The Secret of Studborne Abbey

The Lady's Guide #4-5

by Emmanuelle de Maupassant

Does something wicked lurk within the ancient walls of Studborne Abbey?

Find out in this Gothic Romance duology!

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire

Disinherited debutante Rosamund Burnell is in a fix. Pretending she's still a wealthy catch, she sets out to ensnare the Duke of Studborne. The only spanner in the works? Her growing attraction to the duke's very proper, very honourable and very penniless nephew, Benedict.

The duke seems enchanted, but his motives for courting her are not what they seem, and Rosamund is caught in a trap. She must uncover the truth, and only one person in the abbey can help her. The annoyingly principled Benedict!


The Lady's Guide to Scandal

Before archaeologist Ethan Burnell can return to his exploration of the Mexican jungle, his sister insists he attend her Christmas houseparty, filled with eager debutantes. A fake engagement for the duration of the festivities sounds like the perfect plan.

With her name mired in scandal, Cornelia Mortmain's marriage prospects are nil. Wild adventurer Burnell is exactly the sort of 'dangerous man' she's sworn off, and posing as his fiancée can only spell trouble. Or, make her so notorious she'll become irresistible.

But convincing everyone they're madly in love isn't the only challenge facing the ill-matched pair. Exploring the Abbey's hidden passageways, they discover its crypt, and the secret of its chilling past.

Heat level : Passionate


Discover more in 'The Lady's Guide' series: historical romance brimming with adventure, mystery and intrigue.


Available now
The Lady’s Guide to a Highlander's Heart
The Lady's Guide to Mistletoe and Mayhem
The Lady’s Guide to Escaping Cannibals
The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire


Releasing through 2022 and beyond
The Lady’s Guide to Havoc in a Harem
The Lady’s Guide to Tempting a Transylvanian Count
The Lady's Guide to Egyptian Curses

Each can be read as a 'stand alone' and in any order.

Genres: Historical Romance, Ebooks, Gothic Romance, Gothic

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2021

About the author

Emmanuelle lives in a medieval tower house in the Highlands, with her husband and Ernie McFloof (connoisseur of bacon treats and squeaky toys).

She writes historical romance filled with adventure, suspense, and red-hot passion.

Visit her website - www.emmanuelledemaupassant.com - to find a FREE story to download, and to sign up for her newsletter (monthly gossip, giveaways and goodies).


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Emmanuelle lebt mit ihrem Mann (Hersteller von Tee und Obstkuchen) und ihrer Schnüffelnase, Ernie, auch bekannt als ihr liebstes Fellknäuel und Liebhaber von quietschenden Spielzeugen und Schinken.

Liebst du liebesromane und Hörbücher?

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Emmanuelle de Maupassant vive con il marito e ama i suoi fagottini pelosi a quattro zampe (che sono dei grandi intenditori di giocattoli da mordere e snack al bacon).

Iscriviti alla newsletter di Emmanuelle per ricevere direttamente nella tua casella di posta notizie in anteprima sulle nuove uscite, ricevere degli omaggi, e per dare un’occhiata dietro le quinte.

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Emmanuelle de Maupassant vive con su esposo y ama las mascotas peludas de la variedad de cuatro patas (expertos en juguetes ruidosos y golosinas de tocino).

Regístrate en el boletín de Emmanuelle, para ver los nuevos lanzamientos, obsequios y las historias detrás de escena, entregados directamente a tu bandeja de entrada.

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L'auteure publie (des romances historiques) sous trois noms de plume : Annabelle Quinn, Anna Quinn et Emmanuelle de Maupassant.

Elle vit avec son mari et a un sérieux penchant pour les terriers à poils longs (amateurs de jouets qui font pouêt-pouêt et de gourmandises au bacon).

=> https://emmanuelledemaupassant.com/vo...

Reviews

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gothic Passion at its Best!
This boxset contains 2 of the books from 'The Lady's Guide' series of stories ('The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire' and ' The Lady's Guide to Scandal') and these are narrated by Gareth J. Davies.
He did this really well - his refreshing voice, splendid acting and sound effects perfectly elevating these two beautifully dark and romantic stories from this series.
I have just finished listening to the audiobook version and voluntarily leave my unbiased review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Secret of Studborne Abbey' contains two delightful, Gothic stories that kept me not only thoroughly entertained but in suspense, and sometimes gasping. If this is your first introduction to the talented Emmanuelle de Maupassant, then you are in for a treat. If it's not, then you'll know you can sit back and enjoy all she has provided.

1. THE LADY'S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE
The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire' is another great addition to Emmanuelle de Maupassant's "The Lady's Guide" series based on a little pale pink leather book embossed in gold entitled "The Lady's Guide to All Things Useful". Let your mind go back in time when all explanations were vague and flowery and that's what you'll find in the book. Even though there is sage advice given, if the person reading it doesn't know the specifics beforehand it will still not make sense after it's read, which always makes me giggle a bit. This is a great old-world read with a twist I certainly didn't see coming. I loved the strong personality of Rosamund, aka Rosie, and all the characters had their moments. Oh, and don't let me forget Pom Pom!! LOL Congratulations to Ms. De Maupassant on another fabulous story!

2. THE LADY'S GUIDE TO SCANDAL
Just for the record, I've never read a book by Emmanuelle de Maupassant that I have not thoroughly enjoyed, and 'The Lady's Guide to Scandal' is no exception! There are several books in 'The Lady's Guide' series and they all refer to a little book which assists ladies by giving very sage advice on how to handle various situations in life. When I read these pieces of advice, along with the heroine, they usually make me laugh. If Emmanuelle's heroine were prim and proper ladies with milk-toast personalities they could be taken literally. But the heroine, aka Cornelia, is very strong-willed and employed. A woman ahead of her time, these pieces of advice are open to interpretation as needed. LOL Unfortunately, she finds herself in situations that have sullied her name through no fault of her own. She and Ethan were friends when they were younger and, as life often happens, took separate paths. Cornelia employed at the Museum and Ethan an explorer recently returned from the jungles in Mexico. When they meet again, it's a bit of a shock. Especially when Cornelia snuck into a room at the Museum, where she volunteers, and she finds what she believes to be a thief!! Some of the antics between these two on top of the side characters, which include elderly aunts and a dog, had me laughing until tears rolled. This was a great adventure with all the chemistry that comes along with a story that brings two people together.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a double Victorian GOTHIC novel set, consisting of -
"The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire" 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Two Suitors🐺🐺 and Secret Passages🏰.
Rosamund💃💋 is a snoopy Wealthy American who is egged on by her even more snoopy and crass mother👵 to pursue a widowed Duke🐺 who lives in an old abbey🏰. Actually, Rosamund💃💋 and her mother👵 have been disowned by her abusive father after they fled to England with her younger brother, Ethan. Father strong arms the return of Ethan to America and leaves Rosamund💃💋 and her mother👵 to rot, penniless, in an English cottage.

Blonde and beautiful, Rosamund💃💋 greatly resembles the Duke's late wife, whom he cannot seem to let go of after her death in childbirth only a year or so ago. He is fascinating by Rosamund💃💋 but tries to reach His late wife through seances👻, which were extremely popular in the Victorian era.
His vast home🏰 is built on and encompasses an old creepy abbey🏰. It seems haunted👻.

The Duke🐺 has a male nephew, his heir, Benedict🐺, who is also infatuated with Rosamund💃💋 and is much closer to her age. The two of them go creeping around the Abbey🏰 in search of maids that keep going missing.
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"The Lady's Guide to Scandal" 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Have Her Beef Cake 🐺🍆⛲and Eat It Too?

ADULT Historical Late Victorian Romance 💕and Adventure
No More Wasted Years....
Cornelia💃💋 was married👰 to a philandering baron who inconveniently died in another woman's bed, so she was scandalized, too. She is still young, but figured she will remain a widow the rest of her life.

She is wealthy, but loves antiquities, so she works part time in the museum trying to match pieces of broken pottery together, etc. It's a crappy job because she's a woman!

One night she decides to explore the museum after closing, and runs into Ethan Burnell,🐺🍆⛲💪 a rough and tumble archeologist and antiquities hunter who has been exploring and working in central America.
She suddenly realizes she knows him! They were childhood summer playmates!

One thing leads to another, and she is invited by Ethan🍆⛲💪 to a house party, put on by his sister, a duchess, in order to find him a bride,👰 which he doesn't want.

Ethan🐺🍆⛲💪 wants Cornelia💃💋 to be his fake fiance💕, so he can blithely go back to central America and continue his exploration of Mayan ruins.

Cornelia 💃💋never wanted to fall in 💘love, and she sees she will be involved in yet another scandal!

ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱
I also got this ebook from Amazon 📚 for 99¢.

This is a very well written romance 💕about two people who want closeness, but are afraid to commit. Their upbringing, although by wealthy parents, was lonely and loveless 💔,and they were both basically ignored.
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ARC Provided by Booksprout 🌱.
This ebook SET was $4.99 on Amazon 📚at the time of this review.
Opinions expressed here are entirely my own fault!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire 5 Stars
Disinherited debutante Rosamund Burnell is in a fix, she's left with her mother whilst her father travels back to America taking her younger brother Ethan with him. He also leaves his wife & daughter with no funds. Pretending she's still a wealthy catch, she sets out to ensnare the Duke of Studborne who's a widower. Her growing attraction to the duke's very proper, very honourable and very penniless nephew, Benedict, isn’t helping. The duke seems enchanted, but his motives for courting her are not what they seem, and Rosamund is caught in a trap.
What a deliciously spooky gothic read for this time of year (or any time for that matter) I loved both Benedict & Rosamund. He’s bookish, interested in fossils & inexperienced. She's feisty & inquisitive. I loved the growing attraction between the pair but things aren’t what they seem in the Abbey. An engrossing read which I loved

The Lady's Guide to Scandal 5 Stars
Ethan Burnell is an explorer who has just returned from the jungles of Mexico & is preparing for an exhibition of some of his finds at the British Museum when he’s held up by a tape measure wielding woman, who thinks he’s a thief. Cornelia Mortmain’s name's mired in scandals not of her making but mud sticks, she a volunteer worker at the museum, when she sneaks in to the room housing the latest exhibition she didn’t expect to find a thief. At the opening of his exhibition Ethan discovers he knew Cornelia & her two aunts Eustacia & Blanche years ago, so he invites them to a Christmas house party at his sister Rosamund’s country residence Studborne Abbey.
A fun, entertaining well written story think of Indiana Jones at a Downton Abbey house party wearing Hessians - I just loved it. I loved both Ethan & Cornelia, their attraction just grew & grew, there were also hilarious elderly aunts & an inquisitive dog, Minnie & a marchioness with a wonderful vocabulary. An engrossing, captivating read

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, two steamy, gothic and truly romantic tales in one book! Love the cover too. The Lady's Guide series of books is so much fun. The strong, independent ladies add to the "Lady's Guide" with their individual adventures in love. All with a happy ending and lots of passion and romance.

Set at Christmas, The Lady's Guide to Scandal is a passionate romance full of intrigue, fun and feeling. I love that the characters are flawed and that they are realistic about their place in society. The hero is one of the many men of nobility who loses themselves to scientific pursuits and has little time for women and marriage. He is especially not interested in the silly debutantes his sister puts in front of him. But the sparks fly when he agrees to a fake engagement to a widow who must accept the scandal of her mother's past. This is atmospheric, deeper-than-the-usual regency tale and there is even a mystery to be solved. A great, short holiday romp!

The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire is also a great read. The wonderful books in this series revolve around a guidebook that all the heroines have that give proper advice to how ladies in society should behave and what to expect in marriage. The ladies however encounter many adventures and challenges that the Lady's Guide never envisioned! In this book, Rosamund, an American traveling to England with her mother, is on a mission to marry a rich husband. She starts looking in a rural area because it would be more like her life in Texas. She encounters two men, a widowed duke and his bookish nephew, who might fit the bill.

Rosamund is clever and calculating as she weaves her deception that she is a rich oil empire heiress, but she knows she must find a way for her mother and herself to survive. The book has great atmosphere at the duke's home in an ancient abbey complete with a basement full of crypts and secret rooms and passages. The feeling is gothic and suspenseful as Rosamund tries to discover the secrets of the manor and the grieving duke. There was romance, mystery, action and humor, especially when Rosamund tries to reconcile what she finds with what the Lady's Guide tells her. There is also a creative, fun and hot love scene as well

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book which includes two stories. The author brings strong characters and weaves two interesting stories filled with intrigue and mystery. She brings passion filled romances and takes you on an exciting journey. They are well written with descriptive scenes,move fluidly and are entertaining reads.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[C Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Gothic novel was mysterious and interesting. The heroine was street smart and the hero was adorable in his nerdy way.

I didn't know what to expect since I didn't read the description prior to reading it. That made it more intriguing to me.

I thought it was an older man-younger woman romance since the Duke was quite a catch but he's disillusioned and not right in the head.

I like the sweet and sexy love scene and this has a guaranteed HEA.

[Anneke Schep · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘The Secret of Studborne Abbey’ we meet the American heroine Rosamund and her mother at a difficult time of their lives. They are invited for a stay at Studborne Abby for a few days, by the Duke of Studborne and his nephew. Rosamunds mother decides a marriage between Rosamund and the Duke is a good idea, it will end most problems both ladies have. It seems the Duke is interested. But something feels very off. The atmosphere at the abbey feels weird. Sad due to the death of the dearly beloved wife of the Duke the year before. And there is more going on. Girls working at the abbey leave without notice. A French psychic, also a guest, leads a seance on request of the Duke, that really upsets the mother. But what more is going on between the Duke and the Française? And then there is the growing attraction between Rosamund and the nephew. Is there a happy ever after for everyone?

Mysterious story, many twists and turns. Drama and adventure and surprises. This book is very well written and I could not wait to read the second book of this bundle.

The second book of this bundle starts about 20 years later in London where we meet the heroine and the Hero. The Hero is the younger brother of Rosamund: Ethan. He has met the heroine and her two aunts 20 years ago when they were kids. Now he invites the three ladies to accompany him for a stay at Studborne Abbey where his sister lives with her husband and children. He suspects his sister is going to introduce him to a bunch of unmarried females, however he is not willing to get married. During the journey from London to the abbey, Ethan asks our heroine to help him out and has this “proposition” where both should benefit from participating. I am not going deeper into the story of this book because I don’t want to write spoilers. I enjoyed reading this book as much as the first book; it is well written, has a great story. We also meet the Hero and heroine from the first book again, and I enjoyed it a lot reading them back to back. I most definitely recommend this bundle and other books from this writer.

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

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars overall. These novellas have little in common tone-wise and trope-wise. The primary link is two siblings in the American Burnell family and their disparate experiences in Studborne Abbey in Dorset, England. The first novella is a bit dark and very much in the vein of an old-fashioned Gothic tale. After a low-key beginning, there is slow-burn romance and suspense with sufficient creepiness at the finale. The h, Rosamund, is something of a schemer but also sympathetic. The H, Benedict, who is the Duke of Studborne's nephew and heir, isn't quite as well fleshed-out, and he and Rosamund have moderate sexual chemistry. The novella would qualify as a "sweet and clean" read if you stopped at chapter 24. After that point, there is a lengthy sex scene that is well-written but completely detached from the rest of the plot. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of this novella but it's not the kind of romantic story I usually seek out.

The second novella is completely different in tone and steam level. This plot features Rosamund's younger brother, Ethan, an archeologist, and a young woman named Cornelia who works at the British museum. The vibe here is "Indiana Jones meets the ton," and the first couple of chapters sucked me in. However, I wasn't crazy about the scheme Ethan came up with involving Cornelia, pretending to court her to keep gold-diggers away from him, and his character was never quite as sympathetic as I'd hoped it would be. It's easier to feel for Cornelia, considering how disrespectfully she was treated by the ton after her mother ran away, and then how she was treated due to the circumstances of her husband's death. On the positive side, there are some nicely steamy scenes throughout that definitely kept me reading, and some laugh-out-loud humor.

Two things that kept this collection from being a 4 star read for me: first, grammatical/usage errors (using "you and I" when "you and me" is correct), "alright", "infer" being used instead of "imply", etc. But the worst irritant for me was Ethan's Texan dialog. Rosamund didn't bother me too much in the first novella, but Ethan's dialect became grating. In my mind, he sounded like Jed from the Beverly Hillbillies at times (at other times I heard Ted Lasso). This is as irritating to an American reader as when an American romance writer attempts bad cockney. Just don't go there.

I enjoyed both novellas overall, the second one slightly more than the first, and I admire the author's research into the past. I just thought the first novella needed a bit more "oomph" and the second needed a bit more thought involving its serious elements.

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

[Anika Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch enthält Teil 3 und 4 der "Handbuch einer Lady" Reihe von Emmanuelle de Maupassant. Die Bücher können in beliebiger Reihenfolge gelesen werden, denn jedes beinhaltet eine eigenständige Geschichte.

Ich selbst habe Teil eins und zwei der Reihe nicht gelesen und hatte null Schwierigkeiten mich zurecht zu finden.

Das Cover trifft von den Farben her absolut meinen Geschmack. Auch muss ich sagen, passt es für mich gut zur Handlung und zu den Covern der Einzelbände. Wobei ich ehrlich sagen muss, daß mir die Einzelcover der Reihe nicht so zusagen und mich auch nicht anlocken. Da kriegt das Sammelbandcover mich definitiv mehr.

Der Schreibstil der Autorin liest sich flüssig und zeitgemäß. Definitiv findet man im Buch auch prickelnde Szenen, welche absolut authentisch und gut geschrieben sind.
Ich fühlte mich beim lesen gut unterhalten und konnte doch an der ein oder anderen Stelle auch mal gut schmunzeln. Also auch die humoristische Seite der Autorin kommt hier zum Vorschein. Für mich eine tolle Mischung.

Ich finde der Klappentext gibt des Inhalt des Buches perfekt wieder.
Man befindet sich als LeserIn in England um 1900.
Das erste Buch beginnt mit dem Geständnis von Rosamunds Mutter und wirft mich als Leserin mitten ins Geschehen. Die Suche nach dem geeigneten Mann für Rosamund beginnt. Doch wird das so einfach? Wird sie es verheimlichen können, dass sie keine Mitgift hat? Was wird sie auf Studborne Abbey erleben? Was hat es mit den Angestellten auf sich? Welches Geheimnis wird hier gelüftet?
Im zweiten Buch geht es um Rosamunds Bruder Ethan. Er lebt für seine Abenteuer und sein freies Leben. Doch auch er hat Pflichten. Kann man das vereinen? Also seine Schwester hat definitiv andere Pläne für ihn. Denn auch er benötigt eine Frau und somit veranstaltet sie einen Ball um die perfekte Kandidatin zu finden. Wird dies gelingen? Kann Ethan seine perfekte Kandidatin finden oder ist es mehr Schein als Sein? Oder überkommen ihn noch die Gefühle?

Beide Handlungen habe ich mit viel Interesse gelesen. Jede hat mich sehr gut unterhalten. Ich konnte lachen und hab die Luft quasi Knistern gehört. Ich hatte eine tolle Lesezeit und habe mich von Rosamund und Ethan super gut unterhalten gefühlt.

Von mir bekommt das Sammelband 5 von 5 Sterne

[Lauren Erzsebet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book we see the struggle Rosamund and her mother face travelling to England after leaving their life.
Determined to have her daughter marry well, Mrs Burnell doesn't mind pretending they have wealth.
When Rosamund manages an invite to Studborne for a stay with a rich Duke, she is conflicted by his handsome nephew.
Can she handle marrying only for security rather than love and happiness?

A story that made me laugh out loud in beginning parts with its wit and effortless comedy. As we continue the seriousness hits with mystery, danger and death looming.
A story that provokes a whirlwind of emotion and is so incredibly written, it is no chore to binge read the entire thing.
While things do get complicated and take darker turns, I was moved by the bud of romance that blossoms in certain hearts.

The second book sees Ethan Burnell return to England from his explorations in Mexico which he is keen to return to.
Before he can return though, he is invited to stay at Rosamund's for a Christmas party and knows he will find no peace there.
Arranging a fake relationship saves him slightly from those who wish him to marry their daughters.
Cornelia who he is pretending to be in love with is widowed and has zero chance of anyone being interested in her.
Scandal is attached to her through no fault of her own.
Will they develop real feelings while trying to fool everyone else?

I really enjoyed this with its character development and unpredictability.
I felt so sorry for Cornelia with the black mark against her for things she never actually did that have since ruined her chances.
Ethan didn't consider her feelings and it pulls at my heart when cruel gossip upsets her.
Ultimately we see the link between the first book and this one very clearly as the story progresses.
Again I was blown away by emotion filled pages and funny content especially surrounding the dog.
A brilliantly gripping read with gothic themes that should appeal to any with a love for the darkness, whether in the human soul or beyond.

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

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Studborne Abbey
by Emmanuelle de Maupassant
narrated by Gareth J. Davies

I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Secret of Studborne Abbey is a box set containing two separate tales that are still linked. The first story is the Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire surrounding Rosamund and her mother. Both are American, coming from a wealthy background until her mother leaves her husband, Rosamund’s father, which results in their connection to the family wealth being withdrawn. The two women plot after being abandoned in England, seeking an answer on how their financial and living circumstances can improve. The answer comes as Mr Benedict Studborne, the nephew of the Duke of Studborne Abbey.

Can Rosamund successfully gain an introduction to English society?

The Lady’s Guide to Scandal is the story of Ethan and Cornelia. Ethan Burnell, Rosamund’s younger brother and inheritor of his family’s fortune, is mentioned several times in the Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire. Ethan is an explorer while Cornelia works at a museum, forward-thinking for the time which is proof of her individuality. They both arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement, portraying the pretence of being in a relationship to deter unwanted attention from others. Can they carry off their pretence and successfully fool their entourage?

This compilation comprises two exceptional historical tales of gothic suspense with a macabre twist. I listened to the audiobook version, and they had my interest gripped from the start. Emmanuelle de Maupassant’s writing bursts with romance, passion and thrills brought to life by the wonderfully descriptive voice of Gareth J. Davies. I have previously listened to several audiobooks by this narrator and loved them all. Along with an emotional narration, he includes acting, topped off with sound effects that complete this exciting compilation.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read The Lady’s Guide to Scandal a while ago and was surprised when I got this duology and realized that The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire came first and was answering several of my questions. In common the stories mention a book that the heroines have, and it is supposed to be a useful tool for a woman to be well prepared.
The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
Being carried away by the advice and recommendations of her mother was resulting in a doubtful and disturbing situation for Rosamund. The duke who seemed like the solution to her problems was not inspiring her while the duke's nephew made her think and not innocent things. When things got sinister and dangerous it was too late, insanity had already had its grip on her and the knight in shining armor was not at her side. I was drawn to the mystery and suspense in this story.
The Lady’s Guide to Scandal
Cornelia Mortmain silently was enduring the weight of others' wrongdoings. Acceptance, feeling wanted and desired were denied to her while humiliation and rejection were offered at her every step. Filled with resentment, Ethan Burnell, famed archaeologist, sought to obliterate his lineage, but the tempting widow seemed to charm and absorb his thoughts and desires. A fight between opportunity, temptation, the right thing to do and passion. What a pair! Strong, cynical and scheming both of them. Who was stronger? Even the manual didn't seem to shed light on what Cornelia should do. Interesting and entertaining story with two protagonists marked by a past difficult to leave behind, some mystery and suspense, intrigue, some funny secondary characters, an unbridled attraction and a lot of passion.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts the series of the Ladies Guide books.

Miss Rosalind Burnell along with her mother and brother Ethan, arrive in England for her to marry any Lord that too a fancy to her. Only to find out that her father was not aware or approval granted. Now he has taken Ethan back and completely cut of her and mother of any funds or allowed back.

So to make her way Rosie has agreed to find a husband that will give them security, home, and peace. She meets “Benedict Studborne, amateur archeologist and heir to Duke of Studborne. He is the type she could see herself married to and be happy if eventually loved.

Benedict Studborne, finds himself smitten by Rosie right from the start until after asking his uncle, the duke, to allow them to visit. Algernon Studborne sees much of his deceased wife in Rosie. This hope that she can bring his uncle out of his grief is the reason he backs away from pursuing Rosie himself.

Algernon only wants his wife back and has been trying all sorts of ways to get her back, to no avail. When Rosie arrived with her mother he sees a twin to his wife and thinks now he can bring her back.

Does Rosalind choose Benedict or the Duke, Algernon? Does she get to see her brother again? Will she find happiness and love? Does her mother find peace and contentment? Join in the mysterous, intrigue of danger, romance, and self-awareness to find out as you learn through exploring the Abby and it's many secrets that are revealed throughout this gothic tail of deceit, madness, and rescue.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two stories about Texas siblings who find their way to England. One on the dark side with a meager cast, and the other brighter with characters ranging from arrogant lords and snooty ladies, to a pair of eccentric doting aunts. Each book will capture your attention and hold your interest as you embark on a journey from seances to sandcastles. Prepared to be surprised and entertained!

A Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
Rosamund and Benedict
What a story! A duke mad with grief; his nephew fond of fossils; an American ex-heiress and her desperate mother all holed up in an old abbey, where you will find mystery, murder, terror and tarot. This book takes a convoluted road to romance leaving a path of destruction in its wake….but you won’t be able to put it down!

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal
Ethan and Cordelia.
What a wonderful story with a yummy hero. Ethan is ‘tall, lean and darkly handsome’, and a renowned wealthy adventurer. The heroine, Cornelia, is a beautiful, unassuming, intelligent woman who has been treated carelessly by those who should have loved and protected her. Add a Christmastime house party; two eccentric aunts; various conniving matrons; a few available daughters; a pregnant hostess; a male guest of questionable values and a silly dog, and you’ve got a story that will captivate and delight. This well written tale will spark your interest, encourage your curiosity and have you rooting for Ethan and Cornelia’s happy ending.

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

[Karen M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of Studborne Abbey is two complete stories linked by one family. The
first book, The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire, is a gothic mystery thriller.
American Heiress Rosamund Burell finds herself pushed by her mother into pursuing
The Duke of Studborne, even though she is drawn to his nephew Benedict. She feels she
has to choose wisely since her father has recalled her brother to America and left her and her
mother penniless. Terrible things begin to occur and she wonders who to trust and if she will become
another missing person below in the crypts. I loved this book, especially the ending.

The second book continues with The Lady’s Guide to Scandal, the story of Rosamunds
brother Ethan. After his father calls him home leaving his mother and sister behind, he
chooses to live a completely different life, far from his terrible father. He meets Cornelia
at the British Museum and is in awe of her knowledge and beauty. They travel for Christmas
with Cornelias audacious aunts to visit his sister Rosamund and Benedict at Studborne Abbey.
They pretend to be a couple, but the assembled group of guests cause lots of mischief
and misunderstandings, making it difficult for them to believe they are really in love. Fun to read
and such a good story. I loved both books! I read an ARC from Booksprout and this is my
honest review. Great books from Emmanuelle! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[I Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a good gothic story and I thoroughly enjoyed these two novellas. Will the secrets of the Abby be discovered and will Rosamund find a wealthy husband as a way to keep her and her mother from despair? Will it be the widowed Duke who is in so much pain from the loss of his wife but is wealthy and titled, or the Duke’s nephew perhaps who enjoys his scientific discoveries but has a modest income. Tragedy, darkness and death consume the Abby and young female servants disappear without notice. Will Rosamund find out the secrets of the Abby before it’s to late? A must read if you enjoy a good gothic tragedy.

Ethan and Cornelia’s story was the second novella. Both grew up in a dysfunctional family. Cornelia’s mother runs off with an artist around the time of her come out in society and creates a scandal. Her father marries her off to a man who’s only interested in her dowry then her husband dies a scandalous death which dooms her to never wanting to marry again. Ethan had a tyrant for a father and cursed him the day he was old enough to leave never looking back and promising himself to never father sons. He wanted his fathers line to end with himself. Then he met Cornelia (Nellie) whom he’d met one summer when they were children and his life changed. A beautiful story of two lonely hearts who helped each other heal and found a HEA. My favorite kind of story.

[Lisa Pohlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually two books. The first story is "The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire". The second story is "The Lady's Guide to Scandal".
I have read " The Lady's Guide to Scandal" before and was surprised there was a book before it. The first book answered some things for the second book so I was very glad to read the first story, "The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire".
Both books are about the Burnell siblings.
The first book is about Rosamund Burnell and Benedict, the Duke of Studborne's nephew and the going ons at Studborne Abbey. Rosamund needs to marry well as she is recently penniless. Benedict is a scholarly sort who is dependent on his uncle. But what happens when both the Duke and Benedict want Rosamund. Does Rosamund want to be a duchess and money that much. Great gothic story!
The second book (which I had read before) is about Rosamund's younger brother, archaeologist Ethan Burnell and Cornelia Mortmain. The two knew each other from when they were young children but haven't seen each other in years. A Christmas at Studborne Abbey, an aunt trying to throw the two together and the creepy going ons at the Abbey will have you wanting to know whats next!
Both are great stories.

I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Stories in One Novel

This audiobook contains two stories from The 'Lady's Guide' series by Emmanuelle de Maupassant. 'The Lady's Guide' series are standalone stories connected by 'The Lady's Guide To All Things Useful' book, which gives tips and pointers to the characters in both novels.

**The Lady's Guide To Deception and Desire** is a gothic historical book set in the beautiful, but eerie Studborne Abbey. This story is quite spooky and mysterious and definitely had an unsettling atmosphere.

Rosemund is a young woman without financial stability hoping to find a wealthy man to marry. Rosemund meets Mr Benedict Studborne, impoverished nephew of a Duke, and while her heart is taken with him, she believes her future should be with the widowed Duke. Does the Duke wish to marry however, or is his mind and heart elsewhere? Could there be something sinister afoot at the Abbey? And can 'The Lady's Guide...' offer any help for Rosemund?

This story had alot in it, a ghostly feeling, grief and madness and was very engaging, entertaining and had me guessing throughout what the outcome of the story would be. I really enjoyed the growing attachment and love between Rosemund and Benedict, and I would definitely recommend to lovers of historical romance fiction.

**The Lady's Guide To Scandal** is a light-hearted and witty fake-engagement historical story.

Ethan (brother of Rosemund from the above book) is a famed archaeologist returned from overseas and newly arrived at the museum that Cornelia is connected to via her father. Cornelia has been unlucky enough to have been involved in scandal twice, and is hoping for a quiet and calm life to continue her study of historical artifacts. Meddling family on both sides, however, have different ideas. Ethan comes up with an excellent idea that they should be fake engaged, to make life easier. A stay at Studborne Abbey is just the thing to help with these plans.

A sometimes funny, and definitely entertaining book, this story allows the charade to play out, while also some mysteries within the Abbey are discovered. An enjoyable romantic, feel-good listen. I really loved it.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE LADY'S GUIDE TO DECEPTION AND DESIRE
Disowned by her father, a Texas oil baron, Rosamund is in England seeking a husband. Her dowry attracts a widowed duke. But it's his penniless heir who intrigues her. At a house party, she discovers a hidden passageway in the duke's home that leads to his late wife's crypt. Is more going on than meets the eye?

This gothic romance has a spooky feel along with an endearing romance. I enjoyed the chemistry between Rosamund and bookish Benedict.

THE LADY'S GUIDE TO SCANDAL
Widow Cornelia isn't looking for another husband. One was more than enough. She's happy spending her days at the museum, working with antiquities.

Adventurer Ethan isn't looking for a wife. He's too busy discovering Mexico's hidden treasures. To thwart the matrimonial machinations of his duchess sister while he's in London for an exhibition, he asks Cornelia to fake an engagement. Will the ruse become real?

While this book is set in 1903, it made the Regency lover in me happy. The characters are strong and the subject matter a refreshing change. If you like the fake engagement trope, this book is a good choice.

Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed reading these gothic romances! The writing builds atmosphere through the characters description and circumstances. In The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire Rosamund has been disinherited. On the beach she meets a young man who is interested in fossils and he invites her to Studborne Abbey. Meeting the Duke, Rosamund is at first wary but feels sympathy for him. He is not what she thought!

'The Lady's Guide to Scandal'
Cornelia Mortmain's marriage prospects are nil because of scandal.
Ethan Burnell is exactly the sort of 'dangerous man' she's sworn off, and posing as his fiancée can only spell trouble. But convincing everyone they're madly in love isn't the only challenge facing the ill-matched pair.

The stories are written in the tradition of gothic novels of past loves, loss, grieving, death of a loved one, jealousy, haunting, locked doors, mystery, tragedy, intrigue, suspense, bumps in the night, and things not appearing as they seem! The stories are well written, fast paced and filled with chemistry between the characters. Each stories main characters - Rosamund and Benedict; Ethan and Cornelia - feelings, thoughts and emotions are intimately revealed. There's an epilogue and a HEA Recommended

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully eerie pair of stories about siblings from Texas who come to England and find mystery, adventure, and love.

The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire
Disowned and abandoned in England Rosamund Burrell hopes a visit to Studborne Abbey, and the Duke, will result in marriage. Upon their arrival, she and her mother find the Duke, his nephew Benedict, an amateur archaeologist, and some very mysterious goings on. This is a true gothic tale that includes a grief maddened duke, secret passages, crypts, mysteries, ancient rituals, murder, and, of course, a hero to the rescue. Benedict and Rosamund go through a lot. Sometimes you have to dig deep for that happily ever after.

The Lady’s Guide to Scandal
Ethan Burrell is an archaeologist from Texas who has come to London for an exhibition of his findings. Cornelia Motmain is employed at the museum and is very interested in his exhibit. They have a story that is engaging and filled with characters who are unbelievably charming. Joining Ethan and Cornelia in their holiday romp are a cast of delightful friends and family. The Everly sisters, Cornelia’s aunts are hilarious flirts and matchmakers. Lady Pippsbury’s self-concocted vocabulary is laugh-out-loud funny. The organized chaos of the party is the perfect setting for Ethan and Cornelia to begin their journey to happy ever after.

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

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of the titles for this duology.

The Secret Of Studborne Abbey

A young American woman and her mother fall on hard times, so the mother could escape the abusive relationship with the overbearing oil magnate father, who cuts ties with the two.

So, looking to be introduced to local society, the girl seeks the young man's attention, that is the nephew of the local Duke.

An invitation is extended and so the two are moved to the local Manor house, where all is not what is as expected.

A dark and sinister situation is uncovered, mysterious disappearances are explained and true love prevails.

The Lady's Guide to Scandal
Ethan has returned from his archeological dig in the wilds of Peru.

He is intrigued by a young woman, that mistakes him as a thief, and brazenly tries to capture him. Although the misunderstanding is sorted, both are tied together by an early childhood encounter, that neither of them had forgotten., making their later day friendships pale in insignificance compared to the memories of their childhood encounters.
A Christmas party invitation gives them a chance to renew their relationship, although it doesn't always go as planned.

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady’s Guide To Deception
She Opened Her Heart For Love

Murder, Mysteries, Rituals, Too Many Secrets fill this Mystical Story to keep you in Suspense.
Rosamund Burrell and her Mother were inviting guests at The Studborne Abbey. Not knowing what to expect when they arrived, they certainly got nothing what they imagined. The Duke was a grieving widower and his nephew was a scholar. Total opposites. That left Rosamund open to something she was not expecting.
This story will take you on an emotional and adventurous rollercoaster ride. An Experience you will Enjoy.
Lady’s Guide To Scandal
Two People Who Were Really Meant For One Another

To begin with I must say this is MY Favorite One In This Series. The connection between Ethan and Cornelia from the
start set the mood for the story, Not only did I feel it, I found myself teary and at times laughing out loud.. There are also pasts to overcome, bad relationships, revenge, and learning to put your needs first. Certainly lots to think about and wrap your mind in.
Nothing missing, what more could you want from a story.

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

[Laura Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmanuelle de Maupassant continues with her spectacular writing. I love reading about the older English times. The Secret of Studborne Abbey gave me chills while reading.

The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire tells a thrilling tale of what lengths a young woman would go to gain a husband of title. Rosamund Burnell set out to do as asked by her mother. Instead she became enthralled with the Duke’s nephew. Their path has its challenges. The main challenge has to do with the secret held at Studborne Abbey which happens to be where the young man lives at the time.

The Lady’s Guide to Scandal tells of the hardship innocent ladies have to live through when their parents cause scandals in High Society. Cornelia Mortmain lived through her mother’s scandal. Then her father pushed her to wed Mortmain. He only did so to gain her dowry. He put Cornelia through another scandal. When Cornelia gains an invite to Studborne Abbey she is unaware of the trails she will entail while there.

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

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains two delightful stories.

The first ‘The Lady's Guide to Deception and Desire' follows disinherited debutante Rosamund Burnell and her attempts to catch a rich husband. Pretending she is still wealthy she sets out to capture the interests of the Duke of Studborne, however,she finds herself drawn towards his very proper and penniless nephew Benedict. Things are not as they seem at the abbey and there are many twists and turns along the way before Rosamund finds her HEA.

The second 'The Lady's Guide to Scandal' follows archaeologist Ethan Burnell as he is invited by his sister to attend her Christmas house party at the abbey. As meeting eager debutantes is not in his plane he enters into a fake engagement with the scandalous Cornelia Mortmain. How these two persuade people they are in love and how they discover the dark secrets of the abbey make for an entertaining and enjoyable read.

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

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The secret of studborne abbey.
These two novellas are part of the Ladies guide to series.
Emmanuelle de Maupassant is the author
5⭐++
The ladies guide to scandal.
This was just such an awesome read.
Rosamund Burell has been disinherited by her father, money is short.
Rosamund and her mum get invited to stay at Studborne abbey by Benedict the nephew of the Duke.
The book gets quite dark in places.
Emmanuelle, has really written a historical romance that was a delightful read.

A ladys guide to deception.
Ethan Burell is Rosamund's brother, and an archeologist, in Mexico.
Ethan has his own problems to solve, even pretending to be married to keep people away.

Both these books, I have enjoyed and recommend them to you.

Emmanuelle de Maupassant has provided a detailed authors introduction blurb for more information before purchasing

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

[Catherine Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of two stories and at this time they are free. So The first book had me intrigued and I thought the story was solid. I liked the characters and they had their moments when they annoyed me also. Rosamund seemed to be a little shady at times but when you need to survive who would not pull out a scheme or two. Benedict was a good character to off set the others, I thought. The Duke well the jury is still out. This was a little creepy of a story and it did get steamy later on but on the whole it was just an intriguing story that I liked very much. I did not like the second book as much but I think that has to do with some of the subject matter. Archeology just gives me the wrong mindset to read on so I am already tainted. I did like the story and the characters but it just lacked something on a personal level. Total my mind set the book was good.

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

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great duo.

This is two great stories. The first is a Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire. A desperate woman is determined to solve her financial worries by snaring a duke. The duke is interested but it’s his nephew that really attracts her. But the story is way more complicated than a simple romance. There is terror and mystery surrounding the Abbey and they are caught in the middle.

The second story is A Lady’s Guide to Scandal. A fake engagement seems like an option for two people. He doesn’t want to get caught up in all the hoopla so finding a fiancée will protect him. Her name has been dragged through the mud and scandal follows her. A fake engagement can only protect her and make her more desirable. But things are not as simple at the Abbey and they’ll have to work together, if they can manage it.

Suspense and adventure in two fast paced read. I did receive an ARC but also purchased the book. Highly recommended if Gothic/Victorian is your genre.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable - thoroughly enjoyed this
I have the ebook and now the audiobook.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and the two novels of The Lady’s Guide.
The first being The Lady’s Guide to Deception and Desire and the next The Lady’s Guide To Scandal.
From the narrators voice and the different sound effects, it made for a great listening experience. I loved the different characters voices, especially the older men and woman.

Both these stories were engaging.
The first novel in a dark, spooky way centring around Rosamund a disinherited debutante, The Duke of Studborne, his nephew, disappearing women and secret passageways.
The other novel being a continuation of the first story, but years later introducing us to Rosamund’s younger brother Ethan and the widow Cornelia who has had much scandal around herself, not of her doing.
Stories were at times funny with wonderfully written characters. I’m keen to listen to or read the rest of the series.