Scandalous Desires on a Summer Morning

by Stacy Reid

#HistoricalRomance 🪶 #ClassDifference 🥀 #CloseProximity 🏰 #SlowBurn 🔥 #ProtectiveHero 🖤 #StrongHeroine 💫

Sebastian, Viscount Raine, never meant to entangle himself with a woman like Maryann Winton—penniless, proud, and burdened with responsibilities that should not be his concern. Yet when she is forced to live beneath his protection, resisting her becomes a daily torment. Her presence unsettles him in ways no society beauty ever has.

Maryann knows exactly what she a woman clinging to dignity, with no fortune, no title, and no place in his world. Dreaming of more is a luxury she cannot afford—especially not with a man so far above her reach.
But in the hush of twilight, when desire speaks louder than reason, even the most carefully built walls can begin to crack…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Novella, Historical, Forced Proximity

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2025

About the author

I am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read 43 books by Stacy Reid, including this one and have been reading her since 2016. I consider her one of my favorites. I love her writing, her stories and her sex scenes are off the chain hot.

I liked this book. I liked Maryann and Sebastian. Every book I read is a HEA so not giving anything away here but I hate when a MC is a peer like Sebastian and he stubbornly refused to marry beneath him yet she's good enough to fuck and then have the nerve not to withdrawal. Just pisses me off. Like I said always a HEA but still.... Read a bit short and would have loved to gotten more depth in the story and other characters but overall a good read.

[SelinaW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody does a short spicy novella quite as Stacy Reid! She somehow managed to squeeze a full novel-worth of character backstory, with a healthy dose of slow burn yearning that you feel so invested with the MCs from the very start.

Sebastian is a perfect noble but real hero and Maryann is a no-nonsense FMC, who finds herseñf down on her luck. It was so great to see them come together and find their HEA.

Thanks to Booksprout and the author for the advance copy of this highly recommended read!

[nanoreadsxo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt very flat. Hardly Stacy Reid’s best. The fmc sounds very basic but yeah lets call her interesting ig

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Maryann Winton & her three sisters have been turned out of their home after their father dies. They go to Lord & Lady Hardwick hoping a close friend of their mother will take them in. They agree to take in the two middle sisters but not Maryann & six year old Sarah – the reason being Lady Hardwick makes the assumption that Sarah is Maryann’s child not sister, after all they look alike & Maryann’s mother died over eight years ago! Sebastian, Viscount Raine is attracted to Maryann then one night he rescues her & takes her & Sarah to his estate & installs her as his housekeeper.
A well written novella which highlights the misassumptions often made about women – think the worst & don’t believe them, judge them & cast them out. I loved both Maryann & Sebastian, the chemistry between them sizzled, I loved how their relationship deepened but it took a near disaster for Sebastian to finally realise his future
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is listed as a second book in Seasons of Love, but appears to be a stand alone story from book 1.

Maryann Winton and her three sisters were left orphaned and homeless when their father, a baronet, died. Their cousin, the heir, has no interest in taking in and caring for four impoverished female relatives with no prospects, especially when there is scandal attached to the family. So as the eldest, she shepherds her sisters to their best hope. An old friend of her fathers, the Earl of Hardwick was named their guardian, and his countess was an old friend of Maryann's mother. She puts herself and her sisters at their mercy.

But the countess is heartless and based on what she sees of Maryann and her youngest sister, makes presumptuous judgements, and only is willing to take on the Maryann's middle two sisters. Not wishing to be tainted by presumed scandal, the Countess forces Maryann and her youngest sister out, to find their own way, only giving the barest of assistance by finding her a job as a companion in another noble household, which Maryann is forced to leave when she is assaulted.

Coming to her rescue is Sebastian, Viscount Raine, who is the heir and only child of the Earl and Countess of Hardwick. Perplexed by the lack of compassion demonstrated by his parents, and feeling sorry for Maryann, Sebastian offers her and her sister a haven, and the position of housekeeper at his estate, as he renovates. Sebastian and Maryann find themselves becoming friends, then more as they enjoy the time they spend together, but Sebastian is torn between duty and his attraction to Maryann, especially as he has promised his matchmaking mother that would would marry a proper bride before he turns 30.

A pleasant historical romance, with a poor, beleaguered heroine painted and judged unfairly by scandal, saved by a prince, but one with clay feet initially as he engages in an affair with her, but still with the intention of abiding by his duty to his parents. Of course heartbreak ensues and must be overcome to find their HEA.

But is it really an HEA because Maryann will end up having a cold, heartless, witch of a mother in law who would thought so little of her as to kick her and her little sister to the street and separate their family?

No bueno at those family dinners in the future....

3 stars out of 5

[Marion Löw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impossible Romance

A sweet slow-burn forbidden love romance with added class disparity and close proximity tropes, which I liked but is not one of my favorite books by this author. The plot is very well written and shows once again how false assumptions and rumors can destroy a young woman's life and reputation. There are heartwarming but also frustrating moments, instant attraction, great chemistry, longing, inner conflict, and a few spicy love scenes. I found the characters likable. Sebastian is a protective and honorable hero. I can imagine that some readers will disagree, but he didn't make any false promises, which I liked. Maryann is a strong, proud, and caring heroine who sacrifices herself for her sisters' happiness. It was nice to see how the relationship between the two developed and that they were able to find their HEA against all odds.

After the death of their father, Maryann Winton and her younger sisters are evicted by the new heir and seek support from a former friend of their late mother. However, Lady Hardwick refuses to take in all four sisters, as she assumes that Maryann is actually the mother of the youngest girl, Sarah, since Maryann’s mother had already died at the time of Sarah's birth. So she arranges a position as a companion for Maryann, but when the son of the house harasses her, Maryann is forced to flee and meets Sebastian, Viscount Ranford and Lady Hardwick‘s son, on her way home, who takes her and Sarah in and wants to look after them both. He offers Maryann a position as housekeeper at his country estate, which he is currently renovating, and she accepts.
Sebastian is a dutiful son who has left his rakish life behind and devoted himself entirely to renovating his estate. Since his first meeting with Maryann, he has been attracted to her, but he knows that nothing more can come of it, as her name is linked with scandal and his own family honor will not allow him to sully it...

Overall, an entertaining historical quick read with likable protagonists, heartfelt moments, challenges, spice, and a deserved happy ending, that I am happy to recommend!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her father baronet Sir Percival Winton died, twenty-three year old Maryanne and her three younger sisters were evicted from their home by the new baronet. Her father had named the Earl of Hardwick as their guardian, so the four of them packed what little they had and journeyed to Hardwick Manor. The Countess of Hardwick was willing to take in seventeen year old Elizabeth and sixteen year old Vivian, but not Maryanne and five year old Sarah. The Countess was convinced that since their mother had died nine years ago, Sarah was Maryanne’s illegitimate child and associating with her would ruin everyone’s reputation. Sebastian, Viscount Ranford, and only son of Lord and Lady Hardwick, met Maryanne at his parents’ house the day that they arrived and was intrigued by her. When he stumbled upon her after she and Sarah left Hardwick Manor, he offered her a position in the estate he was renovating. It soon became obvious that Maryanne and Sebastian were developing feelings for each other, but both knew what society expected from a future earl, and Maryanne did not fit the bill. After overhearing an argument between Sebastian and his mother, Maryanne took her future into her own hands. Absence and a near death experience clarified what Sebastian wanted in his life. This story will ignite your anger and break your heart. Lady Hardwick’s behavior is so appalling that even her dutiful son will not tolerate it. You will find multiple steamy scenes, delightful childish behavior, playful kittens, laughter, and ah-ha moments, as well as lecherous advances, prejudice, falsehoods, and one terrifying battle. This story is well written, full of emotion and will keep your attention from beginning to end!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley-Ann Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the true gift of a storyteller lies in their ability to take a simple premise and transform it into something utterly captivating - something that makes you feel deeply for the people on the page. Stacy Reid is one of those rare authors. She has a remarkable talent for weaving emotion into her stories so beautifully that you can almost feel the characters’ pain and longing as your own.

Maryann, the eldest sister, shoulders the burden of protecting her younger siblings from destitution. She endures cruel assumptions and unkind words, choosing silence to shield them from harm. It’s such a simple, selfless act but the way it’s written made me ache for her and burn with anger on her behalf.

Sebastian, meanwhile, sees Maryann’s strength, compassion, and quiet dignity, yet still finds himself torn between his heart and his duty to his mother’s expectations. Again, it’s a simple setup, but Stacy Reid turns it into something profoundly moving and deeply romantic.

I adored both Maryann and Sebastian and found myself wholeheartedly rooting for their happily ever after. By the time the book finished, I wasn’t ready to let them go. I wanted to know how many children they had, what their life became, and how long their love endured. I was completely invested in them and that, to me, is the mark of a truly beautiful love story.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sebastian, Viscount Ranford, never meant to entangle himself with Maryann Winton. But when she takes a position in his household, resisting her becomes a daily torment.

This is the second book in the Seasons of Love series but reads as a standalone. Miss Maryann Winton is penniless but proud. After the death of her father, her two middle sisters are taken in as wards of Sebastian's parents. Maryann is seen as too old to debut and there are nasty rumors that her youngest sister (her father's child with a widow, born after the death of Maryann's mother) is actually Maryann's illegitimate child. She is placed as a lady's companion but soon flees after her wages are reduced and the lord of the manor tries to assault her. Sebastain comes to her rescue, though, offering her a job.

I really liked the idea of this story, but something about the couple's relation just hit a wrong note for me. After having her reputation destroyed, Maryann swears she's not going to be a man's mistress. But she throws herself too quickly into Sebastian's arms after a short period of time. I think it was just a pacing issue with a shorter page count. 3.5 stars.

Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Forced Proximity

Steam: 2

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was not the usual one it was refreshingly unexpected! We have four sisters. Their father passed and they are all but destitute. They come to request aid of a countess who was a friend of their mothers!
The youngest sister favors the elder so much everyone assumes she is the mother!
She is immediately judged and labeled less than and tarnished! The girls are all beautiful but the elder stressed I think with the cares of ensuring their welfare is not seen as beautiful! She is inside and out!
We have Miss Maryann Winton whose father was a minor Baronet who made no provisions for his daughters!
When Maryann first encounters Viscount Ranford aka Sebastian she is fearless in her defense of little Sarah!
Sebastian is a spoiled young Lord who is an only child but is already growing weary of the same entertainments in town! Maryann sparks something in him to be better and appreciate his privilege! They try to stay away but they can't! When Maryann knows it’s hopeless to love Sebastian she leaves! But a near death experience show them what’s really important! Can he thwart his mother’s plans for him for love? Bravo well done!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryann and her three sisters were orphans. Their guardians had been chosen based on a friendship with their late mother. Unfortunately, the youngest sister had been born well after their mother's death. For this reason, the most obvious assumption was that Maryann, the oldest, had born the child out of wedlock. Once they met their guardian the countess, she refused to shelter Maryann and the youngest sister. Maryann was forced to provide for the two of them but luckily, she ran into Sebastian, their guardian's handsome heir. Sebastian hired Maryann as his housekeeper. It was honest work but the two of them were very attracted to one another.
This story is not exactly a struggle of class differences. It mainly dealt with the fact that society would not be compassionate towards a supposedly single mother or an illegitimate child. The other two sisters were accepted--but they were told not to ever mention their disgraced family.
In the end, the question is whether the feelings of Sebastian and Maryann will lead to devastating heartbreak or some sort of a future together. The story was exciting, and I wasn't able to stop reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destitute and desperate, Maryann Winton arrives at the home of her late mother’s friend with her three sisters. Lady Hardwick is willing to take in two of the sisters, but refuses Maryann and the youngest because she thinks, but does not know and does not ask, that Sarah is not a sister but Maryann’s illegitimate daughter. When Maryann ends her employment unexpectedly, Sebastian, the Hardwick son, takes her and Sarah in and makes her the housekeeper at the estate he is renovating. Although he is attracted to Maryann, he clings to his mother’s insistence that he take a “suitable” wife. When their attraction becomes more, he still will not offer her marriage. Things become a lot clearer to him when he almost loses her. Sebastian is noble when he rescues Maryann and Sarah, but slips a bit when he won’t let himself commit to Maryann. It takes a near tragedy to make him see the light. Maryann is wonderful, dedicated to her family and determined to do what’s best for them. Sarah is a delight. This is a lovely slow-burn romance with engaging characters, a few problems, and a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[SusanT62 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maryanne and her three sisters have been evicted from their home. They journey to the estate of Lady Hardwick to find refuge. Unfortunately she will only accept two of the girls and casts out Maryanne and her youngest sister. Lady Hardwick’s son, Sebastian is under pressure to marry. He meets Maryanne and their future is changed.

There was a big deal about Maryanne possibly being the mother of the youngest sister. It was constantly harped on by Sebastian’s mother. This could have been nipped in the bud in the beginning if the question was asked. Maryanne being such an honest person would have told the truth. Of course, the story would have changed since the “unwed” mother trope wouldn’t apply any longer.

However, I did enjoy their characters of Sebastian and Maryann. They did have chemistry and Sebastian was willing to stand up to his parents for Maryann. This was a fairly short book and it was a very quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rozzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Ms. Stacy Reid’s romances, and I had been missing her stories for quite a while. Well, when this book came out, of course, I was eager to read it! Ms. Reid always knows how to write an engaging story with wonderful characters that you can’t help but fall for that it’s easy to get pulled into the book yourself. This might be the second in the series and a novella. The beauty of this tale is you don’t have to read the first one to understand what is going on. Also, the story feels complete. Even though you want to stay in her world, it’s enough of a story to keep you happy. Of course, I will go back and read the first one because I am now hooked and want to see what happens in the first book. Maryann is your perfect feisty heroine who withstands everything and cares so deeply for her family that I just adore her! While Sebastian, the wedding shy Viscount, made me smile because he treated Maryann so superbly that I couldn’t help but fall for him that I have added him to my ever-growing list of book boyfriends. That will I read more? Of course, I will!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, full of drama, love, intrigue, family, action, society, emotions, hopes and dreams. Mary Ann is a young girl who is caring for her 3 sisters. Their father has died and left them in the care of the Earl and Countess, their mother's friend. When they arrive at the home of the Earl, Mary Ann doesn't feel that things are alright. She listens to them talking and realizes that they think she is the mother of Sarah, the youngest. She is found by Viscount Sebastian and the sparks fly between them. She leaves her two sisters with the Countess and takes a job elsewhere. Things do not go well and she has to run from that job right into the arms of Sebastian. He offers her and Sarah a home and a job of housekeeper. As they spend more time together their feelings grow and the steam happens. They get to their happily ever after and have a great epilogue for the readers. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandalous Desires on a Summer Morning delivers exactly what the title promises - heat, heart, and a heroine who refuses to be crushed by society’s cruel assumptions. Maryann Winton, cast out with her little sister, proves resilience can be downright irresistible, especially to Sebastian, Viscount Ranford. Their chemistry sparks like flint and steel, and watching their bond deepen is pure reader catnip.

But here’s why I nudged my rating down from a perfect 5: Sebastian’s stubborn adherence to “marry equal or up to advance the family name", left a sour taste in my mouth. He was more than willing to enjoy Maryann’s innocence, and spending within her without a morale thought, when he knew he would not/could not offer her the respect of marriage - and then disaster forced his hand. That double standard kept me from swooning quite as hard as I wanted. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, about Maryann and Sebastian. I liked both characters. Maryann was a devoted sister, trying to figure out where her and her three sisters can live after her father died. She has no family and no money. She decides to ask her mother’s friend if she will take them in. Lady Hardwick decides to help Maryann’s two sisters because she thought her younger sister was Maryann’s illegitimate daughter, she did not want her to stay with them. Sebastian is Lady Hardwick’s son, he is a wonderful man and is nice to Maryann from the beginning. Sebastian ran into Maryann and decided to take her to his house and give her a job to help her. He was always so sweet to her. I would like Maryann’s sisters to have stories.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick but enjoyable read, it can be read in an afternoon. A great way to spend a dull, rainy day! Maryann was the eldest of the four sisters and had a kind and caring nature. Sebastian, Viscount Ranford, is fascinated by his first meeting with Maryann but it is later that she accepts his help. There is an obvious attraction but Sebastian is expected to marry someone his mother approves of. This story moved along at a good pace, had some lovely characters but Sebastian’s mother was not one of them. I was surprised how quick she was to judge another female, although she knew little about her. This does have a satisfying ending and it was good to read about an aristocrat who didn’t mind doing some work! I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shuvai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scandalous Desires on a Summer Morning by Stacy Raid

Stacy Raid delivers a heartfelt historical romance in Scandalous Desires on a Summer Morning. The story follows Maryann, who, with her three sisters, seeks refuge from her mother’s former friend—only to be cruelly rejected due to malicious rumors. In her darkest hour, Sebastian steps forward, offering her work as his housekeeper and cook.

As the two spend time together, affection blossoms into love. Yet the rigid class boundaries of their world threaten to keep them apart. Only when Sebastian realizes he may lose Maryann forever does he make the bold choice that changes both their lives.

A tender tale of resilience, courage, and forbidden love, this novel beautifully captures the spirit of historical romance. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmm..this wasn’t S.R best work. Errors and the story was frustrating to say the least. Sooo much focus on Maryann being the mother of Sarah and not her sister, which really could have been nipped in the bud from the jump but they dragged that out.

I noticed that S.R has at least 3 books coming out and I wonder if she is just trying to get them out and meet deadlines especially since one of the books release date keeps getting pushed back over and over…I say this because maybe the rushing is affecting the storylines and overall outcome of her books. This one did not have her normal pizzazz.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of her parents Maryann goes to see Lady Hardwick an old friend of her mothers who she hopes will take her and her three sisters in but is disappointed when she agrees to only take two and dismissing her and the youngest because she thinks little Sarah is actually her child which is not true. As it turns out she and Sarah end up with Sebastian who is the son of Lady Hardwick. What happens next is a tell so heartbreakingly sweet as she finds her way with dignity and pride. Wonderful book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Divine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reid always gives the reader great stories. She has the ability to draw the reader in and make them form an attachment to the main characters in q quick read.

As with all her stories there is always passion, sex longing and attraction. I must say that I love the building of the relationship in everyone of her stories. There is always the deepening between the main characters util the breaking point and oh how sweet it is.

While this isn't my favorite of her stories it was still an awesome story and characters.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Delight!
This is a short but absolutely devine story which tells of how Sebastian, Viscount Raine and Maryann Winton meet and fall passionately in love and beyond.
I really loved that the story moved along at a good pace and kept my attention throughout without losing anything at all.
It is very definitely a book to be read and enjoyed, as I have.
I have just finished reading an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maryann and her sisters are desperate when they arrive on her deceased mother's friend's doorstep looking for shelter but she can't accept her youngest sister Sarah believing her to be Maryann's illegitimate child and turns her away. The countess's son Sebastian takes them in and offers her employment but even when they draw closer he tells her, he has to lose her to open his heart. This was a steamy novella romance.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable historical romance novella.

Stacy Reid is one of the best at delivering an engaging spicy historical romance that tugs at your heartstrings. In this entertaining short novella she gives the reader a perfect heroine, Maryann, who faces adversity with courage and determination and has a heart of gold. For a pure escapism happily ever after story, this tale is hard to beat.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandalous Desires on a Summer Morning
By Stacy Reid

Another new author for me and a delightful discovery.
This book was light, steamy and beautifully crafted into well written romance. The characters had personality, warmth, compassion and honor. The plot was the love story unveiled. I enjoyed this one. Thank you Stacy

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a LOT of Stacy’s stories and loved all of them (with the exception of one) so I am sad to say this story was just average. Nothing that special about it. Stacy writes really well and I read this quickly. There was too much emphasis on one issue and not enough on the chemistry and development of the love story. I will definitely continue reading Stacy.

[Ly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has interesting characters and storyline. It features beautiful slow-burning and class-difference tropes, with two endearing main characters, Maryann and Sebastian. I liked the connection between them. The book reads very quickly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this author’s books. She makes the scenes come alive in your imagination with such clarity that it seems as if you are there. Marianne and Sebastian are both strong characters, and I loved how their romance played out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reputation…

Maryann, eldest daughter of a baron is making one last attempt to herself and her sisters safe. Including her youngest half sister. She is at a wealthy earls estate and sparks the interest of the son, Sebastian, Viscount Ranford. He likes a chase but there’s a list his mother has for him…
Recommend for a great read.