A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid – a Review

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Description:
Lady Ophelia Darby exists in two worlds. In one, she is the impudent, willful daughter of a powerful marquess and darling of the ton. In the other, she moves through the underworld’s shadows as songstress Lady Starlight, protected only by the notoriously wealthy scoundrel Devlin Byrne. But when she stumbles upon her beloved father’s darkest secrets, the line between her two worlds quickly blurs. Now she needs the help of the one man a lady should never trust.

Devlin Byrne stands on the edge of London society, knowing he will never be accepted. No one else knows that his obscene wealth and ruthlessness aren’t without purpose. Or that his purpose has golden-brown eyes that shimmer with mischief, the palest of skin, and a lush mouth that beckons to be kissed, and deeply. But having Ophelia is only the beginning of Devlin’s plans.

It’s undeniable that Devlin Byrne is a dangerous temptation—but just as Ophelia begins to trust him, maybe even fall for him, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. And his would lead her down more than just the path of scandal…

Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess
* A Scoundrel of Her Own

Review:

A Scoundrel of Her Own begins with Lady Ophelia Darby (8 years old) coming to and discovering that someone about her size was carrying her.  Then she remembered that she had been on her way to a party only to have her carriage break through a bridge and plunge her into the icy river.  She had no idea where they were but was relieved when her rescuer found a small cottage where they could seek shelter.  Niall (12 years old) took on the role of protector and provider while Ophelia and he started a routine that would make their days passable.  The two discussed life and their dreams as they drew closer. 

While outside one day, a man from a nearby estate asked Ophelia if she was indeed Lady Ophelia.  When she confirmed who she was, the man took her and Niall to where her parents were waiting.  Ophelia introduced her parents to Niall as the one who braved the river and saved her.  Niall picked that point in time to inform them that he and Ophelia were to be married.  Her father informed the “flea-infested beggar” that he would not be marrying his daughter and sent him away. 

Fifteen years later, Ophelia’s marquess father believes he is on his death bed and tells her a secret about her birth that changes everything she has ever known.   Her father only gives her a minute amount of information and refuses anything more.  Not only does her father survive, he still refused to expound on what he had told her.  To add to her burden, Ophelia discovers secrets about her father’s affairs that could sink them all.  She then takes it upon herself to garner the information she so desperately needs.  As she creates an alternate identity, that of Lady Starlight, it enables her to move through the various areas of town that the ton wouldn’t be caught dead in. 

Devlin Byrne is well known but knows he will never be accepted by those in the ton.  He set out years ago to amass a fortune and has done so.  Devlin has few friends, but they do know what drives him so.  As he is strolling down the street one night, he sees a beautiful young woman being approached by men who meant to do her harm.  Once they see Devlin, they think better and leave the area.  When Devlin finally gets a look at the woman’s face, he knows he has found his Fifi…………. Lady Ophelia Darby.

A Scoundrel of Her Own is a nicely written story with great characters.  Ophelia is strong and independent and is driven by an internal fortitude that will endear her to the reader.  Devlin is a self-made man who is honorable and very protective of those he considers his.  The chemistry between Ophelia and Devlin leaps off the page and leaves you rooting for them.  The secondary characters are well written; however, I would have liked a little more information as to how things worked out with her parents in the end.  It is a part of a series, so I do wish that I had read the others before this one, but don’t feel that I missed anything about the two main characters. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll certainly enjoy this book.  Well done, Stacy Reid!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher