His Scandalous Siren: Marsden Descendants, #5

By Dawn Brower

Andrew Marsden has no desire to marry, at least not anytime soon. He's having too much fun to tie himself down to home and hearth, and he doesn't give any woman a second glance. He has wicked charm, and a devilish sense of humor that appeals to the ladies of the ton, and many are more than willing to join him in his bed. So he sees no reason to make a change.

 

Until Sofia Leone comes to London for a visit. She is much more alluring than he recalls, and apparently not susceptible to his charismatic demeanor. She's a siren, and he is willing to answer her call, if only she'd let him...

 

Sofia would like nothing more than to fall into Drew's arms and allow him to seduce her, but she refuses to give in to what she feels for him. After one night of passion it might not be so easy to stay away from him. Drew's not above using that one night against her, and finds a way to ensure she's tied to him forever--the one thing he never thought he'd willingly agree to--marriage. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: MG Press
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781393994466

Book preview

His Scandalous Siren

His Scandalous Siren

His Scandalous Siren

MARSDEN DESCENDANTS BOOK FIVE

DAWN BROWER

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Epilogue

Thank You

Acknowledgments

About Dawn Brower

Also by Dawn Brower

His Mischievous Minx

Prologue

Excerpt: Courting a Christmas Wallflower

Prologue

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

His Scandalous Siren Copyright © 2022 by Dawn Brower

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

For all those that find strength when they need it most. Do not give up. You never know what you might discover in the middle of your journey.

You must be the best judge of your own happiness.

JANE AUSTEN, EMMA

Prologue

July 1913

Miss Sofia Leone leaned against a tree and stared up at the sky. It was a beautiful summer day. The birds were chirping a merry tune and the bright rays of the sun spread warmth over her skin. She was happy and content. At least for the moment… She had traveled with her sister Gabrielle to England from her home in Italy to visit her cousin, Lady Emilia St. John.

Her Aunt Rubina had married an English duke, and they traveled often to visit them. Her father, Conte Damien Leone, was close with his sister and had wanted to ensure her happiness as often as possible. Something that Sofia could relate to. She was rather fond of her own brother, Rafael. Her sister, though…they had moments where they hated each other. But when it mattered, Sofia could always count on both of her siblings.

What should we do with our day? Emilia asked.

I’m rather fond of what we are doing now, Sofia proclaimed. Why change something that is perfect as it is?

Gabrielle wrinkled her nose. We’ll get too much sun if we stay outdoors all day. We should go inside.

Perhaps later, Sofia said, then sighed whimsically. It will get stuffy inside with this heat. She smiled softly. Besides it was raining for three days straight not too long ago. I say we enjoy this nice weather before England remembers it likes dismal days.

Emilia laughed. She’s right and you know it. We’re lucky it has been sunny long enough to dry the grounds. Otherwise she wouldn’t be enjoying sitting under that tree.

Gabrielle frowned. Her skirts are still going to be filthy. She shouldn’t be sitting there. Mother will have a fit if she sees her.

Mother will understand, Sofia replied in a nonchalant tone. She understands me.

Their mother was English too, and no doubt understood what it was like to live with all the rain the country endured. Italy was far nicer, but Sofia loved England too. It was her second home, after all. There was another reason she adored it so. Lord Andrew Marsden…the future Viscount of Torrington. Most would have preferred his twin, Alexander, the current Earl of Devon. He already had a far loftier title that made the normal English miss watch him with envious intent. But they didn’t know the twins. They were identical in almost every way…but Drew… He had a wry sense of humor and an innate kindness a rare few were privy to. Sofia had seen that side of him and had fallen in love.

If only he saw her the same way…

Sofia lived with her unrequited love, but she hoped to one day change that. She was seven and ten, and not quite ready for marriage. In another year, though she had every intention of pursuing him. He wouldn’t know what to make of it, and that fact almost made her laugh out loud. She could start planting seeds of interest now. Sofia would have to consider what her best course of action should be.

Mother, Gabrielle interrupted Sofia’s musings, will not understand.

Aunt Pearla isn’t the harsh disciplinarian you’re making her out to be, Emilia replied. Sofia is right. She will understand. Dirt can be washed out of skirts. Sunny days should be enjoyed. With those words, Emilia sat down next to Sofia by the tree. Gabrielle continued to glare at them, but then she sighed and sat next to Emilia.

I suppose you’re right, Gabrielle said in a resigned tone. It is a lovely day. We should stay outside a little while longer.

I love coming to England. Especially when we spend time at Uncle Noah’s country estate. It’s far lovelier at Huntly Castle than the London townhouse. Sofia leaned forward and put her elbows on her knees. Though London does have some finer points, too. She had a far better chance of crossing paths with Andrew Marsden in London.

Next year, I think I should visit the two of you in Italy. Emilia tilted her head to the side. I don’t leave England unless mama wants to visit, and she’s content here most of the time. I wonder if she’d allow me to travel without her…

It would be wonderful if you could come to us, Gabrielle replied. But that would mean Sofia couldn’t come here to wallow over a certain future viscount.

Oh, do be quiet, Sofia demanded. You don’t know what you’re talking about.

Emilia smirked. Everyone knows how you feel about Drew. You need not pretend.

Horror filled Sofia at Emilia’s words. Everyone? How could they? She never once said out loud how much she adored that blasted man. He ignored her on a good day, and well, he could be downright dismissive any other time. Oh, he was always polite and kind to her. But he didn’t actually see her as anything more than an honorary cousin. They were not and never had been related. Why couldn’t he notice her as a woman?

Well, Emilia began. Everyone except maybe Drew. I’m sure Alex knows, though. He is more observant than his twin. She frowned. Most of the time. There was a little bit of irritation in her tone with that last statement. What had the eldest Marsden twin done to vex Emilia?

How…embarrassing, Sofia said. Perhaps I should stay home next summer. I don’t want him to think of me as he does all the other young debutantes. He always complains about them. What Sofia hoped from him was something far deeper and more lasting than the annoyance he felt toward those on the marriage mart. But she couldn’t make her wishes known or he would lump her in with them. She had to stand out for a different reason. The problem, of course, was she did not know how to accomplish that task.

Don’t stay away on accord of Drew’s lack of foresight or imagination, Emilia said. Her tone was light and comforting. Otherwise I’d never see you. The Marsden Twins are both obtuse for different reasons, and in opposite ways.

They’re practically inseparable, Gabrielle replied. It’s funny how contrary their personalities can be, and yet they complement each other. She