Tag Archives: Victorian

The Care and Feeding of Rogues by Lauren Smith -a Review

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The Care and Feeding of Rogues by Lauren Smith -a Review

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Description:
Who could resist a wager from London’s most popular detective, Sherlock Holmes? Certainly not his scientist neighbor, Elise Hamblin.

The challenge: Study the primal nature of men; but not just any man for her study will do. Sherlock has chosen the Earl of March, a man with a scandalous and dangerous reputation.

Prospero Harrington has returned from exile to claim the title of Earl of March and his late father’s mounting debts. Desperate to secure his future, he responds to an intriguing ad and finds himself the subject of observation by a beautiful woman in exchange for a hefty payment.

Disguised as a man, Elise follows Prospero about London. Their close proximity and adventures provides a fascinating introduction to the world of men, passion, and desire.

Tragedy strikes and Elise must rely on the scandalous rogue she’s been studying. Enemies from Prospero’s dangerous past set their sights on the new earl and the woman who has won his heart, forcing him to face his past or lose Elise forever.

The Care and Feeding of Rogues is a stranger to lovers romance with a lady scientist and a scandalous rogue with a heart of gold. What starts out as a wager becomes the adventure of a lifetime, with a guaranteed HEA.

 

Review:

With Lauren Smith you can rely you’ll get a great story, and I did. 

Elise is a curious and very intelligent young woman, with a quick wit and curious nature. She’s a naturalist, but she’s also rather naive.

Prospero is a down on his fortune Earl. Back to claim his birthright (and a rather large amount of debt, courtesy of his father!). Needing a cash injection to set him on his way, we see Prospero accept a rather strange but intriguing ad. He’s to be followed/studied and observed doing his daily routine. A little strange granted, but the money will definitely come in handy. And the young lady is easy on the eye 😉 

There is a spark of interest almost straight away, but both are going to ignore it (Elise isn’t going to give up her independence and Prospero is single minded in his pursuit of wealth to bring to his title!).  I loved the side characters, and I’m hoping they get a book at some point in this new series.

But there is also danger, and it could put Elise if not both of them in mortal danger! Will Prospero’s unconventional education abroad help them in their hour of need? 

And the additional lure of Sherlock Holmes? Well I loved reading/watching anything about this infamous character. 

This was a book that mixes fact with fiction. It tries to show us the ways of how women were treated and looked upon in this era! They weren’t suppose to have minds/opinions or even a voice! 

A highly recommended read, it’s  a fun read, with fast pacing and enough spice to keep you reading. And the danger just adds to this amazing story.

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied by Author

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Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Diamonds are a duke’s best friend…

When the infamously cold-hearted Duke of Helston decides to catch a gang of jewel thieves stealing from London’s elite circles, he never expects the thief to be a woman.

She’s not just any woman either…she happens to be the bewitching creature he met in the darkened corridor during a musicale who changed his life forever.

What’s a duke to do when he wants to catch a thief who not only stole his family diamond, but also his heart?

 

 

Review:

Dukes and Diamonds by Lauren Smith the first book in a new series. I really like how this author does both historical and paranormal stories. Dukes and Diamonds is the first book in a new Victorian Jewel trilogy featuring three women who come together to steal from the rich and give to the poor. (Very Robin Hood vibes.) 

Without her new found friends, Tabitha’s story might have turned out completely different! Stealing food to survive, her fathers death had left her destitute and all alone. Then stealing from the rich to give to the poor (but only the ones who deserved it!).

Fitzwilliam Seagrave (Fitz to friends) the cold-hearted Duke of Helston (the name the ladies of high society gave him) decides to catch an elusive gang of jewel thieves stealing from London’s elite circles. Setting a trap to catch the thief he never expects the thief to be a woman. And she’s not just any woman either…she happens to be the young lady he’s beginning to fall for, exchanging heated woods and a wonderful moment that has him thinking of wedlock! 

Fitz doesn’t believe or carry the notion of love. But spending illicit moments with Tabitha has him thinking thoughts he ought not to! And how can he marry a penniless young woman who he thinks is a thief? So beneath his station (arrogant man 😆) but with the help of his friends and grandmother (who is such a hoot) he’s taught a few valuable lessons. He just has to come up with a way of letting Tabitha know his feelings (and to stop her from stealing!) 

I liked Tabitha (although a little uncomfortable with her stealing, but I see why) her actions had a motive, and her wit had me chuckling throughout the book. I like that she wasn’t a shy and innocent maiden (he won’t be her first bedroom experience 😜) and lusted after her Duke. She’s loyal to her friends and a quick mind.

Her partners in crime are Julia and Hannah, and they make a great trio. And I’m hoping they both get a story as each young lady is such a laugh, but have their own stories of woe! 

Add in a few steamy interludes, the other  Robins and other side characters and it’s a good read. Throw in a little angst and a twist, and it turns from a good into a great read. 

I can’t wait to read who’s next. So what happens next? There has to be consequences to her actions. If she’s caught will she name her accomplices? And will Fitz forgive her, or turn her into the local constabulary? 

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Copy supplied by Author

 

 

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Remember Me by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? 
 
Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton . She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

 

 

 

Review:

Remember Me by Mary Balogh is the 2nd book in her Ravenswood series. I have been a big fan of Balogh and her wonderful Historical romances, especially the epic Westcott series. Remember Me focuses on Lady Philippa Ware, sister to Devlin (previous book hero), now the Earl of Stratton; and Lucas Arden, the Marquess of Roath and heir to the Duke of Wilby. 

Philippa, being the eldest daughter, looked forward to her debut, but after her father’s scandal, as well as hearing a nasty insult from the handsome Marquess of Roath (Lucas), she decided she would not go to London.  A few years later, she finds the courage to attend the ball and meet the ton; and becomes an instant success, with many suitors enamored by her.  Philippa also develops a close friendship with Jenny, the granddaughter of the Duke of Wilby; determined to avoid the Marquess, as she has never forgotten his insult.  At dinner, with members of the Wilby and Dare family, she ends up sitting next to Lucas, and decides to whisper ‘Remember me’. Looking at Philippa, Lucas tries to remember her; but then realizes a terrible comment he made a few years ago to a friend, and did not know she overheard the insult. Lucas apologizes to Philippa, realizing those hurtful words he uttered then, was not the man he is today; however, she goes out of her way to not spend any time with him.  Lucas will visit Philippa at her home, to make amends, and he explains where that nasty comment came from; she learns the truths about the scandal.

Pippa and Luc found it hard to stay away from one another, especially with his grandfather pressuring him that Philippa was the right woman for him; with his grandfather helping him find a way to woo her.  Luc finds himself fully attracted to Pippa, and they end up attending many events, with both families and friends. Pippa finds herself becoming very close to Jenny, and the entire Wilby family; especially the autocratic duke and duchess; who are determined that she is the perfect wife for Lucas.

It was wonderful to see them find their way to a possible love; when the Duke falls sick, Philippa agrees to accept the marriage proposal to Lucas. I really loved them together, especially after Lucas explained what happened four years ago.   

Remember Me was another great addition to this new series, so very well written by Mary Balogh.  I did love both Philippa and Lucas, rooting hard for them to find a way to be together.  I loved the both the Ware family members, especially Stephanie, Pippa, Ben, Nicolas and Owen, as well as the many members of the Wilby family. Remember Me was a wonderful and emotional story.  If you enjoy historical romances, you can never go wrong reading anything my Mary Balogh.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of REMEMBER ME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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9.. Giveaway runs from June 20th to June 24th, 2023

 

 

 

 

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

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Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith – a Review

 

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Description:
Becoming the Earl of Castleton wasn’t something Arthur Brynnwood was expecting. Yes, his great-uncle was old, but Arthur had always imagined him living forever. But after he learned of his great-uncle’s passing he went from being just another gentleman to one of the highly sought after prizes by matchmaking mamas of the ton. Suddenly the responsibility of running such a vast estate was thrust on Arthur’s shoulders. The estate accounts were a mess and it was clear his uncle’s steward had been embezzling from his uncle for years. When he arrives at the castle and sees the gross mismanagement of the properties he loses his temper and orders the new steward to let people know their rent were rising – either pay or move.

To his surprise a lovely young woman name Matilda comes to him the next day, pleading prettily for leniency for herself and her ailing aunt who had been living in a cottage free for years. Too used to the wiles of women, Arthur remains unmoved by her words and tells her coldly there will be no reconsideration of his orders. He is the new Earl of Castleton and he will be obeyed. The next thing he knows, he’s choking on a snowball thrown at his face and Matilda is marching away, back straight and head held proudly high. Once again, his temper explodes. He grabs her and wrestles the shrieking, kicking woman to a bedchamber and locks her in until he decides what to do with her.

He find himself intrigued and reluctantly impressed by her show of spirit. She’s not the usual, simpering, coy type of women who all but worship at his feet in London. And her beauty… he feels an unexpected lust when he imagines her long, russet hair and eyes the color of good whiskey. Deciding it’s been too long since he’s had a mistress, he knows exactly how to solve the problem of Matilda: he’ll allow her free use of the cottage she lives in for the rest of her life in exchange for being his mistress this Christmas season…

 

Review:

Snowflakes and Wallflowers by Lauren Smith is the 2nd book in her Christmas Wallflowers series.  We meet Matilda (Mattie) from the start, when she receives a letter outside her door.  Mattie lives in a very small cottage, with her ailing aunt; they have lived there rent free for many years, as the Earl of Castleton always looked out for them, until his death.  Mattie reads the letter, which was sent by the new Earl, who tells them they have to move out quickly, or pay a high rent; which they cannot afford.  She quickly runs in the bad snow storm, to talk to this new Earl, and plead their case.

Arthur Brynnwood, is now the Earl of Castleton, having inherited the land and title from his deceased distant Uncle.  Arthur has no idea how to run the estate, and works his steward reviewing what is needed to repair the terrible condition of the mansion and land; as well as previous mismanagement.   He then orders the steward to have people living on the estate, to raise rents or make them move.  When Mattie arrives to talk to the new Earl, he is belligerent and arrogant, telling her he will not change his mind; she loses her cool, and on the way out, throws a snow ball that landed on his head.  Arthur is now angry, and takes Mattie and locks her in a room.    Learning about her ailing aunt, Arthur orders they pick up the aunt to bring her to the mansion, and have a doctor into her health.

Arthur finds himself intrigued by the spirited and feisty, Mattie; as he is not used to women not listening to him and fighting his every move.  Arthur will make a deal with Mattie, increasing her stay at the cabin for months, if she will become his mistress for two weeks.  Mattie, who is a virgin, does feel lust when Arthur kisses her, and decides to accept the deal.

In a short time, both Arthur and Mattie find themselves falling hard for each other; as their relationship escalated into a steamy affair, with Arthur treating Mattie like a queen. Arthur will also learn to his shock, the conditions that Mattie and her aunt lived in (tiny cabin, little food, heat, etc.), and begins to make changes to fix and add on to the cabin they lived in.  When friends of Arthur surprisingly turn up for the holidays, he begins to see a different light to those he used to call friends and their terrible behavior.

After the bad start, I really liked Arthur and Mattie together, and loved watching them fall in love.  Arthur turned into a sweet and caring man, who changed him totally. Snowflakes and Wallflowers was so very well written by Lauren Smith.  I loved the story, and the main characters, and especially loved the epilogue.  I suggest you read Snowflakes and Wallflowers, as it was a sexy heartwarming read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

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In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith -a Review

 

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Description:
A Royal Navy Officer’s Guide to Seducing a Pirate Lass:
Go undercover as a fellow pirate
Steal kisses whenever possible
Do not fall in love, no matter how tempting your pirate lass is

Brianna Holland has always been free. Her entire life she’s never known the bars of any cage until she’s captured in Port Royal trying to help a fellow pirate escape. Suddenly facing the hangman’s noose unless she betrays her father’s location to the Royal Navy, she clings to the hope that a new prisoner in her cell brings. The roguish and seductive Nicholas Flynn is charming and irresistible and soon the pair make a clever escape from the prison. Once on board her ship and safely at sea, Brianna soon learns that there are other dangers than storms and naval frigates prowling the waters. This time, her heart and her father’s life might be at risk.

Royal Navy Lieutenant Nicholas Flynn has a problem. He’s been assigned to gain the confidence of a pirate prisoner in Port Royal in order to learn the whereabouts of the notorious pirate king Thomas Buck. But when he meets the man he’s supposed to win the trust of and eventually betray, he is stunned to discover it’s no man, but a woman named Brianna, who he is to befriend and betray. Not only that, but he learns that she is Thomas Buck’s daughter. Knowing Brianna will face torture at the hands of a cruel military captain if she doesn’t talk, Flynn helps her escape. If Flynn finds a way to lead the Royal Navy to Brianna’s father, he’ll lose the only woman who’s ever stolen his heart.

Other Books in the Series:
Book 1: No Rest for the Wicked
Book 2: In Like Flynn
Book 3: Devil of the High Seas

 

 

Review 

In Like Flynn by Lauren Smith is book two in her Pirates of Kings Landing series, and although I’ve not read the previous book, it doesn’t make a difference. But saying that I may go back and read that one as i throughly enjoyed this book. A historical romance set on the high seas. A story of betrayal and romance. And a story with plenty of action and adventure. 

Brianna loves to feel the wind in her hair and the splashing of the waves on her face. A free spirit, a beloved daughter and member of her father’s crew. She’s had to earn that respect, she’s had to be the best, all the while never losing sight of who she is. Dressed as a man every time she leaves the ship is a chore, but one she’s always mindful of as people could recognise her and use her against her father. 

Flynn is honour bound to see that the pirate Thomas Buck is brought to justice. He’s given the chance when told to befriend a member of the pirates crew, that is until he realises the crew member is a woman! He now faces a dilemma, save the girl and lose his career, or leave her to rot in prison! 

So will they set sail for happiness, or will someone scupper their chances and sink their love boat? 

This is a fun read, plenty of fast paced action. Throw in some spicy moments and banter from Brianna and the hours just flew by as I immersed myself in their tale. It’s beautifully written, nothing is left out, you can imagine the waves, smell the cell Brianna is kept in, and feel the love she has for both her father and Flynn, you feel the conflict that this situation put Flynn in. And it will you have you rooting for the pirates (not all pirates are bad guys) ?‍☠️ 

There is a few twists along the way. And a moment in the prologue that will pan out in a way neither Flynn nor Brianna expected ? The story did remind me a little of the film “Cutthroat Island” a female pirate and a rogue who sought to betray her ?

I highly recommended read from an author I’m adding to my list. 

Reviewed by Julie

Copy supplied for Review

 

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A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett – a Review

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A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett – a Review

 

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Description:
Six years ago, Miss Letitia Fenley made a mistake, and she’s lived with the consequences ever since. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she is suddenly asked to take on another responsibility—managing Athena’s Retreat, a secret haven for England’s women scientists. Having spent the last six years on her own, Letty doesn’t want the offers of friendship from other club members and certainly doesn’t need any help from the insufferably attractive Lord Greycliff.

Lord William Hughes, the Viscount Greycliff cannot afford to make any mistakes. His lifelong dream of becoming the director of a powerful clandestine agency is within his grasp. Tasked with helping Letty safeguard Athena’s Retreat, Grey is positive that he can control the antics of the various scientists as well as manage the tiny mathematician—despite their historic animosity and simmering tension.

As Grey and Letty are forced to work together, their mutual dislike turns to admiration and eventually to something… magnetic. When faced with the possibility that Athena’s Retreat will close forever, they must make a choice. Will Grey turn down a chance to change history, or can Letty get to the root of the problem and prove that love is the ultimate answer?

 

 

Review:

A Perfect Equation by Elizabeth Everett is the 2nd book in her The Secret Scientists of London series. I have not read the first book in this series, but this did read very well as a standalone. We meet our heroine, Letitia (Letty) Fenley at the start, as her best friend Violet wants her to manage Athena’s Retreat, while she is away. Letty accepts the challenge, but when she learns that Lord Greycliff (Grey), our hero, has been asked by Violet’s husband to watch over things; she is not happy.  Six years ago, Letty thought she was in love with a young man (from a powerful family); his father humiliated her when he caught her in bed with his son. The father made sure to ostracize her within society, causing damage to her family as well.  At that time, Grey was very demeaning and nasty to her, as Melton (the boy’s father) was like a father to him.

Letty wants nothing to do with him, and vice versa, but soon they are forced to work together and things begin to change.  They both learn more about each other that they did not know, and they move past their dislike of each other; as Grey also discovers his treatment to Letty was truly unwarranted. 

Athena’s Retreat is a women’s club for female scientists, who are smart, savvy, independent, intelligent, women who work on their own time to practice and learn how to create scientific things. The women shine in their secret haven, exceling in many areas, such as Letty being a brilliant mathematician, with others being scientists, engineers, etc. They all support one another, and fight against the injustices that women should stay home and let men do the work.

What follows is a slow build romance between Grey and Letty, as he recognized how great she was, and did not deserve the awful treatment years before.  The banter between them was fun, and the sexual tension between them grew; with their chemistry off the wall.  When a nasty group, Guardians of Domesticity push to close Athena’s Retreat, Grey goes against Letty and the other women to close the retreat; as he is up for the director ship, and knows what they expect of him to win. This causes problems between Grey and Letty, that may harm their budding relationship. 

A Perfect Equation was an enemy to lover’s trope, which was at times humorous, sexy, suspenseful and angst.   Letty and Grey were a great couple, with lots of chemistry.  I also liked many of the secondary characters, including Sam (Letty’s brother), Winthram, Grantham and the ladies of Athena’s Retreat.  A Perfect Equation was well written by Elizabeth Everett.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey – a Review

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Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey – a Review

 

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Description:
After his twin brother pulls a foolish prank, Reverend Daniel Wayward’s life is now decidedly complicated. With his family, his parish, and even his reputation at risk, there’s only one way to avoid utter ruin—by swapping places with his rakish, wicked twin. And the second Daniel steps foot into his brother’s worldly and sinful life in London, he’s completely caught by temptation of the most enticing, green-eyed kind.

Miss Olivia St. Peters knows the son of the duke is a dangerous fellow, but something in those hooded, hungry blue eyes makes her blood sing with pleasure. She’s determined to have this Wayward noble, no matter what Society—or even her father—says about the match. And if that means playing with fire, she’ll gladly burn…

The more Daniel resists the oh-so-inviting charms of Olivia, the more determined she is to have him. Now he’s caught between his vows of faith and the lure of sweet temptation. And the only thing standing between his heart and his immortal soul is one unforgivable deception…

 

Review:

Reverend Daniel Wayward and his twin has switched places because of a prank to save their and the family’s reputation. Daniel isn’t happy with the situation but for goes along like always when his brother does something like this. He’s tasked with discouraging the affections of the business partner’s daughter. Only on their first meeting Daniel’s smitten by the lovely unique young woman. Olivia St. Peters is determined to marry her father’s business partner Devlin Wayward. Her plan is to reform the rake, only her plans don’t progress as she thought. Olivia’s determination to marry the man she thinks she loves just may lead to Tempting the Vicar.

Tempting the Vicar by Liana LeFey is the second book in her Wicked Waywards book. It’s the other side of the story of the switch between twin brothers who decide to that’s the best way to handle a prank gone wrong. It leads this twin facing temptation and heartache and the complicated relationship between the two brothers. He also must face a test of faith and an old enemy from his past. Anger, passion, and guilt play a role in working through the complicated situation that he finds himself in especially with the daughter of his business partner. We also meet a young woman who thinks she knows how to counter act her father. Headstrong and determined to get her way she just may take things a little too far.

Tempting the Vicar has passion, temptation, a little danger as these two main characters work their way through life changing effects. A man just may learn that life as a Reverend alone isn’t enough. A woman may realize that her plans were never the ones she thought might be. Heartache, passion so strong its hard to resist weave its way through this story of finding true love. Lives will be forever changed as they journey through a situation that is a lot more complicated than they realize. Liana LeFey’s Tempting the Vicar pulls at the reader heartstrings hoping these two people who are meant for each other just may have a chance at true love once the games and deceit are stopped and the truth revealed. This  reader was hoping that the other side of the switched twins story would be told. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Wicked Waywards series and who will it be, the  Duke himself, or the opinionated younger sister. Liana LeFey didn’t disappoint with this second book in the series.

Reviewed by Kim

Copy provided by Publisher

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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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