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Compromised into a Scandalous Marriage
"A sweet, satisfying, utterly intoxicating historical romance." - Olivia Waite, New York Times
Escape to the Caribbean in this tension-filled compromised-into-marriage story!
From island scandal
To dutiful vows!
When heiress Paulina Despradel is banished from the family quinta in a storm, she seeks shelter with her dashing new neighbor, Sebastian Linares. Their attraction may be as electrifying as the lightning outside, but the night they spend together is totally innocent. Barely more than strangers, they must now marry. But left alone with their simmering chemistry, can they build a true union from the ashes of scandal?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
Escape to the Caribbean in this tension-filled compromised-into-marriage story!
From island scandal
To dutiful vows!
When heiress Paulina Despradel is banished from the family quinta in a storm, she seeks shelter with her dashing new neighbor, Sebastian Linares. Their attraction may be as electrifying as the lightning outside, but the night they spend together is totally innocent. Barely more than strangers, they must now marry. But left alone with their simmering chemistry, can they build a true union from the ashes of scandal?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
46 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Lydia San Andres
23 books103 followersLydia San Andres (She/Her) lives and writes in the tropics, where she can be found reading, sipping coffee, and making excuses to stay out of the sun. As much as she enjoys air conditioning, she can sometimes be lured outside with the promise of cookies and picnics.
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July 27, 2022A forced-marriage (they're both forced into it) story with a lovely 19th century Spanish Caribbean setting, extremely well conveyed in sense of place, atmosphere and culture. The romance doesn't take a back seat though: we've got a lovely hero with a tendency to over-sacrifice for others, a put-upon heroine finding her independence, loads of attraction that cannot be consummated (my fave and for once the plot reasons for this are entirely solid), a chewy conflict that has to be carefully negotiated, and a proper threat in the form of her evil brother.
A thorough and absorbing pleasure: exactly what I want from a Harlequin Historical, and with a lovely cover too.
A thorough and absorbing pleasure: exactly what I want from a Harlequin Historical, and with a lovely cover too.
April 19, 2022
2022 Spring Bingo (#SpringIntoLoveBingo🌷): Happily Ever After
Content Notes:
This hits a lot of classic Harlequin tropes — forced marriage of convenience, childhood friends, rich girl/former poor boy — in a Caribbean island in the early 1900s. I don't know what it says about me, but I am weak for "hero is furious/indifferent to heroine when he mistakenly thinks that she trapped him into marriage.” A classic! This misunderstanding only lasts a short time before he wises up, but the angst is delicious.
I am even weaker for “hero spoils heroine with luxuries that she lacked from her evil family.” I am a simple woman. 😅 On a more serious note, I was touched when Sebastian saw that Paulina had been deprived of agency over "simple" decisions like choosing her own clothes, recognizing that the lack wasn't unimportant/frivolous. Tears were shed during a certain shopping scene.
Regarding the sugar mill: I really appreciated the explicit reassurance that its history did not include enslaved labor. The author didn't gloss over unfair/difficult conditions for laborers, making the worldbuilding feel thoughtful and fully-realized. In other words: the opposite of a wallpaper historical.
Overall impressions: an enjoyable, tropey Harlequin Historical with some dark elements (see content notes). Fingers crossed for a sequel about Dilia.
***
Note about Spanish language italics: I'm not blaming the author because this decision was likely a Harlequin in-house editorial standard. But it is absolutely ridiculous that every single Spanish word in the text is italicized. In a scene where the MCs eat empanadas, it's ludicrous to see that term italicized ten times over two pages. This editorial standard didn't affect my rating but it annoyed me enough to complain in my review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Notes:
This hits a lot of classic Harlequin tropes — forced marriage of convenience, childhood friends, rich girl/former poor boy — in a Caribbean island in the early 1900s. I don't know what it says about me, but I am weak for "hero is furious/indifferent to heroine when he mistakenly thinks that she trapped him into marriage.” A classic! This misunderstanding only lasts a short time before he wises up, but the angst is delicious.
I am even weaker for “hero spoils heroine with luxuries that she lacked from her evil family.” I am a simple woman. 😅 On a more serious note, I was touched when Sebastian saw that Paulina had been deprived of agency over "simple" decisions like choosing her own clothes, recognizing that the lack wasn't unimportant/frivolous. Tears were shed during a certain shopping scene.
Regarding the sugar mill: I really appreciated the explicit reassurance that its history did not include enslaved labor. The author didn't gloss over unfair/difficult conditions for laborers, making the worldbuilding feel thoughtful and fully-realized. In other words: the opposite of a wallpaper historical.
Overall impressions: an enjoyable, tropey Harlequin Historical with some dark elements (see content notes). Fingers crossed for a sequel about Dilia.
***
Note about Spanish language italics: I'm not blaming the author because this decision was likely a Harlequin in-house editorial standard. But it is absolutely ridiculous that every single Spanish word in the text is italicized. In a scene where the MCs eat empanadas, it's ludicrous to see that term italicized ten times over two pages. This editorial standard didn't affect my rating but it annoyed me enough to complain in my review.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
I don't usually read historical romance because the books pushed the most in this category are often white and romanticizer colonizers. With race-bent Bridgerton being so popular right now it's nice to see some genuine diversity appear more in mainstream historical romance. The Spanish Caribbean is the backdrop for this romance stemmed from a forced marriage.
Paulina may live in a once lavish house but she's far from the wealthy society girl she appears to be. Her abusive brother Antonio controls every aspect of her life right down to how she dresses. And while he's a penny pincher when it comes to spending on her he has no problem blowing money on gambling debts. In an attempt to exort their neighbor Sebastation in to giving him money. Using the power he has over the magistrate and local guardsmen he forces Sebastian and Paulina into marriage.
Sebastian and Paulina settle into a routine with Sebastian spending much of his time a the sugar mill he owns and Paulina helping make his house feel like a home. But Antonio's threats are still looming and the couple must keep their guards up as they fight their attraction to each other.
I really did enjoy reading this book. I thought it was very well developed and I had a great sense of how they lived in the country vs the contrast of how life was in town. Sebastian has a good relationship with the mill workers as well as his housekeeper. And you can really tell he cares so much for his community.
Paulina and Sebastian had great chemistry that made their slow-burn romance worth the journey.
Paulina may live in a once lavish house but she's far from the wealthy society girl she appears to be. Her abusive brother Antonio controls every aspect of her life right down to how she dresses. And while he's a penny pincher when it comes to spending on her he has no problem blowing money on gambling debts. In an attempt to exort their neighbor Sebastation in to giving him money. Using the power he has over the magistrate and local guardsmen he forces Sebastian and Paulina into marriage.
Sebastian and Paulina settle into a routine with Sebastian spending much of his time a the sugar mill he owns and Paulina helping make his house feel like a home. But Antonio's threats are still looming and the couple must keep their guards up as they fight their attraction to each other.
I really did enjoy reading this book. I thought it was very well developed and I had a great sense of how they lived in the country vs the contrast of how life was in town. Sebastian has a good relationship with the mill workers as well as his housekeeper. And you can really tell he cares so much for his community.
Paulina and Sebastian had great chemistry that made their slow-burn romance worth the journey.
July 18, 2022
Compromised Into A Scandalous Marriage had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I felt like I couldn’t ease up as I awaited the jerk face Antonio to strike again!
This is the romance between Paulina and Sebastian. The set up within the first 70 pages of this book are brilliant. It’s a suspenseful twist of marriage of convenience that’s 100% manipulated by Paulina’s greedy brother-Antonio. Things happen. Sebastian finds himself chained and in jail and rightfully so doesn’t believe he should even trust the heroine. Marriage (set up by her brother) is the only way out of him physically being jailed. What follows is a slow burn romance and the figuring out of Why her brother would set up this situation.
Romantic suspense can be a bit much for me at times but when things began going down in this book, I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what the hell was going to happen and how we were getting rid of Antonio! Because he needed to be dealt with!
I loved the setting of the book. I loved the found family for Paulina. I appreciated that the workers of Sebastian’s sugar mill were actual workers and it wasn’t slave labor. Sebastian truly felt like a good guy and Paulina had lived so much of her life a prisoner in her own home, surviving day after day of emotional abuse from her brother-you can’t help but root for these two!
This is the romance between Paulina and Sebastian. The set up within the first 70 pages of this book are brilliant. It’s a suspenseful twist of marriage of convenience that’s 100% manipulated by Paulina’s greedy brother-Antonio. Things happen. Sebastian finds himself chained and in jail and rightfully so doesn’t believe he should even trust the heroine. Marriage (set up by her brother) is the only way out of him physically being jailed. What follows is a slow burn romance and the figuring out of Why her brother would set up this situation.
Romantic suspense can be a bit much for me at times but when things began going down in this book, I couldn’t stop reading. I had to know what the hell was going to happen and how we were getting rid of Antonio! Because he needed to be dealt with!
I loved the setting of the book. I loved the found family for Paulina. I appreciated that the workers of Sebastian’s sugar mill were actual workers and it wasn’t slave labor. Sebastian truly felt like a good guy and Paulina had lived so much of her life a prisoner in her own home, surviving day after day of emotional abuse from her brother-you can’t help but root for these two!
August 3, 2022
I wasn't really expecting the dastardly behavior of Paulina's brother, Antonio, but the combination of his antics and the internal angst of Sebastian being convinced he couldn't have love meant that this book was a genuine delight. I haven't read a ton of historical categories, but this one was definitely a great one.
This is set on a Caribbean island and in the early 1900s. I loved how well San Andres incorporated the world-building and really set the stage for both the where and when of the story. I really enjoyed the way Paulina and Sebastian had some push and pulls between them. Sebastian works so hard to take care of everyone who works for him and since he owns a sugar mill, that is a lot of people. I really love the way we see Sebastian's work life balance situation evolve like his relationship. It felt very realistic and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
All in all, I look forward to reading San Andres again in the future and I would really love for more historical categories from her!!
Thanks so much to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC!
This is set on a Caribbean island and in the early 1900s. I loved how well San Andres incorporated the world-building and really set the stage for both the where and when of the story. I really enjoyed the way Paulina and Sebastian had some push and pulls between them. Sebastian works so hard to take care of everyone who works for him and since he owns a sugar mill, that is a lot of people. I really love the way we see Sebastian's work life balance situation evolve like his relationship. It felt very realistic and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
All in all, I look forward to reading San Andres again in the future and I would really love for more historical categories from her!!
Thanks so much to Harlequin and Netgalley for the ARC!
July 26, 2022
Good book with an out-of-the-ordinary historical setting. The story takes place on a sugar plantation on a small Caribbean island in 1904. I enjoyed the exotic location and the look at a different lifestyle than the more plentiful Regency/Victorian settings.
Paulina is a twenty-one-year-old woman who has lived under the thumb of her older brother Antonio since their parents died when she was much younger. He is extremely controlling, keeping her a virtual prisoner on their increasingly deteriorating estate. Antonio is driven by what other people think, so he talks big and gives the impression of great wealth. He is actually deeply in debt, but that doesn't stop his gambling and spending. He chooses Paulina's clothes and dictates where she may go and who she may talk to.
As the book opens, Paulina has been permitted to go to a store in town to purchase things for a party her brother is giving for her birthday. There she meets their new neighbor, Sebastian, who lives on the plantation next door and purchased the sugar mill that belonged to her family. They make quite the impression on each other, and Paulina invites him to her party. Sebastian turns her down because he spends most of his time working and has reasons to avoid romantic entanglements. But when Antonio arrives and sees them talking, he says terrible things about Sebastian and drags Paulina forcibly from the store. Sebastian suddenly changes his mind about the party and tells her he'll be there.
I ached for Paulina because it became evident that Antonio is abusive, selfish, and just plain mean-spirited. The party that night was not all that great, and Paulina spent most of it watching for Sebastian to arrive. I loved how he paid attention to her. Their interactions were respectful and respectable, but he didn't stay long. After the party ended, Antonio made wild accusations and threw Paulina out of the house in the middle of a storm. With nowhere else to go, she went to Sebastian. I loved how he took her in and cared for her. It was easy to see that there were sparks between them, but Sebastian is an honorable man. Unfortunately, they were caught in a compromising position the next morning by Antonio and two guardsmen. Again, he made wild accusations against Sebastian, ending with Sebastian being thrown in jail.
Then Antonio's diabolical plan comes out. He claims that Sebastian has dishonored Paulina and must marry her or stay in jail. Though Sebastian tries to refuse, eventually, he gives in because he worries about what will happen to his mill employees and those he's responsible for. He is furious, believing that Paulina was in on the setup. Though they are married, he is determined to find a way to annul the marriage.
I liked seeing the relationship between Sebastian and Paulina develop. Sebastian refuses to believe that Paulina wasn't involved and tells her not to expect anything from him. Paulina is hurt that he thinks she would do such a thing. I liked seeing Paulina's sweet nature slowly win Sebastian over, eventually convincing him that she is innocent. I enjoyed seeing her get involved in life there, fitting in as if she belonged. I especially enjoyed seeing her constantly surprise him with the things she could do. Sebastian, hurt by a deceptive woman in a previous relationship, resists the idea of risking his heart again. But the more he gets to know Paulina, the more she gets past his walls. He warmed my heart when he took her to town and gave her all the decision-making power. It was easy to see the feelings growing between them, but Sebastian resisted giving into them.
Trouble comes when Antonio first tries blackmail to get money from Sebastian. When that doesn't work, his desperation leads him to other attempts. I was glued to the pages as his actions took a dangerous direction. I ached for Paulina as she discovered how low her brother would go. Sebastian's protectiveness for the woman he realizes he loves puts his life in peril. The scene between him and Antonio had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
I loved the ending and seeing where they were two years later. I enjoyed seeing how happy Sebastian is and that Paulina has the life she could only dream of before her marriage to Sebastian.
#netgalley
Paulina is a twenty-one-year-old woman who has lived under the thumb of her older brother Antonio since their parents died when she was much younger. He is extremely controlling, keeping her a virtual prisoner on their increasingly deteriorating estate. Antonio is driven by what other people think, so he talks big and gives the impression of great wealth. He is actually deeply in debt, but that doesn't stop his gambling and spending. He chooses Paulina's clothes and dictates where she may go and who she may talk to.
As the book opens, Paulina has been permitted to go to a store in town to purchase things for a party her brother is giving for her birthday. There she meets their new neighbor, Sebastian, who lives on the plantation next door and purchased the sugar mill that belonged to her family. They make quite the impression on each other, and Paulina invites him to her party. Sebastian turns her down because he spends most of his time working and has reasons to avoid romantic entanglements. But when Antonio arrives and sees them talking, he says terrible things about Sebastian and drags Paulina forcibly from the store. Sebastian suddenly changes his mind about the party and tells her he'll be there.
I ached for Paulina because it became evident that Antonio is abusive, selfish, and just plain mean-spirited. The party that night was not all that great, and Paulina spent most of it watching for Sebastian to arrive. I loved how he paid attention to her. Their interactions were respectful and respectable, but he didn't stay long. After the party ended, Antonio made wild accusations and threw Paulina out of the house in the middle of a storm. With nowhere else to go, she went to Sebastian. I loved how he took her in and cared for her. It was easy to see that there were sparks between them, but Sebastian is an honorable man. Unfortunately, they were caught in a compromising position the next morning by Antonio and two guardsmen. Again, he made wild accusations against Sebastian, ending with Sebastian being thrown in jail.
Then Antonio's diabolical plan comes out. He claims that Sebastian has dishonored Paulina and must marry her or stay in jail. Though Sebastian tries to refuse, eventually, he gives in because he worries about what will happen to his mill employees and those he's responsible for. He is furious, believing that Paulina was in on the setup. Though they are married, he is determined to find a way to annul the marriage.
I liked seeing the relationship between Sebastian and Paulina develop. Sebastian refuses to believe that Paulina wasn't involved and tells her not to expect anything from him. Paulina is hurt that he thinks she would do such a thing. I liked seeing Paulina's sweet nature slowly win Sebastian over, eventually convincing him that she is innocent. I enjoyed seeing her get involved in life there, fitting in as if she belonged. I especially enjoyed seeing her constantly surprise him with the things she could do. Sebastian, hurt by a deceptive woman in a previous relationship, resists the idea of risking his heart again. But the more he gets to know Paulina, the more she gets past his walls. He warmed my heart when he took her to town and gave her all the decision-making power. It was easy to see the feelings growing between them, but Sebastian resisted giving into them.
Trouble comes when Antonio first tries blackmail to get money from Sebastian. When that doesn't work, his desperation leads him to other attempts. I was glued to the pages as his actions took a dangerous direction. I ached for Paulina as she discovered how low her brother would go. Sebastian's protectiveness for the woman he realizes he loves puts his life in peril. The scene between him and Antonio had me on the edge of my seat until it was all over.
I loved the ending and seeing where they were two years later. I enjoyed seeing how happy Sebastian is and that Paulina has the life she could only dream of before her marriage to Sebastian.
#netgalley
August 26, 2022
Good story, nice location, engaging characters, really low steam. That frustrated me enough to think about shaving off stars. I didn't but will not read this author again unless I am guaranteed some smexy times.
August 28, 2022
3.5 stars
I had a lot of fun reading this romance. And can I just say - more Caribbean historicals, please! I enjoyed learning about the setting and time via Paulina and Sebastian's story.
And it's an action-packed story! Expect some fistfights, dramatic scenes, and a villain worth our ire. The romance is a lovely, closed-door slow burn, and I was for it every step of the way.
For more thoughts check out my Booktube wrap up - I enjoyed it a bunch and am looking forward to more from this author!
Content notes:
Thanks to Harlequin for providing a review copy.
I had a lot of fun reading this romance. And can I just say - more Caribbean historicals, please! I enjoyed learning about the setting and time via Paulina and Sebastian's story.
And it's an action-packed story! Expect some fistfights, dramatic scenes, and a villain worth our ire. The romance is a lovely, closed-door slow burn, and I was for it every step of the way.
For more thoughts check out my Booktube wrap up - I enjoyed it a bunch and am looking forward to more from this author!
Content notes:
Thanks to Harlequin for providing a review copy.
July 17, 2022
Set in the 1900s in the Caribbean, this romance explores the dark issues of domestic abuse and forced marriage, making the ethos realistic whilst delivering an engaging love story between Paulina and Sebastian. The believably created menace that defines the antagonist Antonio makes the story suspenseful.
I liked how the couple, Paulina and Sebastian, gained self-esteem and learned to trust as their relationship developed. I also enjoyed the original setting and the sensitive exploration of disturbing issues. The romance is lovely, and they so deserve their happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I liked how the couple, Paulina and Sebastian, gained self-esteem and learned to trust as their relationship developed. I also enjoyed the original setting and the sensitive exploration of disturbing issues. The romance is lovely, and they so deserve their happiness.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
did-not-finish
July 21, 2024DNF @ 34%. Loved the tropes (he thinks she tricked him into marriage, she’s also a victim), but the villain was a bit too villainous and the story felt longer than it needed to be. I usually love a soapy romance but maybe I wasn’t in the mood today because I ended up skimming after 34%.
October 6, 2023
A delicious (and quick) historical romance with so many of my favorite things - a strong heroine who needs a little spoiling, a cranky hero who secretly really wants to do said spoiling, a thoughtful and honest approach to the historical setting, and a meaty plot. All in under 300 pages! San Andres is one I'll be watching.
September 8, 2022
Reading this in the foreword is my favorite thing to hear. I love hearing the inspirations for stories.
"Not too long ago, while perusing 19th-century documents in the Dominican Republic's national archives, I came across a fascinating account of a man who had been forced to sign a marriage contract under the threat of imprisonment…this kernel became the basis for Sebastian and Paulina's story."
Never have I ever encountered such a despicable character as Antonio, Paulina's brother. He is very controlling of her which is the times but makes every single decision for her and treats her as his housekeeper. Then she speaks to some man and he schemes to force them together. The way he does it, jeez.
Though these two didn't have the best start and Sebastian thought she colluded with her brother to entrap him. Once he realized she was just as much victim to his whims they started to get to know eachother without animosity.
Such a sweet romance if they could stay away from her brother. They became friends as she helped him to fix up his house that needs some updating.
Thank you harlequinbooks and @lnetgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
"Not too long ago, while perusing 19th-century documents in the Dominican Republic's national archives, I came across a fascinating account of a man who had been forced to sign a marriage contract under the threat of imprisonment…this kernel became the basis for Sebastian and Paulina's story."
Never have I ever encountered such a despicable character as Antonio, Paulina's brother. He is very controlling of her which is the times but makes every single decision for her and treats her as his housekeeper. Then she speaks to some man and he schemes to force them together. The way he does it, jeez.
Though these two didn't have the best start and Sebastian thought she colluded with her brother to entrap him. Once he realized she was just as much victim to his whims they started to get to know eachother without animosity.
Such a sweet romance if they could stay away from her brother. They became friends as she helped him to fix up his house that needs some updating.
Thank you harlequinbooks and @lnetgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.
October 24, 2022
3.5 stars*
November 26, 2022
This book has a well-developed, intriguing setting and strong characters. It's just a little spicy and very sweet.
Unfortunately, continuity problems take away from the reading experience. Something as small as a character's hair being in braids in one paragraph and "unbound" in the next, to a character who was beaten and running with blood in one scene never cleaning, bandaging, or mentioning those injuries again. All of these could have easily been solved with some light editing.
That said, I would happily read more books by this author.
Unfortunately, continuity problems take away from the reading experience. Something as small as a character's hair being in braids in one paragraph and "unbound" in the next, to a character who was beaten and running with blood in one scene never cleaning, bandaging, or mentioning those injuries again. All of these could have easily been solved with some light editing.
That said, I would happily read more books by this author.
May 30, 2023
The Caribbean setting/characters were the main reason I bought this one since there still aren’t many historical titles featuring that part of the world, I thought that would make for a fairly unique reading experience, a window into a time and place I don’t know much about, but aside from food descriptions, setting and culture didn’t play as big a role in this one as I’d hoped.
Those extra setting and cultural details would have made this a little more vivid, but I would have been okay with this novel lacking somewhat in that department had the story been more compelling, unfortunately the conflict keeping this couple apart mostly relied on flimsy excuses on Sebastian’s side of things (burned by a woman in his past, his humble beginnings, his need to protect anyone he loves, etc.) plus there was also a one note villain, which is never my favorite thing.
It also did not help matters that Paulina was never anything less than eager to be with Sebastian, which to me felt a bit off, as the marriage to Sebastian is yet another thing her brother has forced her into and after a lifetime of having her choices taken away, it would have made sense had she pushed back on the idea, but right away she pines for this man she hardly knows to come to her bed. It’s a personal preference thing I guess, but I would have rather seen it take some time for Paulina to come around to being married, seeing some resistance from her would have been more interesting to me than the shopping sprees that ensued, although the shopping certainly provided an aspirational element that readers who fantasize about luxury will appreciate.
There was a segment of the story that I truly did enjoy, an altercation over a goat offered up a good bit of dramatic tension. I really liked how Paulina took action there, how she and Sebastian interacted not only with each other in those scenes but also with other members of the community present, had there been more moments like that, scenes a little more dynamic, I’m sure I would have liked this more, that said, I have seen this book on plenty of recommendation lists, so don’t let this review stop you if this book grabbed your interest, maybe it’ll be a better fit for you than it was for me.
Those extra setting and cultural details would have made this a little more vivid, but I would have been okay with this novel lacking somewhat in that department had the story been more compelling, unfortunately the conflict keeping this couple apart mostly relied on flimsy excuses on Sebastian’s side of things (burned by a woman in his past, his humble beginnings, his need to protect anyone he loves, etc.) plus there was also a one note villain, which is never my favorite thing.
It also did not help matters that Paulina was never anything less than eager to be with Sebastian, which to me felt a bit off, as the marriage to Sebastian is yet another thing her brother has forced her into and after a lifetime of having her choices taken away, it would have made sense had she pushed back on the idea, but right away she pines for this man she hardly knows to come to her bed. It’s a personal preference thing I guess, but I would have rather seen it take some time for Paulina to come around to being married, seeing some resistance from her would have been more interesting to me than the shopping sprees that ensued, although the shopping certainly provided an aspirational element that readers who fantasize about luxury will appreciate.
There was a segment of the story that I truly did enjoy, an altercation over a goat offered up a good bit of dramatic tension. I really liked how Paulina took action there, how she and Sebastian interacted not only with each other in those scenes but also with other members of the community present, had there been more moments like that, scenes a little more dynamic, I’m sure I would have liked this more, that said, I have seen this book on plenty of recommendation lists, so don’t let this review stop you if this book grabbed your interest, maybe it’ll be a better fit for you than it was for me.
Read
August 1, 2022Heat Factor: They keep holding themselves back…until they don’t.
Character Chemistry: Sebastian is too darn noble for his own good, which means there’s a lot of pining.
Plot: Paulina’s Evil Older Brother puts her in a compromising position with Sebastian, and then catches them there, and then throws Sebastian in jail until he agrees to marry Paulina…but what’s his long game???
Overall: A perfectly delicious category romance.
This book has everything I want in a good category romance: a ridiculous set up, lots of emotional turmoil, a severe lack of communication, an evocative setting, and more drama than you can shake a stick at. The main characters were largely delightful and the intrigue wasn’t predictable.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Character Chemistry: Sebastian is too darn noble for his own good, which means there’s a lot of pining.
Plot: Paulina’s Evil Older Brother puts her in a compromising position with Sebastian, and then catches them there, and then throws Sebastian in jail until he agrees to marry Paulina…but what’s his long game???
Overall: A perfectly delicious category romance.
This book has everything I want in a good category romance: a ridiculous set up, lots of emotional turmoil, a severe lack of communication, an evocative setting, and more drama than you can shake a stick at. The main characters were largely delightful and the intrigue wasn’t predictable.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
April 26, 2025
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers and general tags. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
4.5/5
Ebook
* Summary: Banished by her oppressive brother, Paulina takes shelter with Sebastian, her new neighbor with whom she’s had a brief connexion, before the two are forced into a marriage.
* Stats: HR (1904), MF, fade to black/cracked open door, stand alone.
* Notes: I enjoyed this - it’s a little haphazard, but Paulina’s directness and insistence on making the best of her new life and Sebastian’s drive to help Paulina overcome the stifling and isolating nature of her previous life were really well done. I found the balance of the chemistry between the two characters versus their situational anger or frustration convincing and loved that every female character in the story is portrayed positively or at a minimum with understanding - when it would have been very easy to use one of them (in particular) as a villain. The setting felt well researched and developed, and I really enjoyed the story!
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
4.5/5
Ebook
* Summary: Banished by her oppressive brother, Paulina takes shelter with Sebastian, her new neighbor with whom she’s had a brief connexion, before the two are forced into a marriage.
* Stats: HR (1904), MF, fade to black/cracked open door, stand alone.
* Notes: I enjoyed this - it’s a little haphazard, but Paulina’s directness and insistence on making the best of her new life and Sebastian’s drive to help Paulina overcome the stifling and isolating nature of her previous life were really well done. I found the balance of the chemistry between the two characters versus their situational anger or frustration convincing and loved that every female character in the story is portrayed positively or at a minimum with understanding - when it would have been very easy to use one of them (in particular) as a villain. The setting felt well researched and developed, and I really enjoyed the story!
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
September 20, 2023
I’d seen the buzz about Lydia San Andres Harlequin debut on Twitter, and I immediately picked up Compromised into a Scandalous Marriage for its setting. Set in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century, this forced marriage tale is a tad formulaic, but in this author’s hands, it’s an engaging formula.
Paulina Despradel lives in San Pedro de Macoris, under the control of her older brother Antonio. Antonio watches Paulina like a hawk, giving her little opportunity to engage with anyone outside the family home. When Paulina meets their new neighbor, Sebastian Linares, she is immediately struck by his kindness and good looks.
After getting drunk one night, Antonio throws his sister out of the house into a storm. She seeks refuge at Sebastian’s home nearby. In the morning, Antonio shows up, eventually demanding the pair marry to protect Paulina’s reputation. It quickly becomes apparent that this was all a set-up by Antonio – but why?
From the beginning readers will figure out that Antonio is up to no good and of course, since this is a romance, the forced marriage will work out splendidly. However, the author does a lovely job of getting readers to that inevitable ending. Sebastian figures out pretty quickly that Antonio is not a good person, but it takes longer to determine whether Paulina was part of the plot or not. After all, Antonio is not as prosperous as the picture he presents to the town might suggest. The initial stages of the marriage, where Sebastian is determined to get an annulment and where he suspects Paulina of marrying him for his growing fortune, created a great deal of tension in the story.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/tbr-chall...
Paulina Despradel lives in San Pedro de Macoris, under the control of her older brother Antonio. Antonio watches Paulina like a hawk, giving her little opportunity to engage with anyone outside the family home. When Paulina meets their new neighbor, Sebastian Linares, she is immediately struck by his kindness and good looks.
After getting drunk one night, Antonio throws his sister out of the house into a storm. She seeks refuge at Sebastian’s home nearby. In the morning, Antonio shows up, eventually demanding the pair marry to protect Paulina’s reputation. It quickly becomes apparent that this was all a set-up by Antonio – but why?
From the beginning readers will figure out that Antonio is up to no good and of course, since this is a romance, the forced marriage will work out splendidly. However, the author does a lovely job of getting readers to that inevitable ending. Sebastian figures out pretty quickly that Antonio is not a good person, but it takes longer to determine whether Paulina was part of the plot or not. After all, Antonio is not as prosperous as the picture he presents to the town might suggest. The initial stages of the marriage, where Sebastian is determined to get an annulment and where he suspects Paulina of marrying him for his growing fortune, created a great deal of tension in the story.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text here: https://allaboutromance.com/tbr-chall...
September 15, 2022
This book came out in June from Mills & Boon and initially I was intrigued by a historical romance set in the Caribbean. I’d give a content warning for emotional & physical abuse from a family member, but aside from that I enjoyed the early chapters of the book. Pauline’s parents died when she was a fairly young child and she’s been under the supervision of her much older brother. He treats her harshly, and then engineers circumstances to force her into a marriage with Sebastian. The main conflict of the romance in the book hinges around first, Sebastian thinking Paulina was in league with her brother to stage the engagement and then around his various other concerns about the trouble with caring for someone. This is where I got bored. He swings back and forth so often between acting like he cares for her and then deciding that too many people “depend” on him for him to do something as dangerous as *gasp* caring about a woman. Just look at all the terrible things that happen when he does! *eye roll*
I really got fed up of him and had to force myself to push on just so I could find out how they eventually resolved things with Paulina’s brother. Honestly though I think she deserved a better husband than Sebastian.
I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really got fed up of him and had to force myself to push on just so I could find out how they eventually resolved things with Paulina’s brother. Honestly though I think she deserved a better husband than Sebastian.
I received this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2023
Definitely read this because it was recommended when someone asked for "no overly-violent-as-protective men." Something like that. Anyway, this definitely lives up to having a feisty, independent leading lady in Paulina. She's got heart, and sass, and a willingness to work towards what she wants.
I really like how plausibly this setting portrayed people of color as protagonists in a historical fiction novel. It probably says more about my assumptions than anything else that I was impressed at how realistically Sebastian was affluent and a business owner. We're here to learn. I'm fairly ignorant of the Dominican Republic, so seeing this portrait of it thriving with industry through sugar production offered a fascinating window into a chunk of the country's history.
With that said, I didn't quite click with the story. I dunno, probably a me thing. I'd still recommend it as an enjoyable, romantic read.
I really like how plausibly this setting portrayed people of color as protagonists in a historical fiction novel. It probably says more about my assumptions than anything else that I was impressed at how realistically Sebastian was affluent and a business owner. We're here to learn. I'm fairly ignorant of the Dominican Republic, so seeing this portrait of it thriving with industry through sugar production offered a fascinating window into a chunk of the country's history.
With that said, I didn't quite click with the story. I dunno, probably a me thing. I'd still recommend it as an enjoyable, romantic read.
March 27, 2023
Paulina Despradel is a 21-year-old who lives under the watchful eye of her older evil brother Antonio. This historical story takes place in 1904 Sebastian Linares and Paulina are attracted to each other upon their first meet. Although Paulina not realizing that Sebatian is the little boy from her childhood that she always interacted with as child. When she is banished from the family Quinta into a storm and the only one, she can turn to is Sebastian this is where the best part of story starts. Her brother has Linares arrested and held captive forcing him into a marriage with his sister which turns out to be a great thing in the end. After a lot of struggle these two get there well deserved happily ever after. Great debut historical story by this author for Harlequin.
July 29, 2024
3.5 this is a childhood friends to lovers book that is very sweet. Paulina had only one friend as a child the boy who was the child to one of the women employed by her parents. After their death, her brother ran the business to the ground. He also emotionally and finically abuses his sister. As adults, she meets Sebastian who purchased her family’s mill and is attracted to him. They are forced to marry and he attempts to resist his feelings for her every step of the way. I didn’t actually understand how her brother got everyone to do his bidding if they were broke at that point. Also Sebastian is kind of annoying with his resisting her. But the epilogue was very sweet.
July 26, 2024
4.5⭐️
🇩🇴Latinx Historical romance
Set in DR🇩🇴
Fade to black
Ahhhh so freaken good! Loved the characters so much! Both were forced into a marriage but the force proximity??! The tension 😩 the brother got on my nerves the whole book book but wow this story was amazing! He was the sweetest man ever! Helping out everyone! Super selfless 🥹 and she knew what she wanted, asked for it and stood her ground 😌🙌🏼 the character development was EVERYTHING!
Favorite quote “You, Sebastian, shine with an inner light that touches everything around you” 🤭
🇩🇴Latinx Historical romance
Set in DR🇩🇴
Fade to black
Ahhhh so freaken good! Loved the characters so much! Both were forced into a marriage but the force proximity??! The tension 😩 the brother got on my nerves the whole book book but wow this story was amazing! He was the sweetest man ever! Helping out everyone! Super selfless 🥹 and she knew what she wanted, asked for it and stood her ground 😌🙌🏼 the character development was EVERYTHING!
Favorite quote “You, Sebastian, shine with an inner light that touches everything around you” 🤭
dnf-nfn
December 20, 2022DNF (Did Not Finish) @ 17%
The setting in this was so cool - turn of the century Caribbean - but the story itself didn't quite work out for me. It was just a little simplistic in terms of the baddies being super bad and the plot being a little predictable. If you're looking for something historical that isn't the typical regency, though, still worth giving this one a try!
Content Warnings:
abusive family
The setting in this was so cool - turn of the century Caribbean - but the story itself didn't quite work out for me. It was just a little simplistic in terms of the baddies being super bad and the plot being a little predictable. If you're looking for something historical that isn't the typical regency, though, still worth giving this one a try!
Content Warnings:
abusive family
August 25, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
Really enjoyed this historical romance. The villain is truly villainous, the supporting characters well-drawn, the setting details just enough, and the couple have a satisfying slow burn. Both have believable wounds and their romance reflects this. Some things felt a bit rushed or glossed over, but I highly recommend this for both lovers of and those looking to get into historical romance.
Really enjoyed this historical romance. The villain is truly villainous, the supporting characters well-drawn, the setting details just enough, and the couple have a satisfying slow burn. Both have believable wounds and their romance reflects this. Some things felt a bit rushed or glossed over, but I highly recommend this for both lovers of and those looking to get into historical romance.
December 6, 2022
really enjoyed this. Although at first the reason for being forced into the marriage seemed contrived to me, it all became clear later and made sense. I really loved Paulina and watching her come into her own.
Of note is that when initiating s*x, Paulina asks for Sebastian's consent. We need more of this!!
Of note is that when initiating s*x, Paulina asks for Sebastian's consent. We need more of this!!
August 11, 2024
Content warnings: death of a parent (in the past), domestic violence, confinement, emotional abuse, gaslighting, mentions of slavery
A charming way to cross the Dominican Republic off my Read Around the World list! This somehow felt like a very slow read given its length, and it took me a really long time to feel like I was invested in the story. I cannot pinpoint why but at times this really did feel like I was wading through quicksand. Don't get me wrong, ultimately I very much enjoyed the story and the characters and the way the romance played out! It just took me a while to get there.
A charming way to cross the Dominican Republic off my Read Around the World list! This somehow felt like a very slow read given its length, and it took me a really long time to feel like I was invested in the story. I cannot pinpoint why but at times this really did feel like I was wading through quicksand. Don't get me wrong, ultimately I very much enjoyed the story and the characters and the way the romance played out! It just took me a while to get there.
February 9, 2025
Well researched and rich in detail, this romance delivers all the tropes with sensuality and historical resonance. The protagonist is an admirable, strong-willed woman facing her greatest enemy within her own family. Her love interest is noble and worthy of her strong character and you can't help but root for them. A wonderful read!
September 1, 2022
This was really sweet! And it’s set in the Spanish Caribbean in the early 1900’s. It’s so refreshing to read a historical romance not set in England or America and with Latinx main characters. More please!
September 14, 2022
Enjoyed this one a lot. Lots of pining, a historical setting that I haven't come across before, satisfying resolution to the conflict, people growing and learning and building trust.
The villain in this is extremely villainous, fyi.
The villain in this is extremely villainous, fyi.
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