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Abandoned at the altar, Max, Lord Belvedere believes he’s evaded family obligation in favour of a life of adventuring in Africa. But his ailing Aunt Euphemia has other ideas.

When Max finds himself in the delightfully diverting arms of Violet Lilywhite while visiting London’s most prestigious House of Assignation, he happens upon the perfect plan. A sham wedding to a ‘penniless shop girl’ should fulfil Aunt Euphemia’s romantic dreams without losing him his newfound liberty.

Violet agrees to the deception with no hesitation. Lord Belvedere is certainly the most charming and surprising of all her male consorts but she has no illusions about a shared future. She wants only to escape the clutches of infamous Madame Chambon.

The plan appears perfect until Max and Violet find themselves falling in love.

Can Max give up his plans for freedom in an exciting new land? Or is freedom to be found in the arms of the woman he loves?

Heat Level: Hot

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2019

608 people are currently reading
244 people want to read

About the author

Beverley Oakley

225 books210 followers
Also writes under Beverley Eikli.

Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.

Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.

Here’s more about her series.

Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.

1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)

The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.

1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper


Fair Cyprians of London

A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.

1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily

Hearts in Hiding

Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.

1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier

Scandalous: Three Daring Charades

Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals

Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception

You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com

http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli

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5 stars
138 (36%)
4 stars
123 (32%)
3 stars
77 (20%)
2 stars
28 (7%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Space Cowgirl.
4,133 reviews145 followers
August 23, 2019
The Sweetest and Most Romantic💕 Charade.

England 1878.
Violet💃💋 is a young woman forced into being a cyprian by circumstances beyond her control. Her best hope is to become a kept woman by one of her best customers.

When she meets, Max🐺🍆⛲, Lord Belvedere, all her plans go out the window. He was stood up at the altar because of an unwanted arranged marriage, but realizes it was for the best!
Max🐺🍆⛲ decides to visit a brothel instead for the first time. He and Violet💃💋 click together and they have a great time that 🌙night.

Max🐺🍆⛲ decides to use his newfound freedom wisely and go on a tour of Africa, perhaps to buy a 💎diamond or gold 💰 mine.
His great aunt has other ideas and invites Violet to tea, after Max names her as his true love interest, but he lies about her occupation.

ARC Received from Candid Book Reviews📚
This book was $2.99 on Amazon at the time of this review.
Opinions Expressed here are my own.

So, we have two young people who have an immediate physical attraction💞 and a wonderful emotional rapport to each other.

Violet's💃💋 past is not immediately known and what circumstances have forced her into her shameful line of work, but it seems sad. Max🐺🍆⛲ is totally infatuated by Violet💃💋 and allows his sick aunt to believe they are getting married👰.

This is an ADULT Historical Romance💕. I loved this book! It's a well written and fast read, but the characters are well developed and seem so realistic!
Profile Image for Eleni Konstantine.
Author 6 books50 followers
August 28, 2021
4.5 stars
I really enjoy a good happy ending to a story and to someone who has fallen on hard times such as Violet. Resigned to her circumstances in life, she does the best she can so she won’t starve. Enter Max who has just escaped from marrying and wants adventure in his life. An attraction is between them from the get go but a friendship and respect blossoms. Max needs Violet’s help to gain his freedom and while she pays, he never looks down upon her. Quite the contrary. Which was a big plus in his favour. Though he doesn’t realize he can have what is in front of him until it’s almost too late.

I loved the characters and the sweetness in this book. Yes it starts in a brothel but really who can stand in the way of love. There’s also the love of a nephew for his adoring great aunt and vise versa. And a reunion we didn’t expect but is just as sweet.

There’s more in the series and am looking forward to reading Charity’s story.

Disclaimer: while I know the author personally, this doesn’t affect the star rating.
Profile Image for Mya.
1,506 reviews61 followers
February 9, 2024
I have to say that this was an excellent story. The plot was well written and detailed.
2,344 reviews11 followers
May 23, 2020
Marvelous!
A beautifully written second chances story that appears to have no successful ending in sight - but of course it does.
Max and Violet forge a future against all odds with the help and encouragement of his Aunt Euphemia.
The characters are well formed and interesting and the story marvelous. I loved everything about it!
My voluntary review above is based on my own opinions after reading the ebook.
1,290 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2021
This great series marches on with gusto

This is another example of the brilliant writing of this series. This steamy plot is full of emotional turmoil and intrigue, with beautifully crafted characters who have quite the journey to for fill their dreams.
5,704 reviews40 followers
October 9, 2019
good fast read and interesting.. good characters.. good writing.. and fun personalities.. different sort of storyline and i really enjoyed it. very good
392 reviews24 followers
April 26, 2025
Heroine: Violet Lilywhite, 20 or 21.

Hero: Max, age unknown. Lord Belvedere.

Date: 1878

How they meet: Max was left at the altar, and a friend insists a night at a brothel is just the thing to console him. Violet is the woman he hires.

What happens: The two are quite compatible and end the evening by having a conversation and playing a board game. Max lets her know that visiting a brothel and seeing her is a one time thing---with his new-found freedom he intends to travel to Africa. She felt a connection with him and is sad to see him go.

Max’s aunt is upset over his being jilted, so he hints that he is good with things because his heart is engaged elsewhere. When pressed, he uses Violet as his pretend love interest (albeit as a shop girl instead of a courtesan). His aunt manages to track down Violet via the coachman and arranges a meeting. Because his aunt is believed to be dying, Max asks Violet to play along with a fake courtship and later a sham marriage to make his aunt’s last days happy.



Verdict: While this was an easy read, on reflection it lacked emotional depth. The heroine was quite likable, but in her vulnerable state she had insta-love for a man mainly because he was nice to her. The hero was charming, but a bit shallow. He was clueless about how precarious her position in life was, and was happy to use her to suit his own purpose (albeit to please a beloved aunt) while coolly reminding her it was all temporary. His change of heart about the situation seemed kind of abrupt. If you don’t think about this one too much, you’ll probably enjoy it. However, if you are looking for emotional depth, you’ll be less satisfied. I haven't read other books in the series and thought this read fine as a standalone.

Steam level: steamy and moderately explicit

Rating: 3 stars
Profile Image for Annette.
3,179 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2019
Very well written and entertaining, to me, this is the best in this series so far! This is such a heartwarming story. I love Violet's spirit, she is smart, upfront and makes the best of her situation. She's a very realistic character, not perfect but we all make some questionable choices at times. I love that she could blame the"world" but makes peace with the situation and strive to do what is necessary with the hope to be able to eventually better her lifestyle. Love Max too, he's practical and could really care least about the demands of society. His freedom to be adventurous is way more appealing especially after he meets Violet. Their forbidden love won't be denied and I love ti when a regency romance goes against the norms of society. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.
914 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2021
Saved by love

Violet and Emily, orphaned when their parents are murdered, are left to their paternal grandmother's care, if you can call her treatment of the girls, "care." When Violet finds herself thrown out of the house, she eventually seeks shelter in a famous, London brothel. She's kept herself from dwelling on her circumstances, having survived a year at Madame Chambon's, when a beautiful young lord comes to her to escape the most embarrassing day of his life. Little does she know he was left at the alter only hours before! The connection they feel is one neither of them has experienced with any other.
Wonderfully written with a fascinating plot, this novel lets you glimpse the hearts and lives of it's love starved characters. I particularly found the ending delightful. Immerse yourself in another totally enjoyable book by Ms. Oakley!
4,720 reviews41 followers
August 28, 2019
Strong emotions, entertaining, and engaging.
Violet has been forced into a life she never wanted and now she must be practical if she wants to survive. Lord Belvedere wants one thing in his life but fate has other plans it is true fate had a bit of help from Max’s aunt. I love the characters they are so realistic and appealing. I enjoy the story it was a bit different and it went against what English society thinks is right. I highly recommend this jewel it was a great book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
2,463 reviews22 followers
August 16, 2019
A sweet story that shows that not everything is as it seems. You never know why people get into certain situations. Violet’s story is heartbreaking. Max to me seems awfully young in the way he acted but definitely came up to snuff when he realizes his love for Violet. I have read most of the books in this series and they are all very nice reads for an afternoon.

I received a complimentary copy from Candid Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Lexi Greene.
Author 9 books7 followers
June 10, 2019
Violet Lilywhite is a beautiful, intelligent, savvy, engaging and ill-fated heroine. I so enjoyed this story. I so LOVED Max, the hero, and the couple's developing love for each other. There is nothing contrived and I was lost in the world Beverley so masterfully created. Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful story and I recommend it whole heartedly.
Profile Image for Julie ambrose.
377 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
I really enjoyed Violet and Max,s journey.
An intriguing read written with compassion and a blossoming romance throughout the story .
From being jilted at the altar Max finds himself in a house of I’ll repute and his destiny in meeting the lovely prostitute Violet .
His happiness can finally be achieved as he is free to do as he wants and travel to Africa , however Max,s ailing aunt has other plans for him and so the deception begins .
A well written story and I will gladly be reading more of this authors books .
Profile Image for Eleni.
847 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2025
An entertaining read

This is an entertaining read with strong characters and a good plot, even if it is a bit far-fetched. Recommended for fans of the genre and the series.
1,916 reviews13 followers
August 24, 2019
Max, Lord Belvedere wanted freedom to do with his life what he wanted and when he saw a chance, he sized it. But destiny and a meddling aunt had others plans for him. Violet thought the life she led had hardened her enough but, Lord Belvedere had stirred in her feelings she thought out of her reach. But, in her line of work, which were her odds? An interesting heroine decided to make the best of her fate even if she was left heartbroken. Liked her inner struggling to protect her heart. Strong emotions, deceive, some suspense, romance, passion and entertaining secondary characters that I liked.
Profile Image for Heather.
765 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2022
I had a tough time with this story and at times was not sure I could finish it. There is an interesting storyline and the main characters are likable. Max and Violet have a wonderful chemistry, but the way they meet was hard for me to get over.

Max is a Lord, left at the alter. To get over the embarrassing moment his friend convinced him to seek the comfort of a woman at Madam Chambron’s house of Assignation. This is where he meets Violet. They have their evening together and the story takes off from there.

He wants freedom, his Aunt wants him to find love and marry and his grandfather wants the marriage that didn’t happen to happen. Max makes an arrangement with Violet that benefits them both, but they don’t plan on falling in love along the way.

Violet had a very rough life and regardless of what brought her to her choice, I had such a hard time getting over the fact that she was a prostitute. Max was very forgiving and very compassionate towards her though. I loved the development of their relationship as well as the relationship she had with his Aunt.

There was plenty of interesting plot twists, mystery, angst, romance and a HEA of course. I just wish the author chose a different line of work for her. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3,547 reviews15 followers
February 11, 2020
Wedding Violet is a fantastic historical romance by Beverley Oakley. Ms. Oakley has once again presented an outstanding story filled with spectacular characters to her readers. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Violet's grandmother turned her out and she ends up in a brothel. When Max is stoop up at the alter his friend takes him to a brothel to celebrate. Max and Violet's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle and a little suspense. I enjoyed this book from cover to cover and look forward to my next book by Beverley Oakley. Wedding Violet is book 4 of the Fair Cyprians of London Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
September 11, 2019
I had read this author once before so when I wanted to step back in time for a minute I was lured by this one. Max and Violet give you quite a tale in what they plan but what really transpires. Funny how perfect laid plans can go awry.
Romance at its finest when you read this one unraveling how it goes different then they thought. The chemistry builds with us getting into it with a flow that takes you away on this growing relationship. The one thing I felt bad about was what she had to do but thankfully love has a different path that opens. How this wraps up will give you the satisfaction from this author thanks to her gift with words.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
October 20, 2019
A story with romance, adventure and some sneaking around to get things done. Loved the characters especially the strong willed Miss Violet. And Max is very sweet, but still needs smacked upside the head for the things he was thinking of doing.
Violet's life hasn't always been easy. But it has gotten easier as the days go on by. Then she meets a young man celebrating his night away because he missed the bullet. But then he comes back with plan to help her and him at the same time. But can she really ignore the fact that she loves him so much. Even with her sordid past.
Profile Image for Pauline.
611 reviews
May 20, 2020
This story was a great read.And showed the difference in journeys of Max who was jilted at the alter by his bride.Who was picked for him by there grand fathers.And Violet thru the death of parents and nasty grandmother kicked out of her home.Hence became a high priced,at a prestigious house of Assignments.Ladies of the night.
I throughly enjoyed this book.And have read others in this series too,and enjoyed them also.
403 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2019
Max Belvedere & Violet Lilywhite story was beyond beautiful. He was determined to seek his freedom at any cost. She believed herself ruined beyond redemption. Together they will discover that nothing in life is impossible. Highly Recommend. Happy Reading.
154 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2020
Perfect fairy tale!

This story has all the elements of a perfect fairy tale. Less angst than the preceding stories of the series, but enjoyable to the same extent. Good for a quick read!
1,456 reviews
September 2, 2020
A destitute woman working as a high class prostitute is befriended by a gentleman who has just been jilted. He has an aunt who feels he should get married; and manages to befriend the woman. A sham marriage is performed to make the aunt happy before she dies. The conclusion is worth the book.
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
731 reviews14 followers
September 10, 2019
Lord Max Belvedere is an orphan and has been raised by his grandfather. His grandfather is a dominate character and he is unkind to both his sister and Max. Max had been forced into a duty marriage, He had to marry the girl next door who was his grandfathers best friend, they also want to add the two properties together. But she cried off and stood Max up at the altar.
Miss Violet Lilywhite met him when he came to Madame Chandon's. It was a brothel. She had been thrown out of her grandmother's house. She watched as her parents were murdered in Cawnpore, India. She had been sent to England along with her sister. Max didn't seem to mind her profession especially after he heard her explanation.
A sad but wonderous tale of two people brought together to try to be happy and necessarily together.
It was an unusual plot which is a little different from your usual story. There are still surprises and twists along the way. It is very entertaining, well developed and moves smoothly, the ending will surprise you. I loved the way Max kept saying he was going to Africa, Booked his passage and would leave in three weeks. He is adamant. I found this to be a great book, thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.
I received this ARC from Candid Reviews and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
November 4, 2019
Lord Max Belvedere was expected to marry a neighbor to bring about the merging of two properties for his grandfather! His marriage having been arranged, he had been stood up at the altar and chose to pursue adventure rather than letting his Aunt Euphemia try to find him a replacement for a broken heart, though he tried to reassure her that he was actually relieved.

While distracting himself with Violet Lilywhite at a brothel, or perhaps just celebrating “dodging the bullet”, Max gets an idea how to foil any further marriage plans. Violet, more than eager to escape being controlled by the infamous Madame Chambon, is happy to agree to his idea of a sham wedding – until it becomes all too real and they may be falling in love!

This was a lovely story with likable characters. There will be surprises along the way, so grab your copy and see how Max will sort out this situation he has contrived!
668 reviews
May 16, 2020
Violet and Max

Max has just barely been given a reprieve from a loveless marriage when Mabel decides not to show up for their wedding! Which is how he comes to make the acquaintance of Violet. Violet, she's the most beautiful woman he has ever seen! His beloved Aunt Euphemia, is determined to see him wed before she passes, which by the sound of her worsening cough may not be long. When Max decides that he will make his Aunt happy, he decides to enlist the help of Violet. Thankfully she agrees! For the following three weeks, Violet and he will prepare for their "wedding" with his Aunts help. Max has not seen his Aunt so happy in such a long time, that he has to continue with his charade, even though it makes him sad that he will be leaving Violet. How will it all end? Will Max feel the wrath of his grandfather? Is what Violet has said about her past be true? Read this great story by Beverley Oakley to find out. You wont want to put it down till the last word.
Profile Image for Beverley Oakley.
Author 225 books210 followers
Currently reading
July 17, 2022
This is one of my favourites in the Fair Cyprians of London series and today Wedding Violet is FREE for the next few days.

The theme is along the lines of Pretty Woman but set in 1870s Victorian London with a beautiful call girl who is exhorted to play along in a sham marriage.

My hero, Max, is delicious, and one of my favourite of all heroes with his lovely sense of humour, his unashamed admiration of Violet, and his complete acceptance that they will never be together in real life.

But what changes? And why?

If you love second-chance historical romances with a humour and an unexpected ending, you can get Wedding Violet at all retailers.

Profile Image for Venise.
522 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2023
Violet Lilywhite has made an endearing impression on Lord Belvedere. Their meeting happened after he was jilted at the alter and wished to forget about his situation. Freedom is the newest realization Lord Belvedere is cherishing, on account of being dutifully constrained to the wishes of his Grandfather. From England, he plans to hunt and acquire diamonds and gold on a trip to Africa—devoting time to his own wishes.
Violet is an atypical type of woman to commit to, yet he feels an ongoing attachment.
Plans are made and interrupted, only to be surprised by fulfillment in keeping older necessary values.
Profile Image for Monika.
487 reviews
October 7, 2023
I've been enjoying Ms. Oakley's books for a long time. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the "Fair Cyprians of London" series. Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy love stories that include sex. However, this series has too much of it and not enough of a story. It felt to me like the books were written for the sex and the story was secondary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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