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Scandals of Scarcliffe Hall #4
The Baron's Inconvenient Bride
In his haste to find a marriage of convenience, an arrogant baron proposes to his sworn enemy…
Lady Jemima Stanhope has a secret she cannot share, even with her husband. Especially with her husband. Because that husband is the incorrigible rake, Lord Northmere.
Northmere is the last man on earth Jemima wanted to marry, which is perfect. At least she knows he’ll leave her to investigate her brother’s death in peace.
Now, if only she could stop thinking about him. How can a man be so unbearable, and yet still charming, generous, and perilously romantic?
Ralph Morton, Baron Northmere, has secrets of his own. One of the most carefully hidden is that Lady Jemima has always entranced him. Now she is his – in name only. How can he nurture the marriage he wants when she is determined to keep him at arm’s length?
And if she discovers the truth about his family, will she ever return to his side?
Lady Jemima Stanhope has a secret she cannot share, even with her husband. Especially with her husband. Because that husband is the incorrigible rake, Lord Northmere.
Northmere is the last man on earth Jemima wanted to marry, which is perfect. At least she knows he’ll leave her to investigate her brother’s death in peace.
Now, if only she could stop thinking about him. How can a man be so unbearable, and yet still charming, generous, and perilously romantic?
Ralph Morton, Baron Northmere, has secrets of his own. One of the most carefully hidden is that Lady Jemima has always entranced him. Now she is his – in name only. How can he nurture the marriage he wants when she is determined to keep him at arm’s length?
And if she discovers the truth about his family, will she ever return to his side?
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2019
136 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 15, 2019
Ralph Morton, Baron Northmere is spending the summer with his three best friends at Scarcliffe Hall, all four want a summer of relaxing, hunting & fishing with no women. Now that summer is drawing to a close three of the friends are married or engaged & Ralph finds that he must find a wife. His friends tease him to practice a proposal on his arch enemy Lady Jemima Stanhope ward to the Duke of Loxwell, they wager that he won’t go through with it.
Jemima has a secret she cannot share but needs her independence to go to London so when Northmere proposes she accepts & so begins a marriage of convenience
This is the fourth book in this highly entertaining series, it could be read on its own but events do overlap & to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the whole series. So course Ralph & Jemima have featured in earlier books he’s the very well dressed, always last to arrive suave bachelor, she's an intelligent young woman trying to come to terms with losing her brother Bernard. Whenever the two meet sparks fly, they annoy each other & argue at each meeting. I loved the teasing between the four friends & how Ralph’s proposal back fired but the fun & games really started after the wedding.
“I do not care what you call me” - the names Ralph does call her had me laughing out loud.
I love enemies to lovers, which I think is my favourite trope & this story is a lovely example. The verbal sparring between Ralph & Jemima is brilliant & very entertaining. Another well written book from the author, the pace is good & the characters well portrayed. I particularly liked Daisy & would love for there to be a spin off series about her & the Balfour siblings.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Jemima has a secret she cannot share but needs her independence to go to London so when Northmere proposes she accepts & so begins a marriage of convenience
This is the fourth book in this highly entertaining series, it could be read on its own but events do overlap & to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading the whole series. So course Ralph & Jemima have featured in earlier books he’s the very well dressed, always last to arrive suave bachelor, she's an intelligent young woman trying to come to terms with losing her brother Bernard. Whenever the two meet sparks fly, they annoy each other & argue at each meeting. I loved the teasing between the four friends & how Ralph’s proposal back fired but the fun & games really started after the wedding.
“I do not care what you call me” - the names Ralph does call her had me laughing out loud.
I love enemies to lovers, which I think is my favourite trope & this story is a lovely example. The verbal sparring between Ralph & Jemima is brilliant & very entertaining. Another well written book from the author, the pace is good & the characters well portrayed. I particularly liked Daisy & would love for there to be a spin off series about her & the Balfour siblings.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 15, 2019
This was an engaging story about two people who needed to marry for different reasons. Jemima needed to marry to enable her to find out information about her soldier brother and Ralph needed to marry an heiress. They had known each other for some time and had a love / hate relationship. Jemima has a sharp tongue and is very clever but she makes Ralph feel inadequate. Ralph also has problems with his mother and I was surprised how understanding Jemima was with her. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and their change in attitude. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2021
This was the final book in the Scandals of Scarcliffe Hall series, and honestly? There was so much drama crammed into this one that it seemed longer than its 200 pages.
The budding romance between Jemima and Ralph was a joy to watch develop. The way they slowly started to come to care for another another even as they tried to keep their walls up is what made them interesting. I just wish there had been more of those moments and less of the others involving his mother's dramatics, his sister running away and the entire nonsense with Jemima's brother near the end. All of those things, while allowing Jemima to show off the strength of her character, took too much of the focus away from the romance.
Unlike the other books in this series, the majority of this one seems to take place after the events in the first three (as those stories seemed to be happening at the same time). However in keeping with the theme of this author's stories, you do not need to read the prior novels in order to understand this one. This is also a sweet and clean romance with only a few kisses shared between the two.
This is now the second series from this author that I have read and while some have not appealed to me as much as others, I enjoy her writing style enough to continue on with the next.
May 2, 2021
Interesting
This story is about Ralph and Jemima. But at the very same time it isn’t. I feel as if the author focuses too much on the secondary characters and how they connect to the hero and heroine. For me it lacked the focus I needed for this romance to be about Ralph and Jemima. I just wished for more romance and less speed.
This story is about Ralph and Jemima. But at the very same time it isn’t. I feel as if the author focuses too much on the secondary characters and how they connect to the hero and heroine. For me it lacked the focus I needed for this romance to be about Ralph and Jemima. I just wished for more romance and less speed.
August 5, 2021
Nicely Crafted
Dear Gemma,
Your stories are delightful, and well written and thought out.
The characters are freshly described, and their doings, their lives, their thinking are all fresh to this reader.
I obviously enjoyed your series, so I recommend all romance lovers read each book.
Dear Gemma,
Your stories are delightful, and well written and thought out.
The characters are freshly described, and their doings, their lives, their thinking are all fresh to this reader.
I obviously enjoyed your series, so I recommend all romance lovers read each book.
April 2, 2021
Clean read
This ends the fourth bachelor who got married in this series. Jemima and Ralph definitely had some obstacles to overcome in their sudden marriage but as they go through it together they find true love
This ends the fourth bachelor who got married in this series. Jemima and Ralph definitely had some obstacles to overcome in their sudden marriage but as they go through it together they find true love
May 11, 2021
One of my favorites
Oh this was the relationship I was hoping for! I wanted this one since book one! Even though I’m a sucker die a Duke I loved this Baron from the beginning!!! It’s just perfect!
Oh this was the relationship I was hoping for! I wanted this one since book one! Even though I’m a sucker die a Duke I loved this Baron from the beginning!!! It’s just perfect!
June 22, 2021
My second favorite book of the series....kept me awake too late to finish though! I didn't love the characters as much as I did the third book, but otherwise a very good read.
February 21, 2024
Brillant
This series is wonderful. It's hard to put down, has twist and turns that is in expected and a great story line.
This series is wonderful. It's hard to put down, has twist and turns that is in expected and a great story line.
May 26, 2022
👍👍👍
This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments that really didn't bring the same warm smile to my face as the other moments had. However, even though there were times when it would lull and I would begin to ponder about choosing another novel, something would grab my attention again- just enough to reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
This novel had a lot of good moments, a lot of sweet moments; BUT it also had lot of just okay moments that really didn't bring the same warm smile to my face as the other moments had. However, even though there were times when it would lull and I would begin to ponder about choosing another novel, something would grab my attention again- just enough to reel me back in to stick by the side of this author. In the end, though, I'm glad I finished reading this novel.
July 27, 2019
Pistol packing heroine
This is entertaining book has an aloof heroine at its core and a hero who doesn’t have much going for him (at first). The momentum is great and there is some fun banter.
Jemima needs to marry fast so she is free to find her missing brother. Ralph needs a rich bride to fund his sister’s coming out. When they marry they are estranged until each is drawn into the other’s family problems.
I like that Jemima grabs pistols at any opportunity and that we get to see Ralph evolve as a man. I was a bit disappointed that Jemima’s character doesn’t evolve and that she not as relatable as Ralph.
While this is good reading there are so many excellent writers in HR that ‘Inconvenient Bride’ misses out of being in the top tier with Mary Balogh, Amanda Quick, Eloisa James and Lisa Kleypas.
This is entertaining book has an aloof heroine at its core and a hero who doesn’t have much going for him (at first). The momentum is great and there is some fun banter.
Jemima needs to marry fast so she is free to find her missing brother. Ralph needs a rich bride to fund his sister’s coming out. When they marry they are estranged until each is drawn into the other’s family problems.
I like that Jemima grabs pistols at any opportunity and that we get to see Ralph evolve as a man. I was a bit disappointed that Jemima’s character doesn’t evolve and that she not as relatable as Ralph.
While this is good reading there are so many excellent writers in HR that ‘Inconvenient Bride’ misses out of being in the top tier with Mary Balogh, Amanda Quick, Eloisa James and Lisa Kleypas.
June 16, 2019
Excellent Read!
In this story we have two people who are at each others throats whenever they meet and then one day he proposes to win a wager and the whole story does a turn-about ... And changes!
Two of the most headstrong and lovable characters are written about as they slowly realize that they are falling in love and they are supported by a mix of interesting characters.
I loved these characters, their individual personalities and how they eventually learn to trust each other, as well being entertained by the mystery, intrigue and caring which is written into this remarkable story and so I happily recommend this story as an excellent read.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and my review above is unbiased and voluntary.
In this story we have two people who are at each others throats whenever they meet and then one day he proposes to win a wager and the whole story does a turn-about ... And changes!
Two of the most headstrong and lovable characters are written about as they slowly realize that they are falling in love and they are supported by a mix of interesting characters.
I loved these characters, their individual personalities and how they eventually learn to trust each other, as well being entertained by the mystery, intrigue and caring which is written into this remarkable story and so I happily recommend this story as an excellent read.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and my review above is unbiased and voluntary.
February 9, 2020
PG romance book worth the read
This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book; it just lacked ‘something’ for 5 stars: In this case, I like more ‘ intimate scenes’...this book is totally PG rating.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was totally enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.
The humorous moments, The give and take dialogue was wonderful. Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging.
Romance was throughout the book in the form of lovely written kissing scenes (no oral or love making scenes in this book).
Totally recommend author.
This book was good, worth reading in a few days. It hit pretty much most of my personal markers for a good read and well roundness of the book; it just lacked ‘something’ for 5 stars: In this case, I like more ‘ intimate scenes’...this book is totally PG rating.
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was totally enjoyable. It kept me wanting to know and read more.
The humorous moments, The give and take dialogue was wonderful. Movement of the book flowed for the most part. Book writing/conversation engaging.
Romance was throughout the book in the form of lovely written kissing scenes (no oral or love making scenes in this book).
Totally recommend author.
June 15, 2019
I received an ARC from the author; this is my honest review.
-This is the story of proud Jemima and teasing Ralph. These are masks.
-But their real character are: Faithful, endearing, practical Ralph. Generous, compassionate, fearful Jemima.
-Finally, the mystery of the boat ride is revealed. I still take Ralph's side on this one. No one stands up in a boat without failing to dive overboard, whatever the reason.
-Crimes, passions, laughter, love, infidelity, suspense, mystery, friendship, romance, all in one.
-I gave book #1 a 5-star review; but this one is my favorite of all four books.
-This is the story of proud Jemima and teasing Ralph. These are masks.
-But their real character are: Faithful, endearing, practical Ralph. Generous, compassionate, fearful Jemima.
-Finally, the mystery of the boat ride is revealed. I still take Ralph's side on this one. No one stands up in a boat without failing to dive overboard, whatever the reason.
-Crimes, passions, laughter, love, infidelity, suspense, mystery, friendship, romance, all in one.
-I gave book #1 a 5-star review; but this one is my favorite of all four books.
June 19, 2019
3.5 stars
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Jemima is in search of her brother, believed to be dead, but in order to meet someone who may have information she must escape her guardian by marrying and obtaining the use of her inheritance.
Ralf needs money to support his younger sister in her come out and prop up his failing estate. He is dared to purpose to the one women guaranteed to say no, only her answer changes everything.
Wasn't as convincing as the other couples in the series. Good ending to the series.
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Jemima is in search of her brother, believed to be dead, but in order to meet someone who may have information she must escape her guardian by marrying and obtaining the use of her inheritance.
Ralf needs money to support his younger sister in her come out and prop up his failing estate. He is dared to purpose to the one women guaranteed to say no, only her answer changes everything.
Wasn't as convincing as the other couples in the series. Good ending to the series.
December 3, 2019
I thought the last book in this series was great, but this one just blew it out of the water. The chemistry between these two was lovely to watch grow and deepen. It left no cliffhangers and tied up all the loose ends. The characters were likeable and the emotions the book evoked kept you reading without disappointment. A must read to complete the series
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
June 16, 2019
This is the 4th book in the series Scandals of Scarcliff Hall, but you do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this book. In this book Ralph and Jemima get together and marry for different reasons, but not because of love. This is well written and enjoyable. Gemma Blackwood always makes me feel like I know the characters in her book and I am part of it. This is a clean romance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
June 23, 2019
Very entertaining.
What really are their reasons to marry because it does not appear to be love? Who reason is the best? Can a wager lead to happiness? These are the questions answered in this tale. Jemima and Ralph's story is not without some major relationship hurdles, but I enjoyed reading about them. Highly entertaining and well worth picking up I recommend it! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
What really are their reasons to marry because it does not appear to be love? Who reason is the best? Can a wager lead to happiness? These are the questions answered in this tale. Jemima and Ralph's story is not without some major relationship hurdles, but I enjoyed reading about them. Highly entertaining and well worth picking up I recommend it! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 16, 2019
Romance is in the air when weddings are planned, however this was one romance no one could foresee!
A historical read with love and smiles!
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
A historical read with love and smiles!
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
July 18, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Jemima is a great character. She stands up for her family both her blood relatives and her newly acquired married ones. Everyone loves her spirit. Ralph is a good strong partner for Jemima and rises to all the challenges that occur during the book.
I found this a good book. Jemima is a great character. She stands up for her family both her blood relatives and her newly acquired married ones. Everyone loves her spirit. Ralph is a good strong partner for Jemima and rises to all the challenges that occur during the book.
August 6, 2019
Ralph and Jemima
Love and hate are closely related. Ralph and Jemima hate each other during the summer although attracted to each other. Family problems bring them together in love. - Babs
Love and hate are closely related. Ralph and Jemima hate each other during the summer although attracted to each other. Family problems bring them together in love. - Babs
January 10, 2020
How opposites attract
Love, love, love this story. The perfect pair. Though married for the wrong reasons, they find a way to help
Each other with their troubles. A fun and wonderfully entertaining romp. Recommended reading for all romantics!
Love, love, love this story. The perfect pair. Though married for the wrong reasons, they find a way to help
Each other with their troubles. A fun and wonderfully entertaining romp. Recommended reading for all romantics!
June 15, 2019
This book has humor and intrigue. A couple who appear to hate each other marry for different reasons. An excellent addition to this wonderful series,
July 3, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
July 9, 2019
Irgendwie habe ich mehr erhofft vom vierte Teil. Es war dennoch nett zu lesen, aber leider nicht so gut, wie die anderen drei Teile
January 23, 2020
Always captivating.
Never disappointed when reading Gemma Blackwood’s books. The friendships and familial relationships are entertaining and always making you cheer for them.
Never disappointed when reading Gemma Blackwood’s books. The friendships and familial relationships are entertaining and always making you cheer for them.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews