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Cameron Sisters #4
Bedding the Heiress
When a loathsome rake steals one of her most cherished family heirlooms—and nearly her virtue as well!—Francesca Dunroy devises the perfect plan to put him in his place. At a ball being held in her honor—she didn't "take" in her first season, now her family is determined to get her a match in her second—she'll offer him a clandestine kiss sure to convince him to return what is rightfully hers. But in the dark hallways surrounding the ballroom, Francesca makes a terrifying mistake. She seduces the wrong man!
373 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2007
93 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
72 books2,204 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 15, 2017
I didn't love the book but it was better than I expected. I didn't like Justin in the last book so I didn't have much hope of liking this book but it wasn't bad. It was enjoyable just not a "wow" read. I felt the end was wrapped up way too fast.
May 22, 2014
Justin/Tavis is apparently a duke even though he was raised as a blacksmith! Francesca is like totally hot and independent! THEY BONE IN A SEMI-NON-CONSENSUAL ACT. And then like complete idiots get caught making out in her backyard!!
1) SEMI-NON-CONSENSUAL SEX.
2) HER FATHER / STEP-MOTHER WERE COMPLETE ASSHOLES BUT OF COURSE SHE ~~FORGIVES AND ~~FORGETS THROUGH THE POWER OF LOVE??? Even though her step-mother makes a comment about her unborn child hopefully being a boy to replace the one that died? And her father tells her to move on because he's got his new wife and potential "son" to care about??
GROSS.
3) Not much for a climax in this book! Which in some ways was GREAT because no unnecessary kidnappings or guns or explosions or pregnancies--just an irate ex-wife who's big tantrum gets deflated in like 2 lines. But also kind of like "....oh, it's OVER??"
1) SEMI-NON-CONSENSUAL SEX.
2) HER FATHER / STEP-MOTHER WERE COMPLETE ASSHOLES BUT OF COURSE SHE ~~FORGIVES AND ~~FORGETS THROUGH THE POWER OF LOVE??? Even though her step-mother makes a comment about her unborn child hopefully being a boy to replace the one that died? And her father tells her to move on because he's got his new wife and potential "son" to care about??
GROSS.
3) Not much for a climax in this book! Which in some ways was GREAT because no unnecessary kidnappings or guns or explosions or pregnancies--just an irate ex-wife who's big tantrum gets deflated in like 2 lines. But also kind of like "....oh, it's OVER??"
October 12, 2010
The book starts off with Phillip (Justin's bro from the previous book) signing away the Dukedom to Justin. An interesting beginning but the bickering between Phillip and Justin was honestly very childish at times. We get it Justin wants to make his own way in the world and not just be given the title of Duke.
Right off the bat Francesca and Justin seem like two immature selfish characters.
I thought it was a bit presumptuous of Francesca to grow angry at Justin for taking her virginity. She never told him no, in fact was quite encouraging. After her coming at him on the terrace and then finding her in another man's apartment in men's clothes I can see how he was mislead in her true nature.
The whole ordeal with Justin's first wife Moira was wrapped up to cleanly; the author portrayed her as maniacal and then had her just giving up Justin. Moira had deranged stalker written all over her and then the author just had her calmly walking away.
I never understood why Justin and Francesca were attracted to each other. I think the author wanted to show them as independent strong willed people but failed horribly and made them into immature, selfish, braying jackasses.
The book was awful. I read the entirety of it but did employ some speed reading tactics. AVOID!
F
Right off the bat Francesca and Justin seem like two immature selfish characters.
I thought it was a bit presumptuous of Francesca to grow angry at Justin for taking her virginity. She never told him no, in fact was quite encouraging. After her coming at him on the terrace and then finding her in another man's apartment in men's clothes I can see how he was mislead in her true nature.
The whole ordeal with Justin's first wife Moira was wrapped up to cleanly; the author portrayed her as maniacal and then had her just giving up Justin. Moira had deranged stalker written all over her and then the author just had her calmly walking away.
I never understood why Justin and Francesca were attracted to each other. I think the author wanted to show them as independent strong willed people but failed horribly and made them into immature, selfish, braying jackasses.
The book was awful. I read the entirety of it but did employ some speed reading tactics. AVOID!
F
April 14, 2020
The romance in this book happened way too fast.
I mean, they meet and two days later they're declaring
their love with one another. If you're reading the books
in order, then you know that Justin was torn about
Moira. Then how did he end up in love with another
woman possibly weeks after leaving Scotland. It
just didn't make sense. I will say that I enjoyed both
main characters in comparison to the other books.
This book was not as bad as the others in the series;
however, it still featured annoying characters. Both
Regina and Francesca's father were the worst kind
of scum. The father for being so inconsiderate and
dismissive towards his daughter by marrying a woman
younger than her that throws tantrums at every turn.
The fact that he gave that insipid woman the pearl
necklace was disgusting. I don't understand why
Regina would want the necklace of the first wife who
meant way more to her husband than she ever would.
To be honest, I was so happy that you end up finding
out that her father is miserable with his new wife.
I actually fist pumped the air.
I mean, they meet and two days later they're declaring
their love with one another. If you're reading the books
in order, then you know that Justin was torn about
Moira. Then how did he end up in love with another
woman possibly weeks after leaving Scotland. It
just didn't make sense. I will say that I enjoyed both
main characters in comparison to the other books.
This book was not as bad as the others in the series;
however, it still featured annoying characters. Both
Regina and Francesca's father were the worst kind
of scum. The father for being so inconsiderate and
dismissive towards his daughter by marrying a woman
younger than her that throws tantrums at every turn.
The fact that he gave that insipid woman the pearl
necklace was disgusting. I don't understand why
Regina would want the necklace of the first wife who
meant way more to her husband than she ever would.
To be honest, I was so happy that you end up finding
out that her father is miserable with his new wife.
I actually fist pumped the air.
June 11, 2010
Bedding the Heiress is the fourth book in the Cameron Sisters series by Cathy Maxwell. Francesca Dunroy is the daughter of a wealthy business man. With the recent remarriage of her father to a woman younger than herself, Francesca finds herself in the arms of a notorious rake. At her coming out ball, she arranges for a clandestine meeting in her father’s study, but mistakenly kisses the wrong man, the Duke of Colster. Justin can’t forget the kiss and seeks to find Francesca and get more than just a kiss from her.
Bedding the Heiress is a quick, breezy, entertaining read. The story is relatively light, with plenty of action to keep the plot moving forward quickly. Francesca is a head-strong, prideful girl, a little on the spoiled side, but the author never takes it too far into bratty territory. Justin is a brooding Scotsman, but again the angst is never overdone.
The major quibble I had with the book it the fact that Justin and Francesca fall in love over the course of two days. These two days make up over two thirds of the book. For as many major conflicts in the book as there were, everything was wrapped up too hastily for my taste. From Francesca’s strained relationship with her parents, Justin’s return to England and his duties as a Duke, to the whole mystery surrounding The Sword of MacKenna, the resolutions were too superficial. But if you want a light read with just entertainment in mind, without a lot of angst, then I would recommend it.
Bedding the Heiress is a quick, breezy, entertaining read. The story is relatively light, with plenty of action to keep the plot moving forward quickly. Francesca is a head-strong, prideful girl, a little on the spoiled side, but the author never takes it too far into bratty territory. Justin is a brooding Scotsman, but again the angst is never overdone.
The major quibble I had with the book it the fact that Justin and Francesca fall in love over the course of two days. These two days make up over two thirds of the book. For as many major conflicts in the book as there were, everything was wrapped up too hastily for my taste. From Francesca’s strained relationship with her parents, Justin’s return to England and his duties as a Duke, to the whole mystery surrounding The Sword of MacKenna, the resolutions were too superficial. But if you want a light read with just entertainment in mind, without a lot of angst, then I would recommend it.
September 5, 2016
Very enjoyable story. Cathy Maxwell rocks!
August 24, 2020
First, I enjoyed the writing style and certain scenes/aspects of the story. Second, This book made me feel frustrated because it sends such a bad message to women. Although, I could say the same about men too. There were such amazing internal and external conflicts which were not resolved properly. It resulted in zero character development. The book tries to make a strong female, yet she must be compliant, and absolve men of guilt. And the topic of trust was done dirty. It needs justice. In on itself, this story becomes a paradox of what is trying to say.
September 13, 2017
I read this some time ago. It was a great historical romance, just what I was in the mood for.
February 22, 2011
Justin Maddox recenlty found out that he was taken from his real family and is the true Duke of Colster and is also the holder of the Sword of Mckenna. Some say this sword is powerful and Justin will stop at nothing to hide it even if that means fighting with his twin brother and trying his best to get out of London until he meets and kisses Francesca Dunroy.
Francesce Dunroy need to get her mothers pearl necklace back from a notoious rake so she asks him to met her in the library hoping to seduce (sorta) him into giving it back, but her plans go south when the gentleman who walks in is non other than Justin Maddox himself.
After the meeting things begin to heat up as Justin and Francesce fight their feelings for each other and the dangers that arise along with them.
Francesce Dunroy need to get her mothers pearl necklace back from a notoious rake so she asks him to met her in the library hoping to seduce (sorta) him into giving it back, but her plans go south when the gentleman who walks in is non other than Justin Maddox himself.
After the meeting things begin to heat up as Justin and Francesce fight their feelings for each other and the dangers that arise along with them.
January 20, 2012
Enter contest here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
The first few chapters were rather dull. They were building up the story but were a struggle to get through. It could have been cut in certain areas and really gripped the reader at the beginning. Once Justin and Francesca have a mistaken kiss, Bedding The Heiress turns into a romantic adventure!
Their strange connection unfolded beautifully and really drew me into the historical setting. Both have secrets that are opened and quickly places both of them in precarious positions. In the end, I found myself routing for their growing love.
Bedding The Heiress was an entertaining and romantic read with characters I really enjoyed.
The first few chapters were rather dull. They were building up the story but were a struggle to get through. It could have been cut in certain areas and really gripped the reader at the beginning. Once Justin and Francesca have a mistaken kiss, Bedding The Heiress turns into a romantic adventure!
Their strange connection unfolded beautifully and really drew me into the historical setting. Both have secrets that are opened and quickly places both of them in precarious positions. In the end, I found myself routing for their growing love.
Bedding The Heiress was an entertaining and romantic read with characters I really enjoyed.
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April 2, 2018DNF: The heroine is TSTR. She needs to get a necklace back from a man who tried to elope with her then tried to force her when she wouldn't go. She lost the necklace in the scuffle. It's sentimental and valuable. She asks him to meet her in privacy (stupid #1), she starts a kissing fest with a man who enters the room not realizing its someone else (stupid #2) then when the rake arrives she demands the return of the necklace (stupid #3). The blackguard blackmails her for the return of the necklace and she decides not to go to her father with the truth (stupid #4). I can't stomach this chit getting a happily ever after. Not that we always get what we deserve but I read fiction so I don't have to always deal with reality.
January 10, 2021
Enjoyable addition to the series
4 stars
When a loathsome rake steals heiress Francesca Dunroy's most treasured possession she is determined to get it back. In return for the heirloom, she decides to offer the rake a kiss. But on the darkened terrace in the middle of a ball she makes a dreadful mistake - she seduces the wrong man!
Justin Maddox is London's newly titled duke and he's not enjoying himself at all with his new position. Although that all changes when the fiery Francesca kisses him with a passion that surprises them both.
With neither able to forget, or even stay away from each other - love soon starts to blossom. But what will happen when Justin's enemies decide that it's time for revenge?
This is the fourth book in an ongoing series (after Temptation of a Proper Governess, The Price of Indiscretion and In the Bed of a Duke) which focuses loosely around the Cameron Sisters. This book follows where the last left off and tells the story of Justin Maddox as he tries to come to terms with the fact that he is now an English duke and not the Scottish rebel he always thought he was. As it is part of a series, I really don't think that this book stands alone as there is too much back story that you need to know to understand this book.
Both Justin and Francesca are enjoyable, interesting characters and I liked the interplay between them and their honest interactions with each other. It was also nice to see some characters from previous books pop up in this one.
I guess my main issues were that this almost felt like a filler book. Francesca and Justin's story was central although there was so much anticipation of the next book and the underlying action/plot line that runs through all the books, that the romance almost took a back seat. And compared to previous books by Cathy Maxwell, this book lacked a lot of emotional oomph. And I found myself increasingly frustrated with various Americanisms that crept into the text and inaccuracies such as spelling Scotch whisky with an 'e'. This didn't affect my rating of the book but it was annoying none the less.
Having said all that - this book was still miles better than many others in the same genre. It was upbeat, interesting, a definite page-turner and if nothing else it has made me really look forward to the next book in the series. If you're a fan of Cathy Maxwell and are keeping up with this series then this is a book I would recommend.
April 26, 2022
I am not okay with non consensual sex. I would give this zero stars if I could just because of THIS:
Francesca came to her senses with a cry of realization. She started to push away.
He caught her wrists and leaned over her, resting his weight on his arms as he placed her beneath him. He didn’t pull out. She needed to become accustomed to the feel of him, even though it was taking an incredible amount of willpower on his own part.
“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “It won’t hurt. Not anymore.”
Her eyes, which moments ago looked trusted him implicitly, now darkened with accusation and the pain of unshed tears.
“I shouldn’t be here, “ her voice shuddered as she spoke.
“Aye, but you are,” he said.
“I want to go home.”
“You can’t,” he said quietly. He could feel the racing of her heart.
He then starts moving inside her and she lets him. And then he tells her she was “made for this” ( sex with him) And she starts to like it. Because of course she does. 🙄😑
Francesca came to her senses with a cry of realization. She started to push away.
He caught her wrists and leaned over her, resting his weight on his arms as he placed her beneath him. He didn’t pull out. She needed to become accustomed to the feel of him, even though it was taking an incredible amount of willpower on his own part.
“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered. “It won’t hurt. Not anymore.”
Her eyes, which moments ago looked trusted him implicitly, now darkened with accusation and the pain of unshed tears.
“I shouldn’t be here, “ her voice shuddered as she spoke.
“Aye, but you are,” he said.
“I want to go home.”
“You can’t,” he said quietly. He could feel the racing of her heart.
He then starts moving inside her and she lets him. And then he tells her she was “made for this” ( sex with him) And she starts to like it. Because of course she does. 🙄😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2018
I read the book prior to this In the Bed of a Duke a while ago and when this one popped up on my overdrive suggestions I grabbed it. This was my lull between book. A quick read and an enjoyable one. The 3 stars goes to the quick wrap up of all the plot points introduced.
There was this whole story line for the hero Justin with the sword of the Mackenna that was apparently just fodder for the next book.
And the story of his previous wife story line was also wrapped up fairly quickly with little mess. And that story line for this period I feel would be a bit messy.
But the read was enjoyable and I felt the chemistry between the two MC’s. Both very proud people with some trust issues.
There was this whole story line for the hero Justin with the sword of the Mackenna that was apparently just fodder for the next book.
And the story of his previous wife story line was also wrapped up fairly quickly with little mess. And that story line for this period I feel would be a bit messy.
But the read was enjoyable and I felt the chemistry between the two MC’s. Both very proud people with some trust issues.
December 9, 2025
Simply Delightful!
A steamy and beautiful story of love at first touch! Two souls who knew each other at once! A romance story that was full of intrigue, banter, sizzling encounters and love.
I was immediately addicted to this story and the journey of these two, a handsome, rugged Duke who had been kidnapped as an infant and raised in the highlands of Scotland. As well as a beautiful, red haired , green eyed, English heiress who was stubborn and independent.
I loved watching these two come together in a romance that was simply delightful. I swooned, I giggled, and I cried as these two get their well deserved happy-ever-after!
A steamy and beautiful story of love at first touch! Two souls who knew each other at once! A romance story that was full of intrigue, banter, sizzling encounters and love.
I was immediately addicted to this story and the journey of these two, a handsome, rugged Duke who had been kidnapped as an infant and raised in the highlands of Scotland. As well as a beautiful, red haired , green eyed, English heiress who was stubborn and independent.
I loved watching these two come together in a romance that was simply delightful. I swooned, I giggled, and I cried as these two get their well deserved happy-ever-after!
December 30, 2021
4.5 stars
This was to short and rushed. I wish there was more development on all the strings of this story. Some parts were so abrupt (ie; Moira and the potential for more angst in the story).
What got me was the affection between these two and that the author evoked anger in me when Francesca was angry- that makes for a great writer in my book.
This was to short and rushed. I wish there was more development on all the strings of this story. Some parts were so abrupt (ie; Moira and the potential for more angst in the story).
What got me was the affection between these two and that the author evoked anger in me when Francesca was angry- that makes for a great writer in my book.
January 3, 2026
This was my first book by the author and it was okay. I appreciated that it was under 100k words and moved quickly, but the prose and dialogue were not very elegant. This is the fourth book in a series and I definitely felt that I was missing a bit of context with what had happened previously and the role of the side characters.
May 12, 2017
As with every book I have read from Cathy Maxwell, this was a great read. I have not been disappointed with anything so far. I know I can pick up any book from her and get a few hours of enjoyment. Her books combine just the right amount of humor, romance, and suspense.
October 27, 2022
I really struggled to get into this one. So much of the plot centered around miscommunication or lack of communication and those are my two least favorite tropes in romance. This just felt like it lacked a real plot climax for our pair.
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August 25, 2025There‘s something of a sense of „to be continued“ in terms of „THE“ Sword, but this is a very good holiday read with a spunky heroine who can accept and acknowledge her mistakes , and a hero who evolves as well.
April 28, 2020
1,5 stars
September 12, 2020
Wow....life is left to chance....hmmm....still love it
October 20, 2020
Meh. I finished it. Who offers a kiss to get someone to return something?
April 14, 2022
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌
July 26, 2024
Not bad.
April 14, 2025
I enjoyed it. More romance would’ve been nice. Would reread again
August 2, 2014
This one is about Justin Maddox (don't read this if you haven't read the first two in the Cameron series) . After growing up as the village bastard, fostered by a blacksmith, he's having a rough time settling into his new role. His brother is doing what he can to help, but he's also being a PIA, and Justin's straining at the bit.
Enter Francesca Dunroy, whose father has settled a huge dowry on her to get her out of his house so he can enjoy his young wife. Fran is still grieving her mother so she resents the whole thing and she's in no rush to marry.
But she did rebel awhile ago and get herself caught in an intrigue with a dashing rake. She's trying to sort things out when she mistakes Phillip for said rake.
Phill is gaga over Fran, and when he later catches her trying to burglarize his dissolute neighbor's apartment, he's intrigued.
Meanwhile, he has in his possession an item important to the Scottish rebellion that people on all sides would kill to get. 3 stars.
Enter Francesca Dunroy, whose father has settled a huge dowry on her to get her out of his house so he can enjoy his young wife. Fran is still grieving her mother so she resents the whole thing and she's in no rush to marry.
But she did rebel awhile ago and get herself caught in an intrigue with a dashing rake. She's trying to sort things out when she mistakes Phillip for said rake.
Phill is gaga over Fran, and when he later catches her trying to burglarize his dissolute neighbor's apartment, he's intrigued.
Meanwhile, he has in his possession an item important to the Scottish rebellion that people on all sides would kill to get. 3 stars.
June 6, 2008
Justin Maddox, the newly–anointed Duke Of Colster, is not adjusting to London life well. He much prefers the life he was leading in the Scottish Highlands to the glittering,but fake, world of London's high society. The one bright spot is the mysterious Francesca, whose kiss he can't get out of his mind. Of course, even that takes an unexpected turn when the tempting Francesca turns out to be the very proper Miss Dunroy.
Francesca Dunroy doesn't know what she was thinking. Kissing a strange man during her coming out ball was not a wise decision. And it's made even worse when she realizes that it was no other than a duke! Francesca is desperate to protect her reputation, which is suddenly being attacked from all sides. But maybe the one man who is the biggest threat will also be her salvation.
Really enjoyed this book, it flowed very well and I enjoyed the characters.
Francesca Dunroy doesn't know what she was thinking. Kissing a strange man during her coming out ball was not a wise decision. And it's made even worse when she realizes that it was no other than a duke! Francesca is desperate to protect her reputation, which is suddenly being attacked from all sides. But maybe the one man who is the biggest threat will also be her salvation.
Really enjoyed this book, it flowed very well and I enjoyed the characters.
March 23, 2012
I loved this. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did because honestly, I really didn't like the previous one but this one, ohmygod this one was so great. I really like Justin and Francesca and I even though they were married in like 3 wks of meeting each other which can get really annoying in these novels if done wrong, I believed them here and their love because it was done RIGHT. I like, can't really explain why I love these two so much because I started off disliking them (really Maxwell, you got to stop it with the couples sleeping together within 24hrs of meeting each other. It can be a bit repetitive) but then something changed as I continued reading and it grew to something more between them and they trusted each other and told each other everything and realized they each had to let go of past angers and I don't know. I JUST ADORED IT.
February 7, 2012
This story had an excellent plot, however, the female characters' personalities seemed to change about half way through. A spoiled heiress suddenly found honorable backbone instead of whiny recklessness, a step-mother who seemed deep at the beginning of the story suddenly turned shallow. Bigger themes of grief were remarked upon, however, they weren't really explored in a manner where I really believed the hero & heroine had their HEA. There was a villain who was too easily vanquished, and the sibling themes were heavy, when there was no in the story to explore and iron out these differences. While these are the issues with the story, the hero's personality and positive traits stayed true though the whole book. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews