roux is one of my favorite authors. I fell absolutely head over heels for her writing style while reading her House of Furies series(which I HEAVILY recommend for supernatural fantasy lovers!!!!). This was my first novel by Roux that did not have supernatural elements to it, but she lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I'm not a huge romance reader....I like a little romance with my plot, but if the whole story revolves around it I lose interest quickly. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed The Proposition so much, there were many cogs working in the machine, not just romance that moved it forward. I really loved that Clemency was open to marriage to assist her family and wasn't bitter about it as so many heroines tend to be. Ferrand was witty and his scheming is second to none.
Five stars and glowing reviews for The Proposition. Recommended for readers looking for a light and fun novel that has surprising reveals and a small bit of fluff. Recommended for readers 15+ as there is light smut, but nothing too graphic.
August 2, 2022
The Proposition is an understated book that falls more on the Traditional Regency side of the genre. While there are plenty of romance tropes - Clemency is Engaged to the Wrong Man and decides to do something about it thanks to her relationship with Mister Right (But We Can't Admit It) - it also takes its subject matter more seriously than many current HistRom novels. The prose feels inspired by Austen or Heyer, although with less overt humor than either. Also while there is one explicit intimate scene, it verges on the flowery.
We want to mention that the book takes on queer characters and the strictures of the time in a really interesting way. At first, when a villainous character is discovered to be bi or gay, it seems as though the plot would naturally allow this to serve as a means of retribution. However, it's much more nuanced, and the way this plot point plays out is one of the best parts of the book. Recommended.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
We want to mention that the book takes on queer characters and the strictures of the time in a really interesting way. At first, when a villainous character is discovered to be bi or gay, it seems as though the plot would naturally allow this to serve as a means of retribution. However, it's much more nuanced, and the way this plot point plays out is one of the best parts of the book. Recommended.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
July 15, 2022
Clemency Fry finds herself betrothed to Lord Boyle. He pursued her relentlessly but now seems to dismiss her. Enter Audric Ferrand who comes to town to prove that Boyle is a fraud. Audric sister was misused and abandoned years ago by Boyle and he wants to ruin the man. He convinces Clemency of the truth and come up with a convoluted plot that she will continue to prepare for marriage until the moment they can expose him. That all sounds well and good but the plotting isn’t fun. The author does bring extras like visiting a Molly house or a sister that may have a relationship with another woman (all handled vaguely). But it isn’t enough make the book compelling.
Even after all the plotting the comeuppance comes at the hands of another person and the main characters aren’t there for the moment. This is a very slow burn romance taking till the 96% point before there is acknowledgment of feelings. I read a lot of historical romances but this misses the mark on a several levels. The writing makes the story feel much longer than the number of pages in the book. There is never real courtship between the main characters just plotting. And I was very disappointed that how the ending plays out. I don’t expect everything to go as planned but the heroine should have a real part in exposing Boyle. The ending is very rushed and finishes up everything in a few pages. And I’m not sure I got all my questions answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (2.5 stars)
Even after all the plotting the comeuppance comes at the hands of another person and the main characters aren’t there for the moment. This is a very slow burn romance taking till the 96% point before there is acknowledgment of feelings. I read a lot of historical romances but this misses the mark on a several levels. The writing makes the story feel much longer than the number of pages in the book. There is never real courtship between the main characters just plotting. And I was very disappointed that how the ending plays out. I don’t expect everything to go as planned but the heroine should have a real part in exposing Boyle. The ending is very rushed and finishes up everything in a few pages. And I’m not sure I got all my questions answered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. (2.5 stars)
July 20, 2022
This book is about a woman trapped in a loveless engagement who joins forces with a mysterious man bent on vengeance against her fiancé in this lively tale of intrigue, revenge, and romance.
What would you propose?
Clemency Fry has always been certain that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement—a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl. But her outlook on romance suddenly changes after meeting the handsome Lord Boyle. With promises of a different sort of union, one with mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over, but when the wedding is set and the plans are in motion, Lord Boyle turns cold and dismissive. Clemency fears the worst has come to fruition; she had been right all along about affairs of the heart. She has fallen into the one trap she swore she never would.
Then Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister, who also fell for his charm and wealth. Audric sees Clemency’s predicament as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is risky and outrageous, and could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain, but the season has just begun—and romance is surely in the air.
I liked this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
What would you propose?
Clemency Fry has always been certain that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement—a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl. But her outlook on romance suddenly changes after meeting the handsome Lord Boyle. With promises of a different sort of union, one with mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over, but when the wedding is set and the plans are in motion, Lord Boyle turns cold and dismissive. Clemency fears the worst has come to fruition; she had been right all along about affairs of the heart. She has fallen into the one trap she swore she never would.
Then Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister, who also fell for his charm and wealth. Audric sees Clemency’s predicament as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is risky and outrageous, and could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain, but the season has just begun—and romance is surely in the air.
I liked this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2022
Clemency Fry did not believe in marriage, that is until she met Lord Boyle and was charmed and completely smitten, so much so that when he proposed a mutually satisfying union, she accepted with no qualms. But soon after they became betrothed, tragedy strikes and her relationship with the once charming Lord Boyle turns sour and she is sure she has made a huge mistake. She is debating what to do when she meets Audric Ferrand and learns what kind of man her betrothed really is.
Audric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine who was seduced, ruined, and then abandoned by Lord Boyle. He convinces Clemency to help him and they begin to plot how they can bring down the vile Lord Boyle. But the proposition is not without risk, to both their reputations and their hearts.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was excited, but sadly the reality of the story was not nearly as satisfying as I had hoped. This is my first time reading this author and I found her writing style to be a bit slow and drawn out for my taste, and when you add to that the numerous historical errors regarding Regency-era etiquette, fashion, and even actual historical events, not to mention the actual comeuppance of Lord Boyle being carried out by someone other than the protagonists, I was disappointed. But overall the story had good bones and likable characters, so while it was a slow read with an even slower-burning romance and not a book I would read again, I am not sorry I read it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Audric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine who was seduced, ruined, and then abandoned by Lord Boyle. He convinces Clemency to help him and they begin to plot how they can bring down the vile Lord Boyle. But the proposition is not without risk, to both their reputations and their hearts.
When I read the blurb for this book, I was excited, but sadly the reality of the story was not nearly as satisfying as I had hoped. This is my first time reading this author and I found her writing style to be a bit slow and drawn out for my taste, and when you add to that the numerous historical errors regarding Regency-era etiquette, fashion, and even actual historical events, not to mention the actual comeuppance of Lord Boyle being carried out by someone other than the protagonists, I was disappointed. But overall the story had good bones and likable characters, so while it was a slow read with an even slower-burning romance and not a book I would read again, I am not sorry I read it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
April 30, 2022
I think the premise of the book sounded wonderful. I have three major issues with this book though.
First, the hero and heroine somehow fall in love despite every single conversation they have (except for maybe one that I counted) involving her scumbag of a fiancé and their plan for vengeance. Look, I'm all for Lord Boyle getting his comeuppance because he's rotten to the core. However, I had a hard time believing that the two leads could fall in love when all they did was talk about how awful Lord Boyle was and how they planed to ruin his life. There was no room for wooing or emotional connection between the two of them, because they didn't talk about anything of substance that would make them compatible longterm. If they were just two individuals teaming up to take down a common foe, I might have believed that story. The romance aspect? It felt thrust upon the reader with no real foundation.
*Light spoilers coming so beware*
Second, the main conflict of the book (bringing Lord Boyle to justice) was resolved by someone else other than the hero or heroine. So, we spent all this time with the two main characters as they sought revenge and plotted their schemes, and then they didn't even get the chance to obtain their goal in any sort of way. A side character (who the reader isn't really connected to at all) came in and had the villain thrown in jail. All of this action happens off the page too, so we read about it after the fact. It was just too convenient for me. It felt like an easy out to make at the end of the novel, like maybe the author wasn't sure how to conclude it. The author also spent an entire book trying to have the main characters complete this master plan and bring about the demise of this guy... only to have them in no way be the "heroes". You have to let your main characters have a hand at least in solving the main conflict. The heroine does make a noble sacrifice at the end to spare her sister, but she could have still made her noble sacrifice AND helped resolve the conflict. Or at the very least have the hero help resolve the conflict. They did all the legwork throughout the novel to take this bad guy down, but the heroine fainted when the going got tough/refused to ask for help and the hero ran away to his country house to mope.
My last complaint is that at about the 96% mark of the book is when we get these two actually doing any self-realization. So, they declare their love, quickly get married, and then do the deed all in the span of one or two chapters at the very end. Their love (that I'm not sure how they established since all the did was plot, scheme, miscommunicate, and fight/argue with each other) was neatly tided up in a few pages. I would have loved to see more depth in their relationship along the way. Maybe have them connect on something that wasn't about Lord Boyle or have a common interest besides retribution.
I wanted to love this book when I went into it, but it unraveled too much and left me too unsatisfied at the end. I was given an ebook ARC from Netgalley/the publisher. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
First, the hero and heroine somehow fall in love despite every single conversation they have (except for maybe one that I counted) involving her scumbag of a fiancé and their plan for vengeance. Look, I'm all for Lord Boyle getting his comeuppance because he's rotten to the core. However, I had a hard time believing that the two leads could fall in love when all they did was talk about how awful Lord Boyle was and how they planed to ruin his life. There was no room for wooing or emotional connection between the two of them, because they didn't talk about anything of substance that would make them compatible longterm. If they were just two individuals teaming up to take down a common foe, I might have believed that story. The romance aspect? It felt thrust upon the reader with no real foundation.
*Light spoilers coming so beware*
Second, the main conflict of the book (bringing Lord Boyle to justice) was resolved by someone else other than the hero or heroine. So, we spent all this time with the two main characters as they sought revenge and plotted their schemes, and then they didn't even get the chance to obtain their goal in any sort of way. A side character (who the reader isn't really connected to at all) came in and had the villain thrown in jail. All of this action happens off the page too, so we read about it after the fact. It was just too convenient for me. It felt like an easy out to make at the end of the novel, like maybe the author wasn't sure how to conclude it. The author also spent an entire book trying to have the main characters complete this master plan and bring about the demise of this guy... only to have them in no way be the "heroes". You have to let your main characters have a hand at least in solving the main conflict. The heroine does make a noble sacrifice at the end to spare her sister, but she could have still made her noble sacrifice AND helped resolve the conflict. Or at the very least have the hero help resolve the conflict. They did all the legwork throughout the novel to take this bad guy down, but the heroine fainted when the going got tough/refused to ask for help and the hero ran away to his country house to mope.
My last complaint is that at about the 96% mark of the book is when we get these two actually doing any self-realization. So, they declare their love, quickly get married, and then do the deed all in the span of one or two chapters at the very end. Their love (that I'm not sure how they established since all the did was plot, scheme, miscommunicate, and fight/argue with each other) was neatly tided up in a few pages. I would have loved to see more depth in their relationship along the way. Maybe have them connect on something that wasn't about Lord Boyle or have a common interest besides retribution.
I wanted to love this book when I went into it, but it unraveled too much and left me too unsatisfied at the end. I was given an ebook ARC from Netgalley/the publisher. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
July 17, 2022
The writing style was a bit hard for me to adjust to. After awhile, I got into the rhythm of it and it was ok.
All in all, a ok read but not a particular favorite of mine.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
All in all, a ok read but not a particular favorite of mine.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2022
This book is especially disappointing because it starts off really well. I loved the old world charm of this book and the Austen feel that quickly won me over so it’s unfortunate that the book fell apart so completely in the second half. Clemency is a great character who had set her heart against marriage until she was won over by her fiancé Lord Boyle but then he’s not the man he was when he was winning her heart. Then suddenly a mysterious man, Ferrand, appears with his proposition. It’s such a great premise and the first half is very well done. There’s even comical footnotes which I always love. But then when the climax of the story should be building we are faced with the complete undoing if the story.
For reasons that just seem blatantly political the author chooses to ignore the conventions and morals of the time and location of the story just to unveil two separate same sex love affairs, and if that was not preposterous enough, the male lead not only reveals himself as not straight but suddenly chooses to risk the reputation of both his sister and the woman he is falling for. All the while he is ridiculing her for being prejudiced when she is simply a woman of her times, which would make her innocent of even the understanding of any sexual relationship let alone a same sex one. Obviously the author can write as she chooses but why market this as a regency romance when it is not? The romance between the main characters is non-existence and the preposterous middle is ridiculous. No one will end up happy with this story so I don’t understand who the intended audience for it is. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
For reasons that just seem blatantly political the author chooses to ignore the conventions and morals of the time and location of the story just to unveil two separate same sex love affairs, and if that was not preposterous enough, the male lead not only reveals himself as not straight but suddenly chooses to risk the reputation of both his sister and the woman he is falling for. All the while he is ridiculing her for being prejudiced when she is simply a woman of her times, which would make her innocent of even the understanding of any sexual relationship let alone a same sex one. Obviously the author can write as she chooses but why market this as a regency romance when it is not? The romance between the main characters is non-existence and the preposterous middle is ridiculous. No one will end up happy with this story so I don’t understand who the intended audience for it is. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 24, 2022
*****5 Stars!
“Fight for me, love me, love me in the way of stories, of legends and fairy tales, be mine in the way I need.”
First I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.
The Proposition is a story about a young woman named Clemency Fry, a firm believer that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement. This is a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl, but her outlook on romance suddenly changes after she meets handsome Lord Turner Boyle. He is a man of many promises and sweet words, assuring her that their union will be one of mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over by his charms and promises. When the wedding plans are set and now in motion, her charming Lord Boyle becomes cold and dismissive. Clemency now fears the worst has come into fruition; she had been right all along about the affairs of the heart, she has fallen into a trap she swore to herself she never would.
It is not long until Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on the behalf of his sister, who had fallen for his charm and wealth. Instantly Audric takes notice of Clemency’s predicament and sees it as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is quite risky and outrageous, one that could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain for either of them, but the season has just begun--and romance is surely in the air.
This was a book I really ended up enjoying very much! I’ve always had a soft spot for Regency era romances and anything Jane Austen and this book had all that and more. From the moment I picked up this book the story had me hooked and I couldn’t seem to put it down. The Proposition was filled with so many twists and turns that I did not expect and kept me eager to get to the next chapter to find out more, the author has such a wonderful way with words and everything was described so perfectly. I could picture everything so well in my mind as I read along and not to mention put individual voices to the character’s dialogue. Each character possessed charm and complexities that made them all very interesting to read.
Clemency was a very relatable character. I loved how opinionated she was about her beliefs and how stubborn she was when it came to those who tried to tell her how to live her life. She was such a strong and clever character and I enjoyed seeing her character development flourish throughout the story. Audric was another character that I found extremely fascinating! I liked how he appeared rough and gruff on the outside, but inside he proved to be a man who cared so much about those who were important to him and would do anything to soothe their pain and make the world right for them.
I also really enjoyed the wonderful LGBTQ+ representation within this story and hearing different character’s views. This is a book that I would highly recommend to all those who love Jane Austen-like stories and Regency era romances with a scandalous/mysterious plot based around the need for revenge. I look forward to reading more books like this one, it was such a delight to read!
“Fight for me, love me, love me in the way of stories, of legends and fairy tales, be mine in the way I need.”
First I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.
The Proposition is a story about a young woman named Clemency Fry, a firm believer that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement. This is a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl, but her outlook on romance suddenly changes after she meets handsome Lord Turner Boyle. He is a man of many promises and sweet words, assuring her that their union will be one of mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over by his charms and promises. When the wedding plans are set and now in motion, her charming Lord Boyle becomes cold and dismissive. Clemency now fears the worst has come into fruition; she had been right all along about the affairs of the heart, she has fallen into a trap she swore to herself she never would.
It is not long until Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on the behalf of his sister, who had fallen for his charm and wealth. Instantly Audric takes notice of Clemency’s predicament and sees it as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is quite risky and outrageous, one that could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain for either of them, but the season has just begun--and romance is surely in the air.
This was a book I really ended up enjoying very much! I’ve always had a soft spot for Regency era romances and anything Jane Austen and this book had all that and more. From the moment I picked up this book the story had me hooked and I couldn’t seem to put it down. The Proposition was filled with so many twists and turns that I did not expect and kept me eager to get to the next chapter to find out more, the author has such a wonderful way with words and everything was described so perfectly. I could picture everything so well in my mind as I read along and not to mention put individual voices to the character’s dialogue. Each character possessed charm and complexities that made them all very interesting to read.
Clemency was a very relatable character. I loved how opinionated she was about her beliefs and how stubborn she was when it came to those who tried to tell her how to live her life. She was such a strong and clever character and I enjoyed seeing her character development flourish throughout the story. Audric was another character that I found extremely fascinating! I liked how he appeared rough and gruff on the outside, but inside he proved to be a man who cared so much about those who were important to him and would do anything to soothe their pain and make the world right for them.
I also really enjoyed the wonderful LGBTQ+ representation within this story and hearing different character’s views. This is a book that I would highly recommend to all those who love Jane Austen-like stories and Regency era romances with a scandalous/mysterious plot based around the need for revenge. I look forward to reading more books like this one, it was such a delight to read!
August 4, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a historical fiction romance set in 1819 England. Clemency is a young woman who initially was dead-set against marriage, but finds herself engaged to a dashing young baron. Lord Boyle swept Clemency off her feet, but once they were engaged, his affection cooled and Clemency is confused. Audric Ferrand shows up in town determined to get revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister. He convinces Clemency to join his cause and help him destroy Lord Boyle.
This book confused me. The first several pages of the book described how dead-set against marriage Clemency was, but then a few pages later, she's engaged with little to no explanation how that happened. Later she decides to stay engaged to help her family financially which makes sense, but that wasn't her reasoning at the beginning of the book, so again, there was really no explanation as to why she was engaged other than to say he wooed her. It seems if she really was that dead-set against marriage, she wouldn't have been so easily won over. Also, even after she discovers that Lord Boyle is a terrible man, she's still googly-eyed over Audric and wanting to marry him. Huh? What about thinking marriage is bad for women? I wouldn't be so irked about any of this if the author hadn't included the stuff about Clemency being against marriage. Then it would just be a standard romance novel and would have made more sense.
I also didn't feel there was much chemistry between Clemency and Audric, and their romance seemed rushed. I mean, they share one kiss, days go by with nothing, and then she's in love and wants to get married? Again, huh? The minor characters were ok and didn't offer much other than someone for the main characters to interact with.
Overall, this is a quick and easy story that can be read in one sitting. The story is pleasant and is a fairly standard historical fiction romance.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Random House. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a historical fiction romance set in 1819 England. Clemency is a young woman who initially was dead-set against marriage, but finds herself engaged to a dashing young baron. Lord Boyle swept Clemency off her feet, but once they were engaged, his affection cooled and Clemency is confused. Audric Ferrand shows up in town determined to get revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister. He convinces Clemency to join his cause and help him destroy Lord Boyle.
This book confused me. The first several pages of the book described how dead-set against marriage Clemency was, but then a few pages later, she's engaged with little to no explanation how that happened. Later she decides to stay engaged to help her family financially which makes sense, but that wasn't her reasoning at the beginning of the book, so again, there was really no explanation as to why she was engaged other than to say he wooed her. It seems if she really was that dead-set against marriage, she wouldn't have been so easily won over. Also, even after she discovers that Lord Boyle is a terrible man, she's still googly-eyed over Audric and wanting to marry him. Huh? What about thinking marriage is bad for women? I wouldn't be so irked about any of this if the author hadn't included the stuff about Clemency being against marriage. Then it would just be a standard romance novel and would have made more sense.
I also didn't feel there was much chemistry between Clemency and Audric, and their romance seemed rushed. I mean, they share one kiss, days go by with nothing, and then she's in love and wants to get married? Again, huh? The minor characters were ok and didn't offer much other than someone for the main characters to interact with.
Overall, this is a quick and easy story that can be read in one sitting. The story is pleasant and is a fairly standard historical fiction romance.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Random House. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2022
No one is as deaf as he who refuses to listen
Clemency finds herself in a situation. Since she was a child she said she would never marry, but along comes a Baron who changes her mind. After being engaged for a while she is starting to doubt her decision.
Now comes Audric who tells her all the barons secrets, and together they decide to bring the Baron down. They want to make him pay for all his misreads and all the women he has hurt and taken advantage of along his way.
I enjoyed the book, read it in a day as I just had to see how everything would go down.
Clemency finds herself in a situation. Since she was a child she said she would never marry, but along comes a Baron who changes her mind. After being engaged for a while she is starting to doubt her decision.
Now comes Audric who tells her all the barons secrets, and together they decide to bring the Baron down. They want to make him pay for all his misreads and all the women he has hurt and taken advantage of along his way.
I enjoyed the book, read it in a day as I just had to see how everything would go down.
December 24, 2022
At a young age, Miss Clemency Fry found a pamphlet, "On Marriage", written by Miss Bethany Taylor, a treatise against marriage. She hid it, treasured it and vowed to never wed, but after being wooed by Lord Turner Boyle, she is convinced that she is in love. But it turns out that he is a bounder and that is when Mr Audric Ferrand enters her life and offers her a chance to get revenge. Who can she trust? Their scheme almost fails, except for the intervention of the most unlikely person. I found the characters interesting and the plot engaging, but parts did get a bit tedious.
I read an ARC offered on NetGally.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I read an ARC offered on NetGally.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
August 2, 2022
Romance with a twist. Clemency is engaged to be married in an effort to save her family. Audric wants revenge on the man who hurt his sister. There are quite a few interesting characters in the story. It is a detailed story that is told from the point of view of main characters. It ends happily as Clemency finds that when you find the right person marriage is a happy state of being.
August 21, 2022
3.5 stars
RTF....
RTF....
June 19, 2022
Clemency is due to wed an imposter and all around villain despite her determination never to wed when a new man offers her a proposition to bring the fraud down. It is a tangled web on all sides and progress results in set backs for their mutual plan. All is never as it seems. Despite failures along the way, all goes right in the end. This is an engrossing story, well plotted, with amusing ghostly comments footnoting along the path to the HEA. The characters are well drawn, the plot elements sing with realistic detail, and you will root for the heroes while hoping for the villain’s ultimate comeuppance. Recommend.
April 3, 2022
This was a very well written tale of intrigue, revenge, heartbreak, and love.
I came for the romance, but stayed for the plot.
I was very curious to see if and how Lord Boyle would be taken down, because just as our protagonists learned, as did we, there is always the potential of an innocent life being ruined due to their connection to Boyle. A lack of a clean cut made the plan of revenge all the more difficult as our protagonists had to navigate personal moral and consideration of a domino effect when planning their attack. It was very interesting to see the various paths laid out.
That said-- I did come for the romance, and that was the facet that most fell flat for me.
I quite enjoyed both leads-- Clemency and Audric-- but felt their romance lacked chemistry. I never really believed they had fallen in love. It was overall a very stale romance that seemed more forced than natural. But again, I enjoyed our leads and did like how they challenged on another. Audric did not hesitate to point out Clemency's prejudices (who learned from them), and Clemency was able to to help Audric see past his thirst for revenge. They were well rounded individuals, and while their love story was not at all as I hoped, I could still appreciate their camaraderie and personal arcs. The footnotes from the fictional author were another facet that fell rather flat, as I found them rather distracting. I do wonder if it's due to the e-book form, perhaps in a physical book they would be better served.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this arc. I'm very appreciative!
I came for the romance, but stayed for the plot.
I was very curious to see if and how Lord Boyle would be taken down, because just as our protagonists learned, as did we, there is always the potential of an innocent life being ruined due to their connection to Boyle. A lack of a clean cut made the plan of revenge all the more difficult as our protagonists had to navigate personal moral and consideration of a domino effect when planning their attack. It was very interesting to see the various paths laid out.
That said-- I did come for the romance, and that was the facet that most fell flat for me.
I quite enjoyed both leads-- Clemency and Audric-- but felt their romance lacked chemistry. I never really believed they had fallen in love. It was overall a very stale romance that seemed more forced than natural. But again, I enjoyed our leads and did like how they challenged on another. Audric did not hesitate to point out Clemency's prejudices (who learned from them), and Clemency was able to to help Audric see past his thirst for revenge. They were well rounded individuals, and while their love story was not at all as I hoped, I could still appreciate their camaraderie and personal arcs. The footnotes from the fictional author were another facet that fell rather flat, as I found them rather distracting. I do wonder if it's due to the e-book form, perhaps in a physical book they would be better served.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this arc. I'm very appreciative!
July 31, 2022
📖The Proposition: By Madeleine Roux
😍look at that cover!!
⭐️⭐️💫/5
Clemency Fry has sworn off marriage after reading a forbidden pamphlet, written by a women who was shamed and dubbed a witch for her feminist views. Lord Boyle is the only man she’s let her guard down for and she agreed to forsake her views and gets engaged. She quickly realizes her atrocious lack of good judgment and madly wants to get out of this sham of an engagement.
Enter in Audric Ferrand, a man who is hell bent on taking down Lord Boyle. The two team up and shenanigans ensue.
—————————————
This was a solid 2.5 maybe 3 stars for me.
Biggest factor in this rating was the authors way of explaining the characters, specifically our leading lady Clemency. Roux uses a lot of “telling me” versus “showing me” sentences. This is a very big reading peeve for me! I don’t want be told that Clemency has an aversion to the idea of marriage, that she detests the way women are to be meek and mild. I want her actions to show me how she hates marriage, I want her actions to actively be protesting gender roles. We start off the story with the author telling us how Clemency will never get married and then it’s immediately followed up with a page about how she fell in love with Lord Boyle and is to be married. It might have helped if we get to see a bit of the relationship up to this point. Just so we are not getting whip lash from the back and forth in the first couple chapters. Like don’t preach that the character strongly feels a certain way, but all the actions and thoughts are showing the complete opposite.
It does pick up a bit when we meet Audric and if you’re not against insta-love, than you’ll love the romance in this story.
I think the part that saved this for me was the ending and the feel of the writing/story. It reminds me of reading Austen novels but mix in a wallop of Bridgerton.
Overall, it wasn’t a terrible read and I really just think the score was so low because it has my biggest reading peeve in it.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for approving me to read this ARC and give my honest opinion!!
April 12, 2022
I was initially hooked on this story of two people who had one thing in common: the wretched Lord Boyle. Clemency, engaged to Lord Boyle merely to help her family in financial matters, is brought into Auric's scheme for revenge on a man who did wrong by his sister, and claimed to be someone he is not.
Fascinated at how this story would play out, I was left feeling underwhelmed. The plot was well developed. The characters were nicely framed as interesting people. But the execution was not successful. After reading half way into the book, I began to feel as if the story was not progressing as it should. The tension was lost and the revenge plot dragged on until the end. There wasn't any development of the romantic connection between Auric and Clemency due to the honed in focus of the revenge. A revenge that could have been resolved earlier and allowed breathing room for Auric and Clemency's developing affection to take center stage.
While this story did not play out in a satisfying manner for me, I would still recommend reading this book if a story that is big on revenge and low on romance appeals to you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Fascinated at how this story would play out, I was left feeling underwhelmed. The plot was well developed. The characters were nicely framed as interesting people. But the execution was not successful. After reading half way into the book, I began to feel as if the story was not progressing as it should. The tension was lost and the revenge plot dragged on until the end. There wasn't any development of the romantic connection between Auric and Clemency due to the honed in focus of the revenge. A revenge that could have been resolved earlier and allowed breathing room for Auric and Clemency's developing affection to take center stage.
While this story did not play out in a satisfying manner for me, I would still recommend reading this book if a story that is big on revenge and low on romance appeals to you.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this eARC thanks to Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2023
This book has so many pacing issues. Almost every important or foundational scene happened off page or was recounted at a later time. This led to the story and relationship never really developing. Even for the bad guy, almost all of his evil deeds are recounted or addressed indirectly. When there’s a big betrayal, it means almost nothing because you forget that character even exists. I don’t know this author, but this looks like their first foray into historical romance and you can tell. It has (some) of the hallmarks of the genre but virtually none of the heart.
I was so excited for a heroine to go scorched earth on an evil character, in particular, I was interested in what that might look like when the revenge quest was for someone else’s benefit, and in the end, all I got was a heroine getting shat on repeatedly and then an eleventh hour resolution that was not in any way satisfying.
The hero is fine I guess. I couldn’t get a read on him, probably because of the pacing issues. He is a “hearts not parts” bisexual, but it was completely shoehorned in.
This will stay on my bookshelf for now, but it will be one of the first books purged when I run out of space.
I was so excited for a heroine to go scorched earth on an evil character, in particular, I was interested in what that might look like when the revenge quest was for someone else’s benefit, and in the end, all I got was a heroine getting shat on repeatedly and then an eleventh hour resolution that was not in any way satisfying.
The hero is fine I guess. I couldn’t get a read on him, probably because of the pacing issues. He is a “hearts not parts” bisexual, but it was completely shoehorned in.
This will stay on my bookshelf for now, but it will be one of the first books purged when I run out of space.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
This is a Regency era open door romance.
Clemency find herself in an unhappy relationship engaged to a man who appears to have lost his affection for her. When a stranger (Audric) approaches her with a scheme to trick her fiancée, she decides to go along with it. While The two work to untangle the lies surrounding her fiancée and make him pay for what he has done, Audric and Clemency begin to fall in love
The novel felt a bit too predictable and I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I hoped. But I’m sure it will appeal to Regency romance lovers
Thanks NetGalley who sent me a copy so I could review and provide my opinion.
Clemency find herself in an unhappy relationship engaged to a man who appears to have lost his affection for her. When a stranger (Audric) approaches her with a scheme to trick her fiancée, she decides to go along with it. While The two work to untangle the lies surrounding her fiancée and make him pay for what he has done, Audric and Clemency begin to fall in love
The novel felt a bit too predictable and I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as I hoped. But I’m sure it will appeal to Regency romance lovers
Thanks NetGalley who sent me a copy so I could review and provide my opinion.
August 7, 2022
This is the first time I've read Madeleine Roux and it won't be the last. She writes more in the style of traditional Regency, which is what hooked me on this genre many many years ago. Although I enjoy the newer versions of Regency romance, my heart is with the Regency's of old.
Clemency Fry is a contradiction of a character. She follows progressive women writers that are before their time in Regency England that believe women shouldn't marry if they don't want to, unfortunately unless you had a very wealthy family that believed the same, women didn't have much of a choice. And while she believes, she is swept off her feet by Lord Turner Boyle. In my opinion, she may have been charmed, but I believe her family pressured her indirectly as it's just what you do, especially considering their reactions throughout the book. Turner, however, has changed from charming to cold in a matter of weeks and Clemency doesn't understand what has happened at first.
Auric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine, and he's finally traced Lord Boyle to Round Orchard and uses his cousin's invite to crash a ball and start his plan of revenge, but first he has to find the woman engaged to him. If she's collateral damage, so be it, he figures she'll be better off in the end anyway. At least that's what he thinks until he meets her, they make a tentative bargain to work together after Auric produces some evidence for Clemency. Auric hand feeds Clemency bits of information because he doesn't completely trust her, but the more she learns, the more some things make sense. She starts investigating on her own which forces the whole truth from Auric and just how awful "Lord" Boyle really is. They put a plan in place to reveal him to society in London, but it all goes horribly wrong. As with all Regency romance, there is a happily ever after, although you will wonder how until nearly the end.
I loved the characters, Clemency and Auric, as well as Delphine and Ralston. I really wanted to slap Clemency's sister toward the end of the book and really wondered how stupid she could be after learning everything. And still was content to let her sister suffer horribly.
Thank you Random House - Ballantine & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Clemency Fry is a contradiction of a character. She follows progressive women writers that are before their time in Regency England that believe women shouldn't marry if they don't want to, unfortunately unless you had a very wealthy family that believed the same, women didn't have much of a choice. And while she believes, she is swept off her feet by Lord Turner Boyle. In my opinion, she may have been charmed, but I believe her family pressured her indirectly as it's just what you do, especially considering their reactions throughout the book. Turner, however, has changed from charming to cold in a matter of weeks and Clemency doesn't understand what has happened at first.
Auric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine, and he's finally traced Lord Boyle to Round Orchard and uses his cousin's invite to crash a ball and start his plan of revenge, but first he has to find the woman engaged to him. If she's collateral damage, so be it, he figures she'll be better off in the end anyway. At least that's what he thinks until he meets her, they make a tentative bargain to work together after Auric produces some evidence for Clemency. Auric hand feeds Clemency bits of information because he doesn't completely trust her, but the more she learns, the more some things make sense. She starts investigating on her own which forces the whole truth from Auric and just how awful "Lord" Boyle really is. They put a plan in place to reveal him to society in London, but it all goes horribly wrong. As with all Regency romance, there is a happily ever after, although you will wonder how until nearly the end.
I loved the characters, Clemency and Auric, as well as Delphine and Ralston. I really wanted to slap Clemency's sister toward the end of the book and really wondered how stupid she could be after learning everything. And still was content to let her sister suffer horribly.
Thank you Random House - Ballantine & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 16, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I mostly enjoyed this book. I find a lot of Regency Romance to be all fluff and no plot, but the plot of this book kept my attention. Unfortunately there were some things in there that just didn't make sense. The book opens telling us that Clemency never wants to get married.... but that she is engaged. Then (spoiler) she goes right into being engaged/married to someone at the end. What's the point of her being against marriage when we have honestly never once seen her be against it? I think it would have been more compelling if we could have seen their courtship. Then the reader could feel more of a sense of betrayal on Clemency's behalf.
Then there were all sorts of plot points that should have been expanded but weren't. **Many heavy spoilers follow.**
Lady Veitch's daughter getting notes from a mysterious admirer is literally mentioned once, and then turns into the deus ex machina part of the plot. Also it was pretty strange how Clemency goes from "oh my goodness, Turner is a homosexual!" to "yeah nbd I'll go to a drag club. Don't get me wrong, it's neat that the love interest is bi and that there were queer characters explicitly mentioned, but all of that would have been very illegal. I don't think a delicately bred young woman would be totally cool with it 5 minutes after learning about it. Even if she was it's a big thing to learn about and I feel like she would have needed more time to grapple with it (especially about her sister). Heck, even if she was 100% cool with this from the start she probably would have needed a minute to mentally adjust.
Also many, many, many period inaccuracies. Usually they really bother me in books like this but for some reason it wasn't so annoying in this book. The one I couldn't get over was that they talked about how fabulously wealthy Ferrand was then said he had 5000 a year. ???? Ok? 5000 is rich, sure, but it's not 50,000. However, the most annoying part? The footnotes. I ended up skipping them after chapter 1.
I know I just tore apart this book but for the most part I enjoyed it.
I mostly enjoyed this book. I find a lot of Regency Romance to be all fluff and no plot, but the plot of this book kept my attention. Unfortunately there were some things in there that just didn't make sense. The book opens telling us that Clemency never wants to get married.... but that she is engaged. Then (spoiler) she goes right into being engaged/married to someone at the end. What's the point of her being against marriage when we have honestly never once seen her be against it? I think it would have been more compelling if we could have seen their courtship. Then the reader could feel more of a sense of betrayal on Clemency's behalf.
Then there were all sorts of plot points that should have been expanded but weren't. **Many heavy spoilers follow.**
Lady Veitch's daughter getting notes from a mysterious admirer is literally mentioned once, and then turns into the deus ex machina part of the plot. Also it was pretty strange how Clemency goes from "oh my goodness, Turner is a homosexual!" to "yeah nbd I'll go to a drag club. Don't get me wrong, it's neat that the love interest is bi and that there were queer characters explicitly mentioned, but all of that would have been very illegal. I don't think a delicately bred young woman would be totally cool with it 5 minutes after learning about it. Even if she was it's a big thing to learn about and I feel like she would have needed more time to grapple with it (especially about her sister). Heck, even if she was 100% cool with this from the start she probably would have needed a minute to mentally adjust.
Also many, many, many period inaccuracies. Usually they really bother me in books like this but for some reason it wasn't so annoying in this book. The one I couldn't get over was that they talked about how fabulously wealthy Ferrand was then said he had 5000 a year. ???? Ok? 5000 is rich, sure, but it's not 50,000. However, the most annoying part? The footnotes. I ended up skipping them after chapter 1.
I know I just tore apart this book but for the most part I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
In this historical novel, Clemency is a young woman who has read the works of Miss Taylor, a feminist writer along the lines of Wollstonecraft. Clemency has taken to heart Taylor’s words about marriage being a trap for women. And yet, Lord Boyle has broken through her defenses and has gotten her to agree to marriage. Almost instantaneously he becomes cold and uninterested in her. She is puzzled but in despair: she cannot break the engagement to the well-to-do Lord Boyle because of the negative financial effects it will have on her family. Fortuitously, into the picture walks Audric in a quiet rage and hunting Lord Boyle It takes little to get Clemency to join in his revenge. He starts out small, revealing just some of Boyle’s sins yet it takes little to open her eyes and to join him in his vengeful plot. Audric at first plans to use her as a pawn in his project but as they both investigate they begin to develop feelings for one another. With her and her family’s safety on the line will Clemency be able help bring Boyle to justice and to become Audric’s real and romantic partner not pawn?
This is a lovely and mildly suspenseful novel. In a quirky twist, we learn that the omniscient narrator is the ghost of the anti-marriage, proto-feminist ghost, Miss Taylor. She speaks through end notes that are engaging and charming asides to the reader. Happily, they are sparse enough not to be annoying yet frequent enough to keep things going.
The only weakness for me was that Clemency and Audric fell in love - from strangers and adversaries to completely in love - rather abruptly without the literary support that is found throughout the rest of the book. Once they do, however, the progression of their romance is credible and real, totally supported by the actions and thoughts of each other.
There are so many layers to this book: pathos, anguish, love, amusement and revenge are all mixed together to form a beautiful cohesive and very entertaining novel. I’m sure this will be a lasting favorite. I look forward to promoting it to my patrons.
This is a lovely and mildly suspenseful novel. In a quirky twist, we learn that the omniscient narrator is the ghost of the anti-marriage, proto-feminist ghost, Miss Taylor. She speaks through end notes that are engaging and charming asides to the reader. Happily, they are sparse enough not to be annoying yet frequent enough to keep things going.
The only weakness for me was that Clemency and Audric fell in love - from strangers and adversaries to completely in love - rather abruptly without the literary support that is found throughout the rest of the book. Once they do, however, the progression of their romance is credible and real, totally supported by the actions and thoughts of each other.
There are so many layers to this book: pathos, anguish, love, amusement and revenge are all mixed together to form a beautiful cohesive and very entertaining novel. I’m sure this will be a lasting favorite. I look forward to promoting it to my patrons.
February 25, 2022
Well-written, interesting story about love, betrayal and revenge. The heroine, Clemency Fry, has grown up opposed to the idea of marriage due to the inequity accorded married women under the law during the 1800s when a married women was considered her husband’s property. Despite this serious and longheld concern about entering into matriomony, Clemency has fallen in love and agreed to marry a baron, Lord Boyal. When Clemency Fry learns that her fiancée is not who she thinks he is, she joins forces with Audric Ferrard, who is plotting revenge after Boyal seduced his younger sister.
Despite having a large cast of characters who face a number of challenges, the story is easy to follow. A few points could have used some further clarification/exposition. For example, it was never clearly explained how Lord Boyal managed to win Clemency’s heart when she was so strongly opposed to marriage. In the first significant scene between the two of the them, he is treating her coldly and won’t even look at her, causing Clemency to wonder if the engagement should be ended. Except for her older sister, her family seems oblivious to the Lord Boyal’s mistreatment, which eventually also includes verbal abuse. Similarly, since Lord Boyal’s interest in Clemency turned out to be financial, it was unclear why he didn’t marry Audric’s sister once he seduced her. Audric was wealthy and would have presumably ensured that his sister’s marriage settlements were generous.
Clarity about motivations such as these would have further enhanced the story. Also while clever, I found the footnotes from the dead author of Clemency’s favorite treatise on woman’s rights to be distracting and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending time with these characters as they worked their way to the final scene, and look forward to seeing future works from this author.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for an advance copy to review.
Despite having a large cast of characters who face a number of challenges, the story is easy to follow. A few points could have used some further clarification/exposition. For example, it was never clearly explained how Lord Boyal managed to win Clemency’s heart when she was so strongly opposed to marriage. In the first significant scene between the two of the them, he is treating her coldly and won’t even look at her, causing Clemency to wonder if the engagement should be ended. Except for her older sister, her family seems oblivious to the Lord Boyal’s mistreatment, which eventually also includes verbal abuse. Similarly, since Lord Boyal’s interest in Clemency turned out to be financial, it was unclear why he didn’t marry Audric’s sister once he seduced her. Audric was wealthy and would have presumably ensured that his sister’s marriage settlements were generous.
Clarity about motivations such as these would have further enhanced the story. Also while clever, I found the footnotes from the dead author of Clemency’s favorite treatise on woman’s rights to be distracting and unnecessary.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending time with these characters as they worked their way to the final scene, and look forward to seeing future works from this author.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for an advance copy to review.
April 15, 2025
SPOILERS AHEAD!
This was an incredibly fun and entertaining read. I was swept away almost immediately from the start. I love the characters, Clemency is very much a woman of my own heart. She is clever, intuitive, sharp and also a great lover of books. I felt the author did a great job at showing that she loved reading and that she was very clever by simply showing us rather than telling us. I thought the story developed in a very intriguing way in that I found myself unable to put down this book many times. I especially loved the scenes where Clemency was becoming more and more aware of what Boyle was up to and having her suspicions fester even more.
I think it gave me a sense of eerie creepiness similar to when you read about con artists and serial killers and how the manipulate people. Like, just reading about how Audric said that Boyle was no baron only for Clemency to be almost utterly humiliated at the dress shop where she wanted to buy new cloth for her torn up dress and tried to put it under Boyle's tab only to discover that "his money was no good here because we've never seen his money..." and that they refused to put it on his tab. Like, the way Madeleine Roux wrote that scene was brilliant. I felt this sense of creepiness towards Boyle when I read that scene because he was not who said he was...
The same goes for the scenes when she realised why he was suddenly being so nice to her. He was trying to get into her good graces the minute she seemed to have more money (via her sister in law). I felt just as Clemency did when she came to the realisation.
Overall, the story is really good. My only criticism would be a minor one which is that the romance between Clemency and Audric sometimes don't feel so natural. I feel like their chemistry at times just seem to be there because the author wrote it so. I still thought their romance is cute and sweet at times.
This was an incredibly fun and entertaining read. I was swept away almost immediately from the start. I love the characters, Clemency is very much a woman of my own heart. She is clever, intuitive, sharp and also a great lover of books. I felt the author did a great job at showing that she loved reading and that she was very clever by simply showing us rather than telling us. I thought the story developed in a very intriguing way in that I found myself unable to put down this book many times. I especially loved the scenes where Clemency was becoming more and more aware of what Boyle was up to and having her suspicions fester even more.
I think it gave me a sense of eerie creepiness similar to when you read about con artists and serial killers and how the manipulate people. Like, just reading about how Audric said that Boyle was no baron only for Clemency to be almost utterly humiliated at the dress shop where she wanted to buy new cloth for her torn up dress and tried to put it under Boyle's tab only to discover that "his money was no good here because we've never seen his money..." and that they refused to put it on his tab. Like, the way Madeleine Roux wrote that scene was brilliant. I felt this sense of creepiness towards Boyle when I read that scene because he was not who said he was...
The same goes for the scenes when she realised why he was suddenly being so nice to her. He was trying to get into her good graces the minute she seemed to have more money (via her sister in law). I felt just as Clemency did when she came to the realisation.
Overall, the story is really good. My only criticism would be a minor one which is that the romance between Clemency and Audric sometimes don't feel so natural. I feel like their chemistry at times just seem to be there because the author wrote it so. I still thought their romance is cute and sweet at times.
March 26, 2022
Clemency Fry has absorbed the writings of Bethany Taylor and others and has long inveighed against the tyranny of matrimony for woman and sworn that she would never fall into that trap. However, Lord Turner Boyle breached her defenses and secured an engagement. Yet, having won the prize, his ardor seemed to wane. Clemency would later realize that the strength of Boyle's ardor was directly proportional to the shifting fortunes of her family. She regrets her decision and would like to break the engagement, but her family is depending on the financial security that the marriage will bring about.
At a party at a neighboring estate, Clemency meets a stranger, Auric Ferrand, who has a proposition for her -- join him in ruining Turner Boyle -- name, reputation, livelihood. He tells her that Boyle is not who she thinks he is. She does not want to believe Ferrand, and he provides little information to support his claim, at least initially. However, his words enhance the doubts she already held, and soon events will suggest that there is truth behind his words. In order to carry out his plan, Clemency has to keep the engagement going and pretend everything is fine between her and Boyle, not the easiest task. While Clemency is well educated and well read, there is much about society and life about which she is naive. Her interactions with Ferrand will expose her to attitudes and behaviors with which she was not familiar and require her to reconsider her beliefs on various issues. Moreover, Boyle will not go down without a fight, and Clemency will be forced to make some difficult personal choices to protect others.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
At a party at a neighboring estate, Clemency meets a stranger, Auric Ferrand, who has a proposition for her -- join him in ruining Turner Boyle -- name, reputation, livelihood. He tells her that Boyle is not who she thinks he is. She does not want to believe Ferrand, and he provides little information to support his claim, at least initially. However, his words enhance the doubts she already held, and soon events will suggest that there is truth behind his words. In order to carry out his plan, Clemency has to keep the engagement going and pretend everything is fine between her and Boyle, not the easiest task. While Clemency is well educated and well read, there is much about society and life about which she is naive. Her interactions with Ferrand will expose her to attitudes and behaviors with which she was not familiar and require her to reconsider her beliefs on various issues. Moreover, Boyle will not go down without a fight, and Clemency will be forced to make some difficult personal choices to protect others.
I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
July 29, 2022
The Proposition is the story of a young girl, Clemency Fry, who finds the remains of a treatise written by Miss Bethany Taylor aimed at convincing other women that the institution of matrimony was both humiliating and cruel. Clemency cleans the discarded copy and reads it. As she grows to be a young woman of marriageable age, she has become quite outspoken against marriage, until she met Lord Boyle and was taken with the man. After proposing Boyle appears to have changed in the way he addresses Clemency so much so that she is sure she has made a huge mistake. She is debating what to do when she meets Audric Ferrand and learns what kind of man her betrothed really is.
Audric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine, and others that Boyle has seduced, ruined, and then abandoned by Lord Boyle. He convinces Clemency to help him and they begin to plot how they can bring down the vile Lord Boyle. But Clemency has reservations about this since her families fortune is diminishing and she may not be able to disentangle herself from Lord Boyle.
The book is interesting and is somewhat entertaining but it is a little stiff in the writing. I felt as if it was not as inviting as I expected. As the plot unfolds and we get to know our characters better it is less stilted. I was engrossed in the story until the end. The resolution of the story was not what I expected as I hoped to see Lord Boyle's unmasking in a more embarrassing way for the entertainment of it all. Still a good story and worth reading.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Audric Ferrand is on a mission to avenge his sister, Delphine, and others that Boyle has seduced, ruined, and then abandoned by Lord Boyle. He convinces Clemency to help him and they begin to plot how they can bring down the vile Lord Boyle. But Clemency has reservations about this since her families fortune is diminishing and she may not be able to disentangle herself from Lord Boyle.
The book is interesting and is somewhat entertaining but it is a little stiff in the writing. I felt as if it was not as inviting as I expected. As the plot unfolds and we get to know our characters better it is less stilted. I was engrossed in the story until the end. The resolution of the story was not what I expected as I hoped to see Lord Boyle's unmasking in a more embarrassing way for the entertainment of it all. Still a good story and worth reading.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
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