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Regency Brides: A Promise of Love #1
A Clever Alliance
Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
Prequel Novella: The Heiress (Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School)
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
Prequel Novella: The Heiress (Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School)
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2019
907 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Laura Beers
77 books504 followersLaura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 13, 2020
Madalene is being forced by her uncle to marry an unsavory villain. She takes the first opportunity she gets to run and falls, literally, into Everett’s curricle. While they try to discover the why behind it all, they enter a fake engagement for their mutual benefit.
If you don’t mind a modern approach to Regency, this is pretty good. There’s not much depth to it, but it’s light and fun. I was liking the story quite a bit until the climax which got ridiculous. The unsavory villain is quite the caricature.
2.5 stars
If you don’t mind a modern approach to Regency, this is pretty good. There’s not much depth to it, but it’s light and fun. I was liking the story quite a bit until the climax which got ridiculous. The unsavory villain is quite the caricature.
2.5 stars
September 5, 2020
Enter Marquess Too-Sexy-For-This-World-Whatshisface. No seriously, what's his face?! Bc he sure seems to be one "devastatingly handsome" and exciting hunk of a man from the meal and not the snack sort, with all the women and their mothers climbing into his coaches and onto his lap all the time. But other than his crisply cut cheekbones and more generic vague descriptions my inner eye could not really form a picture of him. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining to read and all, but it also got old fast bc there was hardly any other distinctive feature in our main male character other than him being positively plagued by his beauty and station. And than we don't even really know what he looks like...and boy was he quick to judge all the ladies by their appearance too! Ugh. The first scene that introduces him, at a ball where he is constantly harassed with unwanted attention (unwanted, but not unwarranted) by all kinds of ladies all the time (yes, poor thing). He meets a girl that he deems "attractive enough" just to disqualify and devalue her on the spot once she shows her 'snaggletooth'. I mean...come on! That's not the kind of male Marquess hero I wanna fall for in a book!
Also he thinks of himself as a dutiful son and mentions that more than once! Say what?! Oh he is sooo self-righteous and self-important and...not dutiful. At 29 and being the only son currently unemployed and def ready to marry one or the other eligible lady (he is only looking for partnership and not love after all) who is "hounding him", his constant refusal and excessive moaning over the matter is ridiculous. AND insensitive because he must know that ladies, would they have a real choice and stake to their name, would probably also not choose to hunt after men, in order to survive in the world. [Do you hear my inner historic feminist, roar? She is furious.]
Onto the other elements and characters of the story: it's nice enough. The plot lines are sweet and simple and the settings ever the same, I think that's why it's so important to have good and appealing characters which I thought that book didn't really have. Maddie, as the classic damsel in distress who is stunningly beautiful but doesn't know, sexually inexperienced and in much need of gallant rescue all the time was not my type of character. That Everett falls for her almost on the spot was just toooo cheesy and old before its time. It baffles me that women who are "weak" and constantly waiting for things to happen to them in terms of love are so desirable. Why can't a book like that display a woman who pursues a man and succeed in doing so? I am sure that also happened in "the regency era". Is this idea that men like to chase and only show interest when the women don't really the only way? I hope not. No matter what this book is trying to tell us- I call BS and the male patriarchal conventional society messing with the plot lines here!
All in all, it was an easy and fast in-between read and it's lovely for people who read more than this one book out of the series as so many more familiar characters from the other books play a huge role and their relationships are observed and commented on. For me it was a 1.5 stars book because I just didn't really like the two main characters whose love story played out here and the dialogues were DREADFUL. I thought my eyes would surely stay stuck from rolling them so much.
Also he thinks of himself as a dutiful son and mentions that more than once! Say what?! Oh he is sooo self-righteous and self-important and...not dutiful. At 29 and being the only son currently unemployed and def ready to marry one or the other eligible lady (he is only looking for partnership and not love after all) who is "hounding him", his constant refusal and excessive moaning over the matter is ridiculous. AND insensitive because he must know that ladies, would they have a real choice and stake to their name, would probably also not choose to hunt after men, in order to survive in the world. [Do you hear my inner historic feminist, roar? She is furious.]
Onto the other elements and characters of the story: it's nice enough. The plot lines are sweet and simple and the settings ever the same, I think that's why it's so important to have good and appealing characters which I thought that book didn't really have. Maddie, as the classic damsel in distress who is stunningly beautiful but doesn't know, sexually inexperienced and in much need of gallant rescue all the time was not my type of character. That Everett falls for her almost on the spot was just toooo cheesy and old before its time. It baffles me that women who are "weak" and constantly waiting for things to happen to them in terms of love are so desirable. Why can't a book like that display a woman who pursues a man and succeed in doing so? I am sure that also happened in "the regency era". Is this idea that men like to chase and only show interest when the women don't really the only way? I hope not. No matter what this book is trying to tell us- I call BS and the male patriarchal conventional society messing with the plot lines here!
All in all, it was an easy and fast in-between read and it's lovely for people who read more than this one book out of the series as so many more familiar characters from the other books play a huge role and their relationships are observed and commented on. For me it was a 1.5 stars book because I just didn't really like the two main characters whose love story played out here and the dialogues were DREADFUL. I thought my eyes would surely stay stuck from rolling them so much.
December 2, 2019
A light regency romance that sees a young noblewoman about to be married against her will and fleeing into the arms of a Marquess. While neither wishes to marry, they enter into a pretend betrothal. Madalene is kept safe from her greedy uncle and horrible match he's made for her, and Everett gets some cover from all the young ladies who are trying to trap him into a marriage.
What really brings this to life are the friends and family of the central couple, particularly as they repeatedly demonstrate that they're all a hell of a lot smarter than the goofy couple at question. Quick and fun, and probably worth reading more in this series.
What really brings this to life are the friends and family of the central couple, particularly as they repeatedly demonstrate that they're all a hell of a lot smarter than the goofy couple at question. Quick and fun, and probably worth reading more in this series.
November 3, 2022
Really well written.
Everett saves Madelene from a disastrous marriage when he rushes her off to a nearby friends house who happens to be married to a duke.
There is some good conflict without unsavory elements.
My only criticism is the the antagonists are a bit too cartoonish. Too evil for the sake of being evil, so to speak. Otherwise very entertaining.
Content concerns:
Everett saves Madelene from a disastrous marriage when he rushes her off to a nearby friends house who happens to be married to a duke.
There is some good conflict without unsavory elements.
My only criticism is the the antagonists are a bit too cartoonish. Too evil for the sake of being evil, so to speak. Otherwise very entertaining.
Content concerns:
September 4, 2019
Lady Madalene is in a difficult situation, but she refuses to give up. So she devises an escape plan from her own engagement party. Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, unwittingly becomes part of her escape plan. To solve their problems (hers: being forced to marry an odious man her uncle has chosen; his: being aggressively pursued by eligible young ladies and their mamas), they fake an engagement.
I liked this book so much I went back and read the story of the Duke and Penelope, which you can find here:
The Heiress
I liked this book so much I went back and read the story of the Duke and Penelope, which you can find here:
The Heiress
September 21, 2019
A great start to a new series! This is my first book by Laura Beers, and I really enjoyed it! The storyline was interesting and the characters were charming. There was also some cute and witty dialogue between Madeline and Everett.
September 11, 2019
I really loved the book before this one, The Heiress from Miss Bell’s Finishing School series. Having read that one first, it was so fun to look forward to Everett’s story in this book. I also loved getting to see more of Penelope and Nicholas in this book.
Maddie is a likable heroine and I adored her love of climbing trees. The way she and Everett first meet is so unique and fun, and I loved watching his protective streak come out for her. There was some suspense which I love in a clean romance. Definitely another great one and I can’t wait for the next one (I already have suspicions/hopes of who it might be about!).
Maddie is a likable heroine and I adored her love of climbing trees. The way she and Everett first meet is so unique and fun, and I loved watching his protective streak come out for her. There was some suspense which I love in a clean romance. Definitely another great one and I can’t wait for the next one (I already have suspicions/hopes of who it might be about!).
June 15, 2024
3.5
If your looking for a clean short book this might be what you are looking for. This book needed more depth and being less predictable. If this would have been a long book I probably wouldn’t have finished it,so it definitely was the perfect length. Also this book is connected to previous book.
If your looking for a clean short book this might be what you are looking for. This book needed more depth and being less predictable. If this would have been a long book I probably wouldn’t have finished it,so it definitely was the perfect length. Also this book is connected to previous book.
August 22, 2019
Such a fun plotline. Madalene's uncle chooses a fiance for her but she wishes to marry for love. Feeling trapped with no way to run, she escapes her own engagement party and falls out of the tree into Everett's carriage. The intrigue, pacing, events like the menagerie was perfect. I guess the book basically takes place in 2 weeks and a few days time but it seems like it should be more.
If you read Miss Bell's Finishing school series you'll see familiar faces but it's not completely necessary. Can't wait to read the next book!
If you read Miss Bell's Finishing school series you'll see familiar faces but it's not completely necessary. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 2, 2019
3.5 stars
July 26, 2023
A Clever Alliance is book 1 in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Love series. This is apparently a spinoff series of the Ladies of Miss Bell's Finishing School series and I wish I had known this before I started this book. The secondary characters feature prominently in A Clever Alliance but had their own story in book 2 of Miss Bell's series. I would have preferred to read their story first because I definitely felt like I was missing out. What is Penelope's business that she apparently runs in Regency world? How did the Duke and Duchess meet? What obstacles did they overcome to be together to be able to dish advice? Seems like this story should have been in the same series. Oh well.
So here we have Lady Madalene Ramsbury being called home to London from Miss Bell's Finishing School in Bath at the request of her uncle, her guardian. He surprises Madalene with news that she will marry the Viscount Tattershell and the betrothal will be announced at a garden party in four days. Not only does Tattershell arrive to the party late, he is drunk and can't even get her name right. Her uncle finds their meeting comical, and Tattershell's parents just kind of shrug it off, but Madalene knows she has to escape. And she does, by running from the party, climbing a tree and falling right into the curricle of Everett, the Marquess of Northampton.
When Madalene makes her entrance, er... landing, Everett assumes she's just another debutante trying to compromise marriage out of him but he quickly sees that Madalene is in a situation and he's able to help her. Taking her to the Duke and Duchess of Blackbourne's home (because the Duchess is Madalene's friend from Miss Bell's book 2) Madalene finds sanctuary while the Duke and Everett get the whole story and confront Madalene's uncle.
After hearing everything, Everett sees an opportunity to help both himself and Madalene. They become engaged, meanwhile giving her a season to meet other potential suitors, while keeping the match-making mamas and their daughters at bay. At the end of the season, Madalene can cry off with Everett and, with her sizeable dowry, be free to choose a husband. All that sounds well and good, except Tattershell begins stalking Madalene, her father's will needs to be found, and feelings might be starting to grow between Everett and Madalene.
I enjoyed this book and was entertained, but I truly have to wonder how an author with so many books under her belt in this genre could get some things so very wrong. First of all, Gretna Green is the proper name of a real place and the two times the author refers to it she calls it Gretna Greens. She also confuses the vast property of a country estate with a small city footprint of a London townhouse. In an early scene, Madeline is at her family's London townhouse, yet she went out riding that morning without an escort but it's ok because she stayed on their lands... surrounded by woodlands. Ummm... what private land do they have behind their townhouse for riding? Next up... the lions at the menagerie are three years old and were presented to his Majesty in 1800. But the actual story begins in Bath in 1812. I mean, this is stupid stuff to get wrong. I won't get into all the anachronisms and use of "morning" instead of good morning and correct word usage (pertinent vs. impertinent, etc.). But be aware there is a very contemporary spin on the dialogue. It also felt juvenile in many places. At the beginning of the story, the author goes overboard with the use of unnecessary dialogue tags. She bantered, joked, admitted, remarked... all useless when describing dialogue that was just spoken. Fortunately she reined it in and it wasn't as noticeable later in the story. One thing I found lacking were the physical descriptions of the characters. There wasn't much to go on. She was beautiful, he was handsome, etc., etc. Her hair was always piled high on top of her head. Ok, not always, but four times it was. We don't even learn her eyes are green until chapter 9 but we are told four times his are blue. I don't know. It was hard to conjure a picture in my head of the main characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this story, really I did. It has its flaws and it's formulaic and rather predictable but I liked the elements of villainy and wanted to see what would happen next.
This is a sweet, clean read, with kisses and embraces only. 3.5 stars from me rounded up. I will be moving on to the next book in the series, The Reluctant Guardian.
So here we have Lady Madalene Ramsbury being called home to London from Miss Bell's Finishing School in Bath at the request of her uncle, her guardian. He surprises Madalene with news that she will marry the Viscount Tattershell and the betrothal will be announced at a garden party in four days. Not only does Tattershell arrive to the party late, he is drunk and can't even get her name right. Her uncle finds their meeting comical, and Tattershell's parents just kind of shrug it off, but Madalene knows she has to escape. And she does, by running from the party, climbing a tree and falling right into the curricle of Everett, the Marquess of Northampton.
When Madalene makes her entrance, er... landing, Everett assumes she's just another debutante trying to compromise marriage out of him but he quickly sees that Madalene is in a situation and he's able to help her. Taking her to the Duke and Duchess of Blackbourne's home (because the Duchess is Madalene's friend from Miss Bell's book 2) Madalene finds sanctuary while the Duke and Everett get the whole story and confront Madalene's uncle.
After hearing everything, Everett sees an opportunity to help both himself and Madalene. They become engaged, meanwhile giving her a season to meet other potential suitors, while keeping the match-making mamas and their daughters at bay. At the end of the season, Madalene can cry off with Everett and, with her sizeable dowry, be free to choose a husband. All that sounds well and good, except Tattershell begins stalking Madalene, her father's will needs to be found, and feelings might be starting to grow between Everett and Madalene.
I enjoyed this book and was entertained, but I truly have to wonder how an author with so many books under her belt in this genre could get some things so very wrong. First of all, Gretna Green is the proper name of a real place and the two times the author refers to it she calls it Gretna Greens. She also confuses the vast property of a country estate with a small city footprint of a London townhouse. In an early scene, Madeline is at her family's London townhouse, yet she went out riding that morning without an escort but it's ok because she stayed on their lands... surrounded by woodlands. Ummm... what private land do they have behind their townhouse for riding? Next up... the lions at the menagerie are three years old and were presented to his Majesty in 1800. But the actual story begins in Bath in 1812. I mean, this is stupid stuff to get wrong. I won't get into all the anachronisms and use of "morning" instead of good morning and correct word usage (pertinent vs. impertinent, etc.). But be aware there is a very contemporary spin on the dialogue. It also felt juvenile in many places. At the beginning of the story, the author goes overboard with the use of unnecessary dialogue tags. She bantered, joked, admitted, remarked... all useless when describing dialogue that was just spoken. Fortunately she reined it in and it wasn't as noticeable later in the story. One thing I found lacking were the physical descriptions of the characters. There wasn't much to go on. She was beautiful, he was handsome, etc., etc. Her hair was always piled high on top of her head. Ok, not always, but four times it was. We don't even learn her eyes are green until chapter 9 but we are told four times his are blue. I don't know. It was hard to conjure a picture in my head of the main characters.
Overall, I did enjoy this story, really I did. It has its flaws and it's formulaic and rather predictable but I liked the elements of villainy and wanted to see what would happen next.
This is a sweet, clean read, with kisses and embraces only. 3.5 stars from me rounded up. I will be moving on to the next book in the series, The Reluctant Guardian.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2019
A witty Regency romance
Maddie's love for trees and climbing them started when she was a child, climbing with her father as they investigated the birds living there. I imagine she had no idea that one day that skill would save her life. . .
A Clever Alliance is my first Laura Beers book. As I was reading, I got the sense of a Georgette Heyer novel, though less madcap. And, yes, I adore Georgette Heyer's writing, so this is a plus.
Maddie is a plucky Lady who abhors the thought of marrying for anything other than love. She cannot understand why men don't appreciate a woman who has more skills than those approved by the ton. My admiration for her was great. It was so amusing the many ways she confounded Everett.
As her new protector, Duke Nicholas, Everett's best friend, took his role quite seriously. I cracked up at the threats he made when Everett was preparing to bring Maddie to the opera!
This delightful story was full of intrigue and adventure as Maddie attempted to evade the clutches of her erstwhile fiancée, an odious man unwilling to accept her escape from their engagement party as a "no".
If you enjoy Regency romances or historical novels with a touch of suspense and a bit of humor, I recommend A Clever Alliance. Now that I've read it, I plan on reading more by Laura Beers!
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
Maddie's love for trees and climbing them started when she was a child, climbing with her father as they investigated the birds living there. I imagine she had no idea that one day that skill would save her life. . .
A Clever Alliance is my first Laura Beers book. As I was reading, I got the sense of a Georgette Heyer novel, though less madcap. And, yes, I adore Georgette Heyer's writing, so this is a plus.
Maddie is a plucky Lady who abhors the thought of marrying for anything other than love. She cannot understand why men don't appreciate a woman who has more skills than those approved by the ton. My admiration for her was great. It was so amusing the many ways she confounded Everett.
As her new protector, Duke Nicholas, Everett's best friend, took his role quite seriously. I cracked up at the threats he made when Everett was preparing to bring Maddie to the opera!
This delightful story was full of intrigue and adventure as Maddie attempted to evade the clutches of her erstwhile fiancée, an odious man unwilling to accept her escape from their engagement party as a "no".
If you enjoy Regency romances or historical novels with a touch of suspense and a bit of humor, I recommend A Clever Alliance. Now that I've read it, I plan on reading more by Laura Beers!
Read my full review at Among the Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."
December 2, 2020
Charming little story with an excellent premise. Doesn't rate higher because it falls into the usual trap of "this man isn't just unlikable - HE'S AN EVIL PSYCHOPATH " which inevitably strains my suspense-of-disbelief-ometer.
Heroine is charming and her quirk is not so out of bounds as to be eyebrow raising. She spends more time fussing about being a burden than seems natural though.
Love interest is likable from the start which is my favorite those he spends far too long not coming out and Saying Those Words so much so that is borders on absurd.
Other than the shark jumping evilness of a certain character I thought the plot was well worked and we'll paced.
Quick read with less drawing room discussions and balls than I usually like -this is certainly no Austen- but if you like the chaste regency romance genre I would recommend.
Heroine is charming and her quirk is not so out of bounds as to be eyebrow raising. She spends more time fussing about being a burden than seems natural though.
Love interest is likable from the start which is my favorite those he spends far too long not coming out and Saying Those Words so much so that is borders on absurd.
Other than the shark jumping evilness of a certain character I thought the plot was well worked and we'll paced.
Quick read with less drawing room discussions and balls than I usually like -this is certainly no Austen- but if you like the chaste regency romance genre I would recommend.
August 1, 2025
I don’t know … It was good? The reason this is a 2 stars is because the book didn’t excite me. I never really felt eager to pick it up again after putting it down. But at the same time, I didn’t feel like DNFing it either. Honestly, I was surprised it was only 200 pages, it felt like I was being dragged through way more than that.
December 13, 2020
A cute regency story, with the building of a relationship to avoid a forced marriage. To top it off, an evil uncle rounds it out... cliche, but fun.
May 26, 2020
This book was charming, witty and a joy to read. The story was engaging and the characters relatable. I really enjoyed this book.
August 18, 2019
Ok. This was a super cute book! Madalene is being summoned from Miss Bell’s Finishing School by her uncle marry a horrible man. To top it off, she is a prisoner in her own home. Finally escaping by a stroke of luck, she ends up literally falling into Everett’s carriage. To get her out of marrying the horrible man, Everett comes up with a “clever alliance” to become engaged to Madalene. I loved the chemistry between them! They definitely become friends, but they both deny the instant attraction. Everett is an all around gentlemen to the max. He feels a duty to look out for Madalene while trying to come to term with his feelings. I definitely enjoy reading Laura’s books, she has the chemistry down with her characters with a great storyline. Definitely read the prequel, The Heiress first. Characters appear in this novel.
August 28, 2019
“...true love is rare. It doesn’t just fall from the sky.”
No truer words could have been spoken, for Everett and Madalene this is exactly what happened. Well it wasn’t exactly the sky more falling from a tree, but falling with intention. Everett was what they call a confirmed bachelor, he had no intentions of marrying at any point in the near future. Madalene was about to be forced to marry an awful man and so decided to escape at the first opportunity she was granted. Thus leading her and Everett to meet in a brilliant way and over the course of a wonderfully written story they each came to truly love each other. We get to see some old friends return in this story(I absolutely love how Laura Beers incorporates all her characters into her many stories) and we get to meet a few new ones. It was a fun read. 10/10 would recommend. I also would recommend reading “the Heiress” as well so you can read all about Nicholas and Penelope’s wonderful love story.
No truer words could have been spoken, for Everett and Madalene this is exactly what happened. Well it wasn’t exactly the sky more falling from a tree, but falling with intention. Everett was what they call a confirmed bachelor, he had no intentions of marrying at any point in the near future. Madalene was about to be forced to marry an awful man and so decided to escape at the first opportunity she was granted. Thus leading her and Everett to meet in a brilliant way and over the course of a wonderfully written story they each came to truly love each other. We get to see some old friends return in this story(I absolutely love how Laura Beers incorporates all her characters into her many stories) and we get to meet a few new ones. It was a fun read. 10/10 would recommend. I also would recommend reading “the Heiress” as well so you can read all about Nicholas and Penelope’s wonderful love story.
Read
April 14, 2021Didn’t end up working for me. I was finding it pretty cute at first, (even though it’s the kind of “Regency” where you have to sorta put your brain on simmer because of how totally *not* Regency the characters constantly behave and think),
but sadly a little more than halfway through the heroine’s attitude of, “Of course I don’t need you to do that for me. I’m not one of ‘those’ women. I’m offended you would even offer. How dare you want to protect me instead of bowing to my amazing capability and independence” really irked me. I know I’m over-sensitive when this attitude of traditional femininity shaming is so prevalent in our culture and I shouldn’t be surprised to find it anywhere, but what do you know? It still disappoints me.
So for anyone who needs to hear this I have zero shame in allowing a man to assist me with something. Zero. Shame. It doesn’t make me less than any other woman because my worth and value don’t come from being able to conquer everything on my own.
So anyway, I tried to put that aside, and hope for a return to cuteness, but then the direction of the plot with the villain really wasn’t to my taste either.
I ended up feeling like I really don’t know why the hero fell for the heroine when he had so long resisted falling for anyone. But maybe if I wasn’t spoiled by her defiant and prideful attitude, I would have liked her? So if that sort of heroine is your type, you really might enjoy this book. It definitely did have its cute moments. I wanna be fair.
but sadly a little more than halfway through the heroine’s attitude of, “Of course I don’t need you to do that for me. I’m not one of ‘those’ women. I’m offended you would even offer. How dare you want to protect me instead of bowing to my amazing capability and independence” really irked me. I know I’m over-sensitive when this attitude of traditional femininity shaming is so prevalent in our culture and I shouldn’t be surprised to find it anywhere, but what do you know? It still disappoints me.
So for anyone who needs to hear this I have zero shame in allowing a man to assist me with something. Zero. Shame. It doesn’t make me less than any other woman because my worth and value don’t come from being able to conquer everything on my own.
So anyway, I tried to put that aside, and hope for a return to cuteness, but then the direction of the plot with the villain really wasn’t to my taste either.
I ended up feeling like I really don’t know why the hero fell for the heroine when he had so long resisted falling for anyone. But maybe if I wasn’t spoiled by her defiant and prideful attitude, I would have liked her? So if that sort of heroine is your type, you really might enjoy this book. It definitely did have its cute moments. I wanna be fair.
August 22, 2019
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
MY TAKE
Another fun story by Beers. There are no spies but that doesn't mean there's not suspense. It's fun to read as Madalene and Evertt agree to a fake engagement to help each other out and then both begin to wish it could be real.
4 1/2 stars
Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
MY TAKE
Another fun story by Beers. There are no spies but that doesn't mean there's not suspense. It's fun to read as Madalene and Evertt agree to a fake engagement to help each other out and then both begin to wish it could be real.
4 1/2 stars
December 22, 2019
A Clever Alliance is the first novel I have read by author Laura Beers after receiving recommendations to check out her books. I can see why so many enjoy her sweet Regency romances and will definitely be reading more of her novels myself. This particular book was well written and easy to read. I felt like the pace of the novel was well done to hold my interest and kept me excited to be reading the book. I love the heroine Maddie and how determined she is to take her life into her own hands. Climbing trees and dropping into unexpected Marquess's carriages made for a definite fun "cute meet" between her and Everett. I enjoyed the way Everett stepped outside of his comfort zone and took a chance on helping Maddie which ultimately helped the two to fall in love. I did feel like there was a backstory for the side characters the Duke and Penelope and after some googling discovered their story is a part of another series, which I felt like I was missing out from not having known that and read that story prior to this one even though this is listed as book one of the A Promise of Love series. Overall I really enjoyed this book, I'd say 4.5 stars, and am planning to read more by this author.
August 30, 2022
It was very enjoyable. I really liked it story line and characters. It was funny, yet very interesting as well. I really loved the supporting characters. I gave it 5 stars.
April 26, 2020
4.5
Really enjoyed this romance novel.
Moral Note: Mild violence, drinking, gambling, talk of affairs, kidnapping. No language, clean romance.
Really enjoyed this romance novel.
Moral Note: Mild violence, drinking, gambling, talk of affairs, kidnapping. No language, clean romance.
January 10, 2024
A cute short romance. It was predictable at points but that’s expected with this genre. A great read between more difficult fiction.
October 18, 2022
Is it just me or did this story seem a bit too similar to edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. However not as well done either… It was fun, although a little choppy and whiplashy at times
July 18, 2025
I have read most of this author’s books. She writes clean, witty, regency romance. She’s a must read Author.
February 10, 2020
Madalene and Everett
Madalene has just turned 18 and is enjoying her last few weeks at Miss Bell's Finishing School, when she is summoned home by her Uncle Lord Stafford. However, he isn't even home when she arrives to ask why she was not permitted to finish school. When she sees him at breakfast the next morning she gets an unexpected surprise, she is to marry a Lord Andrew Tattershell and the engagement garden party is in four days! She tries to reason with her Uncle but after not very long it garners her a slap to the face. Her parents would be appalled! Then she is handed over to a Mrs. Turner "to finish her schooling" but it's basically to be held a prisoner in her own home so she doesn't run off! When she meets Lord Tattershell she is appalled, not only is he over an hour late,but he can hardly stand on his own two feet! He reeks of alcohol and tobacco and he smells as if he has not bathed in quite some time. Then he tries to smile at her and she sees nothing but rotten teeth. The next thing she knows he is kissing her! Oh dear lord what is she to do? She hatches a plan that she hopes works, she tells his father Lord Powis she needs to use the necessary. Only she flees from the house as quickly as she can! She finally sees a curricule coming so climbs into a tree and waits for her chance and then drops into it as it passes beneath her. Lord Everett Northhampton is very surprised by this unexpected turn of events. He is worried that it's another ploy to trick him in to marriage, but she is insistent that she just needs a ride to her friend Lady Penelope Blackbourne's home. She refuses to even give him her name! All becomes clear when she is united with Penelope. Then the Duke decides she will be under his protection which doesn't make her Uncle happy the next day! Everett decides to make an alliance with her for her further protection of an engagement. What no one foresees is Lord Tattershell wanting to make her his so as to get her dowry at any cost! What happens next no only will surprise you but keep you wanting to read the next page until the end! Oh my what happens next! Read this great story by Laura Beers and you won't be disappointed.
Madalene has just turned 18 and is enjoying her last few weeks at Miss Bell's Finishing School, when she is summoned home by her Uncle Lord Stafford. However, he isn't even home when she arrives to ask why she was not permitted to finish school. When she sees him at breakfast the next morning she gets an unexpected surprise, she is to marry a Lord Andrew Tattershell and the engagement garden party is in four days! She tries to reason with her Uncle but after not very long it garners her a slap to the face. Her parents would be appalled! Then she is handed over to a Mrs. Turner "to finish her schooling" but it's basically to be held a prisoner in her own home so she doesn't run off! When she meets Lord Tattershell she is appalled, not only is he over an hour late,but he can hardly stand on his own two feet! He reeks of alcohol and tobacco and he smells as if he has not bathed in quite some time. Then he tries to smile at her and she sees nothing but rotten teeth. The next thing she knows he is kissing her! Oh dear lord what is she to do? She hatches a plan that she hopes works, she tells his father Lord Powis she needs to use the necessary. Only she flees from the house as quickly as she can! She finally sees a curricule coming so climbs into a tree and waits for her chance and then drops into it as it passes beneath her. Lord Everett Northhampton is very surprised by this unexpected turn of events. He is worried that it's another ploy to trick him in to marriage, but she is insistent that she just needs a ride to her friend Lady Penelope Blackbourne's home. She refuses to even give him her name! All becomes clear when she is united with Penelope. Then the Duke decides she will be under his protection which doesn't make her Uncle happy the next day! Everett decides to make an alliance with her for her further protection of an engagement. What no one foresees is Lord Tattershell wanting to make her his so as to get her dowry at any cost! What happens next no only will surprise you but keep you wanting to read the next page until the end! Oh my what happens next! Read this great story by Laura Beers and you won't be disappointed.
June 6, 2023
My review
Madalene is a strong character. I love her tree climbing and stand up for myself type personality. This is the first time I've read one of author, Laura Beers, stories. She has beautiful writing and a good storyline that's easy to follow and worth your time to read. If you love unconventional characters, strong women and clean regency romance check this story out today. Happy reading, friends!
Book Description:
Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
Madalene is a strong character. I love her tree climbing and stand up for myself type personality. This is the first time I've read one of author, Laura Beers, stories. She has beautiful writing and a good storyline that's easy to follow and worth your time to read. If you love unconventional characters, strong women and clean regency romance check this story out today. Happy reading, friends!
Book Description:
Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.
Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
August 20, 2019
You’re in for a treat with Madalene and Everett because they are not your typical couple. It’s clear to everyone around them that their friendship is more, but neither one sees it. Every threat against them just brought them closer and they would both die for the other if needed. I loved how they bantered back and forth and flirted without realizing it.
I knew her uncle had lied, but never imagined how far he had gone for himself. Between him and her crazy ex-fiance, I don’t know which was worse. Of course, I have to mention the amazing scene in the woods with Nicholas and how perfect it ended. The suspense was coming off the pages.
Madalene is no timed miss that will be forced into anything she doesn’t want. I knew I was going to love her as soon as she made her escape and didn’t even second guess her decision. She is a feisty girl that stands her ground and gives as good as she gets when threatened. My favorite scene was when she told her uncle what she was going to do about him.
Everett has no interest in any of the girls that have gone to great lengths to get him. He really has no plans to marry anytime soon, but the minute she fell into his curricle and asked for help his heart was gone. I loved how blunt and honest he was about things with everyone.
Their friends and his family will provide you with some great laughs along the way.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
I knew her uncle had lied, but never imagined how far he had gone for himself. Between him and her crazy ex-fiance, I don’t know which was worse. Of course, I have to mention the amazing scene in the woods with Nicholas and how perfect it ended. The suspense was coming off the pages.
Madalene is no timed miss that will be forced into anything she doesn’t want. I knew I was going to love her as soon as she made her escape and didn’t even second guess her decision. She is a feisty girl that stands her ground and gives as good as she gets when threatened. My favorite scene was when she told her uncle what she was going to do about him.
Everett has no interest in any of the girls that have gone to great lengths to get him. He really has no plans to marry anytime soon, but the minute she fell into his curricle and asked for help his heart was gone. I loved how blunt and honest he was about things with everyone.
Their friends and his family will provide you with some great laughs along the way.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
August 8, 2025
I have read quite a few books by Laura Beers and find them entertaining.
A Clever Alliance is the story of recently orphaned Lady Madelene Ramsbury who has been summoned home from finishing school on an urgent matter. Her uncle, the current Earl of Stafford, informs her that he has arranged a marriage between her and Viscount Tattershell. If she refuses she will be thrown out of her family home with no inheritance and even without her clothes.
When she meets Viscount Tattershell at their betrothal party he is drunk and smells bad. She manages to sneak away without detection and jumps into the Marquess of Northampton's curricle. he introduces himself as Everett but She won't tell him her name. She requests he take her to her good friend's house. Penelope, the Duchess of Blackbourne happens to be married to Nicholas, the Duke of Blackbourne who just happens to be Everett's best friend.
They concoct a plan where she is betrothed to the Marquess of Northampton to avoid being betrothed to Viscount Tattershell. The betrothal is a sham and they plan to go their separate ways when the London Season ends.
The story has many twists and turns and was entertaining and kept my interest. I gave it 2 stars.
I was very disappointed that the author did not know that entailed properties cannot be sold at one's discretion. Evidently she is unaware of the definition of and conditions of entailed properties.
A Clever Alliance is the story of recently orphaned Lady Madelene Ramsbury who has been summoned home from finishing school on an urgent matter. Her uncle, the current Earl of Stafford, informs her that he has arranged a marriage between her and Viscount Tattershell. If she refuses she will be thrown out of her family home with no inheritance and even without her clothes.
When she meets Viscount Tattershell at their betrothal party he is drunk and smells bad. She manages to sneak away without detection and jumps into the Marquess of Northampton's curricle. he introduces himself as Everett but She won't tell him her name. She requests he take her to her good friend's house. Penelope, the Duchess of Blackbourne happens to be married to Nicholas, the Duke of Blackbourne who just happens to be Everett's best friend.
They concoct a plan where she is betrothed to the Marquess of Northampton to avoid being betrothed to Viscount Tattershell. The betrothal is a sham and they plan to go their separate ways when the London Season ends.
The story has many twists and turns and was entertaining and kept my interest. I gave it 2 stars.
I was very disappointed that the author did not know that entailed properties cannot be sold at one's discretion. Evidently she is unaware of the definition of and conditions of entailed properties.
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