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Brides of Scandal #2
Marrying the American Heiress
Michael Blake, a straitlaced English nobleman, desperately needs to marry an heiress. When he discovers that his intended bride--and her much-need dowry--has been romanced away from him by his own brother, he is forced to turn to the only other great heiress on the market.
Emma Marks is an American adventuress who has spent the last few years traveling the world--a bargain she made with her father in return for her promise to marry a titled aristocrat by the time she's twenty-five. But when Michael is accused of a crime he didn't commit, can Emma help him deal with the ghosts of his past? And can Michael show Emma she doesn't need to travel the world to be happy because love is the greatest adventure of all?
Emma Marks is an American adventuress who has spent the last few years traveling the world--a bargain she made with her father in return for her promise to marry a titled aristocrat by the time she's twenty-five. But when Michael is accused of a crime he didn't commit, can Emma help him deal with the ghosts of his past? And can Michael show Emma she doesn't need to travel the world to be happy because love is the greatest adventure of all?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2007
514 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Diana Bold
53 books73 followersI am the award-winning traditional and indie published author of Western Historical Romance and Victorian Historical Romance. My books are deeply emotional and a bit on the dark side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 12, 2020
Cute. 3.5 stars.
May 25, 2025
3,25⭐️
August 23, 2021
Marrying the American Heiress
Brides of Scandal, Book 2
Diana Bold, author
This is Michael Blake and Emma Mark's story. Both have lived very different lives and have never found happiness with another. Michael finds himself in need of a rich lady to marry or lose the dukedom and Emma has promised her father she would marry by the age of 25. Emma, an American heiress, fits the bill for Michael and his troubles. On the other, Michael sees things as either black or white. Can the two resolve their differences? Read this delightful story... I will definitely be reading the next in this series.
Characters: chemistry between the hero and the heroine
Storyline/Plot: Interest and enjoyable
Narrator: Pleasant and emotive
I received a copy of the audio version of this book from the author. I leave this review of my own accord.
Brides of Scandal, Book 2
Diana Bold, author
This is Michael Blake and Emma Mark's story. Both have lived very different lives and have never found happiness with another. Michael finds himself in need of a rich lady to marry or lose the dukedom and Emma has promised her father she would marry by the age of 25. Emma, an American heiress, fits the bill for Michael and his troubles. On the other, Michael sees things as either black or white. Can the two resolve their differences? Read this delightful story... I will definitely be reading the next in this series.
Characters: chemistry between the hero and the heroine
Storyline/Plot: Interest and enjoyable
Narrator: Pleasant and emotive
I received a copy of the audio version of this book from the author. I leave this review of my own accord.
August 27, 2019
I really liked this story. So fun. The characters are well developed and entertaining. Even the evil dad! I'm not sure why this book got a bad review on here-On Amazon it has great reviews. There was passion, entrigue, and the characters (Even the ones that were not the main characters) were fun to read about! Definitely reading the first book!
January 30, 2020
I loved reading Marrying an American Heiress by Diana Bold. I found it to be a charming Regency Romance story, particularly due to my connection to the female protagonist, Emma Marks. My attraction was not because she’s an American but more so because she defies the convention of that period. Ms. Bold, a master in developing multi-dimensional characters, demonstrates this Michael Blake and Emma Marks. Circumstances throw these two together in a dance that upsets the stereotypes of the time. Will their dance be a beautiful waltz or a lively tango?
Michael Blake is the perfect Regency son, who is well-bred, intelligent and duty bound to protect the family’s reputation and wealth. As such, he is destined to engage in a marriage of convenience. Despite knowing his path, Michael is a paradox of the dutiful son and secretly a rebel. Can he be true to himself and still save the family.
Emma Marks is an American heiress who would be the perfect partner in a loving marriage. She is on a quest to fulfill her deceased mother’s dream—a marriage to a titled man. Emma’s challenge is that she is vivacious, intelligent, focused, determined and strong will. These assets do not blend with the requirements of eligible titled English aristocracy. Will she be successful?
I must credit Ms. Boyd with the design of her plot line by employing a two-prong plot line. The first being the courtship of our two protagonists. The second is the mystery behind the intense tension of his family’s relationships. The latter propels Michael into a quest that interjects suspense. This strategy contributes to a believable plotline. Ms. Boyd choreographs a wild tango between our two lead characters to peak the readers’ interest. If you want to discover how the dance ends then I highly encourage you to read this book.
Michael Blake is the perfect Regency son, who is well-bred, intelligent and duty bound to protect the family’s reputation and wealth. As such, he is destined to engage in a marriage of convenience. Despite knowing his path, Michael is a paradox of the dutiful son and secretly a rebel. Can he be true to himself and still save the family.
Emma Marks is an American heiress who would be the perfect partner in a loving marriage. She is on a quest to fulfill her deceased mother’s dream—a marriage to a titled man. Emma’s challenge is that she is vivacious, intelligent, focused, determined and strong will. These assets do not blend with the requirements of eligible titled English aristocracy. Will she be successful?
I must credit Ms. Boyd with the design of her plot line by employing a two-prong plot line. The first being the courtship of our two protagonists. The second is the mystery behind the intense tension of his family’s relationships. The latter propels Michael into a quest that interjects suspense. This strategy contributes to a believable plotline. Ms. Boyd choreographs a wild tango between our two lead characters to peak the readers’ interest. If you want to discover how the dance ends then I highly encourage you to read this book.
October 28, 2018
This is an thrilling, dramatic, sweet and engaging story. Michael is an intense, unemotional and stubborn man. Emma is a vivacious, bold and caring woman. After losing his intended to his brother, Michael turns his attention to the only other woman with a dowry big enough to cover his needs, the American heiress Emma Marks. Emma has been dreaming of marrying a man with a title because that's what her mother wanted for her. When Michael shows up to propose the day after they were introduced, Emma sees something in him that intrigues her, so she tells him she'll think about it. After she agrees, Michael blows hot and cold, making her waffle about whether she's making the right decision or not. Neither trusts the others motives, and Michael has so much conflict in his life, including his growing feelings for Emma, that he is confused and angry. There are shocking twists to the storyline that make this book very hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2019
This book starts during the first book in the series and really picks up 3 weeks later. So, in truth, this is a continuation of the first book, but with different characters from the first book that become protagonists in the second book.
I do have to say I start to loathe the protagonists in the first book when I read about their interactions in the second book. Dylan Blake only brings bad news and really... he could have waited a few days after Michael’s wedding before breaking the scandalous news. These are one of the many ways I get ridiculously annoyed at Dylan in the second book when he was such a likeable character in the first book.
Fear not, through the numerous scandals in this second book and drama, there is still a happy ending with a few lustful and humorous scenes.
I would say enjoyable as a romance novel. But, it would not be enjoyable if it were a regular novel. So, if you like romance novels, then go ahead and give this series a read. It can be cheesy at times, but aren’t all romance novels just a little bit cheesy?
I do have to say I start to loathe the protagonists in the first book when I read about their interactions in the second book. Dylan Blake only brings bad news and really... he could have waited a few days after Michael’s wedding before breaking the scandalous news. These are one of the many ways I get ridiculously annoyed at Dylan in the second book when he was such a likeable character in the first book.
Fear not, through the numerous scandals in this second book and drama, there is still a happy ending with a few lustful and humorous scenes.
I would say enjoyable as a romance novel. But, it would not be enjoyable if it were a regular novel. So, if you like romance novels, then go ahead and give this series a read. It can be cheesy at times, but aren’t all romance novels just a little bit cheesy?
October 28, 2018
Michael Blake, Viscount Sherbourne was forced to court American heiress Emma Marks after his brother Dylan was caught in a compromising position with Michael’s fiance Lady Natalia. He doesn’t want to be attracted her; she is just a means to pay off his family debts. Emma wanted more than just to be married for her money, but she’s become desperate after none of the Knickerbockers in America would accept her. Michael is too stuffy and doesn’t want to travel. Can Emma give up her adventurous nature and be happy with him? And Michael discovers secrets about his parents and his father that could destroy his family. Will they be able to overcome this and be happy together? Plenty of drama and suspense in this historical romance. I liked Emma’s companion Lady Jane and Michael’s friend Lord Basingstoke and would love to read more about their potential romance in a future story.
April 26, 2023
The second book in the Brides of Scandal Series tells the story of Michael Blake the Earl of Sherbourne the future Duke of Warren and his need to marry a woman with a large dowry to save his family's holdings and reputation. In the first story of this series Michael’s brother Dylan stole his prospective bride, Lady Natalia Sinclair, from him, leaving the brash American heiress Emma Marks as his last chance. Emma finds Michael to be an interesting man and agrees to marry him. Just after their marriage. The Earl of Warren, Michael's father, hated Emma and was not happy with the marriage. Emma and Michael had to deal with several scandals right after they got married. This was an enjoyable story, and I really liked the way the love story moved quickly and then incorporated the other aspects of the story
October 27, 2018
Way too many of the titled had to marry money to survive and again in this story we have a first son trying to save the title that I bet his father abused. Then also in this story there are two young people who should marry will the powers to be allowed it? Emma Marks from America has come to England an heiress who a prime target to those who need money. Emma is a strong lady and when push comes to shove Emma is right where she should be. The author has written a strong female character with a wonderful heart. I loved Michael, Jane, and Julian and the drama with the Earl’s death was splendid. I really enjoyed reading this one. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 16, 2022
In America, Emma is snubbed by her fellow socialites because her family is "new money". In an attempt to gain respect, she takes off to England to win a husband and a title with her impressive dowry. Meanwhile, Michael's family is in economic turmoil due to his father's gambling habits. His only hope is Emma's dowry, but can this cold Englishman bare to be around a loud, scandalous American?
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I think I prefer Brides of Scandal Book 1 but I honestly liked this book more then I thought I would. I thought that Michael was a stick in the mud during Book 1. But his character really gets flushed out and grows in this book. I liked Emma a lot. Like the first book, I feel like the end was a bit rushed.
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I think I prefer Brides of Scandal Book 1 but I honestly liked this book more then I thought I would. I thought that Michael was a stick in the mud during Book 1. But his character really gets flushed out and grows in this book. I liked Emma a lot. Like the first book, I feel like the end was a bit rushed.
April 29, 2021
I loved Michael and Emma's story in Diana Bold's Marrying the American Heiress. Michael was a stuffed shirt Brit who couldn't stand the thought of lowering himself by marrying an American. I was a bit concerned that he wouldn't turn his personality around enough for me to actually like him, but he did. He just wasn't the greatest in the first book (Dylan's story) or at the beginning of this book.
Now Emma, she was wonderful. A spitfire of a woman who quickly falls for Michael. She believed he was perfect - she pretty much gave into all of his demands and still loved him.
Sweet story with some nice steam. Diana Bold's books are pretty great!
Now Emma, she was wonderful. A spitfire of a woman who quickly falls for Michael. She believed he was perfect - she pretty much gave into all of his demands and still loved him.
Sweet story with some nice steam. Diana Bold's books are pretty great!
April 2, 2023
Full of surprises!
When a young lord enters the marriage mart, the biblical inheritance warning that the sins of the father would be passed on to their heirs could not have held more truth. His father having gambled away the family wealth left him with no other choice but to marry a large dowry. In his case, one of the American young ladies seemed the best choice, though they were barely acquainted.
With such a common premise, I was unprepared for the bombshell that lay in wait for the reader. Loving thrills and suspense, this book left me begging for more of the same. What an excellent author!
When a young lord enters the marriage mart, the biblical inheritance warning that the sins of the father would be passed on to their heirs could not have held more truth. His father having gambled away the family wealth left him with no other choice but to marry a large dowry. In his case, one of the American young ladies seemed the best choice, though they were barely acquainted.
With such a common premise, I was unprepared for the bombshell that lay in wait for the reader. Loving thrills and suspense, this book left me begging for more of the same. What an excellent author!
July 27, 2021
I was expecting a cheesy romance novel and I got a little of that but it was much better than the title implies.
I read book 1 of The Brides of Scandal and really liked it. It was also much better than the title implies. This one is just as good as the first one.
It had romance, danger, murder, and a healthy dose of humor.
The sex scenes are very respectful, which is unusual for a romance novel. I really appreciate the author’s steamy yet beautiful depiction of sex and how it can be more than just physical pleasure.
Diana Bold is definitely my favorite romance author.
I read book 1 of The Brides of Scandal and really liked it. It was also much better than the title implies. This one is just as good as the first one.
It had romance, danger, murder, and a healthy dose of humor.
The sex scenes are very respectful, which is unusual for a romance novel. I really appreciate the author’s steamy yet beautiful depiction of sex and how it can be more than just physical pleasure.
Diana Bold is definitely my favorite romance author.
May 27, 2022
Oh, no, è successo di nuovo! Dopo aver letto, gratuitamente, il primo volume della serie, e averlo trovato ben scritto e ambientato con una certa competenza nell'Inghilterra vittoriana, mi son decisa a spendere qualche euro per leggere il secondo. L'inizio sembrava promettente, finché la protagonista non ha cominciato a dar di matto e a ricevere visite in vestaglia, entrando ben presto appieno nel ruolo di una seduttrice da quattro soldi. Se non fosse che l'autrice è degli US, avrei pensato che volesse gettare discredito sulle 'avventuriere americane' del tempo.
March 20, 2024
Lonely hearts
This is the story of Emma and Michael, two lonely people looking for love. Michael is so rigid, not to show emotions, and Emma is the total opposite. Michael needs to marry a heiress, and Emma has been groomed to marry a title. But before they find their happliy ever after, both their hearts will be broken. Secrets will be revealed, and tragedy will strike.
Thank you ♥️
This is the story of Emma and Michael, two lonely people looking for love. Michael is so rigid, not to show emotions, and Emma is the total opposite. Michael needs to marry a heiress, and Emma has been groomed to marry a title. But before they find their happliy ever after, both their hearts will be broken. Secrets will be revealed, and tragedy will strike.
Thank you ♥️
October 30, 2018
He need to marry a woman with money but the one he had hoped to marry is taken away by his brother. Now he has to get the American one. She promised her father he would marry a titled gentleman. He is then accused of a crime. Can she prove he is innocent? What will happen? Follow them and see
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 29, 2019My review of this story
Wasn't much I didn't like except the incredible Stupidity of them both jumping to conclusions about each other's imagined ideal of what was happening to the other one. I would never have made such a mistake. I have Always Hated the English Upper Crust!
Wasn't much I didn't like except the incredible Stupidity of them both jumping to conclusions about each other's imagined ideal of what was happening to the other one. I would never have made such a mistake. I have Always Hated the English Upper Crust!
February 3, 2023
Wanting a title
This was a nice Victorian historical romance of an American heiress search for a man with a title to show off to her rich acquaintances in New York. He was titled English Lord who needed money quickly. So of course among all sorts of problems they fell in love. Good read.
This was a nice Victorian historical romance of an American heiress search for a man with a title to show off to her rich acquaintances in New York. He was titled English Lord who needed money quickly. So of course among all sorts of problems they fell in love. Good read.
October 27, 2018
Loved this historical romance. The author did a great job and I felt the connection between H and h. Wonderful story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 28, 2018
Michael and Emma's story is well-written and it kept my interest throughout. I hope there will be more books to come in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
Once again a very nice story by this author.I enjoyed this story very much and can really recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2018
this is the second story in the brides of scandal series of books and I have to say it really was an enjoyable steamy read. not your average nice and sweet historical romance,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2020
Marrying the American Heiress
Must read it book. This story kept me wondering till the end about the true feelings of michael and his struggle. What a sad childhood for the brothers but the lively spirit of the heiress makes up the day.
Must read it book. This story kept me wondering till the end about the true feelings of michael and his struggle. What a sad childhood for the brothers but the lively spirit of the heiress makes up the day.
July 16, 2021
Wonderful love story
Amazing writing! I just enjoyed this amazing journey of adventure and loved the eventful ending. Amazing characters, as they say opposites attract. Entertaining, mystery, overall amazing!
Amazing writing! I just enjoyed this amazing journey of adventure and loved the eventful ending. Amazing characters, as they say opposites attract. Entertaining, mystery, overall amazing!
March 28, 2022
Angel Looks, Devil Background
Sad and happy story following Book 1. The background of the two brothers is the devil to live through. Secrets come to light that can destroy his fragile relationship. This man with the looks of Angel learns to trust and love.
Sad and happy story following Book 1. The background of the two brothers is the devil to live through. Secrets come to light that can destroy his fragile relationship. This man with the looks of Angel learns to trust and love.
February 16, 2023
cold hearted man
Such a mess, sweet lady and man who is completely shut off from reality of being in a relationship, hope he changes in the future or cannot give this marriage a good chance of going forward!
Such a mess, sweet lady and man who is completely shut off from reality of being in a relationship, hope he changes in the future or cannot give this marriage a good chance of going forward!
November 6, 2018
An intriguing historical romance story, that is enjoyable and entertaining. Characters are remarkably engaging and it is well written. It was a pleasure to read this book.
December 12, 2018
4.5 stars
April 19, 2019
Very worthwhile
Ms Bold writes a very believable story and understands English history quite well. It makes you wish her stories were longer ! 😺
Ms Bold writes a very believable story and understands English history quite well. It makes you wish her stories were longer ! 😺
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews