The Marquess's Stolen Bride
Series: Dukes Gone Dirty #3
Author: Bella Moxie
Published September 30th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
This scandalous rake only meant to save a damsel in distress…not claim her as his own.

The Marquess of Hayden might have his flaws, but he's never reneged on a bet. If the rumors are true, and the so-called Mad Earl truly does have a daughter, then Hayden will find her. But nothing can prepare him for the instant attraction he feels when he does. Hidden away from society, the beautiful and mysterious Madeline seems more like a princess from a fairy tale than an illegitimate child of the infamous tyrant. When he learns that she’s a prisoner in her own home, a victim of the earl and his cruel bride, it’s clear what he has to do.

Or rather, it seemed clear when he’d been deep in his cups. Unfortunately, his botched attempt at a rescue leaves them both in more trouble than he’d imagined. But now it’s his duty to keep Madeline safe and the only way to do that is to marry.

There are worse fates than to be shackled with the woman who’d bewitched him. Once the maiden is out of her tower and in his bed, he finds she’s no damsel but an enchantress who knows how to keep him lusting for more. So no…not exactly torture. They might even find happiness together—except that the marquess isn’t known for his ability to commit, and the lady he’s married has secrets that threaten any trust they might have forged.

It was desire at first sight that brought him into her life, and dirty deeds in the bedroom that keeps them together…but will they find a love to make it last?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

The rumour of a woman in distress is bound to get the Marquess of Hayden's attention, and if the Mad Earl does in fact have a hidden daughter, no one but him will rescue her. But as he climbs into her window, foxed and disoriented, he's more than shocked to discover the beautiful Madeline half dressed. And when her step mother and friends arrive to discover him in Madeline's bedroom, there's nothing to do but proclaim they are engaged, and that Madeline will be coming with him immediately. Soon he realises that Madeline had been a captive, and though he has 'stolen' her, he's her saviour.

I adored the romance in this book. Hayden was a little bit of a lush to start with, but he fell head over heels for Madeline, and would do anything for her. She had been treated awfully by her stepmother, the Countess, who had plotted with the vicious Foley - the one in the previous books - to sell Madeline off to the highest bidder, and allowed the vile men to manhandle her in her presence. Hayden was well and truly Madeline's saviour, and when she was embraced by his friends, it was joyous to see Madeline come out of her shell. Fantastic end to the series, and I'm glad Hayden got his happy ending finally.

Dates Read:
November 19, 2022

Rating
3 Stars