A Sanguine Gem

Liam and Gemma just cannot get their relationship on the right track. First it’s he refuses to be betrothed to Gemma. Then they’re married but she refuses to trust Liam. Each treats the other rather shabbily so you can see why there isn’t a whole lot getting them to admit their true feelings. There’s the threat of Gemma’s cousin that adds to their difficulties. You’ll wonder if they’ll ever get on even footing and make their marriage bloom. In the end, they get a little push in a most unconventional way. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Lady Gemma Kemsley is in a very bad situation. When her cousin, Alfie, now the Earl of Devon, inherited her father's estate, he squandered all the money and is desperate for more now to pay off his enormous debts. He decides to marry Gemma and claim her dowry and inheritance. She cannot even marry anyone else without his approval, so her only possibility would be to run away to America and join her best friend. Gemma’s best friend, Lily, writes to her father to help Gemma out of this predicament. Her brother, Liam Marsden, had been the one intended to marry her several years ago in line with a business merger that was never completed, but he saw her as an irritating nuisance, constantly arguing with him, and he had turned down the proposal. The marriage contract their parents had drawn up back then was still available, and when Alfie continues his desperate attempts, Liam can produce the contract so Alfie cannot prevent their marriage. He hadn’t intended to use it, but when he sees Gemma, he knows he can't let her go this time. Rather than kidnap her and help her run away to America, will he use the old betrothal agreement to marry her instead? I always love this author’s stories, and this was no exception. Liam really didn’t want to marry Gemma, as he told his father. Would he change his mind yet again? Or will he agree to honor the contract and keep Gemma by his side?

A Sanguine Gem is the third book in A Marsden Romance series and is a sweet historical romance. Liam and Gemma were almost betrothed as children. When she is in danger, he uses the contract to get her away from her cousin and marry her. Gemma is stubborn and will not believe in his love because he rejected her in the past. Will Liam be able to convince her to give him a second chance? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.