A Sham Betrothal

by Jennie Goutet

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Paris, 1774. A daring bargain. An unexpected love. A choice that could ruin them both.

Sophie Twisden has always played by society’s rules, but when her grandmother falls ill, leaving her vulnerable to the insufferable advances of Sheldon Cholmsley, she must take drastic action. Desperate for escape, she strikes a bold deal with Basile Gervain—a charming yet enigmatic Frenchman—agreeing to a sham betrothal to preserve her reputation and secure her passage back to London.

But pretending to be engaged is far more dangerous than she anticipated. The more time she spends with Basile, the harder it is to remember that their arrangement is nothing more than a convenient ruse. His quiet strength, his kindness, and the way he truly sees her—all of it makes her long for something impossible.

Now, with the moment of their parting drawing near, Sophie must face the painful truth: she has fallen hopelessly in love with the man who never truly meant to keep her. Will she risk everything for a chance at real happiness? Or will she walk away, forever wondering what might have been?

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Book Details

Genre

Historical Romance

Subgenre

General Historical

Series

Georgians in Paris

Audience

Adult

Bell Peppers

🫑

Profanity

1 None

Violence

1 None

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco

2 Mild

Publication Date

April 15, 2024

Language Versions

English

Narration Type

Human

Fiction Form

Novel

A lovely romance.

This was a lovely romance. I liked the main characters of Sophie Twisden and Basile Gervain, Marquis of Verdelle. Sophie was quite determined in her own way, especially when she was dealing with an unwanted and persistent suitor. Basile is enjoying his batchelor lifestyle, although he would rather be in his country estate rather Paris. They are attracted to each other but are they ready for anything more? I enjoyed the descriptions of the different places and of the clothes. I also liked the different ways the British and French conducted themselves and their different attitudes. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did preorder my own copy.

Another great story from Jennie Goutet

A clean story. Another gem from Jennie, part of a multi author series set in the Georgian period in France. They can be read separately.This is a good well written romance story. Sophie is in Paris with her aging grandmother who had enjoyed the city when younger. Her character is wonderful, accepting she has no great status in society, nor any dowry or wealth, and does not see herself as a beauty. They are escorted by Sheldon a friend of the family who is very controlling, pompous, and as he has funded the trip expects to marry Sophie, which she is resisting. He does not speak French and Jennie has captured the typical English way of dealing with this. I am English myself. To Sophie’s rescue comes a Marquis, Basile, who is intrigued by her. As he is being pursued by a lady he once had feelings for, Sophie and he enter into a sham betrothal, hence the title. The unfolding story as their situation gets more complex is very good. A thoroughly enjoyable gentle romance.

Basile and Sophie

This is such a fun and entertaining story. I enjoyed coming to know and love the characters, although several times I wished to give Basile a gentle nudge. Or maybe not so gentle. I enjoyed the journey as they came to know and love each other. I also enjoyed the stories of the minor characters. I highly recommend this book.

Loved It!

I read this in one sitting as I didn't want to put it down. I stayed up until 2:30 a.m.I love the historical accuracy, French location details and French expressions used in the book in such a way that even nonFrench speakers will get the gist.The characters and story were delightful.

Such sweet angst…and HEA

There is the heroine, here tiresome suitor who becomes more obnoxious as the story goes on, then there is our hero. Oh, he is a charming creature. He has an obnoxious follower that he cannot shed so he suddenly announces to one and all that he and the heroine are engaged. And forth goes the story ~ any fool can see they love one another but they cannot see it themselves…until the end, of course. However, do not miss this sweet novella - unless you know all about France…no, do not miss this sweet novella.