“Spencer is my new auto-buy!” —New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt What sort of lady doesn’t make her debut until the age of thirty-two? A timeless beauty with a mysterious past—and a future she intends to take into her own hands . . . Lady Euphemia Marlington hasn’t been free in seventeen years—since she was captured by Corsairs and sold into a harem. Now the sultan is dead and Mia … sold into a harem. Now the sultan is dead and Mia is back in London facing relentless newspapermen, an insatiably curious public, and her first Season. Worst of all is her ashamed father’s ultimatum: marry a man of his choosing or live out her life in seclusion. No doubt her potential groom is a demented octogenarian. Fortunately, Mia is no longer a girl, but a clever woman with a secret—and a plan of her own . . .
Adam de Courtney’s first two wives died under mysterious circumstances. Now there isn’t a peer in England willing to let his daughter marry the dangerously handsome man the ton calls The Murderous Marquess. Nobody except Mia’s father, the desperate Duke of Carlisle. Clearly Mia must resemble an aging matron, or worse. However, in need of an heir, Adam will use the arrangement to his advantage . . .
But when the two outcasts finally meet, assumptions will be replaced by surprises, deceit by desire—and a meeting of minds between two schemers may lead to a meeting of hearts—if the secrets of their pasts don’t tear them apart . . .
“Minerva Spencer’s writing is sophisticated and wickedly witty. Dangerous is a delight from start to finish with swashbuckling action, scorching love scenes, and a coolly arrogant hero to die for.”
—New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt
“Readers will love this lusty and unusual marriage of convenience story.”
—New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter
“Smart, witty, graceful, sensual, elegant and gritty all at once. It has all of the meticulous attention to detail I love in Georgette Heyer, BUT WITH SEX!”
—RITA-award winning author Jeffe Kennedy
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This is a really good story with a rather unique plot that involves an English woman , Mia, who spent seventeen years as a captive in a harem, but is rescued and returned to London society. As the daughter of a duke she would normally be a highly sought after bride, but her father cannot wait to get her off his hands for fear her experience will become public knowledge and shame his good name. So Mia is introduced to pretty much the worst marital candidates ever, and picks Adam. Adam has a nickname that insinuates the worst of them all.
But as the days go on Mia and Adam become enthralled with each other as they are drawn into a web of intrigue and danger that takes them to another part of the world. They journey with a group of interesting characters and work together for a worthy cause. All the while the relationship between the two is deeper and hotter then either could have ever expected.
This is a terrific book and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a story that is different from the usual plotlines. I am really looking forward to the next in this series as well.
First I will say I enjoyed everything about this book!! What a heroine, Lady Euphemia (Mia) is with all that she gone through that is a story in itself!) and being forced by her father to marry or live out her life alone. She is such a fun character with her outspoken manner and not your run of the mill debutante. The man her father has picked for her, Adam de Courtney has lost two wives and being under suspicion of their murder, he is almost shunned by the Ton. Given the moniker the Murderous Marquess, he would rather be anywhere but in society. When Adam and Mia meet, there is a spark between them, but they have so much to get through.
This story was so enjoyable. Full of humor, surprises, secrets and emotion that slowly come together and you will not believe the outcome! A wonderful cast of characters that hopefully have their own stories written, I cannot wait to read more by this author. Do miss miss this book!! Definitely on my keeper shelf!
Lady Euphemia Marlington the Duke of Carlisle’s daughter hasn’t been free in seventeen years—since she was captured by Corsairs and sold into a harem. Now the sultan is dead and Mia now thirty three is back in London facing relentless newspapermen, an insatiably curious public, and her first Season. Worst of all is her ashamed father’s ultimatum: marry a man of his choosing or live out her life in seclusion. No doubt her potential groom is a demented octogenarian. Fortunately, Mia is no longer a girl, but a clever woman with a secret—and a plan of her own
Adam de Courtney’s first two wives died under mysterious circumstances or so the ton says. Now there isn’t a peer in England willing to let his daughter marry the dangerously handsome man the ton calls The Murderous Marquis. Nobody except Mia’s father. Clearly Mia must resemble an aging matron, or worse. However, in need of an heir, Adam will use the arrangement to his advantage.
A marriage of convenience is a well used trope but the author has added an altogether different slant on it. This is a debut novel that packs a punch, it’s well written, has very good characters with plenty of depth & the pace of the story is breathtaking at times, I devoured the book & it kept me awake well into the night as I couldn’t put it down, I just had to find out what happened. The chemistry between Adam & Mia sizzles but they also quickly come to like each other too, the secondary characters are also well portrayed & there are quite a few I’d like to see have their own stories, Ramsay, Gabriel, Bouchard & of course the three girls especially Eva
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This story is definitely different and sets itself apart from other romances I have been reading for a few years. I really liked that about the book. Mia was in a harem for 17 years and has come home but is very outspoken and free with her thoughts and feelings. Adam on other hand is very reserved. Do they clash? Definitely, at least for a while. Does this make for interesting reading? Yes. The story really flies by while reading. This book was a surprise that was very enjoyable. Give this new author a try.
Looking forward to Ramsey’s story. Hoping Jibril and Martin also get their own stories. Very interesting secondary characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Just finished reading all three books in the series. Complex characters, swoon-worthy love scenes, fabulous location settings, and action-packed adventures await you! I devour this author’s books!
Minerva Spencer’s lyrical prose is refreshing and entertaining. When she describes people scuttling out of the Marquess’ path as “…quail disappearing into high grass.” I had to laugh the description was so apt.
WOW!!! A gazillion times WOW! I loved this book. Minerva Spencer’s debut novel will knock your socks off. I can’t say anything negative about this marriage of convenience story gone right. I fell in love with Mia. She is so tender hearted and honest and a force to be reckoned with. Adam appears to be made of stone with a heart as cold as ice. They each have secrets they are unwilling to share. She was captured by corsairs at 14 years and lived in a harem for 17 years. She escapes and returns home to London and her family. He is whispered about by the ton to have murdered his prior two wives. Hence their marriage. They are perfect together. I laughed out loud, and cried with these two. Her writing is so good you felt like you were there with them. Her characters are so well developed, they seem real. I read this in January but ashamed to say I didn’t write a review. So, I just finished reading it again so I could write a review. I am honored to give this a big, fat five stars. I’ll be reading Barbarous next
This was everything a good historical romance should be. Unusual characters in a memorable story. Read it in one sitting—couldn’t put it down—and was happily groggy the next day.
Not the traditional historical romance. It was nice to see older H/h (mid 30’s) with life experiences. I took a chance on this author and I am so very glad I did!
Couldn’t put this down. Can’t wait for more books by this author.
A heartfelt and sexy adventure about a pair of misfits who find surprising satisfaction in a marriage of convenience. I enjoyed the heroine’s no-nonsense boldness and sense of purpose–she was far from a simpering miss and a perfect foil for the hero’s sometimes aloof manner. Highly recommended for historic romance fans looking for something a little different.
Adventurous story with two strong willed, sexy individuals who believe they can outsmart the other. An agreed marriage of convenience turns into clever deceit with secrets and ulterior motives. But this changes into an unplanned desirous attraction that becomes evidently clear during a dangerous mission. I enjoyed the very descriptive characters throughout and Mia’s secret past when she was kidnapped by Corsairs and lived under a Sultan. (It is a fact that Corsairs kidnapped hundreds and thousands of British along England’s Southern coast as early as the 17th century). I love when authors incorporate actual history into a storyline.
I went looking for the second book. Good recommendation
The heroine was abducted by Barbary Pirates. Her nurse was raped repeatedly and then beheaded before her eyes. Although this was only spoken of , this girl witnessed this at the age of 15. She has lived in a harem for 17 years. No book I have read ever spoke of these kind of the things. The horrible things were always passed over.
The hero has a bad reputation because he has lost two wives. The ton has decided he is a murderer. Gossip has condemned him with no evidence.
These two need each other.
Easy reading. Unusual sub-topic, but the usual “father wants un-marriageable daughter married off asap”. Ended rather abruptly, but then there was no need to prolong things.
Wonderful story…. Can’t wait to read Barbarous.
This was a new author for me. Story line seemed a bit far-fetched but differed enough from most regencies that I enjoyed it. Witty writing – I’ll read this author again.
A different premise from your usual romance makes Dangerous very interesting to read. Spencer’s facility with language helps too!