How the Lady Seduced the Viscount

Matchmaking Madness #5

by Laura A. Barnes

When one believes in love, they will embrace …

She wanted to keep her independence. He wanted her to accept his marriage proposal. After her uncle withdrew his support of their union, will they discover they only need each other’s acceptance for a happily ever after?

Jacqueline Holbrooke refused to become the latest match in her uncle’s mad matchmaking scheme. She watched her sisters and cousins fall victim to his madness. Yet, if she were honest with herself, they weren’t victims, but just as mad as their uncle. Madly in love. An emotion Jacqueline fought to keep from embracing. However, the dashing viscount she shared scandalous trysts with kept breaking down the barriers guarding her heart. With each scandalous kiss and gentle caress, her resistance crumbled. Soon, an unexpected but very welcoming surprise caused Jacqueline to question her resistance to the dashing and honorable gentleman. Will Jacqueline keep resisting what her heart desires? Or will she allow the viscount to capture her heart?

Griffen Kincaid carried on an affair with an innocent lady for the past three years. With every secret rendezvous, she wrapped her spell tighter around him. He waited with patience for Jacqueline to accept his offer. However, every time she rejected his suit. When her family learned of their affair, he must prove himself worthy of her love. Griffen set out to woo Jacqueline, enticing her into a scandalous bet to win her affections. When someone from his past arrives at Colebourne Manor and slanders his name, Griffen fears Jacqueline will question their love. Can Griffen convince Jacqueline of his true character? Or will his past be the reason for his ultimate demise?

A lady who allowed her fears to keep her from finding happiness. A gentleman whose past behavior could ruin his chance at winning his true love’s heart. Will Jacqueline and Griffen allow the obstacles in their path to tear their fragile love asunder? Or will they embrace the seduction of their love?

How the Lady Seduced the Viscount is the fifth book in Laura A. Barnes’s Matchmaking Madness Series. If you enjoy scandalous romances filled with stolen kisses and unwavering love, then you’ll love Jacqueline and Griffen’s seductive love affair.

Unlock How the Lady Seduced the Viscount today!

Genres: Historical

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Griffen wants more from Jacqueline. She is content to continue their affair, Griffen wants marriage. He just needs to figure out why she does not want to marry him. What will it take to convince her? Some well meaning matchmakers get involved and it does notvquite turn out the way they planned. But admitting their love comes hard for Jacqueline. She must get past her fears to have a happily ever after.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Colbourne made a wonderful and loving family with his son and five orphaned nieces. He is a bit sneaky and manipulative, in a good way. With his co-conspirator and sister-in-law, Lady Forrester, he has made matches for all the girls except the oldest, Jacqueline. Oh, and his son Lucas. The fifth of the Matchmaking Madness stories is about Jacqueline and Griffen Kincaid. These two are really already in love, or at least Griffen is. They have had an affair for the last three years. The problem is Jacqueline’s fear of loss. Griffen has tried, but has been able to break through this barrier. They probably only need a nudge to take the final step toward happiness. Uncle Theo has a plan, but it is a bit touchy. Bringing to light past scandal might not be a good idea. Griffen and Jacqueline belong together. He is obviously lovesick, and it is hilarious to watch her deny there is anything between them. This is a fun story with some secrets, a little surprise, and a happy ending. Once again, Uncle Theo makes a good match. An entertaining story with engaging characters. Wonderful read. Now the big challenge for the Duke and the rest of the family, Lucas and Abigail. Can’t wait.

I received an ARC of this book from BookSprout. My review is voluntary.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Griffen never gives up on the woman he loves. Jacqueline is the eldest of her Uncle Theo, the Duke of Colbourne’s, charges. As such, when her parents and aunt and uncle died, she took it upon herself to help raise her sisters and cousin. But, her fear of losing another loved one outweighed her desire for a family of her own. This book starts shortly after Duncan and Selina’s wedding, the fourth marriage that the Duke successfully orchestrated. Jacqueline knew she was next and that Griffen had been the groom picked out for her. The fact that she and Griffen had been having a clandestine affair for the past three years, and he had proposed numerous times, did not deter her unwillingness to fall into her uncle’s trap. This story is quite steamy and rather sweet. The Duke’s masterful manipulations missed the mark a few times, and gave us all a character to despise, but in the end love prevailed. As with all the other books in this series, I fell headlong into the story and was emotionally trapped waiting for the happy ending. Loved it!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the series Matchmaking Madness, but it can be a stand-alone book, but I would recommend reading them all, they are that good. This series is about a Duke and his Sister-in-law, Aunt Susanna who are playing matchmaker to match up his wards. You will love Aunt Susanna and Uncle Theo. The last of the Duke’s nieces not wed is Jacqueline Holbrooke, and this is her story. She has been having an affair with Viscount Griffen Kincaid for three years. Griffen wants to marry Jacqueline, but she keeps saying no. This romantic, hot, stealing time away to be together story was a wonderful story to read. I loved the love and caring this family has for each other. Laura A. Barnes writes a story that gets me so involved I do not know where the time goes. I can not wait for the next book in this series.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am giving my honest opinion.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacqueline Holbrooke, niece, and ward of the Duke of Colebourne has been having a two-year affair with Griffen Kincaid. She has no plans to get married and doesn't want to be another victim in her Uncle's matchmaking schemes. Griffen is in love with Jacqueline and wants to offer for her, but Colebourne, knowing Jacqueline's resistance, throws some obstacles in their way - including another suitor.

This book was a little bit hard to get into. We are thrown into the middle of a love affair and I felt like I was struggling to catch up and figure out what was going on. I also didn't feel like the stakes were high enough for them to fight for each other. I did love Colebourne's meddling and in this book it made sense, by blocking Jacqueline, she came to value Griffen and his love more. I am really excited for the next in this series!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very devious uncle!
What is a lady to do when she has a matchmaking relative and really does not want to be match with anyone? Well guess what this will come back and bite her cause fate has other plans. I love the books in this series and this is a great addition too. Jacqueline and Griffen were a pair, he knows what he wants and it is Jacqueline. Like all really good romances this one has some serious challenges. This book in fact the whole series has such wonderful characters and it is so easy to get lost in their lives stories. Excellent book that I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Sara K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Matchmaking Duke strikes again! I'm really loving this series! Jaqueline and Griffen have carried on a secret affair for a few years. Griffen has made it no secret to Jaqueline his desire to marry her, but after losing her parents she has decided that love isn't worth the pain that may come with losing them. Can Griffen use the Duke's antics to his advantage and convince Jaqueline to take a chance on him? Its defiantly worth the read to find out!

I'm anxiously awaiting Lucas and Abigail's book, as their story been teased throughout the whole series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another match made in heaven or at the hands of her matchmaking Uncle?

He was determined to get her to marry him. Yes, he loved her and they had been carrying on an affair for three years. Every time he asked, she refused him.

She did not want to love and lose him, just as she had lost her parents. But she could not resist him and if she were honest with herself... well she did love him, regardless of how much her uncle pushed. But could she make that commitment?

Another great addition to this series which has been highly entertaining. Although it can be read as a standalone, I urge you to read them all!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has seen her sisters and cousins fall to the needs of her uncle marrying the man that was picked out for them. She is not going to give her Herat to anyone and he appears. They share secret kisses and meetings. It seems they are right for each other. Will they get together properly? What if her uncle says no more? Will she be forced to marry someone else? Can these two finally see they are each others halves? See if they will

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Back . . .

Jaqueline Holbrooke and Griffen Kincaid have enjoyed their secret affair for several years. Griffen would be happy to marry her and she was aware of that. He asked her to marry a number of times, yet she kept refusing him. She had lost her parents and feared getting close to someone only to endure the pain if she lost them, as happened with her parents. Can Griffen convince Jaqueline to take a chance on him? Or will the slander to his name from the past keep her from trusting him?

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is pure delight! The characters are wonderful. Jacqueline is the niece and ward of the Duke of Colbourne, who is quite the manipulator, in a good way. He has successfully orchestrated the marriages of his other wards but Jacqueline tends to be more stubborn than the rest. Over the course of their three year affair, Griffin, a Viscount, has repeatedly proposed to her, yet she consistently turns him down. Their dialogue and banter is charming, their relationship sizzles, but is tender and sweet at the same time. Every page of this story was a complete joy!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Matchmaking Madness series another very good story in this series. Jacqueline Holbrooke and Griffen Kincaid have know each other for three years, and he falls in love with her more each day. They will have their ups and downs as they work their way to their happy ending. I like this sentence "After all, love was a madness everyone should succumb to." I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncle Theo only has two unmarried young ladies to go and is quite proud of himself. Jacqueline is the older sister of the twins and she started her affair before Uncle Theo started his games. Well she thinks but he has been keeping an eye on Kincaid. Poor Jacqueline is afraid of falling in love and losing that person as she did her parents. But they have been seeing each other for three years. What can he do to get her to say "yes" to him? He is not above asking her family for help.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the matchmakers series. Basically its a friends with benefit plot with Jacqueline and Kincaid. It is good book to read in the series. The only critique is that these two characters are barely in the other books. At least I barely remember them unlike Abigail and Lucas. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 12th book by Laura A. Barnes.
She has such great reads. I gave 5 stars to all of them.
I like the concept of this series.
Great storyline, great sex scenes and great characters.
Jacqueline and Griffen were wonderful to read. What a great couple.
I would definitely recommend.

[Rebekah Carulli Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matchmaking Madness continues with Griffin and Jacqueline. These books have great storylines and endearing characters. Can’t wait to read the last book of the series. These books have 🔥🔥🔥 and ❤️❤️❤️ to spare. R. K. C. H.

[Sajal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, I was kind of bored with this one. I didn't understand Jacqueline's resistance for most of the book.

[Karish · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorites, absolutely enjoyed seeing Griffen fight for the woman he loves.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my opinion, you should read the others in order. I felt I was missing something big that had happen or is about to happen. This is my first and I felt like I was missing a big piece of info.