The Marquess of Temptation

Reluctant Regency Brides #3

by Claudia Stone

Since her father’s death, Miss Hestia B. Stockbow has been living a lie. Working as a companion, under an assumed name, all she wants to do is keep her head down and forget about the scandalous tragedy that haunts her past. There’s only one problem… After two delicious, stolen kisses, the usually icy and aloof Alexander Delaney, Marquess of Falconbridge, finds himself entranced by Belinda Bowstock, a lowly paid companion. When he discovers that she is, in fact, his missing ward, Alex realises there's only one thing he can Marry the chit and help her solve the mystery of her father's suspicious death. There’s only one problem, Belinda has absolutely no desire to wed the cold Lord Delaney-and she’s not the type of lady to take orders from anyone...even a Marquess.

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

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2018

About the author

Claudia Stone was born in South Africa but moved to Plymouth as a young girl. Having trained as an actress at RADA, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of acting on Broadway in 1988. She never did see her name in lights, but she did meet a wonderful Irishman called Conal who whisked her away to the wilds of Kerry, where she has lived ever since.
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.

You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:

fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insta-love and mystery

While this book was not as good as the first in the series, it was better than the 2nd. I loved the hero and I liked how he knew from almost the beginning that he loved her. She was sweet and strong willed too. She made him work for his HEA. The mystery surrounding her Father's death was just a little too weak. The ending was rushed and I really would have liked this to be a little longer and more detailed. I will read this author again. I really like her heroes. And heroines. Very unique group. I think there are more left in the series too with Captain Black and Polly. Looking forward to it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars.

This is what I've come to expect from Claudia Stone The beginning of the story always captures my attention. However, my attention starts to drift past the halfway mark. I appreciated the lack of OP drama and the clean content. I just wish that there was more plot and character development. Overall, I will continue to read more by this author.

[Linda Pérez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Marquess of Temptation is my least liked book of the Reluctant Regency series, but that doesn't make it a bad story. Hestia stole the place of the favorite female protagonist of this series. I really liked her and found her point of view interesting and fun. My main issue with this story was that I didn't find the romance between the Marquess and Hestia believable. I think this would've been a favorite otherwise. However, Duke and Duchess DeFoix continue to deliver amazing voice acting in this book. I won't get tired of saying how much deepth having a man narrating all male voices and a woman narrating all female voices add to an audiobook, and the Duke and Duchess are an excellent example of that. Even though the romance wasn't my favorite, the ending of this book was wholesome and sweet, making me like it a bit more.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgette Heyer Worthy!

Following the death of her mother, a noblewoman whose mésalliance cut her off from family support, Hestia's father returns from the sea a shattered man. Then she finds her father dead--by his own hand? A suicide is denied burial in hallowed ground and the disgrace can ruin a family. To avoid such a disgrace, family friends provide her a character reference and send her off as a companion to a spinster--under an assumed name. As delightfully narrated by the Duke and Duchess DeFoix, the story dances along, spinning romance and mystery, as an entranced nobleman rethinks bachelorhood and strives to convince Hestia she should marry him.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

The age difference was a little much for me. I prefer there to be less than ten years difference between the love interests.
Polly's book is next, the author seems to forget what hair color she has. First she was blonde, then a redhead. Maybe she'll be a brunette this time?

[PAMpublish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet and clean Regency mystery and romance with a lovely cover was a relatively short but entertaining read. It did have some twists and turns throughout with a surprise ending. Recommended for those who enjoy a quick read relating to this era.

[PLP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit to an old friend.

This was an enjoyable story. I think I have read it before but it had been long enough that I did not remember the details. Glad to have the chance to read again.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that these stories are all interconnected. While the Duke of Ruin is still by far my favorite in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. A bit of a mystery tied into this romance.

CONTENT
Romance - Clean
Violence - Mild
Language - None

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

I've read other books by Ms Stone and have loved them all...and this is no exception. It's a great story with some mystery and romance. I'd certainly recommend this book

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hestia's mother is the daughter of a viscount and her father is a successful privateer, but they live in poverty and solitude away from society. When Hestia's mother dies, her father is stricken with grief until his own passing. The magistrate declares that her father took his own life, but Hestia doesn't believe it. She's determined to find out the identity of the mysterious man who left a threatening note for her father before his death. She takes on another name and goes to work as a companion where she meets Alex, Marquess of Falconbridge, who has his own search to conduct.

This is the sequel to the Lord of Heartbreak, and runs parallel to the events in that story. It's not necessary to read that one first, but I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it! The characters in this story are very different. Hestia's had to endure a lifetime of heartbreak with her father constantly away and her mother dying. She's young and very innocent and inexperienced in the world, but has her own opinions and fights for them. Alex is much older and can be overbearing at times, but gradually changes as he sees the results of his actions. By the end, I was rooting for them hard.

This style of narration is great, the male and female narrator alternate reading the chapters and perform the male or female speaking parts. It's seamless, and makes the whole thing enjoyable. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hestia was practically raised by her mother since her father was at sea most of the time. Her mother would tell her time and time again do not fall in love. When her mother got sick she went to her mothers family to let them know and her Uncle did not care. Her mother then died and when her father returned from sea he was devastated. When he receives a death threat he send Hestia to my Lady to take care of her. The next day her father is found dead and ii is ruled a suicide. Of course Hestia does not believe it and no one will listen to her. When a terrible scandal starts about her family she is told she needs to change her name (Belinda Bowstock) and gets a job as Jane's companion.

She wants to find out what really happened to her father. Alexander Delaney the Marquess of Falconbridge finds out he is the guardian of to a ward Hestia B Stockbow. When he tries to find out where she is he comes up to a brick wall. When he meets Janes companion Belinda he feels something for her not realizing who she actually is. A wonderful story.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series that I've read, it didn't seem to matter so I'm considering these standalone books.

I really enjoyed this romance, it was lovely to see Alexander smitten with Hestia from the beginning and Hestia not being interested.

There were some interesting plot points like Hestia's father being a pirate and Alexander being a historian, I wish these had been more developed.

The narration was well done, the two narrators work well together. The character voices and the overall delivery are clear, consistent and convey the story well.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and narrated audiobook! This is the first in the series I've listened to, but it won't be the last. Hestia is a strong and intriguing character, but will she and Lord Delaney find lasting love? Filled with intrigue and suspense, this romantic mystery is one to be enjoyed over and over again. Definitely recommended.

The narration was amazing, and brought this book to life for me, I very much enjoyed the story and will look forward to more from this author and narrators in the future :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. Hestia's life is not going so well. After the death of her parents, she becomes a lady's companion and wants a nice quiet life. Then she catches the eye of the Marquess of Falconbridge. Nothing is easy or simple after that. A cat and mouse game begins between them as they investigate her father's death. A fun romp of two strong character with well written banter. Between the well written characters, the fast moving plot and the narration that brings it to life, you'll keep listening longer than you intended.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

A feisty ward

Hestia has hidden in plain sight after father was murdered! Alex is her guardian and searching for her! It's revealed that the "companion " is actually his missing ward! Alex is attracted to Hestia and makes her wife secrets are revealed and Hestia father is not a traitor! Hestia realizes that love will not be the breaking of her but the making!

[Anne Farrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and predictable - but entertaining.

[Kbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible Romance Package

AUDIOBOOK: Read
4hrs 36min

Narrator: Duchess DeFoix, Duke DeFoix
Cute one.

[Babs Wenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hestia and Alex

Cute mystery romance. Hestia is a darling character with a wonderful personality even though she has been through so much in her young life. - Babs

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was another one that was just ok although I think I liked it more than books 1 and 2. Although this story also had some issues. While I liked the Marquess, reading book 1 after this (yes I read them out of order: 2, 3, 1 and 4 - don't ask lol), I felt like this hero and the one from book 1 were basically the same character - except book 1 hero was a lot more cold and calculating. This hero was more aloof so when he did transform it didn't feel as much of a leap. I really didn't know what to make of Hestia. In book 2 she's described first as kind of simple and almost unintelligent and then somehow she's offering sage advice to Jane. In this book it was kind of the same thing. She somehow gets her bonnet strings trapped around an urn and needs to be rescued? What? If that doesn't make a person seem dumb, I don't know what does. But then she's not really dumb and has a backbone, but then she's dumb again. I felt like the author didn't really have a clear version of who she was. I also didn't like how she ran off and what unfolded after - just silly.

That said, I still kind of enjoyed how the Marquess chased her and tried to evolve. So an okay story if you don't set expectations too high.

[Limau Nipis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually quite a clean romance, just kisses, and no elaborate love scene.

I might be able to like this book, since the plot seems promising. Because Hestia's father was a pirate. Now, how many people could build up that plot? And the Marquess was a historian and decipher ancient languages. Well, interesting, right? Mix of history and pirate.

Alas, yes I know this is a romance book, the author focuses too much on Hestia and the Marquess, and their affection seems forced, somehow, when the Marquess decided to marry Hestia because she suddenly became his ward, and Hestia seemed could not make up her mind, whether she wanted to marry him, but accepted because it's her entrance to a better ranking?

Hence, the second plot line about Hestia's father was more interesting, rather than the hero and heroine lukewarm romance.

And it did feel lukewarm, since I am comparing this to Edenbrooke , which invested more on the emotional story of the heroine, that I feel invested. This book seems like a forced read because of the romance plot line.

Give it a pass.

[Claudia Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very excited to announce that the third book in the Reluctant Regency Brides series, is now available on Amazon! It tells the tale of the plucky Hestia Stockbow, who has been living disguised as a companion after her father's tragic death. When the Marquess of Falconbridge takes a liking to her, she does everything she can to resist his tempting looks and charm. However, circumstances conspire to throw the pair together, and soon Hestia has become a reluctant Marchioness -- can the newlyweds find happiness together?

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her father's death, Hestia changes her name and becomes a companion, to cover the scandalous background of her father's piracy. Unbeknownst to her, Hestia's father had a will, which named Alexander, the Marquess of Falconbridge, as her guardian.

However, the Marquess is more interested in the companion (Belinda/Hestia) than his ward. I wish the story was longer to round out some of the issues.

Reluctant Regency Brides – Total of 4
1. The Duke of Ruin (2017)
2. The Lord of Heartbreak (2017)
** 3. The Marquess of Temptation (2018)
4. The Captain of Betrayal (2018)

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well this was my favourite of the 3 books in the series and I think it’s because I loved the handsome Marquess. I enjoyed the story and Hestia was cool too, though her backstory was a bit too overdone. Once again, the writing was full of typos and strange grammer, which let the series down. Unless you’re a reader that is happy to let this go, don’t put yourself through it - there are plenty of more sophisticated writers in the genre.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't say anything against this one. Short, sweet read. No novella but it was really short .

Liked the hero, liked the heroine. Thought that it wasn't that authentic but (wo)man who cares... Maybe it's not supposed to be that way. Probably because the heroine would have been shunned by society and the marriage.. Well, anyways, I still liked this one. Didn't adore it as it was simply a bit too short and I didn't see the protagonists' real relationship after the issues were solved.

[Barbara Staffo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Oh my, what a book. I laughed, I cried I even became a little worried. Trust me you will the ending. I was surprised. Great author. I look forward to reading more books from Claudia Stone.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
An enjoyable read.

[Sharon Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this.

Loved this book about Hestia and Alex.Absolutely wonderful storyline and characters. So very exciting and romantic. Feel like I was back in tine.

[between the covers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of Regency Brides Collection

[Mireille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Romance Reviews]

all in a day's work