Lizzy Scott can’t wait six years for her inheritance.
Heiress to a fortune, the dazzlingly divine Lizzy should be free to make a love match, but her controlling and sadistic guardian, Mrs Hodge, has other plans. She's promised Lizzy to Mr Dalgleish in exchange for a portion of Lizzy's inheritance.
While Lizzy knows Mr Dalgleish is only after her money, he's also her best hope to escape the cruelty of Mrs Hodge's household.
But on her way to meet Mr Dalgleish at Quamby house, Lizzy is rescued by notorious Theodore McAlister, who's been branded a self-seeking fortune hunter following a scandalous incident a year earlier.
Lizzy wonders if she can trade one fortune hunter for the other after sparks fly between her and the humorous and enigmatic Theo.
But Theodore McAlister is no freer than Lizzy when it comes to making a love match. He's preparing for a secret marriage, contracted six months earlier, that will undoubtedly excite the gossips but should ensure his acceptance into polite society.
It looks like Lizzy and Theo are destined for loveless marriages -- that is, unless the scandalous Miss Brightwells can come up with another cunning plot to overcome the twin encumbrances of Theo's hidden past and Lizzy's guardian's designs.
Warning: This story contains humour, awkward situations and sizzling encounters.
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison 2. Dangerous Gentlemen 3. The Mysterious Governess 4. Beyond Rubies 5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy (Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour 2. Rogue’s Kiss 3. The Wedding Wager 4. The Accidental Elopement 5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter 6. The Wilful Widow 7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman 2. The Bluestocking and the Rake 3. Duchess of Seduction 4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption Lady Olivia’s Butterfly A Little Deception
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕 Adventure with Back Stabbing🔪, Blackmail, and and a Mystery.
Lizzy Scott💃💋 was the orphan ward of Mr Hodges, but he died. His wife, Mrs Hodges👺, wants rid of Lizzy asap. She tries to betrothe her to Mr Dalgleish, a definite fortune hunter, because she will get a kickback from him from Lizzy's huge dowry 💰. Mrs. Hodges👺 is a vile woman who forced her own daughter, Susan, to also marry a man she wasn't interested in. She beats Lizzy💃💋💔 for real and imagined faults and failings, but Lizzy💃💋 remains defiant.
Lizzy💃💋 finds Dalgleish somewhat acceptable, but not thrilling. As a last ditch effort to find a more acceptable husband, she is invited to a winter house party at an Earl's estate, by the match maker Fanny, Lady Fenton.
On the way Lizzy💃💋💔 is nearly drowned when her carriage careens into a small river. She is saved by one Theodore McAlister, a young man living with a huge burden of guilt over the death of his sister.
Lizzy finds him exciting and honorable, even if he does need her money to restore his modest estate.
Meanwhile Mrs. Hodges👺 keeps trying to force Lizzy💃💋 to engage herself to Dalgleish, a man not above trying to compromise her!
ARC Provided by Candid Book Reviews 📚 I also got this ebook with KU.
I really enjoyed this story, which has several plot lines running through it at The same time. The book has Adult themes of an illegitimate child, and attempted suicide.
Lizzy Scott had lost her parents and siblings to Scarlet Fever and had been taken in by Lord Fenton's batman from the military. But he died and now Mrs. Hodges was the guardian of Lizzy. She might have been in Hell. Mrs. Hodges was Abominable. Mrs. Hodges wants Lizzy to marry him, Mr.Dalgeish, because she has a deal with him. He would give her a portion of the dowry. Mrs. Hodges sent her to a four-day house party so she would have a lot of exposure to him. Theodore McAlister did not have much good going in his life. A carriage accident helped him get into a house party. He was blamed for Catherine's death and other bad things. But Lizzy found him attractive. There were two almost proposals. Miss Amelia, the sister of Catherine, had made an arrangement with Theo so she would not have to marry Lord Leighton. The author did a wonderful job with this story. It has kidnapping, in the past. Being forced in a folly, a carriage accident, being forced to marry, cruelty, so much is going on at the same time. Theo and Lizzy were attracted to each other from the start but engaged to other people. The interactions between the couple were sweet and endearing. The writing kept your interest and charmed you throughout. I loved this book and I am so glad I had a chance to read it. I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Lizzy was trapped in a sad and humiliating situation for her. The opportunity that presented itself didn’t seem to be to her benefit and when a fortuitous rescue showed her that there was another choice, her mind was plagued with doubts. Steeped in guilt Theo has learned that the road to hell is paved with good works. Nothing he does seemed to go well with his shattered reputation, his attraction to Lizzy, and the moral commitment that bound him to Amelia. But the Brightweels' wheels were turning and fate was directing them. Interesting and entertaining this story with more than one Miss involved in a terrible drama. Enjoyed Lizzy's character, Theo's loyalty, and Amelia's sense of fairness. Suspense, intriguing characters, strong emotions, mystery, secrets, romance, the villains who could not be missed, some violence and passion. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I liked and received from Candid Books reviews
A great historical romance. Makes me want to read the other books in this series too. Even if it's in a series, it seems it can be read alone. It covered all the bases and I didn't have to flip back and forth through the pages. The plot was great and the main characters were great. Loved the ending... though I wish there was a little more... hopefully maybe another book on this couple and the other secondary main character.... Lady Lizzy doesn't know what to do. She wants to get away from Mrs. Hodge, but at what cost? Her love, her freedom, her fortune? Though the suitor that's picked out for her is rather dashing, she has a mind he may not be all that he seems. Then she meets another gentleman that seemly without knowing it, literally sweeps her off her feet... would it be so as bad to choose love rather than marriage of convenience?
Lizzy, Theo, and Amelia together. Who knows they may just be justice in this world when two villains end up the way these ones will. I think it just may be a smile on your face. I loved Lizzy yes she is sassy and full of life but love has been missing for her for some years now. Theo agrees to marriage only to be accepted back into society but fate has something else in store. Then maybe fate will have a bit of help too from the Brightwell sisters? Written with some drama and action this love story was a splendid book. It was enjoyable and I am happy to recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This is another wonderfully written story, to bring the series to a delightful conclusion. The plot is full of emotional twists and turns, and beautifully crafted characters, who have the strength and courage to overcome their obstacles and achieve their happiness. This is a great book for anybody who loves spicy historical romances that have a bit of suspense.
This drama-filled regency is a tangled web of secrets. The lengths of the socialites to avoid discovery while calling others on their shortcomings is again very entertaining and shocking adventure. Theo and Lizzy are really worth this shocking roller coaster ride and such a sweet couple, very well matched. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The fifth book in the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series a well written story with a very good storyline. I enjoyed reading Heiress to a fortune, Lizzy Scott, and Theo McAlister's story of danger, drama, suspense, villains, and romance. I want to read more in this series. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. Ms. Oakley's cast of both main and supporting characters keeps the story interesting and I truly didn't see hide she was going to quirk the story out fir all the characters involved. In several places I dibs myself holding my breath wondering what came next. All-in-all a thoroughly enjoyable read.
this is well written as always.. this author does an amazing job with these characters and their personalities and emotions.. it is wonderful and fun.. and even though its not my genre of choice its still very good story.
The story line wasn't worth the reading. I found it to be very boring to gave some one trying to control someone life having to be forced to marry a fortune hunter. To finally find the man whom she can love.
Our heroine, Lizzy, can't wait to leave the home of Mrs. Hodge, or as Lizzy calls her, "my evil benefactress," where she has been the ward of said widow since her father passed away. She is on her way to a five day Christmas house party when her carriage is tipped over and she is rescued by our hero, the very handsome and charming Theodore McAlister. When asked by Lizzy what he does, he answers "I am a fortune hunter." Since Lizzy has a fortune, she starts to think that maybe Theo is someone she might consider as a husband if the man she is possibly going to be betrothed to, Harry Dalgleish, is also a fortune hunter and one she may not like after being with him through the five days at the house party. Lizzy is thoroughly aware that it is her fortune that will eventually get her married off and away from "the evil benefactress." Although Theo is "persona non grata" after having been involved in quite a scandal a year or so back, Lizzy manages to get him invited to the house party and then things really get going. Theo believes that Harry is a terrible match for Lizzy. Lady Antoinette Quamby, the hostess of the party, and her sister Lady Fanny Fenton, are trying to play matchmaker for Lizzy and in the meantime, keeping the scandalous Mr. McAlister from ruining her. The story is a little screwy, but enjoyable, with all the complications that you can expect from a house party in England. This reader thought I was going to have write down names to figure out who was sleeping with whom. But in the end, all that was necessary was to get to the end of the novel and find out which fortune hunter Lizzy would wind up with. A fun romp through yet another house party and all the adventures that ensue.
A breezy easy-to-read novel that involves heiresses looking for the right husbands, guardians with their own pockets to line, and a happy ending for all, of course! This is a quick change of pace from heavier reading with better than average writing. There's almost a tongue-in-cheek quality to the very innocent heroine who has the smarts to figure out she's being used, once she's allowed a bit of experience and knowledge, and one has to like the frazzled likable hero who's almost too honorable for his own good. It's too lightweight to earn more than 3 stars but the writing and characters really are very good.
Lizzy wants to make a love match, but for some reason, her guardian, Mrs. Hodge, as chosen a man man who, though pleasant enough, seems to be in need of her fortune. But when Lizzy is rescued from death by a fortune hunter, and taken to his estate to recover, she gets to know Theo McAlister quite well. Unable to keep from thinking of him, Lizzy us caught in a web of deceit by others with their own best interest at heart. This story will keep you engulfed in its twists and turns until the very end, and you'll be very happy that it did!
Another great book in this series about matchmaking in the Regency Period. This book tell the tale of a young woman who is being introduced into the world of young men who are looking for a bride. Great series so far. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Very funny and very witty, Lizzy and Theo’s story was very good. Theo has been branded not only a fortune hunter, but also the cause of the ruination of an heiress. Lizzy is an heiress with a fortune. Fate conspires for them to meet, and mayhem follows. A very good read.
Dangerous book to read because I couldn't put it down and ended up staying up for 2 hours just to finish it! Always intreaged by how society used to be and women had to marry for status and not for love. Lizzy is basically being forced to marry a man that only really wants her money and she is about to conseed until she actually finds love with someone else. Very good read!
DNF I couldn't get on board with the characters. The main character Lizzy Scott was so irritating. If she said "My evil benefactress" one more time I would just give up. Turns out she did, and so I did too.
It's a cute story. I did really enjoy this story. The H and h are very likable. The only detractor was the age of the h. She was too young. It was super cringe that she thought she could get pregnant from kissing. Light on the steam.
After an unfortunate accident requires Lizzy to be rescued, she meets Theo. Even though they’re drawn to each other, they’re both on their way to a house party where Lizzy is to meet her betrothed Mr Dalgliesh and Theo to meet his betrothed Amelia. Lizzy is marrying purely to escape her vicious guardian Mrs Hodges. As Lizzy & Theo start to develop real feelings for each other certain circumstances happen which almost cause a scandal... - I loved the twists & turns in this book. There was so much subterfuge and intrigue between the main characters I didn’t know which way to turn! As usual, everything turns out for the best. Well-written and nicely paced, I enjoyed this book very much. My only quibble? I did at times get confused between the sisters, their spouses and all their titles.