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Convenient Proposal to the Lady (Hadley's Hellions)

by Julia Justiss

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"Duty can also be pleasure, Lady Alyssa..."  When politician Benedict Tawny set out to save Lady Alyssa from a nefarious plot, he never expected to find himself trapped in a compromising situation with the alluring lady! Now duty demands he propose...and claim her as his bride!  Tainted by his illegitimacy, Ben knows he can't give Alyssa the life of luxury she deserves. But if he can convince her to succumb to the undeniable heat between them, their convenient marriage might just lead to the love of a lifetime!… (more)
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ARC Review: Convenient Proposal to the Lady (Hadley's Hellions) by Julia Justiss

Ms. Justiss has a lock on the three H's. Ben is an honorable man, with a tender heart and Alyssa and he definitely give off heat. Convenient Proposal to the Lady examines how an act of kindness between strangers can lead to finding the love of a lifetime. Ben may not live up to societies standard of a hero, but he scored some major points with me. His willingness to protect an innocent woman from a dire situation proved he was more than what he even believed himself to be. Alyssa is a dreamer with a gift for the arts. Frustrating, naive but her open mind, made her a bit easier to take. Despite the unscrupulous villains, Ben and Alyssa had an easy time of stealing my heart. ( )
  Lashea677 | Feb 16, 2019 |
When Benedict Tawny approaches Lady Alyssa while she's sketching he doesnt' expect her to attract him. There's a wager about her and it will cause her to be ostracised from society or forced into a marriage she will not want. Ben has to deal with his illegitimacy and his political career. He's convinced no society woman will fall for him but Alyssa finds something in him that makes her want to change her mind about a relationship instead of following her artistic yearnings.

I enjoyed this story and how they resolved their mutual wants in the end. Ben's story was well done and the issues he had yo resolve were well worked with. ( )
  wyvernfriend | Jun 18, 2018 |
Very good book. Ben is one of four friends who came together while at school. Each of them had issues that made them outcasts with their peers, so they banded together. Ben's difficulty was that he was born the illegitimate son of a viscount. He suffered from jeers and taunts throughout his childhood and longer, and also watched as his mother was treated even worse. Fortunately, he was acknowledged by his father and received the benefits of a good education. The treatment he received has made him extremely cautious about his own behavior, and he has matured into a thoughtful and honorable man. When he overhears a plot to ruin a young lady's reputation, he takes action to warn her of the danger.

Alyssa is an independent and stubborn young woman. Thanks to the bullying behavior of her father and brother, she has no intention of marrying and putting herself under the control of yet another man. She is a talented artist and intends to set up her own household with inherited funds, if she can just convince her father. Ben's sudden appearance and the tale he tells startles her, and she is hesitant to believe him. But the truth is soon obvious, and Alyssa decides to take action of her own. She's a bit naïve about the prospect of succeeding, but determined to have her way.

I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. From the moment they met, the attraction between them was strong. Though he could have simply warned her and left, Ben feels compelled to stay nearby and watch over her. Their morning meetings so that he could reassure himself of her safety quickly turned into a burgeoning friendship. He is amazed by her talent, and truly impressed by her wit and intelligence, while Alyssa is drawn to his kindness and honesty in his conversations with her. When her plans for revenge against those who plotted her ruin go wrong, Ben comes to her rescue and gets caught in a compromising position with her. Alyssa is horrified that his chivalry forces him to propose, and she is adamant in her refusal, not wanting to ruin his life. She has no confidence in her ability to be the kind of wife he needs.

Her stubbornness backfires on her, and her father's actions are especially cruel and inhumane. When Ben discovers what is happening, his reaction is immediate. I loved seeing him take charge. His attraction to Alyssa and his appreciation of her mind and talents convince him that a marriage between them can work. Alyssa is the one who needs to be convinced, and it isn't easy. The attraction she feels for him scares her, and she fears that giving in to it will lead her to lose her sense of who she is and what she wants to do. I loved that Ben promises her that there will be no intimacy until she wants it, even though resisting his attraction to her is a monumental task.

His patience and care for Alyssa is evident as he accompanies her on her travels. I loved seeing him earn her trust as he strives to keep his word. His efforts prove to be worth it when Alyssa is finally ready to give in to the steadily growing desire he inspires. However, neither is quite ready to give voice to their feelings, as their fears run deep. It takes a threat to Ben's career for them to realize what they have together. I loved her big moment at the end, when it is her turn to come to Ben's rescue.

There were some marvelous scenes showing Ben's determination to do whatever he could to ensure Alyssa's happiness. My favorite is the one in the lawyer's office, as Ben states his desire that Alyssa have full and sole control over her inheritance. The lawyer's reaction is priceless.

The underlying theme of how women were treated during this time was very well done. The nasty bet placed by Denbry only emphasized how helpless most women were against people like him. Alyssa's father and brother were another example of what they had to endure, with no true way to escape. There was also a theme of reputation, how important it was, and how fragile it could be. Denbry's method of revenge was truly devious and difficult to counter. Ben also had to deal with his own feelings about his past, especially after a surprise revelation by his mother. I loved his scenes with his father, and the changes in Ben that it showed.

I loved seeing the other Hellions and their wives. Their respect and support of Ben was great. I especially liked the way that Ben was able to enlist the ladies' help to make Alyssa more comfortable in a situation she dreaded. It was moving to see the way that they all banded together to deal with the threat against Ben. ( )
  scoutmomskf | May 24, 2017 |
Convenient Proposal for a Lady by Julia Justiss is a 2017 Harlequin Historical publication.

I love the Hadley’s Hellion series! While this is a traditional Regency romance, there are several dark themes explored which gives the story added depth and gives the characters more room to develop.

In this story, Lady Alyssa, wants nothing more than to pursue her career as an artist, after suffering a loss and heartbreak. But, when she is approached by Ben Tawny, a member of parliament, informing her she is being used as a pawn in a revenge plot against her brother, she attempts to control the situation to her advantage, only to have it all go horribly awry.

Ben grew up dealing with the stigma of illegitimacy, and understands the trauma associated with a ruined reputation a young lady might endure. Therefore, when he gets wind of the plot against Alyssa, he is compelled to come to her rescue. He never would have dreamed he would end up proposing marriage to save her reputation and give her a chance to pursue her dreams.

I cannot thank the author enough for writing a traditional Regency romance, but without a silly girl trying to tame a ne’er do well rake or rogue who is avoiding marriage at all cost. Instead, we meet Alyssa, a mature lady who is passionate about her work and is driven to achieve her own independence and success. Her story has dark undertones, which made me feel even better that Ben rescued Alyssa, and I enjoyed seeing her come out of her blossom and embrace her new life.

Ben, is not technically an aristocrat, but is a politician. He is damaged by his cruel childhood and is afraid of feeling too deeply after seeing the fate his mother endured. He’s had his share of dalliances, but he is also an honorable gentleman, who does respect women and goes out of his way to see that Alyssa’s dreams come to fruition.

Ben’s story also touches on some delicate family issues and there are a few shocking revelations along the way.

I really liked both these characters and seeing them realize they have fallen in love was fun and satisfying. I loved the slow romantic build up, which was realistic and builds anticipation, but once they gave into to their desires, it was very passionate.

Each character made personal sacrifices so the other could achieve happiness, with is proof they are enjoying a true, deep and abiding love that took them by surprise and changed them for the better.

I really enjoyed this story, which has all the traditional regency elements, but the depth goes deeper and touches the emotions. Alyssa and Ben made a nice couple and it was nice to see them get their happy ever after.

Overall, this is a solid addition to the series and can be read as a stand alone. If you enjoy historical or regency era romance novels, this is one you should try.

4 stars ( )
  gpangel | Mar 31, 2017 |
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"Duty can also be pleasure, Lady Alyssa..."  When politician Benedict Tawny set out to save Lady Alyssa from a nefarious plot, he never expected to find himself trapped in a compromising situation with the alluring lady! Now duty demands he propose...and claim her as his bride!  Tainted by his illegitimacy, Ben knows he can't give Alyssa the life of luxury she deserves. But if he can convince her to succumb to the undeniable heat between them, their convenient marriage might just lead to the love of a lifetime!

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