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Regency Matchmaker #1
His Tempestuous Bride
Meet Lady Ambrosia Anaconda Algonquin, matchmaker to London's most discerning citizens. Part fairy godmother, part sorting hat, her methods might be unusual, but she always makes her match.
For Lady Tempest Tapoate, marriage means an end to the tyranny of the aunt and uncle into whose care she was forced when her parents died. She would rather have a stranger select her spouse than allow those two sods to choose a husband for her.
James Harley, the Earl of Knox, is in need of an heir. He has righted the family fortunes after mismanagement by his mother and is now in need of a wife to bear a child. Once the deed is done, he expects the two of them will go their separate ways.
When Tempest finds herself with child, rather than share the good news with her husband so that they may each move on with their lives, she realizes that she does not want to be set aside by her spouse. But how long can she keep her secret?
Publisher's Note: This standalone Regency romance contains power exchange, domestic discipline, explicit themes and more than a few laugh out loud moments. If you do not like a bit of tongue in cheek with your romance, please do not buy this book.
For Lady Tempest Tapoate, marriage means an end to the tyranny of the aunt and uncle into whose care she was forced when her parents died. She would rather have a stranger select her spouse than allow those two sods to choose a husband for her.
James Harley, the Earl of Knox, is in need of an heir. He has righted the family fortunes after mismanagement by his mother and is now in need of a wife to bear a child. Once the deed is done, he expects the two of them will go their separate ways.
When Tempest finds herself with child, rather than share the good news with her husband so that they may each move on with their lives, she realizes that she does not want to be set aside by her spouse. But how long can she keep her secret?
Publisher's Note: This standalone Regency romance contains power exchange, domestic discipline, explicit themes and more than a few laugh out loud moments. If you do not like a bit of tongue in cheek with your romance, please do not buy this book.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2017
253 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Jones
125 books137 followersUSA Today bestselling author Celeste Jones is known for writing highly entertaining erotic romance featuring headstrong heroines and stern yet loving heroes who aren't afraid to take a naughty woman over their knees. When she's not writing, she enjoys travel, reading and dancing like no one is watching.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 9, 2021
Enjoyed this one, especially the introduction of a matchmaker.
Tempest - our h- pulled your heart strings and it was most enjoyable to see the - H James - get his feathers ruffled.
Tempest - our h- pulled your heart strings and it was most enjoyable to see the - H James - get his feathers ruffled.
September 1, 2017
"His Tempestuous Bride" by Celeste Jones is the first book in the "Regency Matchmaker" series. Lady Tempest has lived with her maternal aunt and her family since the death of her parents. They provided her with a roof over her head, food, and some clothing. But they never liked her nor did they want to properly socialize by giving her a season. As a result, Tempest has to rely on a matchmaker to find her a husband. James Harley, the Earl of Knox, doesn't care for the London social scene and decides to turn to a match maker to find a wife to give him an heir. Can an extremely nieve and sensitive young woman find her match with an uptight and regimented earl?
Overall, this was a fairly good story. It was my first "spanking novel" and probably my last. I might read the next book, it might not, at this point I don't know.(Caution some minor spoilers) What I liked about this novel is the concept of a matchmaker for Regency couples. I also liked the second half of the book a lot more than the first half. Tempest is a fairly good female lead. I got a bit confused with the dream she had in the carriage. I know that the flowers kind of drugged her and that she read naughty books before, but it goes against the picture of innocence and lack of sexual knowledge she should have possessed. Plus, she was missing half of the normal amount of clothing a lady was supposed to wear. I can only assume the reason why she has no undergarments is that her aunt was too cheap to buy her any, other wise no proper lady would be seen in public without wearing draws and stockings even in summer. A woman's reputation could be ruined if anyone ever saw her ankles. So not wearing any knickers was a bit strange. I also didn't like how much James man handled her before they were married. It also made me feel like he did that type of man handling with his servants too even though we never saw it. It's one thing to have to spank as a consensual form of "pleasurable punishment" it's another thing to force it on someone who may be traumatized by that first experience. And just because Tempest has a dream about being spanked doesn't mean that it's okay for James to do it when he doesn't know that she'd enjoy it. If anything he should have questioned her about her lack of undergarments and at least stated to her that she needed to wear them outside of the bedroom. It's not even proper for servants to see their mistress walking up the stairs without stockings.
In conclusion, this novel is for readers who like the regency period and who enjoy erotic novels.
Overall, this was a fairly good story. It was my first "spanking novel" and probably my last. I might read the next book, it might not, at this point I don't know.(Caution some minor spoilers) What I liked about this novel is the concept of a matchmaker for Regency couples. I also liked the second half of the book a lot more than the first half. Tempest is a fairly good female lead. I got a bit confused with the dream she had in the carriage. I know that the flowers kind of drugged her and that she read naughty books before, but it goes against the picture of innocence and lack of sexual knowledge she should have possessed. Plus, she was missing half of the normal amount of clothing a lady was supposed to wear. I can only assume the reason why she has no undergarments is that her aunt was too cheap to buy her any, other wise no proper lady would be seen in public without wearing draws and stockings even in summer. A woman's reputation could be ruined if anyone ever saw her ankles. So not wearing any knickers was a bit strange. I also didn't like how much James man handled her before they were married. It also made me feel like he did that type of man handling with his servants too even though we never saw it. It's one thing to have to spank as a consensual form of "pleasurable punishment" it's another thing to force it on someone who may be traumatized by that first experience. And just because Tempest has a dream about being spanked doesn't mean that it's okay for James to do it when he doesn't know that she'd enjoy it. If anything he should have questioned her about her lack of undergarments and at least stated to her that she needed to wear them outside of the bedroom. It's not even proper for servants to see their mistress walking up the stairs without stockings.
In conclusion, this novel is for readers who like the regency period and who enjoy erotic novels.
September 16, 2021
A quite terrific Historical with Spanking
This is a really good Historical with a bit of Spanking and it also has some nice steamy scenes as well. There is a mystical aspect to the story as well, it is rather understated, but I thought that the Matchmaker was somewhat mysterious and mystical in a nice way. It was not really plainly stated, but that is my impression and I liked it. So the matches are special and the H and the h are fated and I liked it. Sort of a fated mate trope as it were. There is a nice HEA at the end and I certainly recommend this book if like Historicals with some spanking involved.
This is a really good Historical with a bit of Spanking and it also has some nice steamy scenes as well. There is a mystical aspect to the story as well, it is rather understated, but I thought that the Matchmaker was somewhat mysterious and mystical in a nice way. It was not really plainly stated, but that is my impression and I liked it. So the matches are special and the H and the h are fated and I liked it. Sort of a fated mate trope as it were. There is a nice HEA at the end and I certainly recommend this book if like Historicals with some spanking involved.
April 4, 2019
I didn't like this book, especially as I've read some great books that had the same mix of paranormal, regency, and a splash of erotica. Unfortunately I found the characters tedious and the H was so arrogant he was stupid and the h bland. The erotica was gratuitous rather than exciting, and the paranormal element just didn't work at all. I finished but it was a struggle.
July 16, 2017
CALL ME DESPICABLE
For Lady Tempest Tapoate, turning eighteen-years-old will be a new beginning in her unhappy life. After losing both her parents when she was twelve, and at the mercy of her relatives, who never treated her well, she will take her happiness in her own hands. Using the matchmaking services of Lady Ambrosia, who promises her, she will have her the perfect match for a husband.
James Harley, the Earl of Knox, doesn't believe in love, but due to his title, he needs a wife and an heir. His goal is to produce the heir, and then continue with his endeavors. He believes in the sanctity of marriage, and there will be no divorce, he just doesn't want to become encumbered by matrimony. He goes into this arrangement as a business transaction and doesn't even take the time to find his own spouse, but employees the services of Lady Ambrosia.
The plot will have Lady Ambrosia making a match between Lady Tempest and Lord Knox. She will send Tempest in a carriage to his home, where her arrival comes with a shocking beginning. There will be fireworks, but not in a good way between these two, but the marriage will proceed.
All Tempest wants are to be loved and accepted and hearing from Lord Knox that all he wants is his required heir leads to trouble from the beginning. Can Tempest find love and will James discover that marriage to her will be better than just a business transaction? What will happen once Tempest is with child? Will Lord Knox be satisfied and put her away and find new pursuits?
"Gazing into the future, all I saw was misery. All I wanted was to be loved, but clearly, I was unlovable."
For Lady Tempest Tapoate, turning eighteen-years-old will be a new beginning in her unhappy life. After losing both her parents when she was twelve, and at the mercy of her relatives, who never treated her well, she will take her happiness in her own hands. Using the matchmaking services of Lady Ambrosia, who promises her, she will have her the perfect match for a husband.
James Harley, the Earl of Knox, doesn't believe in love, but due to his title, he needs a wife and an heir. His goal is to produce the heir, and then continue with his endeavors. He believes in the sanctity of marriage, and there will be no divorce, he just doesn't want to become encumbered by matrimony. He goes into this arrangement as a business transaction and doesn't even take the time to find his own spouse, but employees the services of Lady Ambrosia.
The plot will have Lady Ambrosia making a match between Lady Tempest and Lord Knox. She will send Tempest in a carriage to his home, where her arrival comes with a shocking beginning. There will be fireworks, but not in a good way between these two, but the marriage will proceed.
All Tempest wants are to be loved and accepted and hearing from Lord Knox that all he wants is his required heir leads to trouble from the beginning. Can Tempest find love and will James discover that marriage to her will be better than just a business transaction? What will happen once Tempest is with child? Will Lord Knox be satisfied and put her away and find new pursuits?
"Gazing into the future, all I saw was misery. All I wanted was to be loved, but clearly, I was unlovable."
July 15, 2017
The quirky, delightful Lady Ambrosia makes this new series truly special. The match she makes between Tempest and James certainly seems unlikely to be a love match, but as expected, the matchmaker's predictions come to pass. Tempest is a lovable character, embittered, yet able to move on. James was harder to like until he showed his true colors under his all-business exterior. The plot consisted of the interesting background of Tempest followed by the match and the romance. With numerous descriptive erotic scenes, the story was compelling and easy to read. I loved the ending, which alluded to the second book that I'm looking forward to reading.
April 28, 2019
It's Magical🌈🏰🐲
Tempest💃💋 is an orphan living as an unwanted child with her wealthy aunt and uncle. On her eighteenth birthday, they send her to Lady Ambrosia, a matchmaker, to get her married👰 off asap.
In a slightly crazy, magical kind of way, Lady Ambrosia, selects her husband to be as James Harley🍆🌋👋, the Earl of Knox. Tempest💃💋 is sent on her way to his estate🏰 that very day!
Both Tempest and James have much to learn to ensure their happiness......
I loved this emotional and interesting Romance. This is Adult XXX romance with BDSM👋👋👋 elements.
Tempest💃💋 is an orphan living as an unwanted child with her wealthy aunt and uncle. On her eighteenth birthday, they send her to Lady Ambrosia, a matchmaker, to get her married👰 off asap.
In a slightly crazy, magical kind of way, Lady Ambrosia, selects her husband to be as James Harley🍆🌋👋, the Earl of Knox. Tempest💃💋 is sent on her way to his estate🏰 that very day!
Both Tempest and James have much to learn to ensure their happiness......
I loved this emotional and interesting Romance. This is Adult XXX romance with BDSM👋👋👋 elements.
August 15, 2024
Not really for me……..
This novella was based on James and Tempest, who were brought together by a matchmaker. According to James, they were supposed to have a marriage of convenience for the sole purpose of providing him an heir. He quickly changed his mind but never communicated that to Tempest.
The main characters within this story were not very likable. I thought I would initially like Tempest based on the empathy I felt for how her family treated her, but I quickly didn’t like the changes. She just seemed difficult and immature. Her decision to lie and keep secrets just didn’t sit well with me because it seemed to go against her naive, sweet personality. James was stuffy but easily changed his tune. His desire to enforce punishment wasn’t an added pleasure to the book for me. This book just seemed more about explicit, erotic sex scenes instead of romance, love, and steam. That just wasn’t my idea of a good love story, but I am glad that they got their happy ending.
This novella was based on James and Tempest, who were brought together by a matchmaker. According to James, they were supposed to have a marriage of convenience for the sole purpose of providing him an heir. He quickly changed his mind but never communicated that to Tempest.
The main characters within this story were not very likable. I thought I would initially like Tempest based on the empathy I felt for how her family treated her, but I quickly didn’t like the changes. She just seemed difficult and immature. Her decision to lie and keep secrets just didn’t sit well with me because it seemed to go against her naive, sweet personality. James was stuffy but easily changed his tune. His desire to enforce punishment wasn’t an added pleasure to the book for me. This book just seemed more about explicit, erotic sex scenes instead of romance, love, and steam. That just wasn’t my idea of a good love story, but I am glad that they got their happy ending.
July 15, 2017
By Donna L
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This review is from: His Tempestuous Bride (Regency Matchmaker Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This is a beautiful love story with a imaginative
use of language to create a humorous set of
characters.I thoroughly enjoyed the antics of
Celeste and James .This story has not only
spankings and hot sex but has easy dialogue
and sassy banter.18 year old Lady Tempest
could not wait to leave the home of her aunt
and uncle.Her childhood had been lonely with
only her maid for company.She sought the
services of Lady Ambrosia,a match maker
extraordinaire.James Hurley,Earl of Knox needs
a heir.He wants a docile wife who won't disturb
his life.Tempest was anything but docile,James
is captivated by Celeste and he starts to question
his well laid plans for his future.A highly entertaining
book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Edit Review
Delete Review
This review is from: His Tempestuous Bride (Regency Matchmaker Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This is a beautiful love story with a imaginative
use of language to create a humorous set of
characters.I thoroughly enjoyed the antics of
Celeste and James .This story has not only
spankings and hot sex but has easy dialogue
and sassy banter.18 year old Lady Tempest
could not wait to leave the home of her aunt
and uncle.Her childhood had been lonely with
only her maid for company.She sought the
services of Lady Ambrosia,a match maker
extraordinaire.James Hurley,Earl of Knox needs
a heir.He wants a docile wife who won't disturb
his life.Tempest was anything but docile,James
is captivated by Celeste and he starts to question
his well laid plans for his future.A highly entertaining
book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
July 18, 2017
The first thing that struck me in this book was the names, they were a source of entertainment to me. But if you like your character to have simple names like John or Jack, and don't care for more flamboyant names, you may struggle a bit. Additionally, while this book is set in the past, I wouldn't start reading it with the intention of historical accuracy, I don't remember exactly what the anachronisms were but since there is also a small magical element in the book, I found it easier to read as a historical magical realism or alternative history kind of story. Hence the names and anachronisms didn't bother me and made the book a very amusing and delightful read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 7, 2017
This turned out to be a pretty good book. Sometimes the DD books are kind of cheesy. Meaning that the focus is the erotic spankings and not on the story.
This one actually delivered a decent story that made me smile if not lol.
The characters were well written. No typos that I remember. (I finished about two weeks ago.). Dialogue was well done. Not forced or stupid.
The matchmaker's name gave me an eye roll moment but she turned out to be a nice minor character that added dimension to the book.
There was a weird dream sequence that was so abrupt that I turned back to see what I missed. Also her arrival at the estate was really weird, but it does go with the story. So keep reading, it all makes sense later.
I will be looking for other books by this author.
This one actually delivered a decent story that made me smile if not lol.
The characters were well written. No typos that I remember. (I finished about two weeks ago.). Dialogue was well done. Not forced or stupid.
The matchmaker's name gave me an eye roll moment but she turned out to be a nice minor character that added dimension to the book.
There was a weird dream sequence that was so abrupt that I turned back to see what I missed. Also her arrival at the estate was really weird, but it does go with the story. So keep reading, it all makes sense later.
I will be looking for other books by this author.
October 2, 2019
Having read the most recent book before I read this first book, I had an inkling of what I was getting myself into. This really is nothing like most of what I read in these styles; neither the historical fiction or the elements of power exchange. I already knew to expect Lady Tempest to be a bit fluff-headed and twitterpated, I just wasn’t prepared for the extent of her naiveté. I both loved and hated James. He has the protective alpha thing I love so much, but his inability to speak to his wife about anything other than what’s related to the begetting of an heir frustrated me to no end. I’m still curious to learn more about these characters so I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 24, 2017
Might have enjoyed if not for dual first-person POV
Writing wasn't bad. Aimed for those who easily relate to a first-person POV of an 18 year-old, which I could not.
Historical accuracy usually doesn't matter much to me. But there were quite a few obviously modern phrases.
I truly hate dual first-person POVs in erotica. There are very few authors who can drag a reader into true relationship with first-person narrator who is far from their own circumstance.
Perhaps my opinion is an anomaly.
'Call me Ishmael.'
Writing wasn't bad. Aimed for those who easily relate to a first-person POV of an 18 year-old, which I could not.
Historical accuracy usually doesn't matter much to me. But there were quite a few obviously modern phrases.
I truly hate dual first-person POVs in erotica. There are very few authors who can drag a reader into true relationship with first-person narrator who is far from their own circumstance.
Perhaps my opinion is an anomaly.
'Call me Ishmael.'
September 12, 2017
Well I thank you mom for her suggestions.
For this is my first book by you and not my last in fact as soon as I finish this review I already have a new book I found in your library to read. So yes I love the book and it's just that a story with a lot of imagination. You have to read I am sure you will agree. I give my writer reviews. I don't tell the reader the story that the point of reading it and I know you will agree. Celeste Jones I wish you continue success. Happy reading it took me a day. DH from New York City
For this is my first book by you and not my last in fact as soon as I finish this review I already have a new book I found in your library to read. So yes I love the book and it's just that a story with a lot of imagination. You have to read I am sure you will agree. I give my writer reviews. I don't tell the reader the story that the point of reading it and I know you will agree. Celeste Jones I wish you continue success. Happy reading it took me a day. DH from New York City
October 10, 2019
Not my mind of romance but.....
I must admit that this kind of romance doesn't appeal to me but the overall story and the characters were good. If you like spanking, and anal sex this book will definitely appeal to you. I wanted to be fair with my rating and disregarding the things I disliked about the book, I did like the story and I did like seeing James humbled after all he did and said to Tempest. I thought the story ended rather abruptly and would have liked there to be an epilogue but assume more on James and Tempest will come in James Mother's story.
I must admit that this kind of romance doesn't appeal to me but the overall story and the characters were good. If you like spanking, and anal sex this book will definitely appeal to you. I wanted to be fair with my rating and disregarding the things I disliked about the book, I did like the story and I did like seeing James humbled after all he did and said to Tempest. I thought the story ended rather abruptly and would have liked there to be an epilogue but assume more on James and Tempest will come in James Mother's story.
July 27, 2017
James Harley has always done what was expected, now it is time for the prerequisite heir. For that he needs a wife and who has time to court one he has a better idea. A Matchmaker! He tells her exactly what he wants in a wife, and she sends him Lady Tempest not exactly what he wanted but definitely what he needs. A fun victorian romp, A matchmaker with a few tricks up her sleeve, and an Earl who is going to get an eye opening surprise!
November 13, 2022
Liked it
Tempest is as fiery as her name, which gets her into trouble with her new husband. James is only interested in a marriage of convenience. He needs an heir, maybe a spare. That is until Tempest storms into his life. He indulges her to a point, realizing she just wants to be loved. But that doesn't mean she won't be tossed over his knee as necessary. A little funny toward the end with a bit of steam sprinkled throughout.
Tempest is as fiery as her name, which gets her into trouble with her new husband. James is only interested in a marriage of convenience. He needs an heir, maybe a spare. That is until Tempest storms into his life. He indulges her to a point, realizing she just wants to be loved. But that doesn't mean she won't be tossed over his knee as necessary. A little funny toward the end with a bit of steam sprinkled throughout.
February 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. I got so mad at Tempest's family. They were just plain cruel. And I was afraid James was going to be the same but he did redeem himself. The matchmaker should keep matching people, she is very good at it. In spite of her unique approach. You don't want to miss this story. I read this through the KU program.
November 30, 2019
I’m not sure how I came across this but I decided to give it a shot. I have to say I was very disappointed. It had several things I did not like. One, Bdsm where punishment is given before rules are talked about. Drives me crazy! Second, the girl Tempest is an annoying child. She kept lying and just being annoying. Just didn’t like this.
April 3, 2021
Ridiculous
Although this type of fantasy book is softer not based on reality this one was so ridiculous it was impossible to connect with the characters. It was bad written pornography. Not a fan. If you're looking for something similar but not crazily over the top try Golden Angel, BJ Wane, Laylah Roberts.
Although this type of fantasy book is softer not based on reality this one was so ridiculous it was impossible to connect with the characters. It was bad written pornography. Not a fan. If you're looking for something similar but not crazily over the top try Golden Angel, BJ Wane, Laylah Roberts.
December 15, 2017
Fun, entertaining, light read that I found very enjoyable. Keeping in mind the naivety of Tempest simply wouldn't happen today I was able to just giggle at some of her thoughts & reactions. Liked the character of James, as well, especially his turnaround in attitude.
July 29, 2017
Tempestuous
The book was okay. Not my cup of tea. Although Tempest did silly things I did not find myself laughing out loud. I liked the characters and feel that there is a possibility for others stories, but the stories definitely need to be more developed.
The book was okay. Not my cup of tea. Although Tempest did silly things I did not find myself laughing out loud. I liked the characters and feel that there is a possibility for others stories, but the stories definitely need to be more developed.
January 11, 2024
Alright! This is more like what I was looking for. There was one weird psychic vision blackout scene that leaves her to jam out with her clam out, for servants to see and everything. 3.75 stars. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 1, 2024
A Love Match For An EARL
When Lady Tempest parents died, her Aunt and Uncle took her in. But her life was no bed of roses, and she was treated very badly for 6 years. So at 18 she meets with a match maker for a husband, and ends up with an Earl.
When Lady Tempest parents died, her Aunt and Uncle took her in. But her life was no bed of roses, and she was treated very badly for 6 years. So at 18 she meets with a match maker for a husband, and ends up with an Earl.
March 20, 2018
His Tempestuous Bride
This was so exciting I loved the characters and was a funny and interesting read. This is a very well written book.
This was so exciting I loved the characters and was a funny and interesting read. This is a very well written book.
March 24, 2018
I love a hero/alpha male who is hard on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside and a heroine who is feisty, smart and funny that's what this book delivered
December 4, 2018
loved it
my first regency book. i loved tempest and james. it has a great flow and character development. cant wait to read the rest of the books
my first regency book. i loved tempest and james. it has a great flow and character development. cant wait to read the rest of the books
June 25, 2019
Darling
Cute story which is vert enjoyable with a HEA guaranteed. If Regency romance is your thing buy this book. You’ll like it.
Cute story which is vert enjoyable with a HEA guaranteed. If Regency romance is your thing buy this book. You’ll like it.
October 5, 2019
Sorry
this type of book is not for me. Just all cunnie cock and spanking. Glad it was on Kindle Free Books as I could not be bothered to read it to the end.
this type of book is not for me. Just all cunnie cock and spanking. Glad it was on Kindle Free Books as I could not be bothered to read it to the end.
October 28, 2019
Une histoire cousue de fil blanc qui du coup ne tient pas la route. Par moment, c'est même complètement ridicule.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews