An Improper Proposition

Improper Liaisons #1

by Amy Rose Bennett

Alternate cover edition for ASIN B00X212RMS
For previous cover edition see here

Fraternizing with one’s footman—no matter how young and handsome he is—is not the done thing. But Lady Wells is going to do it anyway…

Bianca, The Dowager Countess of Wells, secretly lusts after her much younger, rakishly handsome footman Harry Blake. Even though he has been in her employ for six months, she has not succumbed to her indecorous urges to take him as a lover… until one wicked night at an isolated country inn when she throws caution to the wind and offers Blake a wholly improper proposition.

Harry Blake, the bastard son of a duke and governess, is the epitome of the perfect footman, except for one thing—he fantasizes about seducing his beautiful mistress. When Lady Wells proposes that they become lovers for one night only, he is torn. Even though he wants her with every fiber of his being, he suspects that forbidden fruit once tasted can be awfully addictive. He wonders if one night of passion will be enough, for either of them—especially now that he realizes he might very well be falling in love with his bella Bianca.

But when all is said and done, Blake can hardly refuse such a tempting proposition, no matter how unwise or improper. He just prays that he can put a smile on his mistress’s beautiful face…

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

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2014

About the author

Amy Rose Bennett is an award-winning Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances and more recently, historical rom-coms with a dash of fantasy. A former speech pathologist, Amy is happily married to her very own romantic hero and has two lovely, exceedingly accomplished adult daughters. When she’s not creating stories, Amy loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, lose herself in a good book, and when she can afford it, travel to all the places she writes about.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy historical romance novella. It has a beautiful, older countess, a young, handsome, hot, footman, sizzling chemistry, and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading the other entries in this series with great anticipation!

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Improper Proposition, by Amy Rose Bennett. Whew! Could this book get any hotter. The wicked temptation of a wanton escape, was to much to bare as Bianca lust after her masculine, hard muscled Footman. Harry and Bianca had my a little hot under the collar and not in the bad way.
These two bought a spicy seductive dance between the sheets. I loved every minute of it. I may have the strong desire to go out and hire my own Footman. The exquisite sexual charge dance Bianca and Harry played definitely brought hot excitement to this love affair. The writer didn’t disappoint, how she described the sensual coupling ignited my imagination into overdrive.
When the writer described Harry’s arousing manhood,
I had to read that scene again. I really didn’t want lose that image from my memory. After reading this book, it kind of made me want to be naughty myself. This is an exquisite book to read and curl up toon bed. From my point of view; this short love story was brilliantly written.
Until next time my fellow readers... read on!

[Nicola Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 60-odd pages this was a super quick read and thoroughly enjoyable (would have loved more pages, Amy Rose Bennett has such an easy readable style). If you're in the mood for steamy romp between a widowed countess and a younger footman, check this out.

[Coco.V]

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[ChasingLeslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca, widowed Countess of Wells, secretly lusts after her young, handsome footman Harry Blake. One wicked night at an isolated inn, she throws caution to the wind and makes Blake an improper proposition.

This is an incredibly short novella, so there isn’t much time for relationship-building. I went in expecting a quick, sexy romp and that’s what I got. The HEA is definitely rushed...it would have been better with more pages on the back end.

Tropes: Widow, Class Difference, Forced Proximity, One Night Stand

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick read. Lots of steamy hot sex. 4☆

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet and sexy!

[BeingDaphne · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was fun but the escalation of the relationship at the end was too much for me.. made it to unbelievable

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of forbidden fruit too tempting to deny. Bianca, the Countess of Wells, has noticed her new footman, but knows its not proper to do anything about it. Harry Blake has certainly noticed his employer, but also knows it is not proper. But impropriety be damned, they cannot deny their feelings. Very steamy, novella length story that will have you enthralled from start to finish.

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fairly familiar with work from this author, having read both a short Christmas story (All She Wants for Christmas) and a full length novel (The Master of Strathburn) from her. Both are great BTW! Amy Rose Bennett has a very distinct style of writing that can only be described as phenomenal, it leaves you a little weak in the knees! BUT, if you aren't a fan of the steamier historical romance then this is probably not your cup of tea...
Turn back now!

You've been warned!

Our story takes place in 1818 England. Lady Bianca Wells is no stranger to a good scandal, having run away from home with her Italian lover some years ago, bringing shame upon the family name and finally marrying a man 20 years her senior... all before hitting age eighteen! Now she's been widowed for three years, during which time she's not paid much mind to taking a lover. That is until Blake, her new footman comes into her employ. He's simply dashing and a most worthy pursuit. Bianca decides that no matter how improper, she's going to seduce him.

This story is steamy! I'm telling you, it's a very good thing I wasn't wearing my glasses because they would've fogged up from cover to cover! The story itself is well written and most certainly keeps you turning the page!

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, very good writing. An interesting premise with older woman, younger man theme; just too short, which is why the relationship between Bianca, a widowed countess and Blake, her footman, seemed rushed. I would've loved more scenes between them. Would've been good to read them overcoming the social stigma that was sure to have followed once their relationship (as was hinted at the end) became known to the Ton.

[Sieravonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novella is more on erotica, at least 75% of the story is on their act. And for someone's sexual education was lacking, Bianca was sure good in fellatio.

I really dislike the f-word. It's so crude that I feel like only non-civilized, unrefined people use them. There are other words like shag, tup and tumble. Why not use them?

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lust to love

Bianca is infatuated with her Forman Harry! Harry has been fantasizing about his employer Bianca! This is a really short novella! Lots of steamy sex scenes no real dialogue that's makes sense! I have read hundreds of Victorian romances and this plot makes little sense! I skipped most of the pages! I rated it 4 /5 due to my love for the author!!!!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting not so patiently for this book and certainly wasn't disappointed! I expected a little bit of romance but it was a whole lot spicier than that! Improbable, so very improper and most definitely impossible to put down!

[Tamara Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously naughty

This was a fabulously saucy, sexy treat. Such a fun,naughty story that didn't disappoint on character or plot. Shall be keeping an eye out for more from this author.

[Cassandra Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great short and saucy read. Perfect for lazy Sunday afternoon or night for that matter. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining, steamy quick read.

[Kat Ryker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this is the first book I believe I've ever read of Amy Rose Bennett's. A group of steamy, historical authors are responsible for introducing me to her writing - thank you Harlots! Now, let's get down to the business of the review.

This novella is lusciously steamy - deliciously so. You will never hear me complain when an author calls her works steamy, or smutty, or erotica, and DELIVERS the goods. I love erotica, and this is wonderful, and sexy, and attention-grabbing.

Probably the only thing that I have to say that's negative is that there were a couple of phrases that might not fit into the period, however, after laughing at them, I realized I would forgive the author for her artistic license in this case.

My very first reaction to this book lasted throughout the entire novella - it is just plain cute and entertaining. It isn't often that I would call anything containing erotic scenes, cute. But I can't come up with a better word for it. It is not often that an author can put humor and sex in the same paragraph and have it come out brilliantly. This author did it. Not only was I reading a very hot scene, I was also chuckling at the same time. Doesn't happen often and when it does ? FIVE STARS.

Amy Rose Bennett, I'll be reading more of your books. :-) Thank you.

[Manalye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book (novella? I don't know, it's rather short) is spicy from page one. And that's pretty much all there is to the story. I've read my fair share of spice, but I'm not sure I've ever wandered into erotica-land so I'm trying to keep an open mind.

So, definitely lots of spice. There's some romance and HEA as well, but it maybe feels a little rushed. I think I would have been happy with a HFN ending. With the length of the book, there's not quite enough time for a believable HEA.

Also, that's pretty much the whole story. Maybe this is normal for erotica? I don't know. It's not a bad thing, especially if you are the type to skip over the plot to read the romance (guilty as charged). So this may come down to a personal preference- do you want other plot points or just the romance/erotica?

I gave it three stars because I liked it, but I didn't love it. It's a nice short read with tons of spice. There's also a sneak peak of the second book in the series, which sounds really good so far. I might have to get it.

[Dr. Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly short novella clocking in at 60 pages or so (not even a round 100!) that has very little story and lots and lots of steam (I’d categorize as erotica vs the more typical steamy historical romance I read). The main characters are Lady Bianca Wells, widow, and Mr. Harry Blake, her footman, who share an explosive night of passion when overnighting at an inn. A couple of weeks later, Bianca decides she can’t live without Harry, that she’s fallen in love, and must marry him. HAE indeed, but not very convincing to me, ultimately, because the whole story is so short. Debated between 2 or 3 stars for this one and decided generosity was the better way. There were some super cringey phrases and descriptions used in the book, in my opinion, which I hope aren’t as prevalent in the other novellas in this series.

Age gap: Bianca is 30, Harry is 23.


SFCP (safe for childless people); while I thought surprise pregnancy might be in the novella plot, I’m glad I was wrong…supposedly Bianca is infertile, but her deceased husband was 20 years her senior so who knows.

[Michelle Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy novella

Widowed Countess, Bianca, has long lusted after one of her foot man, Harry Blake. After an altercation at an inn, Bianca decides to give into temptation and proposes that Blake make love to her. But only for one night. One night of passion and then things must go back to the way they are. But will one night be enough?

—

This 65 page novella is mostly sex. It is very much an erotic historical romance. The attraction and relationship isn’t really explored. Instead, it’s mostly about physical attraction. Honestly there really isn’t much story here which is why it’s getting the lower review. But it is exactly what it says on the tin, This is an improper proposition with lots of sex and a happy ending for our couple. Don’t go looking for any plot, there isn’t any. Don’t go looking for any strong relationship building, there isn’t any either.

This isn’t a bad novella. It’s also not super memorable. But it is well written.

Four stars.

[LOU71 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Improper Proposition is the first erotic novella in the Improper Liaisons series. Set in 1818, Lincolnshire then London. It’s an entertaining and well written historical romance novella involving a beautiful, older Countess, and a young, handsome, hot footman.

An Improper Proposition: 5 stars Harry & Bianca

Bianca, the Dowager Countess of Wells, secretly lusts after her younger footman. One night, at an isolated country inn, Bianca throws caution to the wind and offers him an improper proposition.

Harry Blake is the bastard son of a duke and a governess. He is the epitome of a perfect footman, except for one thing - he fantasises about seducing his beautiful mistress.

Harry and Bianca’s love affair had sizzling chemistry. A perfect story of forbidden fruit too tempting to deny. Their communication during the sexy times was open and gave vulnerability to the relationship.

I highly recommend this book. Now, on to the next novella in the series.

[Peggy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars

‘An improper proposition’ is novella length historical romance story. The writer is new to me but when I read the blurb of the book, I was immensely intrigued and happily surprised by the fact that the story was about a lady and her footman. Because to be honest I haven’t read many historical books where the man is in a lower position then the woman. It’s usually the other way around. So I love it that here it was reversed! And the fact that Blake was a few years younger also appealed to me.

‘An improper proposition’ is a well writing story. The story is told from both POV’s and I liked both characters very much. Both were confident in their role as countess and footman but were (understandable) a bit unsure about the attraction they were feeling towards the other. But the moment they let lose it became clear that there was more going on than a fleeting attraction.
The story is a bit steamy and I liked that. The problem with good novellas is that you always want more and that was the case here too. The one thing that I missed a bit was an epilogue but then I love epilogues so maybe that’s just me. I will definitely read more books of this writer.

[Tess · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite this being super short, I was so bored that even over three nights, I didn’t manage to finish it and kept switching to something else instead. I got around 80% through it and kept praying to all the gods and goddesses that maybe it would become magically interesting, but nope, all those deities completely let me down.

So, the heroine was a widow of some social standing (I forget what exactly) who wants to fool around with her footman, and he in turn was hot for her. Great, no problem, but there was no chemistry, so yeah, I guess problem after all.

And then she proposes to him even though they really had no other interaction besides some yawn-worthy sex. What? I just gave up at that point.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella was alright - i didn’t have any connection with the characters and I didn’t sense their connection/chemistry with each other. Harry Blake was a footman for Lady Bianca Wells and they have an evening together that turns into more. She had 2 previous lovers (1 being a husband) but was completely clueless about sex, which is possible but didn’t feel believable.

The sex scenes were okay - lots of emphasis on oral sex but regular intercourse was kinda glazed over. Again, I didn’t feel a huge connection with or to the characters, it seemed kinda disjointed.

It wasn’t my favorite read, but it was a lot of steam for a quick hour/hour and a half novella.

[Maggie May · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dynamic was a little weird with this one. He wants her to take the lead and she likes the idea, but her experience is very limited so he has to take the lead, but she’s the employer and aristocrat so she needs to take the lead… they never found a balance or a rhythm. Also, I wasn’t feeling much chemistry. With her trying to play it cool and him trying not to offend, I didn’t feel like they were making an emotional connection. In the end it seemed like ‘you’re hot, let’s be in love’.

The writing was good, the characters weren’t repetitive or annoying, and the sex was pretty steamy so I am rounding 2.5 stars up to 3.

[Topy.Loving.Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca, Dowager Countess of Wells, 30.
Harry Blake, bastard son of a duke and governess, footman, 23.

They are secretly pinning/lusting for one an other since he started working for her six months ago. So it's an age gap with class difference and some lessons in love making. But the experience one is not the older one. Also only one bed in the inn and let's make a deal for only one night. So many tropes packed in a very short novella.

I enjoyed the story and the heroine doing what need to be done to get her man. But I wish it would have been longer and to get an epilogue. We need more HR with love stories between a commoner and a lady.

[Georgia7Pap · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cute spicy novella but the math ain't mathing. She said that she's 30 and that she last had sex when her husband died 3 years ago. Then she said that she didn't get pregnant in 9 years of marriage meaning she got married at 18. Then she said she had a scandal at 17 and was ruined. After that she lived for a few years with an aunt.
And I'm here wondering don't you authors check for inconsistencies?

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick, delicious read

A fabulous start for a great series. These stories are short but packed with heat and love! No getting caught up in status, just 2 people willing to embrace scandal if it means they can be together. What is more beautiful than risking it all for love? Amy Rose Bennett packs a world of blissful tension and steam into a simple, quick package that is sure to delight.

[Theletter12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca and Blake

Good little novella

She’s 7 years old and he’s her valet… her hot as hell valet. She is distraught from a nasty man trying to kiss her, who Blake saves her from. She hasn’t had sex since her husband died… and oh Blake looks so good. He’s got the hots for her too. They agree to one night of passion but a week later she wants more… she wants forever. She asks him to marry her and he says yes ❤️