Rebels with a Cause, Book 1
From the publisher:
In this whirlwind regency romance, perfect for fans of Netflix’s Bridgerton, a near-death experience leads to a marriage of convenience for two unsuspecting strangers, but will their unusual meeting lead them to true love?
Lady Amelia was raised to be the perfect duchess, accomplished in embroidery, floral arrangement, and managing a massive household. But when an innocent mistake forces her and the uncouth, untitled Benedict Asterly into a marriage of convenience, all her training appears to be for naught. Even worse, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to this man no finishing school could have prepared her for.
Benedict Asterly never dreamed saving Amelia’s life would lead to him exchanging vows with the hoity society miss. Benedict was taught to distrust the aristocracy at a young age, so when news of his marriage endangers a business deal, Benedict is wary of Amelia’s offer to help. But his quick-witted, elegant bride defies all his expectations . . . and if he’s not careful, she’ll break down the walls around his guarded heart.
Scandals in Regency England were a much more serious thing than they are now. So when Lady Amelia Crofton is found alone in a cabin with Benedict Asterly, she is in some trouble. Not only did her father walk in to find her half undressed in Benedict’s arms, but he was accompanied by her fiance, the very proper Duke of Wildeforde, and Lord Karstack, a terrible gossip. Things go from bad to worse when the Duke breaks off their engagement in hopes of avoiding a scandal besmirching his family name. So Benedict does the honorable thing and offers to marry Lady Ameila. Never mind that she was rescued by Benedict when he found her alone and unconscious in her broken down carriage during a snow storm, and he was only trying to warm her up.
Benedict doesn’t appear to be of the gentry, but Lady Amelia really has no choice. It turns out that although he is a footman’s son, he is also the grandson of the Marquess of Harrington but she doesn’t know that and he’s not especially forthcoming. The forced marriage is a popular trope in historical romances, and that is how we start this book.
Lady Amelia has been raised to become a duchess and that is all she knows. She does not know how to light a fire or boil water or cook anything. She is used to directing servants and comes across as very stuck up – Benedict thinks of her as the ice princess. But slowly she thaws, and more interestingly, Benedict starts to get over his aversion to the noble class and accept his own true status. That is a big help in bringing this couple together.
Eventually they consummate their marriage and realize they are in love, but it takes a lot of hurdles to get there. I enjoyed this first book of a new series, and I’m looking forward to the next,
6/2021 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
HOW TO SURVIVE A SCANDAL by Samara Parish. Forever (May 25, 2021). ISBN: 978-1538704486. 352 pages.
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