Lady Madalene Ramsbury has been summoned home from Miss Bell’s Finishing School to some unfortunate news. In three weeks, she is to be married to a man she’s never met. Rather than face a life she does not want; she flees from her own engagement party and elicits help from a most unlikely source.Society’s golden boy, Everett, the Marquess of Northampton, was outraged when a young woman suddenly … suddenly appeared in his curricle. Was she attempting to trap him into an unwanted marriage? It would be just like some overzealous mother to put her up to such a ploy. However, it doesn’t take long for him to discover that Madalene is unlike any woman he has ever known.
With her reputation in shambles, Lady Madalene and Everett hatch a plan to solve both of their problems, a fake engagement. But as they spend time together, they realize more is on the line than just a blossoming friendship. And with danger ever present from her jilted suitor, Everett and Madalene find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined… but can they trust each other with their hearts?
Prequel Novella: The Heiress (Ladies of Miss Bell’s Finishing School)
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Lady Madeline comes up with a clever way to escape her betrothal announcement which literally lands in in the Marquess of Northhampton’s lap. This is a sweet romance with very likable characters. Lighthearted and fun.
“…true love is rare. It doesn’t just fall from the sky.”
No truer words could have been spoken, for Everett and Madalene this is exactly what happened. Well it wasn’t exactly the sky more falling from a tree, but falling with intention. Everett was what they call a confirmed bachelor, he had no intentions of marrying at any point in the near future. Madalene was about to be forced to marry an awful man and so decided to escape at the first opportunity she was granted. Thus leading her and Everett to meet in a brilliant way and over the course of a wonderfully written story they each came to truly love each other. We get to see some old friends return in this story(I absolutely love how Laura Beers incorporates all her characters into her many stories) and we get to meet a few new ones. It was a fun read. 10/10 would recommend. I also would recommend reading “the Heiress” as well so you can read all about Nicholas and Penelope’s wonderful love story.
Exceptional! There is just something about the way Ms Beers writes that pulls me in from page one. I always have a hard time taking a break from her stories and this was no exception. Her characters are the best.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists,
and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive
reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A witty Regency romance
Maddie’s love for trees and climbing them started when she was a child, climbing with her father as they investigated the birds living there. I imagine she had no idea that one day that skill would save her life. . .
A Clever Alliance is my first Laura Beers book. As I was reading, I got the sense of a Georgette Heyer novel, though less madcap. And, yes, I adore Georgette Heyer’s writing, so this is a plus.
Maddie is a plucky Lady who abhors the thought of marrying for anything other than love. She cannot understand why men don’t appreciate a woman who has more skills than those approved by the ton. My admiration for her was great. It was so amusing the many ways she confounded Everett.
As her new protector, Duke Nicholas, Everett’s best friend, took his role quite seriously. I cracked up at the threats he made when Everett was preparing to bring Maddie to the opera!
This delightful story was full of intrigue and adventure as Maddie attempted to evade the clutches of her erstwhile fiancée, an odious man unwilling to accept her escape from their engagement party as a “no”.
If you enjoy Regency romances or historical novels with a touch of suspense and a bit of humor, I recommend A Clever Alliance. Now that I’ve read it, I plan on reading more by Laura Beers!
Read my review of A Clever Alliance by Laura Beers at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
You’re in for a treat with Madalene and Everett because they are not your typical couple. It’s clear to everyone around them that their friendship is more, but neither one sees it. Every threat against them just brought them closer and they would both die for the other if needed. I loved how they bantered back and forth and flirted without realizing it.
I knew her uncle had lied, but never imagined how far he had gone for himself. Between him and her crazy ex-fiance, I don’t know which was worse. Of course, I have to mention the amazing scene in the woods with Nicholas and how perfect it ended. The suspense was coming off the pages.
Madalene is no timed miss that will be forced into anything she doesn’t want. I knew I was going to love her as soon as she made her escape and didn’t even second guess her decision. She is a feisty girl that stands her ground and gives as good as she gets when threatened. My favorite scene was when she told her uncle what she was going to do about him.
Everett has no interest in any of the girls that have gone to great lengths to get him. He really has no plans to marry anytime soon, but the minute she fell into his curricle and asked for help his heart was gone. I loved how blunt and honest he was about things with everyone.
Their friends and his family will provide you with some great laughs along the way.
Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Laura Beers never disappoints! This is another wonderful book with fun characters you can’t help but fall in love with. The plot has twist and turns that kept me holding my breath until the last page. The unloving uncle, gambling betrothed, and loving friends from finishing school. Madalene has a interesting life that will draw readers in and keep them glued to the pages. This is a book that you will want to read and friends will beg to borrow!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.