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Liaison with the Champagne Count
Escape to a French château with this Victorian enemies-to-lovers story
In a picturesque French château…
A battle of wills is about to ignite!
Julien Archambeau, Comte de Rocroi, has dedicated his life to reclaiming his family’s lands. Only Lady Emma Greyville-Luce now stands in his way. The British heiress is the new owner of the vineyard that’s the final piece of his plan. Much to Julien’s frustration, Emma won’t relinquish what’s now hers, and soon it’s not just champagne corks that start to fly, but sparks…of desire!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Enterprising Widows
Book 1: Liaison with the Champagne Count
Book 2: Alliance with the Notorious Lord
Book 3: A Deal with the Rebellious Marquess
In a picturesque French château…
A battle of wills is about to ignite!
Julien Archambeau, Comte de Rocroi, has dedicated his life to reclaiming his family’s lands. Only Lady Emma Greyville-Luce now stands in his way. The British heiress is the new owner of the vineyard that’s the final piece of his plan. Much to Julien’s frustration, Emma won’t relinquish what’s now hers, and soon it’s not just champagne corks that start to fly, but sparks…of desire!
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Enterprising Widows
Book 1: Liaison with the Champagne Count
Book 2: Alliance with the Notorious Lord
Book 3: A Deal with the Rebellious Marquess
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2023
20 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Scott
348 books168 followersBronwyn Scott writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon. She has 50 titles currently in print with them.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
Bronwyn's 2018 release, Dancing with the Duke's Heir was RITA finalist.
Bronwyn's 2009 novel, The Viscount Claims His Bride was a RomCon finalist for best short historical, as was her 2011 release, A Thoroughly Compromised Lady.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews
May 8, 2024
I have to admit that this one was something of a disappointment. It started off
so
well, and then just veered off into a very rushed ending. This book is first in a trilogy centered on three young widows who lost their husbands to the Holmfirth flood in 1852. Emma Greyville-Luce lost her husband Garrett to the flood. While Garrett had been much older, the book makes it clear that this had been a love match for both of them and that Emma deeply mourns her loss.
However, Garrett's children from his first marriage did not care for their young stepmother, and his son and heir wastes no time in casting her out of the family home after the reading of the will. To the son's dismay, Garrett left his property in France to Emma and Emma relocates there, determined to start over and perhaps even to build a business there in wine country. Emma helped her father run his successful gin empire so while she does not know wine, she does know trade.
When Emma shows up, this causes no small amount of consternation for her husband's estate manager Julien Archambeau. You see, our buddy Julien is from an aristocratic family who lost their lands in the Revolution. Egged on by his uncle who remembers and longs for the old glory days, Julien has been nursing a dream of reclaiming the family land. The fact that Emma plans to take up residence there and (gasp!) take up the reins of the business blows a big hole in his plans.
In the initial chapters, the author does a fantastic job of setting up her story. Emma's grief rings true, and the details of her character show her to be a determined lady. I actually liked Emma quite a bit. She's smart and more importantly, she's smart enough to be humble and admit to what she doesn't know. And after having suffered through snobbery in England due to how her father made his money, as well as having lost a beloved spouse, Emma has a certain vulnerability as well.
Julien is a little harder to like. Apparently getting jilted by his fiancee turned him into a recluse - and then there's that whole matter of him coveting Emma's land. Still, he could have undermined Emma and run circles around her in the "how to run a winery" department but he chose not to. That integrity earned him points in my book. If I had to describe Julien, I'd say he is confident rather than alpha. He knows his land and his business and doesn't see a need to prove himself by bullying the heroine or anyone else.
As Emma and Julien start working together, the mutual respect and friendship that develops made for some good scenes. I enjoyed seeing Julien teach Emma more about the wines and the grapes. I also liked how the author showed Emma's development as a character in the early chapters. Ms. Scott has scenes that show Emma thinking deeply about how much she loved her husband and remembering the good parts of that relationship. Since the main action in the book starts up only a month or two after Garrett's death, it makes sense for Emma not to be ready to move on entirely just yet.
However, the book started to lose me when the author makes an abrupt shift from mourning to Emma suddenly being ready to hop right on Julien. I can accept that folks mourn differently and are ready for new relationships at different paces. However, the whiplash-inducing jump into a new relationship only 2 months after being widowed did not feel true to this particular character. Emma was growing as a person and making it clear that she needed time to figure herself and her own inner life out so the acceleration of a new relationship felt more like an author realizing that she was going to run out of page count if she didn't get this train moving rather than a character actually falling in love.
Had this book's plot been spread over a longer time period, it probably would have worked for me. If writing as strong as what I saw in the opening chapters extended across the entire novel, this would have been a five star read for me. Unfortunately, the ending didn't match the quality of the opening for me.
However, Garrett's children from his first marriage did not care for their young stepmother, and his son and heir wastes no time in casting her out of the family home after the reading of the will. To the son's dismay, Garrett left his property in France to Emma and Emma relocates there, determined to start over and perhaps even to build a business there in wine country. Emma helped her father run his successful gin empire so while she does not know wine, she does know trade.
When Emma shows up, this causes no small amount of consternation for her husband's estate manager Julien Archambeau. You see, our buddy Julien is from an aristocratic family who lost their lands in the Revolution. Egged on by his uncle who remembers and longs for the old glory days, Julien has been nursing a dream of reclaiming the family land. The fact that Emma plans to take up residence there and (gasp!) take up the reins of the business blows a big hole in his plans.
In the initial chapters, the author does a fantastic job of setting up her story. Emma's grief rings true, and the details of her character show her to be a determined lady. I actually liked Emma quite a bit. She's smart and more importantly, she's smart enough to be humble and admit to what she doesn't know. And after having suffered through snobbery in England due to how her father made his money, as well as having lost a beloved spouse, Emma has a certain vulnerability as well.
Julien is a little harder to like. Apparently getting jilted by his fiancee turned him into a recluse - and then there's that whole matter of him coveting Emma's land. Still, he could have undermined Emma and run circles around her in the "how to run a winery" department but he chose not to. That integrity earned him points in my book. If I had to describe Julien, I'd say he is confident rather than alpha. He knows his land and his business and doesn't see a need to prove himself by bullying the heroine or anyone else.
As Emma and Julien start working together, the mutual respect and friendship that develops made for some good scenes. I enjoyed seeing Julien teach Emma more about the wines and the grapes. I also liked how the author showed Emma's development as a character in the early chapters. Ms. Scott has scenes that show Emma thinking deeply about how much she loved her husband and remembering the good parts of that relationship. Since the main action in the book starts up only a month or two after Garrett's death, it makes sense for Emma not to be ready to move on entirely just yet.
However, the book started to lose me when the author makes an abrupt shift from mourning to Emma suddenly being ready to hop right on Julien. I can accept that folks mourn differently and are ready for new relationships at different paces. However, the whiplash-inducing jump into a new relationship only 2 months after being widowed did not feel true to this particular character. Emma was growing as a person and making it clear that she needed time to figure herself and her own inner life out so the acceleration of a new relationship felt more like an author realizing that she was going to run out of page count if she didn't get this train moving rather than a character actually falling in love.
Had this book's plot been spread over a longer time period, it probably would have worked for me. If writing as strong as what I saw in the opening chapters extended across the entire novel, this would have been a five star read for me. Unfortunately, the ending didn't match the quality of the opening for me.
December 18, 2023
Emma Greyville-Luce is newly widowed and grieving, when she finds out that her husband has left her his vineyards and the estate that goes with it, in France. Having no good reason to stay in England, she travels to France to take over the vineyard, only to find Julien Archambeau at the helm of the operation. Her husband Garrett had hired Julien to run the vineyard in his absence. But she soon finds out that there is more to Julien's presence at the vineyard than she had previously thought. At the same time, she is also falling for his charm and fighting against the guild of grape growers in her part of France. Can she make something of this vineyard and use the skills she has learned at her father's knee, to make the vineyards and her vintages of wines and champagne, successful? She knows she needs Julien to make that happen.
Julien Archambeau is not exactly resentful of Emma's presence at the estate but he knows that it will set him back in his plans for who knows how much longer? For grapes are in his blood, and he has enjoyed his free reign of overseeing the vineyard for seven years. With his Uncle Etienne breathing down his neck to make a strategic move, he feels caught between his uncle, and Emma.
Can Emma and Julien come to an agreement where both of them will be happy, and can they fight and win against the other growers in their area, and make a success of their wines and champagne?
This was a lovely story about a woman who needs a place she belongs, and a man who already knows where he belongs, but can't quite achieve it.
Julien Archambeau is not exactly resentful of Emma's presence at the estate but he knows that it will set him back in his plans for who knows how much longer? For grapes are in his blood, and he has enjoyed his free reign of overseeing the vineyard for seven years. With his Uncle Etienne breathing down his neck to make a strategic move, he feels caught between his uncle, and Emma.
Can Emma and Julien come to an agreement where both of them will be happy, and can they fight and win against the other growers in their area, and make a success of their wines and champagne?
This was a lovely story about a woman who needs a place she belongs, and a man who already knows where he belongs, but can't quite achieve it.
December 30, 2023
5⭐️
1/2 🌶️
This has been super fun.
I love a strong female lead.
I am for sure reading the next book in this series when they come out.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1/2 🌶️
This has been super fun.
I love a strong female lead.
I am for sure reading the next book in this series when they come out.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2023
Good book. After the tragic death of her husband and being evicted from the family home by her stepson, Emma moved to the French property she inherited from her husband. Julien Archambeau, the estate manager, runs the chateau and accompanying vineyard. Emma doesn't know that Julien's family owned those lands until losing them during the French Revolution. His family has been trying to reclaim them ever since.
Emma's arrival shocked Julien, who had been in almost complete control for seven years. He and his uncle, who owns a neighboring vineyard, have been working on a special champagne and building their reputation with the local consortium. All that is put at risk when Emma states her intention to take over the running of the vineyard.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Emma and Julien develop. Initially, each was focused on their claims to the property. Emma is determined to ensure that Julien knows his place as working for her, while Julien wants to keep Emma as a figurehead while he continues to carry out his plans. Their first few encounters have antagonistic undertones despite the surface politeness. When Emma insists on learning about the vineyard, Julien tries to overwhelm her with information. He is stunned and impressed by how she soaks up and processes what she learns and the wealth of good ideas she has for the future of the vineyard.
It isn't long before he and Emma grow closer, with sparks of attraction flying between them. Emma feels guilty about her growing feelings for Julien. Giving in to the attraction accelerates those feelings, creating internal conflict. Emma also has some trust issues stemming from her pre-marriage days. Those feelings are exacerbated by the sense that Julien is not entirely open with her. When the truth comes out, Emma and Julien are left with hurt feelings and wondering what the future holds.
There are some interesting twists at the end, from Emma's confrontation with the consortium to the events of the gala she planned at the chateau. I loved the emotional ending, and the epilogue was terrific.
Julien's Uncle Etienne was the main secondary character. Etienne is obsessed with reclaiming the land lost seventy years earlier. He encourages Julien to do things that Julien considers underhanded and dishonorable to regain the property. I disliked how he created such an internal conflict for Julien between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for Emma.
My husband and I spent a week in Epernay this summer and enjoyed touring several champagne houses and learning about champagne's history. I loved the feeling of revisiting that trip as I read this book.
#netgalley
Emma's arrival shocked Julien, who had been in almost complete control for seven years. He and his uncle, who owns a neighboring vineyard, have been working on a special champagne and building their reputation with the local consortium. All that is put at risk when Emma states her intention to take over the running of the vineyard.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Emma and Julien develop. Initially, each was focused on their claims to the property. Emma is determined to ensure that Julien knows his place as working for her, while Julien wants to keep Emma as a figurehead while he continues to carry out his plans. Their first few encounters have antagonistic undertones despite the surface politeness. When Emma insists on learning about the vineyard, Julien tries to overwhelm her with information. He is stunned and impressed by how she soaks up and processes what she learns and the wealth of good ideas she has for the future of the vineyard.
It isn't long before he and Emma grow closer, with sparks of attraction flying between them. Emma feels guilty about her growing feelings for Julien. Giving in to the attraction accelerates those feelings, creating internal conflict. Emma also has some trust issues stemming from her pre-marriage days. Those feelings are exacerbated by the sense that Julien is not entirely open with her. When the truth comes out, Emma and Julien are left with hurt feelings and wondering what the future holds.
There are some interesting twists at the end, from Emma's confrontation with the consortium to the events of the gala she planned at the chateau. I loved the emotional ending, and the epilogue was terrific.
Julien's Uncle Etienne was the main secondary character. Etienne is obsessed with reclaiming the land lost seventy years earlier. He encourages Julien to do things that Julien considers underhanded and dishonorable to regain the property. I disliked how he created such an internal conflict for Julien between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for Emma.
My husband and I spent a week in Epernay this summer and enjoyed touring several champagne houses and learning about champagne's history. I loved the feeling of revisiting that trip as I read this book.
#netgalley
August 24, 2024
Liaison with the Champagne Count is a tender and sweetly romantic story which is as sparkling as Champagne!
After the unexpected death of her husband Emma finds herself homeless and destitute, with no other option she travels to France to take over the running of her late husband's vineyard and chateau, she is a complete fish out of water but willing to learn and work hard, after all the vineyard is now her only income - it has to work! Once there she finds the appointed estate manager; Julien standing in her way and doing things very much his way, the nerve of a mere employee to tell her what to do even if he has a knee-shaking charm, but Julien has secrets and a motive of his own why he must keep running the Chateau his own way and to try and keep the English woman at arm's length - easy said then done, mate!!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Emma and Julien, there is a sizzle between them that neither really wants to succumb to - yet! But it's the blossoming friendship and how well they eventually work together which really appealed to me, there is an element of enemies to lovers and a second chance about this (not sure if that was intentional, or maybe I'm seeing what's not there). At first glance, Emma is definitely out of her depth, but she is a goer and you soon see what a determined and resourceful woman she is, and the way she stands her ground and quickly learns the ropes and helps even makes Julien admire her, rather reluctantly it has to be said but he soon sees what an asset she is - though he is reluctant o completely give up his place at the chateau. I really liked Julien, I can't say that I loved him not sure why he didn't appeal completely, unfortunately, something about him just didn't click with me, but I still thoroughly enjoyed watching Emma fall in love with the sexy Frenchman, though I can understand the appeal of watching those glossy tanned well-shaped forearms working! (You know me and my fetish for men's arms!)
What I love about Bronwyn Scott's writing is that she pours so much historical knowledge into every story, and this is no different, I learnt so much about champagne and vineyards from this. Even as a non-drinker, I appreciate the huge amount of hard work and graft which goes into the industry
Overall, Liaison with the Champagne Count is a vibrant and uplifting romance, with very likeable characters, gorgeous scenery and enlightening history which makes the heart burst. As ever Bronwyn Scott's writing is impeccable, her easy story-telling and way of grabbing the reader, and keeping them engaged is wonderful and leads to a highly enjoyable and very romantic story!
After the unexpected death of her husband Emma finds herself homeless and destitute, with no other option she travels to France to take over the running of her late husband's vineyard and chateau, she is a complete fish out of water but willing to learn and work hard, after all the vineyard is now her only income - it has to work! Once there she finds the appointed estate manager; Julien standing in her way and doing things very much his way, the nerve of a mere employee to tell her what to do even if he has a knee-shaking charm, but Julien has secrets and a motive of his own why he must keep running the Chateau his own way and to try and keep the English woman at arm's length - easy said then done, mate!!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Emma and Julien, there is a sizzle between them that neither really wants to succumb to - yet! But it's the blossoming friendship and how well they eventually work together which really appealed to me, there is an element of enemies to lovers and a second chance about this (not sure if that was intentional, or maybe I'm seeing what's not there). At first glance, Emma is definitely out of her depth, but she is a goer and you soon see what a determined and resourceful woman she is, and the way she stands her ground and quickly learns the ropes and helps even makes Julien admire her, rather reluctantly it has to be said but he soon sees what an asset she is - though he is reluctant o completely give up his place at the chateau. I really liked Julien, I can't say that I loved him not sure why he didn't appeal completely, unfortunately, something about him just didn't click with me, but I still thoroughly enjoyed watching Emma fall in love with the sexy Frenchman, though I can understand the appeal of watching those glossy tanned well-shaped forearms working! (You know me and my fetish for men's arms!)
What I love about Bronwyn Scott's writing is that she pours so much historical knowledge into every story, and this is no different, I learnt so much about champagne and vineyards from this. Even as a non-drinker, I appreciate the huge amount of hard work and graft which goes into the industry
Overall, Liaison with the Champagne Count is a vibrant and uplifting romance, with very likeable characters, gorgeous scenery and enlightening history which makes the heart burst. As ever Bronwyn Scott's writing is impeccable, her easy story-telling and way of grabbing the reader, and keeping them engaged is wonderful and leads to a highly enjoyable and very romantic story!
December 17, 2023
French count Julien has long sought to reclaim his family’s lost lands. Standing in his way is British widow Lady Emma, the new owner of a vineyard essential to his plans. Julien is frustrated by Emma’s refusal to part with her property. Will he give up his schemes when an undeniable attraction ignites between them?
This is a clever and original story that offers something a little different from the typical historical romance fare. Emma has good reason to distrust Julien, but he’s not driven by malice. He underestimates her determination to build a new life in France and has to continually re-evaluate his expectations of her. It’s a complex, emotional, and satisfying novel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a clever and original story that offers something a little different from the typical historical romance fare. Emma has good reason to distrust Julien, but he’s not driven by malice. He underestimates her determination to build a new life in France and has to continually re-evaluate his expectations of her. It’s a complex, emotional, and satisfying novel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 21, 2023
Champagne and animosity...
Emma is widowed and then ousted to a property far away.
Julian's family once owned it and he acts like its still his, that's what he believes anyway. He tries gaslighting her, overwhelming her with man details, since he's sure her pretty little mind can't understand the running of the estate. I really liked Emma, who stuck to her guns. Julian, not so much, His entitlement gets tiring. Especially since they both have a lot in common. I really liked that this series focuses on the merry widows, women who ruled champagne, by their marketing and distrubution in real life. Veuve, baby. Go, widows. Can't wait for the next book.
Emma is widowed and then ousted to a property far away.
Julian's family once owned it and he acts like its still his, that's what he believes anyway. He tries gaslighting her, overwhelming her with man details, since he's sure her pretty little mind can't understand the running of the estate. I really liked Emma, who stuck to her guns. Julian, not so much, His entitlement gets tiring. Especially since they both have a lot in common. I really liked that this series focuses on the merry widows, women who ruled champagne, by their marketing and distrubution in real life. Veuve, baby. Go, widows. Can't wait for the next book.
May 2, 2025
This is a touching but boring story. I liked both characters. They were pretty typical, as was the storyline. I did learn a bit about wine and the process of making it. That was interesting but still boring. I gave it a 4 because I think this would be a good story for someone else, just not me. I've read too many and this one is just ordinary for me.
Read
December 2, 2023Historical Fiction, Sagas, Victorian Historical Fiction
Miniseries
Enterprising Widows (Book #1)
Miniseries
Enterprising Widows (Book #1)
January 19, 2024
This is the 2nd book I read by Bronwyn Scott. What happened to Emma was heart breaking 💔. Even though this story 📖 got great ratings, I couldn't get into it.
June 8, 2024
This was better than I thought it would be. France. Champagne. Love.
June 21, 2025
3.5 stars
November 14, 2023
Would a dream item on your bucket list be for your husband to buy a French chateau and vineyard? Would you take on the idea of being a vigneron; one who grows grapes expressly for wine. Emma, as a woman in 1852 England finds she is all of the above now, as her husband has perished in a flood. The chateau and vineyard come with a vintner and heir to the estate. Emma sets out to learn all about champagne production and along the way meets the Widow Clicquot. Emma and the widow, a premier champagne producer recognize similar traits in each other. They are independent women, intelligent and both have a head for manufacture and sale of champagne. This is the easier part for Emma. Realizing that her heart has grown very fond of the vintner, she is challenged with her love for him and mutual right to the property. Can you guess how they solve this dilemma?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 14 reviews