What do you think?
Rate this book
A Marquess Scorned
A darkly romantic tale of a secretive heroine, a brooding marquess, and a marriage of friendship that turns to irresistible desire.
Gabriel Saville, Marquess of Rothley, learned long ago that love is a dangerous illusion. Betrayed by his father, abandoned by the woman he adored, and deceived by his closest friend, he has spent a decade trusting no one. Society calls him cold and unyielding, a man who bends to no will but his own. Yet what he despises above all are secrets. So why can he not resist the enigmatic Miss Woolf?
Olivia Woolf is running from her past, and danger stalks her at every step. When Rothley offers the protection of his name, their union begins as a marriage of friendship. But the more he seeks to uncover her mystery, the more captivated he becomes. And as desire flares between them, Rothley must decide if he dares risk his heart again—or lose his only chance of salvation.
– A brooding, protective marquess
– A heroine with a perilous secret
– Marriage of convenience
– Forced proximity in a gothic estate
– Reluctant trust, irresistible desire
– Danger, betrayal, and deadly pursuit
– Love against the odds
– A slow-burn romance
Secrets divide them. Passion may destroy them. Love could save them both.
Gabriel Saville, Marquess of Rothley, learned long ago that love is a dangerous illusion. Betrayed by his father, abandoned by the woman he adored, and deceived by his closest friend, he has spent a decade trusting no one. Society calls him cold and unyielding, a man who bends to no will but his own. Yet what he despises above all are secrets. So why can he not resist the enigmatic Miss Woolf?
Olivia Woolf is running from her past, and danger stalks her at every step. When Rothley offers the protection of his name, their union begins as a marriage of friendship. But the more he seeks to uncover her mystery, the more captivated he becomes. And as desire flares between them, Rothley must decide if he dares risk his heart again—or lose his only chance of salvation.
– A brooding, protective marquess
– A heroine with a perilous secret
– Marriage of convenience
– Forced proximity in a gothic estate
– Reluctant trust, irresistible desire
– Danger, betrayal, and deadly pursuit
– Love against the odds
– A slow-burn romance
Secrets divide them. Passion may destroy them. Love could save them both.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
93 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Adele Clee
56 books532 followersAdele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee
Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 25, 2026
Clee is my guilty pleasure.
Everyone needs to give this last book in the Burnished Jade a read. It was fast paced, super sexy, and it had lots of heart. ❤️ The intrigue and mystery was top notch and I loved Gabriel and Olivia together.
Everyone needs to give this last book in the Burnished Jade a read. It was fast paced, super sexy, and it had lots of heart. ❤️ The intrigue and mystery was top notch and I loved Gabriel and Olivia together.
January 22, 2026
Secrets steeped in mystery, betrayal & poetry!
From the first stolen moments, Gabriel and Olivia commanded attention. Interwoven into the pages of past books within this series, the anticipation, fascination and lure to delve deeper into their evident connection grew. An alluring curiosity, seeded in the background, yet quietly waiting to take root, has been teasing where it would bloom in the promise of their own tale for a while now and finally A MARQUESS SCORNED was born and fulfilled that need so beautifully.
It ran with a race again time hunt to unpick the darkness that shrouded our heroine, laced in a web of secrets and fuelled by a deep need in our hero to protect, trust and seek answers thought forever just out of reach.
As shared captured moments built and slowly enticed through friendship, attraction, and a growing deepset understanding of the other. Secrets, betrayals and poetry all combined to beg to be dissected in this heady combination of romance wrapped in a dark mystery that engaged and drew me in so inescapably.
The clever poetic way Clee crafts a story never fails to pull me in until I can reach out and almost taste, touch and see as they do.... feeling their emotions resonate so keenly, i became invested in the wit flowing between them and the alluded to danger enveloping them in it's snare that just had to be unravelled.
As a result, Gabriel and Olivia's friendship builds with such flow into a sensually intimate emotional connection that feeds the story, connects you emotionally to their hurts, insecurities and hopes and teases with a slowly tantalising passion that allows the romance to engage you as much as the twists and turns thrill, as we're sent down a path injected with clues, anticipation and a darkness lurking in the shadows ready to pounce.
Clee has this ability to make me fall in love so easily with her leads everytime, the intimacy between the characters is so gratifying it simmers and soothes, burns with hot passion yet blankets you in a love that desires the foundation of trust to protect and craft it... Clee had me so effortlessly hooked and invested in this pair from the first chapter.
A wonderful ending to a series that feeds so enticingly into a world of characters that will keep me coming back for more, time and time again as a new series seems set to be derived from the bones and comfort of the last; can't wait! Highly recommended read and series!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
From the first stolen moments, Gabriel and Olivia commanded attention. Interwoven into the pages of past books within this series, the anticipation, fascination and lure to delve deeper into their evident connection grew. An alluring curiosity, seeded in the background, yet quietly waiting to take root, has been teasing where it would bloom in the promise of their own tale for a while now and finally A MARQUESS SCORNED was born and fulfilled that need so beautifully.
It ran with a race again time hunt to unpick the darkness that shrouded our heroine, laced in a web of secrets and fuelled by a deep need in our hero to protect, trust and seek answers thought forever just out of reach.
As shared captured moments built and slowly enticed through friendship, attraction, and a growing deepset understanding of the other. Secrets, betrayals and poetry all combined to beg to be dissected in this heady combination of romance wrapped in a dark mystery that engaged and drew me in so inescapably.
The clever poetic way Clee crafts a story never fails to pull me in until I can reach out and almost taste, touch and see as they do.... feeling their emotions resonate so keenly, i became invested in the wit flowing between them and the alluded to danger enveloping them in it's snare that just had to be unravelled.
As a result, Gabriel and Olivia's friendship builds with such flow into a sensually intimate emotional connection that feeds the story, connects you emotionally to their hurts, insecurities and hopes and teases with a slowly tantalising passion that allows the romance to engage you as much as the twists and turns thrill, as we're sent down a path injected with clues, anticipation and a darkness lurking in the shadows ready to pounce.
Clee has this ability to make me fall in love so easily with her leads everytime, the intimacy between the characters is so gratifying it simmers and soothes, burns with hot passion yet blankets you in a love that desires the foundation of trust to protect and craft it... Clee had me so effortlessly hooked and invested in this pair from the first chapter.
A wonderful ending to a series that feeds so enticingly into a world of characters that will keep me coming back for more, time and time again as a new series seems set to be derived from the bones and comfort of the last; can't wait! Highly recommended read and series!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the last book in this series and one, those of us who have read all the books have waited for. Adele did not disappoint us, it is wonderful in a dark, suspenseful way. Some much going on and with Lord Rothley, Gabriel and Miss Woolf, Olivia. Anyone who has read some of Adele's series will be finding some of our favorite characters again, like Mr. Daventry and his group. The ladies from the Burnished Jade and more. Olivia is running and hiding for her life. After her father died and left her some very interesting items, notes and clues to what she doesn’t know. All she knows is someone what's then enough to kill for them. She met Gabriel at the Burnished Jade and now he has found her. If he can find her hidden in the country, then so can the others. He makes her an offer to help, protect her and more. She is at her wit's end, and after more danger arrives, she has no choice but to go with him. What a read, the witty banter between them is great, along with the way they let their feelings be known by using filtration quotes from poems they both love to read. They both value the truth over anything and will learn they have more in common than they could ever know. Following the clues and finding out how the past needs the present to solve not only a mystery but stop the villains and evil before more are hurt. So many twists and turn along with feelings and passion too. Run, grab a copy, and get started. It is best to read the books in order as each book has clues in them. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gabriel Saville, Marquess of Rothley - A brooding fortress of a man who’s been burned one too many times. Betrayal carved steel into his spine, but beneath the frost is a fiercely protective heart just waiting for the right woman to thaw it. He hates secrets… which is unfortunate, because he’s about to fall for one.
Olivia Woolf - A woman on the run, wrapped in mystery and grit. She’s clever, cautious, and carrying a past sharp enough to cut. Olivia doesn’t want a savior, she wants safety, autonomy, and a chance to breathe. But Rothley’s offer of marriage-as-shield might be the one risk she can’t outrun.
dramatic.
What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes a slow-burn tangle of trust, desire, and danger. Rothley wants answers. Olivia wants protection. Neither expects the friendship that forms between them…or the spark that refuses to stay contained. As secrets close in and enemies circle, their fragile alliance becomes the only thing standing between survival and heartbreak.
Adele Clee delivers exactly what she’s known for: a twisty, atmospheric romance where danger prowls, passion simmers, and two wounded souls learn to risk their hearts again. A Marquess Scorned is darkly romantic, beautifully paced, and anchored by a couple you can’t help rooting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Olivia Woolf - A woman on the run, wrapped in mystery and grit. She’s clever, cautious, and carrying a past sharp enough to cut. Olivia doesn’t want a savior, she wants safety, autonomy, and a chance to breathe. But Rothley’s offer of marriage-as-shield might be the one risk she can’t outrun.
dramatic.
What begins as a marriage of convenience quickly becomes a slow-burn tangle of trust, desire, and danger. Rothley wants answers. Olivia wants protection. Neither expects the friendship that forms between them…or the spark that refuses to stay contained. As secrets close in and enemies circle, their fragile alliance becomes the only thing standing between survival and heartbreak.
Adele Clee delivers exactly what she’s known for: a twisty, atmospheric romance where danger prowls, passion simmers, and two wounded souls learn to risk their hearts again. A Marquess Scorned is darkly romantic, beautifully paced, and anchored by a couple you can’t help rooting for. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Melting the Heart of Her Marquess
I have been anticipating Lord Rothley's story since he was an intriguing supporting character in the first three books of the Tales from The Burnished Jade series. Finally, his journey into mystery and love is here. It was so worth the wait.
Starting with a perfect cover and finishing with a sigh-worthy ending, this latest book from the pen of Adele Clee is probably (in my humble opinion) her best. As this exceptional author's thoughts emerged as words in my e-reader, a tightly woven visual tapestry in startling vivid clarity came alive. Yet another reason why the right cover really does matter in setting a necessary visual image.
From the first sentence, I loved everything about this totally absorbing book. Gabriel and Olivia's stand-alone tale moved smoothly from scene to scene, and as with Ms. Clee's other books, the pace was steady as it kept me guessing, and ignoring the ringing phone. The unexpected plot twists were truly surprising, but it was the romance that made my heart pound. Ms. Clee is the master of sensually wild and tender sexually intimate scenes.
A Marquess Scorned has it all. I look forward to reading it again.
Content 411: This book contains mild swearing and intimate marital scenes, which are explicit.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
I have been anticipating Lord Rothley's story since he was an intriguing supporting character in the first three books of the Tales from The Burnished Jade series. Finally, his journey into mystery and love is here. It was so worth the wait.
Starting with a perfect cover and finishing with a sigh-worthy ending, this latest book from the pen of Adele Clee is probably (in my humble opinion) her best. As this exceptional author's thoughts emerged as words in my e-reader, a tightly woven visual tapestry in startling vivid clarity came alive. Yet another reason why the right cover really does matter in setting a necessary visual image.
From the first sentence, I loved everything about this totally absorbing book. Gabriel and Olivia's stand-alone tale moved smoothly from scene to scene, and as with Ms. Clee's other books, the pace was steady as it kept me guessing, and ignoring the ringing phone. The unexpected plot twists were truly surprising, but it was the romance that made my heart pound. Ms. Clee is the master of sensually wild and tender sexually intimate scenes.
A Marquess Scorned has it all. I look forward to reading it again.
Content 411: This book contains mild swearing and intimate marital scenes, which are explicit.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Gabriel's story is one I've been itching for since the first moment he stepped onto a page as a secondary character, and I was not disappointed. He was just the perfect hero, and I loved that Olivia recognized his worth and saw him for who he truly was. These two were careful of one another's feelings and traumas and I loved seeing their relationship grow and develop despite the threats they had to fight for most of the book. This story had so many twists and turns, even for an Adele story, and I found it difficult to put down. I found this series ending quite satisfying and I can't wait to see where Adele takes us next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 22, 2026
The Perfect Ending To An Amazing Series.. and One of The Many Reasons Why I Keep Coming Back To This Authors Books.
Fate intertwined with a mystery..
Olivia and Gabriel meet under what they thought was a chance situation only to find out their lives have been destined intertwined for a long time by a puzzle by her father and a very large network of people who have betrayed their country except now they are both in danger..
Only thing is he doesn't trust anyone neither does she after all he has been betrayed by everyone in his life and she's been on the run for years since her father passed away.. now that their paths have finally been forced to cross will they let the past define their future? Or will they find love within the puzzle of danger?
This book has angst, banter, slow burn, and the chemistry between the two is amazing!!
I can't wait to read the next book from Adele Clee.
Fate intertwined with a mystery..
Olivia and Gabriel meet under what they thought was a chance situation only to find out their lives have been destined intertwined for a long time by a puzzle by her father and a very large network of people who have betrayed their country except now they are both in danger..
Only thing is he doesn't trust anyone neither does she after all he has been betrayed by everyone in his life and she's been on the run for years since her father passed away.. now that their paths have finally been forced to cross will they let the past define their future? Or will they find love within the puzzle of danger?
This book has angst, banter, slow burn, and the chemistry between the two is amazing!!
I can't wait to read the next book from Adele Clee.
January 25, 2026
Rothley & Miss Woolf have both been mysterious & interesting characters in previous books. I was happy to finally get to dig into their backgrounds. The level of intrigue surrounding each is off the charts. I didn’t want to put it down until I got some insight. From the start, there is one thing that is crystal clear…
They have chemistry that leaps off the page.
As they investigate, their feelings grow, & some revelations test their mutual trust. It seems the more that’s revealed along the way, the more other questions pop up. Rothley says he likes puzzles, & this book definitely fits the bill. I like that I didn’t guess the ending.
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I really enjoyed it, & I’m ready for Shadowmere.
They have chemistry that leaps off the page.
As they investigate, their feelings grow, & some revelations test their mutual trust. It seems the more that’s revealed along the way, the more other questions pop up. Rothley says he likes puzzles, & this book definitely fits the bill. I like that I didn’t guess the ending.
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advanced copy. I really enjoyed it, & I’m ready for Shadowmere.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A mystery wrapped in a tragedy with twists and turns and secret clues. No matter the weight of evidence Gabriel refuses to believe his friend Justin is the dead body found 10 years ago. He becomes a bit of an outcast with rumours he killed his friend. He becomes captivated by Olivia who is obviously hiding something behind her love of morbid poetry. Together they must solve the mystery of the suitcase of random items her father left that that someone will kill for. A fast paced action packed book, full of the power of poetry, the damage caused by parents behaviour, betrayal, treachery, friendship, loyalty and love. Another beautiful story in this great series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can two people who find it difficult to trust anyone, and have secrets learn to trust each other and work together to solve the various mysteries in their lives. Miss OIivia Woolf and Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, must if they are to have peace and be safe.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(Mature content)
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery and romance with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
(Mature content)
January 21, 2026
Am so excited. Finally, Gabriel, the Marquess of Rothley’s story! Miss Olivia Denning has caught his eye with her love of morbid poetry and air of mystery. He’s sure she’s in trouble and offers his help. What enfolds in a rollercoaster of a ride, is a macabre and twisted tale involving both families. I loved finding the heart of Gabriel hidden so deep. Olivia’s wit and determination showing such strength of character. Excellent final Offering in the Tales of The Burnished Jade.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Just Perfect!
Well, that tied up all the loose ends very nicely and kept me glued to the pages at the same time.
I love it when a story keeps me so engrossed so that I am very well entertained and the world could stop turning and I wouldn't even notice. That's how it was with this one.
Loved the plot, loved the characters and wished there was more (but there really couldn't be).
This was just perfect!
I read an early copy of this book and am very happy to recommend it!
Well, that tied up all the loose ends very nicely and kept me glued to the pages at the same time.
I love it when a story keeps me so engrossed so that I am very well entertained and the world could stop turning and I wouldn't even notice. That's how it was with this one.
Loved the plot, loved the characters and wished there was more (but there really couldn't be).
This was just perfect!
I read an early copy of this book and am very happy to recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adele writes stories that will keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat with suspense and sexual tension. The writing is superb and the storylines are always outstanding. We all have loved Rothley for several books and I feel Adele gave him a perfect story. Adele you are the best. Guys, try Adele, any of her stories, you will enjoy them.
January 22, 2026
I have no words to say how much I loved this book! I couldn’t put it down, I simply had to know what happened. It’s a cleverly constructed mystery, perfectly interwoven with a magnificent love story. It works well as a standalone, but it’s better understood by reading the previous books of the series. One of Clee’s best!
January 23, 2026
This is a great ending to a great series. Gabriel might seem cold because of his past, but he is very protective of Olivia. Olivia has a stalker following her. To protect her, Gabriel marries her. Their marriage starts as friendship and then grows. I always enjoy Adele Clee books, time flies while I am reading them.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
January 24, 2026
This author’s writing is incredible-
She has a way of writing the most passionate love stories, filled with sexual tension and innuendo without being explicitly steamy— I love that the main characters are open and honest from the beginning with no silly misunderstandings. Of course the mystery is always so confusing to me. I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on lol 😂
She has a way of writing the most passionate love stories, filled with sexual tension and innuendo without being explicitly steamy— I love that the main characters are open and honest from the beginning with no silly misunderstandings. Of course the mystery is always so confusing to me. I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on lol 😂
January 25, 2026
A Marquee’s Scorned by Adele Clee is a sharp, emotionally charged romance that blends high-stakes society drama with aching vulnerability. Taut pacing and simmering tension make it a satisfying, fast read.
You can never be disappointed with Adele Clees writing she just hooks you in!!
Definitely recommend!
I received a copy from the author this is my honest review freely given.
You can never be disappointed with Adele Clees writing she just hooks you in!!
Definitely recommend!
I received a copy from the author this is my honest review freely given.
January 25, 2026
Never Disappoints
A marriage of trust and friendship; a growing depth of feeling; a story of secrets and intrigue, a myriad of puzzling clues and the answers hiding in plain sight. Adele never disappoints.
A marriage of trust and friendship; a growing depth of feeling; a story of secrets and intrigue, a myriad of puzzling clues and the answers hiding in plain sight. Adele never disappoints.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an engaging read, a book I didn’t want to put down. Olivia Woolf had a secret that she was afraid of revealing and was fearful of someone who was after her. Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, was attracted to Olivia and sought her out. Gabriel had a troubled past and doesn’t give his trust lightly. Together they try to work out who is trying to find Olivia. There were a few surprises and some twists and turns that had me guessing, as well as some passionate moments. Some old friends also make an appearance, which I always like. I really enjoy a book that has a mystery but also some romance and this book certainly fitted this criteria.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this whole series........
This was a great end to the series. I have been rooting for a happy ending for Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, for a long time. He was drawn to Olivia from the moment he saw her. He knew she was in danger, and he wanted to help her, but she was reluctant to trust anyone. Luckily, he was there to save her life when she needed him. He offered a marriage of convenience to protect her even though deep down he knew he wanted more. They built a friendship with trust and the desire to protect and save one another while solving the puzzle that will save her life. While solving the puzzle, they were falling in love without knowing it. This novel had witty banter, friends that spoke honestly with care and concern, mysterious villains, sweet and steamy flirtations, a couple that learned how to love through trust, friendship, and desire, and a HEA for all. I hated to see it end, but I was also glad to see the villains caught although some got off easier than I would have liked after all the turmoil and hurt they caused Gabriel.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This was a great end to the series. I have been rooting for a happy ending for Gabriel, Marquess of Rothley, for a long time. He was drawn to Olivia from the moment he saw her. He knew she was in danger, and he wanted to help her, but she was reluctant to trust anyone. Luckily, he was there to save her life when she needed him. He offered a marriage of convenience to protect her even though deep down he knew he wanted more. They built a friendship with trust and the desire to protect and save one another while solving the puzzle that will save her life. While solving the puzzle, they were falling in love without knowing it. This novel had witty banter, friends that spoke honestly with care and concern, mysterious villains, sweet and steamy flirtations, a couple that learned how to love through trust, friendship, and desire, and a HEA for all. I hated to see it end, but I was also glad to see the villains caught although some got off easier than I would have liked after all the turmoil and hurt they caused Gabriel.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The enigmatic Rothley has been exposed! (And of course he gets his HEA.) The relationship between Rothley and Olivia struck me as natural and believable. There is an unknown danger to be overcome and a puzzle to solve with suspenseful scenes (including in a graveyard I could easily picture in my mind) along the way. I much enjoyed reading this story.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews