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The Rake Chronicles #2

When the Viscount Wanted Me

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Her reputation is at risk. He vows to help…but soon finds resisting her the greatest challenge of all.

When Lord Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, overhears the drunken Earl of Hartley claiming to have bedded Lady Henrietta Breminster, his best friend’s little sister, he is livid. He drags the passed-out earl to Breminster House to face punishment for his blathering, only to find himself face-to-face with Lady Henrietta in a sexy night dress and little else.

When Lady Henrietta Breminster sees the Viscount of Tremberley dragging the unconscious Earl of Hartley to her doorstep, she panics. Not only was she indiscreet with the earl, but she has long nursed a flaming tendre for her brother’s best friend. Now she must ask Tremberley to help her keep her biggest mistake from the gossips of the ton.

Drawn closer by their efforts to subdue the jealous earl, Trem and Henrietta soon discover their own forbidden attraction. But even as Henrietta discovers true passion with Trem, she knows she could never marry for anything less than love.

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Published March 26, 2024

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Lydia Lloyd

6 books124 followers

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for PlotTrysts.
1,153 reviews462 followers
January 16, 2024
We had a ton of fun reading this book. At first glance, it's a "brother's best friend" Historical Romance: Henrietta has been in love with Trem for years. She's now grown up enough to be truly in love, and grown up enough for him to notice. But when you look closer, Lydia Lloyd takes one of the most reactionary parts of HR and plays with it: Henrietta is "experienced." For many HR readers, even the ones who are feminist, this is enough to be a dealbreaker. "It's not historically accurate!" "She wasn't even in love with the other man!" Honestly? That's a huge part of what we liked about this one. Despite lip service to the double standard of the rake and the wallflower, having a truly "rakish" heroine seems to be difficult for readers to accept. In this book, Lloyd gives us an FMC who, despite having longterm feelings for the MMC, decides to make love to another man. In fact, that is what brings Trem and Henrietta together: Trem overhears her partner talking about their night together. Since he is a longtime friend of the family, he wants to save Henrietta's reputation. But now that these two finally have an excuse to be alone together, they honestly cannot stay away from each other.

This could have been read as Trem discovering that his friend's younger sister is DTF so why not take advantage? Instead, his discovery of her "sins" seems to be the catalyst that makes him realize that she's no longer off-limits - and he wants to lock her down ASAP. The beginning of the book is front-loaded with steam, as Trem uses the time-honored historical romance courting technique of seducing his beloved into marriage. We particularly liked that what could have turned into a miscommunication plot instead just led to a solidification as the couple as a team.

We really appreciate what Lydia Lloyd is trying to do with romance! Definitely recommend this one. Go in with the right expectations and we think you'll have a very (very) good time.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Profile Image for Paula.
564 reviews255 followers
December 25, 2023
I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review

“When the Viscount Wanted Me” is only the second book by Lydia Lloyd that I read. It is also the second book in “The Rake Chronicles” series of, I presume, four books. I’ve been following Lydia on instagram for ages and I know what she likes to find in books, such taste translates into her stories for they are incredibly sexy although not over the top spicy. In this case I highly recommend to read the first book before this one because there is a plot line in that book that has very important developments in this one, for it affects its heroine.

Henrietta always thougth that the late duchess was her mother, but she found out that actually she was the result of the romantic liaison of his father and another woman. This is a secret that both her and her brother John and his wife keep very safe in their hearts, not even her brothers best friends Tremaine, Leith and Montaigne know, even if they all grew up together. Henrietta has always had a crush on Trem, but he never really saw her differently until a few years after her debut. What made him realize that she had become a woman was that she owned her body and she knew her own mind. So they become very much physically friendly until the situation was obvious for the two of them to be turning into something serious and they get engaged. But Henrietta doesn’t want to keep her deepest secrets from her fiancé, and after seeing her best friend and her mother’s relationship, she runs away from her brother’s home in London in search for answers. In the rush, she forgets to leave a note so of course, Trem, runs after her and once they find each other they start to really need to tell each other everything.

That was my favorite part of the story, the moment they have to find the answers that Henrietta is looking for. In the process they not only get to know each other well and learn to support each other and carry each other’s burdens. They both happened to be lost at this point in their lives, Henrietta needs to know who she is and where she comes from, Trem needs to find a meaning to his life, a purpose. It’s so beautiful how they open each other’s eyes, how they came from a good place to start with and how they find common ground. In the fist chapters Lydia Lloyd might make you think that she has written “just another spicy story” but this is historical romance, she knows very well her audience doesn’t dwell on TikTok, the spice is only the surface so you need to dive deep to see that actually she knows her craft, she not only writes beautifully but also her character study and development is incredible. This is anything but superficial and to me it is both a treat to her readers and a joke to the viral trends that we’ve seen in the last few years.

And there’s also the drama with an obsessive ex-boyfriend, what else could I ask for? I loved this book so much.
Profile Image for Sandy.
288 reviews19 followers
January 16, 2024
Can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first. Especially for what I am about to say in this review.

Le sigh, well, I am conflicted.
I was extremely excited for this book. I am a sucker for brother’s best friend and age gap romances and then also making this a steamy read, I was so ready for it. And for the main story between the main couple, this book delivered! It was amazing, the steam was so freaking off the charts incredible. I love me a two pump chump and this scene… My goodness, I had to fan myself. It was so amazing! The Hartley plotline was worked out excellently, I had a great time reading that. I loved sassy Henrietta, I loved Trem realizing that he actually was a goner for Henrietta this whole freaking time and that it took the events with Hartley for him to actually notice it.

But then we get to the sidecharacters and mainly John (the MMC from the first book) and Mary (Henrietta’s mother). They behaved very strangely to me and it felt like these characters were total opposites from who they were in the previous book. John’s first reaction about the engagement was.., well it was something. Then his fight with Trem felt really out of character too. Especially if you compare it to his initial reaction to the engagement. Then we have Mary who didn’t want anything to do with Henrietta or the rest of the family and she just wanted to be left alone to enjoy her quiet life and her husband and two other children. She completely embraced Henrietta and then didn’t want to attend her wedding because of (valid!) reasons. Only to then suddenly attend the wedding and making merry with all the other guests (who she wanted avoid!).

Then we go to the scene with Mrs. Seymour’s salon. This is another classic tale of: show, don’t tell is the best way. There were so many descriptions of people and why they were there, only for them to never be mentioned again and it did nothing for the actual plot. It felt like it was put into the story to emphasize that there were people of colour present in this book. The show, don’t tell, was amazingly executed with Trem. It’s not often mentioned that he is a rake, but the way in which people around him act and how they interact makes it clear that he was a Rake.

I feel like this (just like the first book actually) story would’ve greatly benefited from another round of editing. There were just too many inconsistencies with the side characters that really pulled me out of this amazing love story with characters that had sparks flying off the page and had me fanning myself. If I could give it 2 different ratings at the same time I would, but sadly I can’t.
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,642 reviews91 followers
January 21, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Historical romances are my ultimate comfort genre and this was such an odd book. Lydia Lloyd must be sending in her application for the circus because the heroine was a total clown. She made poor decisions and I swear she was this close to applying that white grease paint. I really enjoy the author's infographics on her Instagram and her steam comes straight from the kettle, but I still can't fully commit to liking both protagonists. I had an issue with the hero in the previous installment and my main beef now lies with the current heroine. Henrietta was a buffoon whose foolish choices forced Tremberley to swoop in and save the day. Thankfully he was competent or she would have had to start packing her size 43 kid slippers and skedaddling right out of town.



Despite my utter disdain for the heroine, Tremberley helped redeem the story. He always held a torch for Henrietta and looked out for her when he could. It's the typical best friend's little sister archetype that I wished would happen to me. My own brother has some beefcakes for buds, just saying. They had major chemistry and it seemed from the beginning that they were meant to be. The hero definitely stepped up his game and was more motivated than the previous one. I was rooting for them, even though Henrietta needed to pull her head out of her designer-clad bottom. I can't help but refer to her antics as clownish, they were that asinine.



When the Viscount Wanted Me made me feel like I was under the big top and I was woefully underwhelmed by the heroine's childish behavior. She was a spoiled brat and dumped all her problems on the hero's doorstep. I haven't given up hope yet for this series. I'm a fan of the author's research and sensuality between the characters, but it hasn't culminated into a full package. I'm gonna keep holding on, no matter what. Although honestly this title could have been extended to When the Viscount Wanted Me...At The Circus.

Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,758 reviews127 followers
January 17, 2024
This is only my 2nd book by Lydia Lloyd but I loved book 1 in this series. It was so well written and a great read so was super excited to see book 2 come out. There are so many authors I've read that had 1 book come out in a series and then never had a book 2 which is so weird to me. She is too good not to be writing more.

I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. I loved Trem and Henrietta. I loved their personalities and their chemistry was great. Sex was freakin' hot. I loved they were like "rabbits". :) I love how much depth she got in this story. There was nothing left unsaid or wandering. Just an overall great read.
Profile Image for Brita Clarkson.
36 reviews
December 31, 2023
This is the second in a series, "The Rake Chronicles."
Lord Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, is the best friend of the first rake, John Breminster, the Duke of Edington. John's sister has gotten herself into a bit of trouble, and Hugh rescues her and her reputation.
Henrietta has been in love with "Trem" since she was old enough to know when she was in love, as she put it. Trem never thought of her as someone besides her brother's little sister once she debuted into society. He doesn't acknowledge it to himself until his world gets turned upside down after he rescues her.
Their relationship takes off quickly, both physically and emotionally. While they are definitely hot for one another, they also grow closer as he helps protect and shield her from an obsessive "sort of" suitor she had. Once their relationship becomes obvious, Trem proposes. Henrietta is convinced it is only to keep her reputation intact.
There are deep emotions and a heart wrenching story beneath the surface. The storyline itself is a continuation from the first novel. While it might be helpful to read the first of the series, it is not totally necessary. There is enough explanation throughout to help it make sense. You also get to see how John and his wife's story has evolved.
Neither have a sense of security of themselves. Trem never knew his parents because both of them died suddenly when he was very young, and he has no real concept of family. This leads him to a path of having no real direction or purpose in life. Hers was upended when Henrietta found out she was not legitimate because her mother was actually the mistress of her father, and not his wife, who had died in childbirth. She and her brother only found out after their father died. Their mutual feelings of abandonment help them bond, but takes a long time to occur. Their relationship seems mostly physical until both have their own epiphanies.
No spoilers, but it is obvious from the beginning what will happen. That isn't the important or main point of their story. The journey of discovery is what drives it.
I felt Trem's lack of family, and not having a concept of even having parents was more tragic than Henrietta finding out her parentage was a lie.
I did have a problem with how it did not seem to be an issue for them to be alone together without any type of chaperone. During this time period, a reputation could be ruined if you went on the balcony at a ball. They spent over a week alone, and that didn't create a scandal. Not even her best friend's mother, who would go insane if a dress was too low-cut, didn't bat an eye.
The end was tied up very quickly after such a journey they had. I would have appreciated more of an insight of what Trem's life had been like growing up without parents, and how his butler was basically his only family. There was one conversation when the butler explained his childhood, and then all of a sudden Henrietta was able to help him come to terms with everything. The same could be said of the resolution for her story. One conversation, and all was well. I'm not sure I'd be as understanding as Henrietta.
I loved Trem and Henrietta as a couple. They definitely complemented each other. Their journey together was wonderful, and well-paced until it wasn't. Forgiveness, purpose, and resolution for all three plotlines were tied up nicely in a bow rather suddenly.
I still loved the story, and look forward to the next friend's story. A slight hint as to which friend is given, and it sounds fun.
While the story is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I plan to go back, and experience both stories again.
There is a definite high level of heat, and quite a variety of situations. While graphic, they are written well, and further shows their growth as a couple.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lindsay  pinkcowlandreads.
824 reviews107 followers
January 18, 2024
4.5⭐️

Lydia Lloyd returns with another addition to her rake, chronicles series, this time featuring a spicy brothers, best friend romance!

When the Viscount Wanted Me picks up a few years after the first book, focusing on Henrietta, the little sister of John from book one and what does no right away that she’s not just someone’s little sister anymore! She’s been out for a few seasons and has decided to see what love and passion is all about after her unacquainted love for her brother’s best friend Trem has gone unfulfilled. Why not intimacy is all about with her best friend? What she learned is that it’s a whole Lotta trouble and bother when it’s with the wrong person! Lucky for Henrietta, Trem here is all about her exploits and attempts to come to her rescue… And ends up, providing some intimacy lessons himself!

This book was an absolute delight! I love how the chemistry, attraction, admiration and interest in each happens, almost as an Insta love, when Trem finally looks at Henrietta and stop seeing John‘s little sister, and starts seeing her as the love of his life.

As I have come to expect with Lydia Lloyd’s work, she brings out all the best classic historical romance tropes (Brothers, best friend, for engagement, love triangle, roadtrip) in her characteristically fun and fresh way. Her love and knowledge of history (spicy history!!!) and historical romance is obvious as she creates these love letters to the genre.

When the Viscount Wanted Me was a wild ride, and I’m excited to see where The Rake Chronicles series takes us next, as the other rakes find their own HEA’s!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for my e-book review copy. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Winnifred D..
877 reviews34 followers
December 21, 2023
Trope: brother's best friend
Steam level: 4
Part of a series: yes, book 2

3.5 squeaked up, Just like in this author's last book (her debut) the writing style is solid and the steam is super steamy (if you're into "sweet and clean" this isn't the book for you). My main issue is that I didn't find either MC all that compelling--but maybe that's just me. Lately I've been into HR's with more nuanced. emotional characters, especially working class MC's, and these two were just a bit too "glossy upper-crust" for me. Henrietta is too headstrong for her own good, bordering on TSTL at times (and pretty anachronistic in her behavior/language to boot). Some of the humorous scenes work, but she really is the instigator of her own problems. Trem is fine, just missing that spark that really pulls me in and puts a MMC into "book boyfriend" territory for me.

There is a lot of interior monlogue-ing, as well, sometimes slowing down the pace. I do enjoy the "brother 's best friend" trope but was looking for something with a bit more meat story-wise.

Overall: you'll like this fine if you're into modernistic HR's with a lightweight plot and characters.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica White.
486 reviews47 followers
February 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The second in the Rake Chronicles, this follows Duke John Breminster’s sister Henrietta. I would highly suggest reading When the Duke Loved me first as many characters are connected and some relationships are crucial to understanding the plot. When Trem (Viscount of Tremberley) overhears a conversation from Justin, Earl of Hartley impugning the virtue of Henrietta, he finds himself stepping in and defending her honor. But it doesn’t take much for Trem to quickly start seeing Henrietta as more than his best-friend’s little sister, and want her virtue for himself.
This book is so hot. There are multiple intimate scenes—too many to count—and Trem and Henrietta find any excuse to get together. Their relationship seemed so natural to me, as if it’s always been there, just waiting to surface until the right time. Even though neither of them is a novice, there’s still so much learning and playfulness with one another and I was completely there for it! Lydia Lloyd knows how to write a sex scene and some of my favorite moments were when Trem would practically demand that he find a moment alone with Henrietta. His frustration was palpable! I’m also a sucker for a romance where the hero doesn’t care about the heroine’s past, her exploits, her status, or her wealth and just wants her for her. Trem makes no bones about wanting Henrietta and it’s her young girl’s dream come to fruition.

Mother-daughter relationships are explored in this book and I found Henrietta’s longing to know her mother so heartwarming, especially before her biggest day—her wedding. A secondary mother-daughter relationship is present with Henrietta’s friend Cassandra Seymour and motherhood is also used for comic relief with Catherine’s child.

Tropes abound, but I found them to be well utilized and fitting to the story. Read this if you enjoy only one room at the inn, brother’s best friend, and carriage travel. The villain in this story is so good (how he’s both humorous and dimwitted at the same time is “chef’s kiss”). And if you enjoy a romance without a third act breakup, this one delivers. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I received this advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
Profile Image for K. King.
872 reviews
December 6, 2024
‘When the Viscount Wanted Me’ wasn’t a bad book. It just wasn’t the book for me. The beginning was fantastic. Trem overhears a drunken lord sobbing about the woman he loves refusing to marry him. He proceeds to claim that he and the woman in question have been intimate and all but calls her out by name. Realizing the men are talking about his friend’s sister, he decides to take matters into his own hands. When he confronts Henrietta, she tells him that what he overheard is right then they suddenly form this intense attraction, and the rest of the book is just them having sex. I’m 110% down for a steamy romance, but I want emotions and angst, and I can’t live without you moments, too.

The author's profile says she has a Ph.D. in 19th-century British Literature, so I’m sure everything was well-researched, but there was just something about the writing that felt at odds with the period.
Profile Image for Colleen.
1,096 reviews25 followers
January 17, 2024
When the Viscount Wanted Me is the second book in the Rake Chronicles series. This is a continuation of the plot from the previous book but this time it revolves around John's sister Henrietta and his best friend Lord Hugh Aldershot, the Viscount of Tremberley, AKA Trem.

Henrietta found out that the late duchess was not her mother, and that she was the result of the romantic liaison of her father and Mary Forster. John and Henrietta are determined to keep the secret within the family.

Henrietta has always had a little bit in love with Trem since she was young and he felt the same way, but he would never think of trying to court his best friend's sister. Everything changes when he brings a drunken man, claiming to be in love with Henrietta who is claiming loudly for all to hear that he has compromised Henrietta, to see John. When she answers the door in a robe he is stunned at her beauty and womanly attributes which are hinted at beneath her clothing his feelings change to desire and more. They become involved is a physical relationship that burns deeply that they take risks to be together.

While looking for wedding dresses with her best friend and mother, Henrietta sees the loving relationship between them, she longs for contact with her own mother and runs off to get to know her. This will create tension between John and Trem as he accuses him of despicable acts, they fight and argue. Trem is determined to find Henrietta so they can be married. But the gossips rags write lies which only makes John sure that Trem has ruined his sister which makes things worse. The drunken lovesick man has plans of his own and is determined that he will marry Henrietta which puts them all in danger.

This was a wonderful continuation of the first book. The main characters are great fun and very entertaining. In the previous book John was much calmer. In this one he was overprotective of Henrietta, almost out of character from what we had read before, but still entertaining. I enjoy reading stories where we get to learn more about the characters even if they are not the primary ones of the story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Emily.
527 reviews25 followers
January 14, 2024
When the Viscount Wanted Me is the second book in Lydia Lloyd's Rake Chronicles series. You could read this one as a stand alone (like I did) but I feel like I had missed some stuff along the way. Lloyd is a new to me author and I was excited to jump in when I saw it would be a brother's best friend trope but I'm feeling slightly conflicted. On one hand, I liked the main couple; Henrietta and Trem. I think this book suffers from being too detailed sometimes and therefore I found myself skipping over parts. It felt like the author was excited to share all the facts she learned while researching and stuffed them all into the book. The perfect example of this is the chapter at the intellectual salon. She introduces a ton of characters that have detailed backstories but are never seen or mentioned again. They were superfluous to the plot and it felt that way. I would have been perfectly content if the story had ended at the 60% mark.

This is a spicy one; almost with no rhyme or reason. It began to feel perfunctory towards the end. Reading this review back, it almost seems like I didn't like it. I did enjoy it (mostly.) The story opening was so interesting and unlike any other historical. Trem falls very quickly. I'm not sure if I missed some interactions in the previous book, but I wish that the author had expanded upon some past moments that were mentioned in passing. The whole plotline with Justin went on a bit too long. It was also a bit confusing having John be okay with the engagement at the onset and then next time you see him, he hates Trem and is willing to throw away a decades long friendship. I had whiplash.

I'd be willing to give Lloyd another try in the future. I think her writing just needs a bit more editing for content.

Tropes included: reformed rake, ruined heroine, stalker ex, brother's best friend, I've loved you forever, sickbed, runaway heroine, bluestocking heroine, family secrets, orphaned hero, secret relationship, childhood friends to lovers, age gap, illegitimate heroine, high spice

Thank you to NetGalley, Lydia Lloyd and Tule Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #WhentheViscountWantedMe #TulePublishing #TheRakeChroniclesiew to come
Profile Image for Meg.
1,981 reviews85 followers
June 8, 2025
Lord Hugh Aldershot, Viscount Tremberley, is Lady Henrietta Breminster's brother's best friend. Henrietta has always looked up to Trem, and as a young woman developed a tendre for him. She's also practical (how can her brother the duke approve of his illegitimate half-sister with his best friend, especially since she's sure Trem only sees her as a sister, too) and also lustful, so she decides to sleep with the Earl of Hartley, who she certainly doesn't want to marry. Facing the possibility of ruin, Trem proposes, but Henrietta is only willing to accept if he truly loves her, and not just because this is the proper thing for a gentleman to do.

This sophomore book from Lydia Lloyd worked really well for me. Her first book felt uneven and filled with too many tropes, and so I held off on reading When the Viscount Wanted Me, but I didn't need to. It's well-rounded and progresses really well with character development, spicy scenes, and the microtropes we all love in a historical romance.

This is, of course, a romance novel, but one of the things that stood out for me was Henrietta's arc as she sets boundaries, gains her independence, and reconciles her status as illegitimate. She's keen to develop friendships, and her ability to connect with her birth mother comes from the support Trem provides. For all his rakish ways, Trem is decidedly reformed the instant he understands Henrietta could be his, and he too has some lovely moments of growth.
Profile Image for Asia.
316 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2024
4.25/5

That was so good!!!! Age gap, brother's best friend, SPICE, forced relationship, fwb, regency? My God, it's the book for me.

I LOVED this. Trem and Henrietta are so good and well-written. Trem was such a good book boyfriend. He saw Henrietta in a robe and became a man obsessed (in a good way!). Completely unhinged, lost all of his marbles just to have a chance with her. He was literally "her or nobody else" but he was also super respectful and loving!!

I loved it. The spice was spicing and I loved each and every scene The pearls? THE PEARLS??? I'm blushing. It was amazing, holy shit.

Hartley was such a whiny guy but I'm glad that he was present throughout the whole book. While I wanted to punch him, repeatedly, it was nice to have a conflict that was not "the older brother doesn't approve of the relationship".

Which, I have to say, the fact that John didn't approve later on pissed me off and is one of the reasons why it's not full 5 stars. When he first learned about their relationship and was so happy and I thought that it was such a good change and I was so happy that this book doesn't have a brother who doesn't approve of the main couple. But then it changed and it annoyed me.

Also, the whole Mary subplot. Henrietta is too good of a person - I wouldn't forgive the woman who abandoned me and never tried to reach out to me for so many years. Henrietta has a better heart than I do that she forgave her.

The book dragged on for me in the latter part. I loved it all but this whole Mary subplot dragged on for me and it was too long.

My favourite line: “What in the devil’s arsehole are you doing here?” she hissed at him, the fury in her voice making the hairs on his arms stand up.

DEVIL'S ARSEHOLE?? I'm gonna use it.

My favourite scene: the pearls. Iykyk.

Amazing book. One of my favourites this year.
Profile Image for Alison.
1,798 reviews16 followers
January 8, 2024
Caught up in the makings of potential social ruin, Lady Henrietta Breminster enlists the help of the Viscount of Tremberley to keep the gossips of the ton at bay. Needless to say that her long held crush on Trem and his new attraction to his best friend’s sister makes this a situation that both do not regret.

The strength of this story lies in the individual growth that happens for Trem and Henrietta in confronting aspects of their past that haunt their present. They each had clear arcs that allow the reader to see each character and their actions through the culmination of their past experiences thus far.

If you are a fan of steamy historical romances, then this will be right up your alley. I am fine with steam as long as there is a strong emotional connection being built. Unfortunately, the emotional connection and romance was not particularly strong in this story.

Overall, this is an entertaining read about two people who grow and support one another while dealing with the ghosts of their past, and a more present and pressing issue that all comes to a head in a satisfying conclusion.

3.25✨’s

Thanks to Tule Publishing for the opportunity to respond to this book. All honest opinions are my own.
Profile Image for BookishMya.
1,037 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed the chaos that was Trem & Henrietta. There’s was not a straight path but rather an ever-twisting road of discovery. Discovery of character, of oneself, of emotion and body. I truly enjoyed the similarities between the main characters. So much shared experience and history makes for a great foundation. The story is told in a way that keeps you interested and thoroughly entertained. I love watching a rake fall.
Profile Image for Nicole.
96 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2024
What a fun historical romance! The chemistry between the two main characters, Trem and Henrietta, is palpable. I love that there is mutual pining, but we don't have to wait too long for the tension between them to completely explode. The spicy scenes were creative and fun and I LOVED that the main character wasn't a simpering innocent (though that trope has a time and place.). The inclusion in this book is phenomenal and goes to a level that so few modern historicals get close to. My only critique is that I wanted to get to the wedding quicker, but the character development that happened between their engagement and wedding was well written, so I can't complain too much!
Profile Image for K..
4,659 reviews1,142 followers
May 26, 2025
Content warnings: sexual harassment, gun violence, sexism

This was a hell of a lot like reading a PWP fan fic. And honestly, I mean that as a compliment, I really do. I flew through this and giggled like a fool on multiple occasions. But at the same time, it was, for all intents and purposes, a string of sex scenes loosely hung together with some occasional plot sprinkled over the top.
Profile Image for Melinda Greathouse.
371 reviews
December 3, 2023
I enjoyed Lydia Lloyd’s debut, but this second book is even better. I’m a sucker for a good brother’s best friend story, and Lloyd uses that here. I found the love story to be super steamy and incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait for more from this author!

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
899 reviews30 followers
January 18, 2024
When Lady Henrietta shuns further attentions from the Earl of Hartley, two friends, each with a hole in their heart, suddenly realize that they hold the missing pieces that can fill those gaps. Despite a ten year difference between them, Henrietta and Trem click. Their relationship is decidedly hot and spicy, but there’s more between them than attraction. But Lord Hartley isn't ready to take no for an answer or accept that Henrietta has turned her attentions toward another. He's determined to marry her, creating all sorts of havoc to get his way.

This book is very well written, but it’s definitely for mature readers. The relationship between Henrietta and Trem breaks all the rules of propriety of the time.

This was a quick and risqué read. I found it enjoyable, and the perfect light read between heavier one. I recommend it if you enjoy this type of book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher. I thank them for their generosity, but it didn’t influence this review in any manner. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for Allieveryday.
243 reviews3 followers
December 14, 2023
The spiciest book I have read outside of Sierra Simone!

I really enjoyed this book and Lydia Lloyd's writing, especially when it comes to Monty!
However, the book felt somewhat long, like some sections lagged and it felt like it took a while to get to the next point of the story. Also, the magazine side story felt unnecessary, the book could either do without it and be fine or make it more important. Otherwise it feels like a "purpose" for the sake of giving Harriett a purpose.

Ok now the spice.. WOW. I had to step away a few times to cool down. So many scenes, so well written, and they all served a purpose to the relationship. This book could have been all insta-lust, but Trem and Harriett had a true connection.

Please give us Monty next!
Profile Image for JaywhyGee Reads.
154 reviews15 followers
January 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️/5
3.0 🌶️/5

Are you into a forbidden romance? Let’s say between older brother’s best friend/best friend’s lil sis? Do you like a FMC in a historical romance who takes what she wants? 😉 Then you’ll like When the Viscount Wanted me from Lydia Lloyd.

What we get:
🔥Forbidden romance (best friend’s sister/older brother’s bestie)
🔥Age gap (22ish to 32ish)
🔥Regency period
🔥Sneaky stolen spicy moments 🥵
🔥Dual POV
🔥Found family
🔥Non-virgin FMC

I LOVE how not only horny Henrietta and Tremberley are for each other but also how supportive they are of one another. They’ve known each other for years and years, but something happens that makes them both see each other in a new light. A new sexy light. 🔥

These two are both impulsive but caring free spirits, and each have had to deal with the loss of their parents. They find a true sense of family with each other, and I absolutely love that.

One of my favorite things about this book is that that Henrietta is not a virgin, which is really rare in all of the historical romances I have read. I'm a bit tired about reading of the clueless female virgin, so when a FMC comes in and takes what she wants, I am rooting for her all of the way.

Thank you so much to blah and Lydia for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Profile Image for Carey’s Reviews.
615 reviews27 followers
March 22, 2024
2.5 Stars! I couldn’t get into this book. This is the second book in ‘The Rake Chronicles’ series and for the most part, can be read as a standalone. The main characters, Henrietta & Trem, and neither one was really likable, in my opinion. She was a childish, spoiled, brat & had no consideration for others. He wasn’t so bad but I still wasn’t really feeling him. Considering the regency time period, Henrietta was a bit too sexual. I swear, the main characters were having ‘sexy times’ every other page. It got old, fast. I need more in a romance than constant ‘sexy times’. Sex doesn’t equal love & I was wondering if these characters were just in lust, not love. It was an interesting plot, however & could be a really great book. It did drag on often & I had to skim through a lot. I don’t need 3 pages describing something that I got 2 and a half pages ago. But hey, if you read romance mostly for the ‘sexy times’ & don’t care about the love & romance in a book, then you should check this one out.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,342 reviews88 followers
May 29, 2025
Update loved the Audiobook.

This next book in the rake chronicles series follows Trem and Henrietta (brothers best friends little sister trope) in which Trem is to save Henrietta reputation by overhearing her obsessive ex Hartley claims he’s bedded her outside of marriage. We quickly learn it’s not a claim at all but truth and Henrietta doesn’t want to marry Hartley out of obligation.

I really like Lydia’s writing style as she depicts scenes very well. I think this would’ve benefited more with more emotions coming from the main couple as it sometimes felt surface level, maybe showing a few past scenes of the couple growing up wouldve helped instead of telling them. I will admit I didn’t always care for Henrietta. I just wasn’t emotionally invested in the couple. I DO look forward to reading more in this series.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,514 reviews132 followers
November 12, 2023
Hello new to me author, Lydia Lloyd. You have a new fan. Trem and Henrietta's story was so good! I loved that Henrietta marched to her own drum and did her thing not worrying about what society would say. I also loved that when Trem realized he wanted her, he was ALL IN! This was super steamy. I read this one without reading the first book in the series and had no trouble at all. And imagine my joy when I realized I have the first book already on my kindle LOL John and Charlotte's story will be read soon (and I kind of can't wait for Monty's story).
Profile Image for Rohani.
338 reviews
August 16, 2024
We have a brother's-best-friend trope, and also a 10-year age gap between the two MCs. It's quite awful. Never liked the FMC when she's first introduced in Book 1, hate her even more in Book 2. She consistently makes bad choices from the beginning to the end because she's too stupid to live, and we have an MMC who tries to be the white knight all the time. It's really off-putting. He's as worse as the stalker-villain (maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I think both MCs are the real villains here).
Profile Image for Jill Long.
1,364 reviews6 followers
May 10, 2024
This book didn't work for me. The heroine seemed more like she was written for the 21st century. She did not act or think like the women of the 1700's.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
1,086 reviews19 followers
January 21, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 2 of the Rake Chronicles, and follows the sister and best friend of the MMC from book 1; we first met Hugh, the Viscount of Tremblay, as the best friend of John Breminster, the Duke of Edington, and the owner of the estate where John meets and falls for Catherine Forster, as adults. Henrietta Breminster is the younger sister of John, and the saving of her dowry, because of the will of their father, the late Duke, was the quest John and Catherine embarked on in book 1, and in that first book, the family secrets of the Breminster family are exposed.

This book occurs several years later, after John and Catherine have been married and started a young family of their own, with a toddler son. Henrietta lives with them, and has been out in Society for several years. She is a popular young woman, wealthy, beautiful, charming, and sought after, but has not yet found someone she wants to wed. She has nurtured an infatuation for her brother's best friend since childhood, but always figured he was unattainable. But being a witness to the love matches of her brother and friends, she wanted a taste of passion herself, and thought to achieve that by dallying with her own friend, Justin, the young Earl of Hartley. What she did not realize was that he did not see it as a friends with benefits situation, but as a claim to her, having likely a hidden infatuation for her himself. He has taken their tryst uncomfortably far beyond what she intended, importuning her to marry him at every chance, despite her constant refusals.


Hugh overhears a drunken Hartley proclaiming his desires for Henrietta publicly at his club one night and is incensed by the public rending of Henrietta's reputation, but not being aware of how far things went. He takes it in his head to right the situation in lieu of his best friend, by dragging the drunken lord to the Duke's home for a reckoning. Luckily only Henrietta was home to witness the situation. She and Hugh end up alone to have a heated discussion of the situation, and Hugh is forced to acknowledge that Henrietta is no longer the sweet little sister he saw her as, and the situation becomes heated in a different way as he realizes that she is now a grown woman - and one that he has become increasingly attracted to.

This is a friends to lovers, forbidden fruit (best friend's sisters being off limits) romance, with Hugh and Henrietta rapidly progressing to having frequent, hidden trysts, and Hugh rapidly going from realizing that Henrietta is not a little girl anymore to giving up his rakish ways and reforming to a man who only wants her for his wife. Henrietta seemed initially reluctant to accept Hugh's proposal that she expected him to make out of guilt and honour because of his relationship to her brother, but rapidly changed her mind. Then the both of them have to weather the mine field of the secrets of their relationship and how much to expose to her intemperate brother.

But let's not forget, Henrietta has a deep, personal secret that she fears will cause Hugh to not accept her as his bride... and also causes her to question her own identity. Enough that she decides suddenly that she must confront her past before she weds Hugh, which initiates a scandalous runaway bride situation, which causes an angry rift between Hugh and John.

Also, still in the background, continuing to cause difficulties is the lovelorn, and angry Justin, Earl of Hartley, who feels that Hugh stole Henrietta from him, and is determined to take her back, no matter what.

Despite knowing each other and being friends since Henrietta was 14, Hugh did not see her as a woman and lover for many years after her debut. But once he did, he and Henrietta ramped up to lovers pretty rapidly - the steamy sex scenes started early and pretty rapidly. However, I do object to the quite frequent use of "pelvic muscles" in the initial interludes. It seemed to me to be too clinical for a romantic sensual scene and used frequently enough that I found it rather annoying, but luckily it was not peppered too much for the rest of the book.

Hugh and Henrietta were characterized as quite wild and impulsive characters - rather chaotically so and this was acknowledged in the story - while it explains much about the rapid build up of their relationship, and their choices, I have to admit, if they were real people in my life, their drama would be emotionally exhausting. But in a book, as a reader, it was fun and adventuresome. I enjoyed the connections and continuation of some of the story from book 1 as well.

Fun, rapidly paced story, with some emotional angst (and some of it more friendship related, than romance, between John and Hugh).

3.75 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Fleur.
283 reviews
May 13, 2025
3.5 ⭐️

Cute but there was a bit too much smut in it for my tast. It was all about intimacy and there was barely any plot. The book had potential, but it didn't deliver. Much more could have been done with the story.

The ending where the ex lover came to stir things up felt a bit forced to make it more exciting…

I thought the relationship between the couple moved very quickly… He is much older than her and has known her since she was 10. He always saw her as a sister and suddenly he sees her in a sexual way. I just thought it was a bit strange…

_____________________________
Summary;

(Spoilers)

Henrietta Breminster has always been impulsive and curious. She is considered one of the most beautiful women of her age and has many suitors. She is good friends with the Earl of Hartley and was very curious about the intimacy between a man and a woman. She lost her virginity to him and saw it as an experiment between two good friends. She did not think too much of it until Hartley declared that he loved her. She does not feel the same way and rejected him. But Harley is madly in love and hopes to marry Henrietta.

Trem, the Viscount of Tremberley is in a club when he hears Hartley declare that he has bedded with Henrietta. Henrietta is the younger sister of his best friend and this statement makes him furious. He confronts Hartley but the man swears that it is true and not just stupid gossip. He takes Hartley to Breminster House and confronts Henrietta about her thoughtless action. She admits that it is true and from that moment on he sees Henrietta in a different light. He kisses her and it goes a little further than that. The next day he thinks about what happened and realizes that he has been looking at Henrietta differently for months. He has noticed for a long time that she is no longer the little girl he once knew. But a beautiful adult woman who is apparently curious about sex.

This moment has changed something between Henrietta and Trem. Henrietta had been in love with Trem for years but he is 10 years older and her brother's best friend. She had always hoped to marry him one day but she never expected it to happen. But now he gives her the attention she has always longed for. They start a secret relationship and decide to get married. But Hartley does not give up yet and declares that he is going to marry Henrietta himself. Trem quickly takes this lie out of the world and is forced to announce his engagement to Henrietta immediately. John, Henrietta's brother, is shocked but happy for both of them.

Henrietta found out a while ago that the Duchess of Edington was not her real mother. Her brother John and his wife, Catherine Forster, discovered that her father, the Duke, had an affair with Mary Forster, Catherine's aunt. It was a doomed love that ultimately did not win. And their love destroyed much. But it also produced Henrietta. Mary and the Duchess were both pregnant from the Duke. The Duchess died during childbirth together with the baby. When Mary gave birth to Henrietta, they made it seem that Henrietta was the Duchess's baby and therefore legitimate. Mary Forster left the baby with the Duke and left.

Now that Henrietta is busy preparing for the wedding, she notices the lack of a mother figure in her life. She spontaneously decides to visit Mary Forster. In her haste, she has forgotten to inform anyone of her departure. A man on a horse comes racing towards them. Her coachman thinks they are being attacked by highway men so he shoots the man. The so-called highway man turns out to be Trem who now has a gunshot wound in his arm.

Trem went to visit Henrietta when he saw a panicked John because his sister was nowhere to be found. John accused Trem of having something to do with her disappearance and fights with him. The best friends say a few cruel things to each other and separate in anger. Trem then goes looking for Henrietta but forgets to identify himself when he approaches the carriage, and gets shot.

Trem and Henrietta spend some time in an inn and visit Mary Forster who is now married and has two children. They visit Mary several times and get to know her and her family better. Then they travel straight to Tremberley manor for the wedding that takes place next week. John is still angry with Trem but shows his support to keep the gossip at bay.

Just before the ceremony Hartley comes by and wants to talk to Henrietta. They have a conversation but then Harley pulls out a pistol. It's a tense moment but then Trem and John come to the rescue and disarms Harley. The wedding then continues as if nothing happened. Now married Trem and Henrietta couldn't be happier.
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