Tag Archives: Stacy Reid

A Scoundrel of Her Own by Stacy Reid – a Review

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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

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Her Wicked Marquess by Stacy Reid – a Review

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Her Wicked Marquess by Stacy Reid – a Review

 

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Description:
Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam is too witty and bookish for her own good. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arrange for her to wed a man old enough to be her father. But Maryann is ready to use those wits to turn herself into a sinful wallflower.

When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss Fitzwilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.

Turns out Nicolas allows for the scandal to perpetuate for his own reasons… But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.

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

 

Review:

Her Wicked Marquess is a historical romance and what a wonderful romance it is. Stacy Reid is a new author for me, but I will be reading much more of her work. I don’t do spoilers, but I can tell you the basic setup and what I found so wonderful about this novel.

Lady Maryann Elanor Fitzwilliam is a brilliant young woman of society, but a wickedly mean daughter of a duke, Sophie, has given her the distinction of wallflower because she wouldn’t follow her wicked instructions and be mean to others. She has watched as this young woman has tormented many others and is now out for a little revenge. At a ball at her mother’s home, Vanguard Hall, she intends to embarrass the wicked Sophie. For this, she has enlisted the help of her brother Crispin, who would be wearing a golden mask as she wore a mask as well. Several people had shown up wearing masks but took them off when her mother insisted. They hoped the masks would help them not be recognized if anyone saw them. When he showed up at the place she was hiding, he acted a little different, but she thought that it was because he didn’t approve of what she was doing. She was grateful for his help. She asked for the bucket of critters and he disappeared for a moment and returned with a bucket of snakes, frogs… She had Crispin dump the critters into the ballroom through an open window just as Sophie came walking by.

There is much more entertaining detail, but this is just the basic. The delight of any book is in the details and this novel is totally delightful. Author Stacy Reid spins a marvelous tale.

Nicholas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury came to the ball to make his way into the private rooms and further his investigations of Viscount Crispin Fitzwilliam. He wanted to search for evidence that he was the black Dahlia, a person who would figure in his own acts of revenge. However, he found the sister of Crispin to be a most fascinating and unusual woman.

That’s just how the beginning chapter opens and there are so many more interesting details for you to discover. Now let me tell you what I found so very inspiring about this marvelous novel.

The pace is quick, it goes from the fun of the little critter attack to much more serious things. The dialog is natural feeling and incredibly witty. The characters are fabulous and completely compelling. The romance that blooms is not just steamy but “smokin”. There are dangers and plot twists that I did not see coming. As I said earlier, I will be reading much more of author Stacy Reid’s work. Please, do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this compelling and thoroughly entertaining story and have yourself one wonderful read!

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy provided by Publisher

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Wicked in His Arms by Stacy Reid – a Review

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Wicked in His Arms by Stacy Reid – a Review

 

Wicked in his ArmsAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Tobias Walcott, the Earl of Blade, has learned it is best to exercise rigid control over his passions and emotions in all that he does. Uncaring that it makes him seem cool and aloof to most in the ton, he is content with his desire to only woo agreeable and demur females. Then unforeseen circumstances see him trapped in a closet at a house party with the last woman he would ever make his countess.

Lady Olivia Sherwood is everything he should not desire in a female—unconventional, too decisive, and utterly without decorum. But passion ignites between them and they are discovered. Honor demands they wed, and while Tobias finds himself unwillingly drawn to the bewitching beauty, he must do everything not to tempt the passion that burns in him for her, lest it leads to disastrous consequences.

 

Review: 

Wicked in His Arms by Stacy Reid is set in the Victorian era. I  had expected a tame read. This was anything but, Tobias Blake is convinced the only way to live is to be cold and controlled at all times, he won’t ever become like his father, (his father was handy with his fists, and often lashed out at Tobias’ mother and Tobias) he is happy with his mistress and ladies of the same mind.  When he does settle down, it won’t be to Olivia, she is opinionated, loud and emotional, and that just won’t do. But after being caught by surprise with the lady in question, Tobias is strangely drawn to her, and maybe a little passion is called for, and maybe he can lose control with his new wife. 

Olivia doesn’t want to be married off, as she is happy living a quiet life with her family. All she wants to do is earn a living by painting or becoming a ladies companion. After meeting Lord Blake, she is more determined to live a single and quiet life; he is cold, rude and very controlled. But after her beloved stepfather falls ill, the family decides its time for Olivia to be married off and look after her family. 

The instant dislike between the main characters was fun to read. Olivia tried very hard to be a lady, but it wasn’t her fault that Tobias always caught her at her worse moments. 

You could understand why Tobias didn’t want to marry, and certainly didn’t want to give into passion, as he didn’t want to turn into a possessive and violent husband. 

It’s fun to watch the lord fall for his wife, and it’s fun to watch Olivia come into her own. The other characters in the book were a likeable bunch, and you wanted to read more about them all. 

It was a fun read ?

Reviewed by Julie B

Copy provided by Publisher

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Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid -a Review

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Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid -a Review

 

Accidentally Compromising the Duke

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Description:
England, 1817. Miss Adeline Hays is out of options. Determined to escape marriage to a repugnant earl, Adel plans to deliberately allow herself to be caught in a compromising position at a house party with the much kinder man she’d hoped to marry. Instead, Adeline accidentally enters the wrong chamber and tumbles into the bed of the mad duke.

Edmond Rochester, the duke of Wolverton, is seeking a wife to care for his two daughters. A young lady of sensibilities, accomplishment, and most importantly, one who he is not attracted to—a complete opposite of the bewitching beauty who traps him into marriage. But despite the lust he feels for his new duchess, Edmond is resolved to never allow them intimacy, refusing to ever again suffer the tormenting loss of a loved one. 

 

Review:

I wasn’t sure if I’d like Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid,  as it’s not my usual read. But as I got into the story, I settled down and got into the past

Adeline is a strong headed young lady; there is no way she is going to be married off to a pig of a man!! So she devises a plan, if she can ruin her name and reputation, then she gets to spend her life with a man she likes. She isn’t in love, but she can grow to love him in time, can’t she? Adeline admires James, but she is assured that with time, feelings can grow on both sides. 

But a misunderstanding with directions causes her to end up in the wrong bed and with the wrong man!! 

Edmond loved and lost his wife, so his heart isn’t looking for a love match, but he needs a wife for his two daughters, and when opportunity knocks, he takes advantage. He wasn’t too sure at first, but he knows how gossip will ruin a person’s reputation, so he decides to rescue the fair damsel, and get a mother for his daughters.  He thinks it’s a win-win situation.  But Edmond is not looking for love; he wants an arrangement, so he makes it perfectly clear to Adeline, that this is a marriage of convenience and nothing will ever make him lose his heart again. 

Reading Adeline’s decision to take control of her life was a nice touch, there was no way she was marrying the Earl, a vile man, a man with no regard for women. And with the help of her friend, she goes about changing her destiny, but not in the way she thought ☺ Watching her fall in love with her reluctant husband, and her attempts to seduce him (they were a riot), was fun. 

Yes, we all know they will eventually fall in love and live happily ever after, but half the fun is watching Edmond struggle with his emotions and his feelings for Adeline. His denial that nothing will ever happen is like a kiss of death. It was nice to see Adeline realize that happiness can come when your least expecting it. 

Accidentally Compromising the Duke was a nice afternoon read 

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Royal Conquest by Stacy Reid -a Review

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The Royal Conquest by Stacy Reid -a Review

 

Royal ConquestAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
His dark seduction will be her undoing…

After being cruelly jilted by a lord who claimed to adore her, Miss Payton Peppiwell swore her future husband would be as ordinary as she. Now if only her family would listen to her. Then she meets Mikhail Konstantinovich, an untitled horse breeder, in a highly improper and scandalous encounter. Never had Payton expected to be so attracted to the dark, intriguing man, who seduces her to recklessness with a mere stare.

Mikhail abhors anything to do with intimacy. Yet Miss Peppiwell stirs hunger and a need long forgotten in him. But Mikhail has a dark past—one that means his lust must be sated in a way entirely unsuitable for a lady. But his biggest secret will be the hardest for Payton to overcome: Mikhail is not only titled, he’s a prince…

 

Review;

The Royal Conquest by Stacy Reid is the 4th book in her Scandalous House of Calydon series. I’ve had the pleasure of reading the previous book in this series, and was happy to have the chance to read yet another one of Stacy’s books. The Royal Conquest was a fast read that had me hooked from the first chapter. Miss Reid just dives right into the story, setting the stage for our hero and heroine from that first moment. She creates an air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds our couple from the get go, and it continues on throughout the story, which to me served as the catalyst that kept my attention and interest piqued towards our couple throughout the book.  

Our hero Mikhail is a dark and brooding character, who at first is very mysterious and keeps his identity a secret from not only Payton, but society as well. He doesn’t care for all the pomp and circumstance that comes from being a Prince, nor does he care for the way women throw themselves at him because of his title. He wants a normal life, one away from all the commotion of being a Prince. On top of all that, he carries with him a dark secret from his past that has become a problem for him in regards to relationships. For that matter, he hasn’t had much luck when it comes to finding love, and has pretty much given up on that notion until that fateful night where he stumbles upon one very sassy and attractive Payton Peppiwell. If that isn’t a fun name for a heroine then I don’t know what would be. Her name doesn’t just sound bright and cheery, Payton really is a bright and cheery individual. She’s a woman of her own means, and to hell with society, the haute monde and their silly ways. Payton grooves to the beat of her own drum, society be damned. That’s one of the things I love about Miss. Reid’s stories, her heroines are a ray of sunshine in a stuffy world. They have their own minds, ideas, and aren’t afraid to stand up to their alpha male, or fight for them no matter what. This is exactly what Payton does when Mikhail finally tells her the truth about himself and his past. When Payton learns that he can’t stand to be touched and must be in control at all times during sex, thanks to a harrowing kidnapping at the hands of Lady Anya when he was younger, Payton doesn’t shun him or turn away, instead she embraces that part of him and allows him what he needs. This is another aspect of Ms. Reid’s writing that I like. She creates a mutual respect between her couple, and allows them the time to learn each other, understand each other and come to respect one another. It isn’t a case of just throwing a couple together, she lets them grow and blossom as individuals finding there own way, and then as a couple.   Both help each other overcome their own issues when it comes to relationships and society. Mikhail and Payton are an excellent fit for a couple.

I do believe The Royal Conquest will be another hit for Stacy Reid. Even though it is a fast paced read, filled with action, suspense, a brooding hero and sassy heroine, the story is well defined, and carried out by our couple. The story takes flight from the first chapter and doesn’t stop until the last page. Mikhail and Payton are characters you want to cheer for and hope they can overcome their individual issues, so that they can succeed as a couple. For anyone who’s a fan of not only Stacy Reid, but historical romances, The Royal Conquest is a must read.

Until next time, happy reading!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Sins of a Duke by Stacy Reid – a Review

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Sins of a Duke by Stacy Reid – a Review

 

Sins of a Duke

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Description:
She would be his perfect revenge…

All of the young ladies whispered about the Duke of Mondvale in hushed tones, their eyes following his tall, dark figure with barely disguised lust. For the newly-ostracized Lady Constance Thornton, he is magnetic and altogether desirable. Irresistibly so. Since her reputation is already ruined in London society, why shouldn’t she be impudent and dance with the scandalous “Lord of Sin”?

Little does she know of his plans. The beautiful and innocent Lady Constance is no mere plaything for Lucan Wynwood. She will be his revenge. By ruining her, he will have his vengeance against herbrother. Except that the Lady Constance is full of surprises… and now she could well be the ruin of him.


Review:

Sins of a Duke is the 3rd novel for Stacey Reid in her Scandalous House of Calydon series. Having not read the previous two stories in this series I didn’t find it hard to follow along or get involved in the story or characters. The setup and general plot of the story is well orchestrated and laid out for the reader, allowing one to quickly become immersed in the world that Ms. Reid creates in Sins of a Duke.

I very much enjoyed this book. It begins with a mission of revenge but soon turns into one of romance and love. Our hero the Duke of Mondvale is set upon a quest for revenge against Constance’s brother the Duke of Calydon over what happened to his dear sister. Only one small problem, his target, Lady Constance becomes more then just an act of revenge for our Duke Lucan Wynwood. She becomes the object of affection and love he never thought possible for a man like him. Ever since that fateful night and their chance meeting and dance under the stars Lucan is taken by Constance and can’t seem to keep his mind on matters of revenge. Instead of staying to his plan, every time he and Constance are together his mind goes off in a totally different direction.

For Lady Constance, being seen with the Lord of Sin doesn’t seem to be a problem for her since she is already ruined in the eyes of the Haute Monde for being a bastard. The Beautiful Bastard has since become what she is referred to by the Haute Monde since it was discovered that her mother had an affair and she was the product. Since she feels she will never be called upon by someone in the higher circles why not go after something that is forbidden and strictly for herself. I loved Constance’s character. She’s a breath of fresh air among the stuffiness of the women of the Haute Monde. How they looked down upon everything and everyone who they didn’t deem worthy drives me batty. I love it when someone stands up to them and decides to stick it to them. Enter Constance who goes by the beat of her own drum. This is one of the reasons Lucan is so taken by her. Even though it’s his fault society found out about her birth situation she goes about her day and doesn’t let society see that their dismissal of her bothers her. Constance is a very strong, intelligent and strong minded women. She knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go get it, even if it means going in disguise to a well known gentlemen’s club run by none other then our dashing Duke Lucan Wynwood.

Constance and Lucan are perfect for each other. Both are very strong characters, know what they want and will go after it with everything they have. Their scenes together are sweet and funny at times, while others are passionate and sexually charged. We get to see what it is that motivates both of them and how they’ve both come to this particular point in their lives. The romance between them isn’t rushed and gives the reader the chance to learn about each as individuals and as a couple. Keeping the romance moving along at a steady pace while keeping Lucan’s plans of revenge simmering on the outer edges of that romance adds a spark and kick to the story and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to see if Constance will ever find out the truth of Lucan’s sudden appearance in her life, and if she does what will it mean for Lucan’s growing feelings of love for Constance. Does this romance stand a chance with a quest for revenge as the motivation for their courtship?

Sins of a Duke is a fast paced quick read, that’s filled with revenge, redemption, passion and romance. The story is well played and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to see what will happen next for Lucan’s plan of revenge and his growing feelings of love towards his unsuspecting target Lady Constance. This was a fun read, that kept me entertained from beginning to end. If you are a fan of historical romance that’s filled will all of the above, then I highly recommend this one to you.

For now, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid – Review & Giveaway

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The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
With a longing for adventure, the last thing Phillipa Pippiwell wants is to marry. After a painful betrayal by a man she trusted, she is wary when she unwittingly catches the attention of roguishly handsome – and sinfully tempting – Lord Anthony Thornton. Forbidden desires she secretly yearns for threaten to crumble her icy facade and reveal a past scandal best kept buried…more With a longing for adventure, the last thing Phillipa Pippiwell wants is to marry. After a painful betrayal by a man she trusted, she is wary when she unwittingly catches the attention of roguishly handsome – and sinfully tempting – Lord Anthony Thornton. Forbidden desires she secretly yearns for threaten to crumble her icy facade and reveal a past scandal best kept buried.

Dissatisfied with his empty life, Lord Anthony seeks a deep and lasting connection… and finds himself intrigued by the Ice Maiden of the haute monde. Undaunted by Phillipa’s aloof nature and her distaste for the idea of matrimony, he sets out to thaw the bewitching beauty by enticing her with adventures of the most sensual type. But he, too, hides a scandalous secret… and if it’s discovered it could rip them apart

Review:

THE IRRESISTIBLE MISS PEPPIWELL by Stacy Reid is a Historical novel with a present day slant. This novel might take place in Victorian England times but the characters have a decidedly modern feel to them. Phillipa Pippiwell is known as the “Ice Maiden” by the haute monde. She is cold and distant with everyone, but draws the attention of Lord Anthony Thornton. We have the “Ice Maiden” and the “Bastard”! Wait, Lord Anthony really is a bastard! He recently found out that he is the illegitimate son of a Duke. The late Duke didn’t want him or his younger sister to inherit any of his money, so he wrote the secret down and that juicy gossip is just waiting to be revealed! All of our characters have secrets and more secrets!

Lord Anthony attempts to draw out the aloof beauty and thaw her out! She had an “unfortunate event” in the States (code word for sexual scandal) and just wants her freedom now to have some adventures. Well, Lord Anthony wants to have some sexual adventures with Phillipa and he likes his sex dirty and a tad rough! That’s what I mean about modern day sensibilities. Many rules of society are broken and scandals revealed in this novel. Will Lord Anthony be able to lure Phillipa to his dark side and is marriage part of the deal? You will have to read it for yourselves! Some secrets are revealed by a dastardly villain and some surprises are told concerning some secondary characters! I feel a sequel coming!

This novel is for you Historical romance buffs who like reading about the “ton” but who doesn’t mind when societal rules are broken. This is a very hot novel with some engaging and multi-dimensional characters. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Publisher.

 

Giveaway

Stacy is graciously offering an e-copy of  The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell & a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

4. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. Please LIKE us on GOODREADS  for an additional entry.

6. Please LIKE Stacy Reid on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from October 21-October 25, 2014, 2014

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