Tag Archives: The League of Rogues

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description
Brooding, intense, passionate…
These are the three things Anna knows about the mysterious man who rescues her when she washes up on the shores after Scotland after surviving a shipwreck. With no memory of who she is except her name, she must rely on this darkly handsome Scot, Aiden Kincade as she searches for answers about her past. The more time she spends with Aiden, the more his heated looks, and fiery kisses ignite desires she never knew she had. But she fears that finding out who she is will only tear her and Aiden apart.

The last thing Aiden Kincade expects is to find a beautiful woman half-drowned while he rides along the beach. But the moment he takes her into his arms, he realizes that this is the woman he has dreamed about for years, the woman who had been prophesied to bring about his death should he dare to love her. And yet denying his love for her is as impossible as drawing his next breath.

It’s clear from the moment they meet, that fate has brought them together. But as Anna’s past begins to surface, and a terrible danger looms over her, Aiden fears that he might lose everything and everyone he holds dear unless he can find a way to defy destiny.

 

 

Review:

Lost with a Scot by Lauren Smith is the 17th book in her The League of Rogues series. I’ve read a few of these books by the author. No need to read in order as they can be read alone, although there are a few characters from previous books that make an appearance. 

Great attention to detail, the Scottish words take a little getting use to, but once I managed to sort it out, it didn’t stop me flying through this book. 

Aiden and Anna’s story had me smiling, crying and wishing it was longer. Aiden finding Anna on the shore after a storm, being shocked at recognising her face from his dreams, and then finding out Anna doesn’t recognise him, nor does she know who she is! 

Anna has a past that could kill her and anyone close to her, but she doesn’t know that (yet) but she is attracted to her rescuer, it won’t hurt to stay with him until her memory comes back, will it? A friendship soon strikes up, and I get the feeling Aiden would like it to be more. And then it doesn’t take long for Anna to wish for the same. 

I had to smile at Aiden’s love of animals, there is one particular scene with a hedgehog ? that will have you chuckling. ? And when Anna’s memory returns will it mean the end of Anna and Aiden? People are looking for Anna, who? And what do they want with her? 

Can they fight these feelings? Or will they be torn apart by duty?  And what about the warning Aiden received as a lad….. will Anna be the death of him? 

Another great story by this author. Full of adventure, passion and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

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Earl of Kent by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Earl of Kent by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Christmas has never been more wicked…

HE’S BATTERED AND BROKEN…
Targeted by the enemies of a friend, roguish Phillip Wilkes, the Earl of Kent, is nearly killed in a violent attack. Beaten and left for dead, he is rescued and nursed back to health by a beautiful angel that he’s convinced exists only in his dreams. When he recovers and learns his heart was burning for none other than the sister of his closest friend, he knows she is forbidden to him. He runs away from the only woman who has ever shown him true kindness because who could ever learn to love a broken man?

SHE BELIEVES IN THE HEALING POWER OF LOVE…
Ella Humphrey is cursed when it comes to love. Two overprotective brothers and the entire League of Rogues, are determined to protect her at all costs, even from falling in love. She feels trapped. When a man at death’s door is delivered to her care, she recognizes him as the friend of one of her brothers, and more importantly as the man she secretly loved for years. As her affection deepens for the wounded earl, she envisions a happy future with him. Yet the moment Phillip can walk again, he leaves Ella and breaks her heart.

CAN MISTLETOE WORK MISCHIEF AND MIRACLES?
A year later, Ella fears she’ll never find a way back into Phillip’s guarded heart. He becomes a recluse, too afraid to show the world how broken he is. Ella manages to convince Phillip to escort her to a country estate for a Christmas party. Snowed in at a small village inn, Ella finally has a chance to seduce the earl and remind him that broken bodies and broken hearts can be healed.

 

Review:

Earl of Kent begins with a prologue set in London, December 1816. This is the story of Ella Humphrey (sister to Charles Humphrey, Earl of Lonsdale and Graham Humphrey. Her mother is the Dowager Countess of Lonsdale) and Philip Wilkes, Earl of Kent.

Philip and Ella first meet when she’s fifteen years old and he’s twenty-three. He’s just lost his mother and father to typhus and inherited his father’s title at a young age. She’s very taken with him, even though he’s her brother Charles’ age. She tries to get him to kiss her but being a gentleman, he only presents her with a gentle kiss on her forehead. Embarrassed, she leaves the room, her heart broken but unable to forget him.

If you’ve read this series, many of the characters are familiar. Incidents coincide with the other novels as well. The novels, including this one, are well written with characters that are broken in different ways. The path to love isn’t smooth and makes for a well told intricate and thrilling tale. I don’t do spoilers, so I can only tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as well as the others in Lauren Smith’s wonderful series.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review.

 

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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Last Wicked Rogue by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
He’s the last Rogue standing, and the wickedest …

Charles Humphrey, the Earl of Lonsdale is infamous for his seductions. With laughing gray eyes and a halo of blond hair, he’s every woman’s wicked dream. Beneath that devil-may-care grin he has a painful past that has made him sure love was not for him, even as the rest of his friends, the members of the League of Rogues, settle down in wedded bliss. When he accidentally rescues a mysterious beauty with eyes as haunted as his own and shares one life-changing kiss with her, she vanishes in the night. Charles vows to find this angel who might yet save his soul but he knows anyone he cares about is in grave danger when an old enemy resurfaces a final time for revenge…

She’s the only woman who can save him…

Lily has secrets, too many secrets. When she’s abducted and taken into the London underworld by a gang of nefarious brutes, she’s rescued by Charles, the one man who can never know her past. She can’t let him discover her feelings or her secrets, but she can’t resist sharing one kiss with him before escaping his passionate embrace. That taste of the last bachelor of the League of Rogues leaves her desiring a future she cannot have – especially when her master demands she prove her loyalty in a most deadly way…

Warning: This book contains a scandalous rogue with a heart of gold, a lady who risks it all to save him, and a league of rogues who value friendship and love above all else.

 

Review:

The Last Wicked Rogue is the ninth book in her The League of Rogues and is the story of Charles Humphrey, the seventh Earl of Lonsdale and the last of the League to find his true love. It’s also the story of Lily Linley, a lovely young woman who was orphaned and went into household service, only to be cruelly abused and incredibly used before finding real love.

I never spoil books to those who have yet to read them, that would be just mean. So, let me briefly gloss over some of the most interesting points…then I’ll tell you why I found this story so intriguing and entertaining that I will now go buy and read the other eight books, as well as any future books author Lauren Smith cares to write.

This story delves into the youthful past of the League members and especially that of Charles Humphrey. It’s wonderfully and artfully written and reveals bits and pieces of the intricate puzzle slowly. It gives an expressive picture of the honor and friendship these men held to as they grew into adulthood.

The villain is Hugo…also a schoolmate, but with some real issues with Charles (sorry anything further would spoil it). The sins of the fathers are smoldering in their children and the devastation it causes is epic.

There is, of course, so much more to this marvelous story. However, to describe or tell you parts would spoil the fun of the discovery for you. Here’s some of the reasons I found it impossible to put down.

The conversations are very well written and sprinkled with appropriate amounts of humor and seriousness. The personalities are well depicted, not just explained. I especially loved that the wives of the League members are independent and quite intelligent with missions and means of their own.

The dangers are dramatic and well pictured. The intimate love scenes are sizzling and tender. Lauren Smith paints a story with her words that lets you see and feel the times, the places, the beating hearts and bruising fists.

As you can tell, unless I’m way off my own game, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this marvelously intricate tale. Give it a read. If you haven’t already read the other in this series, like me, you’ll probably be delving into all the others as well. I look forward to reading the previous and next additions to the League of Rogues.

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copy supplied for review

 

Lauren is graciously offering an  e-copy  of one book of the winners choice from Lauren’s backlist to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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7. Giveaway open Internationally

8. Giveaway runs from December 17 – 20, 2018

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Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Her Wicked LongingAmazon / B&N / Kobo

DESCRIPTION

Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Series and Johanna Lindsey’s Malory series will delight in this swoonworthy adventurous romance series with roguish heroes and feisty, intelligent heroines! 

Her Wicked Longing contains two new short teaser stories starring Audrey Sheridan and her maid Gillian Beaumont! 

What trouble can a young lady with a talent for mischief and her maid get into in just one day? 

His Wicked Maid- 

Always prim and proper, lady’s maid Gillian Beaumont has never acted with wild abandon the way her young headstrong mistress does. But deep down she dreams of a life filled with love and a husband who will give her his whole heart even though she knows it’s impossible. With a list of chores from her mistress, Gillian is given the chance to live the life of a gentle lady, and she clings to it, knowing that soon it will be over. While wearing a dress meant for her lady, she catches the eye of a handsome earl and is swept away from her duties by his rakish good looks and charm. Heated looks in public and passionate kisses in a dark corner of a bookshop create a perfect day for Gillian to cling to when she returns to her real life… 

Her Wicked Lessons- 

Determined to learn the art of the spy trade, Miss Audrey Sheridan, finds a way to escape a dull afternoon tea by running off to the residence of an infamous French Courtesan. Hoping to improve her French for a future mission to the continent, she never expects to be caught by the one man who haunts her dreams: Jonathan St. Laurent, the former servant-turned-brother of a duke. With one penetrating look from those bewitching green eyes of his, Audrey knows she’s in trouble. Unable and unwilling to confess her real reason for visiting a French courtesan, Audrey decides to convinces Jonathan she’s there to learn the art of seduction. But she never expects the devilish rogue to take her lessons seriously… 

*Note: These are short stories of under 10,000 words that will prepare readers for Gillian’s happily ever after in The Earl of Pembroke and Audrey’s happily ever after in His Wicked Secret. 

 


REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Her Wicked Longing by Lauren Smith is a quick read consisting of two novellas. Lauren writes a stellar historical romance in full length and I have to say she is amazing at packing in so much teasing story in so few pages.  I was left eager for more and anticipating her future releases.

The first novella “His Wicked Maid” is a taste of Lauren’s new series being released next year and it centered around Miss Audrey’s ladies maid Gillian Beaumont.  Gillian is afforded an opportunity to masquerade as a gentle lady for a day, and in that short time she catches the eye of James Fordyce. who happens to be an Earl.  These two have an instant spark and Lauren left us with just enough to make sure we came back for the real deal.  In typical style of her lovely writing, we have humour, promise of a little naughty, adventure and the making of a great story.

The second novella is “His Wicked Lessons” and this is a taste of her full novel “His Wicked Secret” (released later this year) which will be the next full novel in her “League of Rogues” series.  Here we see the beginnings of Jonathan St-Laurent and Audrey Sheridan relationship.  Audrey is a smart cookie and finds herself in a compromising position when she tries to take the bull by the horns and insert herself into some spy training.  Deciding to do the best she can with the situation handed to her, she is still taken aback when the one man she has been drawn to catches her in a place no proper lady belongs.  Again we are left with a taste of what these two will face in their full length novel and I am excited to see where we are taken.

If you are a Lauren Smith fan, then you will love this read.  I love that she released a teaser to keep our interest peaked and as usual she always gives just enough.  She is an incredible historical romance author and if you haven’t checked out her writing before I strongly recommend you do.  Her “League of Rogues” series is a great place to start but if you try this read first, I promise she gives you her style in true Lauren fashion, so this would be a great way to see if her style is your style .. which I am sure it will be! 🙂

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Wicked Rivals by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

Wicked RivalsAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
A LORD WITH LEGENDARY CONTROL… 

Merciless and powerful, Ashton Lennox is a wealthy man because he puts business before everything else, especially love. As a member of the infamous League of Rogues, he’s no stranger to scandal. His bedroom conquests are as legendary as his fortune. As he searches for a way to bring down an old enemy bent on destroying the lives of his friends, the last thing he needs is a Scottish widow getting in his way. 

A FIERY WOMAN WHO WON’T BACK DOWN… 

The daughter of a Scottish lord with a dark and treacherous past, Rosalind Melbourne has spent years distancing from her past. After escaping her tyrannical father and marrying an aging English lord, she has become a powerful widow with a business empire at her command. Her business dealings are everything to her, leaving her no time for love. Especially not with her business rival Ashton, a man with a scandalous reputation as striking as his blue eyes. 

A GAME OF WITS TURNS TO A GAME OF SEDUCTION… 

Ashton is fascinated by the strong-willed, intelligent and sensual lady who, up until now, had outsmarted him at every turn. Rosalind wishes she could deny she is falling for the brooding, handsome baron. How can she possibly trust him when doing so could cost her what she values most—her freedom? When Ashton discovers Rosalind might hold the key to saving the League of Rogues, he knows he will do anything to woo his wicked lass. As their pasts return to haunt them and dark forces rise to keep them from exposing a deadly spymaster, their game of love turns to a game of survival… 

Warning: This book includes a brooding baron who’s wild in bed, a crafty Scottish lass who never knows when to quit, a wicked game of strip chess, and a merry band of rogues whose first instinct is to run they hear wedding bells ring. 

 

Review:

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

DANG, this is a great book.  This series just keeps getting better and better! 🙂

Wicked Rivals is a historical romance by one of my fave authors Lauren Smith.  It is the 4th book in her “League of Rogues” series and it follows the story of Ashton and Rosalind.  I suppose you could read this as a stand alone, but you will miss much in the back story, which is important to deliver the true impact of this story.  There is a continuation of a larger story with romance matching weaved in.  So by all means enjoy this story, but I dare say you will enjoy it more if you have read the previous three.

Ashton Lennox is one hot rogue.  He is first and foremost loyal to his fellow rogues, a serious businessman, not to be messed with and holding a serious grudge towards a certain lovely Scottish lass.

Rosalind Melbourne happens to be the lovely Scottish lass that is driving Ashton nuts.  She is widowed, running her late husbands business like a pro (and really causing havoc for Ashton’s business), staying away from Scotland due to a terrible past, and determined to make things happen her way no matter what it takes.

When Ashton has decided enough is enough, he decides to purchase all of Rosalind debts in order to control her.  Rosalind however, is not to be contolled and she decides to confront Ashton in his own home and set him straight.  However, Ashton has a sweet side, and Rosalind has a vulnerable side, and once these sides are exposed to the other, we have a game of cat and mouse.  This game gets quite serious though, and before we know it hearts and bodies cannot resist the other.  Our villain Waverly (from the previous books), is still a serious danger, and suddenly he is way to close for comfort.  When marriage is placed on the table as a means to control and to protect, Ashton and Rosalind need to get out of their own ways, and find their way to a trusting relationship together.  That will be the only way these two can fight Waverly.

SO MUCH MORE to this book than this brief synopsis.  The pacing of this book was bang on.  I felt the anxiety of the danger lurking, the softness of a romance blooming and the heat .. well oh my .. Lauren can write the heat!  LOL  So well matched Ashton and Rosalind were, and once again, we are set up for the next book.  I also love that the wives from our previous books are banded together to keep our “League of Rogues” on their toes.  I adore these woman as much as I do their men!  LOL

Fantastic book, fantastic series and most definitely a “go to” author in the historical romance genre.  

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy provided for review

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

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His Wicked Seduction by Lauren Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

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His Wicked Seduction

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Description:
Horatia Sheridan has been hopelessly in love with Lucien, her brother’s best friend, ever since he rescued her from the broken remains of her parents’ wrecked carriage. His reputation as London’s most notorious rakehell doesn’t frighten her, for under his veneer of cool authority she has glimpsed a man whose wicked desires inspire her own.

Lucien, Marquess of Rochester, has deliberately nurtured a reputation for debauchery that makes every matchmaking mother of the ton quake with fear. His one secret: he is torn between soul-ripping lust for Horatia, and the loyalty he owes her brother.

That loyalty is put to the test when an old enemy of the League threatens Horatia’s life. With Christmas drawing near, he sweeps her away to his country estate, where he can’t resist granting her one wish—to share his bed and his heart.

But sinister forces are lurking, awaiting the perfect moment to exact their revenge by destroying not only whatever happiness Lucien might find in Horatia’s arms, but the lives of those they love.

 

Review:

League Rule #2: “One must never seduce another member’s sister. Should this rule be broken, the member whose sister was seduced has the right to demand satisfaction”.

Alas, in HIS WICKED SEDUCTION by Lauren Smith, that rule is broken and put to a test!

Who knew a league of Rogues would have rules? These “Peers of the Realm” are all bad boys, rakehells and seriously fun men!! Poor Horatia has been in love with Lucien, Marquess of Rochester since she was a teenager. He did save her life after a tragic carriage accident, which took the lives of her parents. Lucien reacts by being cold towards her, because he knows she is a lady and an innocent. Plus, she is his friend Cedric’s little sister! Horatia tries countless ways to seduce him and make him hers, but he likes his women, should we say, a tad wanton? He likes control and pleasing his women with a little bit of bondage and fun. Red silk ties come to mind!

The League’s arch nemesis and enemy, Hugo Waverly is still on the loose and he soon threatens Horatia’s life. Lucien sweeps Horatia away to his family’s estate for safety. That’s when the action really begins. Who would guess that spending the Christmas Holidays in the quiet countryside would be so hot and fun! The men in the League of Rogues are all great characters and they make appearances throughout the novel, but Lucien and Cedric’s families take center stage!

Audrey is Horatia’s little sister and is so cunning and full of life. She wants to get married, but with Cedric as her guardian, her suitors are all scared off! In her quest to change her brother’s mind, she even scares some League members in her attempts to be “ravished”. I can’t wait to read her courtship! She is a master manipulator, but in a delightful and stylish way! My favorite secondary character is Lady Rochester! You don’t think she is a mother of four sons, who are all wild and a daughter without having a hand in their development? As the saying goes, the “fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree”! She hides in cupboards to eavesdrop on her children and then jumps out at them. She is determined to get her brood married, because she wants grandchildren and lots of them! She admits that while her late husband was mild and good natured, she was a “hellion” and all of her children take after her! What’s a mother to do? She has some clever ways to get Lucien and Horatia together. Plus, she plans the greatest activities. They have a snow fort fight, men against the women and it was hilarious! I will reread this book for this chapter alone!

Horatia proves to Lucien throughout this novel, that she can keep up with him and that she enjoys his “wicked desires”, but they must keep their relationship a secret from Cedric, or else that Second Rule must be honored! The last chapters are action packed with danger, betrayal, villains, forgiveness and most of all, LOVE! I can’t wait to for the next Rogue to fall!

Reviewed by Jules

Copy provided by Author

 

about the author

Lauren_Smith_2014Lauren Smith is an attorney by day, author by night, who pens adventurous and edgy romance stories by the light of her smart phone flashlight app. She’s a native Oklahoman who lives with her three pets: a feisty chinchilla, sophisticated cat and dapper little schnauzer.

She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including being an Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

Giveaway beige

Lauren is graciously offering a choice of either an e-copy or a pre-printed paper copy of  HIS WICKED SEDUCTION 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 Lauren Smith  on FACEBOOK.

7. Giveaway is open e-copy (International) or pre-printed paper copy (USA only)

8. Giveaway runs from November 12 – November 16, 2014, 2014

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