THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE, the first book in the Season's Original series by Vivienne Lorret, is a sweet romantic novel that sweeps you away with an engaging story line and adorable characters.
Lilah Appleton has one last chance to find a titled husband before the end of Season or she will be forced to marry her wretched cousin because of her father's will. Lilah desperately need help to become the Season's Original (whose style and character shine above others), since she is plain and forgettable, in order to catch the eye of a titled husband. So when the handsome and totally unsuitable Jack Marlowe offers to help her, she accepts his offer but can she resist the tempting rogue......
Jack Marlowe is the bastard son of the Earl of Dovermere and loathes the aristocracy. Although the Earl acknowledged Jack as soon as he found out about his existence, Jack still can't put his prejudice for the aristocracy aside. But when he meets Lilah, he realizes not all the aristocrats look down on him.
THE DEBUTANTE IS MINE is a light and an easy read with wonderful dialogue and charming characters. A Regency story with the hero and heroine clothed in insecurities, they overcome difficulties to be strong and have their happily ever after. I am looking forward to read the next in this new and delightful series.
From the Season Standard: βA true Seasonβs
Original
embodies the class, grace, and style of the ton. Such an
honor ensures the recipient her pick of eligible
suitorsβ¦β
Lilah Appletonβs prospects are looking dim. With one last
chance to find a titled husband before sheβs forced to
wed her wretched cousin, she must make this Season count.
Plain, forgettable Lilah must become the Seasonβs
Original. Desperate, she seeks help from the devilishly
charming, untitled, and thoroughly unsuitable Jack
Marlowe. All she must do now is resist the tempting
rogueβ¦
Bastard son and self-made man, Jack Marlowe loathes the
aristocracy. When he meets Lilah, he expects her to be
like all the other greedy husband-hunters. But sheβs far
more dangerous. Her alluring smiles and sharp tongue
intrigue him. Before he knows it, he agrees to help her
find a husband, revealing tricks to ensnare any man. The
only problem is, his plan works too wellβon him.
When Lilah becomes the belle of the ball, Jack realizes
he may lose her foreverβunless he can take a chance on
love and claim his debutante...
EXCERPT
βSince I cannot move forward, the gentlemanly thing for
you to do is to step back.β
βWhy canβt you move forward?β His breath skimmed across
her nape, teasing the tendrils that must have come loose
earlier, when their carriage had hit the rut.
She shivered, closing her eyes. βI know very well that
you do not care about my answer. All you are doing is
delaying the removal of your hand from my . . .β
Sheβd said the word a moment ago. So why couldnβt she say
it now? Likely, because that part of her body had
suddenly become the center of her world. It was now a
place of intimacy and forbidden touches.
βWaist?β he supplied, moving his fingertips in such a way
that it made her stomach quiverβnot on the surface but
someplace deeper inside.
βPerson,β she corrected, yet noticed her thready word
lacked censure. She tried again. βYou really should not
be touching me here.β
βIf I were assisting you into a barouche, I would have
both my hands on your . . . person.β
Both of his hands on her? She tried not to imagine it.
When she felt an enthralling warmth spread through her,
she knew sheβd failed. βNo. I mean here, in the ballroom.
If anyone should see, the result would be catastrophic
for both of us.β
Her reputation would be ruined. He would be expected to
marry her. They both knew, however, that he would not.
His conduct indicated that he cared little for the
principles of society. He didnβt even like her. And more
important, she reminded herself, she despised him.
βIndeed. The rules that govern your actions must be
obeyed.β With those hard-edged words, he dropped his hand
and stepped back.
Lilah immediately missed his warmth and hated herself for
it. She turned to face him, a reprimand at the ready. βIf
we didnβt have rules, then society would be full of men
like you who enjoy taking liberties.β
He lifted his tawny brows. βYou donβt think society would
be full of women taking liberties?β
She blinked, caught off guard by the question and by the
very idea. Women taking liberties?
Spinning a web to decide her fate . . .
It was an unexpectedly intriguing proposition for a woman
in her circumstances. Now, however, was not the time to
ponder it. βI will not imagine such a thing. After all,
if I were to have placed my hand on your person, then you
would have removed it. Men do not wait upon politeness.β
βI wouldnβt have removed your hand . . . from anywhere on
my person.β He grinned, making her regret the example
sheβd used. Then he spread his arms out in invitation.
βPlease tell me you require proof.β
© 2003-2026