After reading a treatise on how unfavorable marriage is to women, Clemency Fry has grown up never intending to marry. She’s got a point; marriage in 1819 was hardly equitable for women.

But somehow, she becomes engaged to and then disenchanted by Lord Turner Boyle. We don’t see any of this action, so it’s difficult to understand how she went from thinking herself in love to desperate for an escape.

Audric Ferrand has finally tracked the person who wronged his sister. When he realizes Boyle’s fiancée is miserable, he knows she’ll fit into his plan to ruin Boyle’s reputation and asks for her help.

Historical details for 1819 were way off. Single people of the opposite sex exchanging letters, a wedding luncheon not breakfast, wearing gloves at the table, men breaking engagements without repercussion, long trains on gowns, cholera decades before Europe’s first cholera outbreak, tricorn hats, you need four people for whist not two, etc. Regency romance readers will notice.

The footnotes were so irritating. They were an unnecessary distraction that added absolutely nothing to the story.

The way Audric teases information about Boyle got old. It took too long to find out their backstory. This was slow, and without much romance between Clemency and Audric as they went along. Audric had become a tool for revenge, hunting down wrongdoers while suffering regret for not protecting his sister. And Clemency gets on board with punishing Boyle very quickly when all she had to do was end the engagement. It felt more like revenge fiction than a romance. These two had no chemistry. And I could not believe Audric couldn’t realize the reason behind Clemency’s choices that instigated their unnecessary third act breakup. The final resolution was equally unbelievable.

2.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley

Clemency Fry has absorbed the writings of Bethany Taylor and others and has long inveighed against the tyranny of matrimony for woman and sworn that she would never fall into that trap. However, Lord Turner Boyle breached her defenses and secured an engagement. Yet, having won the prize, his ardor seemed to wane. Clemency would later realize that the strength of Boyle's ardor was directly proportional to the shifting fortunes of her family. She regrets her decision and would like to break the engagement, but her family is depending on the financial security that the marriage will bring about.

At a party at a neighboring estate, Clemency meets a stranger, Auric Ferrand, who has a proposition for her -- join him in ruining Turner Boyle -- name, reputation, livelihood. He tells her that Boyle is not who she thinks he is. She does not want to believe Ferrand, and he provides little information to support his claim, at least initially. However, his words enhance the doubts she already held, and soon events will suggest that there is truth behind his words. In order to carry out his plan, Clemency has to keep the engagement going and pretend everything is fine between her and Boyle, not the easiest task. While Clemency is well educated and well read, there is much about society and life about which she is naive. Her interactions with Ferrand will expose her to attitudes and behaviors with which she was not familiar and require her to reconsider her beliefs on various issues. Moreover, Boyle will not go down without a fight, and Clemency will be forced to make some difficult personal choices to protect others.

I received a copy of the e-book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

A historical romance with the female lead being totally against marriage, trapped into an engagement to help her financially ailing family. When a man shows up claiming her fiancee is not what he pretends to be, she joins his quest to prove his allegations. Not a Cinderella story. Well conceived, well written, and very compelling. How does it end is constantly on your mind. It's a book you'll keep thinking about long after you've finished reading. Great characters with real-life concerns, misconceptions, and insecurities. I loved it.

A somewhat unique plot for a regency romance. I liked Audric, Delphine, Clemency, and Honora along with the secondary characters. The romance between Audric and Clemency was believable but not over the top. I just felt the ending was rushed and resolved too cleanly without a lot of detail for my liking.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

*****5 Stars!

“Fight for me, love me, love me in the way of stories, of legends and fairy tales, be mine in the way I need.”


First I would like to thank Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.

The Proposition is a story about a young woman named Clemency Fry, a firm believer that marriage is a ludicrous arrangement. This is a notion she has believed ever since reading a scandalous feminist treatise as a girl, but her outlook on romance suddenly changes after she meets handsome Lord Turner Boyle. He is a man of many promises and sweet words, assuring her that their union will be one of mutual respect and financial security for her family, Clemency is won over by his charms and promises. When the wedding plans are set and now in motion, her charming Lord Boyle becomes cold and dismissive. Clemency now fears the worst has come into fruition; she had been right all along about the affairs of the heart, she has fallen into a trap she swore to herself she never would.

It is not long until Audric Ferrand comes to town seeking revenge against Lord Boyle on the behalf of his sister, who had fallen for his charm and wealth. Instantly Audric takes notice of Clemency’s predicament and sees it as the opportunity he needs. He suggests they join forces, a proposition that is quite risky and outrageous, one that could possibly lead to the destruction of both their reputations. Falling in love was never in the bargain for either of them, but the season has just begun--and romance is surely in the air.


This was a book I really ended up enjoying very much! I’ve always had a soft spot for Regency era romances and anything Jane Austen and this book had all that and more. From the moment I picked up this book the story had me hooked and I couldn’t seem to put it down. The Proposition was filled with so many twists and turns that I did not expect and kept me eager to get to the next chapter to find out more, the author has such a wonderful way with words and everything was described so perfectly. I could picture everything so well in my mind as I read along and not to mention put individual voices to the character’s dialogue. Each character possessed charm and complexities that made them all very interesting to read.

Clemency was a very relatable character. I loved how opinionated she was about her beliefs and how stubborn she was when it came to those who tried to tell her how to live her life. She was such a strong and clever character and I enjoyed seeing her character development flourish throughout the story. Audric was another character that I found extremely fascinating! I liked how he appeared rough and gruff on the outside, but inside he proved to be a man who cared so much about those who were important to him and would do anything to soothe their pain and make the world right for them.

I also really enjoyed the wonderful LGBTQ+ representation within this story and hearing different character’s views. This is a book that I would highly recommend to all those who love Jane Austen-like stories and Regency era romances with a scandalous/mysterious plot based around the need for revenge. I look forward to reading more books like this one, it was such a delight to read!

This was an interesting book. The author made mention of her love for Jane Austen, and having read some of her work, I can see the touches of 'Austenesque' style in the writing. The plot itself is simple: Clemency Fry was against marrying until the 'right man' came along. However, she was wrong; he was nothing more than a fraud. Mr. Ferrand sought revenge against Clemency's fiancé, but instead ends up with Miss Fry. Simple plot, but with some twists and turns, and for me, just a tad bit too much introspection on the part of Miss Fry. This is not a book you can zip through. You must have patience because at times, it can get a little plodding. But it's worth it to see Ferrand and Clemency find happiness together.

I enjoyed the story of Clemency Fry. As a young girl, she was determined never to give up her freedom to marriage. Then she met a very charming Lord Boyle. Marrying Lord Boyle will bring financial security to her family. After she agrees to marriage, Lord Boyle becomes cold and distant. Audric Ferrand is looking to get revenge on Lord Boyle because he took advantage of his sister. Audric makes a proposition to Clemency. If they are successful, the world will know the real Lord Boyle and Clemency will be saved from a loveless marriage. Audric and Clemency become close as they plan the downfall of Lord Boyle.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I thought Madeleine Roux's The Proposition was an okay read. I am going to give it three and a half stars.

The Proposition by Madeleine Roux was the first book by this author that I have had a chance to read and I am sorry to say that I was not impressed. The premise of the story is a fascinating one but the means of expounding on that story was like watching a car wreck, "you want to look away but something compels you to keep watching for the horror of it". The Proposition is the story of Clemency Fry, a young lady sworn to never marry yet when the story opens she is engaged to be married to Baron Turner Boyle. Clemency grew up reading feminist propoganda about the perils of married life so it was even more odd that she would become engaged to a scoundrel like Turner Boyle. Then she meets Audric Ferrand who offers her a proposition. The proposition is that she will be rid of Turner Boyle and he will get revenge on him, but things aren't as simple as that. This book is like reading a book report with footnotes and propaganda. This was an unusual book, to say the least. I can not recommend it because I would not buy it for my friends.

Having never been a fan of romance novels, I admit to only reading this because I am such a fan of Madeleine Roux. It did not disappoint! The mystery of the story had me from the beginning and held my attention to the very end. Intriguing and well-written, as always!

A typical regency romance, this has all the right ingredients: titles, money, resistance to love, a villain, and hero. The story is one of justice and revenge and I'm sure it will attrack readers galore. Buy for my part I found it slow moving and overly entrenched in revenge. So it felt heavier instead of light, fun that I have come to crave with this type of book.

While not my favorite read I did enjoy this one, though Clemency took a while for me to warm up to her but once she did, she become my favorite character.

The Proposition was an enjoyable Regency romance. Clemency Fry seems vehemently against marriage, but succumbs quickly after meeting Turner Boyle. Clemency is a likable, headstrong young woman who is understandably wary of those around her, including Audric Ferrant. Along the way Clemency meets a host of other people, each with their own secrets, and she ultimately discovers the truth about the mysteries she uncovers. The story was well written and paced, and the use of some unconventional plot devices were a nice surprise. Overall, a good read.

This book reminds me of a traditional historical romance, like a Georgette Heyer. The plot is very detailed- it’s romance/ revenge/mystery. The story starts off with Clemency already engaged and loathing her fiancé. I won’t say more because you MUST read it!!

The cover for The Proposition caught my attention first, the description second.

Well written, charming, and enjoyable - while I was able to appreciate the relationship between the two main characters, the romance aspect fell a bit flat for me but I really did enjoy this story and I look forward to reading more of the author’s work.

From the very beginning, this book had me smiling! I couldn’t put it down!

This book has it all-romance, pathos, suspense, intrigue.

As a reader, you can instantly connect with Clemency, as we’ve all fallen for someone like Turner Boyle! I wish her and Audric’s relationship were a little more flushed out throughout the book. I felt that their relationship was a little rushed at the end.

Honestly, mixed feelings about the the part of Ms. Taylor talking. I was utterly confused at first. Then I needed to go back and re-read the part that had superscripts. Maybe if it was on the same page as the superscript it would make more sense and be less cumbersome for the reader.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book. You know a book is good when you audibly laugh and cry in the same book! Thank you so much for advanced copy and the opportunity to read it.

This book is long winded. I'm only at 50% of the book and I won't be finishing it. Seems like there is a lot of non important writing. The storyline was good and I want to know how it ends but I don't want to continue to read all the "extra" words.

This was a very well written tale of intrigue, revenge, heartbreak, and love.

I came for the romance, but stayed for the plot.
I was very curious to see if and how Lord Boyle would be taken down, because just as our protagonists learned, as did we, there is always the potential of an innocent life being ruined due to their connection to Boyle. A lack of a clean cut made the plan of revenge all the more difficult as our protagonists had to navigate personal moral and consideration of a domino effect when planning their attack. It was very interesting to see the various paths laid out.

That said-- I did come for the romance, and that was the facet that most fell flat for me.
I quite enjoyed both leads-- Clemency and Audric-- but felt their romance lacked chemistry. I never really believed they had fallen in love. It was overall a very stale romance that seemed more forced than natural. But again, I enjoyed our leads and did like how they challenged on another. Audric did not hesitate to point out Clemency's prejudices (who learned from them), and Clemency was able to to help Audric see past his thirst for revenge. They were well rounded individuals, and while their love story was not at all as I hoped, I could still appreciate their camaraderie and personal arcs. The footnotes from the fictional author were another facet that fell rather flat, as I found them rather distracting. I do wonder if it's due to the e-book form, perhaps in a physical book they would be better served.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for gifting to me this arc. I'm very appreciative!

Well-written, interesting story about love, betrayal and revenge. The heroine, Clemency Fry, has grown up opposed to the idea of marriage due to the inequity accorded married women under the law during the 1800s when a married women was considered her husband’s property. Despite this serious and longheld concern about entering into matriomony, Clemency has fallen in love and agreed to marry a baron, Lord Boyal. When Clemency Fry learns that her fiancée is not who she thinks he is, she joins forces with Audric Ferrard, who is plotting revenge after Boyal seduced his younger sister.

Despite having a large cast of characters who face a number of challenges, the story is easy to follow. A few points could have used some further clarification/exposition. For example, it was never clearly explained how Lord Boyal managed to win Clemency’s heart when she was so strongly opposed to marriage. In the first significant scene between the two of the them, he is treating her coldly and won’t even look at her, causing Clemency to wonder if the engagement should be ended. Except for her older sister, her family seems oblivious to the Lord Boyal’s mistreatment, which eventually also includes verbal abuse. Similarly, since Lord Boyal’s interest in Clemency turned out to be financial, it was unclear why he didn’t marry Audric’s sister once he seduced her. Audric was wealthy and would have presumably ensured that his sister’s marriage settlements were generous.

Clarity about motivations such as these would have further enhanced the story. Also while clever, I found the footnotes from the dead author of Clemency’s favorite treatise on woman’s rights to be distracting and unnecessary.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending time with these characters as they worked their way to the final scene, and look forward to seeing future works from this author.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #BallantineBooks for an advance copy to review.

In this historical novel, Clemency is a young woman who has read the works of Miss Taylor, a feminist writer along the lines of Wollstonecraft. Clemency has taken to heart Taylor’s words about marriage being a trap for women. And yet, Lord Boyle has broken through her defenses and has gotten her to agree to marriage. Almost instantaneously he becomes cold and uninterested in her. She is puzzled but in despair: she cannot break the engagement to the well-to-do Lord Boyle because of the negative financial effects it will have on her family. Fortuitously, into the picture walks Audric in a quiet rage and hunting Lord Boyle It takes little to get Clemency to join in his revenge. He starts out small, revealing just some of Boyle’s sins yet it takes little to open her eyes and to join him in his vengeful plot. Audric at first plans to use her as a pawn in his project but as they both investigate they begin to develop feelings for one another. With her and her family’s safety on the line will Clemency be able help bring Boyle to justice and to become Audric’s real and romantic partner not pawn?

This is a lovely and mildly suspenseful novel. In a quirky twist, we learn that the omniscient narrator is the ghost of the anti-marriage, proto-feminist ghost, Miss Taylor. She speaks through end notes that are engaging and charming asides to the reader. Happily, they are sparse enough not to be annoying yet frequent enough to keep things going.

The only weakness for me was that Clemency and Audric fell in love - from strangers and adversaries to completely in love - rather abruptly without the literary support that is found throughout the rest of the book. Once they do, however, the progression of their romance is credible and real, totally supported by the actions and thoughts of each other.

There are so many layers to this book: pathos, anguish, love, amusement and revenge are all mixed together to form a beautiful cohesive and very entertaining novel. I’m sure this will be a lasting favorite. I look forward to promoting it to my patrons.