by Ashlyn Macnamara
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams. Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.
Ashlyn Macnamara’s debut regency romance novel A Most Scandalous Proposal introduces us to two sisters of the ton who have turned down suitors, one is holding out for the man she has secretly loved and the other is determined to avoid marriage and its complications. I quickly consumed this humorous, suspenseful and sweet romance.
The St. Claire sisters are in no rush to wed. Sophia has had a crush on the ton’s golden boy and is waiting for him to notice her. At a ball that is turning out to be the crush of the season, he arrives and begins cutting a path towards them. Sophia is overjoyed until he seems to give all of his attention toward Julia her sister. Julia is shocked as he confesses he is now the newly named Earl of Clivesden. Their mother’s eyes all but glow with wedding bells. He asks her to dance, and she looks for a way to cry off. Thankfully, her best friend Benedict Revelstoke swoops in to save the day as he apologizing to the new earl stating that Julia has already promised this dance. Sophia finds herself paired with Clivesden but he only seems to care about Julia. When the dance ends, she is distressed and moves to get out of the crowd. When she faints her mother sees a way to have both of her daughters married by the end of the season. Twists, plots, wagers, and trysts made this tale delightful.
Macnamara introduces us to some fascinating characters and some rather annoying ones. I liked both sisters and found their preconceived ideas about love and romance to be funny, sad, and complicated. Sophia is a tad spoiled and naive, while Julia is intelligent, snarky and protective. It was fun watching them bloom and discover love. I wish someone had hit Sophia over the head regarding her infatuation with Clivesden and their parents should have been poked with a cattle prod. The lengths their mother was willing to go to, to see them wed and her easy dismal of her girls’ concerns made me cringe. I also questioned why the sudden rush, but the author does a good job of explaining the fine pickle Mr. St. Clair has placed them all in. Revelstoke was sweet, and his attempts to protect Julia warmed my heart and angered me. Confess, confess I say! Highgate was delightful with his gentle ways and insightful advice to Sophia.
The tale is filled with drama, humor, heartbreak, and romance. While the tale was predictable and we see many tried and true story-lines weaved into this one, the author does a sound job of making her own mark on it. All in all, this was a solid debut novel and the perfect light read for a Sunday afternoon.
A Most Scandalous Proposal was a delightful debut novel embracing regency romance. I look forward to reading the author’s next endeavor.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
kimbacaffeinate
I love Regency romances, they are always fun.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
This sounds very sweet and funny. I never would have guessed it. too bad it was a tiny bit predictable, but even that isn’t so bad all things considered. I don’t believe I’ve read a regency romance in my life.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Aurian this was a good debut novel!
kimbacaffeinate
I thought this was a solid debut, and sometimes I like when characters get me flustered.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lexxie
Lexxie
I really enjoyed this book as well! I agree with everything you wrote 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
new author cupcake, you haven’t been under the rock too long and yes Benedict *yum*
kimbacaffeinate
Yes parents of the ton can be outrageous..but they rarely succeed!
Andrea
Ugh, I love this type of story! I admit, though, scheming parents drive my batty. A Most Scadalous Proposal does seem like a fun read.
Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
delightful….bwahahaha!
Blodeuedd
I like the word delightful 😀 haha enough for me
kimbacaffeinate
*high-five* Yeah, I am looking forward to seeing this author grow.
Jessica
Great review! I agree with what you said and I too am giving it a 3 out of 5.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Julie, it was fun.
Julie
I just received this in the mail to review yesterday and I even had it on my Amazon Wishlist! Thank you for the great review. I love historical romances. I can’t wait to read this book!
kimbacaffeinate
This was a solid, fun read and the author is talented..i am looking forward to watching/reading her work
kindlemom1
It really must have been hard to be a woman during this era.
Great review. Even though this wasn’t perfect, I think I would like it. I like that it had some humor thrown in with everything else.
Nick
You and your historical romances, Kim!
I was about to ask you why on earth Sophia loved the guy if she’s never really interacted with him. I might want to smack her repeatedly as well if I was reading this. Poor girl though. It must have been terrible for her to watch the guy she crushes on not being interested in her.
Nick
A crush yeah, but loving a guy from afar … not really.
kimbacaffeinate
Poor Sophia she has quite the crush …haven’t you ever crushed on someone you barely know..wishing he would notice you?
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed
kimbacaffeinate
Aww I voted for you too;)
Jennifer Bielman
I just wanted to say congrats on the nomination. I totally voted for you. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah..HF in general is predictable. .sure there are twists but we know we are going to get our HEA
kimbacaffeinate
Ha..agreed but some peeps like it so I have to serve it once in a while
A Belle's Tales
I’m not sure about the Folgers coffee, but I love this title and cover. Glad there were some great characters to make up for the annoying ones – it really does sound like a lovely Sunday afternoon read. Thanks for sharing <3
kimbacaffeinate
Hehehe..so agree
kimbacaffeinate
YES..you need epic for your first.
kimbacaffeinate
The time will come I took a five year sabbatical. .and now I enjoy at least one a month
Christy (Love of Books)
Scandalous! It is sounds good, but don’t know if I’d pick this one up. When I FINALLY do get around to reading a historical romance again, I want it to blow my freaking socks off.. 😀
Sam
Predictability has been frustrating me of late, but I don’t think I’d mind so much here. It sounds far too entertaining otherwise. 🙂 You always make me want to pick up these delicious romances as soon as possible. Great review, Kimba!
Cyn
You were nicer than me ahah, the sisters drove me insane, and oh gosh the mom! I did really like the heroes of the story! (But I totally agree about the needing to confess!! haha). I’m hoping I’ll enjoy her next book more because overall, I did enjoy her style of writing for the most part (:
Aurian
This sounds good Kim, adding it to my wishlist.
Barbara Walker
A pretty cover, friends to lovers (or at least future lovers) and a hero named Benedict – swoooon. Terrific review, chica! I’ve never heard of this author before, I’ll have to check her out.
NovaReylin
This sounds so cute!! And I actually like that cover!
I totally think the synopsis should be read with an English accent. I read this out loud to my hubby in my fake little accent. 😉 I mean, A Most Scandalous Proposal? Yes, definitely English accent inserted!