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Second Chance Manor #1
The Matchmaker and the Marquess
You are cordially invited to the country house party of the summer...
Five years ago, six exceptional ladies graduated from Twittingham Academy and successfully nabbed themselves the most sought-after matrimonial prizes in London. Actually, they didn’t. Not one of them. But the Countess of Fangfoss, formerly known as Miss Julia Twittingham, has a plan to see each of her past charges happily wed after all. Welcome to Second Chance Manor.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned her reputation as society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising positions. She’s perfectly happy remaining unwed herself. One small misstep at a country house party, however, leaves her with no choice but to become engaged to the most odious rogue she has ever met. Also, the most handsome.
After losing the woman he loved to a romantic rival, the Marquess of Dorset has devoted himself to cultivating his reputation as a rakehell of the first order. When the unlikeable Lady Clementine quite literally gets a bee up her skirts, he reluctantly plays the gallant, only to find himself having to offer her marriage.
Clementine loathes rakes. Dorset despises prim and proper ladies. Each is desperate to escape an unwanted union to the other. They agree to maintain a pretense for the house party’s duration with plans to discreetly break their engagement when they return to London.
Everything is unfolding according to plan. Until their temporary betrothal starts to feel far too real, and one kiss leads to another...
Steam level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned...
Five years ago, six exceptional ladies graduated from Twittingham Academy and successfully nabbed themselves the most sought-after matrimonial prizes in London. Actually, they didn’t. Not one of them. But the Countess of Fangfoss, formerly known as Miss Julia Twittingham, has a plan to see each of her past charges happily wed after all. Welcome to Second Chance Manor.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned her reputation as society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising positions. She’s perfectly happy remaining unwed herself. One small misstep at a country house party, however, leaves her with no choice but to become engaged to the most odious rogue she has ever met. Also, the most handsome.
After losing the woman he loved to a romantic rival, the Marquess of Dorset has devoted himself to cultivating his reputation as a rakehell of the first order. When the unlikeable Lady Clementine quite literally gets a bee up her skirts, he reluctantly plays the gallant, only to find himself having to offer her marriage.
Clementine loathes rakes. Dorset despises prim and proper ladies. Each is desperate to escape an unwanted union to the other. They agree to maintain a pretense for the house party’s duration with plans to discreetly break their engagement when they return to London.
Everything is unfolding according to plan. Until their temporary betrothal starts to feel far too real, and one kiss leads to another...
Steam level: Scorching hot! Don't say you weren't warned...
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2021
571 people are currently reading
734 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
121 books1,563 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 19, 2021
4 Stars
There is comfort in familiarity, especially when you read Scarlett Scott.
Plot Summary
A house party. A woman in a garden. A rogue bee under her skirts. A gallant rake of Marquess to assist caught with his hands under her skirts. A fake engagement announcement to stave off the scandal. Real love and HEA.
Quick Review
- I always adore anything that is written by Ms Scott. This book was no exception.
- What a charming little story. A little OTT with the plot concept, but who's complaining? Not me.
- Reformed rakes and fake betrothal are some of my favourite tropes, which I enjoyed reading them here.
- Nice characters, a quick plot, no angst, some humour, clean-ish book (Ms Scott had told me it was going to be low on steam), fast-paced with sweet romance.
- Clementine was a little annoying initially with the "he is a rakehell" loop, but I got over it.
- Ambrose was your typical HR handsome rake hero with a broken heart. Cute, that.
My Recommendation
Looks like a fun OTT series for a quick read and enjoyment. Go for it.
There is comfort in familiarity, especially when you read Scarlett Scott.
Plot Summary
A house party. A woman in a garden. A rogue bee under her skirts. A gallant rake of Marquess to assist caught with his hands under her skirts. A fake engagement announcement to stave off the scandal. Real love and HEA.
Quick Review
- I always adore anything that is written by Ms Scott. This book was no exception.
- What a charming little story. A little OTT with the plot concept, but who's complaining? Not me.
- Reformed rakes and fake betrothal are some of my favourite tropes, which I enjoyed reading them here.
- Nice characters, a quick plot, no angst, some humour, clean-ish book (Ms Scott had told me it was going to be low on steam), fast-paced with sweet romance.
- Clementine was a little annoying initially with the "he is a rakehell" loop, but I got over it.
- Ambrose was your typical HR handsome rake hero with a broken heart. Cute, that.
My Recommendation
Looks like a fun OTT series for a quick read and enjoyment. Go for it.
June 5, 2021
The Matchmaker and the Marquess is the first in a series of six connected books by three different authors called Second Chance Manor.
The premise is that six friends who all attended Twittingham Academy are invited to a house party hosted by their former teacher Miss Julia Twittingham – now the Countess of Fangoss. Five years after their graduation the friends’ lives have taken different directions and they are all still unwed. The Countess plans to change all that.
Book one is written by Scarlett Scott and follows Lady Clementine Hammond and Ambrose, the Marquess of Dorset. Lady Clementine Hammond has a reputation for being society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising situations which force them to wed. She herself, is happy to remain unwed following a tragedy in her past.
One of the couples that Lady Clementine ‘helped’ towards matrimony was Lady Anna Harcastle, the lady the Marquess of Dorset thought himself in love with, causing him to lose her to another. He harbours a healthy animosity towards Lady Clementine so finding himself at a house party with her is the last thing he wants.
When there is an incident with a bee, Ambrose goes to Clementine’s rescue but this results in having to offer marriage to preserve her reputation. Agreeing to keep up the pretence only for the duration of the house party Clementine and Ambrose are finding that the pretence is starting to feel all too real.
This is a charming story of opposites attracting and finding love in unexpected places. Readers of Scarlett’s earlier books will remember Lady Clementine and Dorset and it is lovely to see their unexpected happy ever after.
Clementine has been largely misunderstood in her motives and it is good to see Ambrose discover the real person behind the reputation. Both of them slowly grow closer over the course of the house party and each realise that they have a connection that cannot be denied. I was charmed by their love story. I loved Ambrose’s teasing of Clementine and the banter they shared as well as the passion they discovered. I love the concept of a house party and it was intriguing to meet the other ladies and try to guess what was going on with each of their love stories. I will definitely be reading the rest in the series.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion and I definitely think this book starts the house party off with a bang.
The premise is that six friends who all attended Twittingham Academy are invited to a house party hosted by their former teacher Miss Julia Twittingham – now the Countess of Fangoss. Five years after their graduation the friends’ lives have taken different directions and they are all still unwed. The Countess plans to change all that.
Book one is written by Scarlett Scott and follows Lady Clementine Hammond and Ambrose, the Marquess of Dorset. Lady Clementine Hammond has a reputation for being society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising situations which force them to wed. She herself, is happy to remain unwed following a tragedy in her past.
One of the couples that Lady Clementine ‘helped’ towards matrimony was Lady Anna Harcastle, the lady the Marquess of Dorset thought himself in love with, causing him to lose her to another. He harbours a healthy animosity towards Lady Clementine so finding himself at a house party with her is the last thing he wants.
When there is an incident with a bee, Ambrose goes to Clementine’s rescue but this results in having to offer marriage to preserve her reputation. Agreeing to keep up the pretence only for the duration of the house party Clementine and Ambrose are finding that the pretence is starting to feel all too real.
This is a charming story of opposites attracting and finding love in unexpected places. Readers of Scarlett’s earlier books will remember Lady Clementine and Dorset and it is lovely to see their unexpected happy ever after.
Clementine has been largely misunderstood in her motives and it is good to see Ambrose discover the real person behind the reputation. Both of them slowly grow closer over the course of the house party and each realise that they have a connection that cannot be denied. I was charmed by their love story. I loved Ambrose’s teasing of Clementine and the banter they shared as well as the passion they discovered. I love the concept of a house party and it was intriguing to meet the other ladies and try to guess what was going on with each of their love stories. I will definitely be reading the rest in the series.
I received an ARC for my honest opinion and I definitely think this book starts the house party off with a bang.
September 25, 2021
3,5 stars!
June 10, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Shorter book in Scarlett’s repertoire this time, but still very good.
Great characters with some quite entertaining and satisfying chemistry going on between the Marquess and his Lady.
Wether he wants that chemistry or not, let’s just say it’s not what he was looking for at the time.
Some great scenes between the To leads that will have you giggling.
I just adore Scarlett’s books, she’s got everything I look for in an author and puts it all out there, every time.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Shorter book in Scarlett’s repertoire this time, but still very good.
Great characters with some quite entertaining and satisfying chemistry going on between the Marquess and his Lady.
Wether he wants that chemistry or not, let’s just say it’s not what he was looking for at the time.
Some great scenes between the To leads that will have you giggling.
I just adore Scarlett’s books, she’s got everything I look for in an author and puts it all out there, every time.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
June 5, 2021
I loved Ambrose and Clementine's story of a second chance at love.
Ambrose Montgomery, Marquess of Dorset despised Lady Clementine Hammond. Her ability to find couples in compromising situations that resulting in their marriage gains her the moniker of London's most notorious matchmaker. One of these occasions resulted in his then betrothed Lady Anna Harcastle marrying the Marquess of Huntly. Ambrose was left bitter and broken-hearted and seeking revenge against Clementine. Clementine only wishes to help couples gain the happiness and love that she believes she will never have, having lost her only love Walter, heir to the Earl of Ormond to a lung infection at an early age.
When Ambrose and Clementine are both invited to the same house party at Fangfoss Manor the home of Earl and Countess of Fangfoss who was formerly Miss Julia former headmistress of Twittingham Academy. Ambrose is horrified that he is attending a house party with a houseful of marriageable young ladies and eligible bachelors, so decides to escape the confines of the Manor for the peace and tranquility of its gardens. Until he hears screams of terror and panic coming from the direction of the maze.
Ambrose feels honour bound to go the rescue of the feminine screams, until he discovers the screaming lady is none other than Clementine with happens to have attracted the attentions of a bee with her outlandishly floral garden of a dress, which has found it's way under her skirts. Her attempts to attract help and to escape the bed results in her being stung on her inner thigh. A thigh that should have been clad in pantaloons that she has forgone due to the urging of her friend Lady Charity convincing it is de regle to go without. She is mortified to be found by the Marquess of Dorset without her undergarments. The stop the stinging Ambrose advises her to allow him to investigate the area under her skirts to remove the stinger, she tries to stop him to no avail.
Clementine is thus discovered with her skirts up and Ambrose with underneath them by Lady Fangfoss and her house party guests. Ambrose can do nothing, but quickly flip her skirts back down and proclaim that Clementine has agreed to his heartfelt proposal and that they are to marry. Clementine is horrified and Ambrose seizes this as the perfect opportunity to show her the error of her ways.
Clementine and Ambrose agree to a faux betrothal for the duration of the house party. However a fall from a library ladder and a kiss changes everthing for the pair as each tries to run from the simmering attraction that is pulling them together, leading to more kisses and more encounters. Their encounters lead to revelations and discoveries about each other that lead them to alter their opinions of each other.
Will their attraction lead to something permanent or will Ambrose's reputation as a rake or their unwillingness to allow another into their hearts tear them apart.
Ambrose Montgomery, Marquess of Dorset despised Lady Clementine Hammond. Her ability to find couples in compromising situations that resulting in their marriage gains her the moniker of London's most notorious matchmaker. One of these occasions resulted in his then betrothed Lady Anna Harcastle marrying the Marquess of Huntly. Ambrose was left bitter and broken-hearted and seeking revenge against Clementine. Clementine only wishes to help couples gain the happiness and love that she believes she will never have, having lost her only love Walter, heir to the Earl of Ormond to a lung infection at an early age.
When Ambrose and Clementine are both invited to the same house party at Fangfoss Manor the home of Earl and Countess of Fangfoss who was formerly Miss Julia former headmistress of Twittingham Academy. Ambrose is horrified that he is attending a house party with a houseful of marriageable young ladies and eligible bachelors, so decides to escape the confines of the Manor for the peace and tranquility of its gardens. Until he hears screams of terror and panic coming from the direction of the maze.
Ambrose feels honour bound to go the rescue of the feminine screams, until he discovers the screaming lady is none other than Clementine with happens to have attracted the attentions of a bee with her outlandishly floral garden of a dress, which has found it's way under her skirts. Her attempts to attract help and to escape the bed results in her being stung on her inner thigh. A thigh that should have been clad in pantaloons that she has forgone due to the urging of her friend Lady Charity convincing it is de regle to go without. She is mortified to be found by the Marquess of Dorset without her undergarments. The stop the stinging Ambrose advises her to allow him to investigate the area under her skirts to remove the stinger, she tries to stop him to no avail.
Clementine is thus discovered with her skirts up and Ambrose with underneath them by Lady Fangfoss and her house party guests. Ambrose can do nothing, but quickly flip her skirts back down and proclaim that Clementine has agreed to his heartfelt proposal and that they are to marry. Clementine is horrified and Ambrose seizes this as the perfect opportunity to show her the error of her ways.
Clementine and Ambrose agree to a faux betrothal for the duration of the house party. However a fall from a library ladder and a kiss changes everthing for the pair as each tries to run from the simmering attraction that is pulling them together, leading to more kisses and more encounters. Their encounters lead to revelations and discoveries about each other that lead them to alter their opinions of each other.
Will their attraction lead to something permanent or will Ambrose's reputation as a rake or their unwillingness to allow another into their hearts tear them apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
This is the beginning of a sexy, Victorian romance series.
The Matchmaker and the Marquess is the first book in a series of Second Chance Manor #1. Each book is written by different authors.
This is the story of Lady Clementine, a known matchmaker and the Marquess of Dorsey. It’s so funny how he reluctantly goes to her rescue, from a bee! It flew up her gown and he tries to help her get it out. Oh this is just really funny for so many reasons, I would spoil it for those who have not read the book!
In the process of helping her they find themselves in a compromising position and are discovered by the hostess of the country house party. The Marquess proposes to Lady Clementine!
As the storyline progresses Lady Clementines friends add so much to the storyline. They each are so different from each other, and Lady Charity is so funny! But, this book is a page turner and draws you into the characters! The attraction between them grows and they find themselves falling in love. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book!
I was given an arc through BookFunnel by the author for an honest review.
The Matchmaker and the Marquess is the first book in a series of Second Chance Manor #1. Each book is written by different authors.
This is the story of Lady Clementine, a known matchmaker and the Marquess of Dorsey. It’s so funny how he reluctantly goes to her rescue, from a bee! It flew up her gown and he tries to help her get it out. Oh this is just really funny for so many reasons, I would spoil it for those who have not read the book!
In the process of helping her they find themselves in a compromising position and are discovered by the hostess of the country house party. The Marquess proposes to Lady Clementine!
As the storyline progresses Lady Clementines friends add so much to the storyline. They each are so different from each other, and Lady Charity is so funny! But, this book is a page turner and draws you into the characters! The attraction between them grows and they find themselves falling in love. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book!
I was given an arc through BookFunnel by the author for an honest review.
Read
February 10, 2023rtc
June 3, 2021
Lovely, engrossing story of enemies to lovers. Lady Clementine Hammond has a reputation for being a matchmaker, since she has caught several couples in compromising situations and pushed them into marrying. Ambrose, the Marquess of Dorset, lost his first love to one of Clementine's matches and has since gone a-raking. Forced together at a house party, and an incident that leads to a false betrothal these two discover the real people beneath the faces they show to the world. Loved going on the journey with this couple and look forward to reading about the other couples attending the party. Highly recommend.
June 17, 2021
If I could give this enemies to lovers story a 10 star I would! She is used to being the one to doing the matchmaking but fate has a way of matchmaking for her with the one person who hates her the most. He wants nothing more than to leave the dreadful house party full of innocent wed minded women but especially once he discovers that the one woman he despises in the world is at the party but due to a buzzing insect he can't just leave her in pain etc so he sets out for revenge for what she did to him.. But after awhile they both realize that fate has other plans for them. They fall head over heels for each other with the help of a little fur ball. I lol forward to the rest of the stories in this collection
Add this to your must read list.. I promise you won't regret it
Lots of laughter, lots of love, wonderful happily ever after. And of course steam!
I received this as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review from the Author in an exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
Add this to your must read list.. I promise you won't regret it
Lots of laughter, lots of love, wonderful happily ever after. And of course steam!
I received this as an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review from the Author in an exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
August 13, 2021
We have Dorset, the charming marquess whose heart was broken when his fiancée was caught in a compromising situation and had to break her engagement and marry another man, and the woman responsible for this debacle, a lady notorious for her ability to catch couples in compromising situations so they have to marry.
He resents her very much and when he’s caught between her legs trying to help her with a bee (!!!) He proposes marriage.
Of course he only wants his revenge on her, and wants to jilt her as soon as he can but he finds out she’s not what he thought.
Actually this is a nice and entertaining reading, with low angst.
It happens during a short period of time (days) during a country party.
Both characters are pleasant.
Even if both were previously in love with other partners, this is not emphasized too much and they both find themselves strongly attracted to each other.
Nice historical reading.
He resents her very much and when he’s caught between her legs trying to help her with a bee (!!!) He proposes marriage.
Of course he only wants his revenge on her, and wants to jilt her as soon as he can but he finds out she’s not what he thought.
Actually this is a nice and entertaining reading, with low angst.
It happens during a short period of time (days) during a country party.
Both characters are pleasant.
Even if both were previously in love with other partners, this is not emphasized too much and they both find themselves strongly attracted to each other.
Nice historical reading.
June 5, 2021
A definite buy!
This is the first in the Second Chance Manor Series. Here we meet the Marquess of Dorset who has found himself at a house party not for bored wives looking for a lover and fun but rather unwed ladies who need a husband. Certainly not what he had in mind! While pondering leaving, he comes across Lady Clementine who previously caused his engagement to come to an end.
I truly adored Ambrose, his witty commentary and reluctant charm had me from page 1.
Clementine’s snarky and quick witted personality stand up brilliantly to Ambrose. Their constant banter will have you laughing/smiling throughout the book.
As the story unfolds it was interesting to see what was behind Clementines past actions and I enjoyed watching Ambrose grow as a character.
The series is off to an excellent start and I am excited for the next book!
This early review was given in exchange for an ARC of the book but you honestly can’t go wrong with any of Scarlett’s books!
This is the first in the Second Chance Manor Series. Here we meet the Marquess of Dorset who has found himself at a house party not for bored wives looking for a lover and fun but rather unwed ladies who need a husband. Certainly not what he had in mind! While pondering leaving, he comes across Lady Clementine who previously caused his engagement to come to an end.
I truly adored Ambrose, his witty commentary and reluctant charm had me from page 1.
Clementine’s snarky and quick witted personality stand up brilliantly to Ambrose. Their constant banter will have you laughing/smiling throughout the book.
As the story unfolds it was interesting to see what was behind Clementines past actions and I enjoyed watching Ambrose grow as a character.
The series is off to an excellent start and I am excited for the next book!
This early review was given in exchange for an ARC of the book but you honestly can’t go wrong with any of Scarlett’s books!
June 26, 2021
Seriously besotted with Dorset
I love me a rake. And Scarlett Scott did not disappoint in this one.
I am a huge fan and storytelling was-
Engaging,
Humorous,
Page Turning,
Delight!
Chemistry and tension such a delicious mix between the main characters. This is one story will read over and over again.
I love me a rake. And Scarlett Scott did not disappoint in this one.
I am a huge fan and storytelling was-
Engaging,
Humorous,
Page Turning,
Delight!
Chemistry and tension such a delicious mix between the main characters. This is one story will read over and over again.
August 1, 2021
The Matchmaker and the Marquess was an excellent start to a historical romance series set at a house party where six friends reunite and find love.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned a reputation for catching couples in compromising positions which leads to marriage for those involved. When Clementine finds herself in a compromising position of her own with the rakish Marquess of Dorset, Ambrose Montgomery, she finds herself betrothed to the last man she would ever wish to marry. Clementine and Ambrose despise each other but to preserve their reputations, they agree to fake a betrothal until the end of the house party. But the longer they pretend, the more real the relationship feels.
After a tragedy in her past, Clementine believes she will never find love so she sets out to help others do so. Initially I found Clementine's actions to be questionable but after learning the backstory on why she does what she does, I was more sympathetic. Clementine is quick-witted and unafraid to say what she thinks. Ambrose has spent the years since losing the woman he loves behaving as a complete rogue. He's been hiding the hurt he's dealing with by keeping everything light and free of attachments. I enjoyed his character as he's quite the charmer and underneath his gruff exterior he's actually quite nice.
The compromising scene Clementine and Ambrose find themselves in was hilarious and involved a bee flying under Clementine's skirt which Ambrose attempts to help get rid of. When the pair are caught with Clementine's skirts raised, Ambrose declares their betrothal to protect Clementine's reputation. And while that is part of his motive, the other part is that he wants revenge over her involvement in losing the woman he loved which Clementine ultimately flips around on him. I really enjoy fake dating romances, so I loved that aspect of their relationship. Plus the banter and chemistry between these two was simply fantastic and I enjoyed the times the pair were alone together.
Overall The Matchmaker and the Marquess was a great read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, The Angel and the Aristocrat, soon.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned a reputation for catching couples in compromising positions which leads to marriage for those involved. When Clementine finds herself in a compromising position of her own with the rakish Marquess of Dorset, Ambrose Montgomery, she finds herself betrothed to the last man she would ever wish to marry. Clementine and Ambrose despise each other but to preserve their reputations, they agree to fake a betrothal until the end of the house party. But the longer they pretend, the more real the relationship feels.
After a tragedy in her past, Clementine believes she will never find love so she sets out to help others do so. Initially I found Clementine's actions to be questionable but after learning the backstory on why she does what she does, I was more sympathetic. Clementine is quick-witted and unafraid to say what she thinks. Ambrose has spent the years since losing the woman he loves behaving as a complete rogue. He's been hiding the hurt he's dealing with by keeping everything light and free of attachments. I enjoyed his character as he's quite the charmer and underneath his gruff exterior he's actually quite nice.
The compromising scene Clementine and Ambrose find themselves in was hilarious and involved a bee flying under Clementine's skirt which Ambrose attempts to help get rid of. When the pair are caught with Clementine's skirts raised, Ambrose declares their betrothal to protect Clementine's reputation. And while that is part of his motive, the other part is that he wants revenge over her involvement in losing the woman he loved which Clementine ultimately flips around on him. I really enjoy fake dating romances, so I loved that aspect of their relationship. Plus the banter and chemistry between these two was simply fantastic and I enjoyed the times the pair were alone together.
Overall The Matchmaker and the Marquess was a great read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, The Angel and the Aristocrat, soon.
June 10, 2021
Starring Lady Clementine “Tiny” Hammond and Marquess of Dorset.
Tropes: House party, Compromised-ish, Enemies to Lovers, fake betrothed-ish.
Sparks flew between Dorset and Clementine the moment they met on the page... and their chemistry continued to burn bright throughout the story. Omigosh these two were delicious together.
Okay y’all, the moment that Dorset realized that he loved Clementine was totally and intensely beautiful.... it was such a simple scene, but had me ugly crying af!! He was a wonderful hero. And I’m totally crushin’ on him!! He will always keep Clementine on her toes.
Clementine was such a witty heroine... I think we could have been besties in real life. She does have walls around her heart from a past experience, but I love that she’s always thinking of the happiness of others first. She’s the perfect partner for Dorset.
This book gave me all the feels, made me laugh, and had me sighing out loud... another winner from Scarlett Scott!! Which is no surprise coz Scarlett’s stories are steamy, emotionally charged... and awesome as heck!! I can not wait to read the other books in the Second Chance Manor series.
Please note that all the books in the series are stand-alones, but are interconnected with stories written by two other amazing authors, Merry Farmer and Caroline Lee.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Tropes: House party, Compromised-ish, Enemies to Lovers, fake betrothed-ish.
Sparks flew between Dorset and Clementine the moment they met on the page... and their chemistry continued to burn bright throughout the story. Omigosh these two were delicious together.
Okay y’all, the moment that Dorset realized that he loved Clementine was totally and intensely beautiful.... it was such a simple scene, but had me ugly crying af!! He was a wonderful hero. And I’m totally crushin’ on him!! He will always keep Clementine on her toes.
Clementine was such a witty heroine... I think we could have been besties in real life. She does have walls around her heart from a past experience, but I love that she’s always thinking of the happiness of others first. She’s the perfect partner for Dorset.
This book gave me all the feels, made me laugh, and had me sighing out loud... another winner from Scarlett Scott!! Which is no surprise coz Scarlett’s stories are steamy, emotionally charged... and awesome as heck!! I can not wait to read the other books in the Second Chance Manor series.
Please note that all the books in the series are stand-alones, but are interconnected with stories written by two other amazing authors, Merry Farmer and Caroline Lee.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
June 6, 2021
This is going to be a very fun series, written by three authors, about six friends who attended Twittingham Academy & graduated five years ago but still find themselves unwed. Their former teacher, Miss Julia (now Countess Fangoss) is unhappy with this outcome, so she is hosting a house party to find each of the ladies a husband.
Lady Clementine Hammond is a notorious matchmaker, however; she has not found a match & doesn't want to after the tragedy she suffered four years ago. She is happy in her matchmaking life, she is lovely, has wonderful friends - she does not need or want to marry, even if her father keeps raising her dowry amount.
Ambrose Montgomery, Marquess of Dorset, is handsome, rich, a notorious rake & attending a house party but it wasn't until he arrived that he found out it was a matchmaking house party. Now he would have to avoid all contact to any of the lady's & there would not be any dallying with windows or unhappy wives here. To make it worse he finds Lady Clementine, she is the one who caught his betrothed, Anna in a compromising situation with the Marquess Huntly & they were forced to marry four years ago.
Dorset & Lady Clementine are caught in the garden when he was rescuing her from a bee & it wasn't easily explained away - the hilarious antics, fake betrothal, friendship, romance, a kitten, friends all come together to give Ambrose & Clementine the HEA they were meant to have. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Lady Clementine Hammond is a notorious matchmaker, however; she has not found a match & doesn't want to after the tragedy she suffered four years ago. She is happy in her matchmaking life, she is lovely, has wonderful friends - she does not need or want to marry, even if her father keeps raising her dowry amount.
Ambrose Montgomery, Marquess of Dorset, is handsome, rich, a notorious rake & attending a house party but it wasn't until he arrived that he found out it was a matchmaking house party. Now he would have to avoid all contact to any of the lady's & there would not be any dallying with windows or unhappy wives here. To make it worse he finds Lady Clementine, she is the one who caught his betrothed, Anna in a compromising situation with the Marquess Huntly & they were forced to marry four years ago.
Dorset & Lady Clementine are caught in the garden when he was rescuing her from a bee & it wasn't easily explained away - the hilarious antics, fake betrothal, friendship, romance, a kitten, friends all come together to give Ambrose & Clementine the HEA they were meant to have. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
June 8, 2021
This book was lovely, easy to read and absolutely engaging!
Five years ago, six exceptional ladies graduated from Twittingham Academy and successfully nabbed themselves the most sought-after matrimonial prizes in London. Actually, they didn’t. Not one of them. But the Countess of Fangfoss, formerly known as Miss Julia Twittingham, has a plan to see each of her past charges happily wed after all.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned her reputation as society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising positions. She’s perfectly happy remaining unwed herself. One small misstep at a country house party, however, leaves her with no choice but to become engaged to the most odious rogue she has ever met. Also, the most handsome.
After losing the woman he loved to a romantic rival, the Marquess of Dorset has devoted himself to cultivating his reputation as a rakehell of the first order. When the unlikeable Lady Clementine quite literally gets a bee up her skirts, he reluctantly plays the gallant, only to find himself having to offer her marriage.
Each is desperate to escape an unwanted union to the other. They agree to maintain a pretense for the house party’s duration with plans to discreetly break their engagement when they return to London. But their temporary betrothal starts to feel far too real and one kiss leads to another…
This story is short. I finished it in one afternoon and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Clementine is an amazing character, she is well written and beautifully developed. Dorset is almost cute; I really enjoy this chivalrous. There are hot kisses and a strong attraction between them from the beginning. The dialogs are witty and emotional.
I really enjoy this one and I highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Five years ago, six exceptional ladies graduated from Twittingham Academy and successfully nabbed themselves the most sought-after matrimonial prizes in London. Actually, they didn’t. Not one of them. But the Countess of Fangfoss, formerly known as Miss Julia Twittingham, has a plan to see each of her past charges happily wed after all.
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned her reputation as society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising positions. She’s perfectly happy remaining unwed herself. One small misstep at a country house party, however, leaves her with no choice but to become engaged to the most odious rogue she has ever met. Also, the most handsome.
After losing the woman he loved to a romantic rival, the Marquess of Dorset has devoted himself to cultivating his reputation as a rakehell of the first order. When the unlikeable Lady Clementine quite literally gets a bee up her skirts, he reluctantly plays the gallant, only to find himself having to offer her marriage.
Each is desperate to escape an unwanted union to the other. They agree to maintain a pretense for the house party’s duration with plans to discreetly break their engagement when they return to London. But their temporary betrothal starts to feel far too real and one kiss leads to another…
This story is short. I finished it in one afternoon and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Clementine is an amazing character, she is well written and beautifully developed. Dorset is almost cute; I really enjoy this chivalrous. There are hot kisses and a strong attraction between them from the beginning. The dialogs are witty and emotional.
I really enjoy this one and I highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2021
Lady Clementine Hammond has earned her reputation as society’s most notorious matchmaker by catching couples in compromising positions. One small misstep at a country house party, however, leaves her with no choice but to become engaged to the most odious rogue she has ever met. After losing the woman he loved to a romantic rival, the Ambrose Montgomery Marquis of Dorset has devoted himself to cultivating his reputation as a rakehell of the first order. When the unlikeable Lady Clementine quite literally gets a bee up her skirts, he reluctantly plays the gallant, only to find himself having to offer her marriage. Clementine loathes rakes. Dorset despises prim and proper ladies.
This is the start of a multi author series & what a fun, humorous, entertaining read it was. A wonderful enemies to lovers story. I loved Ambrose but was only lukewarm towards Clementine until her backstory was gradually revealed & then I fell for her too. The bee incident had tears rolling down my face from laughing & set the scene for this engrossing read, which I read in a sitting so once again burnt the midnight oil, will I never learn! I look forward to reading how her fellow students from the Twittingham Academy (I adore that name) find love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the start of a multi author series & what a fun, humorous, entertaining read it was. A wonderful enemies to lovers story. I loved Ambrose but was only lukewarm towards Clementine until her backstory was gradually revealed & then I fell for her too. The bee incident had tears rolling down my face from laughing & set the scene for this engrossing read, which I read in a sitting so once again burnt the midnight oil, will I never learn! I look forward to reading how her fellow students from the Twittingham Academy (I adore that name) find love
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 6, 2021
The Second Chance Manor series is off to a great start with this first installment. This author always comes up with unique plots to bring her characters together. And this one is quite humorous. It involves bees. Lady Clementine Hammond is at a house party with her fellow students from the Twittingham Academy. Their former teacher is hoping to find them all husbands but they want nothing to do with this. Ambrose, the Marquess of Dorsett is also attending the party and is dismayed to see Lady Clementine there. She was responsible for him losing his true love. Circumstances arise that leave them betrothed. They both dislike each other but agree to the pretense until the end of the house party. Being forced together, the pair get to know each other on a deeper level and realize their preconceived notions of each other are nothing like their true selves. Ambrose is not just a rogue and Lady Clementine is not a ruthless matchmaker. Every time they are together, the temporary betrothal becomes more real. Can they find the love they are both missing? You will love this story. It has humor and a good dose of heat. I received an ARC of this book and is my honest review.
June 6, 2021
Recommended and rated this book
1 star2 stars3 stars4 stars5 stars
This romance between a very unlikely pair is fun and original. Clementine and Ambrose are very sure they dislike each other from the start. He because she manufactured his ex loves marriage to another man. And she because he’s a notorious rake. They have some hilariously inappropriate meetings and when their attraction can’t be denied....Well, Scarlett can turn on the steam. This is a fun house party you don’t want to miss!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful charactersRomanticEntertainingHappily Ever AfterPage-turnerEasy-to-readSteamy
1 star2 stars3 stars4 stars5 stars
This romance between a very unlikely pair is fun and original. Clementine and Ambrose are very sure they dislike each other from the start. He because she manufactured his ex loves marriage to another man. And she because he’s a notorious rake. They have some hilariously inappropriate meetings and when their attraction can’t be denied....Well, Scarlett can turn on the steam. This is a fun house party you don’t want to miss!
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful charactersRomanticEntertainingHappily Ever AfterPage-turnerEasy-to-readSteamy
June 24, 2021
When does the matchmaker become the matched? When an indiscriminate bee pushes her into a renowned rake. One she does not like. One she unfortunately has to act engaged to because her reputation is at stake.
Two people who dislike each other for different reason. But being thrown together, they may just find they do like each other.. maybe more!
Humor, a mystery, amazing characters and a wonderful journey to find love. Perfect!
Two people who dislike each other for different reason. But being thrown together, they may just find they do like each other.. maybe more!
Humor, a mystery, amazing characters and a wonderful journey to find love. Perfect!
June 27, 2021
Entertaining
December 27, 2024
It was ok, but not one of her best. It felt slow and no real passion. It took me a month to read, very put down-able.
Both main characters were likable, but not memorable.
I won’t continue the series as it’s written by multiple authors and not just Scott. I’ll move on to a different series by her alone.
Both main characters were likable, but not memorable.
I won’t continue the series as it’s written by multiple authors and not just Scott. I’ll move on to a different series by her alone.
June 10, 2021
Air punch! Enemies to lovers! Snarky Banter! Cute cat and precarious boy! Got your attention? Enemies to lovers is a favorite trope and this story is it to a tee. You have to wonder, okay maybe not so much wonder but be amazed, at how bickering back and forth can conjure up all of that sexual tension. This is a short story but it has all of the elements you need – character development, witty dialog, amazing scenery and great friends. I found Dorset and Clementine to be perfect. Yes, they each had their hang-ups but they learned to get over them. A great story from a great author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
June 12, 2021
Absolutely LOVED this book. Great start to what is sure to be an exciting series. Scarlett Scott always delivers and this book is no exception. I absolutely loved it from start to finish. The storyline was wonderful and the sub characters were great. Looking forward to the other books and her next contribution to this series. Well done!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
June 10, 2021
I just love reading a book by Scarlett Scott, knowing that it will have a great storyline, wonderful and interesting characters, humor, and a delicious romance! There has never been one that has disappointed me. In this series, we meet five best friends who met at Miss Julie’s finishing school and have remained friends five years later without having married. Miss Julie did well, marrying a Lord, and now is inviting her unwed girls to her house party in hopes of finding a match for each one of them. Lady Clementine has earned the reputation of a matchmaker by catching couples in compromising situations that force them to marry. But when she did that to Lady Anna, forcing her to marry another, her betrothed was devastated and has hated Clementine ever since. Lord Ambrose, the Marquess of Dorset, had become a rake hell since that happened and attended the house party looking for some fun with a widow or bored wife. Seeing Clementine there, he determines to stay far away until the lady is hysterical with a bee up her dress. As a gentleman, he must go to her rescue, and the fun begins! Wonderful banter, and entertaining dialogue, you won’t want to miss this one. I look forward to stories to come on each of the girls, especially Charity!
June 21, 2021
He's hated for years. They spend time together at a house party and within a week his penis tells him it's love.
August 9, 2021
My first experience reading this author's work disappointed me, but now almost a year later I found this short enemies-to-lovers romance set at a house party entertaining and delightful. A bee up Clementine's skirt at the party's garden reception bringing Ambrose out of the maze to her rescue makes an intriguing and exciting beginning to a temporary-to-avoid scandal betrothal. For a short book, the two main characters developed well and I liked them. Also, the author introduces the reader to Clementine's finishing school friends whom will undoubtedly be matched by the end of this multi-author series. The humorous banter between Clementine and Ambrose kept me smiling through their sometimes stormy antics.. The building sensual tension culminates in satisfying intimacy at the happy-ever-after end of the story. I recommend this book to the historical romance reader looking for easy, fun entertainment with a bit of sexual kick.
March 1, 2022
Humorous and hot historical romance
This fun, humorous and hot book is the first in the Second Chance Manor series. Scarlett Scott has done a wonderful job of creating a funny opening scene with what may have serious repercussions. Lady Clementine, a pesky bee, a risqué choice of undergarments or lack there of and the handsome rogue Marquess Dorset, who has a chivalrous moment, set the stage for a journey of discovery for a couple with chemistry galore but who are less than enamoured of each other or their betrothal. Can they find love together or will the end of the house party be the end of their deception? I loved the humour and the characters but would have appreciated if the book had been a little longer to explain at least Clementine’s fashion choices. The book leaves some mysteries unanswered and some intriguing glimpses of what the future books may entail - I can’t wait to catch up on the swoon worthy Marquess and the Lady and her friends.
This fun, humorous and hot book is the first in the Second Chance Manor series. Scarlett Scott has done a wonderful job of creating a funny opening scene with what may have serious repercussions. Lady Clementine, a pesky bee, a risqué choice of undergarments or lack there of and the handsome rogue Marquess Dorset, who has a chivalrous moment, set the stage for a journey of discovery for a couple with chemistry galore but who are less than enamoured of each other or their betrothal. Can they find love together or will the end of the house party be the end of their deception? I loved the humour and the characters but would have appreciated if the book had been a little longer to explain at least Clementine’s fashion choices. The book leaves some mysteries unanswered and some intriguing glimpses of what the future books may entail - I can’t wait to catch up on the swoon worthy Marquess and the Lady and her friends.
July 8, 2021
This is a delightful book with a lot of humor throughout it. If you look back through my reviews, it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Scarlett Scott. I just love her writing. Her skill is undeniable. I thought these two characters, Clementine in particular, were a bit different for her, but no less amusing. Their love is a slow build up, with a lot of passion helping to push things forward (reluctantly for both characters!) There's underlying sadness and fear of getting back out there for both of them, and I think that ultimately helps bring them together. I love how Dorset really seems to understand Clementine (after some time, that is). Their relationship feels very real, which is something I feel very much with ALL of Scarlett Scott's characters. You won't be disappointed in this read!
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