Widowed landscape designer Sophie Pinnock is enchanted with Bevington Castle's glorious gardens but wary of her employer, Lord Bevington, the enigmatic earl who plans to alter them.
She'll never agree to be the mistress of this man who so clearly desires her. But could she become his wife?
The castle is based upon one I've often visited, and portions of the book take place in Clifton, near Bristol, where I've spent much time.
"Rating=10, a winning read! Very Highly Recommended. A sensitive romance filled with radiant characters and...intricate historical details... Ms. Porter's homage to the era's posh gardens provides a reinvigorating twist to a fabulous Regency romance." Under the Covers
"A spritely, determined heroine and assorted secondary characters—both charming and unsavory—stand out in this late-Georgian romance." Library Journal
"Very sensual...lush in detail. Her characters have just as much depth as the settings, and the gardens provide a wonderful backdrop for a tender love story." Affaire de Coeur
"Excellent...the reader can feel the serenity and see the beauty...thanks to Ms. Porter's visionary talent." Romantic Times
"Decidedly different...totally believable and deeply heartfelt." Rendezvous
"Readers will savor THE PROPOSAL...an accurate portrait of the time period." Literary Times
"Engaging romance with winning characters and eloquent dialogue."Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author
Lady Lavinia Cashin, daughter of an impoverished nobleman, arrives in London to barter her beauty for her family's security. She needs a wealthy husband who can extricate her father from debtors' prison. Lord Garrick Armitage uses his gaming skills to survive in a society that shuns him. Accustomed to winning whatever he wants, he finds there are only two things he cannot have...and one of them is Lavinia. Their story unfolds in London, Oxfordshire, Newmarket, and the Isle of Man.
"Careful attention to detail and gentle pokes at the manners and mores of London society make this book a must read . . . Wonderful subtleties and characterizations make the book real . . . Margaret Evans Porter is definitely a writer to watch, and it shows!"Affaire de Coeur
"Diverting...includes wonderful lead characters who charm the audience as love struggles to triumph over convenience...Margaret Evans Porter scribes a tale that will please fans." Under the Covers
"A wonderful tale of the triumph of love in the face of adversity. Margaret Evans Porter's love of the Georgian period is reflected in this marvelously well-crafted story. Lavinia and Garrick are terrific characters, with virtues and flaws to which any reader can relate . . . and
there are plenty of exciting plot twists to keep the reader guessing." Romantic Fiction Forum, America Online
"A fast-moving story with twists and turns that will keep you enthralled."Rendezvous
"An enthralling tale of Regency England readers will find hard to put down till the last page is turned. Fantastic!!! 5 Bells!!!"Bell, Book, and Candle
"From the plot, to the characters, to the ending—be prepared for a book that
takes chances, and will leave you a little richer for the read...Margaret Evans Porter is a delight! Her unique characters and settings are a step apart from the usual offerings of the Romance genre."The Literary Times
"Fascinating in both its characterizations and its view of London's late-Georgian society...a sensual romance and an adventure into the unusual as these two impoverished aristocrats attempt to outwit an ingenious blackmailer and resolve their own ever-increasing attraction to each other ... Unique characters, a surprisingly atypical plot and a writing style that moves gracefully from start to finish. Don't miss it!"www.newandusedbooks.com
"What I especially liked was the interesting and complex plot that Porter has created, and her sure recreation of the world of the late 18th century. Kissing a Stranger kept me up way past my bedtime...kept me interested...kept me entertained."
Jean Mason, www.theromancereader.com
Sir Darius Corlett assumes the beautiful, elegantly dressed female paying a late-night visit is a
lady of dubious reputation. To his regret, she turns out to be a respectable widow who wishes to
rent his countryside cottage for the duration of her brief holiday on the Isle of Man. Oriana dares not admit to the wealthy baronet that she's the notorious opera singer Ana St. Albans, driven into seclusion by rumors about her private life. And when Dare chases her all the way to London, she faces a scandal far greater than the one she was so desperate to escape.
"4 hearts. Grabbed me from the start and never let go…intelligently written and impeccably researched."The Romance Reader
"Brimming with complex yet enjoyable characters, an interesting and fast paced plot with plenty of twists and loads of sensuality…a well-written and very charming read."Reader to Reader
"An entertaining historical romance that puts two real and flawed lead characters into a strong plot. The values of the lead couple
take them into conflicting direction . . . Margaret Evans Porter delivers a
winning tale that is sure to become a sub-genre favorite."Harriet Klausner
"Ms. Porter has created dynamic characters, who are all the more moving for dealing with their flaws…the plot progresses from the characters' personalities and motivations….Sensual."Romantic Times
"The protagonists have such strength of character they must be admired. . .
.I highly recommend Improper Advances as a read that shouldn't be
missed."Rendezvous
"The chemistry between Dare and Ana is wonderful, as much for the luscious lovemaking as for the lively, humorous and intelligent conversation between them. The unorthodox lifestyle that Margaret has crafted for this couple is fascinating...The tale that leads these lost souls to each other is warm, witty, and engaging and certainly, not to be missed!"Barbara Dean, All Romance Book Store
"Ms. Porter has crafted a fascinating tale...a poignant romance that will keep you reading late into the night."—Old Book Barn Gazette
After earning a reputation as a notorious rake, Kerron Cashin, Lord Garvain, returns to the Isle of Man to rescue his family from financial distress and create employment for the
islanders.
When pretty Ellin Fayle becomes entangled in his lordship's ambitious schemes, her life is forever changed. After he steals her away from her sheltered home and carries her to London, she must rely on her own wits and some Manx magic to guard them both from scandal.
"5 stars! Unusual and effective...flair for detail...mysterious plot twists...lively, wonderful characters."Affaire de Coeur
"A delightful story of romance and passion set amidst the turbulent struggle to renew a fortune, and birth a new industry, The Seducer allows a glimpse into the heart and soul of those who advanced literacy and manufacturing, but never forgot that love is the greatest of all teachers." Reader to Reader
"Kerron, a reformed rake, is warm-hearted, intelligent, and bursting with energy for his plans. Ellin is innocent yet wise. The pairing of these two people create a force that can't be denied. Ellin's wonderful superstitious charms add both humor and background to this well-written novel."Rendezvous
A wonderful Regency romance that brings to life the exotic world of the Isle of Man. The entertaining story line centers on Kerr's effort to sell the linen produced by his people's cottage industry to the mainlanders. The lead couple is a delightful duo while the support cast adds much local color. With novels like this tale, Kissing A Stranger, and The Proposal,
Margaret Evans Porter has quickly become a reader's favorite." Harriet Klausner
Annis Kelland, a Devonshire lass, lives at Orchard Place with her mother and her stepfather, the local squire. She's wary of Sir Edwin Page, the well-born neighbor who kissed her during the apple harvest but isn't able to avoid him. When he begins courting her, she can't help wondering if he's really after the cache of gold that her late father--a notorious smuggler--is said to have tucked away.
"The Apple Blossom Bower," a novella, was my very first historical. It was included in Blossoms, a by-invitation anthology published by NAL. A prestigious and promising start to a new phase of my career--and I'm in very good company!
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