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A Most Improper Proposal
Isabella Adams has tasted desire—and paid the price.
With four scandalous attachments to her name, only the fierce patronage of Lady Watson has kept the doors of fashionable society open. And yet, when a handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet, Isabella can’t help but yearn for more…
After five long years away from England, Lord James Crawford has returned to find little has changed—aside from his aunt’s new companion. James cannot equate the reserved Miss Adams with the wicked rumours surrounding her—but he can’t deny he’d like to look more closely.
Soon, the attraction between them becomes undeniable…and giving into temptation has never tasted so sweet. But when the secrets of the past are revealed, will Isabella accept her lord’s most improper proposal?
With four scandalous attachments to her name, only the fierce patronage of Lady Watson has kept the doors of fashionable society open. And yet, when a handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet, Isabella can’t help but yearn for more…
After five long years away from England, Lord James Crawford has returned to find little has changed—aside from his aunt’s new companion. James cannot equate the reserved Miss Adams with the wicked rumours surrounding her—but he can’t deny he’d like to look more closely.
Soon, the attraction between them becomes undeniable…and giving into temptation has never tasted so sweet. But when the secrets of the past are revealed, will Isabella accept her lord’s most improper proposal?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2014
17 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 30, 2014
To me this book was just slow going I loved James, "God help me, Isabella, but I am merely a man. I have needs and longings and I find you truly irresistible." He really was just a sweetheart, "no, of course not. I could never..." He shook his head. "Isabella, I could never think badly of you." All the hotness that was James just couldn't make up for the story continuing and really never seeing an end. It was alright I just wished that it wasn't so long.
November 30, 2014
Overview by Netgalley:
Isabella Adams has tasted desire—and paid the price.
With four scandalous attachments to her name, only the fierce patronage of Lady Watson has kept the doors of fashionable society open. And yet, when a handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet, Isabella can’t help but yearn for more…
After five long years away from England, Lord James Crawford has returned to find little has changed—aside from his aunt’s new companion. James cannot equate the reserved Miss Adams with the wicked rumours surrounding her—but he can’t deny he’d like to look more closely.
Soon, the attraction between them becomes undeniable…and giving into temptation has never tasted so sweet. But when the secrets of the past are revealed, will Isabella accept her lord’s most improper proposal?
I always like books about a young woman trying to get out of a past mired by scandal. Isabella qualifies on many counts. It takes a long time to hear the story from her, but she is the recipient of four proposals of marriage and accepted none. According to the ton, she is persona non grata. Only the patronage of Lady Watson keeps her in the public eye, as well as a roof over her head, food in her belly and clothes to wear.
I really enjoyed the character of Lady Watson. She is a wonderful woman who rescues young woman who are in dire straits. Just as she rescued Isabella, she takes in Harriet. She was such a great character. She provided comic relief, a sounding board and enough humanity that she brings out the best in all the characters.
The love story is between Isabella and Lady Watson’s nephew James. They don’t have the best first meeting as he almost tramples her with his horse and sends her into manure. It would have been funny if the ton hadn’t enjoyed Isabella’s humiliation so much.
I liked the story between Isabella and James. Both have secrets; yet recognize that there is something special about the other. I enjoyed the slow and gentle wooing of Isabella. James knows about her past, but his past is not perfect either. He has spent five years running from it. He is ready to face the past in order to move on in the future. A future he hopes for with Isabella.
This story was not complicated with adventures or mysteries. The complications of the past are enough for James and Isabella to contend with. Dealing with the ton and the rumours and the innuendos that plague Isabella are enough to make this story complex.
I liked James and Isabella together. They bring out the good in each other. After all they have been through they deserve some happiness. They definitely know that passion is between them. Yikes, there are some scenes that are very steamy!!
This was a sweet story that told the story of two people who overcome their pasts to embrace the future.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Isabella Adams has tasted desire—and paid the price.
With four scandalous attachments to her name, only the fierce patronage of Lady Watson has kept the doors of fashionable society open. And yet, when a handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet, Isabella can’t help but yearn for more…
After five long years away from England, Lord James Crawford has returned to find little has changed—aside from his aunt’s new companion. James cannot equate the reserved Miss Adams with the wicked rumours surrounding her—but he can’t deny he’d like to look more closely.
Soon, the attraction between them becomes undeniable…and giving into temptation has never tasted so sweet. But when the secrets of the past are revealed, will Isabella accept her lord’s most improper proposal?
I always like books about a young woman trying to get out of a past mired by scandal. Isabella qualifies on many counts. It takes a long time to hear the story from her, but she is the recipient of four proposals of marriage and accepted none. According to the ton, she is persona non grata. Only the patronage of Lady Watson keeps her in the public eye, as well as a roof over her head, food in her belly and clothes to wear.
I really enjoyed the character of Lady Watson. She is a wonderful woman who rescues young woman who are in dire straits. Just as she rescued Isabella, she takes in Harriet. She was such a great character. She provided comic relief, a sounding board and enough humanity that she brings out the best in all the characters.
The love story is between Isabella and Lady Watson’s nephew James. They don’t have the best first meeting as he almost tramples her with his horse and sends her into manure. It would have been funny if the ton hadn’t enjoyed Isabella’s humiliation so much.
I liked the story between Isabella and James. Both have secrets; yet recognize that there is something special about the other. I enjoyed the slow and gentle wooing of Isabella. James knows about her past, but his past is not perfect either. He has spent five years running from it. He is ready to face the past in order to move on in the future. A future he hopes for with Isabella.
This story was not complicated with adventures or mysteries. The complications of the past are enough for James and Isabella to contend with. Dealing with the ton and the rumours and the innuendos that plague Isabella are enough to make this story complex.
I liked James and Isabella together. They bring out the good in each other. After all they have been through they deserve some happiness. They definitely know that passion is between them. Yikes, there are some scenes that are very steamy!!
This was a sweet story that told the story of two people who overcome their pasts to embrace the future.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2014
A Most Improper Proposal was a nice historical romance. It was a quick, sweet read and I enjoyed reading it.
Isabella was a good heroine. She was loyal to her loved ones and, despite a few outlying circumstances, did her best not to judge anyone until she got the full story. My only issue with her was that I wish she would have lightened up on the whole 'poor me' attitude. After so many pity parties, it got old and somewhat annoying. But, overall, I was fine with her.
James was great. He was sweet and the first to admit when he had made a mistake. He wasn't the most memorable character, but I liked him just fine.
The romance was a little iffy for me. On one had, I thought Isabella and James were very sweet together. They didn't bother to deny their feelings for each other and those feelings were never in doubt. However, I got little sense of an actual relationship between them. Most of their relationship was them thinking about each other rather than actually interacting, if that makes any sense. So I didn't get to see how they were as a couple. It went from them barely knowing each other, to each other them constantly thinking about the other without much transition or any interaction that would have indicated getting to know each other. So, I was okay with the romance, but it wasn't my favorite.
The plot moved quickly and managed to keep me interested all the way through. I did enjoy the story and I liked the ending.
A Most Improper Proposal was a good historical romance that I liked. It wasn't particularly great, but it was a nice read. Romance lovers, you might want to look this one up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Isabella was a good heroine. She was loyal to her loved ones and, despite a few outlying circumstances, did her best not to judge anyone until she got the full story. My only issue with her was that I wish she would have lightened up on the whole 'poor me' attitude. After so many pity parties, it got old and somewhat annoying. But, overall, I was fine with her.
James was great. He was sweet and the first to admit when he had made a mistake. He wasn't the most memorable character, but I liked him just fine.
The romance was a little iffy for me. On one had, I thought Isabella and James were very sweet together. They didn't bother to deny their feelings for each other and those feelings were never in doubt. However, I got little sense of an actual relationship between them. Most of their relationship was them thinking about each other rather than actually interacting, if that makes any sense. So I didn't get to see how they were as a couple. It went from them barely knowing each other, to each other them constantly thinking about the other without much transition or any interaction that would have indicated getting to know each other. So, I was okay with the romance, but it wasn't my favorite.
The plot moved quickly and managed to keep me interested all the way through. I did enjoy the story and I liked the ending.
A Most Improper Proposal was a good historical romance that I liked. It wasn't particularly great, but it was a nice read. Romance lovers, you might want to look this one up.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2019
Very good
Very well written and organised. Strong characters with a very good plot. My first read from this author has been most satisfying. Some things are a bit predictable but most are not.
Russell's fall from grace knob makes her a social pariah. Unjustly deserved, but we are not told the details from the off. Very good!
James has regrets and bad secrets which again we don't know from the beginning.
They work their way towards each other despite the onslaught of mistrust and shame.
Impressive!
Very well written and organised. Strong characters with a very good plot. My first read from this author has been most satisfying. Some things are a bit predictable but most are not.
Russell's fall from grace knob makes her a social pariah. Unjustly deserved, but we are not told the details from the off. Very good!
James has regrets and bad secrets which again we don't know from the beginning.
They work their way towards each other despite the onslaught of mistrust and shame.
Impressive!
December 5, 2014
This book is…..not what I was expecting. A sort of regency romance, this seems to be something of a throwback where the female characters are fluff-brained and no one is concerned with anything of any importance. It sounds sort of moronic to say that a period romance feels dated, but I don’t know how else to describe it. I honestly did not think that people still wrote books like this. For instance, near halfway through the book the hero and heroine seem to just decide that they must be in love. This is based solely on superficial physical attraction, as at this point, they are not at all well acquainted and have had extremely little contact. And then there was this:
So…her feelings for this guy, that she has met I think three times up to now, that she still knows next to nothing about, are causing her to starve herself to the point of obvious weight loss? Oh, but wait, it’s okay. Because everyone notices that she’s pale and dizzy and once hero forces her to have hot chocolate and a bun, and most importantly, compliments her all is right with the world again. Seriously.
Credit where credit is due, the story does get a bit better after that. My issue is that the hero and heroine apparently then spend a significant portion of time together, but the only way we know this are allusions to “in all the weeks she’d known him…”. We are left with weird snippets here and there wherein this companionship is already well established, but all of the getting-to-know-you portion is entirely skipped over. As a result, the whole story feel even more as though the heart is missing.
In the end the book is not completely terrible, I just expected and needed quite a lot more substance.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
“When he turned to her, Isabella felt her legs weaken. The constant state of agitation that she felt when he was near, whenever he was absent and whenever she thought of him, had taken a toll on her appetite and she was painfully aware that her slender frame was getting smaller daily. It was fashionable to be slim but not scrawny and she knew that she must try to conquer her weight loss and ensure that she did not lose her curves entirely.”
So…her feelings for this guy, that she has met I think three times up to now, that she still knows next to nothing about, are causing her to starve herself to the point of obvious weight loss? Oh, but wait, it’s okay. Because everyone notices that she’s pale and dizzy and once hero forces her to have hot chocolate and a bun, and most importantly, compliments her all is right with the world again. Seriously.
Credit where credit is due, the story does get a bit better after that. My issue is that the hero and heroine apparently then spend a significant portion of time together, but the only way we know this are allusions to “in all the weeks she’d known him…”. We are left with weird snippets here and there wherein this companionship is already well established, but all of the getting-to-know-you portion is entirely skipped over. As a result, the whole story feel even more as though the heart is missing.
In the end the book is not completely terrible, I just expected and needed quite a lot more substance.
For the sake of full disclosure it must be stated that I received this book, free of charge, from Netgalley.
December 1, 2014
This Regency romance is a rare beast – one that stays true to its historical setting. So we have a young woman disgraced by scandal, living as a companion to an old but influential lady, lots of nasty gossiping debutantes and Almacks! There is more than a hint of Georgette Heyer about the tone of this tale, though it lacks her wonderful sparkle and wit.
The setting is well told, the language is appropriate, the characters are fairly true to their time, and yet… Yes, and yet. There was something missing here for me. I liked Isabella and the way she still tries to behave properly despite the rough time society has given her. I mostly liked James too, while he swung between charming and brooding, and I loved how he never judged Isabella, even when all he knew was the gossip, but I didn’t quite buy into their romance. I think it’s because there are a lot of time jumps in this story. They meet very briefly twice, then don’t see each other for weeks and Isabella starts languishing over him.
Then there’s a whole trust issue and an accident, and things happen, and yet nothing happens, and suddenly it’s all fine. I mostly blame the time jumps for this, because some of them are whole months at a time, when surely something happened. And if it didn’t, then what is going on between these two? Isabella languishes again, while James writhes in his self-indulgent guilt. I wanted them to do something, talk, perhaps, or at least interact in some way. I’ll admit I read this pretty quickly, mostly because I was waiting for something to happen.
In all this is well written, makes excellent use of its time period, but rather less good use of the characters and their romance. The heat level is mildly warm, but their encounters weren’t particularly interesting. I did, however, really like Lady Watson, and Isabella’s fellow companion Henrietta was fun too. If you like your historical romance heavier on the historical tone than the romance, and you don’t mind a tale with a gentle, meandering pace and a touch of heat, then you’ll probably enjoy this one. It was a pleasant read, but not a keeper.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The setting is well told, the language is appropriate, the characters are fairly true to their time, and yet… Yes, and yet. There was something missing here for me. I liked Isabella and the way she still tries to behave properly despite the rough time society has given her. I mostly liked James too, while he swung between charming and brooding, and I loved how he never judged Isabella, even when all he knew was the gossip, but I didn’t quite buy into their romance. I think it’s because there are a lot of time jumps in this story. They meet very briefly twice, then don’t see each other for weeks and Isabella starts languishing over him.
Then there’s a whole trust issue and an accident, and things happen, and yet nothing happens, and suddenly it’s all fine. I mostly blame the time jumps for this, because some of them are whole months at a time, when surely something happened. And if it didn’t, then what is going on between these two? Isabella languishes again, while James writhes in his self-indulgent guilt. I wanted them to do something, talk, perhaps, or at least interact in some way. I’ll admit I read this pretty quickly, mostly because I was waiting for something to happen.
In all this is well written, makes excellent use of its time period, but rather less good use of the characters and their romance. The heat level is mildly warm, but their encounters weren’t particularly interesting. I did, however, really like Lady Watson, and Isabella’s fellow companion Henrietta was fun too. If you like your historical romance heavier on the historical tone than the romance, and you don’t mind a tale with a gentle, meandering pace and a touch of heat, then you’ll probably enjoy this one. It was a pleasant read, but not a keeper.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
December 28, 2014
Society doors are barely open for Isabella Adams after four scandalous attachments to her name. Without the help of Lady Watson, she would not be received. Everything she does must be perfect or she will wreck everything the woman has done for her. When a stranger sweeps her off her feet, Isabella yearns for more from her life.
Lord James Crawford learns that the woman that has so enchanted him is his aunt's companion. Being warned of Isabella's past, James just can't imagine that the rumors are true. As they get to know one another, they can not deny the attraction they feel.
Can these two lonely hearts get over their past to find the love of a lifetime?
This was my first book by Molly Ann Wishblade and I will definitely be back for more! I liked her style of writing which drew me to the characters and kept me wanting more.
Some stories have so many other sub plots going on that they take away from the love story. That is not the case with this one. The story focused on James and Isabella and how their love for each other grew. It delved into their back stories to let us see what made them into the individuals they are today but the focus stayed on the couple on not on a ton of other extenuating circumstances.
I will definitely be checking out more books by this author. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thanks go out to Carina UK via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Lord James Crawford learns that the woman that has so enchanted him is his aunt's companion. Being warned of Isabella's past, James just can't imagine that the rumors are true. As they get to know one another, they can not deny the attraction they feel.
Can these two lonely hearts get over their past to find the love of a lifetime?
This was my first book by Molly Ann Wishblade and I will definitely be back for more! I liked her style of writing which drew me to the characters and kept me wanting more.
Some stories have so many other sub plots going on that they take away from the love story. That is not the case with this one. The story focused on James and Isabella and how their love for each other grew. It delved into their back stories to let us see what made them into the individuals they are today but the focus stayed on the couple on not on a ton of other extenuating circumstances.
I will definitely be checking out more books by this author. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thanks go out to Carina UK via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
December 13, 2014
The storyline for this book was good. Lord James Crawford has been gone for five years. He is a widower. He returns to England to put all of his affairs in order. He has not seen his beloved aunt for a very long time, he wants to put things to right with her. On his way around town, he literally knocks a woman off her feet.
Miss Isabella Adams is the companion of a wonderful older Lady who is aristocratic in the ton society. She took Isabella in and gave her a home when society has gossiped about her past at every turn. She loves this wonderful lady. She knows she will be a spinster, eventhough she day dreams of things she cannot have. So much so, that he does not see the danger that knocks her on her bum in horse excrement. Of course she is furious, but must compose herself because of the embarrassing situation. The man just infuriates her. Thankfully, she will not see him again.
These two come to meet at an event and he is the nephew of the elderly woman she is companion to. These two have things to overcome. Can she move past her reputation....can he confess his past and present situation?
It was a good storyline, but it lagged a bit. Other than that it was a good read.
Miss Isabella Adams is the companion of a wonderful older Lady who is aristocratic in the ton society. She took Isabella in and gave her a home when society has gossiped about her past at every turn. She loves this wonderful lady. She knows she will be a spinster, eventhough she day dreams of things she cannot have. So much so, that he does not see the danger that knocks her on her bum in horse excrement. Of course she is furious, but must compose herself because of the embarrassing situation. The man just infuriates her. Thankfully, she will not see him again.
These two come to meet at an event and he is the nephew of the elderly woman she is companion to. These two have things to overcome. Can she move past her reputation....can he confess his past and present situation?
It was a good storyline, but it lagged a bit. Other than that it was a good read.
January 2, 2015
I recently read Bound by Molly Ann Wishlade and really enjoyed it, which led me to purchase this one. I haven't read a historical romance in awhile and let's just say I might be revisiting this period, especially if I can find more reads as deliciously written as this one. I loved the different point of views of both Isabella and James, their back stories were told with great pacing and my interest held the entire story line for each. The action is intense and the steamy scenes had this reader turning the pages for more. The romance between the two of them was fabulous and there is one scene and I won't say what it was but I actually gasped out loud and then I was immediately saddened. I won't give away any spoilers but I will be reading more from Molly Ann Wishlade.
*Also, on a side note, though I know I am responsible for my own punctuality...I was late to an appointment because I couldn't stop reading!
*Also, on a side note, though I know I am responsible for my own punctuality...I was late to an appointment because I couldn't stop reading!
October 11, 2015
I would like to thank author Molly Ann Wishlade for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
First I would like to talk about this gorgeous cover it really is so intriguing and I love the bright colours.
Isabella has scandal attaached to her name and she it trying to make the best of her troubled past and move on with the help of Lady Watson. James Crawford has been away for ahile and now he has returned he is intrigued by Isabella.
Molly's writing pulled me in straightaway and I literally couldn't put this book down until I had finished Isabella and James story. Molly has a distinctive voice when it comes to writing and I really love her writing style.
I really liked Isabella and wanted everything to work out for her. James is everything you could want in a book boyfriend, he his handsome, charming and brooding at times. Fantastic historical setting and love Molly's writing.
First I would like to talk about this gorgeous cover it really is so intriguing and I love the bright colours.
Isabella has scandal attaached to her name and she it trying to make the best of her troubled past and move on with the help of Lady Watson. James Crawford has been away for ahile and now he has returned he is intrigued by Isabella.
Molly's writing pulled me in straightaway and I literally couldn't put this book down until I had finished Isabella and James story. Molly has a distinctive voice when it comes to writing and I really love her writing style.
I really liked Isabella and wanted everything to work out for her. James is everything you could want in a book boyfriend, he his handsome, charming and brooding at times. Fantastic historical setting and love Molly's writing.
December 31, 2014
***ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review***
The blurb was definitely promising but the book didn't quite deliver...I kept waiting for the improper proposal which never really materialized. The scandal which was heavily hinted at was like a big letdown when it was all finally revealed. Isabella was very milque-toast to me...I found Henrietta more engaging. There just wasn't enough ooomph on either main characters personality to hold my interest for very long...so this was finished after a series of starts/stops. A very MEH read for me.
The blurb was definitely promising but the book didn't quite deliver...I kept waiting for the improper proposal which never really materialized. The scandal which was heavily hinted at was like a big letdown when it was all finally revealed. Isabella was very milque-toast to me...I found Henrietta more engaging. There just wasn't enough ooomph on either main characters personality to hold my interest for very long...so this was finished after a series of starts/stops. A very MEH read for me.
April 6, 2015
For lovers of Polders!Isabella is afraid her past is her ruin whilst the highly irresistible James Crawford is riddled with guilt for his past actions. This author weaves a gorgeous story empathising with both these character's plights and their instinctive road to temptation. You however, will have to find out yourself if she allows them to reach their rightful conclusion.
This is the first novel I have read by Molly Ann Wishlade but, it has certainly created a hunger for more.
This is the first novel I have read by Molly Ann Wishlade but, it has certainly created a hunger for more.
June 5, 2015
Good story and writing
I like the insight to the feelings and thoughts of the characters, but it was a little convoluted. The story was drawn out a little too much and the premise a little flimsy, but over all I enjoyed reading it.
I like the insight to the feelings and thoughts of the characters, but it was a little convoluted. The story was drawn out a little too much and the premise a little flimsy, but over all I enjoyed reading it.
January 12, 2016
Is a good book to read forever and ever since the heart of a great book to read
January 19, 2015
Disjointed and jumbled at times, the awkward attributes of Isabelle threw me. The hero always seem disconnected, but the sweat HEA left things on a good note.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews