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The Devil’s Game
He’s heat and sin. She’s ice and proper. Between them, a storm of passion is brewing.On the shelf Miss Amelia Hasting has no time for frivolity. Companion to a willful nineteen-year-old nouveau riche heiress seeking a match with a titled gentleman, Mia’s only task is steering her charge away from rogues and scoundrels. Still, when it’s her peace of mind that is threatened by an overly handsome and very wicked viscount, she must do something, and fast, to keep both herself and her charge out of his bed, even if he curiously tempts her. Rakish Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe, is suffering from ennui. Now that the war is over and there’s no need for his smuggling services, he requires a fortune, which means sacrificing himself to parson’s mousetrap with a young woman who has more bosom than brains. Despite his protests, when he meets a stubborn, companion indifferent to his charm, he forgets the heiress to knock Amelia from her icy pedestal and discover her fire. Though Mia’s protective of her charge, it’s obvious his attention has been on her all along. The more she fights the forbidden attraction, the more he teases her. Knowing he’s met his match in all the ways that matter, forced proximity ensures Nicholas’ seduction attempts with the fascinating companion, thinking his insistent pursuit will wane once he beds her, yet that act only brings more complications for the enemies to lovers. Passion grows, threatening to shatter them both unless they accept the truth—they’re in love……despite the scandal that will surely follow.The Hasting SistersBook 1 - The Devil's GameBook 2 - A Second Summertime CourtshipBook 3 - An Impossible Match
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2024
72 people are currently reading
1019 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Sookoo
341 books274 followersSandra Sookoo is a bestselling author who firmly believes every person deserves acceptance and a happy ending. Most days you can find her creating scandal and mischief in the Regency-era, serendipity and happenstance in Victorian America or snarky humor in the contemporary world. Reading romance is a lot like eating fine chocolates—you can’t just have one. Good thing books don’t have calories!
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
When she’s not wearing out computer keyboards, Sandra spends time with her real life Prince Charming in central Indiana where she’s been known to goof off and make moments count because the key to life is laughter. A Disney fan since the age of ten, when her soul gets bogged down and her imagination flags, a trip to Walt Disney World is in order. Nothing fuels her dreams more than the land of eternal happy endings, hope and love stories.
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July 14, 2024I can't remember the last time I've DNF'd a book past the 60% mark. I keep hoping I'll enjoy one of this author's books again, but this was not it.
This is the start of a new series and I liked the first couple of chapters, when we're introduced to the characters. But things go downhill fast. MMC Wycliffe is alone with young heiress Millie within a few minutes of arriving at a ball, fawns over her, and soon after dances with her, to the MFC Mia's consternation. Who introduced Millie and Wycliff? With Mia's position as a companion, it's not her role to introduce or not introduce Millie to members of the Ton or to keep them from dancing with her. Where are the ball's hosts? And, a question that comes up more than once: Where is Millie's dad in all of this, if he's so obsessed with Millie marrying well?
Also, why is Millie such a patently awful character from the beginning?
Tbh, most of the characters are eyerollingly shallow and inconsistent from scene to scene. At one point Wycliff's bestie warns him about the very real consequences of his his self-centered behavior; in a later scene, he's urging Wycliff to "scratch his itch" and bed Mia while he woos Millie. But Mia is the most inconsistent character, sometimes waffling within scenes (at one moment she's egging Wycliff on, the next she's slapping him or telling him off).
It gets worse at the book goes on. Once the Big Miscommunication happened because Mia chose to misconstrue a situation and be an idiot, I gave up.
I wish this author would get back to creating flesh and blood characters. Here they're all just pawns manipulated to manufacture angst. And none of the scenes ring true. If you're just looking for steam, the steamy scenes are fine, but nothing else works.
This is the start of a new series and I liked the first couple of chapters, when we're introduced to the characters. But things go downhill fast. MMC Wycliffe is alone with young heiress Millie within a few minutes of arriving at a ball, fawns over her, and soon after dances with her, to the MFC Mia's consternation. Who introduced Millie and Wycliff? With Mia's position as a companion, it's not her role to introduce or not introduce Millie to members of the Ton or to keep them from dancing with her. Where are the ball's hosts? And, a question that comes up more than once: Where is Millie's dad in all of this, if he's so obsessed with Millie marrying well?
Also, why is Millie such a patently awful character from the beginning?
Tbh, most of the characters are eyerollingly shallow and inconsistent from scene to scene. At one point Wycliff's bestie warns him about the very real consequences of his his self-centered behavior; in a later scene, he's urging Wycliff to "scratch his itch" and bed Mia while he woos Millie. But Mia is the most inconsistent character, sometimes waffling within scenes (at one moment she's egging Wycliff on, the next she's slapping him or telling him off).
It gets worse at the book goes on. Once the Big Miscommunication happened because Mia chose to misconstrue a situation and be an idiot, I gave up.
I wish this author would get back to creating flesh and blood characters. Here they're all just pawns manipulated to manufacture angst. And none of the scenes ring true. If you're just looking for steam, the steamy scenes are fine, but nothing else works.
September 2, 2024
4 1/2*STARS*
Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe, at nine and thirty, is one of the most well known rakes in London. Needing money for his coffers, he must marry an heiress. Miss Amelia Hastings, at one and thirty, is a spinster. To support her family, her first job is a chaperone for a wealthy heiress, nineteen year old Miss Millicent Featheringham. Nicholas focuses his attention on wooing Miss Hastings, but he's more attracted to her companion. A very, humourous relationship develops between them. Mia may actually reform a rake. Money keeps them apart, but there may be an unexpected solution. Thumbs up for an older couple who definitely deserved a happy ending. Hot descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe, at nine and thirty, is one of the most well known rakes in London. Needing money for his coffers, he must marry an heiress. Miss Amelia Hastings, at one and thirty, is a spinster. To support her family, her first job is a chaperone for a wealthy heiress, nineteen year old Miss Millicent Featheringham. Nicholas focuses his attention on wooing Miss Hastings, but he's more attracted to her companion. A very, humourous relationship develops between them. Mia may actually reform a rake. Money keeps them apart, but there may be an unexpected solution. Thumbs up for an older couple who definitely deserved a happy ending. Hot descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
April 5, 2024
So so good
First in a series and it definitely didn't disappoint.
This story was so good that once I started it I knew it was going to be sensational but Sandra's book are always top notch.
I definitely can't wait for the rest of this series
First in a series and it definitely didn't disappoint.
This story was so good that once I started it I knew it was going to be sensational but Sandra's book are always top notch.
I definitely can't wait for the rest of this series
March 8, 2024
Miss Amelia Hasting is going to help her struggling family so she tales the job of companion to Millie Featherstone, a willful nineteen-year-old nouveau riche heiress whose father is seeking a match with a titled gentleman, Mia’s only task is steering her charge away from rogues and scoundrels. Still, when it’s her peace of mind that is threatened by an overly handsome and very wicked viscount, she must do something, and fast, to keep both herself and her charge safe. Rakish Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe, is suffering from ennui. His estates are in need of an influx of cash so at the age of thirty nine he’s on the lookout for an heiress & who better than Millie. There’s only one problem her dragon of a companion.
The start of a new series & a very enjoyable book. I loved both Nick & Amelia who locked horns from their first meeting but also the chemistry between them sizzled from the start & the more time they spent together the hotter it grew & also they talked & confided in each other. I loved how their relationship swiftly changed & deepened but machinations by Millie nearly scupper their budding romance. Millie was also an interesting character & had depths that weren’t apparent at the start plus she was one determined young lady. The lovely epilogue rounded off the book beautifully
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & a very enjoyable book. I loved both Nick & Amelia who locked horns from their first meeting but also the chemistry between them sizzled from the start & the more time they spent together the hotter it grew & also they talked & confided in each other. I loved how their relationship swiftly changed & deepened but machinations by Millie nearly scupper their budding romance. Millie was also an interesting character & had depths that weren’t apparent at the start plus she was one determined young lady. The lovely epilogue rounded off the book beautifully
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 23, 2024
Amelia Hastings has a problem. Her family is in dire straits so she and her sisters must do what they can to help the family. She must go to London to find work to help pay the bills. She plans to work as a companion to young ladies during their coming out. What that means is she is going to be their keeper, so they stay out of trouble, but it turns out it's Amelia that finds trouble! Viscount Wyclyffe needs a wife and she better have a large dowry because he needs the money. He has his eyes on the young woman that Amelia is set to work with. But when the Viscount meets Miss Hastings, both of their plans change. But since they both need money; how can this ever work? Will love conquer all?
The author did a good job creating a new series. Amelia is likeable and relatable. I can understand why she did the things she did. I think it was good that she was older and had some life experience so she could see what was happening and deal with it like an adult. Nicholas is in pretty desperate straits. I was a little put off by the fact that he is a full-grown adults with plenty of life experience but he still acted like an out-of-control young man at times. I get that the author wanted the reader to understand that Nicholas couldn't help himself because Amelia was so alluring but I do wonder if in the future there might be another shiny object that will catch his attention and take him away from Amelia. Anyway, that was just a concern I had. I think the supporting characters were good and added to the story. I am looking forward to learning more about the other Hastings sisters and how they find love.
My one issue was with the fact that Nicholas didn't seem to care that he could ruin Amelia's life. His pursuit of her was obvious to anyone that was looking, and society would definitely not approve. I guess I wanted him to take more care in protecting her. In the end I don't think it mattered because they ended up together but that just felt like a weak part of an otherwise well-done story.
This is an historical romance set primarily in London in 1817. This is book one of a new series about a family of sisters trying to help their parents. I will read more from this author in the future.
The author did a good job creating a new series. Amelia is likeable and relatable. I can understand why she did the things she did. I think it was good that she was older and had some life experience so she could see what was happening and deal with it like an adult. Nicholas is in pretty desperate straits. I was a little put off by the fact that he is a full-grown adults with plenty of life experience but he still acted like an out-of-control young man at times. I get that the author wanted the reader to understand that Nicholas couldn't help himself because Amelia was so alluring but I do wonder if in the future there might be another shiny object that will catch his attention and take him away from Amelia. Anyway, that was just a concern I had. I think the supporting characters were good and added to the story. I am looking forward to learning more about the other Hastings sisters and how they find love.
My one issue was with the fact that Nicholas didn't seem to care that he could ruin Amelia's life. His pursuit of her was obvious to anyone that was looking, and society would definitely not approve. I guess I wanted him to take more care in protecting her. In the end I don't think it mattered because they ended up together but that just felt like a weak part of an otherwise well-done story.
This is an historical romance set primarily in London in 1817. This is book one of a new series about a family of sisters trying to help their parents. I will read more from this author in the future.
March 12, 2024
The Devil’s Game by Sandra Sookoo is the first in a new series about some sisters, the first of which, Amelia (Mia) has gone to London to become the companion to a young woman, Cora, whose father intends for her to marry a title in exchange for her huge dowry. That is right up the alley for Nicholas Harcourt, Viscount Wycliffe. Between his father’s dissolute behavior and his own lack of funds to improve his holdings so they can earn better, he is nearly bankrupt. He does not want to marry. He saw enough of that with his parents, but there appears to be no other solution to his dilemma. Then he meets the companion. Cora is 19; Mia is 31, and Nicholas is 39. Cora is half his age and shallow even for the ton. Mia becomes a challenge to him. His reputation has preceded him and she won’t let him anywhere near her charge, title or no.
This story tells the journey of a rake to becoming the man he should have been. It is hard to read sometimes, because it is so sad (what he has become). Thankfully he has a good friend, Marcus Chapman, who is the voice of reason and helps lead him into “the light.” Nick is a wonderful character, not all good and not all bad, like most of us. Mia is stubborn and convinced that she is too old to find the kind of love her parents have and desires nothing less. It is a fun read as are all of Sookoo’s books. She is a masterful storyteller and always puts a spin on things. This was a terrific read and I look forward to more of the Hasting women’s stories. Thanks, Sandra!
I was invited to read The Devil’s Game by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #TheDevilsGame
This story tells the journey of a rake to becoming the man he should have been. It is hard to read sometimes, because it is so sad (what he has become). Thankfully he has a good friend, Marcus Chapman, who is the voice of reason and helps lead him into “the light.” Nick is a wonderful character, not all good and not all bad, like most of us. Mia is stubborn and convinced that she is too old to find the kind of love her parents have and desires nothing less. It is a fun read as are all of Sookoo’s books. She is a masterful storyteller and always puts a spin on things. This was a terrific read and I look forward to more of the Hasting women’s stories. Thanks, Sandra!
I was invited to read The Devil’s Game by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #SandraSookoo #TheDevilsGame
March 26, 2024
The Devil’s Game by Sandra Sookoo is another well written story that I enjoyed. I liked that both MC were more mature with both in their thirtees and having some life experience on them. Amelia Hastings, due to her family’s reduced circumstances needs to find paid employment.
She accepts a position as a companion for her young charge, nineteen-year-old Millie Featherstone, whose father is very successful and determined his daughter marry a titled gentleman given her very generous dowry.
Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe needs to find an heiress and quickly; his coffers are running dry and he desperately needs to make repairs to his estate and upgrade the farming equipment of his tenants. He decides to pursue an heiress where previously he avoided them completely.
Amelia and Nicholas meet at the first ball of the season where Nick is keen to secure a dance from Millie and hopefully be married by May! Amelia, however, knows all about Nicholas’ reputation and the type of person he is and is determined to keep him away from her charge. She is unmoved when Nick attempts to flirt with her hoping to gain her trust and turn her head.
The chemistry between Amelia and Nicholas was good and had me engaged in their story from start to finish. The dark horse was Millie! She is not the air head she comes across at the beginning of the story and is one determined young lady!
All in a great read that I enjoyed. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my honest review.
She accepts a position as a companion for her young charge, nineteen-year-old Millie Featherstone, whose father is very successful and determined his daughter marry a titled gentleman given her very generous dowry.
Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe needs to find an heiress and quickly; his coffers are running dry and he desperately needs to make repairs to his estate and upgrade the farming equipment of his tenants. He decides to pursue an heiress where previously he avoided them completely.
Amelia and Nicholas meet at the first ball of the season where Nick is keen to secure a dance from Millie and hopefully be married by May! Amelia, however, knows all about Nicholas’ reputation and the type of person he is and is determined to keep him away from her charge. She is unmoved when Nick attempts to flirt with her hoping to gain her trust and turn her head.
The chemistry between Amelia and Nicholas was good and had me engaged in their story from start to finish. The dark horse was Millie! She is not the air head she comes across at the beginning of the story and is one determined young lady!
All in a great read that I enjoyed. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers and submit my honest review.
March 31, 2024
The Devils Game
This book was excellent. Nicholas was the Lord who needed a wife with a huge dowry. Amelia was a carer of sorts, looking after a teenage girl who’s father was loaded and gave the girl
Anything she wanted. The father told Amelia he wanted his
Daughter to marry a rich, titled man. So it was her job to find one. So they were visited one day by Nicholas who Amelia
Knew to be a rogue. She didn’t trust him and did not want Millie to get an acquaintance with him as he was too old for her and too worldly. But he did not have a scrap of money and neither did Amelia, she had come from a family of three sisters and each of them worked to send money home for
The family to keep their home and survive.
But after a time she realised that his roguish ways were all
A lie as he was a genuine man with money difficulties who
Needed a wife who had a fortune. Amelia was saying to Millie
At all times, that he was to old, he loved women , all sorts
Of things in order to put Millie off him. Nicholas then took a
Young man to visit her and they became very close friends. Nicholas and Amelia didn’t realise that it was both of them
Who fell in love not Millie and the young man. The story was
An adventure until Amelia’s job was at risk because of Millie.
The father of Millie sacked her because she did not find a titled
Rich man for Millie. So the story continued and everything
Worked out well for everyone. I will read this book again
When I get some time as I enjoyed it so much the first time.
This book was excellent. Nicholas was the Lord who needed a wife with a huge dowry. Amelia was a carer of sorts, looking after a teenage girl who’s father was loaded and gave the girl
Anything she wanted. The father told Amelia he wanted his
Daughter to marry a rich, titled man. So it was her job to find one. So they were visited one day by Nicholas who Amelia
Knew to be a rogue. She didn’t trust him and did not want Millie to get an acquaintance with him as he was too old for her and too worldly. But he did not have a scrap of money and neither did Amelia, she had come from a family of three sisters and each of them worked to send money home for
The family to keep their home and survive.
But after a time she realised that his roguish ways were all
A lie as he was a genuine man with money difficulties who
Needed a wife who had a fortune. Amelia was saying to Millie
At all times, that he was to old, he loved women , all sorts
Of things in order to put Millie off him. Nicholas then took a
Young man to visit her and they became very close friends. Nicholas and Amelia didn’t realise that it was both of them
Who fell in love not Millie and the young man. The story was
An adventure until Amelia’s job was at risk because of Millie.
The father of Millie sacked her because she did not find a titled
Rich man for Millie. So the story continued and everything
Worked out well for everyone. I will read this book again
When I get some time as I enjoyed it so much the first time.
March 9, 2024
Duty toward her family comes first as Amelia Hasting takes on a position to guide an ambitious and headstrong young lady through the London season. With no expenses spared, her employer only wants the best for his spoiled daughter. Viscount Wycliffe is the reason Amelia has been employed, to ensure that the renowned rake has no chance of getting near Millie or her fortune, but rather to introduce her to a safe and reliable young lord, thereby earning her a title. When Nicholas sets his sights on Amelia and undermines all her efforts at avoiding him, whispering scandalous suggestions in her ear and teasing her beyond measure, she finds it difficult to avoid the Viscount, especially when he starts to expose his true feelings and motives. When things come to a head between Millie and her father, Nicholas is forced to intervene, and it is with the kind words of his valet and best friend ringing in his ears, that Nicholas finally realizes that there is more than one way in which to achieve his objectives. The novel comes to a romantic conclusion, and even Millie's determined father is satisfied with the outcome. I received a copy of this entertaining book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 12, 2024
The story focuses on an older couple, which is a refreshing change from the typical regency romps. Nicholas, Viscount Wycliffe, has spent his time as well-known rake and is now in need of more money, so he looks for a wealthy heiress to marry. Amelia is a confirmed spinster, and to support her family she is companion to a young, wealthy heiress. Nicholas focuses on wooing Amelia's charge, but he finds himself strongly drawn to Amelia instead. Amelia does her best to put out a frigid front and fights her attraction to him, which makes Nicholas all the more determined to melt her icy heart. As a result, the story provides plenty of fun and humorous moments between them with the banter wonderfully on point.
This is the first book of the series and is a delightful start! It was fun to watch their battle of wills at every turn, and also the turn of their relationship and how it deepened into a budding romance. The characters were interesting and well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. A brilliant start to what looks to be a wonderful series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is the first book of the series and is a delightful start! It was fun to watch their battle of wills at every turn, and also the turn of their relationship and how it deepened into a budding romance. The characters were interesting and well-developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and following their story. A brilliant start to what looks to be a wonderful series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 6, 2024
A rake in need of funds has decided to marry a heiress to replenish his coffers. Of course his reputation is a drawback, but he is titled. Having set his eyes on a someone 20 years his junior who has a plump dowery does have one problem. Her companion is a dragon, constantly trying to keep him from his goal of getting to know his attended. But her eyes have distracted him and now he can’t stop thinking of her, wanting her instead.
Mia has taken it upon herself to try to save her impoverish family. Daughter of a Baron she secures a job as a companion. Thinking this would be a good way to earn some money, but the spoiled, willful girl keeps escaping and a rake has caught her eye. Trying to keep they apart has put her in an awkward position and she slowly sees the real person behind the mask of a rake.
This series is off to a wonderful start. The characters are enjoyable, love the bad boy storyline. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheDevilsGame
Mia has taken it upon herself to try to save her impoverish family. Daughter of a Baron she secures a job as a companion. Thinking this would be a good way to earn some money, but the spoiled, willful girl keeps escaping and a rake has caught her eye. Trying to keep they apart has put her in an awkward position and she slowly sees the real person behind the mask of a rake.
This series is off to a wonderful start. The characters are enjoyable, love the bad boy storyline. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #NetGalley #TheDevilsGame
April 30, 2024
This book was a very standard historical romance. It follows a companion (Amelia) and her charge (Millie) as Millie has her debut in London society. The main male character is Nicholas, who is a viscount who has spent his days as a rake but now needs to secure a bride with a large dowry to fix his family's estate. Luckily, Millie has that fortune.
Overall this book was just mid. The romance seemed very insta-charmed even though they were supposed to dislike each other. I found, especially for a historical romance, the book was too spicy and the spice scenes were quite frankly boring. The captain's reaction to his daughter's engagement felt like he rolled over far too easily for a man in that time period.
I enjoyed the description of the setting and items in the books, including fashion. I enjoyed Millie and Amelia's relationship. It was very much how I, an almost 30 year old, feel around teenagers now so I could related.
There was nothing to glaringly bad about this book, but nothing to write home about either.
Overall this book was just mid. The romance seemed very insta-charmed even though they were supposed to dislike each other. I found, especially for a historical romance, the book was too spicy and the spice scenes were quite frankly boring. The captain's reaction to his daughter's engagement felt like he rolled over far too easily for a man in that time period.
I enjoyed the description of the setting and items in the books, including fashion. I enjoyed Millie and Amelia's relationship. It was very much how I, an almost 30 year old, feel around teenagers now so I could related.
There was nothing to glaringly bad about this book, but nothing to write home about either.
March 1, 2024
Older than your typical Historical Fiction Romance couple, but are they wiser? Shrug. I was hooked from page one. Who can resist reforming a rake?
Amelia may seem to be the stereotypical choice of companion, but her strict outward face slips as the Rake makes his appearance, Nicholas. Our Rake Viscount needs an heir and funds to save his failing estate. So, he sets out to the ton, but to get to an heiress, he will need to get past her vigilant Companion. Logically, he romances the Companion to gain access to the heiress, but things don’t go as planned.
The author’s choice of characters, setting, and imagery set the story in a solid foundation of belief and entertainment. Sensual. Different enough to hold your attention. Also, can’t resist a HEA.
4.4/5 stars
Sponsored ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Amelia may seem to be the stereotypical choice of companion, but her strict outward face slips as the Rake makes his appearance, Nicholas. Our Rake Viscount needs an heir and funds to save his failing estate. So, he sets out to the ton, but to get to an heiress, he will need to get past her vigilant Companion. Logically, he romances the Companion to gain access to the heiress, but things don’t go as planned.
The author’s choice of characters, setting, and imagery set the story in a solid foundation of belief and entertainment. Sensual. Different enough to hold your attention. Also, can’t resist a HEA.
4.4/5 stars
Sponsored ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
The Viscount and the Ice Queen:
Desperate to find an heiress to fill his coffers Nicholas sets his sites on the wealthy young lady Millie.
Mia a spinster on the shelf is the companion to Millie and must keep her out of trouble and safe while finding her a titled man to wed according to her father.
That proves to be a challenge and things don't go as planned by any means.
Many twists, surprises, and interesting characters make this story move at a good pace.
My favorite scenes are between Nicholas and Mia. Their charisma is strong with witty banter yet the desire that bubbles underneath them soon ignites. The love story takes off for an enjoyable read with an extremely happy epilogue.
💖Cover
🧓Mature Advisory 🔥🔥🔥
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Desperate to find an heiress to fill his coffers Nicholas sets his sites on the wealthy young lady Millie.
Mia a spinster on the shelf is the companion to Millie and must keep her out of trouble and safe while finding her a titled man to wed according to her father.
That proves to be a challenge and things don't go as planned by any means.
Many twists, surprises, and interesting characters make this story move at a good pace.
My favorite scenes are between Nicholas and Mia. Their charisma is strong with witty banter yet the desire that bubbles underneath them soon ignites. The love story takes off for an enjoyable read with an extremely happy epilogue.
💖Cover
🧓Mature Advisory 🔥🔥🔥
👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
February 21, 2024
Mia is a daughter of a Baron but because her mother was a dancer their was a scandal and her family has not lot of money so she and her sisters work so they can pay the taxes for their property . She works as a companion of a nineteen year old young lady with big dowry and she must help her find the right gentleman to marry . Nicholas Devlin, Viscount Wycliffe is in need of a heiress so he can make the improvments he needs to his estates . When he meets young Millie he didn't except to find Mia the woman to keep him away from his dream . They are each other equal and their passion might destroy them . What will they choose ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
March 14, 2024
I enjoyed this enemy to lovers, opposites attract story! It’s well written and fun to read. Amelia and Nicholas are very likable characters. I liked the steamy chemistry between them, their playful banters and their battles of will.
To supplement her family's finances, Amelia Hasting takes a job as a paid companion to Millie, a young heiress. She herself is already well off the shelf, having lost her fiancé in the war years ago, she never intended to marry afterwards.
Nicholas, Viscount Wycliffe, is a well-known rake. His late father has left the family estate almost penniless, so he must marry a wealthy lady. He has his eye on Millie, but her dragon companion seems to thwart his plans. He is attracted to Amelia and finds himself in a difficult position: he has to court the heiress and wants to seduce her reluctant companion...
If you like historical romance novels about mature couples, reformed rakes and determined heroines, you're sure to enjoy this book.
To supplement her family's finances, Amelia Hasting takes a job as a paid companion to Millie, a young heiress. She herself is already well off the shelf, having lost her fiancé in the war years ago, she never intended to marry afterwards.
Nicholas, Viscount Wycliffe, is a well-known rake. His late father has left the family estate almost penniless, so he must marry a wealthy lady. He has his eye on Millie, but her dragon companion seems to thwart his plans. He is attracted to Amelia and finds himself in a difficult position: he has to court the heiress and wants to seduce her reluctant companion...
If you like historical romance novels about mature couples, reformed rakes and determined heroines, you're sure to enjoy this book.
March 17, 2024
I immediately liked Mia and was very impressed with her family. I hope all of her sisters get their own happily ever afters, ESPECIALLY Nora!! Even just with the opening chapter, all of her family have different personalities and are three dimensional. It took me about a third of the book to warm up to Nicholas. At first I felt he was a bit of dub-con with Mia, but that soon got better. Honestly, by the end of the book I liked all of the characters - Minnie, her dad, Percy, Marcus and Barnes. All of these characters were likable and there ended up being no "villains" in this story. In short, the farther into the story I got, the more I liked it.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. My opinion is my own.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. My opinion is my own.
March 19, 2024
The Companion and the Viscount
Amelia's mission is to protect Millie from fortune hunters. However, her father is looking for a title, and many of the titled men are fortune hunters and rakes.
Nicholas needs a fortune. However, he finds himself attracted to the companion who has no dowry. Mia wants nothing to do with him, or does she? Her heart and her mind are at war.
Can Mia protect her willful charge from scandal and fortune hunters? What happens between her and the rakish viscount she should resist? I enjoyed this entertaining historical romance and would recommend it.
Amelia's mission is to protect Millie from fortune hunters. However, her father is looking for a title, and many of the titled men are fortune hunters and rakes.
Nicholas needs a fortune. However, he finds himself attracted to the companion who has no dowry. Mia wants nothing to do with him, or does she? Her heart and her mind are at war.
Can Mia protect her willful charge from scandal and fortune hunters? What happens between her and the rakish viscount she should resist? I enjoyed this entertaining historical romance and would recommend it.
August 1, 2025
Historical romance? I'm in.
MMC is a gentleman in need of an heiress with a dowry? The kind of things the gentlemen of the ton can do when they need money can be wild. I'm in!
FMC is older than 30? Never read one of those. I'm totally in!
FMC is forced to be a companion to help her family? This is new for me. The few times I've read about a companion, she is a spy infiltrating a Lord's house for the sake of the crown, so I am now curious about this woman. I'm totally in!
This book is amazing, and I can't wait to read the story of the other Hasting sisters!
MMC is a gentleman in need of an heiress with a dowry? The kind of things the gentlemen of the ton can do when they need money can be wild. I'm in!
FMC is older than 30? Never read one of those. I'm totally in!
FMC is forced to be a companion to help her family? This is new for me. The few times I've read about a companion, she is a spy infiltrating a Lord's house for the sake of the crown, so I am now curious about this woman. I'm totally in!
This book is amazing, and I can't wait to read the story of the other Hasting sisters!
March 11, 2024
Our hero in this historical romance is a rake with a terrible reputation among society. Our heroine is determined to keep this fortune hunter away from her innocent but mischievous young charge.
No matter what the head insists, the heart will have its way. There is a lot of scandal to be had in this story. Our hero is very naughty.
This is a stand alone book, but I would like to know what might happen to our hero's best friend.
Good fun.
No matter what the head insists, the heart will have its way. There is a lot of scandal to be had in this story. Our hero is very naughty.
This is a stand alone book, but I would like to know what might happen to our hero's best friend.
Good fun.
April 30, 2025
Sparks fly in this Regency romance when a rake desperate to marry an heiress falls for lady’s companion in charge of a spoiled debutante.
The Devil’s Game is a terrific start to the Hasting Sisters series! Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope, and it’s done perfectly here as Nick and Mia enter a battle of wills that leads to sizzling chemistry and a wonderful romance. The well-written secondary characters made the story even more enjoyable.
The Devil’s Game is a terrific start to the Hasting Sisters series! Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope, and it’s done perfectly here as Nick and Mia enter a battle of wills that leads to sizzling chemistry and a wonderful romance. The well-written secondary characters made the story even more enjoyable.
February 22, 2024
Impoverished Mia becomes a companion to a spoiled rich debutante. Her job is to find a man with a title that the girl can marry. When bored rake Nicholas decides to set his cap on the rich girl, Mia intervenes to stop the fortune hunter. Immediately attracted to each other, they try to resist their mutual feelings. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.
March 14, 2024
what a wild ride!
Nicholas and Amelia are a dynamic couple who play well off one another. Millie and Percy, as the other couple add much to this tremendously witty story. The Captain, Millie’s father is a nice addition to the mix and he stirs the pot. The plot is wonderful and complex and rapidly engages the reader. An incredible opening for the Hastings Sisters series!
Nicholas and Amelia are a dynamic couple who play well off one another. Millie and Percy, as the other couple add much to this tremendously witty story. The Captain, Millie’s father is a nice addition to the mix and he stirs the pot. The plot is wonderful and complex and rapidly engages the reader. An incredible opening for the Hastings Sisters series!
August 4, 2024
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
I loved this book! The characters are humorous and entertaining. I really enjoyed the fact that Nicholas a renowned rake falls hard for a companion. I recommend reading this book to those who like some humor in their romance. Sandra does a masterful job of making you feel like you are a part of the story.
I loved this book! The characters are humorous and entertaining. I really enjoyed the fact that Nicholas a renowned rake falls hard for a companion. I recommend reading this book to those who like some humor in their romance. Sandra does a masterful job of making you feel like you are a part of the story.
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March 24, 2024DNF 12%
December 21, 2025
The Devil’s Game is an enjoyable opposites-attract Regency romance. I liked the dynamic between the proper, restrained heroine and the bored, rakish viscount who sets out to seduce her charge, only to fall in love with her and discover he’s met his match. The banter is sharp, the forced proximity works well, and the story handles the consequences of scandal with some weight. A solid and engaging start to this great series.
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