Or rather, it seemed clear when he’d been deep in his cups. Unfortunately, his botched attempt at a rescue leaves them both in more trouble than he’d imagined. But now it’s his duty to keep Madeline safe and the only way to do that is to marry.
There are worse fates than to be shackled with the woman who’d bewitched him. Once the maiden is out of her tower and in his bed, he finds she’s no damsel but an enchantress who knows how to keep him lusting for more. So no…not exactly torture. They might even find happiness together—except that the marquess isn’t known for his ability to commit, and the lady he’s married has secrets that threaten any trust they might have forged.
Madeline has been locked away in her bedroom since she was little. Her father is mad and her step-mother hates her because she is the product of her husbands first wife. Being locked away and abused at the hands of her father and mother, she was very sheltered and not even able to read or write!
Hayden is an always getting in to trouble drinking and gambling. He was not close to his father at all and his step-mother seduced him and then blackmailed him for it! He has never had any interest in marriage or family.
On a drunken dare, Hayden climbs the tower to Madeline’s bedroom to see if the rumors about ‘the mad earls daughter being locked away’ were true. As soon as he sees her, he knows she is for him. He yearns to protect and care for her.
Madeline has just had a horrible night; her awful mother is having an auction to sell her daughter’s virginity! Madeline was brought before the men and stripped down so they could see her and touch her before the bidding! She was just returning to their room, resolved to runaway, when Hayden stumbles through her window! Literally like a knight in shining armor!
He offers to marry her and takes her away to his London home. He is so so protective and careful with her. She is clearly frightened, but Hayden’s sweet patience melts her into trusting him. They go through several trials as Hayden tries to get Madeline to open up about her past and trust him. But, in the end, their love makes everything okay.
This really was the sweetest fairy tale remake. Madeline was so afraid and Hayden was so patient with her. His overnight transformation in wanting to take care of her was heart wrenching and so endearing! Bella is fast becoming one of my favorite authors; I love the first two books in this series, but this one is by far my favorite!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Titled Hero, Abused Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine. Virgin Heroine, Cinderella Trope, Rescue Romance, Carriage Steam, Dirty Talk, Auction/Gamble/Sold, Who Hurt You/Touch Her and Die, Five Star, Four Flame
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