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Agents of Ruin #1
Notorious
Some Men Make A Habit Of Ruining Reputations
Rumours abound about the rakish Viscount Rochford, a man who’s left a trail of wailing hearts in his wake. With a reputation for jilting society women, the ton can scarcely believe he is ready to settle down and wed.
Neither can Miss Penelope Stratton. With her enviable looks and sizable dowry, this shy country girl finds herself with an impressive list of suitors. Yet against all her better judgement, she is drawn to the one man least suited to matrimony; a notorious man with a scandalous past.
She wants to believe the Viscount is ready for redemption, but how little she knows about his past or the lengths he’s been to, in order to protect his legacy.
Will she choose an offer of security and respectability, or risk everything on a man she cannot trust? Is it her money he’s after or a carnal desire that drives him? If she offers her heart on a platter... it is surely bound for the knife.
What to Expect
“A sparkling new take on the age old trope of the virgin and the rake reformed by love. Designed for those who love steamy Regency Romance or Victorian with a bit of love triangle thrown in.
Penelope is a believable heroine for the period; bright and principled but still young and inexperienced. Rochford is the kind of rake we love to hate. Cocksure and self-centred in the beginning; he has no doubt about his ability to win the heart and take the innocence of the sweet, young debutante. He never expects to lose his heart as well.
Notorious is an impressive first historical romance novel from a talented new English author; full of witty banter, a fabulous twist, and just the right amount of spice.”
From The Author
Reader My heroes are not white knights. They all have a dark energy about them… all the better to watch them come around ;)
Rumours abound about the rakish Viscount Rochford, a man who’s left a trail of wailing hearts in his wake. With a reputation for jilting society women, the ton can scarcely believe he is ready to settle down and wed.
Neither can Miss Penelope Stratton. With her enviable looks and sizable dowry, this shy country girl finds herself with an impressive list of suitors. Yet against all her better judgement, she is drawn to the one man least suited to matrimony; a notorious man with a scandalous past.
She wants to believe the Viscount is ready for redemption, but how little she knows about his past or the lengths he’s been to, in order to protect his legacy.
Will she choose an offer of security and respectability, or risk everything on a man she cannot trust? Is it her money he’s after or a carnal desire that drives him? If she offers her heart on a platter... it is surely bound for the knife.
What to Expect
“A sparkling new take on the age old trope of the virgin and the rake reformed by love. Designed for those who love steamy Regency Romance or Victorian with a bit of love triangle thrown in.
Penelope is a believable heroine for the period; bright and principled but still young and inexperienced. Rochford is the kind of rake we love to hate. Cocksure and self-centred in the beginning; he has no doubt about his ability to win the heart and take the innocence of the sweet, young debutante. He never expects to lose his heart as well.
Notorious is an impressive first historical romance novel from a talented new English author; full of witty banter, a fabulous twist, and just the right amount of spice.”
From The Author
Reader My heroes are not white knights. They all have a dark energy about them… all the better to watch them come around ;)
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2023
487 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
October 30, 2023
What I liked:
-Hugh
This was a very intriguing peek inside the mind of a rake, and I was there for it. How a rake thinks and behaves once he sets his sights on a woman; the plotting and manipulation, his fine ability to take stock of a situation, read a woman, and then say and do just the right thing. Hugh was a true regency-era playa and I loved this part of the book. I’ve read a lot of HR where we’re told a man is a rake, we’re told of all the women he’s seduced and left, but this was an interesting insight into the way a rake’s mind operates. Notorious, indeed.
I also liked Hugh’s crisis of conscience as he got to know Penelope better. His feelings went from the desire to manipulate and seduce, to growing admiration and respect, which had him re-thinking his initial strategy. I enjoyed his character growth.
-The cover
I’m not as influenced by covers as many readers but I have to say I absolutely love this cover. Damn but this man is exactly my type and I could see myself falling hard if he tried with me what he tried with Penelope. Even though I’m older and wiser, I would happily and willingly go along with his games.
What didn’t work for me:
I wanted more character depth from Penelope. She fell a little flat for me. Maybe with a longer page count we would have gotten there?
This was insta-lust, which I don’t mind at all, but I would have liked the love they felt to not have been quite so insta.
I know this sounds nit-picky but in the spirit of an honest review, the overuse of exclamation points drove me a little batty. There were more exclamation points in this novella than in the last ten HRs I read combined.
Overall, I thought this was a solid debut novella, and the author definitely has a lot of promise. I will most likely read the next in the series.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
-Hugh
This was a very intriguing peek inside the mind of a rake, and I was there for it. How a rake thinks and behaves once he sets his sights on a woman; the plotting and manipulation, his fine ability to take stock of a situation, read a woman, and then say and do just the right thing. Hugh was a true regency-era playa and I loved this part of the book. I’ve read a lot of HR where we’re told a man is a rake, we’re told of all the women he’s seduced and left, but this was an interesting insight into the way a rake’s mind operates. Notorious, indeed.
I also liked Hugh’s crisis of conscience as he got to know Penelope better. His feelings went from the desire to manipulate and seduce, to growing admiration and respect, which had him re-thinking his initial strategy. I enjoyed his character growth.
-The cover
I’m not as influenced by covers as many readers but I have to say I absolutely love this cover. Damn but this man is exactly my type and I could see myself falling hard if he tried with me what he tried with Penelope. Even though I’m older and wiser, I would happily and willingly go along with his games.
What didn’t work for me:
I wanted more character depth from Penelope. She fell a little flat for me. Maybe with a longer page count we would have gotten there?
This was insta-lust, which I don’t mind at all, but I would have liked the love they felt to not have been quite so insta.
I know this sounds nit-picky but in the spirit of an honest review, the overuse of exclamation points drove me a little batty. There were more exclamation points in this novella than in the last ten HRs I read combined.
Overall, I thought this was a solid debut novella, and the author definitely has a lot of promise. I will most likely read the next in the series.
My thanks to BookSirens and the author for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2023
Ooof.
The cover is captivating and I love a good rake.
This book read as if written by an angsty-high schooler. It didn’t use period-appropriate language, was exceptionally choppy, and just … missed many marks.
The cover is captivating and I love a good rake.
This book read as if written by an angsty-high schooler. It didn’t use period-appropriate language, was exceptionally choppy, and just … missed many marks.
August 12, 2025
Nope, not my jam.
The author seems quick to forgive the heroine (h) and her friends for all their mistakes, yet keeps kicking the hero (H) down over and over. The h was nowhere near as intelligent or kind-hearted as claimed. She constantly doubted the H, believed whatever anyone told her about him, and never once tried to uncover the truth herself. Easily swayed by others, she never used her own judgment. Along with her cousin and mother—two equally irritating characters—this h made for an angry and boring read.
To make matters worse, no one ever confronted or held the so-called other woman, Elizabeth, accountable for her serious wrongdoing against the H. Regardless of her reasons, she should have at least been made to apologize to him.
The H wasn’t much better. He never explained his actions to those closest to him, and his sudden change of heart toward pursuing the h after hearing about her dowry felt inconsistent—especially since he claimed he wasn’t interested in her money. He had no real personality, and nothing worked in his favor except… well, nothing, really.
On top of that, there were plenty of modern undertones:
h wanting to marry for love
h being horrified that H might marry her for her dowry
An unmarried pregnant woman living prominently in London with her friend
Overall, a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
August 31, 2023
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Story: 📖📖📖📖📖
I have never blushed and smiled, thrown my hands up in frustration as much as I have reading a book as I ever did with this.
I was never familiar with Katherine Harlow before but I definitely want more of her work.
The characters were lovable all in their own ways even the ones that weren’t in the limelight. The good the bad and the ugly.
This tale was seductive, sultry, and sexy. I want more of the Viscount. If you’re looking for a book that’s heavily spiced that’s what you’re getting you’re getting a beautiful love story with a bit of drama. But don’t worry the tension and the yearning from the characters is definitely there.
It took me one day to finish this. Bring it on Harlow.
Where is book two? I want it now! Hurry up Ms. Harlow we’re waiting!!
Story: 📖📖📖📖📖
I have never blushed and smiled, thrown my hands up in frustration as much as I have reading a book as I ever did with this.
I was never familiar with Katherine Harlow before but I definitely want more of her work.
The characters were lovable all in their own ways even the ones that weren’t in the limelight. The good the bad and the ugly.
This tale was seductive, sultry, and sexy. I want more of the Viscount. If you’re looking for a book that’s heavily spiced that’s what you’re getting you’re getting a beautiful love story with a bit of drama. But don’t worry the tension and the yearning from the characters is definitely there.
It took me one day to finish this. Bring it on Harlow.
Where is book two? I want it now! Hurry up Ms. Harlow we’re waiting!!
December 3, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others. What I did enjoy was the book cover. There was more writing about the h than the H in this story as well as her two cousins. There was a HEA which was nice. I didn’t feel there was much depth to the male characters, not enough for me to care whether they married the h or not. I think she would make a great spinster until someone better came along.
October 10, 2023
Imma be honest...the Henry Cavill cover is what drew me in. That man, I can understand his rake-ish ways and the women falling for every swoon manipulative word. 🙋🏻♀️ I'd offer myself as tribute. The story though just really wasn't my vibe.
I found a lot of it to be OTT and also I didn't feel like the way it was written was period appropriate. My favorite thing about period drama/historical romance, is the way they are able to rip someone apart without saying hardly anything. The statement can be said where there's no raised voices and it's said with poise but it's like stabbing someone with a knife and twisting. This didn't have that. The in your face speak didn't fit.
I was begging for Penelope to have a firmer backbone. Pleading. She talked so highly at the beginning on how she was going to be more careful but her character does not follow through on the setup of how we're led to believe her character in the beginning. I like my baseline set then the character growth to go from there. It didn't happen for me with her. It did with Hugh.
I liked reading Hugh's side of being a womanizer. I like reading about how he has moves and then countermoves. Everything seems premeditated in a very womanizer way. I just wish we'd had a bit more book time for them to establish a bit more bonding rather than going full force into a relationship.
I didn't like the two chapters thrown in there that were of the past. It didn't flow with the story for me. I found myself sighing and saying "what now", mainly because the drama was just too much for me.
Not my cuppa and I probably won't pick up another book from this series.
I found a lot of it to be OTT and also I didn't feel like the way it was written was period appropriate. My favorite thing about period drama/historical romance, is the way they are able to rip someone apart without saying hardly anything. The statement can be said where there's no raised voices and it's said with poise but it's like stabbing someone with a knife and twisting. This didn't have that. The in your face speak didn't fit.
I was begging for Penelope to have a firmer backbone. Pleading. She talked so highly at the beginning on how she was going to be more careful but her character does not follow through on the setup of how we're led to believe her character in the beginning. I like my baseline set then the character growth to go from there. It didn't happen for me with her. It did with Hugh.
I liked reading Hugh's side of being a womanizer. I like reading about how he has moves and then countermoves. Everything seems premeditated in a very womanizer way. I just wish we'd had a bit more book time for them to establish a bit more bonding rather than going full force into a relationship.
I didn't like the two chapters thrown in there that were of the past. It didn't flow with the story for me. I found myself sighing and saying "what now", mainly because the drama was just too much for me.
Not my cuppa and I probably won't pick up another book from this series.
October 14, 2023
Could not finish.
Could not finish. I thought that even though the book is very fast paced, too fast, I would like the spicy bit.
I did not.
Couldn't finish it.
Could not finish. I thought that even though the book is very fast paced, too fast, I would like the spicy bit.
I did not.
Couldn't finish it.
May 24, 2024
Disappointing
I wanted to like this romance. But the writing is trite, often cringe-worthy. The cover art lured me in. The portrait of the hero is far more seductive than anything in the novel. And the heroine is a silly, waffling, child. If I’d known she was a teenager for half the book, eventually turning an immature twenty, I’d never have started reading it. Won’t be continuing with the series. The next book features the girl who, to save herself from ruin, would have ruined the lives of two other people. I can’t buy into a HEA for that one.
I wanted to like this romance. But the writing is trite, often cringe-worthy. The cover art lured me in. The portrait of the hero is far more seductive than anything in the novel. And the heroine is a silly, waffling, child. If I’d known she was a teenager for half the book, eventually turning an immature twenty, I’d never have started reading it. Won’t be continuing with the series. The next book features the girl who, to save herself from ruin, would have ruined the lives of two other people. I can’t buy into a HEA for that one.
October 7, 2023
Buy it!
To all authors! This cover is what caught my eye! This book was just what the Dr ordered. No complaints whatsoever. The hero, dark and brooding, so misunderstood. The heroine, so innocent and naive, but intelligent. Good friends d's making all the difference. Read it! You won't be sorry.
To all authors! This cover is what caught my eye! This book was just what the Dr ordered. No complaints whatsoever. The hero, dark and brooding, so misunderstood. The heroine, so innocent and naive, but intelligent. Good friends d's making all the difference. Read it! You won't be sorry.
October 11, 2023
Delightful
You know when all those booktokkers and bookstagrammers say they always picture Henry Cavill as the MMC? ... Yeah, I can't say I thought anyone would actually put him on the cover??
It's still a fun read, and I enjoyed it a lot.
You know when all those booktokkers and bookstagrammers say they always picture Henry Cavill as the MMC? ... Yeah, I can't say I thought anyone would actually put him on the cover??
It's still a fun read, and I enjoyed it a lot.
September 9, 2023
Not really impressed. I had such high hopes. It was a good story line but could have been spicier.
July 3, 2024
I love a good playboy gone smitten lover. The book was a very fun and easy read and Hugh and Penelope were so cute together. I can’t wait for Elizabeth’s story.
March 23, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Short and easy to read historical romance with an obvious/predictable storyline.
Short and easy to read historical romance with an obvious/predictable storyline.
February 27, 2026
Drivel. Pure drivel.
This book should be called Redemption of a Fuck Boy. Except there was nothing redeeming about any of these characters. Penelope was beautiful and bland and wanted a person of character even though she wasn’t one and treated Hugh terribly.
And Hugh was just corny and a total f boy. There was no chemistry.
I also couldn’t stop rolling my eyes at the dialogue.
This book should be called Redemption of a Fuck Boy. Except there was nothing redeeming about any of these characters. Penelope was beautiful and bland and wanted a person of character even though she wasn’t one and treated Hugh terribly.
And Hugh was just corny and a total f boy. There was no chemistry.
I also couldn’t stop rolling my eyes at the dialogue.
September 22, 2024
I honestly couldn't stand Hugo.
October 10, 2023
A hot and steamy book that is a little different with the HEA. There are several great storylines that run alongside the main plot. All of these scenarios come together to make a fascinating novel. Viscount Rochford, the rake, (H) and Penelope (h) have a chemistry that burns up the pages. I was pulled into this book from beginning to end. The reason for the 4 stars is, there was a section of the book that seemed out of place. I had to go back to remember this part of the story. It's a good book with a couple of twists. I recommend this book to everyone.
TG
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
just read it!!!!
OMGosh this was delicious, fun and a simply great read. Fair warning, if you have any deadline due, you may want to finish your project first as this is hard to put down.
OMGosh this was delicious, fun and a simply great read. Fair warning, if you have any deadline due, you may want to finish your project first as this is hard to put down.
November 1, 2023
Meh.
This wasn’t great, the motivations of the characters are dubious at best and the plot is contrived. I read this because the cover was really good, shows that age old adage not to judge a book by its cover.
This wasn’t great, the motivations of the characters are dubious at best and the plot is contrived. I read this because the cover was really good, shows that age old adage not to judge a book by its cover.
September 1, 2023
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for the ARC copy of this ebook.
This is the first time I am reading a story from this author and I quite enjoyed this story.
This was a relatively short book packed full of interesting characters, and an interestingly twisted road to romance for the two main characters, with some unexpected bumps to their happily ever after.
Penelope is the innocent daughter of a Baron, awaiting her introduction to the marriage mart, and hoping to make a good match.
Hugo Rochford is a notorious peer, gossiped about far and wide for his good looks, and salacious reputation.
Their paths cross when she makes her come out in London, and he appears to be ready to give up his days as a rake and has announced his betrothal to another noted debutante out for the Season. Hugo finds Penelope attractive, but is looking forward to his new future, whereas she is encouraging the attentions of eligible bachelors approved by her family.
Unfortunately things fall off the rails and his betrothal is ended under scandalously mysterious circumstances.
There is a bit of back and forth of timelines to give some back story intermittently, but Hugo went from being a happy expectant bridegroom, to being disillusioned and embittered and targeting on Penelope to seduce. But unexpectedly he develops feelings for her and starts to genuinely wish for a future with her. Unfortunately there are those who wish to interfere in their growing relationship and his past salacious reputation comes back to haunt him.
There are a lot of bumps in the road and barriers put up by others that create barriers to Penelope and Hugo's relationship, but in the end Hugo is shown to be a man who, despite his history of being a rake, is an honorable man who loves Penelope.
I quite enjoyed the twists and turns of this story, and the flawed, but relatable characters.
4 stars out of 5
This is the first time I am reading a story from this author and I quite enjoyed this story.
This was a relatively short book packed full of interesting characters, and an interestingly twisted road to romance for the two main characters, with some unexpected bumps to their happily ever after.
Penelope is the innocent daughter of a Baron, awaiting her introduction to the marriage mart, and hoping to make a good match.
Hugo Rochford is a notorious peer, gossiped about far and wide for his good looks, and salacious reputation.
Their paths cross when she makes her come out in London, and he appears to be ready to give up his days as a rake and has announced his betrothal to another noted debutante out for the Season. Hugo finds Penelope attractive, but is looking forward to his new future, whereas she is encouraging the attentions of eligible bachelors approved by her family.
Unfortunately things fall off the rails and his betrothal is ended under scandalously mysterious circumstances.
There is a bit of back and forth of timelines to give some back story intermittently, but Hugo went from being a happy expectant bridegroom, to being disillusioned and embittered and targeting on Penelope to seduce. But unexpectedly he develops feelings for her and starts to genuinely wish for a future with her. Unfortunately there are those who wish to interfere in their growing relationship and his past salacious reputation comes back to haunt him.
There are a lot of bumps in the road and barriers put up by others that create barriers to Penelope and Hugo's relationship, but in the end Hugo is shown to be a man who, despite his history of being a rake, is an honorable man who loves Penelope.
I quite enjoyed the twists and turns of this story, and the flawed, but relatable characters.
4 stars out of 5
August 31, 2023
Notorious is an interesting take on the reforming of the regency rake. The narrative gives us an indepth insight into the rake Hugh and his thought process. More so than most books. The author does not shy from showing his darker side, the arrogance and selfish side that he starts with. We then see that slowly unravel as circumstances spin beyond his control.
The start of which is, of course, meeting the heroine Pen, who is the perfect debutante and struck dumb by him. She is a believable character in that she tries hard to be the good, virtuous person she has been raised to be. Of great note is the character of her cousin Anne, who is just incredible and does tend to steal the scene at times.
The two go on quite an emotional journey and, although some of the twists and turns can at times be a little predictable, it still makes for a good read that you can get lost in. I admit at times getting frustrated by Penelope near the end, although her actions were understandable for her position and society at times.
The story generally flows quite well, but we do have a few scattered flashbacks that appear randomly and do break up that flow a bit. Although they are revealing and well written I cant help but think Hugh's childhood might have been better as a prologue.
I'm also pleased to read that the character of Elizabeth is the heroine of the next book. I look forward to reading more from this author and following this series. Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of the book from the publisher, I am leaving this my review freely and all opinions are my own.
The start of which is, of course, meeting the heroine Pen, who is the perfect debutante and struck dumb by him. She is a believable character in that she tries hard to be the good, virtuous person she has been raised to be. Of great note is the character of her cousin Anne, who is just incredible and does tend to steal the scene at times.
The two go on quite an emotional journey and, although some of the twists and turns can at times be a little predictable, it still makes for a good read that you can get lost in. I admit at times getting frustrated by Penelope near the end, although her actions were understandable for her position and society at times.
The story generally flows quite well, but we do have a few scattered flashbacks that appear randomly and do break up that flow a bit. Although they are revealing and well written I cant help but think Hugh's childhood might have been better as a prologue.
I'm also pleased to read that the character of Elizabeth is the heroine of the next book. I look forward to reading more from this author and following this series. Disclaimer: I received a free ARC copy of the book from the publisher, I am leaving this my review freely and all opinions are my own.
October 12, 2023
Oh...my.GOD!
This was my first historical romance, and I..I am at a loss for words. Finished this book in one day. The writing, the characters, everything was on a whole other level for me. I have a very, VERY short list of 5 star books, and I knew this book would be 5 stars 30% of the way through. If I finish a book, and can't stop thinking about it...it's five stars.
Katherine's writing is incredible. I could not stop reading - her descriptions and her way with words are amazing. I have never swooned so hard for a character. Grahh!!! I mean, the book didn't have many spicy scenes, but, I couldn't catch my breath when they were getting steamy at the Duchess' house. Holy f*ck.
Viscount Hugh Rochford. Ahh, he has my affections, as well as Penelope's. My new book husband. It's difficult to NOT fall in love with this man. Who he was and how others perceived him - a true rake. But, he was but a man who had to grow up quickly to keep his life from falling apart. Rochford is a 5 star man for me.
Penelope, though young, innocent and naive, captures you at the onset. She is smart and obviously has a good head on her shoulders. A bright and sunny girl who falls in love with a questionable, "wondrously handsome" Viscount.
I am now a devoted Katherine Harlow fan. I cannot wait for the remaining books.
Also, some say that this book isn't historically accurate, but I wouldn't know. I don't read books for time accuracy. If I wanted that, I'd read history books - and even those are questionable. I'm here for romance - even better if there's smut.
This was my first historical romance, and I..I am at a loss for words. Finished this book in one day. The writing, the characters, everything was on a whole other level for me. I have a very, VERY short list of 5 star books, and I knew this book would be 5 stars 30% of the way through. If I finish a book, and can't stop thinking about it...it's five stars.
Katherine's writing is incredible. I could not stop reading - her descriptions and her way with words are amazing. I have never swooned so hard for a character. Grahh!!! I mean, the book didn't have many spicy scenes, but, I couldn't catch my breath when they were getting steamy at the Duchess' house. Holy f*ck.
Viscount Hugh Rochford. Ahh, he has my affections, as well as Penelope's. My new book husband. It's difficult to NOT fall in love with this man. Who he was and how others perceived him - a true rake. But, he was but a man who had to grow up quickly to keep his life from falling apart. Rochford is a 5 star man for me.
Penelope, though young, innocent and naive, captures you at the onset. She is smart and obviously has a good head on her shoulders. A bright and sunny girl who falls in love with a questionable, "wondrously handsome" Viscount.
I am now a devoted Katherine Harlow fan. I cannot wait for the remaining books.
Also, some say that this book isn't historically accurate, but I wouldn't know. I don't read books for time accuracy. If I wanted that, I'd read history books - and even those are questionable. I'm here for romance - even better if there's smut.
August 12, 2024
At first glance I thought that this was going to be a simple story of insta-lust turning into a genuine romance. Of course, I was wrong. Penelope was completely enthralled by the exceptionally handsome Hugh. True, he had a terrible reputation with the ladies, but change was always possible. Hugh saw Penelope and thought that she might be fun for a quick fling. The inner workings of his mind were horrifying. Like a hunter stalking his prey, he coldly plotted her ruination. I don't believe that I've ever read anything like this in a romance before. Heros tend to be imperfect but not entirely sinister as this man appears to be. However, once Hugh sees the goodness of Penelope, he does have a change of heart. Unfortunately, his past reputation catches up to him and the chance of a happy future with Penelope appears to be bleak.
The plot in this book really moves and there are many obstacles in the way of Penelope and Hugh's happiness. I started getting teary towards the end when all appeared to be lost. Everything finally does work out, but it's a close call!
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
The plot in this book really moves and there are many obstacles in the way of Penelope and Hugh's happiness. I started getting teary towards the end when all appeared to be lost. Everything finally does work out, but it's a close call!
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
April 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up because I felt like there was more right with this one than there was wrong.
Yes, there were a few typos. And yes, the miscommunication was a tad annoying. BUT. I was thoroughly convinced that this man, this well-known rake, was completely smitten with the heroine and wanted her and only her for the rest of his days. It's hard to write that convincingly, especially when the author also chooses to make his many previous dalliances known.
Also, I loved how well it was portrayed that even though the heroine was irrevocably in love with the hero, she accepted that she could not be with him and actively looked for someone else because she knew that was the only option she had: to move on and find someone else that could financially support her, give her a family, and help further elevate her established family's social status. She was both heartbroken and sensible. So often we see authors only fully committing to one of those responses and it was refreshing to see, what I feel is, a more realistic approach.
Would recommend to fans of regency romance. It's a quick read, packed with a very spicy punch!
Yes, there were a few typos. And yes, the miscommunication was a tad annoying. BUT. I was thoroughly convinced that this man, this well-known rake, was completely smitten with the heroine and wanted her and only her for the rest of his days. It's hard to write that convincingly, especially when the author also chooses to make his many previous dalliances known.
Also, I loved how well it was portrayed that even though the heroine was irrevocably in love with the hero, she accepted that she could not be with him and actively looked for someone else because she knew that was the only option she had: to move on and find someone else that could financially support her, give her a family, and help further elevate her established family's social status. She was both heartbroken and sensible. So often we see authors only fully committing to one of those responses and it was refreshing to see, what I feel is, a more realistic approach.
Would recommend to fans of regency romance. It's a quick read, packed with a very spicy punch!
August 31, 2023
Rumors, Ruin and Redemption
I love it when a book cover matches the featured hero or heroine. Which is only one of the reasons Notorious was an entertaining read.
Although a little wordy, Katherine Harlow's beautiful writing style made moving between scenes easy and seamless. The author also did a great job of fleshing out both the likable heroine and the questionable hero. When the flow slowed about midway through the book, I wondered if this book was going make a downward slide, but instead the pace picked up again and the twists and turns moved right into a really great ending and epilogue.
Content 411: This book contains some mild secular and religious swearing, as well as two “f” vulgarities. It also contains a couple of descriptive sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and this is my honest review.
I love it when a book cover matches the featured hero or heroine. Which is only one of the reasons Notorious was an entertaining read.
Although a little wordy, Katherine Harlow's beautiful writing style made moving between scenes easy and seamless. The author also did a great job of fleshing out both the likable heroine and the questionable hero. When the flow slowed about midway through the book, I wondered if this book was going make a downward slide, but instead the pace picked up again and the twists and turns moved right into a really great ending and epilogue.
Content 411: This book contains some mild secular and religious swearing, as well as two “f” vulgarities. It also contains a couple of descriptive sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and this is my honest review.
August 31, 2023
Such a great book, Well written, full of drama, action, romance, love, suspense, lots of twists and turns. Penelope is on her first season and knows to stay away from and who to impress. She and her cousin, Anne want to make the best marriage they can. Hugh is just a rake who likes the hunt. He has some demons to deal with and enjoys the chase. When they meet it's after Hugh breaks his engagement with another debutante , and so starts the rumors about him. Hugh and Penelope meet up meet up and sparks fly. Lots of heat between them yet after going and finding out that she really does love him, he still has to hide from his promised silence to his ex. Lots of happenings in this book- duel, expected baby , a terrible courtship and much more. Will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. Exceptional writing by this author. Can't wait for the next one. Would recommend this book to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
January 29, 2024
if you can’t say anything nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all.”
At first It felt like I was reading Bridgerton (The Duke and I). But I started to get lost in the pages and decided to focus a bit more.
Like many novels we read, I think H was tired of his ways of leaving and wanted to settle down for his and society's sake. ( I mean he was excited with the news from Elizabeth before he found out the Horror behind it. He was lucky he was redeemed and found someone to love that he was loved back, the money was not in his plans at all coz he was looking for means to pay his family's mortgage.
Somewhere somehow I started to like his character, the one that needed some lesson was Penélope for not believing or even listen to his explanations. But oh well, at the end we get the happy ending.... 🤷🏽♀️ 😬
I did enjoy it. Short and sweet 😇
At first It felt like I was reading Bridgerton (The Duke and I). But I started to get lost in the pages and decided to focus a bit more.
Like many novels we read, I think H was tired of his ways of leaving and wanted to settle down for his and society's sake. ( I mean he was excited with the news from Elizabeth before he found out the Horror behind it. He was lucky he was redeemed and found someone to love that he was loved back, the money was not in his plans at all coz he was looking for means to pay his family's mortgage.
Somewhere somehow I started to like his character, the one that needed some lesson was Penélope for not believing or even listen to his explanations. But oh well, at the end we get the happy ending.... 🤷🏽♀️ 😬
I did enjoy it. Short and sweet 😇
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
Slow start but keep with it. It's worth it. An expert rake who sees every attractive woman as a possible target meets his match. Although Penelope is literally tongue tied when she first is introduced to Hugo, through some humorous situations, Hugo comes to see that Penelope is intelligent and caring. Something he doesn't come across often in the ton. He becomes intrigued and focuses on her as a possible conquest. He changes his opinion when he begins to have deeper feelings for her, something he is not used to. Their romance is sweet and spicy. There are snags and previous relationships and wrong impressions that lead to misunderstandings that threaten their happy ending but they are able to work through with a most public satisfying ending in a pub. The supporting cast is also good. Also the cover/illustration is hot!
September 1, 2023
Am I already excited for the 2nd book in the series? YES! I really enjoyed Notorious. Each character felt like a real person, and I was interested in all of them. I totally related to Penelope's worries about socializing at big gatherings. I understood her burden of finding a husband in an era where that was incredibly important. The pacing was very quick in a few places, but it didn't detract from the overall arc of the plot and story. It made for a quick, very nice read. This was a book where I didn't actually know if the main couple was going to be together at the end, which is hard to pull off.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2023
Good romance
The two main characters, Penelope and Hugh, appear to be so different. I didn’t think they could be romantically involved, but with tact and tricks, the author managed to do it. I discovered Penelope and Hugh through the chapters. She transforms from a young ingenue to a passionate woman. He is renowned as a rake, and as the chapters progressed, I learned new aspects of him. They will confront numerous obstacles before having their HEA.
The other characters surrounding Penelope and Hugh add a crucial layer to the romance: friendship.
I found this book refreshing, and this new author is promising.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two main characters, Penelope and Hugh, appear to be so different. I didn’t think they could be romantically involved, but with tact and tricks, the author managed to do it. I discovered Penelope and Hugh through the chapters. She transforms from a young ingenue to a passionate woman. He is renowned as a rake, and as the chapters progressed, I learned new aspects of him. They will confront numerous obstacles before having their HEA.
The other characters surrounding Penelope and Hugh add a crucial layer to the romance: friendship.
I found this book refreshing, and this new author is promising.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
Read in One Sitting
Apart from the gorgeous chap on the cover, I picked this in the hope it would be at least marginally better than my recent readings.
It surpassed all my expectations.
As the plot twists and turns, the characters show both the light and dark sides of their personalities, as the lies, deceits, and the dual standards of society are revealed, the reader is compelled to stick with this heartwarming and heartbreaking story until the very end.
Katherine Harlow is on my preferred author list & I look forward to more from her.
Superb reading & highly recommended.
Apart from the gorgeous chap on the cover, I picked this in the hope it would be at least marginally better than my recent readings.
It surpassed all my expectations.
As the plot twists and turns, the characters show both the light and dark sides of their personalities, as the lies, deceits, and the dual standards of society are revealed, the reader is compelled to stick with this heartwarming and heartbreaking story until the very end.
Katherine Harlow is on my preferred author list & I look forward to more from her.
Superb reading & highly recommended.
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