A Gentleman's Bidding

The Scarlet Salon, Book 1

By: Jean Wilde

Narrated by: Nina Nato

Miss Emily Price is in desperate need of funds. With her family estate mortgaged and her young brother not yet of age, it falls to her to save her family from financial ruin. What is a lady with no title or connections to do? Auction her virginity at one of London's most notorious brothels.

Heir to a baronetcy, James Hughes has always been caught between two worlds. His fortune and education help him pass for a member of the ton, but his career as an engineer and his family ties stop him from actually becoming one. Quiet and serious-minded, he knows he needs to marry into the peerage for his sake, as well as his family's. But when he finds himself by chance at an auction in London's infamous Scarlet Salon, he throws his ambitions to the wind to bed the lovely Miss Price.

It doesn't take long for Emily to lose her heart to her dry-humored, generous benefactor. But when their affair goes public in one of the most scandalous newspapers in town, Emily must decide if she must cast her feelings aside and leave James to pursue his societal ambitions, and James must decide if family and duty are worth giving up the chance of love.

Scandal, manipulation, and ambition hinder the lovers' path to happiness. Only they can decide if love is worth fighting for.

©2017 Jean Wilde (P)2017 Jean Wilde

Enjoyable and interesting

The actress voice was smooth as silk and the way she changed from character to character was very defined yet gracefully done. The story was enjoying with a hint of mystery. wonderfully done

An engaging Regency romance with plenty of heat

Audiobook review

This romance might be set in Regency times but it’s written for a modern audience.

Emily and James cross paths at an auction where Emily is planning to give her virginity to the highest bidder in order to use the money to save her family from financial ruin. James is at the club unwillingly but something compels him to offer the highest bid to secure Emily.

Their attraction is obvious and when this once-off encounter leads to Emily becoming James’ mistress. I enjoyed them as a couple and their intimate times were steaming hot.

There are plenty of secondary characters, many of whom feel the need to butt in. I did wonder if our couple would ever make it to the other side as a couple but the book concluded in a satisfying manner

The story is well plotted and the dialogue between characters is excellent.

I enjoyed Nina Nato’s narration. Emotions were conveyed well and I was kept engaged throughout.

The Green Lady (their's a pun there, too)

From the description you will know we are getting into erotica territory and I must say it is quite tastefully (make all the puns you like!) done, suitable to plot, and well-written. Also, since I enjoyed the AUDIO version, quite well-read by narrator Nina Nato in a light, warm, delightful British accent which also accommodated an Irish brogue and bit of Cockney as needed. But, surprise! There is also an intricate plot involving a bit of detective work and, of course, a romance or two. The only dangling teasers are what will become of the sister and the Salon friend? Oh, and there is an Earl in need of an HEA, too (not a spoiler--this is a Regency and there are plenty of Counts and Earls to go around). Guess that's why this is called "Book #1"?

Disclaimer: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Too hot to handle!

I liked the story but it was a little too hot to handle for me. I usually don't mind sex in a romance but this was a little much.

The narrator did a good job reading the story.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Mostly great

The narration was great. She was able to get multiple voices but I didn’t care much for the voice she used for the heroine. There were some nice sex scenes and the story had moved along nicely in the beginning. The second half was a little painful because of miscommunication and just not talking to each other. Overall it was a good listen.

More than meets the eye!!

This audio was way more than I expected from just reading the description. It was a quick listen that I found myself completely immersed in. The characters are well developed and the storyline was well crafted. The Author does a great job of weaving the secondary characters into the main story in such a way that makes you eager for more in the series. There’s also more than just the usual desperate woman who sells her virginity and the dominant man who takes her away usually under duress. While there is an action for Emily’s virginity, her and James build a solid foundation even while keeping their love hidden. The chemistry between the two does not go unnoticed but due to reputation and class difference it is necessary. This leads to twist and turns I didn’t see coming.
Nina Nato is a new narrative to me, she has a voice that I could imagine belonging to the time period and bringing both characters to life. She reflected the determination and strength of Emily’s character. While performing James, she was in complete control and did a great job of harnessing her voice to a lower octave which help to pull off the male character much more fluidly and easier to get lost in. Over all this was a fast, entertaining audio. A great romance with suspense, surprises, friendship, betrayal but mostly love. I would highly recommend it.

The Scarlet Salon Is the Place to Be

A Gentleman's Bidding

Emily Price is at her wits end, she needs to find a way to pay off her late stepfather's debts before her family is put out of everything familiar to them. The only thing she has of value is her innocence. As she is a clever woman, she decides to auction it off to the highest bidder.

James Hughes just happens to be at the "auction house" (a.k.a. brothel) the night of the event. He wins the prize and after only one night of passion finds himself attached to the clever and funny Miss Price.

How will this unlikely pairing – a Baron and a commoner – play out? What will happen after their transaction has been completed? With rumors, scandal, decadence, love and manipulation, this is a wonderfully naughty book!

I cannot wait for the rest of the Scarlet Salon series to be released. Jean Wilde has a marvelous talent writing historical romance with enough risqué to keep it even more interesting.

Nina Nato is a talented orator whose performance is a perfect match for this book.

Notes: mature themes and a bit of cussing

*I received a copy of this book exchange for my unbiased opinion.

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Loved this!

Fantastic historical romance listen. Loved James and Emily, their story has plenty of heat and romance and is about doing what makes you happy. Loved the narrator, she did an amazing job of bringing the story to life. I received a free review copy of this audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

Fast and Entertaining Read

When Emily's stepfather passes, it leaves her family in dire financial straights. Rather than lose the family estate and leave her mother and young brother destitute, Emily devises a crazy plan. Auction off her virginity at one of London's brothels, and hope that she can earn enough as a mistress to pay off the estate's massive debt.

On the night of the auction, Emily meets James, a wealthy baronet's son. One glimpse of Emily is all it takes for James to lose his head and bid for the young lady. They work out an arrangement that satisfies them both. Emily finds herself losing her heart to the man who took her virginity. But when society learns of their relationship, James must decide between abiding by society's rules and being with the woman who makes him complete.

I really enjoyed this steamy Regency romance! James and Emily were both likable characters, and there were a few side romances to cheer for too. Emily was a strong woman with limited choices, and did the best with what a woman could in that era. James was the perfect blend of gentleman and rogue. He never pressured her and gave her space when she needed it. There were some well written steamy scenes. Overall it was a fast and entertaining read!

The narration was done well, Nina Nato performed accents and different voices and had the perfect voice for Emily. I requested a copy of the audio, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

good

Both mothers were a bit too uppity and mercenary status seekers fir my tastes. Mr. Turner was manipulative, but he turned out better in the end- stil a bit unscrupulous. The evil person publishing scandals was very manipulative, but got found out in time. Too many martyrs for my liking. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. The narrator did a good job.