The Secrets of a Scoundrel

Inferno Club #7

by Gaelen Foley

In The Secrets of a Scoundrel, New York Times bestselling author Gaelen Foley has created her most exciting Inferno Club novel yet!

Nick, Lord Forrester, has a reputation that is legendary—both as a lethal warrior and a wicked lover. But when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon, he's left there to rot, until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out.

All he must do is risk his neck on the mission she proposes—and obey her every command. One look at the luscious beauty has Nick ready to promise her anything, but he must resist his desire, or she could send him straight back to prison.

Virginia, Lady Burke, is well aware that the powerful ex-spy will try to take command of their quest, but it's her job to keep him under control. Yet how can she keep this untamable scoundrel under her thumb when all she really wants is to unleash the smoldering passion between them?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Adult

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Gaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.

A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.

Reviews

[Alba Turunen · Rating 3 out of 5]

#RetoRita5 #RitaFoley

3 Estrellitas. Jo, me da pena ponerle al broche de la serie ésta nota, pero esperaba más del libro. Sí, es de Gaelen Foley y está estupendamente escrito y narrado, pero la edición ha sido algo chapucera y el romance no me ha convencido como querría.

Estreno el mes de julio con el Reto Rita 5 dedicado a Gaelen Foley, una de mis escritoras favoritas. La lástima, que todo lo que se ha publicado en España de ella lo tengo más que requeteleído. Como no podría ser de otra manera, nuestras "queridas" editoriales nos dejaron la serie del Club Inferno sin concluir, y no quedó más remedio que aprender a leer de otra manera, si queríamos saber qué pasaba en el resto de la serie.

Hace unos cuatro años retomé la serie desde el cuarto al sexto libro, pero éste séptimo y último me daba pereza porque Nick no me había caído bien en libros anteriores. Debido al Reto Rita de éste mes me dije que era el momento perfecto para acabar el Club Inferno.

"The Secrets of a Scoundrel" es el último libro de la serie y por eso siempre esperas un broche de oro, pero aunque el libro ha estado genial en sus últimos capítulos, la historia no ha terminado de convencerme.

Volvemos al mundo del Club Inferno, un club de agentes secretos de la Corona británica, que no está pasando por un buen momento, tras salir a la luz la existencia de la Orden. El protagonista de éste libro es Nick, lord Forrester, uno de los miembros acusados de traición, que actualmente está pudriéndose en la cárcel de la Orden.

La protagonista del libro es uno de los grandes secretos de la serie, Virginia Burke. Y digo secreto porque es la hija natural de Virgil, el legendario líder de la Orden, que entrenó a todos los protagonistas. Virginia o Gin fue el gran secreto de Virgil.

Virginia siempre estuvo fascinada con el mundo de su padre, y desde niña deseaba unirse a la Orden, pero se lo impidió su condición de mujer. Pese a ello, no dejó de intentar ser mejor o tan valiosa como los buenos mozos que entrenó su padre, en particular el oscuro y misterioso Lord Forrester. Pero Virginia maduró a temprana edad y se convirtió en esposa y madre antes de lo deseado y con un marido que no amaba.

Ahora, viuda con treinta y cuatro años y un hijo casi adulto, Virginia se ha metido en un aprieto. Su problema ha sido confiar en un joven secretario que le ha robado un valioso objeto que no puede caer en manos enemigas. De modo que sólo se le ocurre pedir ayuda a la Orden, pero no a cualquiera, porque todos los miembros tienen su vida hecha, pero puede interceder por lord Forrester para que la ayude.

De un día para otro, Nick se ve fuera de prisión, para caer prisionero de ésta voluntariosa y marimandona pelirroja y sin saber realmente qué es lo que espera que haga. El aprieto de Virginia los llevará a iniciar una aventura que comenzará en Londres para viajar hasta París y finalmente a Corfú.

Es verdad que los protagonistas se sienten atraídos el uno por el otro, Virginia se creía enamorada de Nick desde jovencita, pero no será fácil para Nick caer en las redes de Gin. Nick no espera nada de la vida, es un personaje oscuro, con un horrible pasado y sin alma y no espera amor, así que tampoco sabe por qué se siente atraído por Gin.

Su romance comenzará en mitad de viaje, pero si algo me ha reconcomido es la falta de confianza. Lo siento, pero al aprieto en que se mete Gin ha sido únicamente por su culpa.

La primera mitad del libro no me decía mucho, pero la segunda mitad, sobre todo al final ha tenido unos momentos de aventura y acción trepidantes que me ha gustado mucho, por eso se ha llevado la tres estrellas.

En general me ha fallado el romance y los protagonistas, pero más Gin que Nick, había momentos en que no la he sorportado nada. Pero Gaelen Foley ha sabido cómo cerrar el libro. Y un último detalle que tampoco me ha gustado mucho es que no aparecen casi nada, por no decir nada, el resto de miembros de la Orden, protagonistas de anteriores libros.

Bueno, aunque la historia me ha gustado, es verdad que esperaba más, sobre todo siendo un final de serie, pero la acción ha compensado al resto del libro y me ha convencido.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

As last books in a series goes, this one was excelletn. Though each book focussed in a different couple, there was a main plot regarding the Inferno Club and their fight against depravity and evil. The last book answered all the questions even the ones I didn't think to ask. And it gave us a great epilogue with all the couples.
As for Nick and Virginia, they are as great a couple as the previous ones. Well matched, it took them some time to find their footing around each other and trust the other person but in the end, Virginia's strong will and passion and Nick's longing for love and a place to belong brought them together.

[Viri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este era el que me faltaba!!!!!

Nick me intrigó mucho desde que sale y no podía esperar para leer su historia.

La dinámica entre los protagonistas es muy buena y las dosis de acción del libro me dieron ese plus que necesitaba.
Lastima que sentí el romance muy apresurado.

A pesar de eso me gustó porque fue un buen cierre para esta serie.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 2 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

Ok! I finished The Secrets of a Scoundrel, book 7 of Inferno Club by Gaelen Foley after languishing for couple of months, mostly because I’m a sucker for punishment. I know I’ve exhausted this but this series was a disaster full of melodrama, annoying characters with over the top storyline, almost on the verge of being silly. If I say I was disappointed to the point that I’d be thinking twice before picking up her new stuff, it’d be an understatement. It took me 2 yrs. to pick up the series because book 5 blew my mind. It was that horrible. Book 7, unfortunately, had nothing better to offer.

To recap in a nutshell, the series revolves around a bunch of rakehells. The society knows them to be a part of a club called The Inferno Club. They give the illusion that Dante House, where they meet, is their ‘playground’; a den of debauchery. Well, Dante House is a mixture of debauchery and something far more secretive. What the others don’t know is that they’re spies for the Crown; a special breed of spies who were trained since early childhood, sort of ‘sacrificed’ by their families to become a part of an Order; the Order of the St. Michaels. They had an ancient nemesis the Promethean Council. We’re talking about thousands of years of enmity here, the Prometheans trying to unleash their evil on the world and rule it, while the heroes of the Order trying to save it from their clutches.

The original 4 members that had the first 4 books were the Marquess of Rotherstone, the Duke of Warrington, the Earl of Falconridge and the Earl of Westwood.

Max and Daphne’s story is in My Wicked Marquess, book 1 that started it all. It was alright. I gathered a starter of a series is always a bit confusing, so it was an ok read.

Rohan and Kate’s story is in My Dangerous Duke, was one of my least favorites. He was the first manwhore of the bunch and the whole story was a mess. I kept going back to the series to know where the conflict between the Order and the Council is going.

Mara and Jordan’s story, book 3, was My Irresistible Earl, which I really enjoyed. Their chemistry was amazing, as were the characters wonderful. For the first time, I saw some hope for this series... Unfortunately, not. Though the action was good, I had probably expected way too much.

Drake and Emily’s book, #4 was My Ruthless Prince. This was going to be the big showdown between the Order and the Council, with all sorts of intrigues and actions. I actually thought this to be the last installment, with maybe a spinoff series from it following the rest of the secondary characters.

But My Scandalous Viscount came as a part of the series. It was THE horrid book #5 I was talking about earlier, which featured Beau and Clarissa. He was a junior member of the Order, who had been handed down some serious responsibilities when the Promethean Council was destroyed. But from what I saw, he was busy shagging anything that moves in skirt on every nook and cranny (yuck). The story also veered away from the main course. We come to learn about 2 more junior Order agents, Trevor and Nick, who were never introduced before. It seemed both were in trouble. Nick wanted out of the Order, which is a big no-no, so he did some crappy stuff, including holding a wounded Trevor as a hostage to gain his freedom; a plan that ultimately backfired. In the end, after a conspiracy was foiled, the Order’s identity is also revealed to the world. All the agents, including Nick and Trevor, are then recognized by Prinny and given the respect and rewards as that of heroes.

When I started My Notorious Gentleman, book 6, I didn’t expect anything grand from it. Trevor was an underdeveloped character. Grace, the h, wasn’t introduced in any other books, so she was a newcomer as well. Overall, it was a breath of fresh air as even the secondary characters were new, with a storyline in no way connected to the Order business. It flowed smoothly without any headache-inducing melodrama. Grace, a vicar’s daughter, was just the type of smart yet sweet thing Trevor needed for sure. I was honestly surprised by just how much I enjoyed it, which gave me hope that maybe, just maybe Nick’s book would be a great adventure.

Adventure it was, though not great by any means. It was just... predictable and boring. Worse is, I actually kinda liked Nick until he went and ruined it himself. But the h, Ginny was another matter entirely. She was TSTL and NOT the type of h Nick needed IMO. And she had an equally nutty-headed son who’d go and get himself in danger much like his mother. These two were like trouble-magnets (there’s no compliment hidden in this statement), so much so that I kept thinking if they’re even sane. I could excuse the boy a little since he was only 15, but his mother who likes to call herself ‘strong, smart and independent? I think NOT.

The story starts right from where book 6 left off. Nick was languishing in the Order dungeon cell without much hope of a rescue. He and Trevor had already made peace about their past. Trevor was even of a mind to try and do his best about Nick’s release when suddenly, one day, the opportunity arrives at Nick’s cell in the form of a tall, curvy redhead; just what Nick would like to have after long days of celibacy. Oh he’s the ‘bad boy’ of the Order, also the seasoned assassin. Though good-looking, he was more of the sullen type, always getting himself into trouble. Yep, trouble is his middle name. But you can also call him ‘Order manwhore’ #3 (after Rohan the Big Daddy and Beau, Mr. ShakeYourTailFeather... LOL). There were some tales of Nick’s various indiscretions in book 5, alongside Beau’s, though I couldn’t tell apart. They’re pretty much interchangeable, just as the women they liked to share. All in the name of the King and the Country.

Yah right!

Now this woman in her early to mid 30s is as comely as they can be, and Nick’s ‘radar’ is certainly, er, engaged. She, very calmly, introduces herself as Virgil’s daughter and a widowed Countess. Now what a min., Nick thinks, Virgil had a daughter?! Virgil was the head of the Order, the trainer of these agents, who was killed by his own son in book 4. The son got his just reward as well. But never, once, Virgil confided in any of his boys that he also had a daughter! (I say for good reasons, seeing how they can’t keep their pricks in their pants.) Virginia was the result of his affair with a countess. And though she grew up in the household as the daughter of her mother’s husband, Virginia’s mother very proudly discussed her infidelity with her, even introducing her to her real father at a young age. From then on, Virginia’s only dream was to follow Virgil’s footsteps, and becoming an Order agent. Yah, you read it right. She wanted to be an Order agent, which, of course, Virgil wouldn’t allow, nor would he let her meet the other boys in training. Again, for very good reasons.

Anyhoo, back to the present. Virginia has a proposition for Nick. She needs his help on something and in exchange, she has arranged with the greybeards (the Order elders) to set him free under her charge. But Nick must remember that he has to abide by her rules in the whole business. Any trouble and back he’d go to his dark, dank cell. The whole proposition sounded magical in Nick ears, but no less than the tantalizing female who’s offering it. Even if she’s Virgil’s daughter, she a widow, and Nick certainly knows about them! But in all seriousness, he just wants to get out of this bloody cell and breathe in the fresh air once again.

Virginia, whom I’m gonna call Ginny henceforth, is positively vibrating with excitement seeing Nick after a long time. Oh yah, she’d seen him once at 17 when she snuck out of her house to follow Virgil to his training place. She has been obsessed with the guys ever since, and Nick has been the center of her obsession. So when she heard of Nick’s problems and that he might be in dire need of help, she couldn’t stay away. It’d also serve her own purpose, the investigation on a slave ring with the clues she’s gathered so far. Nick, due to his extensive spy work, would certainly have info to spare. But more than anything, she’s just awestruck at the big warrior with the big, muscular body, just like the teenage girl she was. In fact, I never felt that she grew up much since 17 when I gradually began to know her better. She was still impetuous and immature and when it came to the Order agents, she was just completely crazy. I understood that she might’ve had an obsession when she was an impressionable girl but people do grow up. In Ginny’s case, that didn’t happen.

I begin despising Ginny the moment I read that she married her husband of a very short time to teach some other debutante a lesson. She had no love, or even liking for that guy who genuinely was into her. She basically seduced him and staged to get caught to snatch him away from that other girl. Ginny being attractive even at 17 helped her dubious cause. But soon, the husband caught on and knew how he was duped. Somewhere in the story, if I remember correctly, she even goes as far as to say that she could barely ‘tolerate’ his touch. The guy was obviously very hurt and left her for India(?) where he died a couple of months later, leaving Ginny a wealthy widow. She was practically relieved by the news! Ginny already had a son, Phillip, from that union. Then she lived her life however she saw fit, sleeping with whoever she felt like.

Apparently, to ally her curiosity, Virgil had given Ginny some education on the unique he’d code created to communicate with the agents. Ginny was competent enough to decipher it. This also gave her some air-headed idea to think of herself as a lady agent or something. In the past few years, she’d been investigating smaller cases to prove it for a fact. She had the money and resources on her side too, but I don’t think she ever did any grunt work since there were people working for her. A few months ago this new case came to her and Ginny has been trying to find the girl’s trail. It wasn’t an elopement as her investigation so far tells her. Then she found out about the criminal auction in a market called the Bacchus Bazaar where all the criminals of the world gather to auction off not only human flesh but also whatever illegal thing they can put their hands on. Everything pointed to that auction, which Nick confirms that he has a very good idea about. He used to have a pseudonym called Jonathan Black in his Order days to secretly work as a mercenary. It also gave him a ruse to get intel on the criminal world. When he’s cleaned up and has had his fill of food and rest, Nick and Ginny get down to the business of discussing the kidnaps, but not without the flirtation and the ‘come hither’ looks.

Phillip, the ‘pup’ as he was called by Nick, is send back from the school, for the umpteenth time, where he, again, set about to prove that he’s THE MAN. His head is full of air about him being Virgil’s grandson, thanks to his mother, which meant going and doing whatever he thought was the right thing. He’s instantly angry to find another of her mother’s ‘gentlemen friends’ residing at their home. But the moment he learns that Nick is, indeed, one of the Order agents trained by his grandfather, Phillip instantly becomes the eager puppy. His mother was already obsessed, now the son was too; a complete hero-worship from both sides. Nick could laugh, but he also liked attention and there was no shortage of that here. Now, if only he could get what he really wanted from the beautiful mistress of the house! But he can wait. After all, it’s Virgil’s daughter and he needs to curb his impulses where she’s concerned.

There was something that Ginny was holding back from Nick, wondering if he’ll find her callous (and she was) once he learns of it. She had this pretty boy secretary called John Carr who made off with Virgil’s diary, written in his code, which held very many Order secrets. Ginny was trying to decode it and learn more about the Order. Carr, who wanted her ‘favors’, got rebuffed because she felt he was too young for her. So according to Ginny, Carr stole the diary to tick her off and to earn money by selling it to the enemies. When all their investigations suggested that they leave for France (initially Nick wanted to go alone but why would Ginny stay behind when ‘danger’ is calling her name?), she decides to deal with it once she gets there. I don’t remember how she knew Carr would be there with the diary but there it was. Being true to her TSTL self, Ginny was pretty sure she could handle it ALL by herself. And it smells of DANGER! So they set sail for France without Nick knowing anything about the missing diary. He knew of Carr and was jealous already (not sure why when he’d slept with more women than he can count). They leave the ‘pup’ at home with an order that he stay there, but of course, the boy was a mirror image of his mother. In more ways than one, and none of it was complimentary. *snort*

I could end the review here by saying the rest was a big, fat eyeroll but hell, since I’ve already started... *shrugs*

At France, of course, Ginny and Nick had to jump into bed. They wanted to shag for sometimes and without Phillip in toe, it seemed the best opportunity. They also start talking about their life before, where Ginny confesses about how she despised her husband, and how obsessed she has been with the Order agents since her teenage years, which only served in solidifying my dislike of her. Again, it was so shallow and immature, not to mention, selfish that I couldn’t hide my distaste. Nick was just flattered that she has had her eye on him for that long, typical. After that, they make plans on how to get into the Bacchus Bazaar with Nick’s help. This is also where Ginny had to tell Nick about John Carr’s treachery and the new problem ahead of them. Now Nick has several things that he has to take care of; Bacchus Bazaar, the diary, John Carr, and last but not the least, the TSTL that accompanied him.

Don’t ask if I was still eye-rolling cause it’d be a moot point.

In a matter of few pages, they conveniently track down John Carr, who manages to get away from Nick and the French frog Lemarque who was after the diary. Carr is injured where Nick got himself into a fight to save it. Ginny, of course, rides herself in the middle of... that’s right, all that DANGER! Thanks to her, a distracted Nick is horribly injured himself. In desperation, Ginny tells Lemarque that she can decipher the codes. Thinking he has already taken care of Nick, Lemarque grabs Ginny and leaves the scene. Carr returns later to save Nick by taking him to the hotel they were staying. As if the pain from the wounds weren’t enough, to his utter horror Nick discovers Phillip has landed in France. He’s now in the same hotel, demanding answers to where his mother was like the spoiled brat her was. Oh well, don’t look at me, I already warned you. Now Nick has another added inconvenience to take care of. *tsk tsk tsk*

So far, it was the annoying part and now comes the disgusting part of the story. Nick didn’t know where to turn to because he was concerned about Ginny’s safety. He also needed to get into Bacchus Bazaar with a solid plan. And so, we find ourselves reading the Return of Madame Whore (story in book 5). In short, this aged French prostitute, who is also the proprietor of all things shady, has a big brothel somewhere in France. She was also working with the Order providing them with information. In return, all she wanted was the Order d!cks, whoever was willing to give it to her. Unsurprisingly, all the Order manwhores were her boy-toys; Rohan, Beau and Nick. Actually, Nick has been her on and off boy-toy for a long time. He hasn’t been here since his imprisonment, so, when Nick, seeing no other option, visits her for help, she can’t keep her hands off of him! Her dry va-ja-ja needed action, so she tries cutting a deal; she’d help only if he gives her some. Unfortunately, Nick’s ‘action set’ had a mind of its own too and decided it has had enough of Madame Whore for a lifetime. Besides it was now obsessed with the new lady, so completely denies ‘rising to the occasion’. Madame Whore is so unhappy, she starts venting. And she won’t help him! But fortunately, there was the pretty boy John Carr, so Nick was able to exchange him for Madame Whore’s help.

(don’t think I enjoyed typing this part but it had to be done *sigh*)

That was so... OH MY GOD! Nick was on the verge of sleeping with that slut, again with the same crap excuse of anything to see a job done, when he’d already slept with Ginny. I may not have liked her, but that was almost cheating to me! I didn’t know what to think, especially when Nick thought that Madame Whore and John Carr deserved each-other. How so? I thought you deserved both Ginny and Madame Whore because you’re pathetic. Then again, I don’t think Ginny would’ve minded. She’d probably ask the slut to show her some new techniques to practice with Nick; all of it in her presence. Ugh.

In another part of France, Ginny was being manhandled and forced by Lemarque to decipher the code. She tries her best to put it off but her ploys don’t work. Lemarque gets angry at her mouthy self and rebellious behavior. He beats her up and then sells her to the slave trader headed towards Bacchus Bazaar, who is also, coincidentally, the same man Ginny and Nick were after; Rotgut. Nick here loads up his own ship bound for the place where the Bazaar is held, taking Phillip with him. Now, every time that brat would act as if he’s a little Order agent or Nick would think of him that way, I just wanted to bang my head on to something. I mean, c’mon! He was a completely undisciplined, immature idiot. The little sh!t who once insinuated his mother for a slut because of her ‘gentlemen friends’. Seesh! Future Order agent my a$$!

And so, I began skimming. There wasn’t anything that especially caught my attentions... oh wait, there was! It was Nick kissing Ginny, more than once, after she’d been held in the dank, dark, and dirty underbelly of that slave ship with the other girls. For WEEKS! Don’t think I have to explain that they weren’t treated as Royalties, so I kept wondering the state of her personal hygiene and how was it possible for Nick to use his tongue inside her mouth, let alone hug her and think her beautiful. I felt a big gag coming so just skimmed through a little faster to finally be done with this travesty.

Final verdict: This is the final installment of Inferno Club, Hallelujah! *throws confetti*

2 stars and not recommended.

PS: I just hope there isn’t any spinoff coming, especially not with Phillip as a lead character. Just NO.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy.


Saying goodbye is never easy and with The Secrets of a Scoundrel, Gaelen Foley says goodbye to the Inferno Club. Sad to say but fortunately we know that Ms Foley will be back with a wonderful new series.

The Inferno Club Series follows seven men as they serve their country. Fighting against the darkness that often prevails during war. A secret organization, fighting another secret organization. Not governments but the men behind the governments. The Kingmakers... an insidious evil. The Secrets of a Scoundrel tells the story of Nick, Lord Forrester, the man who dared to leave the Order and Virginia, Lady Burke, the woman who was never allowed to join.

Virginia, Lady Burke has lived her entire life in the shadow of her father's duty. Hard enough to be an iligetimate child but the father she adored had given his life to raising the Order's boys. Always on the outside never looking in. But she trained, she learned and now that she's a widow, she uses those skills to help others. But a woman is missing and Gin needs help. Her skills and talents only go so far. Turning to the Order she insists they pay her back for all the years of her father's service. Demanding they release the "traitor" into her custody...

Nick, Lord Forrester, had given his entire life to the Order until one day he just couldn't do it anymore. Daring to walk away he made some questionable choices. Choices that landed him in chains in the Order's Dungeon deemed a traitor to the cause. Six months into his two year term he has little to hope for. When a gorgeous woman steps into his life offering him a chance at freedom Nick, being the smart man that he is, takes it. Now he has to figure out how to keep his hands off of his mentor's daughter.

A fabulous ending to a wonderful series! Nick and Gin take the series back to the underbelly of the world. The war may be over but the depraved are still at work. Gin is searching for a kidnapped young woman but stumbles upon an entire other world. Slavers, gun runners, drug lords... a world where money talks and everyone else dies.

From England to France to the Mediterranean.. Foley shows us that avarice and vice didn't start in the 20th century. Evil is alive and thriving leaving the fate of the world in the hands of those few who chose to carry the light.

The Inferno Series has this dark Gothic feel. A true descendant of Shelly and those sister's Bronte.

As you might have guessed, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of The Secrets of a Scoundrel provided by edelweiss and scheduled for release on June 24, 2014

[Farrah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, romantic, and absolutely fantastic, The Secrets of a Scoundrel was a wonderful read. It had thrilling action, sweet and hot romance, and a very enjoyable story. I loved this book!

Virginia was a very strong heroine. She was tough, clever, and definitely a force to be reckoned with. She was determined to find the missing girls that were taken by a crime ring, fiercely protective of her son, and very likable. I thought she was great.

Nick was also amazing. He was a truly honorable man that was harder on himself than even the people who put him in jail. He was convinced of his own flaws, but he was a good man. He was definitely strong, very clever, and extremely determined when he set his mind to something. He could also be very sweet and was protective of those he cared about. I thought he was wonderful.

The romance was lovely. Virginia and Nick were great together. They were both so strong willed and they met their match in each other. The chemistry between them was hot. From the beginning, the attraction was there, and it was steamy. These two were a perfect couple.

Phillip was Virginia's son and he was wonderful. He was definitely his mother's son. Despite her determination to keep him protected, he wasn't going to let an opportunity to help (and, more importantly, an adventure) pass him by. He was more clever, determined, and tough than he seems at first glance and just adorable.

The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were plenty of thrills along the way that kept me on the edge of my seat. And, there were a few surprises along the way, with both Virginia and Nick working hard to keep their secrets. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.

The Secrets of a Scoundrel was a fantastic historical romance. I really liked this book. It had thrills, romance, and a story that kept me hooked. Romance lovers, this is a book you'll want to read.

*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC given in exchange for a honest review.

Virginia, Lady Burke, is independent, and is her fathers daughter. For years she has wanted to make a difference just as her father did and the members of the Inferno Club have done. She is a widow, and a mother to a fifteen year old boy, but thrives on her own independence. She has a business of being a private investigator, and when she learns that there are missing girls, she knows just the man to help her, Lord Forester. Even though Nick has a great love for his brethren in the Order, he is tired of the life, of killing and losing a part of himself each and every time he goes on a mission. So when he tries to defect and leave to live a life of his own, he is thrown into prison. When a beautiful woman comes to him with a proposition in return for his freedom, he is more than willing, especially with Virginia as his partner. As they get closer to the truth of the location of the missing girls, the danger surrounds them, and only when Virginia embraces who she is and trusts in Nick will they be able to survive the coming tide of danger that may destroy them and everything they hold dear.

The Secrets of A Scoundrel is the seventh and final installment in the Inferno Club series. Gaelen Foley has been a favorite author of mine for quite some time, and you never know what to expect when you pick up one of her books. They always surprise me, but the lovely delightful kind that sends shivers down the spine. It starts out with a delightful scene of Nick exercising with his shirt off, and sparks pass between these two instantly. Then it picks up pretty quickly, and you find yourself totally immersed in the story. The plot was very exciting, and some intense spots that had me at the edge especially the later half. I had no problem getting into this story, and stayed up half the night reading it, because I could barely put it down for very long. The chemistry between Nick and Virginia is instantaneous, and they surely don't need help with the fireworks, they are explosive enough on their own. Virginia's son, is charming and endearing, and I was totally on his side, especially when Virginia went in overprotective mama bear mode, she does overkill it just a bit, but I loved seeing flaws in the characters, it adds a touch of realism to the story that sometimes ends up missing out of regency romances. The characters are full of surprise and the interaction between Virginia and Nick is packed with witty humor and lovable characters to win your heart.

A delightful romp of a romance to captivate hearts, and endear you to this charming couple who are the perfect example of finding that happy ever after amidst danger and intrigue. A Ending to the series that sets the final stage for this set of heroes who have enthralled its readers since the first book. A lovely story that is priceless!! ENGROSSING ON EACH PAGE!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

*****SPOILERS LIKELY*****

*Groan* Oh, I'm finally finished with this damn series. I don't know what else to say, other than thank goodness! I kept waiting and waiting for it to get better, for something to actually improve, but it never did.

Nick is actually not as terrible as I thought he was going to be, the sole reason this book gets two stars instead of one. I really thought the author was going to go over the top with the tortured hero thing, and do like she did with Rohan and Drake and Trevor, make him so miserable that he couldn't see past his own shadow. The whole 'Woe is me, I'm such a terribly good assassin and brother warrior, but it's left my soul all black,' thing was getting old. Nick is pretty pathetic in the beginning, but it's more realistic. I mean, he did mess up in a rather big way, wanting to get out of the Order, but to throw him in prison for two years because of it, sounds rather barbaric to me. Fortunately, he only does six months, but he does have bits of hope and at least tries to make the best of things. I did like the reasoning given for his gambling, rather odd, but it was kind of endearing, looking for answers in cards and wondering if he could continue to beat the odds of life, unique and believable. I didn't swoon ever over him, and if he were a real person, I'd imagine I'd treat him like a brother, I cared for his well-being, but romantically speaking, not leading man material.

Virginia. Oh lord, help me. If this is how this author writes heroines in all her other books, I think I'll be highly offended. This whole stereotyping of characters, the author does constantly. For the men, it's like I described above. For the women, it's always 'No man is ever gonna tell me what to do, oh! Shiny object!' Virginia, or Gin as she prefers, shoots like a man, smokes like a man, has casual sex like a man and damn it if she doesn't care what the ton things, she can work like a man, taking on investigations all by her silly little self. Never mind her investigating skills are more akin to a bull in a china shop, and I find ever so ridiculous she expects to be treated with respect from everyone except her 15 year old son who basically calls her a whore in the first scene we meet him. And he's right. Nick is not the first man her son has caught her with. That right there is enough to make me dislike her. Sure, have your fun, but to let your son see it is quite another thing. Have some damn respect for yourself, if you can't at least respect being a parent and not introducing your child to all your lovers. It feels like the author is trying to show women in the regency era who were unconventional. Well, this is downright unrealistic. Almost all the heroines in this series have a giant chip on their shoulder and are highly annoying, this one is the leader of the pack.

What makes it worse is the plot falters every time you turn around. It has so much potential, this really could be an excellent series, but I feel every time I would get excited about something else happening, it was just a big let down. Now, if you want to do unconventional heroines with tortured soul heroes, and have mystery and intrigue all in a regency era romance, I would point to Stephanie Laurens, and her Black Cobra series. Yes, all the heroines are highly unconventional, downright crazy. Practically all the heroes feel they have given too much for their country and are tortured. But Laurens is great at fully describing her characters, they are fleshed out, no mysteries about them. Foley leaves a lot unexplained about characters and their whole stories that annoys me. Whatever happened to Virginia's mother? How did she meet Virgil? Why did Virginia only have the one son? When exactly did her husband die? Was she so bold to take lovers while she was married? What did Virgil think of her taking on investigations? Did Virgil leave her anything in his will, or was she even mentioned? You'd think if the Highlander loved her so, he would make provisions for her protection if he died, did he really think no one would ever find out about her, especially since the Prometheans knew he was with the Order, yet he went out publicly with Gin and they look alike, and everyone knew Gin was a by-blow? Too many unanswered questions. Also, Foley doesn't finish certain plot lines, or rushes through them so fast, because she's just spent 20 pages describing how Gin feels sympathetic to Nick, but now we're in the heat of a scene, meeting with a London kingpin to get a gamepiece and poof, that's done in two pages. I slightly exaggerate, but only slightly. The big scene at the end is over and done in about 30 pages, but in the first half of the book it goes on and on and on about poor tortured soul Nick, and look! Gin is so unconventional, let's count the ways. The mystery and intrigue promises to be there, but never fully develops. Oh, and as for more unanswered questions: How does Nick explain to his fellow brother warriors (really tired of that phrase) how he got out of prison? Do they even care about the great thing he just did in helping free 30+ girls from sex slavery? What about his glory for busting the Bacchus Bazaar? Did Nick tell them about Virgil's journal? What would the fellow agents have said to that? Did Nick and Gin actually get married? Have a baby? If Nick was a barron, and Gin had been formerly married to an earl, did she keep the higher rank? Since Nick was bankrupt, did he try to rebuild his family estate? What happened to his old estate anyway, last we heard when Nick was a kid it was falling down around them. What did Nick do for money? Keep borrowing from Gin? How exactly is that redeeming? Too many unanswered questions.

And the sex. Geezus, I must be a pervert, but I like the full buildup, anticipation and eventual release fully described. A great writer can do that, and not that you're having the orgasm right along with the couple, but you get your own kind of start, middle and end. To be so blunt, and disgusting, it's like shit or get off the pot, man. Don't give me pieces. If you can't bring yourself to fully describe it, then pull the curtain. I would actually rather that than this bits and pieces, just enough but let's erase the really embarrassing bits. For one, the choreography gets messed up. There's a scene where Gin is described as straddling Nick on the edge of the bed. Next sentence, she's using the balls of her feet adjust her leverage over him. First, if that's how you describe penetration, just give up. Not sexy. Second, how can you straddle someone like? If it takes me out of the story and has me trying figure out if it's possible, then you're ruining the moment. It's teasing and not finishing, and it's just wrong. If you want me to use my imagination, fine, but don't muck it up with little tidbits that are weird and badly worded. Foley comes dangerously close to the purple prose, and I don't like to laugh at characters I'm trying to root for.

I really can't fathom why so many people like this series. Again, I'm feeling like the oddball out, and not liking what everyone else proclaims to love. What's even more frustrating, I can really see the author's potential. I hear her earlier stuff, stuff with a different publisher is great. It leaves me wondering if the publisher is the problem, because really, this should have been a brilliant series, but it doesn't live up to the hype.

[moi, k.y.a. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
Bir serinin daha sonunu getirmiş oldum böylece. Seriye yakışan bir final kitabı olmuştu, tam tadındaydı. Yazarın başka serilerinde buluşmak üzere diyelim.

P. S. Epsilon da hâlâ saçma kitapları basıp elindeki mis gibi yazarları/serileri harcasın. 😒

[Mary Gramlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia, Lady Burke has been allowed through widowhood the freedom to do as she desires and champion causes that must be fought. Gin is albeit an illegal one, also the daughter of the found of “The Order” an elite group of men he brought together to fight for the rights of all society. When Gin needs help with her latest mission the one man she knows she can trust is Nick, Lord Forrester. Her father held Nick close to his heart and trained him personally even though Nick tried to lead his own way and found himself in a bit of hot water on occasion. Now all will be well if Gin can get Nick out of prison and on board with her plan plus perhaps a bath would be great.

There is to be an exclusive night of illegal trading that brings buyers and sellers from all over the world together and Gin had a marker that would have allowed her access. She must attend to save the young women that have been abducted and are about to be sold in nefarious futures. Yet the marker she had was stolen by a man she trusted and yet Gin is forced to trust Nick he will not prove her wrong in asking for his help.

Nick freely gives himself to Gin saying out loud it is to gain his freedom but in his heart he knows that this woman is the one to set his heart free. He has been treated like a commodity his entire life and only Gin sees him as a man who longs for love and the warmth of a woman’s touch against his face. Together they can become strong warriors and agents who long to set right the wrongs they see. Gin fights strong beside him never taking the easy route to success and when things go badly she even gives herself up to save the man she loves.

Only Gaelen Foley can keep a series fresh, write the most romantic of stories, with characters that possess such depth in mind and heart. Every historical romance should bring this much reading pleasure to its owner

[Flor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't that bad. I can't believe the hero was bashed in the head three times with a brick and a few hours later was just fine.

[Jessica Reads It · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventh and final installment of the Inferno Series and all I can say is “mama did us proud.” ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
For such an epic series that has captivated diehard Galen Foley fans from the beginning I truly believe this was a beautiful end to something amazing. The unity of the club and the culmination of their sacrifices had me slightly emotional (bawled my eyes out). ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Nick and Virginia are such an endearing couple and their chemistry is explosive (someone fan me over here) ! Virginia is clever and not afraid to get down and dirty or commanding as she navigates Nick through a top secret mission. ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I also liked the interactions with Virginia and her 15 year old son Phillip who gave the book an extra dimension that is uncommon for historical romances.⁣⁣
⁣��
Secrets of a Scoundrel was action packed with typical Galen “keep you on the end he of your seat” writing. Even after seven books she still manages to enthrall readers with her sharp writing and bold characters.

Review also featured on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CGfgqv4Ax...

[Özlem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serinin son kitabı Order'a hainlik yapan Nick ile sırlarla dolu Virgina'nın hikayesini anlatıyordu.

Virginia inatçılığı, maceraseverliği gibi yönlerden tam babasının kızıydı. Fakat kendisiyle aynı duyguları taşıyan oğluna ters davranmasına anlam veremedim. Oğlu, Order'a girmek istemesine rağmen sürekli Virginia tarafından kısıtlanıyor. Halbuki Virgina da Order'a girmek isteyen biri ve bu duyguları devam ediyor. Bu yüzden Virgina'nın inadı oldukça saçmaydı.

Hikaye seriden beklenildiği gibi heyecanlıydı fakat önceki 2 kitaba göre daha az beğendim. Sanırım bu da Virgina'nın bazı zamanlar kuralcı olmasından kaynaklandı.

Bir de fark ettim ki kapak hataları sadece bize özgü değilmiş. Kitapta kızıl saçlı olarak tanıtılan Virginia, kapakta siyah saçlarla endam-ı arz etmekte.

Böylece bir seriyi daha bitirmiş oldum. Beğenime göre sıralarsam: 5-6-2-1-7-3-4 şeklinde olacaktır.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pekny zaver celej serie. Co sa mi na nej pacilo...nebola to len romantika, ale z vacsej casti dobrodruzny pribeh. Prva cast bola sice dost zmatocna, ale potom to uz odsypalo ako malo😁😁😁. Osudy clenov tajneho radu sv. Michala archanjela, ktori sluzia Anglickej korune proti tajomnej organizacii Prometeovcov...kopec akcie, intrig, napatia, ale aj humoru a samozrejme aj sukromie kazdeho jedneho clena. Ale jedno negativum tu predsa len je...aj ked som si na to po 7mich knihach nejako zvykla....a to, vsevysvetlujuci styl autorky. Kazdu pohnutku, myslienku, skutok neskutocne dopodrobna vysvetluje..mohla nieco ponechat aj na predstavivosti a zdravom rozume citatela 😂. Ale budiz...po prvom diele som si zvykla 😉. Tuzba vediet, ako to vsetko dopadne bola silnejšia. Takze ja seriu hodnotim velmi pozitivne...na romantiku 🤣🤣🤣. Od autorky si urcite este nieco precitam.

[Canan]

En başta ısınamamıştım zaten...Seri genel olarak güzeldi.
Ama nedense son kitabı kendimi zorlayarak bitirdim.
Birazda haklıydım sanki...
Türkler hakkındaki varsayımsal düşünce hoşuma gitmedi.Belki
bir çok kişi düşünmeden okuyup geçer ama illaki akılda yer eder.
Neyse.Yazarın kalemi güzeldi.Başka serilerine de bakabilirim ^^

[CheerfullRain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book. I thought the side plot was exciting and interesting, but didn’t think it overshadowed the romance. The FMC got a little annoying halfway through when everything went bad and it was her absolutely her fault for being prideful and selfish. However, I felt that she learned from it and used that knowledge to the benefit of those around her, so I forgave her.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher via GoodReads' First Reads giveaway. Unfortunately it arrived just recently, a good month or so after the book had already been released to the general populace. (Not that I am looking a gift book in the mouth, or pages, or what have you, but that is why my review is so belated.)

Gaelen Foley is one of the light romance authors I am happy to find a new book from, because the writing is typically well done and this book was no different. Virginia and Nick played their parts well. Their situations giving enough believability to the tension in their "romance" to keep me from rolling my eyes in annoyance as I do with many less talented writers.

The only real critique I have is Nick's early situation in jail. It seemed an awfully comfortable prison for the time period. I get that he had redeemed himself somewhat, but either punish him or don't. This prison seemed to be the equivalent of locking him in his room without his xbox for a few years.

Other than that I applaud Virginia's intelligence and desire and ability to save herself. All in all a fun read.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good ending the Inferno Club series. Nick is freed from prison to help a woman and he must do everything she tells him. Little does he know how their pasts are connected.

I like how Virginia only gives Nick the information he needs on an as needed basis. She's not going to give her secrets away. I enjoyed their hiding secrets from each other, mostly so the other does not get a "negative" view of the secret hider. I liked that Virginia was not a ingénue but was widowed with a past. She and Nick are well suited that way. I liked that Virginia's son, Phillip, is a typical teenager, getting into scrapes and turning up where least expected or wanted.

Phillip has his head full of romantic ideas of the Order. I was glad to see he had the opportunity to change his mind about the romance of the Order. I also liked that the Club came together at the end and that we see what each sacrificed to protect their country and monarch. These are heroes with all their sacrifices and scars.

I liked this series and hated to see it come to a close.

[Mary Alice Van Stavern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! For the whole series!!
Seven very strong men are inducted into the Inferno Club as lads and taught to be great men for England!! After the war is over the first actually begins looking for a wife but we know looking never works!! But he finds his wife and between all the mysteries and assignments each man finds their very strong women to become their wives!! This is an excellent series that I highly recommend it!! Some very fun banter in places!! Love, laughs, and mysteries!!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

90% adventure 10% romance

Follow me!

[Jill B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great passionate romance between Virginia and Nick, the imprisoned Order agent. They’re not the usual hero and heroine for romances – Virginia is a widowed mother of a 15-year-old (in her 30s) who drove her husband to death by indirectly pushing him to join the war just to prove his strength and courage to her. She’s the daughter of a spymaster, you see, and she always compared her husband to her father’s “men” which Nick was one of. She has now become a sort of lady detective out to find abducted women who are about to be sold as sex slaves in a black market gathering called the Bacchus Bazaar. This is where Nick comes in. A once mighty Order agent who has been imprisoned by his superiors for indirectly helping an assassination plot against the regent which was also a ploy to discredit the Order. He was manipulated/framed into participating because of his need to be free of the Order (something that cannot be done and treated as a betrayal to the group). He has been months in prison when Virginia comes to get him after getting the elders to agree to let out Nick to assist her in her quest to find the abducted girls. This is Nick’s chance to be pardoned and to be free of prison.

From their first meeting in the prison, their interaction is fraught with tension, sexual and otherwise. But what really gets me with Ms. Foley’s series is the duality of these men who are fierce and cold warriors but very vulnerable humans. Nick deems himself unworthy, thinks he has lost his soul but Virginia gives it back to him by being kind, by trusting him despite what he has done, and by loving him. One of my favorite parts is when they are finally reunited in the sex slaver’s boat and they have to pretend not to know each other when all they want is to run into each other’s arms, grateful for each other’s safety. Philip, Virigina’s son is also an amusing and good element to have added surprisingly because a teen son is not usually romantic.

The feminist bent is also to be commended. Virginia has always wanted to be a spy as well, but of course being a woman meant it was off limits to her and her spymaster father wouldn’t have allowed it even if it was permitted. This is the reason why she has suddenly become lady detective. The last part where she is able to buoy up the courage of the group of kidnapped women to orchestrate a mutiny and take the boat from their kidnappers is a good cheer for womanhood.

Yes, a great broken man needs the healing of a courageous woman is one of the known storytelling clichés out there but Ms. Foley has put it to good use in this book and in the rest of the books in this series. This is a good wrap-up to the series and that last part in the book where all the Order Agents were reunited along with their spymaster (Virgil)’s daughter and grandson present is poignant.

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading The Secrets of a Scoundrel is exactly like an adventure---exhilarating, sometimes fun, other times, frustrating---but ultimately worth the while. You may love and hate the characters but that's just exactly part of the book's charm. The characters are real and their experiences relatable.

I keep going back and forth between a 3 or 4 star rating for this one and eventually settled for the latter. The heroine, Virginia, drove me mad at certain parts (mostly for her foolish decisions) and she was the only cause of my frustrations. She is a liar, a manipulator and a tyrant, as the hero Nick eloquently puts it. However, I also have to give her credit for being a fearless one, strong-willed in her determination to finish through what she started. Besides, her heart is set in the right place even if she went about her goals in the wrong way.

Nick is exactly the kind of man who can handle Virginia's wild ways---she follows no rules, cares naught for the society's censorship of her amorous dealings---because Nick is just as wild, if not more. He's been hardened by life, fully embittered by the kind of work he's been doing for the Order. Similar to how I felt with Virginia's impulsiveness, I also did not like some of Nick's decisions but I think in this way, they're more human. If there's anyone who can match Virginia's stubbornness and wild streak, it's Nick. But Nick also has amazing qualities in him. He's honorable (contrary to what he thinks), reliable and loyal to the ones he loves.

Put this two together and you get an explosive combination, never a boring moment. One time they could be fighting, deliberately hurting each other with taunts, and then they could be sharing an angry kiss the next. Couple this burning chemistry with non-stop action and adventure then you get yourself a totally exciting book. As with every vibrant and passionate character, you would encounter a fair share of frustrations because they are the kind who is governed by emotions, goes about their goals in a headstrong and resilient manner. They make mistakes along the way but they also learn from it. Essentially, I think this lesson is what the author wanted to impress upon her readers. Only my second from Gaelen Foley but I'm already liking how she is so specific in the way she wants to impart morals and principles through her characters. In a sea of historical romance authors who tend to blend together in the sameness of their style and approach, Foley has effectively set herself apart.

**

More reviews and graphics at: geekymythology.wordpress.com

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first six of the series years ago. I honestly forgot about this series until recently when I stumbled upon this in the library ebook section. Eee!

Here we follow Virgina and Nick. Nick is a spy made of legends, but when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon. He is left there to rot until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out. All he needs to do is risk his neck on a mission and obey her every command. Easy peasy. The mysterious lady is none other than Virgina, Lady Burke. She is well aware that the ex-spy is a scoundrel and hard to control, but he is the only one who can aid her.

I'm soooo glad this did well as a standalone. Some references to the past, but easy enough to follow. Thank goodness because I certainly barely remember the past books. It has been YEARS. We don't see the past characters until the very end. That ending did make me "awww". It was a reunion for not only Nick but for me. It was lovely seeing the old crew. I'm not intrigued and may backtrack.....someday.

The beginning was a little slow for me to get into, but after a certain scene, I didn't want to stop reading!!! I had no idea how everything was going to end, especially after a certain moment. Scary!!!!!!

Lots of twists and turns and watching these two become partners...to friends....to lust....to love. It was lovely. It felt natural while they accomplished their mission.

Minus the beginning slump, I really enjoyed this. It actually re-sparked my love and interest in the past characters.

In the end, I highly recommend this series and this book. Lots of spies....lots of debauchery....lots of action.....lots of love. Def a fun series. This author is always fun. I MUST read more. It has been too long. 4 stars from me.

[Kiltsandswords · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secrets of a Scoundrel by Gaelen Foley

Overview from Amazon
In The Secrets of a Scoundrel, New York Times bestselling author Gaelen Foley has created her most exciting Inferno Club novel yet!

Nick, Lord Forrester, has a reputation that is legendary— both as a lethal warrior and a wicked lover. But when his rule-breaking ways land him in a Scottish dungeon, he’s left there to rot, until a mysterious lady visits his cell and offers him a way out.

All he must do is risk his neck on the mission she proposes—and obey her every command. One look at the luscious beauty has Nick ready to promise her anything, but he must resist his desire, or she could send him straight back to prison.

Virginia, Lady Burke, is well aware that the powerful ex-spy will try to take command of their quest, but it’s her job to keep him under control. Yet how can she keep this untamable scoundrel under her thumb when all she really wants is to unleash the smoldering passion between them?

I have read all the Order books by Gaelen Foley, in fact I have read all her books. She is a solid writer. She takes you on an adventure and there is mystery, suspense, well thought out plotlines and very steamy scenes.
In the previous Order books, the agents contact Virgil, the gruff Scotsman, was murdered. I love how Foley resurrects him so to speak by creating a daughter no one knew about. Through her story you get to know more about the Order, Virgil and the background of how these lethal assassins came to be.

The story opens with Nick imprisoned for almost betraying the Order, murdering the Prime Minister and wanting to end his association with the Order – which is not allowed. Virginia (Gin) needs help to solve a complex situation and frees him to acquire his skills, but also to allow him the opportunity to redeem himself.

She is beautiful and a widow, he is darkly handsome and the two have sparks right off the bat. They both hold their cards close to their chests and it is enjoyable watching them circle one another, stripping away little pieces to learn who the other person really is and what their motivations are.

Of course Gin hasn’t been totally honest with Nick. There is the matter of her son, the true reason she is on her journey to the Bacchus Bazaar and her intimate knowledge of the Order. Nick has no choice but to run from dire situation to another in order to put the pieces of the puzzle together to solve the mystery. Gin told Nick she wanted to rescue girls who were being sold into slavery (true). She needed to get into an auction called the Bacchus Bazaar in order to do it (true). But also being sold is her father’s diary, stolen by her erstwhile assistant. The diary is written in code, but can be broken. Virgil entrusted it to her and she let it get away. She hides this information from Nick until at least two-thirds of the way through the book and it adds to an already crowded plot line, but does somehow manage to untangle loose ends that didn’t quite make sense.

The story takes them from English countryside estates to Paris to the Mediterranean island of Corfu. So you get a bit of everything in the novel. The imagery is vivid and the author does a decent job describing the methods of travel and the exotic locations.

One of the many reasons Gin wanted Nick to help her was his extensive knowledge of thugs, ruffians and leaders of the Underworld. One such association is with a beautiful French woman named Angelique. The author makes it clear Nick was her stud and plaything. In order to get some information he is intimate with her. Not all the way and Gin doesn’t know AND he is doing it to save her life, but if you prefer your hero to not tangle with another woman at all, then be forewarned. Since Gin is a unstatisfied widow, she hungers for Nick. She’s had a crush on him for years, not that he even knew of her existence. When the two finally connect its steamy.
But as Gin comments, Paris is for lovers and they take advantage of their time there to get to know each other carnally. Nick suffers from broken self-esteem and Gin’s interest is healing to him. Unlike a lot of historical romance novels, Gin is not a virgin so there is not tentative love making and easing the virginal heroine into it. It’s wild and passionate from the start and the author is descriptive about the sex without being crude. I wouldn’t mind waking up in the morning the way Gin does!

There are some elements to the book that distracted for me, such as Nick’s gambling, drinking, wenching past in order to hide his feelings of inadequacies. It was a point that kept coming up and I realize that was to anchor how important the love they were developing was, but it got a little tiresome. Another thing that irked me was Gin’s desire to be an Order agent and how she could all of a sudden take command and over power a ship. It seemed far fetched and when Nick left her in the hold on Rotgut’s ship, I was shaking my head.

I did enjoy the relationship between Gin and her son, Philip. It allowed the reader to see the heroine as more than an absentee parent or a complete ninny. She struggled to parent a head strong teenager and to live her life on her terms. I admired Philip’s tenacity in following the pair and he provided some comic relief throughout the book.

The Promtheans have been put down, the men of the Inferno Club who served the Order are all wedded and mending their hearts and spirits after fighting for some many years. It was a good conclusion, although I would have enjoyed more interaction with the other Order members and their wives, but what can you do?

I look forward to reading Gaelen Foley’s next adventure.

[Wednesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last book in the Inferno Club series. I'm not sure if I was just getting a bit tired of it, or reluctant to accept the series was coming to a close, but I found this book a bit ho-hum in places. The characters are great, although I felt Virginia was never explored in depth as fully as she could have been and I'm not sure if I liked her much. Nick is a good hero, tortured and dark but with a redeeming and vulnerable side just waiting to be loved. He is brave and physical and there is enough action in the book to show this off. I was sad to see the end of the series and to say goodbye to this stunning group of men. It would make a great mini-series on the screen.

[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, for one Ginny is a real modern woman. I liked that she acts her self without any pretense. Though I would have expected more action from her than merely holding a pistol against RotGut and had him walk the plank. I thought the moment was before she got kidnapped but she didn't get to use her self defense skills against his abductor. Nick proved to be a great match for Ginny.
I feel really sad that the Inferno Series reached it's conclusion and I will miss them, though I enjoyed the journey with all of them.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, maybe 3.5 stars.

The storyline and action were compelling, and Nick & Gin oozed with chemistry.

But Gin on-and-off annoyed me. I know she wanted to prove herself, and to protect her son ... but she seemed to be going about it selfishly. I.e., without regards for how her loved ones would feel about her endangering herself.

And I guess there will be no reconciliation between Nick and her mother's 2nd family?

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Author is getting lazy by using terms that were not prevalent of the time period In which the books were set. It detracts from the story and simply makes it unenjoyable. The particular book had the female lead’s character completely flip inside out from how she was written in the beginning of the novel to how she was at the end. And the change wasn’t the character evolving. The essence of the character was entirely different.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaelen Foley is great! She drags you right into her books, and soon you're having swordfights, making love, and finding treasure along with her heroes! This one was especially good. It was the last book in a series I really loved! All the Heroes in the Inferno Club were awesome! And their women were strong & brave, too. Great reading!!