Three Proposals and a Scandal

Sons of Sin #4.5

by Anna Campbell

Whose hot kisses will melt the ice princess? All London is agog to know!

As the season reaches its brilliant climax, three very different men pursue beautiful Lady Marianne Seaton. She’s the marriage mart’s greatest prize – even if cruel and unjust gossip paints her as a woman cold and glittering as any diamond.

Lord Desborough is her father’s choice – rich, powerful, safe. Lord Tranter is society’s darling – handsome, dashing, charming.

Then there’s the dangerous, compelling man nobody in their right mind calls eligible. Elias Thorne, son of scandal, reputed deceiver, possessing a rakish fascination no woman can resist. A lady might choose Elias as a lover, but as a husband, he’s too risky a bet. Even if Marianne’s forbidden yearning for him threatens her future and her reputation.

When Marianne’s suitors pursue her to the year’s most glamorous house party, there will be proposals and passion, rivals and revelations, secrets and scandals.

Let the battle commence – but will the best man win?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, Regency, Fiction

155 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2015

About the author

I've written 51 bestselling historical romances: 11 multi-award winning books for Hachette Grand Central Publishing and Avon HarperCollins, and 40 as an independently published author, These include my popular series The Sons of Sin (6 books), The Dashing Widows (7 books), The Lairds Most Likely (10 books), A Scandal in Mayfair (4 books), and Scoundrels of Mayfair (4 books). Watch out for a new series, Cinderellas of Mayfair, in 2025, which launched with a Christmas prequel Miss Barton's Mysterious Husband at the end of 2024.

When I'm not touring the world seeking inspiration for my passionate stories, I live on the beautiful east coast of Australia.

I've always been a voracious reader and I delve into many different genres, as you'll see if you check out my books list. Favorite authors include Dorothy Dunnett, Elly Griffiths, Michael Lewis, and Loretta Chase.

My website is http://www.annacampbell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell...

Twitter: AnnaCampbellOz

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/...

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...

I love to hear from readers and you can contact me on AnnaCampbellOz@hotmail.com

Reviews

[Jonetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on The Book Nympho

Marianne Seaton held her head high when she was publicly jilted by Cam Rothermere after he married his childhood love. She earned the title of ice princess solely because she's mastered the art of maintaining decorum no matter what she was feeling. Now she's being pursued by three suitors: one a match made in her father's version of heaven, another who exudes false charm and affability, and, lastly, Elias Thorne, the one she's in love with but whom she believes is after her substantial dowry.

I was hoping for a happy ending for poor Marianne as she didn't deserve the gossip and humiliation associated with her ill-fated engagement. Her pairing with Elias was perfect as they both were having to choose their own direction for the first time. I loved all the obstacles thrown in their way, including an ugly scandal, and how Elias rose above his other suitors. And, that epilogue was wonderful.

This was a real gem of a novella! For a short story, it read like a full-length novel moving nimbly. I've loved this series and hope there's at least one more in the pipeline.

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Anna Campbell books! Ms. Campbell's books are once you get hooked right into and don't want to put down!
This is book 4.5 in the "Sons of Sin" series... I have been jumping around in the and haven't yet read the book before this one. So I will say it is a standalone book but I think it would be helpful to read the other book first. It seems Lady Marianne Seaton and Lord Desborough have met in a previous book. It wasn't a problem for me but I do want to go back and find that book to read it now.
Lord Desborough is in love with Marianne but she thinks he is only after her money. So Marianne has turned down is courtship. Her father does not like Lord Desborough so he is discouraging her from looking at him and says things to make her turn away from him. Her father has someone else in mind for her to marry, which is a older gentlemen. Great story about someone fighting for their love and getting to a happy ending! Love it!

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Anna Campbell lives up to all my expectations with this captivating love story. Even though a novella, it still packs plenty of passion, romance and drama.

I really felt sympathetic towards Marianne. She had weathered the storm of being jilted by the Duke of Sedgemoor with dignity, despite the nasty gossip that circulated about her. Now her father has issued an ultimatum that she must marry one of her two suitors.

I disliked her father intensely. He has always demanded unquestionable obedience from his daughter, caring nothing for her own wishes or happiness.

Her martinet of a father had done his best to teach her unquestioning duty, to bring up a compliant doll.

He sees her simply as a means of furthering his own financial and political ambitions through a marriage to the influential Lord Desborough. Marianne hides her insecurities and unhappiness beneath a veneer of impeccable manners and exemplary behaviour.

Elias is such a wonderful hero. When he and Marianne first met, he glimpsed a warm, intelligent woman with a generous heart and not the “cold fish”, society perceives her to be. It’s refreshing to see a hero who is head over heels in love with the heroine and willing to fight for her whatever the obstacles. With a family that’s a byword for scandal and an older brother who was a complete wastrel and died leaving the Thorne estate in dire financial straits, the dice seem firmly stacked against Elias. He has to overcome a belligerent Marianne…

Her lips curled with scorn. “We can all be jolly together, me with my handsome fortune hunter and you with all my lovely golden guineas.”

as well as her angry father and his rival suitors.

I enjoyed watching Marianne discover what she really wants in life and finally acknowledging her feelings for Elias and cheered her determination to defy her father and marry Elias.

Anna Campbell’s love scenes are always steamy but they are far more than just sex. She conveys the deep emotional connection between the characters and I love the tenderness and obvious love that shines through in moments like this.

“Are you all right?” He brushed her tumbled hair back from her face with a tenderness that made her bare toes curl.

She managed a weary, contented smile. “Absolutely wonderful.”

Elias dipped his head and kissed her with a sweetness all the more profound for the passion that preceded it. When he pulled away, she looked into his eyes and wondered how she’d ever questioned that he loved her.

I really like Lord Desborough. He’s a good man and I wholeheartedly agree with Sidonie…

“He needs to find a nice woman past first youth who will appreciate his qualities as a man, rather than his appeal as a marital catch.”

When Lord Tranter finally shows his true colours, what a truly nasty piece of work he is!

Jonas and Sidonie and Richard and Genevieve, characters from the previous books, make a welcome appearance and play an active role in bringing Elias and Marianne together. I also love the banter between Richard and Jonas.

The Epilogue provides a delightful glimpse of Elias and Marianne with their children and ties up some of the story threads most satisfactorily.

My Verdict: Another worthy addition to this excellent series. Definitely recommended!

REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STARS

The Sons of Sin series (click the covers for more details):



My sincere thanks to Anna Campbell for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.




Anna is generously giving away 3 ebook copies of THREE PROPOSALS AND A SCANDAL. Just leave a comment on my blog to enter the Giveaway.

The Giveaway will close at midnight (GMT) on Sunday 19th July.

Here's the link:

https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little read that felt big and emotional. Loved Elias and the epi!

[T’Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novellas are tough but this one didn’t even bother to set up a backstory. Elias is madly in love with Marianne because they had a nice chat the previous year? She just took her father’s word that he’s a fortune hunter? It was an interesting premise but a jilted woman in the era would likely not be getting so many proposals…

I’d be interested to read a HEA for Lord Desborough tho…

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to say to whoever came up with the idea of a Novella is not very nice. I could read Anna Campbell all day and all night and never get tired of her writing. The depth of feeling that instills in her characters is second to none. Marianne and Elias are wonderfully complex and at the same time very simple in what they want out of life. Elias wants Marianne because he cannot be happy without her. Marianne has just been jilted and is very vulnerable. Her father wants her to marry a man much older than herself and she is a dutiful daughter, or so she thought. Her father also plants doubt in her mind and heart about Elias's motives, saying that he is only after her dowry, so she doesn't believe him when he says that he loves her and wants to marry her. Elias is a man who is not afraid to show his feelings and he will not give up on trying to win Marianne. This book is special from the first word to the last. Anna knows how to a write beautiful and poignant love story combined with adventure, peril and very carnal and hot love scenes. Anna can make me laugh and cry when I am reading her books and I am so truly immersed in the book that when I finish and have to return to the real world I wish I hadn't read the book so quickly. Do not miss this book!!!

[Fiona Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that inconvenient fiancée some of the best heroes are engaged to when they finally meet up with The One. Do you ever wonder what happens to them. No. They are often brushed aside and forgotten, perhaps condemned as cold, heartless, undeserving of our hero.

Marianne is one of those women. The jilted fiancée of Cam, one of the Sons of Sin she has attempted to take the snub with composure and dignity. Something you learn young when you are an heiress and men only want you for your fortune.

But all is not lost. Marianne has not one but two suitors for her fortune. Scratch that. For her hand in marriage. One really can't count Elias. He's trying the mend the family fortunes wrecked by his dissolute brother so we know what he's after.

If only he wasn't so attractive, and convincing, and exciting.

This is a lovely little story about a young woman who has never been able to follow her heart, and a young man who's heart is already lost. I enjoyed the story and the ending was satisfying.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Karen's Review ~
In Anna Campbell's Three Proposals and a Scandal there is a line in the book

And the world caught fire.

That line pretty much sums up the writing of Anna Campbell and her newest novella in the Sons of Sin series.  The world does catch fire for Marianne Seaton the woman whom Cameron Rothmere, Duke of Sedgemore jilted for his true love Penelope Thorne.  Neither Marianne nor Cameron were in love with each other but their match was one of convenience, as Cameron wanted an upstanding English miss, and one could not come more upstanding than the dutiful daughter of Lord Balidon.  Marianne has always been the height of decorum, to the point she seems fridge to the outside world.  Enter Elias Thorne, he just inherited his debt ridden title from his brother, and he happens to be the brother of Penelope Thorne.  He is seen by everyone as a fortune hunter, and Marianne has a fortune, that he must be after.

Anna Campbell in this novella provides as wonderful read of a dutiful daughter Marianne Seaton, caught between her need to always follow rules, and the needs of her heart.  Elias is a delightful romantic hero, as he stirs a passion in Marianne, that she has hid from everyone except Elias.

"You have my word. I've watched you so closely. You devote your life to making other people happy.  Tonight I offer you a gift - an hour of pure self indulgence."

Outside of her close circle of friends, the wives of the 'Sons of Sin', no one in society has taken the time to get to know Marianne Seaton, everyone has judge her from outside, including her father.  Her father in fact wants to use her to gain political power by marrying her off to a man twenty years her senior.

"Once she left this room, more loneliness waited."

YIKES! Her other suitors only see the woman as fancy chattel, a means to and end: which was the reality of most regency period woman.  In all Campbell writes an engaging passionate tale. A book that should not be missed by readers searching for a true romance.

Note to readers, this book can be read as a standalone, as characters from previous books in the Sons of Sin series, are mentioned but the plot is not influenced in away that reading the previous books is necessary

This review was originally posted on Literati Literature Lovers

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very quick read for me. I read this in less than hour. A comfort read.

Lady Marianne was one popular lady, she had 3 suitors. Granted, she had money and that made her a grand prize. We began this book with Marianne and her 3 suitors. She actually liked one of them, Elias and guy liked her too. But somehow Marianne came to believe that Elias was a fortune hunter. She refused him, and Elias wouldn't give up.

The book moved at a quick pace. It was less heated than Anna Campbell's other books, I think. But I think it is because Marianne and Elias seemed like such a "innocent couple". They were already in love with each other and their only obstacle was that Marianne believed Elias was a fortune hunter. Characters from previous books in the series played important roles in matchmaking for Elias and Marianne.

A well-written, light-weight romance.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna Campbell's novella Three Proposals and a Scandal is all that and more. In her distinctive writing style secondary characters from past works take center stage in this touching work. Yes there was the requisite undercurrent of passion and surprises to keep you on your toes, but most importantly there was a genuine depth in her portrayal of her hero and heroine that cannot be learned and show this author's true talent.

[Stacy Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Anna Campbell and it wont be my last. I really enjoyed this novella. I thought both Marianne and Elias were great together. The sensual tension was so sweet and scorching, and the banter and chemistry was great. As with all novellas I wanted more. I wish I got to see how they fell in love. The story started with history between them, and the minute we met Elias we knew he loved her. I wish I was there when he fell in love. It was still a good read and I recommend.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful Anna Campbell book, or in this case novella! Elias and Marianne have appeared in earlier books in this series and are so deserving of a HEA. Especially Marianne, who while having plenty of material goods in her life has lacked love. A few other favorite characters appear in this book. I don't like plot spoilers but I believe you will enjoy this well written story.

[Christina McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novella! I loved the characters, the plot, the tension...everything! Can't wait to start at the beginning of the series now.

[Wendy Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that I absolutely loved!

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

Three Proposals and a Scandal is Anna Campbell’s latest in her Sons of Sin series. It’s a series I have mixed feelings about. While I liked some of the installments, others proved to be utterly disappointing. This short, surprise novella proved to be the former.

I’d say it’d be great if you read the series in order to be introduced to the characters that were featured in this novella, especially book 3, What a Duke Dares. The original Sons of Sin, 3 childhood best friends Jonas, Richard and Cam, are not directly a part but Jonas, his wife Sidonie, Richard and his wife Genevieve played their roles accordingly as the story was largely set in Jonas’s country estate.

Our hero, Elias and heroine, Marianne were introduced in book 3, Cam and Penelope’s story as secondary characters. Elias is Penelope’s younger brother, the current baron Wilmot after the passing of their elder brother, Peter, who was also Cam’s good friend. Marianne, on the other hand, was engaged to Cam for a while; an arranged affair where no love was lost between the two.

When Penelope and Cam finally wed, with Marianne’s blessings, she’s left jilted. She saw they were in love and couldn’t think of standing in their way. Though Marianne wasn’t in love with Cam, and he with her, the incident left a negative mark on her; both socially and emotionally. She’s known for being rigorously ‘proper’ in everything; all correct poise and grace. An utterly biddable daughter ready to marry where her father wants her to. Cool and calm, no strong show of feelings which also earned her the title of a cold fish. Now she was known as the the Duke’s jilt or some such thing. But as it happens, Elias Throne saw through Marianne’s cool and collected demeanor no matter what. He knew it to be her armor against all the gossip and hurt. And Elias really wanted to unravel the woman inside...

If you’ve read book 3, you’ll know much about the notorious Thornes; Elias, Penelope and Harry’s family. The Thornes are always mired with scandals, be it financial or the female kind. Scandal is their middle name, thanks to their ancestors right down to their own pater! Peter was a gambler and wasted away the family money, then up and died in France. Penelope escaped to the continent, alone, a long ago to avoid their parents resulting in the ruin of her own reputation, while Harry, the youngest, it seemed was well on his way to keep the ‘family tradition’ of a lazy womanizer. Elias wasn’t a big part of book 3 so I had no clear idea of him.

But the thing about The Thornes is that they are also extremely passionate in whatever they do. And when they fall in love, they just do. There’s no turning back for them. Harry, the aimless rake, becomes a devoted lover the moment he meets, Sophie, who is also James Fairbrother, Lord Leath’s sister, having a second romance alongside Cam and Penelope. Sophie was engaged to quite an older man, Lord Desborough, courtesy her brother who was politically ambitious, his next target to become the Prime Minister. Desborough was a political ally but after Sophie’s elopement with Harry, things certainly change for James.

Marianne then, somehow finds herself engaged to... yah, Lord Desborough, who seems to have a penchant for women 20yrs. younger than himself. When I found this out, I even went and said ‘not again Desborough... another jilt?!’ I had kinda forgotten about Elias until I started reading this novella and was like, OMG Pen’s other brother and Marianne?!, because you see I had this brief vision of them being together while I was reading book 3. There was something, however short, that made me think of it. I knew Marianne to be a nice lady who deserved her own HEA, though wasn’t expecting she actually would have her own story.

Like his ancestors (and his siblings), Elias is also very passionate. And this time he was consumed by his love for Lady Marianne. He has never been a rake like Harry but no other woman has ever grabbed his attention like his lovely Marianne. Much like Harry did with Sophie, Elias fell in love with her the moment he saw her at a ball. At that time, she was still engaged to Cam. However, after it was broken, they had this brief time getting to know each-other (not in the biblical sense, mind you) at another house party. Something happened, then Marianne’s ambitious father convinced her that Elias was a rogue and a fortune hunter and should be avoided at all cost! The heat was there, the attraction palpable, yet she distanced herself after this.

Needless to say, not knowing what went wrong, her behavior left Elias a bit flabbergasted. But he promptly had a guess as to who could be behind all these. Lord Seaton is a pompous a$$ whose affection is measured only by the depth of his daughter’s biddableness. After all, being his only child, it’s her ‘duty’ to uphold the Seaton name! And Lord Seaton won’t allow a good-for-nothing, almost penniless son of a scandalous family anywhere near his ‘precious Marianne’ when rich, influential men like Desborough is available. It doesn’t matter that Elias is also titled, certainly doesn’t matter that Desborough is closer to Lord Seaton’s own age!

Marianne has all but given up the hope of ever having a love match, you can only assume why. She doesn’t want to hurt her father. But she also can’t deny the fact that she’s immensely attracted to Elias. She felt duped that he’d also see her as a pawn to better his financial trouble, not really grabbing her father’s ulterior motives. So when in the story Elias makes a few attempts to convince Marianne that his regards for her is genuine, she’s rather rude with him, wanting him to go away. I know quite a few people had a problem with her attitude but I only saw vulnerabilities; low self-esteem stemming from years of being under the thumb of an autocratic father. Because she was SO attracted to Elias, Marianne was scared of being hurt again. Only this time, her heart won’t survive.

The opportunity presents itself when Seaton, along with Desborough and a few others, is invited to Jonas’s estate for business matters. Since Thorne name gave Seaton the hives, Cam and Penelope weren’t invited, though we see Richard and Genevieve too. Let me tell you, it felt wonderful to see all of them again! Marianne didn’t want to attend but her father won’t listen, of course. He saw this as the perfect timing for Desborough to finalize their ‘mutual interest’.

Marianne feels trapped but she’s resigned to her fate. She wants to get away but doesn’t have the courage to do so. If only she could trust Elias, who seemed to be the only person understood her distress...

While Marianne is busy mulling over life’s options, Elias finds that all is not lost when he’s invited to stay near Jonas’s estate. Then Jonas is quite masterfully manipulated by his lovely wife to play the cupid to bring a lovelorn couple together. And with Sidonie’s help, Elias finds another chance to convince Marianne, probably the last before Desborough could gain the upper hand. But after his earlier failures, could Elias, this time, succeed in making Marianne believe that his feelings for her is true?

I really liked this novella because it was short and precise, even though I would’ve liked a few more chapters to know Marianne and Elias better. The ‘scandal’ was a bit predictable but I was super glad it gave Elias the opening he was looking for to prove Marianne that he’s not a fortune hunter. The epilogue was so sweet that it put a big grin on my face. 4 stars.

Before I finish off... Poor Desborough! I wish him luck and a bit of sense too. He never struck me as a bad guy so he deserves a good woman so that he can finally get married. I hope the author has a plan for him. I, for one, would love to meet this woman. ;)

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love MS Campbell's stories and I am loving her Sons of Sins series which this novella is part of and this one does make me smile I really felt for Marianne Seaton in What a Duke Dares and I am so glad that she has ended up with her own story.

So poor Marianne has been through one scandal already after being rejected by The Duke of Sedgemoor and there have been a lot of names bandied around the ton about her and now she has three gentleman that would very much like to marry her and her father is very domineering and is still not over the fact that the Duke of Sedgemoor married Penelope Thorne instead of his daughter but instead of Marianne feeling blessed she is feeling rather hunted and pressured by her father and he has convinced Marianne that one of her suitors is after her dowry and that only but the time is coming for her to make a decision.

Elias Thorne is a Baron (and yes brother to Penelope) and the family coffers are pretty much bare after his brother gambled it away and now that Elias is the Baron he is doing his best to get things worked out and after getting to know Marianne he has fallen for her but he must convince her that he is not after her money that she is the treasure he wants and needs her.

I loved this story from page one MS Campbell writes such magical stories that come to life on the pages the characters are so real that you feel like you are with them as they journey to HEA's that will have you smiling I loved that Elias never gave up on Marianne and that Marianne was strong enough to stand up to her father and fall to beautifully for Elias and what a joy to catch up with friends from the previous stories in this series. This story is so beautifully sensual and was a joy to read.

This is one not to be missed and I always look forward to another Ana Campbell story.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Marianne Seaton is the pattern card of ladylike behavior and daughterly obedience. Her self-esteem suffers a blow when she is jilted by the Duke of Rothermere.

Now the heiress is sought after by others: Lord Desborough is her father's choice although he is twenty years her senior; Lord Tranter is gentle and considerate; and Elias Thorne, now penniless, must be after her fortune.

Everything comes to a head with The Scandal. Everyone is exposed for what they truly are.

Anna Campbell never disappoints and each of her books is good for several readings. In fact, she is the most re-readable author I have found. But don't take my word for it. Pick up one of her books and let her prove it to you.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marianne Seaton is the jilted fiancee of Cam, the Duke of Sedgemoor (from What a Duke Dares) She is an elegant and intelligent lady who has always done the right thing by her father, always obeying him, being the perfect lady, and desiring to please him.

Marianne must choose among three persistent suitors: the mature Lord Desborough–at forty-five, I refuse to say he’s old!–the enigmatic Lord Tranter, and Elias, a dashing but impoverished gentleman.

Marianne comes with a hefty fortune but, unfortunately, has attracted men who she believes only want that. And she wants more. She secretly wants Elias, but fears he, too, just wants her wealth.

For my full review on my historical and erotic romance and history blog: http://bit.ly/1PztWiq

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the previous Sons of Sin books we were left with poor Marianne Seaton, the lovely heiress that nobody seemed to want. Well, someone wants her badly -- Elias Thorne, one of the wild and poor Thorne clan and brother of Penelope (What a Duke Dares). Marianne is intensely attracted to Elias, but thinks that he may be a fortune hunter. This short novel sees them find their way to a very sweet ending. Campbell is a solid writer and always delivers a satisfying story. A nice addition to the series.

[Taisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novella by Anna Campbell. Some of her characters that I loved from past books show up and that's always fun. Marianne and Elias are a sweet (and hot) couple, star-crossed for different reasons, her because of her treatment by Cam in What a Duke Dares and Elias because of his brother's ruining of the estate he has now inherited. I loved their story and heartily recommend it (as well as any book by Anna Campbell).

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who read the Sons of Sin series and want more, Anna Campbell gives us another taste of passionate romance in regency times. And even if you didn't read that series of longer books, this is a great investment. Lush, fascinating, with all the elements I look for in a satisfying historical romance, but at (long) novella length. Definitely a good buy.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is 100% Anna Campbell at her finest. It may be a novella, therefore a shorter story, but I loved it. I could read AC all day long!

[Bev Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very good book I loved it!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sensual tale. Ms Campbell has a captivating way of taking tell a story that won't let me put the book down. I'm a fan and look forward to reading her other books. An excellent story.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story. It was sweet to actually have a hero who didn't fight his feeling for the heroine. He knew and wasn't afraid to admit it.

[Nicola Keeble · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, romantic, passionate, tale.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

If there was any way to describe Elias Thorne, it would be the fire emoji. He's just really intense about his love for Marianne, following her to the country to prove his love in a non-creepy stalker way (though maybe you'll think this at the start). His loins are ready to procreate. Man, he just went all out and it's obvious who's going to win over Marianne among those three suitors.

I also really loved Marianne because her personal conflict is easy to relate to. She wants to be a good daughter in the best way she knows how, but she's also learning to accept her own wants. It was so nice to read her journey, working through her own issues though maybe all the testosterones in that country party was too much. Seriously, a girl needs space.

JONAS WAS ALSO SUCH A SCENE STEALER. I did not intend to read the first book of this series, but goddamn it. He's scarred and he's secretly tender? And he knows about proper investments? And he says he's putty in his wife's hands? What the hell man. Into it!

Side note, I'd like to mention that this book has a pretty intense trigger warning sexual assault scene. I personally found it difficult to read through, so maybe others will appreciate knowing this beforehand.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Men!!!

Poor Lady Marianne! Men to left of her. Men to the right of her and only one truly cares what she wants. Most surprising of all...it is NOT her father. Of the four men in her life three want to marry her and her father wants her to stay the biddable girl she has always been. Of the three who want to marry her...one is a snake, one is old enough to be her father and one truly wants her for herself.

In a very short time at a house party she discovers she is tired of being biddable and starts to see standing up for herself and what she wants is a good thing. Marianne has strong woman who are examples of what she wants and she starts to try to take dome control.

I use the word try because the villainy that is perpetual surprise me and true esteem showed through as strong as true love and caring. Thankfully she had Jonas and Sidonie, from Seven Nights in a Rogues Bed, to help her sort things out. They helped to sort it in a satisfying way.

I have enjoyed this series for its strong woman and the men who love them. For the humor and depth Ms. Campbell brings to each of her characters and the lovely HEA she gives them. She weaves in tension, mystery, villainy and tender moments with a gentle hand leaving us, the readers, satisfied. Thank you Ms. Campbell.

[Joanne Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Seaton has three suitors to choose from. One man, chosen by her father, who happens to be twice her age, couldn't be more of a bore. Then there is another who seems to be better as far as sensibilities go. But nobody can tug at Marianne's heartstrings like the dark and elusive Elias. He is the one man Marianne's father forbids her to marry. She knows he's the wrong man for her, especially since he seems to only want her money. But her heart cannot stop entertaining thoughts of being near him.

This was my first regency romance, and I was hooked. I found myself eager to find out what would happen with a couple so primally attracted one another. I am not one who normally reads what some might consider steamy romances. Campbell treated the more intimate scenes with great care and a lot of taste.

I recommend this novel for anybody wanting visit a time period that provides the perfect vocabulary for romantic love. I found Campbell's expression exquisite and I look forward to reading more books just like this one.

[Özlem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serinin diğer novellası olan Three Proposal and a Scandal, önceki novella kadar facia değildi. En azından hikayenin temeli iyi oluşturulmuştu.

Aslında çok iyi bir novella olabilecekken baş karakter olan Marianne kitabı batıran kişi, Elias ise kurtaran kişi olmuş. Kitabı sırf Elias'ın tatlılığı ve yumuşak yüreği hatırına bitirdim. Marianne'nin kitap boyunca Elias'a karşı tutumu çok saçmaydı. Babası Marianne'nin kafasını Elias'ın servet avcısı olduğu yönde doldurmuş olsa da kızımız pekala kendi çıkarımını yapabilirdi. Fakat kendisi başkasının düşüncesine körü körüne inanmayı daha uygun buldu.

Marianne'nin saçmalıkları haricinde kitap kendini bir şekilde okuttu ve çok şükür bir seriyi daha bitirdim.