A widow who wishes never to marry discovers one man whom she must enjoy. A man who has enjoyed many women finds one woman whom he must possess. But when the American lady learns that the French prince has more to teach her about life than she ever anticipates, can she ever walk away?Marianne Roland is a widow who has left behind her past including memories of an intemperate husband and the hardships of the American civil war. Now she enjoys the comforts her wealthy Uncle Killian bestows on all his family. As she watches others fall in love, she decides to find an amusing lover for herself, but only for one enchanting night. Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy and Prince d’Aumale, finds Marianne’s joie de vivre enchanting—and her plan for a temporary affair with him impossible. He offers her one night in his arms, and to his delight, she craves another. But he needs more from her than a few hours of bliss. When he shows her how to fill her days with passions that complement those they enjoy together at night, Marianne must choose. Will she insist on a passing fancy? Or will she abandon the terrors of her past to embrace a brighter future beside a man who offers her a grand love affair with life
If you love swoon-worthy historical romance, starring endearing heroes, sassy heroines and a family of irresistible charmers, this book is for you! Buy DARING WIDOW to begin your journey!
DARING WIDOW is the second book in THOSE NOTORIOUS AMERICANS series but can also be read as a standalone novel.
Book 1: Wild Lily (Lily and Julian)
Book 2: Daring Widow (Marianne and Remy)
Book 3: Sweet Siren (Liv and Killian)
Book 4: Scandalous Heiress (Ada and Victor)
Book 5: Ravishing Camille (Camille and Pierce)
Book 6: If You Were the Only Girl in the World (Katrina and Nate)
Book 7: Let Me Call You Sweetheart (Chantal and Dylan)
I love to cook, hate to dust, live to travel and read and write! I've written #1 bestselling Regencies as well as contemporary romances starring SEALs that readers love! Come to my website, read my FREE books and buy my others! Then write to me. Love to hear from readers, especially those who dig my history, my sense of humor and my heroes.
This is book two in the Those Notorious Americans series, I haven’t read the first book in the series, but that didn’t pose an issue while reading this as the story flowed with real depth and emotion which meant I read it as a standalone.
Beautiful widow after marrying too young and being widowed equally as young, Marianne is now watching everyone around her falling in love as much as she has vowed never to go down the marriage path again, after what happened during her previous one. But, yet she is bored she wants that interaction with a man just once more before she must serve as a chaperone to her younger cousin. She doesn’t want anything serious, just a bit of fun she is living off the generosity of her wealthy uncle Killian who has his own plan for the restless widow, but she has no interest in what her uncle wants of her. On an outing in Paris she meets the enigmatic and beautiful Andre Marceau; Duc de Remy who instantly catches her artist’s eye.
It’s not long into their acquaintance that she brazenly propositions Remy to one night of passion with no strings. Remy is transfixed with Marianne the moment her saw her at the cancan show, she ignited his artist and sexual desires far more than the barely clothed dancers on the stage did. Obviously, he is more than willing to go along with her but that is where he differs from her. Remy want’s something more then just a one night tryst he wants something permeant in his life – he wants Marianne. He soon sets out to prove to her that what have on that one night can last, but as they get to know each other he finds her to be far more than the sensual woman he first thought her to be, she is ever so slightly damaged she isn’t one for trusting the other sex easily.
Remy is a charismatic man, full of Gaelic charm, he isn’t at all what I expected him to be at first glance I you see a charming, womanizing rake who has nothing more to worry about then where the next bed mate is, but that is so far from the truth. He is serious and genuine, he has a great love and likes nothing better than sharing those loves with people he genuinely likes. I really like how he takes pleasure in the simplest of things, such as watching Marianne looking at art. It may sound quiet a normal thing but in those simple moments he oozes sex appeal.
I found Ms DeLand’s writing to be fresh and at times intense, she builds up the romance between her lead couples that keeps the reader hooked and interested from the onset. I thoroughly enjoyed getting know Remy and Marianne, not just as a couple but as individuals as well, they are such interesting people.
This is the first book I have read by Ms DeLand, so I came into this series with all fresh eyes and I thoroughly enjoyed it and her writing and I will defiantly be reading more from this author, the Daring Widow is rich in both detail and romance and it is one that I defiantly recommend.
Continuing the saga of the first book (but this one can be read as stand alone), we have the story of Marianne Roland, Lily Hanniford's older cousin, and widow for many years.
In her season in Paris, Marianne was only Lily's chaperone, but the two were very friendly and had fun together. There they meet the friends Marquess Julian Ash (for whom Lily falls in love) and Andre Claude, Duc de Remy.
Remy is fascinated by Marianne and more intrigued every time he gets to know her story. Remy is a talented artist and Marianne, an amateur, who enjoys a lot of art. Between the many encounters between Remy and Marianne in Paris and London, the more she tried to run away from him, the more determined he was to woo her. It did not help that Remy was known as a famous Rake who never stayed with the same lover for a long time. Marianne wanted to experience pleasure in bed (she had married too young), but her plans were to be an independent woman, even though her Uncle Killian had offered her a large dowry to find a new husband.
Between drawings, sculptures and hidden meetings, Marianne and Remy would have to decide the best way to yield, find themselves and blossom into love. 4 stars
Absolutely awesome, are words that come to my mind in regards to this book, the sister book to Wild Lily and second in the series, I utterly love it.
The balance between story adventure love and everything else packed beautifully I to this book are brilliant. Must admit cried more than once, but for opposing reasons as I was feeling very much for our heroine from very early on even in the previous book.
This story very much captivates, pulls you in then doesn't want to let you go even at the end of the book you want more, I'm so glad this is not the end of the series and cannot wait to read more.
Brilliantly done as always Cerise Thankyou dear lady. Xxx
What an amazing novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this romance from beginning to end and found it difficult to put it down once I started reading. I have only recently come to read this author's novels and I am truly enamored by her story-telling. Marianne Roland has been through some of the worst experiences any woman could suffer, but despite being somewhat introspective and cautious, she has not been broken. Her meeting with Andre, Duc de Remy, unsettles her and she gives vent to her feelings by pouring her soul into the sketches she does of the man. Despite being attracted to him, she has nevertheless vowed never to allow any man to have dominance over her again. Remy is smitten by Marianne, both emotionally and from an artistic perspective, but he senses that she has been through deep waters. Treading carefully, and to some extent damping down his emotional response to her, he carefully tempts her out into the open and starts to show her that there is so much more to life that she can enjoy. A family crisis has her pulling back, but not for long. Marianne is determined that before she can fully commit herself to Remy, she first has to understand all she has learned and what she is capable of. Unfortunately, that does not go down too well and for a while, the reader despairs the future of Marianne and Remy. Although the novel is part of a series, it is a standalone and comes to a wonderful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Compelling, Amazing, outstanding, gripping, emotional, A 10+ star. I am sitting here as I have turned the last page and am devastated. I did not want this story to end. The descriptions of the characters and the settings surrounded me. Paris, 1877, a time of more freedom in the arts and our hero, Andre' Claude Marceau, Duc of Remy and Prince of d'Aumale is larger than life. He is a famous artist, a magnificent artist in many realms. Marianne Roland is a widow from America, in Paris to help her uncle with her nieces. They are being dressed to have their come out and find suitable husbands. As Remy and Marianne cross paths, although each only gets a glimpse of the other, they are fated to be together or so it seems. When they finally do meet, it is magic for them both, although Marianne is weary from her terrible marriage and past horrors she had suffered through. Remy pushes her to come to him but she has to sort out in her mind what to do. When Marianne goes to the an exhibit of Remy's art, the description of the sculpture in white marble had me holding my breath and felt that I was there with her. As Remy finds her there, the verbal interchange between them with all the double entendres was so emotional I had to stop reading briefly. As their journey continues, Remy wants more of Marianne than she is prepared to give. I will leave it at that for you the reader to find out how this story ends. This book brought out so many feelings and truly is one of the best I have read. Wild Lily, the first book in the series, was also amazing but this story, although can be read as a standalone, is even better when read after the first. There are several secondary characters that I look forward to having their own story. Do not miss reading this amazing book by Cerise DeLand. I know I will put this on my shelf to be reread again soon.
This is book 2 in Those Notorious Americans series
Marianne Roland is a widow who has left behind her past including memories of an intemperate husband and the hardships of the American Civil War. She now enjoys the comforts her Uncle Killian bestows on all of his family. She watches others fall in love and decides she needs to find an amusing lover for herself, but only for one enchanting night. Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy and Prince d'Aumale, finds Marianne utterly enchanting- and her plan for a temporary affair with him totally impossible. He offers her one night in his arms, and to his delight, she craves another. But he needs more from her then just a few hours of passion. So when he shows her how to fill her days with passions that complement those that they enjoy together at night, Marianne must choose. Will she just keep it a passing fancy? Can she abandon the terrors of her past to embrace a brighter future with the man who offers her more then a grand love affair with life? Only Cerise Deland can make reading French words sound so sexy. I totally loved this book. It was captivating from the start until the end and I really enjoyed the way Ms. DeLand made this story unfold. This book is amazing and I would highly recommend it. Just make sure you have the smelling salts near by because it's definitely swoon worthy.
I was first introduced to Marianne Roland, war widow and niece of the rich and powerful Killian Hanniford and Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy in Cerise DeLand's first book in her Those Notorious Americans series, Wild Lily. I found both characters intriguing then and happily have found them even more so in their own story, Daring Widow.
The author, Cerise DeLand tells a charming story of the courtship of Remy and Marianne. She takes us on a tour of many famous sites in Paris. Her descriptions are very detailed and I am sure her research into all this which included viewing them herself was quite enjoyable. Her love of art and architecture shows in her writing and contributed much to this book. Her story is well developed and the dialogue is fun.
So join Remy and Marianne in their courtship journey. You will enjoy the trip!
A companion piece to "Wild Lily", this tempestuous relationship between Remy and Marianne carries you at breakneck speed from beginning to end. Wonderful. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ebook).
This is another delightful story that I couldn’t put down. The story is intriguing with interesting characters I enjoyed getting to know. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the author, my review had been voluntarily submitted.
When we last left Remy…I thought he was going to be a rake and rogue. My thoughts could not have been further from the truth. He is kind and gentle and loving and patient and what we all wish for in a hero. Marianne just wants to live and not upset the apple cart too much. Their attraction to each other screams off the page. It is nice to read about occupations/desires that deviate from the norm in historical romance - artists and how they think and see things compared to the average person. I will not give away how it ends but let me say it is wonderful and romantic and fantastic.
This is the second book in the series “Those Notorious Americans” by Cerise Deland. It is the story of Marianne Roland, an American widow, and Monsieur le Duc de Remy, a French aristocrat and artist. Both books start at the same time but are told from a different perspective so you don’t feel like you are reading the same story. Remy and Marianne notice each other at the cabaret but neither is aware of the other. Remy would like Marianne to become his mistress but, even though she has been a widow for 10 years, Marianne has no desire to become anyone’s mistress. As they spend more time together Marianne realizes that she desires Remy. While Remy learns he wants more than a mistress. Remy realises that he cannot seduce Marianne as he would other women. He proceeds to seduce Marianne through her senses. He shows her the sights of Paris, the art world in Montmarte, the opera and the private side of himself. While telling this beautiful love story Miss DeLand also seduces her readers with her descriptions of the sights of Paris. She has painted a picture with her words of the Montmarte section of Paris, Remy’s studio, the shops, cafes and the people. This book is going into my list of absolute favorite stories to be read more than once.
We met Marianne and Remy in the first book, Wild Lily, which followed the romance between Julian and Lily. This Book 2 gives us Marianne and Remy's passion-filled love story as well as a captivating tour of Paris in the late 1800s. Marianne is definitely not the kind of woman Remy is accustomed to seducing, and Remy is an artist who is very different than her late husband. They each have a lot to learn, not just about each other but about love and the kind of life their own hearts demand they seek.
This author is one of the best at writing historical romances that feel so authentic that I temporarily forget I live in the 21st Century. I've never been to Paris, but I feel like I've lived there after reading this book. The story is well-crafted and keeps well to the proper behavior expected among the elite society of the Victorian Age, without skimping on the passion and sexual tension that gives depth to a great romance. The characters are riveting and their journey to their HEA held me spellbound. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Book 2 in the series. Historical Romance . Hero is Andre (Duc de Remy . Heroine is Marianne
This story is set in the city of love Paris in the country of love . Andre first sets eyes on Marianne at a restaurant when he was ready to leave with his best friend. Andre is a artist and he felt and saw the beauty of Marianne. He’s wondering how he will see her again Marianne is a widow . She had a dreadful marriage. Now all she wants is pleasure with the partners she wants . Her uncle has settled money 💰💰on her . And what better place then Paris . Somehow Andre and Marianne meet up and they have a night of pleasure. Thing is Andre is looking for something more permanent!! Will he convince Marianne to give him a chance
There are three central characters to this knock your socks off love affair. Andre and Marianne would be nothing without the larger than life passion that puts them in each others arms. She's the widowed American with a heartbreaking past in search of her own independence. He's the notoriously sexy and stubbornly determined nobleman that speaks to a hunger in her soul. When lust turns to love, who will hold the winning hand? With a mysterious sensuality sets the hormones on fire and brings a heart to it's knees with Daring Widow.
What an absolutely wonderful love story! Marianne and Remy were fascinated by each other from the moment they met. They are drawn together through their common interest in art. When they finally begin an affair, it is sizzling. Remy encourages Marianne’s art and pushes her to discover everything she can be, to bring her inherent passion to her art. It seems they are made for each other. Remy may be ready for more, but Marianne, whose first marriage was miserable, is too afraid to reach for more. They will lose each other unless he can rein in his pride and break through her barriers. This is the second book in the Notorious Americans. Both the book and the series shouldn’t be missed.
Daring Widow, Book 2 of Those Notorious Americans series, was about the American Mrs. Marianne Duquesne Roland, widow of Mr. Frederick Roland and niece of the American millionaire, Mr. Killian "Black Irish" Hanniford, and His Grace Andre "Remy" Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy, Prince d’Aumale. Side Note: If you are familiar with the French language, do not be surprised that there were quite a few French words that were either misspelled or misused. For instance, instead of using the French word "aussi" for the English word "too", the word the author used was "ouci", which is translated in English to "yeah". This was prominent throughout the book. When both Remy and Marianne took notice of each other from across the room while attending a local cabaret. While the one wasn't aware the other had taken notice, they were still drawn to each other. However, the very next morning an accident in Paris brought them face to face, and neither could quite believe their luck. Introductions were made, they spoke for a while but then went their separate ways...only to meet again at the opera that night. When Marianne suggested they spend only one night together, Andre agreed while at the same time agreeing to give her time before it happened. There was an openness in this book that is normally lacking in most romance novels of the time period. Marianne and Andre spoke openly not only to each other about what they wanted but also to their respective parent and guardian. Though the book was short, only 15 chapters, it did a tremendous amount of dancing around the romance without ever being romantic. It touched on nearly every subject imaginable except for the relationship between Remy and Marianne. They were apart more than they were together, and when they were together, they were rarely ever alone long enough to develop chemistry or passion between them, something they both wanted and talked about from almost the beginning of the story. It was more of a tease than a romance novel. When the book finally covered the romance the book was about, it exploded in ways nearly unimaginable. The whole thing was so completely different from how most historical romance novels are written that it took a long time for it to sink in, to show its true potential to the reader. The characters were so well developed and so fleshed out that it was like watching a dramatic movie playing on the screen before you. Even the emotions that they showed, including the moments of immature childishness, were what any real person would show in the circumstances they found themselves in. They were raw emotions that showed the struggles they went through. A drawback? It had another wrong ending where it just...fizzled out. But other than that, this book deserved a five-star rating, even with all the flaws it had. But the flaws kept it from being added to the Keeper for the Shelves collection.
Series: Those Notorious Americans #2 Publication Date: 12/1/17
I enjoyed this read even though it is set at a later time than I usually read and is set in France rather than England, Ireland or Scotland (my preferred geographical reading areas). I thought the characters were well developed, the story stayed on-point and the writing was good. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t feel that I missed anything by not having read the first book in the series. You’ll be engaged by the H/h and will love getting to know them.
The descriptions of Paris are so vivid that they make you feel as if you have lived there yourself. Paris was the exciting place to be at that time and our author makes you feel that excitement.
The main characters in this story are different than many of the lords and ladies you read about. They are less formal and more forward thinking, but this was the Victorian era in Paris rather than the Regency period in London. Remy is of the French aristocracy and a gifted artist – he’s also a rogue and scoundrel where the ladies are concerned. Marianne has been widowed for ten years and she is also artistic.
Remy and Marianne’s relationship heads down many paths and you wonder – almost to the last page, whether they’ll finally get their HEA or not. It goes from Remy wanting an affair/mistress and Marianne wanting nothing at all – to Marianne wanting the affair and Remy wanting more – to – well, you get it – it changes a lot – and often. You’ll experience their joys and their sorrows as well as their personal growth and enlightenment.
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
This was a wonderfully written romance, full of genuine passion, heart-wrenching conflict, and intriguing characters! I wasn't sure how I would react to reading this book, as I'm generally not a huge fan of historical romances where the heroine just wants a fling. However, when it's done right, it makes for a really great romance. Cerise DeLand did it right. It was very well done.
A child bride at 15, forced to marry an older man and abused by him until his death, Marianne Roland is naturally inclined to never be married again. Escorting her cousins through the perils of the marriage game, the last thing she expects is to want to be in the arms of any man. But she didn't count on the handsome artist and duke, Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy and Prince du sang. Soon they begin a battle of wills, as Marianne asks for one night of passion, and Andre is determined to make it a lifetime.
I really enjoyed both characters immensely! Marianne was a kind, generous person who wanted to be loved but didn't know how to accomplish that with her past. Andre was never someone who would have a muse for very long, and then upon seeing Marianne, he realized that he had finally found the one person who could truly stop him in his tracks. I loved that they both shared a passion for art, as it became a nice continuing mention in the story. You don't often read historical romances with an artist as the hero, and when the heroine is as well, it makes for a unique read.
Knowing that this is the second book in the series, I am definitely inspired to read further! Cerise DeLand did an excellent job creating a story that inspires passion and romance in its readers.
**I received a free copy from the author and this is my honest review.**
This is such a great read. Marianne Roland is an American that has been widowed at a very early age and has spent her adult life caring for her cousins and working as a nurse during the war. She longs for adventure and the ability to just be an artist. Her famous uncle has decided to move the family to London to allow his daughter and son the chance to meet eligible partners during the upcoming Season. Marianne and her cousin Lily manage to sneak away to a cabaret while visiting in Paris. This is the first time that Marianne and Monsieur le Duc de Remy meet. Remy is not only royalty but he is also a famous artist and what begins is a fantastic romance. Marianne grows and changes quite a bit through the story and it was really amazing to see. The historical touches in this book are right in keeping with what I would imagine the late 1800s to be like both in America and abroad. Now it just leaves me wondering who the characters in Book 3 will be.
Marianne Roland is a widow who has left behind her past including memories of an intemperate husband and the hardships of the American civil war. Now she enjoys the comforts her wealthy Uncle Killian bestows on all his family. As she watches others fall in love, she decides to find an amusing lover for herself, but only for one enchanting night. Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy and Prince d’Aumale, finds Marianne’s joie de vivre enchanting and her plan for a temporary affair with him impossible. He offers her one night in his arms, and to his delight, she craves another. This is the second book in the series, however could be read on its own. I again loved the book, it grabbed my attention from the beginning & held it all the way through. The characters are very well fleshed & the pace had me engrossed, I can’t wait to move onto the third in the series as I was left wanting more
I purchased this as part of the author's bundle called WHEN YOU'RE MINE.
This is about a 30 year old American women who goes to France with her cousins and uncle and finds a very bumpy road to HEA. The H is a Duke and Prince in France, extremely wealthy and of course good looking. They are about as opposites as you can get. She is a widow who sacrificed so much and he has more money than he could ever spend.
I found the story romantic and with a lot of steam. Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5.
At times I thought the story dragged, especially in the middle. Some of the story line are not tidy up smoothly for the secondary character's. No cliffhanger for our H/h, just some lose ends with others.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and bedroom door WIDE opened. (ljb)
This is an interesting and intriguing storyline. The characters are very different from the usual lords and ladies, more forward thinking, less formal. Andre is a charming, romantic and determined man. Marianne is a strong, independent and stubborn woman. Andre falls for her immediately, but she wants nothing to do with any man. So he bides his time and becomes a friend to her, hoping to earn her trust. There is nothing conventional about their relationship, it's steamy, not completely secret and creative. There is some drama in the story, but it doesn't really affect Andre and Marianne. I enjoyed the story, even though it didn't keep my complete attention. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Daring Widow: Those Notorious Americans , Book 2 Steamy Family Saga of the Builder Age and Edwardian
This was a lovely story of repress sadness, family duty, but most of all learning of oneself and passion. Marianne and le duc Remy are opposite to say the least. He a French duke, also a talented artist and all around nice guy. Marianne is the niece of wealthy American, who has her help his daughters introduce to society. The friendship and love between the two is fascinating. A wonderful whirl with charming and exciting events. Great fun.
I was at once taken with Ms. DeLand's style of writing. I adored Andre and Marianne and cheered when they finally knew happiness. I know this story is part of a series, but, at times, I was having difficulty keeping the character's straight. I started keeping a list. I admit some of my struggles in reading this tale rested in the fact I am not as familiar with French history, as I am with that of other cultures.
What a beautiful and romantic love story! Marianne Roland and Andre, Duc du Remy whom we met in Wild Lily carve out their fabulous affair in Daring Widow by the wonderful and talented author Cerise DeLand. I couldn't put my Kindle down until I finished their love story. I can't wait to read Book 3. Of Those Notorious Americans!
Really enjoyable read, well rounded story and developed characters Unlike so many regency romances that are set over a short period, this is set over the course of nearly a year Charachters develop and your interest in them and their history deepens There are many twists to the story and lots of history from different countries being discussed
The second book of Those Notorious Americans Series is full of romance and intrigue. Author Cerise DeLand has written a wonderful novel that will hold the attention of the reader from the first to last page. In Daring Widow, Marianne Roland is widowed at a young age during the American Civil War. Following the death of her husband, Marianne is brought to live with her Uncle Killian,who is wealthy, and has his own plans for his young niece. Vowing to never marry again, Marianne wants to experience a one night love affair. Seeing all of those surrounding her experiencing love, Marianne is determined to do the same. During a trip to Paris, Marianne meets the handsome and daring Andre Claude Marceau, Duc de Remy. Marianne has set her sights on Andre and intends to only share his bed dor the night. But Andre has other plans. He wants more from Marianne than a one night stand and will go to great lengths to prove his love. Will Marianne give Andre a chance or will she push him away forever? I eagerly await more books in this series!