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Dark Regency #2
The Redemption of a Rogue (The Dark Regency Series) (Volume 2) by Chasity Bowlin
Lord Michael Sutherland, Viscount Ellersleigh, is infamous amongst the ton for his powers of seduction and his prowess as a lover. Running from his own ennui and a lover who fancies herself his future wife, Michael retreats to the country and a crumbling, haunted castle won in a game of chance... a castle occupied by an innocent and oh so tempting young woman, Miss Abbigail Barrows. But country life proves to be anything but quiet. At a debauched house party, Michael finds himself confronted with an unfortunate quandary, marry Abbigail, an innocent, or hang for murder. Residing at Blagdon Hall, Michael's faced with the dilemmas of seducing his new wife, who seems to be impervious to his charm, and unraveling the mystery of Blagdon Hall's resident ghost and the nefarious goings on at the neighboring estate.
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 7, 2015
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376 people want to read
About the author
Chasity Bowlin
142 books524 followersUSA Today Best Selling author and Winner of the 2019 Romance Through the Ages Award for Georgian/Regency Romance, Chasity Bowlin is the author multiple bestselling historical romance novels, both independently and with Dragonblade Publishing. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and their menagerie of animals. She loves writing, loves traveling and enjoys incorporating tidbits of her actual vacations into her books. She is an avid Anglophile, loving all things British, but specifically all things Regency.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
Growing up in Tennessee, spending as much time as possible with her doting grandparents, soap operas were a part of her daily existence, followed by back to back episodes of Scooby Doo. Her path to becoming a romance novelist was set when, rather than simply have her Barbie dolls cruise around in a pink convertible, they time traveled, hosted lavish dinner parties and one even had an evil twin locked in the attic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 7, 2021
Reread- currently it's not on KU, but is on scribd
*****original review***
This is a dark-ish, erotica-ish, historical romance with a mystery, and a hint of paranormal. It’s different for sure, but wasn’t bad or awkward. Actually, the writing is quite good, and I really enjoyed the banter between the two mc’s. (although the editing isn’t awesome) The gist is that Michael wins a castle in a card game. When he arrives, he meets Abigail who pretty much has to vacate, since she no longer has a home. He’s worried and intrigued by her, and accepts an invitation to her scandalous step-sis house to check on her. While there, he’s set up for murder, and when Abby gives him an alibi (they were together talking) her virtue is ruined so they marry. There are a lot of moving parts so I’ll highlight the main players. *I did not read book 1, and I could tell I missed some backstory dealing with Michael’s personality (he was the main supporting character) but didn’t ever feel lost.
Michael is a rake. This might have been highlighted more in the first book, but we are told he sleeps with a lot of women… usually married or widowed as he’s not looking for love. He’s had a tragic loss in childhood that has made him unwilling to be vulnerable enough to love. But, it also inspired him to be a Dr. and help out strays… especially women that have suffered from abuse, forced into prostitution, etc. (he never has sex with any of his strays)
Abbigail is an orphan and dependent on her skeevy cousin to take responsibility for her. She’s the caretaker of his haunted castle, and left to try to keep the place running with its handful of elderly unpaid staff. Her character is a little flat, we don’t get any backstory, or real insight into her character other than she’s strong, intelligent, and strong-willed.
Lavinia is Abby’s deranged, evil step-sis. She HATES Abby because everyone likes her better. (cuz she’s not psycho) She’s also desperate to get into Michael’s pants. She’s into kinky sex and multiple partners.
Rupert is Lavinia’s husband. He’s equally as deranged and evil except he’s desperate to get into Abby’s pants.
I did feel the blurb was misleading, (I was expecting a lot OW drama) the former mistress is only around once, and she’s nice. They’ve been friends for years, so there’s no drama coming from her. Much of the plot revolves around the big mystery; I found it interesting, but it’s resolved rather quickly when everything finally comes to a head.
Bottom Line- The plot kept me interested, but I wish there had been more “personal” stuff between Michael and Abby. There’s only one part that addresses his horde of previous lovers, and without giving spoilers…I’ll just say the situation requires Abby to look bad/embarrassed for the good of the mystery. She’s aware of this, but the actions are still hurtful. It was emotional, and I was GLUED to the book, but then after that’s addressed the focus pretty much swings back to the mystery…and sex. The sex isn’t overly graphic, or constant; I just felt like it took the front seat over an emotional connection. In a nutshell, entertaining but not really any “feels”. I would even say more of a mystery read than a romance.
*****original review***
This is a dark-ish, erotica-ish, historical romance with a mystery, and a hint of paranormal. It’s different for sure, but wasn’t bad or awkward. Actually, the writing is quite good, and I really enjoyed the banter between the two mc’s. (although the editing isn’t awesome) The gist is that Michael wins a castle in a card game. When he arrives, he meets Abigail who pretty much has to vacate, since she no longer has a home. He’s worried and intrigued by her, and accepts an invitation to her scandalous step-sis house to check on her. While there, he’s set up for murder, and when Abby gives him an alibi (they were together talking) her virtue is ruined so they marry. There are a lot of moving parts so I’ll highlight the main players. *I did not read book 1, and I could tell I missed some backstory dealing with Michael’s personality (he was the main supporting character) but didn’t ever feel lost.
Michael is a rake. This might have been highlighted more in the first book, but we are told he sleeps with a lot of women… usually married or widowed as he’s not looking for love. He’s had a tragic loss in childhood that has made him unwilling to be vulnerable enough to love. But, it also inspired him to be a Dr. and help out strays… especially women that have suffered from abuse, forced into prostitution, etc. (he never has sex with any of his strays)
Abbigail is an orphan and dependent on her skeevy cousin to take responsibility for her. She’s the caretaker of his haunted castle, and left to try to keep the place running with its handful of elderly unpaid staff. Her character is a little flat, we don’t get any backstory, or real insight into her character other than she’s strong, intelligent, and strong-willed.
Lavinia is Abby’s deranged, evil step-sis. She HATES Abby because everyone likes her better. (cuz she’s not psycho) She’s also desperate to get into Michael’s pants. She’s into kinky sex and multiple partners.
Rupert is Lavinia’s husband. He’s equally as deranged and evil except he’s desperate to get into Abby’s pants.
I did feel the blurb was misleading, (I was expecting a lot OW drama) the former mistress is only around once, and she’s nice. They’ve been friends for years, so there’s no drama coming from her. Much of the plot revolves around the big mystery; I found it interesting, but it’s resolved rather quickly when everything finally comes to a head.
Bottom Line- The plot kept me interested, but I wish there had been more “personal” stuff between Michael and Abby. There’s only one part that addresses his horde of previous lovers, and without giving spoilers…I’ll just say the situation requires Abby to look bad/embarrassed for the good of the mystery. She’s aware of this, but the actions are still hurtful. It was emotional, and I was GLUED to the book, but then after that’s addressed the focus pretty much swings back to the mystery…and sex. The sex isn’t overly graphic, or constant; I just felt like it took the front seat over an emotional connection. In a nutshell, entertaining but not really any “feels”. I would even say more of a mystery read than a romance.
December 29, 2016
The title & the plot description grabbed my attention unfortunately that's all that grabbed my attention because the storytelling was dull as watching paint dry.
Also other characters thoughts were mentioned. They will have their own books but their stories suffered from the dull storytelling and left me uninterested in their story.
A very lackluster effort in telling a story about a rogue's redemption.
Also other characters thoughts were mentioned. They will have their own books but their stories suffered from the dull storytelling and left me uninterested in their story.
A very lackluster effort in telling a story about a rogue's redemption.
August 14, 2015
STORY WAS OK!!
I was looking forward to Michael Sutherland, Viscount Ellersleigh story The Redemption of a Rogue.. He was one of the main characters in bk1 of the Dark Regency series. He was interesting in bk1 The Haunting of a Duke. Michael's story seems to lack development. Its very similar to bk1.
Micheal has won Blagdon Hall in a card game from Lord Allerton. Not knowing that Bladgon Hall was occupied with Lord Allerton's cousin Miss Abigail Barrows/Abby he moves right in. There is a resident Ghost The Grey Lady in the story but who is she? Why is she haunting the Hall. This part of the story is sorely lacking in development. Michael and Abby are invited to her step sister Lavinia house party where all kinds of sex is going on. Michael rejects Lavinia's attentions and Allerton is murder. All fingers point to Michael, but Abby saves him by admitting that Michael was with her all night. You know what happens then. They must marry and quickly. Abby and Michael make a good couple. They investigate the scarification murders and rape of young girls and even men who have gone missing in the area after several attempts on Michael and Abby's lives. You know immediately who the villains are in the story as it opens with a bloody ritual sacrifice of a young man on the alter of cult worshipers .
The story has good bones but was rushed and needed a lot more development and thought given to the storyline. I am not sure I will read bk3 although I am interested in Spencer's and Larissa's story. They are good character you meet in bk1 and get to know better in bk2., But I am sick of the rape of very young children. This doesn't make the story Paranormal. The ghost does but you have to have a developed storyline about the ghost.
I was looking forward to Michael Sutherland, Viscount Ellersleigh story The Redemption of a Rogue.. He was one of the main characters in bk1 of the Dark Regency series. He was interesting in bk1 The Haunting of a Duke. Michael's story seems to lack development. Its very similar to bk1.
Micheal has won Blagdon Hall in a card game from Lord Allerton. Not knowing that Bladgon Hall was occupied with Lord Allerton's cousin Miss Abigail Barrows/Abby he moves right in. There is a resident Ghost The Grey Lady in the story but who is she? Why is she haunting the Hall. This part of the story is sorely lacking in development. Michael and Abby are invited to her step sister Lavinia house party where all kinds of sex is going on. Michael rejects Lavinia's attentions and Allerton is murder. All fingers point to Michael, but Abby saves him by admitting that Michael was with her all night. You know what happens then. They must marry and quickly. Abby and Michael make a good couple. They investigate the scarification murders and rape of young girls and even men who have gone missing in the area after several attempts on Michael and Abby's lives. You know immediately who the villains are in the story as it opens with a bloody ritual sacrifice of a young man on the alter of cult worshipers .
The story has good bones but was rushed and needed a lot more development and thought given to the storyline. I am not sure I will read bk3 although I am interested in Spencer's and Larissa's story. They are good character you meet in bk1 and get to know better in bk2., But I am sick of the rape of very young children. This doesn't make the story Paranormal. The ghost does but you have to have a developed storyline about the ghost.
June 25, 2022
Wonderful, just wonderful. Review tomorrow.
November 23, 2022
Amazing read
This entire series is an amazing read. My favorite in this series is this one and the first book. I highly recommend reading the first book before reading this one. Not because you won't be able to understand it but because it makes this one so much more enjoyable to read if you have read the first one.
One quick warning. There are disturbing and graphic subjects such as rape, murder, and human sacrifice. There are none really in first person except the first few pages. More of discussed after they have happened.
This series is a definite must read. A full body plot with fully fleshed out characters. Loved it.
This entire series is an amazing read. My favorite in this series is this one and the first book. I highly recommend reading the first book before reading this one. Not because you won't be able to understand it but because it makes this one so much more enjoyable to read if you have read the first one.
One quick warning. There are disturbing and graphic subjects such as rape, murder, and human sacrifice. There are none really in first person except the first few pages. More of discussed after they have happened.
This series is a definite must read. A full body plot with fully fleshed out characters. Loved it.
August 24, 2017
Loved it. Couldn't stop reading. This is becoming a favorite series fast, but will have to slow down my reading pace so I don't burn through them by next week. These books have everything you'd desire- romance, mystery, steaminess, and great writing. I can't wait to start Spencer's book next.
July 20, 2015
I was in love with Michael when I read the first book. Most of the time when writers bring secondary characters into focus they change their personality so dramatically that you no longer recognize the character. To realize the author managed to keep him the same in this book was a major treat for me. For me it is a testament of a good book when I am forced to read every page without skim reading....I enjoyed this book thoroughly and read every page with undivided attention. I also loved Abby. It is so rare to find heroines in this genre who remain sensible despite their attraction to the hero. Looking forward to the next book.
April 10, 2019
Shot🔫🔪 Through The Heart💘
This book deals with a cabal of wealthy people who allow themselves to be drawn into a cult of murder and mysticism by Lord Whitby👺, a mad, dying man, and his crazy wife, Lady Whitby.
Forced into the middle of this is the crazy wife's stepsister, Abigail💃💋, her new husband, Lord Michael Sutherland🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, Viscount Ellersleigh, an ex soldier, and his best friend and fellow soldier, Spencer.
Murder and mayhem abound in the book, as well as some paranormal elements. This is definitely an adult romance, with adult scenes.
This book deals with a cabal of wealthy people who allow themselves to be drawn into a cult of murder and mysticism by Lord Whitby👺, a mad, dying man, and his crazy wife, Lady Whitby.
Forced into the middle of this is the crazy wife's stepsister, Abigail💃💋, her new husband, Lord Michael Sutherland🐺🍆🌋🔪🔫, Viscount Ellersleigh, an ex soldier, and his best friend and fellow soldier, Spencer.
Murder and mayhem abound in the book, as well as some paranormal elements. This is definitely an adult romance, with adult scenes.
October 24, 2024
abbi quite literally stood on business
October 11, 2024
Great sequel! Loved following Michael, especially because Abby is such a great FMC. She's a little prickly but very pragmatic, and I appreciated her straightforwardness.
March 2, 2021
This was another very good book but I had some issues with it. Michael and Abigail are in potential danger in the country but can't go to London because it could ruin her reputation and London society is brutal. And yet, a chapter later, they're fleeing to London (only to return a short time later, when they aren't in any less danger).
There's the constant mention of needing new servants and yet when they go to London he doesn't send any from his town house to the country? But I guess that wouldn't have worked for a later scene where they don't have any able-bodied servants to assist them.
I understand Michael's motivations for not being able to ignore what's happening but he only enlists one friend to return with him to the country? And when the son of a lord is found murdered its local gossip but no one seems to investigate? And when Michael and Spencer are alone searching for clues in the woods (again, when it's dangerous to be out and about alone), I'm not sure what clues they were hoping to find that would actually incriminate anyone.
All that aside, I loved Michael's character and he had some serious depth and yes he was mercurial, which drove Abigail crazy, but that made him all the more human. I enjoyed his banter with Abigail. There are several sex scenes in this book (I think more than the first one); they were definitely descriptive but not too graphic. I did enjoy the final confrontation and that Abigail (for the most part) was able to face her step-sister.
This is still a “dark” regency with the cult association but the ghost felt a lot like an afterthought and if she was removed it would not change anything in the story which was a shame because it was unfulfilled potential.
I would still recommend this book but read #1 first. Yes, they are standalone but Michael is introduced in the first one and you get more background on him that way.
There's the constant mention of needing new servants and yet when they go to London he doesn't send any from his town house to the country? But I guess that wouldn't have worked for a later scene where they don't have any able-bodied servants to assist them.
I understand Michael's motivations for not being able to ignore what's happening but he only enlists one friend to return with him to the country? And when the son of a lord is found murdered its local gossip but no one seems to investigate? And when Michael and Spencer are alone searching for clues in the woods (again, when it's dangerous to be out and about alone), I'm not sure what clues they were hoping to find that would actually incriminate anyone.
All that aside, I loved Michael's character and he had some serious depth and yes he was mercurial, which drove Abigail crazy, but that made him all the more human. I enjoyed his banter with Abigail. There are several sex scenes in this book (I think more than the first one); they were definitely descriptive but not too graphic. I did enjoy the final confrontation and that Abigail (for the most part) was able to face her step-sister.
This is still a “dark” regency with the cult association but the ghost felt a lot like an afterthought and if she was removed it would not change anything in the story which was a shame because it was unfulfilled potential.
I would still recommend this book but read #1 first. Yes, they are standalone but Michael is introduced in the first one and you get more background on him that way.
October 1, 2016
Lord Michael Sutherland, Viscount Ellersleigh, flees London to seek solitude in a derelict property acquired through a game of cards. But before he can relax in his new home, he has to evict (for propriety's sake) his new home's young female resident, Miss Abigail Barrows, cousin of the previous owner. At least, she has a place to go—the neighboring estate, to live with her stepsister and her husband.
Michael accepts the stepsister's invitation to a party the next day, but only to see for himself that Abby is well. Unfortunately, the party turns into a barely-veiled orgy, Michael has to fight off the stepsister's advances, save Abby from the stepsister's husband's advances, while also acquiring an alibi for the murder of his new home's previous owner.
But marrying Abby, who provided the alibi, is the least of his problems. And just the beginning...
While the previous story was well-paced in terms of the main plot, paranormal elements, and mystery, intrigue and chills, this one wasn't so lucky. Nothing was jarring, because nothing could be, since everything moved at a snail's pace. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't swift and overly interesting either. The least interesting aspect turned out to be the mystery, since there was nothing mysterious about it—everything was out in the open; no red herrings, no misleads, no mysterious villains lurking in the shadows, no obscure motives. Everything was clearly laid out, resulting in a very flimsy suspenseful subplot with a sluggish, heavy pace.
The paranormal element was also barely present—one measly ghost. And a benign one to boot. Meh.
The only saving grace were the characters. I've loved Michael from the first moment he appeared in his friend's book, and I adored him in his story as well. He was a bit stubborn and high-handed at times, but nothing overly boorish. His heroine was likeable, when she wasn't acting slightly TSTL-ish and argumentative for arguments' sake, but that's pretty much all the impression I got. She was pretty bland and generic. I'm looking forward to Spencer's story—he's redeemed himself in my eyes in this one, and I'm curious to see what makes him tick. It was lovely seeing Rhys and Emme again, and their two scenes together truly livened up the story.
This one would've worked better with a little more meat to it, with a little less overt suspense/mystery element, and a more hefty resolution compared to the rather easy fix that was the end of this story.
2½ stars
Michael accepts the stepsister's invitation to a party the next day, but only to see for himself that Abby is well. Unfortunately, the party turns into a barely-veiled orgy, Michael has to fight off the stepsister's advances, save Abby from the stepsister's husband's advances, while also acquiring an alibi for the murder of his new home's previous owner.
But marrying Abby, who provided the alibi, is the least of his problems. And just the beginning...
While the previous story was well-paced in terms of the main plot, paranormal elements, and mystery, intrigue and chills, this one wasn't so lucky. Nothing was jarring, because nothing could be, since everything moved at a snail's pace. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't swift and overly interesting either. The least interesting aspect turned out to be the mystery, since there was nothing mysterious about it—everything was out in the open; no red herrings, no misleads, no mysterious villains lurking in the shadows, no obscure motives. Everything was clearly laid out, resulting in a very flimsy suspenseful subplot with a sluggish, heavy pace.
The paranormal element was also barely present—one measly ghost. And a benign one to boot. Meh.
The only saving grace were the characters. I've loved Michael from the first moment he appeared in his friend's book, and I adored him in his story as well. He was a bit stubborn and high-handed at times, but nothing overly boorish. His heroine was likeable, when she wasn't acting slightly TSTL-ish and argumentative for arguments' sake, but that's pretty much all the impression I got. She was pretty bland and generic. I'm looking forward to Spencer's story—he's redeemed himself in my eyes in this one, and I'm curious to see what makes him tick. It was lovely seeing Rhys and Emme again, and their two scenes together truly livened up the story.
This one would've worked better with a little more meat to it, with a little less overt suspense/mystery element, and a more hefty resolution compared to the rather easy fix that was the end of this story.
2½ stars
July 3, 2020
This is going to be an extremely short review ~ (I spoil one thing that happens very early in the book and is not a big plot point but I don't want to ruin the reading experience if you're someone who likes to avoid knowing too much about the plot).
First, I absolutely recommend this author. I've now read the entire Hellion Club series (so far) and read two of her Dark Regency books. I think she's absolutely fantastic, and I think she does an excellent job in building a healthy relationship without many of the tropes that often appear in historical romance.
The second thing that I'm going to say is probably in opposition to my first point. I think that the only thing that I wish there was more of in Bowlin books is a little more emotion building. There will be a conflict or a relationship issue and there isn't really ever an emotional consequence for those moments. They are typically resolved quickly (even if it's something major) and there isn't really any pining in it. For example, early in this book there is a misunderstanding between Michael and Abigail and she believes he has had a liaison with a past lover. Abigail is understandably upset by this and even when Michael explains why he allowed it to look that way she is still very hurt by that fact that he humiliated her in front of a group of other people including her step sister. This is resolved really quickly and without him ever having a moment where he apologizes and owns that he won't do it again or whatever. It's a really small thing but it does tend to lead me to wish there were more drawn out emotional moments in her books. Part of this means that the relationships come across much more healthy than in other historical romance. She heavily emphasizes communication within the couple, but I think there could be a really satisfying way of including a bit more emotional upheaval while still keeping a healthier level of communication. I hope that makes sense to anyone reading, I really just needed to discuss it a little bit.
First, I absolutely recommend this author. I've now read the entire Hellion Club series (so far) and read two of her Dark Regency books. I think she's absolutely fantastic, and I think she does an excellent job in building a healthy relationship without many of the tropes that often appear in historical romance.
The second thing that I'm going to say is probably in opposition to my first point. I think that the only thing that I wish there was more of in Bowlin books is a little more emotion building. There will be a conflict or a relationship issue and there isn't really ever an emotional consequence for those moments. They are typically resolved quickly (even if it's something major) and there isn't really any pining in it. For example, early in this book there is a misunderstanding between Michael and Abigail and she believes he has had a liaison with a past lover. Abigail is understandably upset by this and even when Michael explains why he allowed it to look that way she is still very hurt by that fact that he humiliated her in front of a group of other people including her step sister. This is resolved really quickly and without him ever having a moment where he apologizes and owns that he won't do it again or whatever. It's a really small thing but it does tend to lead me to wish there were more drawn out emotional moments in her books. Part of this means that the relationships come across much more healthy than in other historical romance. She heavily emphasizes communication within the couple, but I think there could be a really satisfying way of including a bit more emotional upheaval while still keeping a healthier level of communication. I hope that makes sense to anyone reading, I really just needed to discuss it a little bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2015
Really liked this book
I have to admit this didn't end like I expected....thankfully. I'm a book or two a day reader, and I assumed the ending would be the same old way ..... It was good! I truly liked the main characters and the villains were well defined, too. Would definitely recommend this book as original, sensual, romantic, suspenseful, exciting and mysterious. I will be reading more from this author now.
I have to admit this didn't end like I expected....thankfully. I'm a book or two a day reader, and I assumed the ending would be the same old way ..... It was good! I truly liked the main characters and the villains were well defined, too. Would definitely recommend this book as original, sensual, romantic, suspenseful, exciting and mysterious. I will be reading more from this author now.
January 11, 2015
Like the previous book I LOVED this one. Michael is an admitted rogue and doesn't apologize. When he's made to marry his wife his roguish ways. help him in seducing her. But also in seeing that there's more to life than just sex. They make a perfect couple because she calls him out on his bs!! I can't wait for Spencer's story
March 12, 2015
I loved Michael! I loved these characters. They were just such a wonderful group of people with so much color. Please read this book. It's a great story that I had a very hard time putting down.
August 22, 2018
When Lord Michael Sutherland wins a country estate in a game of chance, he doesn't expect it to be falling to pieces, or for it to be haunted. The estate also comes with another surprise, Miss Abigail Barrows, the orphaned cousin of the previous owner. Guilty over forcing the young woman from her home, Michael follows Abigail to a neighboring estate where a murder is committed and Michael is the lead suspect. The only way to prove Michael's innocence is for Abigail to admit they'd been alone together, compromising her reputation. To save Abigail's reputation they quickly marry and Michael is faced with the unique challenge of seducing a woman immune to his charms. Meanwhile, a cult with dark motives gathers near Michael's estate and both Michael and Abigail are in their crosshairs.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Haunting of a Duke, it's the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and the paranormal. The first book introduces Michael, and I was really looking forward to his story. Despite his rogue reputation, he's loyal and honest. In this book, he's matched with a woman as headstrong and independent as he is and they're perfect for each other. Abigail is a strong character who can be a little argumentative for the sake of arguing, which made her more real to me, she's not a perfectly perfect heroine who forgives instantly. Together, they're the perfect cult fighting team!
The narration was well done, it pulled me right into the story. The narrator performed accents and voices for each character and gave each character their own personality. It made the whole book a pleasure to listen to. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, The Haunting of a Duke, it's the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and the paranormal. The first book introduces Michael, and I was really looking forward to his story. Despite his rogue reputation, he's loyal and honest. In this book, he's matched with a woman as headstrong and independent as he is and they're perfect for each other. Abigail is a strong character who can be a little argumentative for the sake of arguing, which made her more real to me, she's not a perfectly perfect heroine who forgives instantly. Together, they're the perfect cult fighting team!
The narration was well done, it pulled me right into the story. The narrator performed accents and voices for each character and gave each character their own personality. It made the whole book a pleasure to listen to. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
I started listening to the series with book 4 and returned to the first three to find each of them an enticing Gothic romance, where the occult hangs ominously in the background threatening the lives and sanity of our protagonists and where true love gives them strength to fight the dark, vicious powers and to gain happiness in the end...:)
In 'The Redemption of the Rogue' Michael, while trying to escape the boredom of the Ton, finds himself unexpectedly married to Abbigail, practically a social nobody; it's either that or he'll hang for murder he didn't commit. That's the starting point for a story in which we will try to discover who is behind the ritualistic murders while following the trails leading to an occult sect... and we'll keep our fingers crossed for Michael and Abby to find their happy ending:)
The plot is really fast, it takes us on a wild ride, with all the elements of the occult and the magical brilliantly woven into the tale, giving the book this really Gothic feel I like. We feel the danger, it's there, hanging in the air, almost palpable... And even though we may feel we know who is behind it all, who is pulling the strings... well, there are surprises on the way:)
In just one sentence: I couldn't stop listening:)
As for the narration, I liked it a lot; Ms Yves does a really good job with the voices, they match the personalities of individual characters. The only thing I could complain about is the pace of her reading - I sped it up a bit (but I've been doing it all the time recently, so maybe that's just me....)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I started listening to the series with book 4 and returned to the first three to find each of them an enticing Gothic romance, where the occult hangs ominously in the background threatening the lives and sanity of our protagonists and where true love gives them strength to fight the dark, vicious powers and to gain happiness in the end...:)
In 'The Redemption of the Rogue' Michael, while trying to escape the boredom of the Ton, finds himself unexpectedly married to Abbigail, practically a social nobody; it's either that or he'll hang for murder he didn't commit. That's the starting point for a story in which we will try to discover who is behind the ritualistic murders while following the trails leading to an occult sect... and we'll keep our fingers crossed for Michael and Abby to find their happy ending:)
The plot is really fast, it takes us on a wild ride, with all the elements of the occult and the magical brilliantly woven into the tale, giving the book this really Gothic feel I like. We feel the danger, it's there, hanging in the air, almost palpable... And even though we may feel we know who is behind it all, who is pulling the strings... well, there are surprises on the way:)
In just one sentence: I couldn't stop listening:)
As for the narration, I liked it a lot; Ms Yves does a really good job with the voices, they match the personalities of individual characters. The only thing I could complain about is the pace of her reading - I sped it up a bit (but I've been doing it all the time recently, so maybe that's just me....)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 23, 2018
I'd really rather give this 3 1/2 stars, but I can't quite go to 4.
Second in the series, and a surprise, because silly, silly me - I thought maybe there'd be something between Michael and Emme's sister, Larissa. Yeah, I know they sort of shot it down at the end of the previous book, but still...
Ah, Michael. So complex, and just the right mix of anguish, guilt, rebel, and hotness!
Abby, hm. Ok, I thought she was a little bland. But, that said, it's hard to match an alpha male. I did like her sensibility, but it didn't seem consistent throughout.
But holy cow - what her stepsister does by
And I did like some of the plot revolving around the cult, or whatever it was. Made my brain recall Jill Tatttersall books with fondness, and I felt the shades of Anne Stuart's Heavenly Host crew.
There were several revolting characters in this story, for sure, yet I kind of sensed the ending was a bit rushed. Granted, it was a no-holds-barred kind of situation, but it felt, I don't know, a bit pat. I will say, I rather like the attitude of these former soldiers, though. No wishy-washy stuff from them; they take care of business!
So, despite me not getting my preferred choices for the couple in this story, I enjoyed it. Glad to see Michael's HEA!
Second in the series, and a surprise, because silly, silly me - I thought maybe there'd be something between Michael and Emme's sister, Larissa. Yeah, I know they sort of shot it down at the end of the previous book, but still...
Ah, Michael. So complex, and just the right mix of anguish, guilt, rebel, and hotness!
Abby, hm. Ok, I thought she was a little bland. But, that said, it's hard to match an alpha male. I did like her sensibility, but it didn't seem consistent throughout.
But holy cow - what her stepsister does by
And I did like some of the plot revolving around the cult, or whatever it was. Made my brain recall Jill Tatttersall books with fondness, and I felt the shades of Anne Stuart's Heavenly Host crew.
There were several revolting characters in this story, for sure, yet I kind of sensed the ending was a bit rushed. Granted, it was a no-holds-barred kind of situation, but it felt, I don't know, a bit pat. I will say, I rather like the attitude of these former soldiers, though. No wishy-washy stuff from them; they take care of business!
So, despite me not getting my preferred choices for the couple in this story, I enjoyed it. Glad to see Michael's HEA!
May 15, 2022
2nd Bk in Dark Regency Series—Not as Expected After #1!
Sorry, Ms.Bowlin, but after reading the 1st book in this series, “The Haunting of a Duke”, & Really liking it (I would’ve given it a 4 on a 1-5 scale, which is saying a lot, as my 5 rated books are typically great literary works, classics & those that for some reason just blew me away!), this book didn’t do much for me in comparison. It initially held a lot of promise, as I loved that it began with resuming with the characters from Book 1! The intro & transition into the new main characters of this book were quite well done & held my attention for the first third of the book.
However, that’s where things got rather ‘boggy’, slowing down, & eventually, after about 75% of the book was read, I just put it aside— which I never do once I’m that far into a book!! Recently, though, I tried again! After a few false starts, tonight I Finally finished it! The sad part was that it actually got worse toward the ending! Without giving anything away, I must say that the ending was rather flat. There’s no bit of surprise at all, nothing exciting happens & the tie-ups to form an ending just seem easy & convenient for the author to (finally!) just Quit!
Ms.Bowlin seems to have a pretty strong following & many very good to great reviews, ratings & awards, so maybe this was just a rough time for her & her writing of this book reflected that? IDK, but I guess, after a break for me to renew my positive feelings from book 1 & to get rid of the negative feelings of this book, #2 in the series, I’d be willing to give her 3rd book in this series a try— or maybe I’ll take a rest from this series & read one of her stand-alone books?! Either way, for those of you out there that enjoyed her first book & are eagerly anticipating reading the second book like I did, be forewarned that it may be at least a bit of a disappointment, if not, a full blown, “I can’t keep reading this!” moment as I experienced, so regretfully!
Sorry, Ms.Bowlin, but after reading the 1st book in this series, “The Haunting of a Duke”, & Really liking it (I would’ve given it a 4 on a 1-5 scale, which is saying a lot, as my 5 rated books are typically great literary works, classics & those that for some reason just blew me away!), this book didn’t do much for me in comparison. It initially held a lot of promise, as I loved that it began with resuming with the characters from Book 1! The intro & transition into the new main characters of this book were quite well done & held my attention for the first third of the book.
However, that’s where things got rather ‘boggy’, slowing down, & eventually, after about 75% of the book was read, I just put it aside— which I never do once I’m that far into a book!! Recently, though, I tried again! After a few false starts, tonight I Finally finished it! The sad part was that it actually got worse toward the ending! Without giving anything away, I must say that the ending was rather flat. There’s no bit of surprise at all, nothing exciting happens & the tie-ups to form an ending just seem easy & convenient for the author to (finally!) just Quit!
Ms.Bowlin seems to have a pretty strong following & many very good to great reviews, ratings & awards, so maybe this was just a rough time for her & her writing of this book reflected that? IDK, but I guess, after a break for me to renew my positive feelings from book 1 & to get rid of the negative feelings of this book, #2 in the series, I’d be willing to give her 3rd book in this series a try— or maybe I’ll take a rest from this series & read one of her stand-alone books?! Either way, for those of you out there that enjoyed her first book & are eagerly anticipating reading the second book like I did, be forewarned that it may be at least a bit of a disappointment, if not, a full blown, “I can’t keep reading this!” moment as I experienced, so regretfully!
September 29, 2018
Enthralling!
I originally read the ebooks as part of a box set of this series and reviewed these on 1st January 2018 on my usual platforms.
I was recently asked if I would like to listen to the audiobook of the second story and because I had enjoyed the books so much I agreed to do this.
This is what I now have to say about this story:
Chasity Bowlin knows just how to combine a regency romance with a bit of heat, mystery, murder, good guys, bad guys and a bit of the occult or witches or special abilities thrown in.
This particular story is a stand-alone but the people involved in all three of the books that I read are close friends and/or siblings and they really care for and look after each other. This is really made clear in each story.
Lillian Yves narrated in her usual splendid way which makes the story even more interesting and entertaining.
These two talented people make a great team and I am happy to recommend both the ebook and the audiobook which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of the audio and this has been my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
I originally read the ebooks as part of a box set of this series and reviewed these on 1st January 2018 on my usual platforms.
I was recently asked if I would like to listen to the audiobook of the second story and because I had enjoyed the books so much I agreed to do this.
This is what I now have to say about this story:
Chasity Bowlin knows just how to combine a regency romance with a bit of heat, mystery, murder, good guys, bad guys and a bit of the occult or witches or special abilities thrown in.
This particular story is a stand-alone but the people involved in all three of the books that I read are close friends and/or siblings and they really care for and look after each other. This is really made clear in each story.
Lillian Yves narrated in her usual splendid way which makes the story even more interesting and entertaining.
These two talented people make a great team and I am happy to recommend both the ebook and the audiobook which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received an advance copy of the audio and this has been my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
January 8, 2024
Overall, I thought this was good. In my opinion, it's not as good as the first installment in the series, but I still think it's worth a read.
Michael and Abigail have somewhat of a cute relationship, but I feel like their physical attraction is what kind of keeps them together. When they have issues, they rely on their more intimate encounters to sweep those issues under the carpet. It's not quite as profound of a relationship as I would have liked. That being said, they do have their moments, and overall it was a good read. I do wish that Abigail would have had a more positive view of Michael, especially towards the end (and I would have liked for her to understand why he behaved the way that he did in the past few years).
The mystery in this novel felt a little underdeveloped. The villains were very cut and dry and their motives clear (though somewhat odd). The reader played much less of a detective role in this novel and actually knew exactly who the villains were all along.
Michael and Abigail have somewhat of a cute relationship, but I feel like their physical attraction is what kind of keeps them together. When they have issues, they rely on their more intimate encounters to sweep those issues under the carpet. It's not quite as profound of a relationship as I would have liked. That being said, they do have their moments, and overall it was a good read. I do wish that Abigail would have had a more positive view of Michael, especially towards the end (and I would have liked for her to understand why he behaved the way that he did in the past few years).
The mystery in this novel felt a little underdeveloped. The villains were very cut and dry and their motives clear (though somewhat odd). The reader played much less of a detective role in this novel and actually knew exactly who the villains were all along.
September 16, 2018
Lord Michael Sutherland comes out the winner of a game and finds himself the new owner of a castle. It's in bad shape when he arrives, and also was not empty. Meet Miss Abigail Barrows. When she's forced to leave the estate she goes to a nearby estate. Someone is murdered and this begins a daunting and sizzling ride for Michael and Abigail. Danger all around, crazy feelings....
Michael and Abigail are both complicated and very independent, and makes for a good match. These characters were really fun to listen to.
This is chock full of steamy romance, thrills, mystery, intrigue, history, with a splash of paranormal.
Makes for an exciting listen!
Very well-written steamy romance and loved the narration, all in all a great story, enjoyed it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Michael and Abigail are both complicated and very independent, and makes for a good match. These characters were really fun to listen to.
This is chock full of steamy romance, thrills, mystery, intrigue, history, with a splash of paranormal.
Makes for an exciting listen!
Very well-written steamy romance and loved the narration, all in all a great story, enjoyed it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book & would have give it 5 stars if the proof reading had been done correctly - too many mistakes with punctuation, Abby vs Abbi, misspellings of words etc - I am not a proof reader but it was glaring mistakes. I won't retell the story but it was full of danger, intrigue, dark offerings, romance & of course HEA. Lord Michael Sutherland, Viscount Ellersleigh is well known around the Ton for his seduction powers & expertise as a lover. He wins a castle in a card game & goes to visit it (to escape an overly pushing mistress) & proceeds to meet an innocent & tempting young woman, Miss Abigail Barrows. All the action begins here & there is a lot of it - sometimes dark but always entertaining! The supporting cast in great in the book & I can't wait to read about Spencer & Larissa! I highly recommend this book & the whole series - you won't be disappointed.
August 15, 2018
Have it in audio
This is my first Chasity Bowen audio . She writes heart full historical stories and this was no different.
Hero is Michael a tittled gentleman . Michael is a Viscount. And because he thinks his title entitles him , he likes to gamble . On one game he gets lucky and wins an estate .
Lord Michael has no choice but to leave London . He decides to go to the estate. Once he reaches the estate , Michael has one unpleasant task of removing a former resident. Michael has to tell Abby to leave . It’s his property now. He has an idea of where Abby should go.
Grab it and find out how and where Abby goes and how she takes it
The narrator was good . Lilian had a strong clear voice. . All the characters were told perfectly
This is my first Chasity Bowen audio . She writes heart full historical stories and this was no different.
Hero is Michael a tittled gentleman . Michael is a Viscount. And because he thinks his title entitles him , he likes to gamble . On one game he gets lucky and wins an estate .
Lord Michael has no choice but to leave London . He decides to go to the estate. Once he reaches the estate , Michael has one unpleasant task of removing a former resident. Michael has to tell Abby to leave . It’s his property now. He has an idea of where Abby should go.
Grab it and find out how and where Abby goes and how she takes it
The narrator was good . Lilian had a strong clear voice. . All the characters were told perfectly
Read
August 30, 2023OK, but someone really really needed to figure out how to spell the heroine's name, and like, keep that spelling throughout. It's not just that sometimes she was called by her full name (Abigail, Abbigail, Abbygail?), and sometimes by her nickname (Abbie, Abbi, Abby), it's that, as noted in the parentheses, it was spelled different almost every time.
Just... also, IDK if it's just the version I read, but SOOOO many typos. Whole words were left out of sentences, letters left off the ends of words. (Example: "Whole words were out of sentence, letter left off the of words...") Some poor grammar too which is definitely lack of post editing or something rather than a typo or some type of printing (? Whatever the digital version of that is) error.
Just... also, IDK if it's just the version I read, but SOOOO many typos. Whole words were left out of sentences, letters left off the ends of words. (Example: "Whole words were out of sentence, letter left off the of words...") Some poor grammar too which is definitely lack of post editing or something rather than a typo or some type of printing (? Whatever the digital version of that is) error.
March 23, 2018
Lord Michael Sutherland has won an estate in a card game, but when he goes to claim it, he finds it inhabited by a young woman, Abigail Barrows. To save her reputation, he sends her back to live with her stepsister and brother-in-law at a nearby estate. When Michael is accused of murdering the former owner of his new estate, Abigail steps forward and they are forced to marry. What he doesn't know is that Abigail's stepsister and BIL are deeply embroiled in debauchery of the worst kind and seek to use Abigail for evil purposes.
Throw in The Gray Lady who haunts Lord Sutherland's new house, an cadre of evil that seeks to destroy innocents, and the growing love between Michael and Abigail and this story makes for a book that kept me reading far later than I should have.
Throw in The Gray Lady who haunts Lord Sutherland's new house, an cadre of evil that seeks to destroy innocents, and the growing love between Michael and Abigail and this story makes for a book that kept me reading far later than I should have.
December 11, 2018
I loved this book as much as the first one !
I loved this book as much as the first one. I'm so happy he found someone he could love after all the pain he went through while he was young. I'm also very happy that him and Spencer are fixing their friendship....i can't wait to read Spencer's story
I loved this book as much as the first one. I'm so happy he found someone he could love after all the pain he went through while he was young. I'm also very happy that him and Spencer are fixing their friendship....i can't wait to read Spencer's story
July 3, 2019
3.5 stars (6/10)
Entertaining enough, but all the errors were distracting and annoying. I had the same problem with the first book in the series, so I won't be continuing it. I really liked Michael from book 1 and had high hopes for this book... such a shame that an editor couldn't clean up the all the mistakes.
Entertaining enough, but all the errors were distracting and annoying. I had the same problem with the first book in the series, so I won't be continuing it. I really liked Michael from book 1 and had high hopes for this book... such a shame that an editor couldn't clean up the all the mistakes.
April 28, 2020
Wonderful second book of the series.
In this second installment, Michael, Lord Ellersleigh ends up in a jam of his own. First he ends up with a wife he wasn't looking for and then he finds her family to be crazed. In this blossoming love story you will find murder, mystery, cults, danger and wickedness galore but also a very happy ever after.
In this second installment, Michael, Lord Ellersleigh ends up in a jam of his own. First he ends up with a wife he wasn't looking for and then he finds her family to be crazed. In this blossoming love story you will find murder, mystery, cults, danger and wickedness galore but also a very happy ever after.
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