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Private Arrangements #2
Tempting the Scoundrel
She is society's most rebellious lady.
After spending years writing scandalous political essays, Lady Alexandra Grey is used to society's censure. Her father, however, is determined to get his headstrong daughter under control.
He is king of London's underworld.
Nicholas Thorne has never been above lying, cheating, or stealing in his quest for power. When Alexandra's father offers up a fortune to swindle his daughter into marriage, Nick takes it – only to fall in love with his mark.
In London's East End, happy endings only exist in fairytales.
When Alexandra discovers Nicholas's deception, she vows to forget him for good. But word gets out of her secret marriage to London's most notorious crime lord, and she finds her life in danger. Back in close quarters with the man who betrayed her, passions ignite, secrets are revealed, old enemies rise – and some are willing to kill…
After spending years writing scandalous political essays, Lady Alexandra Grey is used to society's censure. Her father, however, is determined to get his headstrong daughter under control.
He is king of London's underworld.
Nicholas Thorne has never been above lying, cheating, or stealing in his quest for power. When Alexandra's father offers up a fortune to swindle his daughter into marriage, Nick takes it – only to fall in love with his mark.
In London's East End, happy endings only exist in fairytales.
When Alexandra discovers Nicholas's deception, she vows to forget him for good. But word gets out of her secret marriage to London's most notorious crime lord, and she finds her life in danger. Back in close quarters with the man who betrayed her, passions ignite, secrets are revealed, old enemies rise – and some are willing to kill…
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2020
103 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Kendrick
7 books155 followersKatrina Kendrick is the romance pen name for fantasy author Elizabeth May.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 10, 2020
Great series with equally great writing.
I loved the first part of the series which motivated me to go for this one as well. I'm glad I choose to read it.
The characters were really interesting and so nicely defined✨
The storyline and content too was very different ✨
Also the writing style I've already mentioned is amazing ✨
All and all a good book to read.
Highly recommended.
I loved the first part of the series which motivated me to go for this one as well. I'm glad I choose to read it.
The characters were really interesting and so nicely defined✨
The storyline and content too was very different ✨
Also the writing style I've already mentioned is amazing ✨
All and all a good book to read.
Highly recommended.
March 9, 2022
CWs: child abuse, violence
January 7, 2021
FRIENDS – IT WAS, INDEED, A TOMMY SHELBY HERO;
plus a BRILLIANT BLOND HEROINE, with OPINIONS on politics & justice & society (conservative MPs *hate* her TM), who doesn’t hesitate toshoot STAB A MAN
if that sounds familiar and makes you cry, keep reading because—
THESE TWO ARE MARRIED! BUT THEY ARE ESTRANGED! THEY HATE EACH OTHER! well actually, it’s she who hates him, since he conned her into marrying him. on the other hand, he’s madly in love with her, since she’s brilliant and he’s secretly a sap at heart. DANGER BRINGS THEM TOGETHER. SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE COMMENCES.
YEARNING! TENSION! SEXY TENSION! GROVELLING! SEXY!
also this:
GOSH. OKAY!
it was also well-written and well-researched, satisfyingly dark in parts; despite the premise alexandra was never a damsel and held her own, while nick, for all his king-of-the-underworld status, was fully dedicated to the grovelling lifestyle, adoring and respecting his wife, never thinking of pressuring her or acting in an alpha way. sure, maybe i felt like the latter part was a bit rushed – once the love confessions were made, most of the delicious tension was gone, and the obstacles were ticked off and neatly resolved in barely a couple of paragraphs, but none of that truly lessened my enjoyment of the book.
a very satisfying tommy/grace estranged marrieds second chance au, if i may promo it in a way that caters to my interests. A SOLID REC.
--
Dec 2020//
AM I SENSING A TOMMY SHELBY HERO ??????
plus a BRILLIANT BLOND HEROINE, with OPINIONS on politics & justice & society (conservative MPs *hate* her TM), who doesn’t hesitate to
if that sounds familiar and makes you cry, keep reading because—
THESE TWO ARE MARRIED! BUT THEY ARE ESTRANGED! THEY HATE EACH OTHER! well actually, it’s she who hates him, since he conned her into marrying him. on the other hand, he’s madly in love with her, since she’s brilliant and he’s secretly a sap at heart. DANGER BRINGS THEM TOGETHER. SECOND-CHANCE ROMANCE COMMENCES.
YEARNING! TENSION! SEXY TENSION! GROVELLING! SEXY!
also this:
“He hauled Alex up against the wall of a nearby building and set his mouth to hers.
“I love you,” he said, kissing her fiercely. “I love you so much.”
Alex let out a breathless laugh. She dropped the briefcase and grasped the collar of his jacket to pull him closer. “Why Nicholas Thorne,” she murmured against his lips, “do you mean to tell me you find threatening people to be arousing?”
He nipped her lower lip. “I find you threatening people to be arousing.”
“Mmm.” She tilted her head back as he flicked her earlobe with his tongue. “You are perverse.”
GOSH. OKAY!
it was also well-written and well-researched, satisfyingly dark in parts; despite the premise alexandra was never a damsel and held her own, while nick, for all his king-of-the-underworld status, was fully dedicated to the grovelling lifestyle, adoring and respecting his wife, never thinking of pressuring her or acting in an alpha way. sure, maybe i felt like the latter part was a bit rushed – once the love confessions were made, most of the delicious tension was gone, and the obstacles were ticked off and neatly resolved in barely a couple of paragraphs, but none of that truly lessened my enjoyment of the book.
a very satisfying tommy/grace estranged marrieds second chance au, if i may promo it in a way that caters to my interests. A SOLID REC.
--
Dec 2020//
AM I SENSING A TOMMY SHELBY HERO ??????
January 28, 2025
4⭐️
This series has been consistently really great and this one is no exception! Alexandra and Nicholas had so much tension and angst and love between them, I was hooked from the first chapter.
This is the second book in this series and Alexandra is the sister of Richard Grey, the hero of book one, but I don't think you have to read that one to understand everything here. In book one we find out that Alexandra, sister to the Earl of Kent, is secretly married to Nicholas Thorne, crime lord of the East End., but everything important is relayed here.
I enjoyed that Alex made Nick really grovel for it, because BOY did he deserve to. However in the end she chose to forgive him (duh this is a romance novel) and they were just so cute together. I love a tough, hardened man just being absolutely soft for the woman he loves. Nick continually tried to prove to Alex that he did love her, with both actions and words
As I've found with Katrina Kendrick's other novels, I wish we got more details. We basically just get the surface level background for our characters. I don't think it ever even says how old Alex and Nick are?
"Utterly hopeless. A complete deviant, mauling his wife on a public street at night because she is just so. Fucking. Tempting."
This series has been consistently really great and this one is no exception! Alexandra and Nicholas had so much tension and angst and love between them, I was hooked from the first chapter.
This is the second book in this series and Alexandra is the sister of Richard Grey, the hero of book one, but I don't think you have to read that one to understand everything here. In book one we find out that Alexandra, sister to the Earl of Kent, is secretly married to Nicholas Thorne, crime lord of the East End., but everything important is relayed here.
I enjoyed that Alex made Nick really grovel for it, because BOY did he deserve to. However in the end she chose to forgive him (duh this is a romance novel) and they were just so cute together. I love a tough, hardened man just being absolutely soft for the woman he loves. Nick continually tried to prove to Alex that he did love her, with both actions and words
As I've found with Katrina Kendrick's other novels, I wish we got more details. We basically just get the surface level background for our characters. I don't think it ever even says how old Alex and Nick are?
December 23, 2021
Nicholas Thorne rose from nothing and faced unspeakable cruelty on the streets. So when a wealthy lord offers Nick a fortune to swindle his illegitimate daughter into marriage, Nick takes it…but he didn’t intend on falling in love with his mark. When his wife, Lady Alexandra Grey, discovers his deception, she intends to forget her scoundrel husband for good. However, word of their secret marriage becomes society gossip, an attempt on her life forces Alexandra to confront the past.
This is the second book (plus a prequel) of the Private Arrangements series. It can stand alone, but the initial reveal of Nick and Alex’s marriage happens in book two, and Nick plays a role in that story. I liked this whole series and this story was no exception. There was some jumping back and forth between the past and present, but I liked seeing their relationship unfold. The crime intrigue reminded me of a Kerrigan Byrne, Sarah MacLean, or Amy Sandas type plot…I think readers who enjoy those authors would like this book.
Tropes: Class Difference, Anti-hero, Arranged/Forced into Marriage, Second Chance
Steam: 3
This is the second book (plus a prequel) of the Private Arrangements series. It can stand alone, but the initial reveal of Nick and Alex’s marriage happens in book two, and Nick plays a role in that story. I liked this whole series and this story was no exception. There was some jumping back and forth between the past and present, but I liked seeing their relationship unfold. The crime intrigue reminded me of a Kerrigan Byrne, Sarah MacLean, or Amy Sandas type plot…I think readers who enjoy those authors would like this book.
Tropes: Class Difference, Anti-hero, Arranged/Forced into Marriage, Second Chance
Steam: 3
February 17, 2025
3.5 stars. The mystery and crime part fizzled out but the romance storyline was sweet.
August 7, 2023
81% in DNF ☹️
I’m actually so mad the plot was so intriguing to read. I was so excited to see the H grovel to his knees and go above an beyond for meanwhile I was throughly disappointed. The h had to push the H to reveal that he loves her and doesn’t want divorce he didn’t in any way fight for her. The h was the only one in the relationship to fight for their marriage which was kind of sad considering she was the one betrayed yet trying to show him that they are meant to be together. The H had the potential to grovel and win the h heart back meanwhile all he did was stay in his self pity party. I’m quite frankly so disappointed as a woman how h forgave him like make him work for it 😒
At least me and the H have one thing we can both agree on he didn’t deserve her 😐😐😐
Anywaysss off to my next read 💃
I’m actually so mad the plot was so intriguing to read. I was so excited to see the H grovel to his knees and go above an beyond for meanwhile I was throughly disappointed. The h had to push the H to reveal that he loves her and doesn’t want divorce he didn’t in any way fight for her. The h was the only one in the relationship to fight for their marriage which was kind of sad considering she was the one betrayed yet trying to show him that they are meant to be together. The H had the potential to grovel and win the h heart back meanwhile all he did was stay in his self pity party. I’m quite frankly so disappointed as a woman how h forgave him like make him work for it 😒
At least me and the H have one thing we can both agree on he didn’t deserve her 😐😐😐
Anywaysss off to my next read 💃
August 25, 2023
Second chance romance that tugs at the heartstrings. Nicholas Thorne takes on a job to marry Alexander Grey, supposed daughter of the Earl of Kent. The Earl wants to punish her and seizing her funds (which he can’t do because her mother tied her finances up)
The marriage happens, Thorne gets his money and Alexander gets a few moments of happiness before it all comes crumbling down.
Now four years later thing have come to a head.
Great read!
The marriage happens, Thorne gets his money and Alexander gets a few moments of happiness before it all comes crumbling down.
Now four years later thing have come to a head.
Great read!
April 13, 2025
Lady Alexandra Grey is not one to shy away from scandal. In an attempt to regain control over his daughter, Alexandra's father offers a thief a fortune to swindle his daughter into marriage. Nicholas is morally conflicted, but ultimately that fortune is not something he can walk away from. He adopts a false gentleman persona and embarks on this marriage con.
What Nick couldn't have planned for was falling for his mark. Alexandra eventually elopes with Nick, or rather with the man she believes Nick to be. It's not long after they have said their. marriage nows, that Alexandra discovers her new husband's deception. Utterly betrayed, devastated, and brokenhearted, Alexandra swears to forget him for good.
Alexandra and Nicholas have spent years estranged. Nicholas builds an underground empire whilst Alexandra continues her work writing scandalous political essays. Their elopement remains a secret for years until one day, when word gets out about the scandalous Earl's daughter's secret marriage to a man who has become London's most notorious crime lord.
When Alexandra's safety is compromised, she has no choice but to retreat to enemy territory - Nicholas Thorne's residence. For the first time in years, Alexandra and Nicholas are back in close quarters. As they navigate their lingering passions, they are dealing with a serious threat as old enemies resurface.
Nicholas Thorne embodies many of my favorite romance hero traits - private yearning and devotion, capable, intelligent, and protective. What I appreciated most about his character was his dedication to groveling. His betrayal of Alexandra was devastating, and despite the fact that he has continued loving her privately for years, much of their post-betrayal relationship is developed on Alexandra's terms/ He had his reasons for doing what he did, but Nicholas understands that an explanation does not excuse or erase the pain he caused. His unwavering support of Alexandra was a testament to the respect he had for Alexandra.
Alexandra is a very striking character. She is bold and takes great risks, but at the same time, she is incredibly vulnerable. Alexandra is a woman who feels things very deeply. At times, that feeling might transform into passion and a desire to make change. At other times, those deep feelings make devastating moments cut that much deeper.
Alexandra is a character who is easy to connect to emotionally. Her resilience is unmatched, as demonstrated by how she refused to allow her father and Nick's betrayal to destroy her. She built herself back into a woman even more passionate and determined.
Alexandra also impressed me with her capacity for forgiveness. I'm not sure that I could have forgiven Nicholas if I were in her shoes. That level of humiliation and pain is not something I think I could have moved past to trust that person again, but clearly, Alexandra is a bigger person than I.
Nicholas and Alexandra's journey back to each other after years of estrangement was a story of forgiveness and trust. This story is action-packed. Layered with intense levels of tension and passion.
What Nick couldn't have planned for was falling for his mark. Alexandra eventually elopes with Nick, or rather with the man she believes Nick to be. It's not long after they have said their. marriage nows, that Alexandra discovers her new husband's deception. Utterly betrayed, devastated, and brokenhearted, Alexandra swears to forget him for good.
Alexandra and Nicholas have spent years estranged. Nicholas builds an underground empire whilst Alexandra continues her work writing scandalous political essays. Their elopement remains a secret for years until one day, when word gets out about the scandalous Earl's daughter's secret marriage to a man who has become London's most notorious crime lord.
When Alexandra's safety is compromised, she has no choice but to retreat to enemy territory - Nicholas Thorne's residence. For the first time in years, Alexandra and Nicholas are back in close quarters. As they navigate their lingering passions, they are dealing with a serious threat as old enemies resurface.
Nicholas Thorne embodies many of my favorite romance hero traits - private yearning and devotion, capable, intelligent, and protective. What I appreciated most about his character was his dedication to groveling. His betrayal of Alexandra was devastating, and despite the fact that he has continued loving her privately for years, much of their post-betrayal relationship is developed on Alexandra's terms/ He had his reasons for doing what he did, but Nicholas understands that an explanation does not excuse or erase the pain he caused. His unwavering support of Alexandra was a testament to the respect he had for Alexandra.
Alexandra is a very striking character. She is bold and takes great risks, but at the same time, she is incredibly vulnerable. Alexandra is a woman who feels things very deeply. At times, that feeling might transform into passion and a desire to make change. At other times, those deep feelings make devastating moments cut that much deeper.
Alexandra is a character who is easy to connect to emotionally. Her resilience is unmatched, as demonstrated by how she refused to allow her father and Nick's betrayal to destroy her. She built herself back into a woman even more passionate and determined.
Alexandra also impressed me with her capacity for forgiveness. I'm not sure that I could have forgiven Nicholas if I were in her shoes. That level of humiliation and pain is not something I think I could have moved past to trust that person again, but clearly, Alexandra is a bigger person than I.
Nicholas and Alexandra's journey back to each other after years of estrangement was a story of forgiveness and trust. This story is action-packed. Layered with intense levels of tension and passion.
August 10, 2025
the mere concept of nickalex… walk with me
imagine a childhood where you grew up in the EAST END and have an ABUSIVE caretaker who forced you to do VILE things for a slice of BREAD and kept you in a CELLAR with a bunch of other CHILDREN and so you grow up to be a THIEF but then during a job you get a PROPOSITION from a TOFF asking you to TRICK his DAUGHTER to marry you (a common thief) because she looks like her MOTHER in exchange for 100,000 POUNDS and also all of the money her mother left for their daughter naturally you accept bc who GAF about the ARISTROS plus it’ll help you be free from the abusive caretaker and also free all your companions as well so yolo ykw fuck yes let’s do this
but then.. you FALL IN LOVE WITH HER !!!!! and then she finds out you were in cahoots with HER abusive father RIGHT AFTER she married you so CONGRATULATIONS and so she HATES you and doesn’t TRUST you anymore and BANISHES you from her life for FOUR YEARS. until a juicy plot brings you both back together (and you both never got over each other) (especially you) (you’re the mmc btw)
if that doesn’t convince you to read this book then fuck you i guess
no but this might as well been called peaking the scoundrel the way it served Strong Intimidating Scary Overlord (who is gentle with children) being a PATHETIC LOSER YEARNER for his brilliant woke beautiful wife who he thinks deserves better than him…
Like you’ve read yearning and but NOT like this…
i’ve been waiting to read Alexandra’s moment from the second she opened her mouth in the first book like God i love her… and it DEFINITELY delivered like this is by far my favorite in the series and i don’t think they could ever be outdone but i’ll def read the rest anyway! the writing is always enjoyable, and even though storytelling is unfortunately rushed at times in the other books, the plots are so FUCKING GOOD…….
my only critiques with this particular book is that i wish it was like 60 pages longer !! it deserved a bit more build up to how they initially fell in love + a bit more build up to last couple of chapters instead of the 3 lowkey unnecessary sex scenes (though ngl i was Always happily sitting in that cuck chair) but even without all that i’d say i was REALLY sold on their relationship and love for each other and i hope they are fucking crazy style right now as we speak actually
but god .. nicholas is so sexy and i get him like i would be obsessed with my wife too if she was Alexandra Ok that’s all thank you
imagine a childhood where you grew up in the EAST END and have an ABUSIVE caretaker who forced you to do VILE things for a slice of BREAD and kept you in a CELLAR with a bunch of other CHILDREN and so you grow up to be a THIEF but then during a job you get a PROPOSITION from a TOFF asking you to TRICK his DAUGHTER to marry you (a common thief) because she looks like her MOTHER in exchange for 100,000 POUNDS and also all of the money her mother left for their daughter naturally you accept bc who GAF about the ARISTROS plus it’ll help you be free from the abusive caretaker and also free all your companions as well so yolo ykw fuck yes let’s do this
but then.. you FALL IN LOVE WITH HER !!!!! and then she finds out you were in cahoots with HER abusive father RIGHT AFTER she married you so CONGRATULATIONS and so she HATES you and doesn’t TRUST you anymore and BANISHES you from her life for FOUR YEARS. until a juicy plot brings you both back together (and you both never got over each other) (especially you) (you’re the mmc btw)
if that doesn’t convince you to read this book then fuck you i guess
no but this might as well been called peaking the scoundrel the way it served Strong Intimidating Scary Overlord (who is gentle with children) being a PATHETIC LOSER YEARNER for his brilliant woke beautiful wife who he thinks deserves better than him…
Like you’ve read yearning and but NOT like this…
i’ve been waiting to read Alexandra’s moment from the second she opened her mouth in the first book like God i love her… and it DEFINITELY delivered like this is by far my favorite in the series and i don’t think they could ever be outdone but i’ll def read the rest anyway! the writing is always enjoyable, and even though storytelling is unfortunately rushed at times in the other books, the plots are so FUCKING GOOD…….
my only critiques with this particular book is that i wish it was like 60 pages longer !! it deserved a bit more build up to how they initially fell in love + a bit more build up to last couple of chapters instead of the 3 lowkey unnecessary sex scenes (though ngl i was Always happily sitting in that cuck chair) but even without all that i’d say i was REALLY sold on their relationship and love for each other and i hope they are fucking crazy style right now as we speak actually
but god .. nicholas is so sexy and i get him like i would be obsessed with my wife too if she was Alexandra Ok that’s all thank you
April 17, 2024
Kendrick continues to bring the incendiary chemistry and heat. The plots of the series are fairly straightforward HR plots, but with the extra kick for steam they are really fun reads. Nick is an Irishman who runs a gaming hell and is the most feared in the East End. Alex is the daughter of an earl, legally recognized but resulting from her mother's affair.
This class difference second chance romance worked well for me for a few reasons: 1) Nick and Alex have been married for 4 years, 2) Alex's father basically arranged the marriage because Alex is illegitimate which sets up one of two external villains, 3) Nick has spent their 4 years apart working to build a gambling empire so he has money to support his estranged wife, and 4) we see them on page together reconciling their differences. The marriage isn't the HEA, their second chance is.
This class difference second chance romance worked well for me for a few reasons: 1) Nick and Alex have been married for 4 years, 2) Alex's father basically arranged the marriage because Alex is illegitimate which sets up one of two external villains, 3) Nick has spent their 4 years apart working to build a gambling empire so he has money to support his estranged wife, and 4) we see them on page together reconciling their differences. The marriage isn't the HEA, their second chance is.
January 5, 2021
Alex and Nick are married, but they're not a typical married couple. Their marriage was kept secret and they have to come back together when Alex's life is threatened.
The characters have amazing chemistry and the story is compelling and intriguing. I fell in love with these characters and their stories!
The characters have amazing chemistry and the story is compelling and intriguing. I fell in love with these characters and their stories!
March 1, 2024
Nick and Alex ❤️❤️
September 15, 2025
this was so good
Read
October 3, 2020Tempting the Scoundrel absolutely is not my romance tropes, as it's about a gaming hell owner in a second chance romance with a murder mystery kind of plot line. It definitely skews a bit too the angsty side for me. That said, I did like this one, just not as much as the others in the series which are tropes I personally prefer. I wanted Nick and Alexandra to talk things out sooner than they did, but I did adore how incredibly bad he had it. His theme song would be U Got It Bad by Usher, because he's just gone for Alex completely. I also like how he seems like he's going to be a controlling ass, but he ends up really listening to Alex and letting her call the shots.
The epilogue also made me really happy, because .
The epilogue also made me really happy, because .
September 25, 2020
I'll admit I didn't give this one much of a chance, but I did TRY. Not for me.
September 7, 2020
After having read the first two books in this series, and the revelation in the last book about Alexandra and Thorne I anxiously awaited the release of this story. Talk about sparks flying and sexual tension. Whew, get out a cold rag. Who does not love a king of the underworld story and when it is paired with second chance, I cannot grab the book fast enough. I loved the back story interwoven into the story about how Alex and Thorne meet and get married. These characters are so well written and the story is so compelling and intriguing that I wanted to read more about their lives. I cannot say enough about how much I loved both of these characters. Both are strong and compliment each other so well. I said in my last review that I could see this series going on for a while and I still can. LOVED IT!
I received a complimentary copy from Hidden Gems.
I received a complimentary copy from Hidden Gems.
January 10, 2021
The first half is fully deserving of praise: the Tommy Shelby hero we were promised, a brilliant and controversial heroine, the bitter and estranged marriage, flashbacks, anxious tension and resentment. The second half turned out to be just like any other romance novel (that is, kind of disappointing, where the characters gradually lose all sharpness and internal conflict and become creatures of pure love and endless lust.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
Continua a non essere il mio genere preferito, ma Elizabeth May può farmi leggere qualsiasi cosa! E questo è stato il migliore finora, senza dubbio! Spero che non sia la fine della serie 😍🤞🏼
February 5, 2023
need me a nicholas thorne 🥹
June 20, 2024
If Eloise Bridgerton fell in love with Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders it would go something like this and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was everything I want out of an easy to read romance. The characters are likable and have chemistry, the setting is detailed, and it has a good balance of plot, romance and spice. The spicy parts are well written and don’t overpower the book. I highly recommend for romance readers looking for a quick enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings:
Child abuse
Sexual assault
I was kindly sent this book by Bloomsbury as an ARC for my honest review.
This was everything I want out of an easy to read romance. The characters are likable and have chemistry, the setting is detailed, and it has a good balance of plot, romance and spice. The spicy parts are well written and don’t overpower the book. I highly recommend for romance readers looking for a quick enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings:
Child abuse
Sexual assault
I was kindly sent this book by Bloomsbury as an ARC for my honest review.
August 22, 2024
This was top notch angsty and adored every minute of it🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
Want to read
January 11, 2025guys i’ve just done blind date with a book for crime and this is what i whipped out… actually kinda excited
December 10, 2023
very cute
3.5/5
3.5/5
December 19, 2023
Love this series.
September 11, 2020
Opposites Attract💕
ADULT Alpha male Victorian Romance💕 and Murder Mystery💀
London 1868
Nicholas Thorne🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is caught stealing 💎jewelry from the Earl Of Kent's mistress. George Grey, The Earl of Kent, is waiting in the dark for him, with an offer Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 can't refuse! For a hundred thousand pounds and all the Jewelry, Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is to court and marry the Earl's wife's supposedly illegitimate daughter, Alexandra💃💋.
The Earl hates his late wife and he hates Alexandra💃💋, he wants to saddle her with a criminal for a husband.
Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪, an orphan Irishman from the worst slums in London, has the ability to mimic any accent. After some etiquette training, Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 will be presented to Kent's daughter, Alexandra💃💋, as a shirt tail cousin who inherited a barony and a country estate nearby the Earl's.
Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪, is in fact, a very handsome and smart guy, but he was raised in the streets of London's slums by a cruel man who forced the boys under his control to steal, beat men, even murder💀 for him. He has lost track of the number of men he has killed💀.
Now that Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is on his own, he owns and runs a very popular gambling club, still located in his part of the London slums that he now controls.
His attraction to Alexandra💃💋 and she for him is real. But when she finds out he was paid to marry her, and he is not who he says he is, She leaves him.....
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU.
I loved this book, but not the back and forth through four years of time in Nick and Alexandra's relationship. The chapters that go back four years are clearly labeled, but it was a distraction for me.
All in all, it's a great book and a great romance💘, despite the fact that Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is clearly a criminal and has killed a number of men.
ADULT Alpha male Victorian Romance💕 and Murder Mystery💀
London 1868
Nicholas Thorne🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is caught stealing 💎jewelry from the Earl Of Kent's mistress. George Grey, The Earl of Kent, is waiting in the dark for him, with an offer Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 can't refuse! For a hundred thousand pounds and all the Jewelry, Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is to court and marry the Earl's wife's supposedly illegitimate daughter, Alexandra💃💋.
The Earl hates his late wife and he hates Alexandra💃💋, he wants to saddle her with a criminal for a husband.
Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪, an orphan Irishman from the worst slums in London, has the ability to mimic any accent. After some etiquette training, Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 will be presented to Kent's daughter, Alexandra💃💋, as a shirt tail cousin who inherited a barony and a country estate nearby the Earl's.
Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪, is in fact, a very handsome and smart guy, but he was raised in the streets of London's slums by a cruel man who forced the boys under his control to steal, beat men, even murder💀 for him. He has lost track of the number of men he has killed💀.
Now that Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is on his own, he owns and runs a very popular gambling club, still located in his part of the London slums that he now controls.
His attraction to Alexandra💃💋 and she for him is real. But when she finds out he was paid to marry her, and he is not who he says he is, She leaves him.....
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU.
I loved this book, but not the back and forth through four years of time in Nick and Alexandra's relationship. The chapters that go back four years are clearly labeled, but it was a distraction for me.
All in all, it's a great book and a great romance💘, despite the fact that Nick🐺⛲🍆💪🔪 is clearly a criminal and has killed a number of men.
February 19, 2024
Even better than the first book. Unlike the first book, which slow to get going, this one starts off with action almost immediately.
Both protagonists are scarred by their pasts: Alex, by the earl and Thorne’s duplicity; and Thorne by his rough childhood and the choices he has had to make to survive. This book gives much more attention to the characters’ backgrounds and their motivations than in the first novel, and it pays off with a more engrossing story, punctuated with the occasional romantic moment (rather than long sections of seduction, followed by frenetic action towards the conclusion, as in the first novel).
Alex is another strong heroine - a trademark of the series - but in an explosive early scene where she is forced to fight for her life, it is clear that her exposure to the world has taught her skills most women of her class would have no knowledge of. When she chooses to run to Nick for help, it is the first clue that she still trusts him implicitly despite the betrayal. Nick is conflicted by his desire to win her back and the belief that he doesn’t deserve her after all he has done, both as the man to trap her in marriage as well as his position as an underworld kingpin. The intervening years apart have allowed both characters to mature and learn about each other from afar, leading to deepening respect. Watching the two rediscover and reveal their feelings for one another and working out their differences was one of the satisfying parts of the book. It feels natural and believable, and one can’t help feeling they would make a true powerhouse couple.
The book is interspersed with tense action moments, some of which feature Alex not playing the helpless maiden. The lengths to which Nick will go to protect Alex, whilst still trusting her when she asks him to let her confront potentially dangerous situations is heartening. As such, the final confrontations with the villian(s) seem almost anticlimactic, but both characters have been through so much by then, that one hardly minds.
All in all, I enjoyed the well-rounded characters, excellent pacing and some intriguing side characters, as usual (such as O’Sullivan - can’t wait for his story!). Nice cameos from Richard, Anne and James as well, as this story ties in with earlier events.
Both protagonists are scarred by their pasts: Alex, by the earl and Thorne’s duplicity; and Thorne by his rough childhood and the choices he has had to make to survive. This book gives much more attention to the characters’ backgrounds and their motivations than in the first novel, and it pays off with a more engrossing story, punctuated with the occasional romantic moment (rather than long sections of seduction, followed by frenetic action towards the conclusion, as in the first novel).
Alex is another strong heroine - a trademark of the series - but in an explosive early scene where she is forced to fight for her life, it is clear that her exposure to the world has taught her skills most women of her class would have no knowledge of. When she chooses to run to Nick for help, it is the first clue that she still trusts him implicitly despite the betrayal. Nick is conflicted by his desire to win her back and the belief that he doesn’t deserve her after all he has done, both as the man to trap her in marriage as well as his position as an underworld kingpin. The intervening years apart have allowed both characters to mature and learn about each other from afar, leading to deepening respect. Watching the two rediscover and reveal their feelings for one another and working out their differences was one of the satisfying parts of the book. It feels natural and believable, and one can’t help feeling they would make a true powerhouse couple.
The book is interspersed with tense action moments, some of which feature Alex not playing the helpless maiden. The lengths to which Nick will go to protect Alex, whilst still trusting her when she asks him to let her confront potentially dangerous situations is heartening. As such, the final confrontations with the villian(s) seem almost anticlimactic, but both characters have been through so much by then, that one hardly minds.
All in all, I enjoyed the well-rounded characters, excellent pacing and some intriguing side characters, as usual (such as O’Sullivan - can’t wait for his story!). Nice cameos from Richard, Anne and James as well, as this story ties in with earlier events.
May 6, 2024
Alexandra's father hates her, and he wants to see her suffer. He can think of no better way than to convince a common criminal, Nick, to pretend to be an aristocrat, sweep Alex off her feet, marry her, and take her dowry before crushing her spirit. Nick is just desperate enough to accept such a proposition, but he never counted on falling in love with his mark! 😳 But Alex won't be a fool, and the two split ways on the worst of terms.
Fast forward four years, and Alex is in danger. The walls are closing in, and there's only one person who can protect her: the husband she swore off for good. Begrudgingly, they begin to work together, but neither of them can resist the white-hot chemistry they've always had. The slow burn EXPLODES in the best way. Can they forgive and be together? Will the evil that's coming for them win in the end? You'll have to read to find out! 🥰
I LOVED this book! The tension was excellent, leading to some super spice! The writing was absolutely top-notch. Kendrick knows how to do a second chance romance! The pace was excellent, the characters relatable, and the danger realistic. Each character had a rich backstory that added to the plot. The dual timelines presented in this story were expertly crafted. I CANNOT WAIT to read the rest of this series: Private Arrangements!
Trigger warnings: shooting, stabbing, murder, fighting, blood, gore, allusions to sexual assault/prostitution of minors, child neglect, cutting (of one's skin on purpose)
I'd like to thank Kaye Publicity and Head of Zeus Publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Fast forward four years, and Alex is in danger. The walls are closing in, and there's only one person who can protect her: the husband she swore off for good. Begrudgingly, they begin to work together, but neither of them can resist the white-hot chemistry they've always had. The slow burn EXPLODES in the best way. Can they forgive and be together? Will the evil that's coming for them win in the end? You'll have to read to find out! 🥰
I LOVED this book! The tension was excellent, leading to some super spice! The writing was absolutely top-notch. Kendrick knows how to do a second chance romance! The pace was excellent, the characters relatable, and the danger realistic. Each character had a rich backstory that added to the plot. The dual timelines presented in this story were expertly crafted. I CANNOT WAIT to read the rest of this series: Private Arrangements!
Trigger warnings: shooting, stabbing, murder, fighting, blood, gore, allusions to sexual assault/prostitution of minors, child neglect, cutting (of one's skin on purpose)
I'd like to thank Kaye Publicity and Head of Zeus Publishing for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 14, 2020
A thief who grew up on the harsh streets of the slums of London and an aristocratic lady. Lady Alexandra was a force to be reckoned with. She was outspoken, opinionated and politically inclined. She wrote to expose corruption and made some very dangerous enemies. Alex's father the Earl was a cruel man and pawned her off to Nicholas Thorne a famous thief. The Earl wanted revenge for what his dead wife did and was taking it out on Alex. He hired Thorne to play a Lord and woo and marry Alex. In exchange he would receive her dowry of one hundred thousand dollars plus. After the horrific childhood Thorne had somehow found that there was a piece of his humanity and the ability to love left inside him. He fell in love with Alex. When she found out about his duplicity, she promptly left him. After four years they were forced to reunite due to the danger Alex was in. Alex was secretly investigating an illegal smuggling ring where people were abducted as slaves. Action oriented, realistic relationship problems, raw and engaging emotions and feelings. A wonderful story of second chances and I highly recommend it.
September 11, 2020
Its where you come from
Nick aka Nicholas was born and raised in London East End which is a huge pit of depravity and hopelessness! But Nick has not clawed his way out to fail his friends and rescue them from their cruel and inhuman task master Whelan! Nick didn't count on his feelings that erupted like a volcano for Alex aka Alexandra! Alex father was a whoremonger, gambler and evil! He kept open mistresses but despised his wife?? Things don't go as planned when you practice to deceive! They let 4 long years to by....if they had have talked to each other wow others would Not have been to come in with even more deception! I love the interaction of the previous stories and her brothers! Sibling love is unrivaled!! They get their HEA after much betrayal and heartache! Hold on you are in for a ride!! Love this series now O'Sullivan needs a lady!!
Nick aka Nicholas was born and raised in London East End which is a huge pit of depravity and hopelessness! But Nick has not clawed his way out to fail his friends and rescue them from their cruel and inhuman task master Whelan! Nick didn't count on his feelings that erupted like a volcano for Alex aka Alexandra! Alex father was a whoremonger, gambler and evil! He kept open mistresses but despised his wife?? Things don't go as planned when you practice to deceive! They let 4 long years to by....if they had have talked to each other wow others would Not have been to come in with even more deception! I love the interaction of the previous stories and her brothers! Sibling love is unrivaled!! They get their HEA after much betrayal and heartache! Hold on you are in for a ride!! Love this series now O'Sullivan needs a lady!!
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