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The Bluestocking War #10
The Beast's Bargain
Sometimes the only way a beast can find love is with a bargain. . . But will the lady in question be brave enough to take it?
Miss Olivia Bliss is the delight of the ton! Charming, beautiful and. . . Living a lie. For in her heart of hearts, she'd rather discuss Roman philosophy instead of diamonds. But her mother and father are determined she should make an excellent match, of course. Olivia has one last chance at living her dreams and it means going all the way to an island in Scotland to seize it over Yule!
The Duke of Ayrshire is a nearly broken man. After the loss of his dear brother, he looks after his niece and nephew and the Roman collection his brother was working on. He has only one goal. To honor his brother. There is no room for love or a duchess in his life. But when Olivia shows up on his castlestep in the middle of a snowstorm right before Christmas, he dares to give her her dream. For surely, nothing can touch his heart. . . Not even Miss Bliss
Miss Olivia Bliss is the delight of the ton! Charming, beautiful and. . . Living a lie. For in her heart of hearts, she'd rather discuss Roman philosophy instead of diamonds. But her mother and father are determined she should make an excellent match, of course. Olivia has one last chance at living her dreams and it means going all the way to an island in Scotland to seize it over Yule!
The Duke of Ayrshire is a nearly broken man. After the loss of his dear brother, he looks after his niece and nephew and the Roman collection his brother was working on. He has only one goal. To honor his brother. There is no room for love or a duchess in his life. But when Olivia shows up on his castlestep in the middle of a snowstorm right before Christmas, he dares to give her her dream. For surely, nothing can touch his heart. . . Not even Miss Bliss
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2022
398 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 4, 2023
Recluse and the debutant. Nice story, good characters.
January 19, 2023
This is my 52nd book by Eva Devon. I read 1 of her books in 2016 and didn’t pick her up again until 2018. She is now one of my favorites.
I enjoyed Olivia and Duncan's story. Good read. Really like this series.
I enjoyed Olivia and Duncan's story. Good read. Really like this series.
August 27, 2023
An interesting story. Lovely characters. Everything was "hunky dory". 4☆
August 26, 2025
Super bland and boring but I appreciated that she had dreams and was interested in history specifically Roman history
But the romance aspect was disappointing
But the romance aspect was disappointing
January 27, 2023
2.5 Stars rounded up because it is a perfectly acceptable story -- but it got too sappy for me. DNF 40%
June 5, 2023
Thank goodness the MMC had a friend that had some sense. His "reason" for not getting married was illogical and lame and his friend called him out on it. I liked this story. I liked the MMC and FMC together. The MMC remembering his brother at Christmas made me cry. A lot. Low Angst. Ends at 80% on kindle.
December 29, 2022
3.5 stars. This was very sweet. Olivia is kind and perfect. Almost too perfect. Duncan is strong but struggling. He’s sweet too but falls for her just a bit too fast perhaps. The kids are lovely but just a bit too mature and sweet. It’s all very sugary but in a mostly good way.
December 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this gentle love story. Of the Bluestocking Wars series this has been my favorite! All of the characters are very well developed even down to the highland animals.
Lady Olivia Bliss was raised for essentially one thing, to marry well. Her parents expected it of her. Olivia is a history buff. She is largely self taught. She determined to take a leap and meet a duke, a historian, whom she had been corresponding with for years. Olivia was masquerading as Mr. Bliss, learning from the Duke’s travels, his study of the Roman Empire.
Duncan, the Duke of Argyles, has been hiding away with his niece and nephew in the castle on a Scottish island. He had lost his family, his much loved brother and sister-in-law. Now raising their children he was hiding from his life.
Olivia turns his world on end as she appears, not as Mr. Bliss but as
Miss Bliss. Unmarried, unaccompanied she hopes to spend a few weeks studying Roman artifacts with him.
She finds freedom in knowledge, in her heart, in her life. Can Duncan see the life he is offered, the love he is offered? Can he open his heart? The Earl of Blackhaven comes to spend Christmas with Duncan. Does he offer for Olivia? Does he encourage Duncan? The highland coos even have a role to play in this Scottish romance.
Lady Olivia Bliss was raised for essentially one thing, to marry well. Her parents expected it of her. Olivia is a history buff. She is largely self taught. She determined to take a leap and meet a duke, a historian, whom she had been corresponding with for years. Olivia was masquerading as Mr. Bliss, learning from the Duke’s travels, his study of the Roman Empire.
Duncan, the Duke of Argyles, has been hiding away with his niece and nephew in the castle on a Scottish island. He had lost his family, his much loved brother and sister-in-law. Now raising their children he was hiding from his life.
Olivia turns his world on end as she appears, not as Mr. Bliss but as
Miss Bliss. Unmarried, unaccompanied she hopes to spend a few weeks studying Roman artifacts with him.
She finds freedom in knowledge, in her heart, in her life. Can Duncan see the life he is offered, the love he is offered? Can he open his heart? The Earl of Blackhaven comes to spend Christmas with Duncan. Does he offer for Olivia? Does he encourage Duncan? The highland coos even have a role to play in this Scottish romance.
December 28, 2022
Duncan Aka Duke of Argyle is not my book boyfriend. The stars are for Olivia and the other characters. Olivia came to visit her cousin from the earlier book but also to visit Duncan whom she has been secretly corresponding with as a man for 3 years. When he doesn’t turn her away and understands the reason for her deception in a male dominated field!
They are so much alike and have so much in common they are made for each other except Duncan is a dunderhead.
His reason are devotion to his niece and nephew and preserving their parents memories etc!
Hogwash Spoiler alert
You took Olivia innocence yes it was mutual but you kept sleeping with her and would send her home! What kind of jerk does even speak that! Where was his honor once I could see but you kept sleeping with her with no protection!!?? Yet you love her and fool that she is she lets you! Because you must preserve your niece and nephew memories of their parents!?? Utter hogwash they can see that true love survives in you and your bride!
Duncan literally had to have sense knocked into him almost too late! When you read the end if they didn’t marry it would have been awful for Olivia! Ugh do not like Duncan! Love the series though! Bravo!
They are so much alike and have so much in common they are made for each other except Duncan is a dunderhead.
His reason are devotion to his niece and nephew and preserving their parents memories etc!
Hogwash Spoiler alert
You took Olivia innocence yes it was mutual but you kept sleeping with her and would send her home! What kind of jerk does even speak that! Where was his honor once I could see but you kept sleeping with her with no protection!!?? Yet you love her and fool that she is she lets you! Because you must preserve your niece and nephew memories of their parents!?? Utter hogwash they can see that true love survives in you and your bride!
Duncan literally had to have sense knocked into him almost too late! When you read the end if they didn’t marry it would have been awful for Olivia! Ugh do not like Duncan! Love the series though! Bravo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
Fabulous
Olivia bliss wanted more from her life than just going to balls and parties in the ton. Olivia had a brain and she had been corresponding with the Duke of Ayrshire regarding Roman philosophy and archaeology. What the Duke didn’t know was that she wasn’t a Mr. Bliss, but a Miss. When the duke invited Mr. Bliss for a visit to see his artifacts over Christmas, he had no idea what he was getting.
The Duke of Ayrshire was left to raise his niece and nephew by his brother and sister-in-law who were lost at sea, and he blamed himself for not having been with them. He was left a sad, wreck of a man who lost himself in duty and artifacts.
When Olivia showed up at his castle, Duncan could have been angry, but he was moved by both her gall and her initiative, and admired her intellect from her letters. He decided he should write her parents, but allow her to stay.
Olivia fit in quite well in the Scottish wilds with Duncan and his niece and nephew, and they all had a wonderful time. The question is, will the lonely Duke decide he must suffer forever for losing his brother or will he reach for love when it’s near?
Olivia bliss wanted more from her life than just going to balls and parties in the ton. Olivia had a brain and she had been corresponding with the Duke of Ayrshire regarding Roman philosophy and archaeology. What the Duke didn’t know was that she wasn’t a Mr. Bliss, but a Miss. When the duke invited Mr. Bliss for a visit to see his artifacts over Christmas, he had no idea what he was getting.
The Duke of Ayrshire was left to raise his niece and nephew by his brother and sister-in-law who were lost at sea, and he blamed himself for not having been with them. He was left a sad, wreck of a man who lost himself in duty and artifacts.
When Olivia showed up at his castle, Duncan could have been angry, but he was moved by both her gall and her initiative, and admired her intellect from her letters. He decided he should write her parents, but allow her to stay.
Olivia fit in quite well in the Scottish wilds with Duncan and his niece and nephew, and they all had a wonderful time. The question is, will the lonely Duke decide he must suffer forever for losing his brother or will he reach for love when it’s near?
February 20, 2023
Olivia Bliss has one dream before she settles down - to visit her friend, Duncan, the Duke of Ayrshire and view his historical artefact collection. So she does. There's only one tiny problem - Duncan may be under the impression she is a man.
Duncan has had a rough three years as the devoted guardian to his orphaned niece and nephew but his letters to Mr Bliss have been a lifeline. So when Mr Bliss arrives for Christmas, he is shocked to find Mr Bliss is actually a Miss Bliss. But, although highly improper, he is willing to let her stay and view the collection. Afterall - what are friends for?
I liked Olivia in The Beast's Ball so I was interested to read her book. And it was enjoyable for the most part. Honestly I liked it more at the start - it got a bit too sappy for me towards the end. Still it was an okay read. Olivia and Duncan were sweet together and I liked their interactions with the children. And Duncan's exchanges with Brookhaven and Malcolm (the butler) were amusing. Overall, a feel good romance with historical elements. 2.5 stars, rounded to 2.
Duncan has had a rough three years as the devoted guardian to his orphaned niece and nephew but his letters to Mr Bliss have been a lifeline. So when Mr Bliss arrives for Christmas, he is shocked to find Mr Bliss is actually a Miss Bliss. But, although highly improper, he is willing to let her stay and view the collection. Afterall - what are friends for?
I liked Olivia in The Beast's Ball so I was interested to read her book. And it was enjoyable for the most part. Honestly I liked it more at the start - it got a bit too sappy for me towards the end. Still it was an okay read. Olivia and Duncan were sweet together and I liked their interactions with the children. And Duncan's exchanges with Brookhaven and Malcolm (the butler) were amusing. Overall, a feel good romance with historical elements. 2.5 stars, rounded to 2.
July 6, 2023
Olivia finds more
Oh to be brave enough to go for what you want. Olivia is tired of pretending to be less than in order to fill the role of the debutant. She loves history and philosophy and is tired of hiding her real self. Her cousin showed that being brave could result in happiness so she decided to go after her own interests. Arriving at the duke's castle on the island off Scotland just before the storm. She had been corresponding with him about roman history for years but he knows her as Mr. Bliss, very surprising to find a woman at his door instead. He forgives this deceit and because of the storm agreed to her staying through the holidays. Little did either of them know how much they needed each other. While I don't personally agree to sex before marriage, the description was kept short and lended itself to the story. The little niece and nephew were my favorite.
Oh to be brave enough to go for what you want. Olivia is tired of pretending to be less than in order to fill the role of the debutant. She loves history and philosophy and is tired of hiding her real self. Her cousin showed that being brave could result in happiness so she decided to go after her own interests. Arriving at the duke's castle on the island off Scotland just before the storm. She had been corresponding with him about roman history for years but he knows her as Mr. Bliss, very surprising to find a woman at his door instead. He forgives this deceit and because of the storm agreed to her staying through the holidays. Little did either of them know how much they needed each other. While I don't personally agree to sex before marriage, the description was kept short and lended itself to the story. The little niece and nephew were my favorite.
January 24, 2023
A touching Christmas story
A bereaved brother and two orphaned children a niece and nephew cluster together in their castle by the sea. Into their life arrives a young lady who pretended to be a man in her letters to the Duke. It’s a conundrum but the Duke of Ayrshire accepts her explanation and her and the truth of their relationship blooms. The story focuses on mourning and duty and the confusion between responsibility to one self and others. The Duke doesn’t know how to negotiate his love for his brother and sister in law with his feelings of loss and duty to them. Olivia is the light that helps them mourn but also move forward with out forgetting. It’s a sweet story and the dialogue is romantic and tender. It’s amazing the depth of personalities that the author creates from children, to butlers, to friends.. it is a true romance novel.
A bereaved brother and two orphaned children a niece and nephew cluster together in their castle by the sea. Into their life arrives a young lady who pretended to be a man in her letters to the Duke. It’s a conundrum but the Duke of Ayrshire accepts her explanation and her and the truth of their relationship blooms. The story focuses on mourning and duty and the confusion between responsibility to one self and others. The Duke doesn’t know how to negotiate his love for his brother and sister in law with his feelings of loss and duty to them. Olivia is the light that helps them mourn but also move forward with out forgetting. It’s a sweet story and the dialogue is romantic and tender. It’s amazing the depth of personalities that the author creates from children, to butlers, to friends.. it is a true romance novel.
January 28, 2023
An adoring this series.
Olivia has travelled to the Scottish isles at Christmas to visit Duncan the Duke of Ayr, an expert on Roman history which is her secret passion. Duncan is expecting a fellow scholar and is surprised when a young lady shows up at his door, but agrees to let her stay as she shares his interest in all things roman.
In many ways one of my favourites in the series, the dedication to family, the shared interests, the building of their relationship. But in other ways missing a little of the tension and heightened suspense of the others in the series. There was never any doubt about the outcome.
I loved the children, Duncan's niece and nephew - they added an extra dimension to the book, and Brookhaven? Just adorable I want one just like him please.
Olivia has travelled to the Scottish isles at Christmas to visit Duncan the Duke of Ayr, an expert on Roman history which is her secret passion. Duncan is expecting a fellow scholar and is surprised when a young lady shows up at his door, but agrees to let her stay as she shares his interest in all things roman.
In many ways one of my favourites in the series, the dedication to family, the shared interests, the building of their relationship. But in other ways missing a little of the tension and heightened suspense of the others in the series. There was never any doubt about the outcome.
I loved the children, Duncan's niece and nephew - they added an extra dimension to the book, and Brookhaven? Just adorable I want one just like him please.
November 14, 2024
It was ok but didn’t fully hit the mark for me, the reason for them not to be together didn’t ring true. She was a bit too perfect. The kids were excruciating, swinging between whimsical sprites to exceptionally mature adults with unbelievably high IQs and emotional intelligence.
I find it hard to believe the sun was rising at 6 am on Christmas morning in northern Scotland. Overall the Scottish setting was clearly imaginary, no matter how many times the “burr” in his voice was described. He seemed to have a host of house servants that are basically invisible (except the butler) but no tenants? It had the depth and realism of a Disney movie - if the invisible servants had turned out to be candles and teapots I wouldn’t have been surprised.
I find it hard to believe the sun was rising at 6 am on Christmas morning in northern Scotland. Overall the Scottish setting was clearly imaginary, no matter how many times the “burr” in his voice was described. He seemed to have a host of house servants that are basically invisible (except the butler) but no tenants? It had the depth and realism of a Disney movie - if the invisible servants had turned out to be candles and teapots I wouldn’t have been surprised.
January 2, 2023
Her bargain
I absolutely loved Olivia and Duncan’s story. Olivia has been writing to the Duke for over 3 years but he thinks she is a man. When she travels to the north of Scotland in the dead of winter she wonders if she’s crazy. Upon being let in to the castle she informs the butler that she is Ms. Bliss even though they were expecting a Mr. Bliss. When she’s finally meets the Duke she confesses her subterfuge. Not only does he forgive her but over the coming days they become extremely close. He never thought that he would ever truly live again after his brother and sister-in-laws death but he has all because of this Miss.
A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
I absolutely loved Olivia and Duncan’s story. Olivia has been writing to the Duke for over 3 years but he thinks she is a man. When she travels to the north of Scotland in the dead of winter she wonders if she’s crazy. Upon being let in to the castle she informs the butler that she is Ms. Bliss even though they were expecting a Mr. Bliss. When she’s finally meets the Duke she confesses her subterfuge. Not only does he forgive her but over the coming days they become extremely close. He never thought that he would ever truly live again after his brother and sister-in-laws death but he has all because of this Miss.
A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
January 20, 2023
Such a lovely story
The story of Olivia whom we met in the previous book finally decided to reach out in person to Duncan who is a Duke with like interests. After three years of correspondence she arrives at his castle and is granted ti.e there though their relationship began as a lie. There are many things to over co.e by
Duncan but with the assistance of side characters we watch the love begin and grow. Not a !omg book but quite enjoyable. I really like it and the characters.
The story of Olivia whom we met in the previous book finally decided to reach out in person to Duncan who is a Duke with like interests. After three years of correspondence she arrives at his castle and is granted ti.e there though their relationship began as a lie. There are many things to over co.e by
Duncan but with the assistance of side characters we watch the love begin and grow. Not a !omg book but quite enjoyable. I really like it and the characters.
January 25, 2023
Duncan and Olivia
Wonderful read from the first page to the last,its a page turner. They have been writing each other for the past three years. Duncan never realizing the Mr Bliss us actually a Ms. Bliss who wants to know freedom and gave people accept her for who she us. Duncan and Olivia are like two pieces if a pie that fit together and should live life to the fullest on their own terms. They get their HEA and with his nice and nephew go on to love and make new memories together. Would highly recommend this series and author. Happy reading😊
Wonderful read from the first page to the last,its a page turner. They have been writing each other for the past three years. Duncan never realizing the Mr Bliss us actually a Ms. Bliss who wants to know freedom and gave people accept her for who she us. Duncan and Olivia are like two pieces if a pie that fit together and should live life to the fullest on their own terms. They get their HEA and with his nice and nephew go on to love and make new memories together. Would highly recommend this series and author. Happy reading😊
December 31, 2022
A great read
Another winner with this story of Duncan and Olivia. He's the secret she has had for a while, she had been writing to him for three years about all things historical. When she shows up at the Duke's castle on an island in a storm, they feel that there is something between them. He was lonely missing his brother and sister-in-law who died on a ship back from Italy. She brought happiness and light back into their lives. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
Another winner with this story of Duncan and Olivia. He's the secret she has had for a while, she had been writing to him for three years about all things historical. When she shows up at the Duke's castle on an island in a storm, they feel that there is something between them. He was lonely missing his brother and sister-in-law who died on a ship back from Italy. She brought happiness and light back into their lives. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤
January 19, 2023
The Beast's Bargain By Eva Devon, Marie Claremont
Five stars, Duncan the Duke and Olivia.. A good love story at Christmas, trust, fear, and hope.. What Duncan had to overcome these feelings.. What was past is gone, reach out for love and a future.. Olivia was outspoken, and open spirit, and open for love.
Waiting on Duncan to open his eyes to see it.. Hoping its not too late.. Good ending.
Five stars, Duncan the Duke and Olivia.. A good love story at Christmas, trust, fear, and hope.. What Duncan had to overcome these feelings.. What was past is gone, reach out for love and a future.. Olivia was outspoken, and open spirit, and open for love.
Waiting on Duncan to open his eyes to see it.. Hoping its not too late.. Good ending.
January 4, 2023
The Beast’s Bargain
Oh what a fantastic story. Eva Devon has outdone herself. I loved Olivia and Duncan story. I can’t wait to read Brockhaven’s story. I highly recommend reading the whole series. You will not be disappointed. I have all the book and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of them .Eva Devon at her best.
Oh what a fantastic story. Eva Devon has outdone herself. I loved Olivia and Duncan story. I can’t wait to read Brockhaven’s story. I highly recommend reading the whole series. You will not be disappointed. I have all the book and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of them .Eva Devon at her best.
January 16, 2023
Another wonderful addition to the series
This is another wonderfully written addition to this amazing series. The steamy passages and heart felt soul searching combine brilliantly with the beautifully portrayed characters, to keep this enchanting story entertaining all the way through.
This is another wonderfully written addition to this amazing series. The steamy passages and heart felt soul searching combine brilliantly with the beautifully portrayed characters, to keep this enchanting story entertaining all the way through.
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January 27, 2023Engaging and eye opening
Vows made, the grief stricken Duke of Ayrshire finds it impossible to realize his hearts desire until the persistently intelligent and wise Miss Olivia Bliss comes for a Twelfth Night visit under false pretenses and lightens up Duncan's life and opens his heart to joy again.
Vows made, the grief stricken Duke of Ayrshire finds it impossible to realize his hearts desire until the persistently intelligent and wise Miss Olivia Bliss comes for a Twelfth Night visit under false pretenses and lightens up Duncan's life and opens his heart to joy again.
December 29, 2022
Good start, needs work
I really enjoyed the beginning. Nice humor, good opening scene. I liked both hero and heroine. The description of the settings was excellent. But then things got bogged down. There were some timeline problems and too much flowery nonsense. Needs work.
I really enjoyed the beginning. Nice humor, good opening scene. I liked both hero and heroine. The description of the settings was excellent. But then things got bogged down. There were some timeline problems and too much flowery nonsense. Needs work.
January 8, 2023
Another beautiful romance, well written with warm hearted characters. Duncan and Olivia are lovely, I fell in love from the first pages. It wasn't rushed and the love between Duncan and Olivia and with the children felt natural, fun and heart felt.
January 9, 2023
Excellent.
I found this a quick and easy read and every bit as enthralling as the previous books in the series (The Bluestocking War)
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I found this a quick and easy read and every bit as enthralling as the previous books in the series (The Bluestocking War)
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 11, 2023
Full of Romance and History.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it was an easy read of romance, it also included great details on Roman and Scottish history. The references made me want to dig deeper. Very well written.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it was an easy read of romance, it also included great details on Roman and Scottish history. The references made me want to dig deeper. Very well written.
January 22, 2023
Before her time
It seems the Duke & Miss Bliss were both unwilling or unable to reach for the lives and happiness they wanted. Loved how the Duke's friend, his niece and nephew and even the butler kept nudging them together.
It seems the Duke & Miss Bliss were both unwilling or unable to reach for the lives and happiness they wanted. Loved how the Duke's friend, his niece and nephew and even the butler kept nudging them together.
December 27, 2022
This is a cute little christmas romance. I love the fact that there was no drawn out misunderstanding, could and should have been a solid 4/5 but the lack of spice is such a shame 😩
December 28, 2022
3.5 stars. Could have been better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews