The Kissing Bough (Forbidden Loves) by Madelynne Ellis – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Kissing Bough by Madelynne Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this steamy Regency ménage by Madelynne Ellis. Our heroine, Viola Marsh is a young women who after a misunderstanding has been forced to live an austere life, locked away in her old nursery with her spinster aunt constantly watching her. Her family have basically given up on her and her brothers only give her attention when forced to, due to the social etiquette of the times. Viola’s highlight is on Christmas Eve when she is allowed to take part in the tradition of wassailing, having been abandoned by her older brother Viola carries on with her tradition of standing under the ‘Kissing Bough’. It is here that cousins Percy Gilling and Lord William Ricborough come across Viola poised beneath the mistletoe on the snow-covered hilltop. Following a kiss from William, the pair escort her home and when they meet again at her families ball that evening Will and Percy confide in Viola that although Will’s intentions towards her are honourable he and Percy have a close and unique relationship, and they require a very particular woman who can satisfy both their needs. A shocked Viola has to decide whether to take a chance on their proposal or return to her lonely and quiet life in the nursery.
The author really bought the Regency era to life along with all the varies etiquette’s that young ladies had to live by. I really felt for Viola and was cheering her on hoping she would get her happy ever after. The chemistry between Viola, William and Percy really came across in the story and led to some rather detailed steamy scenes. An enjoyable and engaging read and I look forward to reading more books by Madelynne Ellis.

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