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A Family of Scandals #1
Secretly Bound to the Marquess
An emotional Regency reunion story
One passionate night
A seven-year-old secret…
Widowed Lady Eliza Varden must endure one more ball before she can politely return to the country. Only her last dance brings her face-to-face with Nathaniel, the new Marquess of Hale. It’s been years since their steamy encounter, but the spark between them is as alive as ever. Yet Eliza knows it’s not just their mutual attraction that binds them now… But is she ready to risk her independence with the truth?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
One passionate night
A seven-year-old secret…
Widowed Lady Eliza Varden must endure one more ball before she can politely return to the country. Only her last dance brings her face-to-face with Nathaniel, the new Marquess of Hale. It’s been years since their steamy encounter, but the spark between them is as alive as ever. Yet Eliza knows it’s not just their mutual attraction that binds them now… But is she ready to risk her independence with the truth?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 25, 2022
About the author
Diane Gaston
178 books127 followersDiane Gaston’s dream job had always been to write romance novels. One day she decided to pursue that dream and has never looked back; she is now writing full-time. Her books have won Romance’s highest honour—the RITA Award, the National Readers Choice Award and the Golden Heart. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three very ordinary house cats. Diane loves to hear from readers and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 16, 2022
In her latest historical romance, Diane Gaston lets doubts and schemes repeatedly cause heartache for a woman and man who only want to be loved. With them having been hurt by those who should care for them, these individuals end up going through a number of experiences that are depicted with much realism, and I often suffered right along with them. Those classified as upper society in England frequently found their lives being closely scrutinized by their peers in the early 1800’s, and regardless of whether a detail was a fact or only gossip, things might never be the same for them again if the information was spread around. Ms. Gaston had me deeply caring about her main couple in this story, as their welfare and future happiness became most important to me.
When Nathaniel Thorne and Lady Eliza Varden happen to meet on a rainy night, both were facing life-changing events and an unexpected bond was formed. While the soldier and new bride never saw each other for seven years, recollections of that fateful night kept passing through their minds. After a period of mourning for her deceased husband, Eliza goes to a ball in London. There, she is introduced to the Marquess of Hale. Turns out, Nathaniel not only survived the war but now has a title. While they may be linked to one another because of their past history, they also have a big connection in the present.
So much happens in SECRETLY BOUND TO THE MARQUESS, and I was totally caught up in each compelling moment. Devious individuals who are only thinking of themselves along with troublesome relatives kept intrigue in story escalating, and I had no idea what these people might do to cause problems for Nate and Eliza. Several instances really had me fretting over the outcome of the situation because of how many different ways it could go. As for the personal issues affecting this couple, these matters only kept mounting, making it often seem like there was no way possible for these two to ever have a future together. I really felt for Nate at times as he has been through so much in his life, and I truly wanted him to be content for once. As for Eliza, she has some upsetting circumstances to triumph over, too. SECRETLY BOUND TO THE MARQUESS is packed with believable situations, very interesting characters, and a noteworthy storyline filled with colorful descriptions.
When Nathaniel Thorne and Lady Eliza Varden happen to meet on a rainy night, both were facing life-changing events and an unexpected bond was formed. While the soldier and new bride never saw each other for seven years, recollections of that fateful night kept passing through their minds. After a period of mourning for her deceased husband, Eliza goes to a ball in London. There, she is introduced to the Marquess of Hale. Turns out, Nathaniel not only survived the war but now has a title. While they may be linked to one another because of their past history, they also have a big connection in the present.
So much happens in SECRETLY BOUND TO THE MARQUESS, and I was totally caught up in each compelling moment. Devious individuals who are only thinking of themselves along with troublesome relatives kept intrigue in story escalating, and I had no idea what these people might do to cause problems for Nate and Eliza. Several instances really had me fretting over the outcome of the situation because of how many different ways it could go. As for the personal issues affecting this couple, these matters only kept mounting, making it often seem like there was no way possible for these two to ever have a future together. I really felt for Nate at times as he has been through so much in his life, and I truly wanted him to be content for once. As for Eliza, she has some upsetting circumstances to triumph over, too. SECRETLY BOUND TO THE MARQUESS is packed with believable situations, very interesting characters, and a noteworthy storyline filled with colorful descriptions.
September 16, 2023
I’ve read several books by Diane Gaston and thoroughly enjoyed them, but this one fell flat for me.
My primary issue was with the heroine, Eliza, whom I found frustratingly unreasonable. Aside from a late external conflict, almost all the drama was manufactured entirely in her head. She refused to trust Nate simply because he had changed over the last seven years—a completely natural progression for anyone. During scenes like their night at Nate's house, her unprovoked verbal attacks were baffling, and while she recognized her own erratic behavior, she made no effort to stop it. Worst of all was her selfish decision to deny Nate access to
If you haven't read Diane Gaston before, don't let this one put you off—her other books are fantastic. Since I adored Nate and my main issue was purely with Eliza's characterization, your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for inner-conflict drama!
My primary issue was with the heroine, Eliza, whom I found frustratingly unreasonable. Aside from a late external conflict, almost all the drama was manufactured entirely in her head. She refused to trust Nate simply because he had changed over the last seven years—a completely natural progression for anyone. During scenes like their night at Nate's house, her unprovoked verbal attacks were baffling, and while she recognized her own erratic behavior, she made no effort to stop it. Worst of all was her selfish decision to deny Nate access to
If you haven't read Diane Gaston before, don't let this one put you off—her other books are fantastic. Since I adored Nate and my main issue was purely with Eliza's characterization, your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for inner-conflict drama!
December 3, 2024
Helaas niet zo goed als ik gehoopt had , ik vond Eliza te veranderlijk van karakter . Dit is een van de weinige boeken van D.G. die ik maar 3 sterren geef .
November 15, 2022
Eliza married her friend Henry, Viscount Varden, to save herself from an unwanted suitor, only to find herself in another impossible situation: her husband has a secret. Upon finding out about this secret, Eliza is humiliated and devastated and walks out of her home, only to run across Nate the soldier, who she forms a precious bond with. But Nate is bound for war and Eliza is bound to stay with her husband. Seven years later, Nate is out of the Army and is now the Marquess of Hale, and Eliza is a widow with a secret of her own.
There was intrigue in this story, which kept it interesting, along with Eliza and Nate's struggle to forge a relationship seven years after their original encounter. Nate is in Parliament, trying to make a difference there, and Eliza is trying to maintain her independence after being told by other people what to do her whole life. They also have a mutual enemy that must be dealt with.
Henry was the one area of contention I had with this story. He was hardly an honorable man despite how he was later portrayed. He bought Eliza to cover up his situation and then didn't have the decency to tell her the truth before she was humiliated and rejected. Some 'best friend.' Nate's almost flippant dismissal of Eliza's feelings in favor of what Henry had done also didn't sit right with me. Henry could have always remained a 'confirmed bachelor' and saved Eliza the trouble. She could have tried to escape marrying the man her parents presented to her and found somebody else. Portraying that Eliza's feelings weren't as important as Henry's was a no-go.
Despite these things, this was an engaging tale for the most part, and was enjoyable to read.
There was intrigue in this story, which kept it interesting, along with Eliza and Nate's struggle to forge a relationship seven years after their original encounter. Nate is in Parliament, trying to make a difference there, and Eliza is trying to maintain her independence after being told by other people what to do her whole life. They also have a mutual enemy that must be dealt with.
Henry was the one area of contention I had with this story. He was hardly an honorable man despite how he was later portrayed. He bought Eliza to cover up his situation and then didn't have the decency to tell her the truth before she was humiliated and rejected. Some 'best friend.' Nate's almost flippant dismissal of Eliza's feelings in favor of what Henry had done also didn't sit right with me. Henry could have always remained a 'confirmed bachelor' and saved Eliza the trouble. She could have tried to escape marrying the man her parents presented to her and found somebody else. Portraying that Eliza's feelings weren't as important as Henry's was a no-go.
Despite these things, this was an engaging tale for the most part, and was enjoyable to read.
November 5, 2022
Widowed Lady Eliza Varden prefers life in the country, but she is in London for business and her sisters have dragged her to a ball. She is surprised to come face to face with Nathaniel, the new Marquess of Hale. The two had a passionate encounter some years ago and that passion is clearly not dead. They are connected in other ways as well but there are those who do not want to see these two united in anything.
Diane Gaston writes incredible stories that are unique in so many ways. Both Nathaniel and Eliza are strong individuals determined to do what is right and to protect their loved ones. They met under unusual circumstances and their meeting once again all those years later was unforeseen. So much was going on with individuals trying to manipulate both Nathaniel and Eliza into doing what they wanted. You could not help but wish these two would get a happily ever after. They go through so much. Diane Gaston is truly gifted with her stories. She gives us everything we want in a historical romance and adds in a bit more to our satisfaction.
Diane Gaston writes incredible stories that are unique in so many ways. Both Nathaniel and Eliza are strong individuals determined to do what is right and to protect their loved ones. They met under unusual circumstances and their meeting once again all those years later was unforeseen. So much was going on with individuals trying to manipulate both Nathaniel and Eliza into doing what they wanted. You could not help but wish these two would get a happily ever after. They go through so much. Diane Gaston is truly gifted with her stories. She gives us everything we want in a historical romance and adds in a bit more to our satisfaction.
December 27, 2022
Widoewed Lady Eliza Varden has a secret that goes back to a steamy encounter with Nathaniel who she thought was never coming back. Now he is back as the Marquess of Hale. If she lets him in on her secret her hard won independence is forfeit.
But temptation is calling.
Diane Gaston always gives her characters hard choices that make the struggle to a HEA well worth the effort. One of my favorite authors. Highly recommend.
But temptation is calling.
Diane Gaston always gives her characters hard choices that make the struggle to a HEA well worth the effort. One of my favorite authors. Highly recommend.
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October 17, 2024A superb read!
This HMB romance was brilliantly conceived and other than the anticipated happy ending I couldn't guess what conclusion the author had in mind for her characters, so an element of surprise kept me reading to see how the story would evolve. I have never read this author before, but have other titles stockpiled so I expect I will enjoy her work in future and anyone new to the Historical series couldn't do wrong to start with a Diane Gaston title!
Highly recommended!
This HMB romance was brilliantly conceived and other than the anticipated happy ending I couldn't guess what conclusion the author had in mind for her characters, so an element of surprise kept me reading to see how the story would evolve. I have never read this author before, but have other titles stockpiled so I expect I will enjoy her work in future and anyone new to the Historical series couldn't do wrong to start with a Diane Gaston title!
Highly recommended!
December 30, 2025
Knyga yra lengvai skaitoma ir įtraukianti, todėl ji patiks visiems, mėgstantiems meilės istorijas. Joje pasakojama apie Elizą ir Natanielį, kuriuos sieja paslaptingas ir stiprus jausmų ryšys. Abu veikėjai išgyvena vidinius prieštaravimus, baimę atsiverti ir būti atstumtiems, tačiau jų jausmai palaipsniui stiprėja. Slaptas ryšys tarp Elizos ir Natanielio tampa išbandymu, kuris atskleidžia tikrąją meilės vertę.
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading this story as it had a lot of messages to give and the love it presented could have not been more unselfish and pure. I would read it again and again without any problems because the story is worthy of attention and above all it is a very clever written book that many would enjoy.
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October 28, 2022
Another great read from Diane.
November 23, 2025
Romantiška istorija.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews