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Ladies' Revenge Club #1
The Spinster Strikes Back
Dot Fletcher’s happiness turned to horror when she was abandoned at the altar, humiliated in front of the cream of London Society. One year later, when the woman she was scorned for shows up at her front door, heavily pregnant and just as scorned, the two join forces to destroy the man who betrayed them both. They’ll have to go up against the most formidable barrister in London to do it.
Silas Cain, the secret bastard brother of the rakish Earl of Bentley, will protect his badly behaved little brother at all costs, no matter how drawn he is to the fiery and determined Miss Fletcher.
The Spinster Strikes Back is an enemies-to-lovers regency romance with a twist. It is the the first installment in the Ladies' Revenge Club series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. If you enjoy a steamy slow burn, witty banter, and a sweet happily ever after, grab your copy today!
Silas Cain, the secret bastard brother of the rakish Earl of Bentley, will protect his badly behaved little brother at all costs, no matter how drawn he is to the fiery and determined Miss Fletcher.
The Spinster Strikes Back is an enemies-to-lovers regency romance with a twist. It is the the first installment in the Ladies' Revenge Club series, but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story. If you enjoy a steamy slow burn, witty banter, and a sweet happily ever after, grab your copy today!
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2023
154 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Ava Devlin
40 books76 followersAva Devlin writes sweet and steamy Regency romances. She lives in New York City and believes that diving into fantasies of 19th century England provides an excellent reprieve from hectic metropolitan life.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
January 4, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
This started of so so strong and had almost a lit fic-y vibe to it which I don’t mind at all in my romances, but once we hit that 50% mark I struggled to see the reason for some of the choices the main characters made.
I really loved the found family aspect in this. The group of women although extremely random and a little awkwardly put together worked extremely well. We had Dot bringing in her best friends runaway pregnant sister Claire (who ran off with Dots betrothed at the start of the book and married him.), the best friend in question Millie, and club owner and “mistress” of Claire’s husband, Ember. They shouldn’t work together but they do and these women bring a lot to the story.
The writing is great, it’s not too fast paced that you feel like you’re skipping ahead but it’s not slow either.
What didn’t work for me. I’m confused as to why the marriage of convenience trope came up.. Dot stood to gain more than Silas and he didn’t have much of a reason to be asking for her hand in the first place. I would have liked them to continue with their banter and maybe form an alliance so Dot could get her revenge that way. The marriage just felt oddly thrown in.
I actually think the level of spice we got for these two was appropriate. Any more I don’t think it would have suited the story or the characters. I think more recently in romances it’s become overkill and put a stint in the story, but it was well done here.
I will definitely be continuing with this authors work. She js extremely talented and I did enjoy this book. Her writing flows beautifully and I can’t wait for the next one!
This started of so so strong and had almost a lit fic-y vibe to it which I don’t mind at all in my romances, but once we hit that 50% mark I struggled to see the reason for some of the choices the main characters made.
I really loved the found family aspect in this. The group of women although extremely random and a little awkwardly put together worked extremely well. We had Dot bringing in her best friends runaway pregnant sister Claire (who ran off with Dots betrothed at the start of the book and married him.), the best friend in question Millie, and club owner and “mistress” of Claire’s husband, Ember. They shouldn’t work together but they do and these women bring a lot to the story.
The writing is great, it’s not too fast paced that you feel like you’re skipping ahead but it’s not slow either.
What didn’t work for me. I’m confused as to why the marriage of convenience trope came up.. Dot stood to gain more than Silas and he didn’t have much of a reason to be asking for her hand in the first place. I would have liked them to continue with their banter and maybe form an alliance so Dot could get her revenge that way. The marriage just felt oddly thrown in.
I actually think the level of spice we got for these two was appropriate. Any more I don’t think it would have suited the story or the characters. I think more recently in romances it’s become overkill and put a stint in the story, but it was well done here.
I will definitely be continuing with this authors work. She js extremely talented and I did enjoy this book. Her writing flows beautifully and I can’t wait for the next one!
May 31, 2023
The PERFECT slow burn
This may just be The. Perfect. Historical. Romance.
Silas the bored, stuffed shirt barrister hero. Dot, the wronged spinster/barrister's daughter/spark-witted, independent and ruthlessly resourceful heroine. Their initial adversarial meeting is fraught with delicious repartee and an unaccountable sexual tension. Subsequent battle lines are drawn with retribution, restoration, and the invisible ink of desire, and the slow burn nearly melted my screen. I couldn't stop reading this utterly immersive, flawlessly written, perfectly characterized, unconventional historical romance. My voluntary ARC review? You will treasure this one! Read it!.
This may just be The. Perfect. Historical. Romance.
Silas the bored, stuffed shirt barrister hero. Dot, the wronged spinster/barrister's daughter/spark-witted, independent and ruthlessly resourceful heroine. Their initial adversarial meeting is fraught with delicious repartee and an unaccountable sexual tension. Subsequent battle lines are drawn with retribution, restoration, and the invisible ink of desire, and the slow burn nearly melted my screen. I couldn't stop reading this utterly immersive, flawlessly written, perfectly characterized, unconventional historical romance. My voluntary ARC review? You will treasure this one! Read it!.
May 24, 2023
This is a well written historical romance with strong characters and an entertaining storyline. The author does a great job developing her characters as she brings opposites together in this entertaining and intriguing slow burn romance between Dot and Silas. She moves the story fluidly with perfectly painted scenes and delivers a terrific read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 18, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook, and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a story of a trio of women's revenge against a rake who wronged them, and an unusual Regency romance. Dorothy Fletcher is a brilliant young woman raised and educated by her father, a noted successful barrister; but when he suffers a stroke and has to overcome his new deficits, they are forced into an uncertain situation. She thinks she has found a saviour however in Freddie Hightower, the Earl of Bentley, when he proposes to her. But on her wedding day, she finds out that he has abandoned her at the alter, with a woman she had considered a friend and younger sister. Who also happened to be the youngest child of her father's business partner. Not only has she been jilted, but this fractures her father's legal partnership as well.
A couple of years down the road finds Dot managing quite a heavy load. She is caring for her father, who while mentally sharp, is still recovering from his stroke, with some notable difficulties. To keep some income, they hide his illness and Dot helps manage his cases, as well as their straitened household, with their lone remaining staff, the lifelong faithful Mrs. Knox. They do not often get visitors, let alone the one that appears during one stormy day.
The last person Dot would expect to find on her door step is Claire Yardley, now Claire Hightower, the Countess of Bentley. The woman who ran off with her fiancee is now wet, bedraggled, obviously pregnant, and begging for shelter from Dot, the woman she and Bentley left ruined, and at the mercy of scandalmongers. Claire regrets her marriage and has left her wastrel husband, and is determined to have him nowhere near her and her child, and wants Dot's help.
Dot is a good woman, and gives her a place to hide, and after getting her story, determines a plan for vengeance, involving ruining Freddie's reputation via the scandal sheets.
Silas Cain is a successful barrister with growing reputation in London. He is also the elder, bastard, half brother of the irresponsible Freddie, and because of their upbringing, feels an overwhelming duty to protect and manage Freddie. He is not blind to Freddie's faults, but he does care for him, and despite how onerous the duty feels, he has always donned the mantle of it, and be his brother's keeper and protector. Perhaps he is also jealous as well, to an extent, considering how their father favoured the legal heir. He is drawn into Freddie's latest drama when he finds out that Freddie has been jailed on the Continent because of his gambling, and his new wife is missing. Then further incensed when he starts reading salacious stories of Freddie leaked to local gossip sheets.
He hunts down the suspected author of what he considered slander, finding it to be Dot. Though he knew her story, he had not met her, despite her previous engagement to his brother. They initially formed a contentious relationship, being on opposite sides of the contretemps, but as they spend more time together, they find themselves friends then co conspirators as more of Freddie's sins become revealed, Silas and Dot form a cabal with the others wronged by Freddie.
I quite enjoyed the story as the characters were different and fresh, with some humour and lightheartedness, and I enjoyed the various unusual relationships that develop and grow in the story. Silas seemed a brusque man with a bit of a quick temper and contempt for those he deems not worth his time, but shows that is really more a shell when he is beguiled into teasing Dot, and his affection for a one eared cat he names Queen Mab, and how he is won to side with the woman/women wronged by his selfish brother.
It was a slow burn romance, but an interesting partnership between the MCs as well.
4.5 stars out of 5
This is a story of a trio of women's revenge against a rake who wronged them, and an unusual Regency romance. Dorothy Fletcher is a brilliant young woman raised and educated by her father, a noted successful barrister; but when he suffers a stroke and has to overcome his new deficits, they are forced into an uncertain situation. She thinks she has found a saviour however in Freddie Hightower, the Earl of Bentley, when he proposes to her. But on her wedding day, she finds out that he has abandoned her at the alter, with a woman she had considered a friend and younger sister. Who also happened to be the youngest child of her father's business partner. Not only has she been jilted, but this fractures her father's legal partnership as well.
A couple of years down the road finds Dot managing quite a heavy load. She is caring for her father, who while mentally sharp, is still recovering from his stroke, with some notable difficulties. To keep some income, they hide his illness and Dot helps manage his cases, as well as their straitened household, with their lone remaining staff, the lifelong faithful Mrs. Knox. They do not often get visitors, let alone the one that appears during one stormy day.
The last person Dot would expect to find on her door step is Claire Yardley, now Claire Hightower, the Countess of Bentley. The woman who ran off with her fiancee is now wet, bedraggled, obviously pregnant, and begging for shelter from Dot, the woman she and Bentley left ruined, and at the mercy of scandalmongers. Claire regrets her marriage and has left her wastrel husband, and is determined to have him nowhere near her and her child, and wants Dot's help.
Dot is a good woman, and gives her a place to hide, and after getting her story, determines a plan for vengeance, involving ruining Freddie's reputation via the scandal sheets.
Silas Cain is a successful barrister with growing reputation in London. He is also the elder, bastard, half brother of the irresponsible Freddie, and because of their upbringing, feels an overwhelming duty to protect and manage Freddie. He is not blind to Freddie's faults, but he does care for him, and despite how onerous the duty feels, he has always donned the mantle of it, and be his brother's keeper and protector. Perhaps he is also jealous as well, to an extent, considering how their father favoured the legal heir. He is drawn into Freddie's latest drama when he finds out that Freddie has been jailed on the Continent because of his gambling, and his new wife is missing. Then further incensed when he starts reading salacious stories of Freddie leaked to local gossip sheets.
He hunts down the suspected author of what he considered slander, finding it to be Dot. Though he knew her story, he had not met her, despite her previous engagement to his brother. They initially formed a contentious relationship, being on opposite sides of the contretemps, but as they spend more time together, they find themselves friends then co conspirators as more of Freddie's sins become revealed, Silas and Dot form a cabal with the others wronged by Freddie.
I quite enjoyed the story as the characters were different and fresh, with some humour and lightheartedness, and I enjoyed the various unusual relationships that develop and grow in the story. Silas seemed a brusque man with a bit of a quick temper and contempt for those he deems not worth his time, but shows that is really more a shell when he is beguiled into teasing Dot, and his affection for a one eared cat he names Queen Mab, and how he is won to side with the woman/women wronged by his selfish brother.
It was a slow burn romance, but an interesting partnership between the MCs as well.
4.5 stars out of 5
June 19, 2023
This is my 7th book by Ava Devlin. I started reading her in Mar, 2020 but I haven't read anything new my her since Jan, 2021. I really love her writing. Her stories have been great and I love her characters. She had quickly became one of my new favorites. I do have to say, I wasn't a fan of Silver Leaf Seductions and the last book I read by her was Jan, 2021. I am so happy to see she has a new series out.
I don't read book synopsis anymore so had no idea what this book was about. I really enjoyed reading Dot and Silas story. I liked the overall concept. I liked their personalities. Just an overall good read.
I don't read book synopsis anymore so had no idea what this book was about. I really enjoyed reading Dot and Silas story. I liked the overall concept. I liked their personalities. Just an overall good read.
November 7, 2025
Wow. Didn’t have this on my radar, but was having trouble getting into not one but two other books, so took a chance on this one, and am I ever glad I did!
First off: the writing is just *chef’s kiss* delightful. Secondly. the MCs are funny. Smart, and funny. Thirdly: I not only fell hard for Silas, I also strongly liked and admired Dot, which doesn’t happen often enough. Too often, in a romance, I’m mainly enjoying one MC and just kinda tolerating the other. In this book, both are totally smashing. Fourthly: the other characters are interesting too, and I look forward to reading more about them. Fifthly: did I say this book is funny? Well, it really is. Onward to book # 2 in the series!
First off: the writing is just *chef’s kiss* delightful. Secondly. the MCs are funny. Smart, and funny. Thirdly: I not only fell hard for Silas, I also strongly liked and admired Dot, which doesn’t happen often enough. Too often, in a romance, I’m mainly enjoying one MC and just kinda tolerating the other. In this book, both are totally smashing. Fourthly: the other characters are interesting too, and I look forward to reading more about them. Fifthly: did I say this book is funny? Well, it really is. Onward to book # 2 in the series!
August 6, 2023
Easy Read
I enjoyed the book. It was a nice read and made more engaging by all of interlinking characters. Based on the synopsis of the book I expected the lead to be a much tougher character so it was a bit misleading. Overall though a nice and likeable read.
I enjoyed the book. It was a nice read and made more engaging by all of interlinking characters. Based on the synopsis of the book I expected the lead to be a much tougher character so it was a bit misleading. Overall though a nice and likeable read.
December 21, 2025
Is there anything more delicious than a group of ladies getting even with an entitled, arrogant oaf of a Lord?
Only daughter of a barrister, Dorothy Fletcher spent most her life in the shadows observing people and picking up her father’s trade. So when, all of a sudden, the handsome and charming Earl of Bentley starts courting her and ask for her hand in marriage, she’s beyond herself with happiness.
But when said earl left her standing at the altar while eloping with her best friend’s little sister, she became society’s pitied laughing stock.
Until two years later a pregnant Claire, the earl’s wife, turns up on her doorstep. Swallowing what’s left of her pride, Dot agrees to hide the Countess and both ladies devise a plan to enlighten the ton on the earl’s true nature.
Being born a bastard, Silas Cain had to fight for everything in his life. Now a respected and feared barrister, and sadly also Bentley’s guardian, he’s non too pleased when a scandal sheet depicting his ward’s character falls into his hands.
Setting out to uncover its author, he soon discovers more than he bargained for. And when the lady threatens to disclose even more scandal saying she wants recompense for her suffering, he sarcastically offers to marry her himself. And she accepts!
This is only the beginning! Add a duped mistress, an aggrieved best friend, an overeager legal clerk and an overconfident ex Bowstreet Runner and this soon becomes a clever and funny whirlwind of negotiations, growing feelings and justice for all!
📚 This book was full of banter, witty and sweet with a little spice and a wink. Wonderful characters and a compelling plot with some unexpected twists. No miscommunication, but two otherwise level-headed people getting swept away by love. Simply delightful!
📚 Revenge romance, enemies to lovers, second chance, slow burn, medium steam
Thank you to Ava Devlin and BookSprout for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Only daughter of a barrister, Dorothy Fletcher spent most her life in the shadows observing people and picking up her father’s trade. So when, all of a sudden, the handsome and charming Earl of Bentley starts courting her and ask for her hand in marriage, she’s beyond herself with happiness.
But when said earl left her standing at the altar while eloping with her best friend’s little sister, she became society’s pitied laughing stock.
Until two years later a pregnant Claire, the earl’s wife, turns up on her doorstep. Swallowing what’s left of her pride, Dot agrees to hide the Countess and both ladies devise a plan to enlighten the ton on the earl’s true nature.
Being born a bastard, Silas Cain had to fight for everything in his life. Now a respected and feared barrister, and sadly also Bentley’s guardian, he’s non too pleased when a scandal sheet depicting his ward’s character falls into his hands.
Setting out to uncover its author, he soon discovers more than he bargained for. And when the lady threatens to disclose even more scandal saying she wants recompense for her suffering, he sarcastically offers to marry her himself. And she accepts!
This is only the beginning! Add a duped mistress, an aggrieved best friend, an overeager legal clerk and an overconfident ex Bowstreet Runner and this soon becomes a clever and funny whirlwind of negotiations, growing feelings and justice for all!
📚 This book was full of banter, witty and sweet with a little spice and a wink. Wonderful characters and a compelling plot with some unexpected twists. No miscommunication, but two otherwise level-headed people getting swept away by love. Simply delightful!
📚 Revenge romance, enemies to lovers, second chance, slow burn, medium steam
Thank you to Ava Devlin and BookSprout for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 25, 2023
The Spinster Strikes Back is the first in Ava Devlin’s new series called The Ladies Revenge Club and it is a great beginning.
Miss Dorothy Fletcher thought she was the luckiest girl in the world when she is wooed by Freddy Hightower, Earl of Bentley, and when he proposes she cannot believe her good fortune. Having always been the slightly odd bluestocking she is the last person that should have caught the attention of the smooth and charming Bentley. Her euphoria lasts until the morning of the wedding when she is left jilted at the altar. Not only has Freddy left her waiting but he has eloped with her best friend’s sister. Dot’s humiliation is complete.
Two years later Dot is managing as best she can looking after her ailing father and struggling to keep her vastly reduced household afloat. Her life has become one of survival one day at a time and she longs for some way to ease her burdens. The last thing she needs then is the sudden reappearance of Claire Hightower, the wife of her erstwhile betrothed on her doorstep. Desperate, on the run from her husband and very pregnant.
Hitting on a way to enact some revenge against the feckless Lord, Dot sets her plan in motion. Juggling between survival and keeping Claire hidden Dot also has to find a way to deal with the suspicions of Freddy’s lawyer the handsome and unnerving Mr Silas Cain.
Silas Cain has a reputation of being a most formidable lawyer and his career to the judges bench is proceeding very satisfactorily. The last thing he wants to get involved in is the mess his legitimate half-brother Freddy has gotten himself into. But old habits die hard and he starts to investigate the source of the stories appearing in the scandal sheets about Freddy. This leads him to the lovely Miss Fletcher who seems to definitely be hiding something.
Having to deal with Freddy’s debtor’s, a former mistress and an estranged and angry wife can Silas and Dot work through the chaos and confusion and find their way to each other?
I loved this story. It is not set in the ballrooms of the ton but rather middle class London and that feels refreshing. There are several threads running through the narrative and it captures and keeps your attention. Silas and Dot are very likeable leads and their banter is witty and believable. Dot is intelligent, capable and resourceful and is not afraid to show it even with the limitations placed on women in the time. Silas seems to be a formidable and unapproachable man but is really just rather lonely. I love his relationship with his cat, Queen Mab. There isn’t a lot of angst, and any misunderstandings are quickly dealt with which I liked. Even the villain of the piece looks to be very redeemable, and I am hoping he will get his story. I am very intrigued by several of the side characters and am hoping Dot’s friend Millie will be next in the series.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I absolutely loved Silas and Dot and definitely recommend this to all.
Miss Dorothy Fletcher thought she was the luckiest girl in the world when she is wooed by Freddy Hightower, Earl of Bentley, and when he proposes she cannot believe her good fortune. Having always been the slightly odd bluestocking she is the last person that should have caught the attention of the smooth and charming Bentley. Her euphoria lasts until the morning of the wedding when she is left jilted at the altar. Not only has Freddy left her waiting but he has eloped with her best friend’s sister. Dot’s humiliation is complete.
Two years later Dot is managing as best she can looking after her ailing father and struggling to keep her vastly reduced household afloat. Her life has become one of survival one day at a time and she longs for some way to ease her burdens. The last thing she needs then is the sudden reappearance of Claire Hightower, the wife of her erstwhile betrothed on her doorstep. Desperate, on the run from her husband and very pregnant.
Hitting on a way to enact some revenge against the feckless Lord, Dot sets her plan in motion. Juggling between survival and keeping Claire hidden Dot also has to find a way to deal with the suspicions of Freddy’s lawyer the handsome and unnerving Mr Silas Cain.
Silas Cain has a reputation of being a most formidable lawyer and his career to the judges bench is proceeding very satisfactorily. The last thing he wants to get involved in is the mess his legitimate half-brother Freddy has gotten himself into. But old habits die hard and he starts to investigate the source of the stories appearing in the scandal sheets about Freddy. This leads him to the lovely Miss Fletcher who seems to definitely be hiding something.
Having to deal with Freddy’s debtor’s, a former mistress and an estranged and angry wife can Silas and Dot work through the chaos and confusion and find their way to each other?
I loved this story. It is not set in the ballrooms of the ton but rather middle class London and that feels refreshing. There are several threads running through the narrative and it captures and keeps your attention. Silas and Dot are very likeable leads and their banter is witty and believable. Dot is intelligent, capable and resourceful and is not afraid to show it even with the limitations placed on women in the time. Silas seems to be a formidable and unapproachable man but is really just rather lonely. I love his relationship with his cat, Queen Mab. There isn’t a lot of angst, and any misunderstandings are quickly dealt with which I liked. Even the villain of the piece looks to be very redeemable, and I am hoping he will get his story. I am very intrigued by several of the side characters and am hoping Dot’s friend Millie will be next in the series.
I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I absolutely loved Silas and Dot and definitely recommend this to all.
May 29, 2023
I was honoured to receive an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I really loved this book. Dorothy Fletcher is all set to marry Freddy Hightower
(Earl of Bentley, Frederick Octavius Hightower III) but on the day of the wedding she gets left at the alter after Freddy elopes with Dorothy's best friend's sister Claire!
Just as Dorothy is getting her life back on track Claire turns up on her doorstep pregnant saying how she has been wronged and needs help. Dorothy's first thought is much like everyone else but she takes pitty on Claire due to their history between her friend and their families and persuades Claire to get revenge by calling out her husband.
Word gets back to Silas Cain who is Freddy's brother in-law that Freddy has got himself in trouble and his wife was missing and needed his help. Silas was constantly getting his Brother in-law out of trouble. So when he starts to investigate this job he never thought that he would be dealing with Dorothy who was so smart considering he always thought she must be very dull and dim if his brother in-law ditched her.
For me if I had to describe this book I would say that it reminds me of the TV series Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Only difference is that the TV series Miss Scarlet inherits a private detective agency and in this book, since Dorothy's father had his stroke she has been carrying his work load in the lawyer department - so Dorothy is doing all the work with no credit as it is illegal to do that job without being qualified.
With all these intriguing characters you can't help but love this story.
I really loved this book. Dorothy Fletcher is all set to marry Freddy Hightower
(Earl of Bentley, Frederick Octavius Hightower III) but on the day of the wedding she gets left at the alter after Freddy elopes with Dorothy's best friend's sister Claire!
Just as Dorothy is getting her life back on track Claire turns up on her doorstep pregnant saying how she has been wronged and needs help. Dorothy's first thought is much like everyone else but she takes pitty on Claire due to their history between her friend and their families and persuades Claire to get revenge by calling out her husband.
Word gets back to Silas Cain who is Freddy's brother in-law that Freddy has got himself in trouble and his wife was missing and needed his help. Silas was constantly getting his Brother in-law out of trouble. So when he starts to investigate this job he never thought that he would be dealing with Dorothy who was so smart considering he always thought she must be very dull and dim if his brother in-law ditched her.
For me if I had to describe this book I would say that it reminds me of the TV series Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Only difference is that the TV series Miss Scarlet inherits a private detective agency and in this book, since Dorothy's father had his stroke she has been carrying his work load in the lawyer department - so Dorothy is doing all the work with no credit as it is illegal to do that job without being qualified.
With all these intriguing characters you can't help but love this story.
May 30, 2023
If you look at my other book reviews, you will see I rarely give a book 5 stars. Not only does the writing, character development, plot and scene setting have to be superb, It also has to be a story that not only causes me to be emotionally invested, but the story also has to "stay with me", well after I have finished reading it.
This book had all of that.
I don't want to give any of the plot away, since every nuisance contributes to the story. I will instead focus on the character's.
The heroine is a multi dimensional, complex character. She would be considered a "blue-stocking", yet I love how the author implied this, rather then just telling the reader in the plot. The author used character development and scene setting , instead of just mentioning over and over how she was a "blue stocking". I love when authors "show me" rather then "tell me". The writing and character development, makes the reader feel as though we are present for the heroines entire emotional evolution, as though we are part of the journey, not merely a bystander.
The hero character was similar. You can feel the emotional tug of war he has within himself as the story progresses, his grudging admiration for the heroine.
As for the villian- the author did an amazing job. The reader understands and even emphasizes with him. It is rare that an author is able to make their characters seem "realistic", with real personality complexities.
Violence- None
Sex- mild
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had all of that.
I don't want to give any of the plot away, since every nuisance contributes to the story. I will instead focus on the character's.
The heroine is a multi dimensional, complex character. She would be considered a "blue-stocking", yet I love how the author implied this, rather then just telling the reader in the plot. The author used character development and scene setting , instead of just mentioning over and over how she was a "blue stocking". I love when authors "show me" rather then "tell me". The writing and character development, makes the reader feel as though we are present for the heroines entire emotional evolution, as though we are part of the journey, not merely a bystander.
The hero character was similar. You can feel the emotional tug of war he has within himself as the story progresses, his grudging admiration for the heroine.
As for the villian- the author did an amazing job. The reader understands and even emphasizes with him. It is rare that an author is able to make their characters seem "realistic", with real personality complexities.
Violence- None
Sex- mild
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2023
Perfect Justice . . .
Dorothy Fletcher (“Dot”) faced her wedding day with humiliation rather than joy. Her dishonorable groom, Freddy Hightower, Earl of Bentley, abandoned her at the altar to marry someone else – her best friend’s sister! When his “replacement bride” Claire shows up some time later at Dot’s door, very pregnant and now hiding from Freddy, Dot is spurred on to retaliate against the despicable man who betrayed them both.
Silas Cain is a well-known formidable lawyer, and half-brother to the disgusting Earl of Bentley. When he starts investigating everything Freddy has done and the allegations in Dot’s scandal sheet alerting ladies of the Ton of Freddy’s true nature, he tries to work out some sort of agreeable settlement for Claire and Dot’s “injuries” at the hands of Freddy. Will Silas and Dot end up together when she outmaneuvers him and accepts what was meant to be his facetious offer of marriage which she immediately agrees to accept? (You will love watching him squirm when he realizes she has “caught” him.) Has something good finally resulted from the actions of Silas’ horrible brother?
Dorothy Fletcher (“Dot”) faced her wedding day with humiliation rather than joy. Her dishonorable groom, Freddy Hightower, Earl of Bentley, abandoned her at the altar to marry someone else – her best friend’s sister! When his “replacement bride” Claire shows up some time later at Dot’s door, very pregnant and now hiding from Freddy, Dot is spurred on to retaliate against the despicable man who betrayed them both.
Silas Cain is a well-known formidable lawyer, and half-brother to the disgusting Earl of Bentley. When he starts investigating everything Freddy has done and the allegations in Dot’s scandal sheet alerting ladies of the Ton of Freddy’s true nature, he tries to work out some sort of agreeable settlement for Claire and Dot’s “injuries” at the hands of Freddy. Will Silas and Dot end up together when she outmaneuvers him and accepts what was meant to be his facetious offer of marriage which she immediately agrees to accept? (You will love watching him squirm when he realizes she has “caught” him.) Has something good finally resulted from the actions of Silas’ horrible brother?
May 26, 2023
Whew
Dot and Silas was the story that you did not know you needed!
Silas a bastard older brother has always righted the wrongs of his younger brother!
Even when said brother jilted another at the altar and ran off with her friend.
His brother is the Earl of Bentley and used to getting his own way! With charm and guile Freddy has used Silas and others without conscience!
When Claire deposits herself heavy with child on Dot Aka Dorothy doorsteps well after the shock a plan forms!
Claire is the one that ran off with Freddy at Dots wedding!
She certainly picked the last place anyone would look! The next events are a comedy of errors with an ex-mistress, Claire’s older sister and of course Silas wanting to protect the Bentley heritage and name!
This is a hilarious yet poignant rollercoaster ride of epic proportions!
Get ready to snigger, roll your eyes and blush at some shenanigans of those involved!
Will Freddy ever grow up? Let’s hope so! But he does pay the piper!
Bravo Ava!
*I received an ARC copy of this story and my opinions are unbiased!
Dot and Silas was the story that you did not know you needed!
Silas a bastard older brother has always righted the wrongs of his younger brother!
Even when said brother jilted another at the altar and ran off with her friend.
His brother is the Earl of Bentley and used to getting his own way! With charm and guile Freddy has used Silas and others without conscience!
When Claire deposits herself heavy with child on Dot Aka Dorothy doorsteps well after the shock a plan forms!
Claire is the one that ran off with Freddy at Dots wedding!
She certainly picked the last place anyone would look! The next events are a comedy of errors with an ex-mistress, Claire’s older sister and of course Silas wanting to protect the Bentley heritage and name!
This is a hilarious yet poignant rollercoaster ride of epic proportions!
Get ready to snigger, roll your eyes and blush at some shenanigans of those involved!
Will Freddy ever grow up? Let’s hope so! But he does pay the piper!
Bravo Ava!
*I received an ARC copy of this story and my opinions are unbiased!
May 30, 2023
Wow! What a story! The characters are remarkable. Negotiations are creative and clever, and just when you think things are settled….something else happens. Frederick left Dorothy at the altar and ran off with the sister of her best friend. Now, a couple of years later, Claire, said sister, shows up at Dot’s home, and she’s very pregnant. Meanwhile, Silas, Freddy’s half-brother and barrister, receives news that Freddy is in a foreign prison. Fast forward and Silas has determined that a scandalous posting about Freddy found in the gossip sheets originated from Dot. And so it begins, a cat and mouse game between a formidable barrister and the very intelligent daughter of a fellow lawyer. Add a disgraced former Bow Street Runner and a mistress to the mix, and you have a recipe for a story filled with chaos, surprises and secrets. I really enjoyed this book. There is never a dull moment, and it was hard to put down. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 25, 2023
The h/H in this book were very likable. They complemented each other. The story itself was a bit different...a bride left at the alter when her groom runs away with her best friend's younger sister. Okay, this may have been done before but what happens afterward brings in the difference. One day, the young bride turns up on the h's doorstep asking for help. A plan for revenge for both parties involves a scandal sheet and the groom's older brother who is a renowned barrister. He figures out who has started the scandal and tries to stop any more sheets but he didn't figure on the h's intelligence and wily mind. A mind equal to his own. What follows is an interesting give and take between the h and H that leads to deeper feelings.
The only real problem I had with this book was I (and this may be just a personal thing) found at times the writing a bit hard to follow. The sentences did not seem to flow easily to me. Again it didn't detract from the good story but I found this sometimes distracting to me. Just a personal observation.
The only real problem I had with this book was I (and this may be just a personal thing) found at times the writing a bit hard to follow. The sentences did not seem to flow easily to me. Again it didn't detract from the good story but I found this sometimes distracting to me. Just a personal observation.
June 29, 2025
This is the story of Dorothy Fletcher and Silas Cain. Dot is jilted at the alter by Freddy Hightower, the Earl of Bentley, when he runs off with Claire Yardley, the younger sister of Dot’s best friend Millie. Nearly two years later a very pregnant Claire turns up at Dot’s door in need of help. She’s left her cheating, gambling husband and can’t return to her family, so the two join forces to plot revenge against Freddy for all the hurt he’s caused. Silas is Freddy’s illegitimate elder brother, and as one of the best barrister in London, also his man of business. When a scandal sheet listing some of Freddy’s wicked deeds is printed, Silas soon tracks its source to Dot’s door…….
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s well written and there are some great characters too, plus an interesting plot with a few twists and turns. Queen Mab was one of my favourites, a very nice addition. This is the first book in the Ladies Revenge Club series, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s well written and there are some great characters too, plus an interesting plot with a few twists and turns. Queen Mab was one of my favourites, a very nice addition. This is the first book in the Ladies Revenge Club series, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
June 6, 2023
When Is Slow Burn Too Slow?
I've read several books by this author before, and I liked them. But something wasn't quite right about this book nearly from the start. At first, I thought I felt the pacing for this story was off because I have become unaccustomed to longer-form fiction in this pump-out-a-novella-per-month age. But the supposed hero and heroine didn’t even meet until after the 20% mark… and it was rather ho-hum and pedestrian. Until I DNFed the book at 66%, the supposed couple at the heart of the story had little interaction. When they did, there was usually a level of antagonism. I never got the sense that she found him attractive or as a potential romantic partner. For his part, he seemed to have a grudging admiration of her spirit and tenacity… but little in the way of romantic feelings. I kept wondering when the romance would happen. The story seemed more focused on the revenge plot and the women involved in it. If you’re calling a story a romance…. the romance should be front and center from the beginning to the end of the book. They need to meet early, as a romance doesn’t start until the couple meets. They need to have regular interaction so you can witness the budding attraction. I felt like I kept waiting for the romance to start. When I realized I was literally two-thirds of the way through the book and little had happened on that front, my patience finally gave out. I had invested enough time in the couple and the story with little reader satisfaction to show for it, so I DNFed the book. If a story is not a genuine romance, perhaps call it something else!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I've read several books by this author before, and I liked them. But something wasn't quite right about this book nearly from the start. At first, I thought I felt the pacing for this story was off because I have become unaccustomed to longer-form fiction in this pump-out-a-novella-per-month age. But the supposed hero and heroine didn’t even meet until after the 20% mark… and it was rather ho-hum and pedestrian. Until I DNFed the book at 66%, the supposed couple at the heart of the story had little interaction. When they did, there was usually a level of antagonism. I never got the sense that she found him attractive or as a potential romantic partner. For his part, he seemed to have a grudging admiration of her spirit and tenacity… but little in the way of romantic feelings. I kept wondering when the romance would happen. The story seemed more focused on the revenge plot and the women involved in it. If you’re calling a story a romance…. the romance should be front and center from the beginning to the end of the book. They need to meet early, as a romance doesn’t start until the couple meets. They need to have regular interaction so you can witness the budding attraction. I felt like I kept waiting for the romance to start. When I realized I was literally two-thirds of the way through the book and little had happened on that front, my patience finally gave out. I had invested enough time in the couple and the story with little reader satisfaction to show for it, so I DNFed the book. If a story is not a genuine romance, perhaps call it something else!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
June 7, 2025
What an absolutely divinely crafted story this is! A very original story that is so well thought out, it was a true delight to read. Dot is a woman who will not take trouble laying down. Dealing with a sick father, a jilting of her marriage and now a troublesome barrister, she heads into it with head held high and a plan that was sublime! Silas, the hard nosed barrister never knew what hit him! The banter is so witty and wonderful, the plans so perfect and the characters were so perfect! I adored each facet of this story and was exceptionally pleased with no crass language. (Thank you, author!) The twists and turns will make your head spin, you will laugh, sigh, weep( a little) and get frustrated with Freddie! One of my new favorite stories! I received this story for free and these are my own views.
July 2, 2025
Fabulous fun!
I absolutely loved this book!!! It is extremely well written with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline! Our MFC, Dot, has been left at the alter in utter shame and embarrassment, losing her best friend in the process and forced to care for her ailing father and their floundering estate until an unexpected means of revenge presents itself. Using her wits and legal knowledge, Dot and company give her former betrothed his comeuppance. Our MMC, Silas, is the bastard half brother and barrister of Dot’s ex. He is used to cleaning up his brother’s messes but he has never encountered anyone like Dot before! Their attraction is instant and what follows is a fun, sweet (but not clean), romantic tale with unexpected twists and turns. This is my first book by Ava Devlin but certainly won’t be my last!
I absolutely loved this book!!! It is extremely well written with engaging characters and a wonderful storyline! Our MFC, Dot, has been left at the alter in utter shame and embarrassment, losing her best friend in the process and forced to care for her ailing father and their floundering estate until an unexpected means of revenge presents itself. Using her wits and legal knowledge, Dot and company give her former betrothed his comeuppance. Our MMC, Silas, is the bastard half brother and barrister of Dot’s ex. He is used to cleaning up his brother’s messes but he has never encountered anyone like Dot before! Their attraction is instant and what follows is a fun, sweet (but not clean), romantic tale with unexpected twists and turns. This is my first book by Ava Devlin but certainly won’t be my last!
May 25, 2023
This book is not just a love story, it is mainly a story about 2 people, I liked reading about each of them before their romance started. I want to say I like how Silas treated his cat, Queen Mab, it gave me an insight into the type of man he was. Dot was left at the altar when her fiancé ran away with her friend’s sister. Years later the woman who ran away with her fiancé came to her asking for help. Together they decided to make him pay. Silas’s brother is the man who hurt these two women and Silas now must try to protect his brother and stop the revenge. The story of Silas and Dot falling in love was very slow for me and I am not really sure where it came from, but I enjoyed this story immensely.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
May 27, 2023
This was a beautiful and well written book. The story was captivating and interesting. It gripped my attention from the beginning to the end.
Dot was left on the alter by Freddy Hightower the earl of Bentley, who off with her friend's younger sister Clare who eventually presented her with an opportunity to avenge herself of the humiliation she suffered as a result, which eventually let her to meet Silas a barista representing Freddy, what started as a fight led them to fall for each other. I hope in the future to read about a changed Freddy and Clare's story.
This was an excellent and charming book that I recommend to anyone who loves historical romance with some sprinkling of drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dot was left on the alter by Freddy Hightower the earl of Bentley, who off with her friend's younger sister Clare who eventually presented her with an opportunity to avenge herself of the humiliation she suffered as a result, which eventually let her to meet Silas a barista representing Freddy, what started as a fight led them to fall for each other. I hope in the future to read about a changed Freddy and Clare's story.
This was an excellent and charming book that I recommend to anyone who loves historical romance with some sprinkling of drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2023
já conheço outros livros da ava devlin e gosto do estilo inteligente e bem humorado com que ela escreve, especialmente suas heroínas. no caso de 'The Spinster Strikes Back' não foi diferente: Dot é inteligente, perspicaz e não perde o rebolado nem quando algo absolutamente embaraçoso acontece de forma pública. O herói, Silas, é meio mal-humorado à primeira vista mas logo a gente descobre que não é bem assim. O problema é que dois bicudos não se beijam e os dois demoram até engatar a parte do romance mas quando essa parte chega... ahhh é fofo demais! amei o livro e até o vilão me deixou curiosa para ver o que vem por aí na nessa nova série!
obs.: ganhei o livro gratuitamente para avaliação através do time da autora e essa é minha avaliação voluntária e sincera.
obs.: ganhei o livro gratuitamente para avaliação através do time da autora e essa é minha avaliação voluntária e sincera.
June 19, 2023
It’s been said that “Hell hath no fury like a woman Scorned “ and when Dorothy Fletcher is left at the altar by the foolhardy Earl, Freddie, he is about to find out what that means. The year following her abandonment, Dorothy is struggling to make ends meet and help her ailing father with the remains of his law practice, when who lands on her doorstep but Freddie’s discarded wife. It’s then, that the spunky, intelligent Dot decides that it’s time to get even. In doing so, she’ll go head to head with the Scumbag’s attorney,Silas, and so much more. This clever and witty romp, turns enemies into lovers, ex’s into best friends, and killer cats into pampered pets! So cleverly done, and thoroughly entertaining!
May 30, 2023
When fate offers an opportunity she took it.
This book was brilliant! Let me ask you a question what does a jilted bride, a runaway wife, a contract mistress, and a up and coming lawyer all have in common? Well dear reader it is the villain of the piece by the name of Freddie. The hero and heroine of the piece have a small amount of a cat and mouse chase and it was such fun to read. Mr. Freddie does show up until the end but it was priceless when it happens. This tale has awesome characters, a first rate plot, and a grand ending. I adored this book!!! I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was brilliant! Let me ask you a question what does a jilted bride, a runaway wife, a contract mistress, and a up and coming lawyer all have in common? Well dear reader it is the villain of the piece by the name of Freddie. The hero and heroine of the piece have a small amount of a cat and mouse chase and it was such fun to read. Mr. Freddie does show up until the end but it was priceless when it happens. This tale has awesome characters, a first rate plot, and a grand ending. I adored this book!!! I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 19, 2023
Dorothy Fletcher was to marry Frederick Hightower, the Earl of Bentley, though he ran away with Claire Yardley leaving Dorothy at the altar. A year after this occurred there was a knock at the door to Dorothy's home and who should be on the doorstep but Claire Hightower, Lady Bentley who was heavy with child. She had run away from Freddie who is currently in jail because he couldn't pay his gambling debts in Belgium. The 2 ladies wrote a scandal sheet which brought Silas Cain Freddie's bastard brother to Dorothy's door. Through trials and tribulations, we end up with a happily ever after. Ms. Devlin has written a real good book and I do recommend that you read it...
June 20, 2023
Believable characters!
I love reading Ava Devlin's books! She has a beautiful way of describing people and situations. "The sun shone down on him in a merry glow, twisting the knife in his frustration, as it were." (Pg 63) Her characters are always believable and this book is no exception. Silas is a leading man with flaws. "He was not a man often laughed at, nor often laughed with if he was honest with himself." (Pg 158). Overall, this is a great read and I look forward to the next one in the series. Although I was given this free as an ARC read, I immediately bought it when it came out because I enjoyed it so much!
I love reading Ava Devlin's books! She has a beautiful way of describing people and situations. "The sun shone down on him in a merry glow, twisting the knife in his frustration, as it were." (Pg 63) Her characters are always believable and this book is no exception. Silas is a leading man with flaws. "He was not a man often laughed at, nor often laughed with if he was honest with himself." (Pg 158). Overall, this is a great read and I look forward to the next one in the series. Although I was given this free as an ARC read, I immediately bought it when it came out because I enjoyed it so much!
June 23, 2025
I loved reading Dot and Silas' story! Poor Dot has been living in poverty since she was abandoned at the alter on her wedding day due to her ex-fiance. With an ill father, she was responsible for running the household and was trying to hold it all together. Silas Cain is her ex-fiance's brother and has been responsible for taking care of the irresponsible, spoiled, selfish man that Freddie has become. Armed with a pen, an army of angry women Freddie has wronged take action the only way they could. Silas and Dot are enjoyable characters and their story was witty and fun to read. I will definitely be waiting for the next books in the series to come out!
June 28, 2025
5 STARS, CRIES, REVENGE, HILARITY, FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY, & LOVE
5 STARS goes to this funny read by Ava Devlin filled with women that have connections thru one man most of them would rather forget they ever knew! It's amazing how they quickly come to the conclusion rather than just getting revenge & destroying the man or his reputation; they needed to negotiate to be made whole or to the degree it was possible from his destruction.
You can't help admire, come to love, & laugh a little with these young ladies. Now, the mother of two of the girls I think behaved very badly at the beginning.
RECOMMENDED
5 STARS goes to this funny read by Ava Devlin filled with women that have connections thru one man most of them would rather forget they ever knew! It's amazing how they quickly come to the conclusion rather than just getting revenge & destroying the man or his reputation; they needed to negotiate to be made whole or to the degree it was possible from his destruction.
You can't help admire, come to love, & laugh a little with these young ladies. Now, the mother of two of the girls I think behaved very badly at the beginning.
RECOMMENDED
May 25, 2023
Very good romance
It all begins with Dorothy showing a great deal of courage and skill to satisfy her need for revenge against her former fiancé. When Dorothy crosses Silas, a great barrister and half-brother of the former fiancé, the sparks begin. Their relationship intensifies, and it becomes quite entertaining. The author takes us from one twist to another. I simply needed to read the book nonstop.
Great read, and I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It all begins with Dorothy showing a great deal of courage and skill to satisfy her need for revenge against her former fiancé. When Dorothy crosses Silas, a great barrister and half-brother of the former fiancé, the sparks begin. Their relationship intensifies, and it becomes quite entertaining. The author takes us from one twist to another. I simply needed to read the book nonstop.
Great read, and I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2023
This book was a little different as it dealt more with the middle class than nobility. The heroine has been jilted and is now just trying to survive and taking care of her sick father. Then suddenly the pregnant wife of the on who jilted her shows up. Then revenge can start. The hero has always help his half brother out of scrapes. Can he do it again? This was an entertaining read with several likable secondary characters who may get their own stories.
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