Review: A Most Scandalous Proposal by Ashlyn MacNamara

Title:  A Most Scandalous Proposal
Author:  Ashlyn MacNamara
Genre:  Historical Romance
Pages:  352
Published:  February 2013
Publisher:  Ballantine
Source:  NetGalley

Synopsis:

In Ashlyn Macnamara’s stunning romance debut—perfect for fans of Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Sabrina Jeffries—two childhood friends in Regency England discover love with the most unlikely of partners: each other.

After watching her beloved sister Sophia pine over the ton’s Golden Boy for years, Miss Julia St. Claire has foresworn love and put herself firmly on the shelf. Unfortunately, her social-climbing mother and debt-ridden father have other ideas, and jump at the chance to marry Julia off to the newly-named Earl of Clivesden…the man of Sophia’s dreams.

Since resigning his Cavalry commission, Benedict Revelstoke has spent his time in London avoiding the marriage mart. But when he discovers that the Earl of Clivesden has set Julia in his sights, Benedict tries to protect his childhood best friend from the man’s advances—only to discover more than friendship driving his desire to defend her. He surprises them both with the force of his feelings, but when she refuses him and her father announces her betrothal, he fears he’s lost her forever—until Julia approaches him with a shocking scheme that will ruin her for all respectable society…

…and lead them into an exquisite world of forbidden pleasures.

Recently returned to town Benedict discovers that his childhood friend Julia is about to be engrossed in a scandal.  He finds out that Clivesden has placed a bet at White’s (the infamous betting book!) that he’ll marry Julia before the season is over.  Can he stop it and save Julia?

Finances aren’t the greatest for the St. Claire family and with a social climbing mother, only marriage to a peer is the answer to that problem.  With several proposals between Julia and Sophia all turned down, their mother is frantic and wants to married off – whether they are happy about it or not.

When a compromising situation has Sophia forced into an engagement and Julia is being pursued by the man her sister has been in love with for years.  Tensions at home begin to rise as Julia and Sophia are far from happy with the situation. 

I felt for the two sisters!  Neither wants to be forced into marriage without love, and neither is with who they wish.  Their Mother is pushing them to marry and isn’t fussy on who as long as they are titled and can financially help the family. 

Would I recommend this book?  It was a fun read.  We has the stories of both sisters intertwined together in one book, which I really liked.  The sisters are great characters, I adored them!  Would I read more by this author?  Most definitely!  I already have the next title coming up on my TBR list.  A great debut by Ashlyn!