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The Rake Chronicles #3
When the Earl Desired Me
He thought he’d lost her forever…
Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne, is rumored to be the most abandoned rake in England. But the ton would be shocked if they knew the truth. Almost twelve years ago, he fell deeply in love with Olivia Watson, a maid in his family’s house, and experienced a passion that changed him body and soul. When she disappeared, he was destroyed—and completely unable to forget her.
After her devastating affair with the Earl of Montaigne, Olivia Watson promised herself she would never go back to Mayfair. But when her employer decides to return to London, Olivia has no choice but to follow. Almost immediately, she finds herself face-to-face with the man who crushed her heart. Unfortunately, she still nurses an unbearable attraction to him and, even worse, he has the audacity to demand an explanation for her flight.
When Montaigne tries to win Olivia back, the truth of their history quickly begins to reveal itself. Will their different stations in life keep them apart forever? Or will he convince her that this time they can have their happily ever after?
Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne, is rumored to be the most abandoned rake in England. But the ton would be shocked if they knew the truth. Almost twelve years ago, he fell deeply in love with Olivia Watson, a maid in his family’s house, and experienced a passion that changed him body and soul. When she disappeared, he was destroyed—and completely unable to forget her.
After her devastating affair with the Earl of Montaigne, Olivia Watson promised herself she would never go back to Mayfair. But when her employer decides to return to London, Olivia has no choice but to follow. Almost immediately, she finds herself face-to-face with the man who crushed her heart. Unfortunately, she still nurses an unbearable attraction to him and, even worse, he has the audacity to demand an explanation for her flight.
When Montaigne tries to win Olivia back, the truth of their history quickly begins to reveal itself. Will their different stations in life keep them apart forever? Or will he convince her that this time they can have their happily ever after?
378 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2024
22 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
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July 9, 2024
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June 12, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
“Older” couple.👍👏
(Both main characters are 30+)
Experienced heroine.
(She had lovers before the hero and also had lovers during their long time apart… she was not “frozen” like so many other heroines are in romance books no matter the romance genre.)
Friends to lovers romance.
Second chance romance.
A bit of a “role reversal” the hero was the one that was “frozen”.
Interesting side characters.
(The heroines employer/friend and her children that more or less was the heroines found family…. And it would have been interesting to read about the romance the heroines older employer/friend had going on.)
Some parts of the story was a bit interesting.
OK sex scenes/steam.
➖ What I disliked:
A little too much telling without much showing.
Some things were glossed over a little too much and things were also resolved/solved way too easily and quickly.
(The entire thing with the so called friend/best friend of the hero and what he did to the main characters relationship when they were younger… his behavior was disgusting and he really had not changed and never confessed to what he did or apologized for what he did until he was “forced” to.
His behavior and actions was blamed on his youth …. when he knew exactly what he was doing and how to hurt the heroine in the best way etc.
The quick “change” in this character was OTT and not especially believable.)
The way the heroine blamed herself for so many things and also for things the was not her fault or out of her control.
The heroines personality was a little bit too contradicting/disjointed.
In some parts of the story the writing style or/and the plot was a little confusing.
The heroine is a curvy/full-figured heroine and 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 to have no real issues with her body…👍
⚠️BUT⚠️.... there are some scenes were she is out of the blue self-conscious about her plumpness and compares herself and is negative about her body etc.
When she was Not self-conscious or compared herself when she was young/younger and together with other lovers and then with the hero …. and she had always had a full and curvy body…. And she was also a woman that was open with/in charge of her sexuality…..and Not a shy brainwashed/willfully ignorant debutante.
She also says she does Not want to change how she looks or have a thinner/smaller body and she thinks she is rather pretty and desirable …. and then 2 or 3 times she is out of the blue self-conscious and negative about her plumpness and especially her legs and thighs …. and then never again after or before that??
And she had NO problems or issues with her full thighs etc. in the steamy scene in the park with the hero.
It seemed out of character for the heroine and contradicting… but also unnecessary and jarring… and kind of disjointed and out of place for many reasons ...and just added to be added.
The heroine also had low self-esteem/self-worth about everything from her background (being a orphan) to her “class” and that she was/is a servant… but then on top of that also about how she looked and her body etc.
😮💨😤
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧....Women in the early 19th century/19th century did Not speak or feel or act the same way as some women do in the 21st century…(about their bodies etc.)…
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 “𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐩” 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 in the early 19th century/19th century was not a “bad” thing…. And it is possible to write heroines that are “plump” or curvy or full-figured and then also make them 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐜.
And still have them feel like they belong in the century they are in…. And also NOT be stereotypical and insecure etc. and NOT be self-conscious and NOT have internalized body-shaming etc. etc.)
But also women of all sizes and shapes have always existed and there were curvy/full-figured women in all classes and levels of society from the maids to the farmers wife to the aristocratic/noble woman during the regency era, the Victorian era and before and after that.
And they would have had suitors just like any other women….. no matter if their body size/shape was “in trend” or not.
What would have been “undesirable” about the heroine and women for the aristocratic men/ The Ton would have been if she/they were very extroverted/extroverted or outspoken or a blue stocking or something like that.
Or not of the “right class" or poor or a servant or former servant etc.
(And the heroine was/is a servant/paid companion …. and that was why they did not show open interest in her etc. ...... servants etc. was non entities/"invisible" to the aristocratic men/ The Ton or most of them.)
Repetitive.
(Certain words and some things here and there… but also the heroines thoughts about her class and herself and her body etc.)
Believability/plausibility issues etc.
( That the heroine would be rather easily accepted by so many of the heroes relatives and the “Ton”/ aristocrats and how easily everything with that situation was fixed etc.
That the hero would continue being friends with the man that did what he did to the heroine and their relationship when younger and the big betrayal around that.
He should have to either grovel much much harder for both main characters than he did or even better just not be a part of their lives…. Because what he did was awful and he was a total douchebag.)
Both main characters personalities need more depth and so did the romance in places …. it was a little too focused on the physical and there was too little emotional development…. The glimpses into their past showed a deeper emotional bond/connection …. but that was not really there in between them now.
And their reunion and forgiving etc. each other was a little rushed and underwhelming among other things.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(Tall, muscular/chiseled, handsome)
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Curvy/full-figured heroine. 👍
“Older” couple.👍👏
(Both main characters are 30+)
Experienced heroine.
(She had lovers before the hero and also had lovers during their long time apart… she was not “frozen” like so many other heroines are in romance books no matter the romance genre.)
Friends to lovers romance.
Second chance romance.
A bit of a “role reversal” the hero was the one that was “frozen”.
Interesting side characters.
(The heroines employer/friend and her children that more or less was the heroines found family…. And it would have been interesting to read about the romance the heroines older employer/friend had going on.)
Some parts of the story was a bit interesting.
OK sex scenes/steam.
➖ What I disliked:
A little too much telling without much showing.
Some things were glossed over a little too much and things were also resolved/solved way too easily and quickly.
(The entire thing with the so called friend/best friend of the hero and what he did to the main characters relationship when they were younger… his behavior was disgusting and he really had not changed and never confessed to what he did or apologized for what he did until he was “forced” to.
His behavior and actions was blamed on his youth …. when he knew exactly what he was doing and how to hurt the heroine in the best way etc.
The quick “change” in this character was OTT and not especially believable.)
The way the heroine blamed herself for so many things and also for things the was not her fault or out of her control.
The heroines personality was a little bit too contradicting/disjointed.
In some parts of the story the writing style or/and the plot was a little confusing.
The heroine is a curvy/full-figured heroine and 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 to have no real issues with her body…👍
⚠️BUT⚠️.... there are some scenes were she is out of the blue self-conscious about her plumpness and compares herself and is negative about her body etc.
When she was Not self-conscious or compared herself when she was young/younger and together with other lovers and then with the hero …. and she had always had a full and curvy body…. And she was also a woman that was open with/in charge of her sexuality…..and Not a shy brainwashed/willfully ignorant debutante.
She also says she does Not want to change how she looks or have a thinner/smaller body and she thinks she is rather pretty and desirable …. and then 2 or 3 times she is out of the blue self-conscious and negative about her plumpness and especially her legs and thighs …. and then never again after or before that??
And she had NO problems or issues with her full thighs etc. in the steamy scene in the park with the hero.
It seemed out of character for the heroine and contradicting… but also unnecessary and jarring… and kind of disjointed and out of place for many reasons ...and just added to be added.
The heroine also had low self-esteem/self-worth about everything from her background (being a orphan) to her “class” and that she was/is a servant… but then on top of that also about how she looked and her body etc.
😮💨😤
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧....Women in the early 19th century/19th century did Not speak or feel or act the same way as some women do in the 21st century…(about their bodies etc.)…
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 “𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐩” 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 in the early 19th century/19th century was not a “bad” thing…. And it is possible to write heroines that are “plump” or curvy or full-figured and then also make them 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐭𝐜.
And still have them feel like they belong in the century they are in…. And also NOT be stereotypical and insecure etc. and NOT be self-conscious and NOT have internalized body-shaming etc. etc.)
But also women of all sizes and shapes have always existed and there were curvy/full-figured women in all classes and levels of society from the maids to the farmers wife to the aristocratic/noble woman during the regency era, the Victorian era and before and after that.
And they would have had suitors just like any other women….. no matter if their body size/shape was “in trend” or not.
What would have been “undesirable” about the heroine and women for the aristocratic men/ The Ton would have been if she/they were very extroverted/extroverted or outspoken or a blue stocking or something like that.
Or not of the “right class" or poor or a servant or former servant etc.
(And the heroine was/is a servant/paid companion …. and that was why they did not show open interest in her etc. ...... servants etc. was non entities/"invisible" to the aristocratic men/ The Ton or most of them.)
Repetitive.
(Certain words and some things here and there… but also the heroines thoughts about her class and herself and her body etc.)
Believability/plausibility issues etc.
( That the heroine would be rather easily accepted by so many of the heroes relatives and the “Ton”/ aristocrats and how easily everything with that situation was fixed etc.
That the hero would continue being friends with the man that did what he did to the heroine and their relationship when younger and the big betrayal around that.
He should have to either grovel much much harder for both main characters than he did or even better just not be a part of their lives…. Because what he did was awful and he was a total douchebag.)
Both main characters personalities need more depth and so did the romance in places …. it was a little too focused on the physical and there was too little emotional development…. The glimpses into their past showed a deeper emotional bond/connection …. but that was not really there in between them now.
And their reunion and forgiving etc. each other was a little rushed and underwhelming among other things.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the hero.
(Tall, muscular/chiseled, handsome)
May 16, 2024
This is only my 3rd book by Lydia Lloyd but I loved both book 1 and 2 in this series. They were so well written and a great read so was super excited to see book 3 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 really enjoyed Augusta and Olivia's story. I liked their personalities. The storyline was good. I love how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. :) Funny, I've read 1000's of these books and it all comes back to the same thing, communication. If we, as humans still have that issue today, it really was bad back in Regency era. It would solve so many problems. Anyway, I really like this author and hope she continues to write more books over the many years.
I really enjoyed Augusta and Olivia's story. I liked their personalities. The storyline was good. I love how they couldn't keep their hands off each other. :) Funny, I've read 1000's of these books and it all comes back to the same thing, communication. If we, as humans still have that issue today, it really was bad back in Regency era. It would solve so many problems. Anyway, I really like this author and hope she continues to write more books over the many years.
May 15, 2024
A spicy, fun and entertaining second chance romance with a moving emotional touch!
Separated by 10 guineas and a heartless note thirteen years ago, Olivia and Augustus unexpectedly come face-to-face again - he a rake with a depraved reputation and powerful friends, she a companion to the wealthy widow of a tradesman. What he considers a miracle, is her biggest fear. The man has nothing but his title to recommend him, yet he still stirs her body and soul…
Yes, he has to grovel and beg for a second chance, but his charm offensive is to die for! Of course, it’s with a little help from his loyal friends and their wives.
And she really tries to resist - class difference, vicious gossip and a spiteful ton are enough to make any practical woman doubt. But how do you resist when a man has the most endearing and heartwarming ways of weaseling his way back into your heart?
How refreshing to find a man who knows his heart's desire and isn’t afraid to show it!
He worships the ground she walks on, and will bend and break every rule if it means she will stay by his side. I love his persistence and devotion, his vulnerability and his honesty - this man’s secrets are pure gold - and so is his heart! And I especially loved how he puts no pressure on her.
I really enjoyed how Olivia and Augustus stuck together through it all! They’re both passionate but sensible, they talk and fight, they think things through and they’re bloody good at kiss-and-make-up! As usual, this author’s steam is absolutely scrumptious!
With each book in this series the dynamic between this band of brothers changes and gains more depth - these stories are not only about growth for the couples, but also personal growth for the men and their friendship. And that makes this story a great addition to an already wonderful series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Separated by 10 guineas and a heartless note thirteen years ago, Olivia and Augustus unexpectedly come face-to-face again - he a rake with a depraved reputation and powerful friends, she a companion to the wealthy widow of a tradesman. What he considers a miracle, is her biggest fear. The man has nothing but his title to recommend him, yet he still stirs her body and soul…
Yes, he has to grovel and beg for a second chance, but his charm offensive is to die for! Of course, it’s with a little help from his loyal friends and their wives.
And she really tries to resist - class difference, vicious gossip and a spiteful ton are enough to make any practical woman doubt. But how do you resist when a man has the most endearing and heartwarming ways of weaseling his way back into your heart?
How refreshing to find a man who knows his heart's desire and isn’t afraid to show it!
He worships the ground she walks on, and will bend and break every rule if it means she will stay by his side. I love his persistence and devotion, his vulnerability and his honesty - this man’s secrets are pure gold - and so is his heart! And I especially loved how he puts no pressure on her.
I really enjoyed how Olivia and Augustus stuck together through it all! They’re both passionate but sensible, they talk and fight, they think things through and they’re bloody good at kiss-and-make-up! As usual, this author’s steam is absolutely scrumptious!
With each book in this series the dynamic between this band of brothers changes and gains more depth - these stories are not only about growth for the couples, but also personal growth for the men and their friendship. And that makes this story a great addition to an already wonderful series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
May 15, 2025
Don’t ask me why I read this book. I already had it downloaded and thought “why not”
Each book in this series is more outrageous than the last.
Let’s talk about the part where the only time they hung out without having sex, she said it felt boring and they had nothing to talk about.
Let’s talk about the fact that he didn’t sleep with anyone else for 13 years. Oh and the fact that his favorite sexual act is to give her head.
This guy isn’t a unicorn. He’s a unicorn with two horns. Rare to the point of impossible AND weird.
Let me tell you what happens. Earl of Montaigne spots the love of his life at the opera (why do they go to the opera so often even though they hate it). He chases her down and barges into her home because he’s desperate to talk to her. The woman, Olivia, doesn’t want to talk to him because he paid her to leave him 13 years ago and it really messed her up.
He keeps inappropriately stalking her. Then he kisses her in an alleyway and she gets dickmatized. No seriously. She’s like “I’ve never seen a man with a penis as thick as his. Maybe I should give him a chance”
Then over the next ten chapters he enlists his friends to help him get her into rooms alone so he can go down on her.
One time she’s literally in the middle of an orgasm when she says “you’re the one who sent me away” and he’s like “what no I didnt. You ran away back then” and they realize it was all a misunderstanding. Apparently SOMEONE forged a letter and gave it to Olivia along with money telling her to leave.
Yay! Now they’re back together officially. Montaigne wants to marry her but she’s iffy about it. So they live in sin for a while until he convinces her.
Meanwhile, we discover that the villain was Montaigne’s best friend Leith. Suss as hell bro. Honestly, these books hate Leith too much. Personally I’m ready for his book.
All in all, straight up insane book. Sex scene count was through the roof, plot was maybe 10% of the book. Also both the characters are weird and they suck.
Each book in this series is more outrageous than the last.
Let’s talk about the part where the only time they hung out without having sex, she said it felt boring and they had nothing to talk about.
Let’s talk about the fact that he didn’t sleep with anyone else for 13 years. Oh and the fact that his favorite sexual act is to give her head.
This guy isn’t a unicorn. He’s a unicorn with two horns. Rare to the point of impossible AND weird.
Let me tell you what happens. Earl of Montaigne spots the love of his life at the opera (why do they go to the opera so often even though they hate it). He chases her down and barges into her home because he’s desperate to talk to her. The woman, Olivia, doesn’t want to talk to him because he paid her to leave him 13 years ago and it really messed her up.
He keeps inappropriately stalking her. Then he kisses her in an alleyway and she gets dickmatized. No seriously. She’s like “I’ve never seen a man with a penis as thick as his. Maybe I should give him a chance”
Then over the next ten chapters he enlists his friends to help him get her into rooms alone so he can go down on her.
One time she’s literally in the middle of an orgasm when she says “you’re the one who sent me away” and he’s like “what no I didnt. You ran away back then” and they realize it was all a misunderstanding. Apparently SOMEONE forged a letter and gave it to Olivia along with money telling her to leave.
Yay! Now they’re back together officially. Montaigne wants to marry her but she’s iffy about it. So they live in sin for a while until he convinces her.
Meanwhile, we discover that the villain was Montaigne’s best friend Leith. Suss as hell bro. Honestly, these books hate Leith too much. Personally I’m ready for his book.
All in all, straight up insane book. Sex scene count was through the roof, plot was maybe 10% of the book. Also both the characters are weird and they suck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
Well, I had to give this one 3 stars because I finished it, didn't write a review immediately (as I normally do) and then today had to go look at the book thinking I needed to finish it because it was still on my shelf as currently reading and I realized I HAD finished it. So it wasn't all that memorable to me :(
I know this was not my favorite in the series. I did like that Augustus was head over heels for Olivia. And truly she was right to be weary of him with they way they parted ways before due to miscommunication. I wont' say more than that so I don't give anything away.
The writing was good, I just didn't connect with the story for some reason. I will read more from Lydia Lloyd though.
I know this was not my favorite in the series. I did like that Augustus was head over heels for Olivia. And truly she was right to be weary of him with they way they parted ways before due to miscommunication. I wont' say more than that so I don't give anything away.
The writing was good, I just didn't connect with the story for some reason. I will read more from Lydia Lloyd though.
September 3, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down
The hero was written as a kind of fantasy that I can envision people on the internet liking—focusing just on her pleasure and waving her away when she tries to reciprocate; not sleeping with a single other woman during their 13 years apart, even though he had no reason to believe they would ever reunite—but that landed on the wrong side of forced to me.
The hero was written as a kind of fantasy that I can envision people on the internet liking—focusing just on her pleasure and waving her away when she tries to reciprocate; not sleeping with a single other woman during their 13 years apart, even though he had no reason to believe they would ever reunite—but that landed on the wrong side of forced to me.
Read
August 25, 2025Long separation, h with OP during it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
I’ve been following Lydia Lloyd for quite a while, a bit before she published her first book, this is the third and I can’t wait for the fourth. I’m invested in each and every one of the couples in this series. “When the Earl Desired Me” is a second chance historical romance in which Augustus, the earl, and Olivia, the maid, had a very passionate romance when they were barely 20 years of age. They traded notes that they put in hidden places and the last note was such that Olivia decided to leave her position as maid and hire herself as the companion of a widow with two children right before they moved to France. Since then, Augustus has become a rake and a rogue, notorious for debauching maids and servants, so naturally everyone thought Olivia was just another name on the list. Years later, the lovely widow decides to return to England to find a match for her daughter, and person most likely to be her suitor is none other than Percy, Augustus younger brother.
Of course Olivia, like everyone else, thinks Augustus never loved her. But as it happens it is him who never stops trying to talk to her and that was interesting. This is interesting to me because in the last couple of months I’ve been avidly reading romances and I liked many of them, but I was missing a hero who had to ‘work for it’, really really work to get his heroine’s love. Yes there have been many that were good at seduction, but I didn’t want seduction only, I wanted him to go for it with all his mind and soul, to put his heart in his pursuing of the lady. To be the knight in shining armor or in this case, the breaking ball that would throw down all the walls that separate the couple. Because in this story there are many walls between Olivia and Augustus, not only the misunderstanding of years past. There is social commentary, behavioral commentary and many other equally interesting topics, including their own uncertainty and insecurity. But still they manage because they’re strong together, their chemistry is so explosive and he’s so willing to do right by her that I was rooting for him, a man that in the previous books never got my attention. Oh, and it’s spicy, very very spicy… spice with the elegance that not many people can convey, but Lydia Lloyd delivers, every time.
Of course Olivia, like everyone else, thinks Augustus never loved her. But as it happens it is him who never stops trying to talk to her and that was interesting. This is interesting to me because in the last couple of months I’ve been avidly reading romances and I liked many of them, but I was missing a hero who had to ‘work for it’, really really work to get his heroine’s love. Yes there have been many that were good at seduction, but I didn’t want seduction only, I wanted him to go for it with all his mind and soul, to put his heart in his pursuing of the lady. To be the knight in shining armor or in this case, the breaking ball that would throw down all the walls that separate the couple. Because in this story there are many walls between Olivia and Augustus, not only the misunderstanding of years past. There is social commentary, behavioral commentary and many other equally interesting topics, including their own uncertainty and insecurity. But still they manage because they’re strong together, their chemistry is so explosive and he’s so willing to do right by her that I was rooting for him, a man that in the previous books never got my attention. Oh, and it’s spicy, very very spicy… spice with the elegance that not many people can convey, but Lydia Lloyd delivers, every time.
April 27, 2025
4 ⭐️
The third Rank Rake, Monty finally gets his story. Years ago he fell in love with a maid in his house named Olivia. Their whirlwind summer romance, including the two boinking all over his manor, are shown through letters and a few flashbacks in the first part of the book. After a serious case of miscommunication and some meddling outsiders, the two are separated with both believing the other doesn’t want them any longer. But when Monty sees her again, he can’t resist tracking her down and trying to win her back. Because after all these years, he’s never stopped thinking about her and wondering why she left him. This leads to some delicious push and pull combined with simp-levels-of-pining and you have the third Rake’s fall to love.
Monty & Olivia
I was so excited to finally get Monty’s POV, as I feel like we needed to get more of his history and unearth the true Monty. He’s been such a fun side character in the prior books, and I always knew he had more depth. Well that depth was hugely tied to his long lost love Olivia, the young woman who used to work in his house. Olivia is an orphan who never thought she’d get as far as she is now, so she doesn’t quite believe in Monty’s love for her. Which felt so realistic and true to her character. I love an overlooked heroine and I especially think it’s so just when she gets the hot man worship she so deserves.
This had a sweet ending, and like all Lydia Lloyd books is filled with spicy scene after spicy scene and so many creative uses of toys. Monty has way more depth than you’re initially led to believe, and I love a character who’s hiding his true self underneath it all. I’m super excited to see how Leith’s story plays out as the epilogue teases a bit of his future…
The third Rank Rake, Monty finally gets his story. Years ago he fell in love with a maid in his house named Olivia. Their whirlwind summer romance, including the two boinking all over his manor, are shown through letters and a few flashbacks in the first part of the book. After a serious case of miscommunication and some meddling outsiders, the two are separated with both believing the other doesn’t want them any longer. But when Monty sees her again, he can’t resist tracking her down and trying to win her back. Because after all these years, he’s never stopped thinking about her and wondering why she left him. This leads to some delicious push and pull combined with simp-levels-of-pining and you have the third Rake’s fall to love.
Monty & Olivia
I was so excited to finally get Monty’s POV, as I feel like we needed to get more of his history and unearth the true Monty. He’s been such a fun side character in the prior books, and I always knew he had more depth. Well that depth was hugely tied to his long lost love Olivia, the young woman who used to work in his house. Olivia is an orphan who never thought she’d get as far as she is now, so she doesn’t quite believe in Monty’s love for her. Which felt so realistic and true to her character. I love an overlooked heroine and I especially think it’s so just when she gets the hot man worship she so deserves.
This had a sweet ending, and like all Lydia Lloyd books is filled with spicy scene after spicy scene and so many creative uses of toys. Monty has way more depth than you’re initially led to believe, and I love a character who’s hiding his true self underneath it all. I’m super excited to see how Leith’s story plays out as the epilogue teases a bit of his future…
August 27, 2024
It was okay, but I'm sad to say that for some reason, I just never connected with the story.
However, I really enjoyed the fact that the MMC was completely in love with FMC, and that he tried everything to get her to trust him again, to finally be together.
However, I really enjoyed the fact that the MMC was completely in love with FMC, and that he tried everything to get her to trust him again, to finally be together.
May 17, 2024
Okay so my fave of the Rake Chronicles. This was a smutty, regency delight. I normally don’t love a miscommunication trope but as Olivia and Monty started falling back in love before realizing said miscommunication I was endeared.
The second chance romance, the way Monty’s friends used their stations to force the ton to accept their love, the side characters and romances all made my heart swell.
The second chance romance, the way Monty’s friends used their stations to force the ton to accept their love, the side characters and romances all made my heart swell.
May 17, 2024
This is the third book in the series, I have bought the first two and was given an ARC for this one. I really liked the heroine in this one.
For some reason it didn't seem as steamy as book #2. I thought the story moved well, and the conflict was believable. What was not so believable was how he came by his reputation and just continued with that. That didn't ring as true for me. Especially considering how gone he is for her, it seemed like he would have been bothered to be known as a really heartless take.
An enjoyable read!
For some reason it didn't seem as steamy as book #2. I thought the story moved well, and the conflict was believable. What was not so believable was how he came by his reputation and just continued with that. That didn't ring as true for me. Especially considering how gone he is for her, it seemed like he would have been bothered to be known as a really heartless take.
An enjoyable read!
November 24, 2024
While I like that the author takes a less traditional route in her historical romances, she misses the mark regarding the delivery.
Thirteen years ago, Olivia worked as a maid in Augustus’ family’s home. During this time, they had a passionate but short-lived romance. He’s devastated when one day Olivia leaves without a trace. Olivia, believing that Augustus is finished with her, puts as much distance between them as possible until one day, years later, she runs into him at the theater, which sets in motion Augustus’s plan to win her back.
I liked that Olivia was open and in charge of her sexuality, but I didn’t like that she had a man waiting on her in France that she was planning to marry - I don’t care that they weren’t officially engaged - and she still proceeded to start up with Augustus. Also, I got tired of reading about all the other men Olivia had been with before and after Augustus. This isn’t because I think FMCs should be innocent virgins; I don’t want to be constantly reminded about either of the main characters' former relationships. And where was the groveling and angst? For someone who hurt her so badly, it doesn’t take long or much for Olivia to forgive Augustus.
Fans of historical romances that are light on plot and heavy on steam will love this book. Unfortunately, after three books, I’ve finally decided this author just isn’t for me.
Thirteen years ago, Olivia worked as a maid in Augustus’ family’s home. During this time, they had a passionate but short-lived romance. He’s devastated when one day Olivia leaves without a trace. Olivia, believing that Augustus is finished with her, puts as much distance between them as possible until one day, years later, she runs into him at the theater, which sets in motion Augustus’s plan to win her back.
I liked that Olivia was open and in charge of her sexuality, but I didn’t like that she had a man waiting on her in France that she was planning to marry - I don’t care that they weren’t officially engaged - and she still proceeded to start up with Augustus. Also, I got tired of reading about all the other men Olivia had been with before and after Augustus. This isn’t because I think FMCs should be innocent virgins; I don’t want to be constantly reminded about either of the main characters' former relationships. And where was the groveling and angst? For someone who hurt her so badly, it doesn’t take long or much for Olivia to forgive Augustus.
Fans of historical romances that are light on plot and heavy on steam will love this book. Unfortunately, after three books, I’ve finally decided this author just isn’t for me.
May 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Good book!! I was skeptical how it would be because this book didn't have many ratings yet. But it was very entertaining!! A good story and even though you could have figured out who wrote the note, it really came as a surprise to me. I was shocked!! 😲😂 I like it when a book surprises me, but then again I just didn't pay enough attention.😅
Augustus and Olivia are a cute couple and lovely characters. I love Augustus, he is sweetheart with a heart of gold!!!
I would have liked to see a bit more of the heartbreak of when they were 20. Also the story starts without any explanation, I thought it started a bit too fast.
I liked it!
____________________________
Summary;
(Spoilers)
Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne, fell in love with Olivia Watson, a servant at his parents' estate, at the age of 20. He began writing her notes and this led to an affair. They were madly in love until Olivia suddenly left without a word. Augustus was heartbroken and has not touched a woman since. However, he has gained a reputation as a rake. This is because news of his affair with a servant (Olivia) got out and servants from other houses have been coming to him for help ever since. He pretends to have had sex with them and sends them away with 10 guineas. But in reality he listens to the women's horrible stories and gives them money so they can build a better life. Hence the name the 10 Guinea lord. However, he tells no one about his good deed and is content to be seen as a scoundrel. Augustus has a few good friends, John, Trem and best friend Leigh. They went to Eaton together and Augustus and Leigh even made each other's homework. They got away with it because they could copy each other's handwriting. Augustus never told anyone else about Olivia except Leigh.
Olivia grew up in an orphanage and worked for aristocratic families. She first worked as a companion to an old lady and later as a scullery maid in the house of the Earl of Montaigne. She was about 20 when she started receiving notes from Lord Augustus. She kept him at a distance as long as possible because nothing could come of it between them. However, the attraction was too great and they had an affair. Augustus told her he loved her but never let on that he saw a future with her. So when she received a note with the order to leave, and with it 10 Guineas. She did as he asked and left. Olivia went into the service of a widow with two children and lived in Paris for 13 years. Now her employer wants to go back to London so her daughter can have a season. And Olivia has no choice but to go along. Olivia just didn't expect to run into Augustus so soon.
Augustus recognized her immediately and without thinking he went to her. This didn’t go well. The next day he went to visit Olivia together with his brother and it soon became clear that she was not happy to see him. He got the indication that he did something wrong and wants to find out what that is so he can ask for her forgiveness. Augustus knew from the moment he saw Olivia again that she had always been the love of his life and that he was going to marry her.
Olivia can't resist Augustus' temptation and they soon start an affair again, but Olivia doesn't want more than that. But Augustus wants to court her even though Olivia doesn't understand why. She will never be his wife. A while passes and Augustus still I courts Olivia. His family and friends know about her existence and are very supportive of their relationship.
Then one day they get into an argument about what happened all those years ago. Olivia says Augustus sent her away and Augustus says Olivia left without a word. They find out Augustus didn't write the note and that someone was against their relationship. For a while they think another servant wrote the note because she was probably in love with Augustus. But there was 10 guineas in it which is a lot of money for a servant. Olivia runs into the servant who still works at Augustus' eat and asks what she knows about the note. She says she didn't do it and that she saw a man left the note.
Augustus has often told Olivia that he wants her as his wife. And if she doesn't want to marry, that he wants her in her life any way possible. There is no other for him. After much thought Olivia decides to say yes to his proposal. They go to tell Augustus' friends the good news of their engagement. It is a pleasant evening and they start talking about the time Augustus and Leigh did each other's homework. Someone comments that Leigh can imitate Augustus' handwriting and then the realization hits that his best friend has betrayed him. Augustus is furious and attacks Leigh. Olivia leaves and Augustus goes after her but can't find her. He is afraid that he has lost her forever this time. His friends come over and Leigh explains that he did it with good intentions. He regrets it and never wanted this to happen. When he saw how broken Augustus was, he searched for Olivia for a long time without luck.
Olivia goes to Augustus the next day and says that she just needed some space. They get married soon after and the relationship between Augustus and Leigh gets a little better every month, but it is still not how it used to be. On the other hand, Olivia has long since forgiven him because in the end everything turned out well.
Good book!! I was skeptical how it would be because this book didn't have many ratings yet. But it was very entertaining!! A good story and even though you could have figured out who wrote the note, it really came as a surprise to me. I was shocked!! 😲😂 I like it when a book surprises me, but then again I just didn't pay enough attention.😅
Augustus and Olivia are a cute couple and lovely characters. I love Augustus, he is sweetheart with a heart of gold!!!
I would have liked to see a bit more of the heartbreak of when they were 20. Also the story starts without any explanation, I thought it started a bit too fast.
I liked it!
____________________________
Summary;
(Spoilers)
Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne, fell in love with Olivia Watson, a servant at his parents' estate, at the age of 20. He began writing her notes and this led to an affair. They were madly in love until Olivia suddenly left without a word. Augustus was heartbroken and has not touched a woman since. However, he has gained a reputation as a rake. This is because news of his affair with a servant (Olivia) got out and servants from other houses have been coming to him for help ever since. He pretends to have had sex with them and sends them away with 10 guineas. But in reality he listens to the women's horrible stories and gives them money so they can build a better life. Hence the name the 10 Guinea lord. However, he tells no one about his good deed and is content to be seen as a scoundrel. Augustus has a few good friends, John, Trem and best friend Leigh. They went to Eaton together and Augustus and Leigh even made each other's homework. They got away with it because they could copy each other's handwriting. Augustus never told anyone else about Olivia except Leigh.
Olivia grew up in an orphanage and worked for aristocratic families. She first worked as a companion to an old lady and later as a scullery maid in the house of the Earl of Montaigne. She was about 20 when she started receiving notes from Lord Augustus. She kept him at a distance as long as possible because nothing could come of it between them. However, the attraction was too great and they had an affair. Augustus told her he loved her but never let on that he saw a future with her. So when she received a note with the order to leave, and with it 10 Guineas. She did as he asked and left. Olivia went into the service of a widow with two children and lived in Paris for 13 years. Now her employer wants to go back to London so her daughter can have a season. And Olivia has no choice but to go along. Olivia just didn't expect to run into Augustus so soon.
Augustus recognized her immediately and without thinking he went to her. This didn’t go well. The next day he went to visit Olivia together with his brother and it soon became clear that she was not happy to see him. He got the indication that he did something wrong and wants to find out what that is so he can ask for her forgiveness. Augustus knew from the moment he saw Olivia again that she had always been the love of his life and that he was going to marry her.
Olivia can't resist Augustus' temptation and they soon start an affair again, but Olivia doesn't want more than that. But Augustus wants to court her even though Olivia doesn't understand why. She will never be his wife. A while passes and Augustus still I courts Olivia. His family and friends know about her existence and are very supportive of their relationship.
Then one day they get into an argument about what happened all those years ago. Olivia says Augustus sent her away and Augustus says Olivia left without a word. They find out Augustus didn't write the note and that someone was against their relationship. For a while they think another servant wrote the note because she was probably in love with Augustus. But there was 10 guineas in it which is a lot of money for a servant. Olivia runs into the servant who still works at Augustus' eat and asks what she knows about the note. She says she didn't do it and that she saw a man left the note.
Augustus has often told Olivia that he wants her as his wife. And if she doesn't want to marry, that he wants her in her life any way possible. There is no other for him. After much thought Olivia decides to say yes to his proposal. They go to tell Augustus' friends the good news of their engagement. It is a pleasant evening and they start talking about the time Augustus and Leigh did each other's homework. Someone comments that Leigh can imitate Augustus' handwriting and then the realization hits that his best friend has betrayed him. Augustus is furious and attacks Leigh. Olivia leaves and Augustus goes after her but can't find her. He is afraid that he has lost her forever this time. His friends come over and Leigh explains that he did it with good intentions. He regrets it and never wanted this to happen. When he saw how broken Augustus was, he searched for Olivia for a long time without luck.
Olivia goes to Augustus the next day and says that she just needed some space. They get married soon after and the relationship between Augustus and Leigh gets a little better every month, but it is still not how it used to be. On the other hand, Olivia has long since forgiven him because in the end everything turned out well.
May 27, 2024
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...
This is book 3 of the Rake Chronicles and while it likely can be enjoyed as a standalone, the other characters from the other books show up and the friendships the Rakes have a core part of this story, especially as there is miscommunication, a betrayal, and breakdown in one those core relationships.
Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne - Monty to his friends, is much gossiped about and reviled in Society as a hard-core, debauched rake - a Rake's rake in that he is even reputed to take advantage of the servants - earning him the nicknames the Ten Guinea Lord, and the Downstairs Menace.
But what no one knows, other than his closest friend, is that he was in love, deeply, passionately in love, more than 10 years ago, with Olivia Weston. She was a maid in his parents home and they had a secret passionate affair until one day she disappears from his life with no cause or explanation, breaking his heart.
Never did he expect to see her again - until one night he does, and he takes the chance offered to him to reach out to her and never let her go again. This is a second chance at love, differing social class story that grabbed me from the very beginning because of how passionate Monty was to reconnect with his lost love, despite her apparent distrust, and revilement of him. He wants to renew their love and prove to Olivia how much he wants her in his life - not just as a lover, but as his love and his wife, despite the differences in their social status. The story is told from their two
differing perspectives and through Monty's story, we learn of his heartbreak and just how much he loved Olivia then and now, and the truth behind his reputation, a secret he keeps, even from his closest friends. Through Olivia, we learn of her hurt and heartbreak, which she thought was at the hands of her young, but above her touch lover.
We read about their youthful love and their heartbreak and suffering through some novel devices, and experience the the story of their reconnection and development of a new relationship, despite the barriers of their past and her distrust of him. But their passion and love was never dead, just temporarily buried and it comes back ablaze - despite the barriers of social class, and the eventual truth coming out.
I loved the second chance at love story here, and I loved Monty's devotion and unwavering flame that he had for his young love - he was a romantic through and through, even though he kept it a deeply held secret. I loved the depth that his character had - much more than a rake, as was shown by his relationships with his siblings. I enjoyed also the secondary romances, and the other relationships in the story as well, including the sense of sisterhood that existed between Olivia and her friends/employers - that rather mirrored the brotherhood relationship that Monty had with this friends.
4.75 stars out of 5
This is book 3 of the Rake Chronicles and while it likely can be enjoyed as a standalone, the other characters from the other books show up and the friendships the Rakes have a core part of this story, especially as there is miscommunication, a betrayal, and breakdown in one those core relationships.
Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montaigne - Monty to his friends, is much gossiped about and reviled in Society as a hard-core, debauched rake - a Rake's rake in that he is even reputed to take advantage of the servants - earning him the nicknames the Ten Guinea Lord, and the Downstairs Menace.
But what no one knows, other than his closest friend, is that he was in love, deeply, passionately in love, more than 10 years ago, with Olivia Weston. She was a maid in his parents home and they had a secret passionate affair until one day she disappears from his life with no cause or explanation, breaking his heart.
Never did he expect to see her again - until one night he does, and he takes the chance offered to him to reach out to her and never let her go again. This is a second chance at love, differing social class story that grabbed me from the very beginning because of how passionate Monty was to reconnect with his lost love, despite her apparent distrust, and revilement of him. He wants to renew their love and prove to Olivia how much he wants her in his life - not just as a lover, but as his love and his wife, despite the differences in their social status. The story is told from their two
differing perspectives and through Monty's story, we learn of his heartbreak and just how much he loved Olivia then and now, and the truth behind his reputation, a secret he keeps, even from his closest friends. Through Olivia, we learn of her hurt and heartbreak, which she thought was at the hands of her young, but above her touch lover.
We read about their youthful love and their heartbreak and suffering through some novel devices, and experience the the story of their reconnection and development of a new relationship, despite the barriers of their past and her distrust of him. But their passion and love was never dead, just temporarily buried and it comes back ablaze - despite the barriers of social class, and the eventual truth coming out.
I loved the second chance at love story here, and I loved Monty's devotion and unwavering flame that he had for his young love - he was a romantic through and through, even though he kept it a deeply held secret. I loved the depth that his character had - much more than a rake, as was shown by his relationships with his siblings. I enjoyed also the secondary romances, and the other relationships in the story as well, including the sense of sisterhood that existed between Olivia and her friends/employers - that rather mirrored the brotherhood relationship that Monty had with this friends.
4.75 stars out of 5
October 27, 2025
I was expecting a lot from this book, a second chance romance between an earl and a maid… and it truly delivered.
Augustus and Olivia start their romance young, barely twenty, exchanging notes and spending countless hours in sweet, secret moments together. Olivia loves Augustus, and he loves her too, but her position makes her insecure. One misunderstanding changes everything, Olivia leaves Augustus’s home and sails to France to work as a companion to a widow and her two young children.
Thirteen years later, they meet again one night, and Augustus acts like a madman, determined to win Olivia back. Olivia feels that Augustus never truly loved her, and his sudden passion and persistence both confuse and frighten her reopening old wounds she’d rather keep buried. But Augustus never gives up. When he discovers that Natasha’s suitor, the daughter of the lady Olivia now serves, is actually his brother, he sees it as the perfect chance to get close to her again.
We watch their love reignite as they try to heal their old wounds together. The plot behind the last letter is brilliant, who wrote it, and how the reveal unfolds between the two characters. Another thing I loved was the letters they exchanged when they were younger. They give us perfect context for their relationship, so there’s no need for flashbacks or chapters divided between past and present.
Another thing I really liked was how naturally Augustus and Olivia accepted and supported Augustus’s sister, Willa. She’s in a secret relationship with a woman, and they both protect and stand by her, giving her everything she needs to live her love as freely and normally as possible.
I have mixed feelings about one thing, the moment Olivia decides to accept Augustus’s proposal. On one hand, I understand it: their social statuses are completely different, and that era made such relationships nearly impossible. On the other hand, they love each other deeply. He even tells her that he would have “left everything” for love. It’s complicated, but their relationship is already difficult enough it didn’t need another obstacle.
One thing that didn’t make sense to me, and honestly didn’t need to be in the book, was the part about the man waiting for Olivia in France, the one she supposedly planned to marry before Natasha’s season ended. It felt unnecessary and added nothing to the story.
Something else I didn’t like, and it happens in other books too, is when characters revisit their past relationships and sexual experiences. I don’t care about what they did before; I’m invested in them, here and now.
This story was everything I hoped for emotional, passionate, and beautifully written. Despite a few unnecessary details, the chemistry between Augustus and Olivia, their letters, and the way their love endures time completely won me over a solid 4.75.
Augustus and Olivia start their romance young, barely twenty, exchanging notes and spending countless hours in sweet, secret moments together. Olivia loves Augustus, and he loves her too, but her position makes her insecure. One misunderstanding changes everything, Olivia leaves Augustus’s home and sails to France to work as a companion to a widow and her two young children.
Thirteen years later, they meet again one night, and Augustus acts like a madman, determined to win Olivia back. Olivia feels that Augustus never truly loved her, and his sudden passion and persistence both confuse and frighten her reopening old wounds she’d rather keep buried. But Augustus never gives up. When he discovers that Natasha’s suitor, the daughter of the lady Olivia now serves, is actually his brother, he sees it as the perfect chance to get close to her again.
We watch their love reignite as they try to heal their old wounds together. The plot behind the last letter is brilliant, who wrote it, and how the reveal unfolds between the two characters. Another thing I loved was the letters they exchanged when they were younger. They give us perfect context for their relationship, so there’s no need for flashbacks or chapters divided between past and present.
Another thing I really liked was how naturally Augustus and Olivia accepted and supported Augustus’s sister, Willa. She’s in a secret relationship with a woman, and they both protect and stand by her, giving her everything she needs to live her love as freely and normally as possible.
I have mixed feelings about one thing, the moment Olivia decides to accept Augustus’s proposal. On one hand, I understand it: their social statuses are completely different, and that era made such relationships nearly impossible. On the other hand, they love each other deeply. He even tells her that he would have “left everything” for love. It’s complicated, but their relationship is already difficult enough it didn’t need another obstacle.
One thing that didn’t make sense to me, and honestly didn’t need to be in the book, was the part about the man waiting for Olivia in France, the one she supposedly planned to marry before Natasha’s season ended. It felt unnecessary and added nothing to the story.
Something else I didn’t like, and it happens in other books too, is when characters revisit their past relationships and sexual experiences. I don’t care about what they did before; I’m invested in them, here and now.
This story was everything I hoped for emotional, passionate, and beautifully written. Despite a few unnecessary details, the chemistry between Augustus and Olivia, their letters, and the way their love endures time completely won me over a solid 4.75.
May 27, 2024
Crazily good👌
This scratched my itch that was called forbidden/class difference romance. This book truly delivered the said trope so well but other than that, I loved how this is also a second chance romance. The MC's in this one are just so crazy for each other. They are so horny for each other almost all the time! But more than that, thr chemistry and the romance in this book was chef's kiss.13 years after and these two are still so much into each other. They loved each other a lot, maybe a little bit too much and that's why their separation really stung however since they were still young when everything happened, they didn't easily recognized it for what it really was.
The mmc in this, oh god, the guy is pussy whipped, he would literally move the heavens and earth, would go through the moon and beyond, would literally bend everything just for her. His love for her was really all consuming and I just loved how complex his character was. The fmc was a very strong, bold,determined woman, I just hated how at some point she really thought she could marry another man than the mmc but well she immediately redeemed herself so it's fine. The best thing tho? Finally, a story wherein in the years during the separation she had lovers, finally an experienced fmc who is not afraid to have her pleasures. And the spicy scenes? So freaking hot...and didn't expect but there was quite surprisingly...a lot🔥and all of them very sensual.
I loved the supporting characters, the mmc amd fmc' family and friends though I was a little bit off with the mmc's best friend at first and thennn... as it turns out near the end, it finally made sense why I felt so off with this friend of his. I loved how there was also an area of mystery about the MC's past (about the letter that caused their separation). In the end, I loved how everything unfolded, and that grand gesture? Ugh, so cute and swoony. That epilogue was very satisfying as well, I appreciated that the author really made sure to also give us a glimpse as to what also happened to the other characters and where they are now. Overall, a great, delighful HR read.
This scratched my itch that was called forbidden/class difference romance. This book truly delivered the said trope so well but other than that, I loved how this is also a second chance romance. The MC's in this one are just so crazy for each other. They are so horny for each other almost all the time! But more than that, thr chemistry and the romance in this book was chef's kiss.13 years after and these two are still so much into each other. They loved each other a lot, maybe a little bit too much and that's why their separation really stung however since they were still young when everything happened, they didn't easily recognized it for what it really was.
The mmc in this, oh god, the guy is pussy whipped, he would literally move the heavens and earth, would go through the moon and beyond, would literally bend everything just for her. His love for her was really all consuming and I just loved how complex his character was. The fmc was a very strong, bold,determined woman, I just hated how at some point she really thought she could marry another man than the mmc but well she immediately redeemed herself so it's fine. The best thing tho? Finally, a story wherein in the years during the separation she had lovers, finally an experienced fmc who is not afraid to have her pleasures. And the spicy scenes? So freaking hot...and didn't expect but there was quite surprisingly...a lot🔥and all of them very sensual.
I loved the supporting characters, the mmc amd fmc' family and friends though I was a little bit off with the mmc's best friend at first and thennn... as it turns out near the end, it finally made sense why I felt so off with this friend of his. I loved how there was also an area of mystery about the MC's past (about the letter that caused their separation). In the end, I loved how everything unfolded, and that grand gesture? Ugh, so cute and swoony. That epilogue was very satisfying as well, I appreciated that the author really made sure to also give us a glimpse as to what also happened to the other characters and where they are now. Overall, a great, delighful HR read.
May 19, 2024
Lydia Lloyd's When the Earl Desired Me is a steamy and scintillating historical romance about two people united by passion, but divided by class fans of the genre will love.
Lord Augustus Carrington is a rake who can have any woman he wants - except for the one he loves with all of his heart. Twelve years ago, Augustus had fallen head over heels in love with Olivia Watson, a maid who had worked for his family, who had disappeared without a trace, leaving him devastated and heartbroken. Augustus never thought he would see Olivia ever again - until fate brings her back into his life in the most unexpected of ways.
After her affair with Augustus, Olivia had vowed never to return to Mayfair ever again, but when her employer announced that they were headed back to England, she had found herself with no other choice but to follow - and almost immediately comes face to face with the man she has never stopped loving.
Their attraction towards one another certainly hasn't dimmed with the passing of time, but will Augustus and Olivia rekindle their affair? Or will their vastly different stations in life keep them apart forever?
Lydia Lloyd's When The Earl Desired Me is an emotional, passionate and dramatic tale about love across the class divide, second chances and finding the courage to fight for what you truly want that will blow readers away. A wonderful historical romance from a fast-rising star, When The Earl Desired Me is a must for Bridgerton fans!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lord Augustus Carrington is a rake who can have any woman he wants - except for the one he loves with all of his heart. Twelve years ago, Augustus had fallen head over heels in love with Olivia Watson, a maid who had worked for his family, who had disappeared without a trace, leaving him devastated and heartbroken. Augustus never thought he would see Olivia ever again - until fate brings her back into his life in the most unexpected of ways.
After her affair with Augustus, Olivia had vowed never to return to Mayfair ever again, but when her employer announced that they were headed back to England, she had found herself with no other choice but to follow - and almost immediately comes face to face with the man she has never stopped loving.
Their attraction towards one another certainly hasn't dimmed with the passing of time, but will Augustus and Olivia rekindle their affair? Or will their vastly different stations in life keep them apart forever?
Lydia Lloyd's When The Earl Desired Me is an emotional, passionate and dramatic tale about love across the class divide, second chances and finding the courage to fight for what you truly want that will blow readers away. A wonderful historical romance from a fast-rising star, When The Earl Desired Me is a must for Bridgerton fans!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2024
What a lovely, refreshing pair of characters in this spicy spicy romance! It was such a breath of fresh air to meet characters who actually realized there were consequences for actions, talking solves problems, and that people can change over time. Augustus was a perfect cinnamon roll of a man, Olivia was strong but also allowed herself to test unfamiliar waters and gain confidence in herself.
It was so rewarding and cozy to see such slow, domestic scenes in parts -- but contrasted with such deliciously spicy scenes was a thrill. (Outdoors! Indoors! Toys! Mirrors! Whee!) I absolutely loved how committed their friends were to helping them and supporting them, and giving REAL advice, and how cozy all the Mapperton and Carrington family members were. I want to be friends with all of them!
I don't normally highlight or keep notes, but I had such a fun time getting so involved, the story just drew me in. ("Heck yeah, forward Olivia!" "Cinnamon roll Auggie, WHO MESSED THIS UP FOR THEM, sensitive baby" "not me thinking the box is jewelry [[reader, it was a toy >.>]]" "NOOO LEITH" "WILLAAAA")
I also loved how the side character romances added to the story, and didn't feel like they were eating up page space. I need the next book to be about Leith, and I need to know what happens with Petunia and Edgar and the Dowager Countess, because I have needs. Thank you. lol.
[I received my ARC of this book via Booksprout.]
It was so rewarding and cozy to see such slow, domestic scenes in parts -- but contrasted with such deliciously spicy scenes was a thrill. (Outdoors! Indoors! Toys! Mirrors! Whee!) I absolutely loved how committed their friends were to helping them and supporting them, and giving REAL advice, and how cozy all the Mapperton and Carrington family members were. I want to be friends with all of them!
I don't normally highlight or keep notes, but I had such a fun time getting so involved, the story just drew me in. ("Heck yeah, forward Olivia!" "Cinnamon roll Auggie, WHO MESSED THIS UP FOR THEM, sensitive baby" "not me thinking the box is jewelry [[reader, it was a toy >.>]]" "NOOO LEITH" "WILLAAAA")
I also loved how the side character romances added to the story, and didn't feel like they were eating up page space. I need the next book to be about Leith, and I need to know what happens with Petunia and Edgar and the Dowager Countess, because I have needs. Thank you. lol.
[I received my ARC of this book via Booksprout.]
May 23, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It was a perfect blend of pining and spice! The third installment in Lydia Lloyd’s Rank Rakes series, When the Earl Desired Me is a second chance romance between The Earl of Montaigne and scullery maid turned ladies companion Olivia Watson who worked in his family’s home. Olivia and Monty had a passionate love affair when they were 20 years old and she was his maid until one day Olivia receives a mysterious note from him sending her away with 10 guineas. 13 years later Olivia is back in London working as a ladies companion to a wealthy heiress when Monty spots her at the opera and follows her home desperate to see her again. Still heartbroken that she believes he cast her out all those years ago she is reluctant to give him a second chance…especially with his horrible rakish reputation. Their passion can’t be denied and he eventually convinces her to let him court her properly. She learns he never wrote that note and has been pining after her for the past 13 years and his rakish reputation is a ruse. When they learn who sabotaged their relationship all those years ago they are faced with the reality that their relationship may not be accepted in the eyes of the aristocracy and they are faced with new challenges…this book has so great tropes! Second chance, class difference, fake rake, a non virgin heroine, and of course lots of spice! Lydia Lloyd knows how to deliver an excellent romance novel, I highly recommend!!
May 13, 2024
I’m gonna keep it simple, this book was amazing. I really adored the story – Augustus is the (now) Earl of Montaigne and Olivia Watson was a maid in his family’s home when they shared a very special connection years ago. For REASONS, they were separated and it’s now 13 years later when, by chance, he sees her again. All things fall away, and he has one thought and ONE THOUGHT ONLY – to just get to her, to just be by her side.
But those REASONS need to be sorted out and Augustus and Olivia have a little bit of work to do. But the depth of emotion.. when I say this man was FUNDAMENTALLY ALTERED by his experience of love.. just, wow. It’s giving all the feels - devotion, longing, desperation, angst.
As the story progresses and Augustus’ layers are peeled back it’s revealed that not all was as it seemed (it never is) and the more I read, the more I loved them both. Augustus really gives his whole self into Olivia’s care. If she wanted to throw him out with the garbage, he’d literally walk himself down to the curb and wait for the truck to come round. It’s that much, and it’s a beautiful thing. Thankfully Olivia is absolutely deserving and recognizes how rare and wonderful Augustus is. I wouldn’t have been able to forgive her if she hadn’t, quite honestly - I was that invested!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But those REASONS need to be sorted out and Augustus and Olivia have a little bit of work to do. But the depth of emotion.. when I say this man was FUNDAMENTALLY ALTERED by his experience of love.. just, wow. It’s giving all the feels - devotion, longing, desperation, angst.
As the story progresses and Augustus’ layers are peeled back it’s revealed that not all was as it seemed (it never is) and the more I read, the more I loved them both. Augustus really gives his whole self into Olivia’s care. If she wanted to throw him out with the garbage, he’d literally walk himself down to the curb and wait for the truck to come round. It’s that much, and it’s a beautiful thing. Thankfully Olivia is absolutely deserving and recognizes how rare and wonderful Augustus is. I wouldn’t have been able to forgive her if she hadn’t, quite honestly - I was that invested!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2024
When the Earl Desired Me is the third book in The Rake Chronicles series. This was a new to me author but had been following her for a while on SM and been wanting to give her work a try. I enjoyed this story and already went back to get the first in the series. I jumped in and read it just fine as a standalone. There’s parts with the MMC friends that you would appreciate better having read the series but isn’t necessary to the plot.
It’s a second chance romance and I liked the epistolary-ish aspect. Flashbacks in second chance are not my favorite and so I liked how the author was able to provide the backstory without it.
I loved having a curvy heroine representation that is assured of herself (at least physically) and that the MC had their own supportive found family and circle of friends.
It was also nice that even though there’s a lot of trust to be rebuilt and past hurts to heal, they’re pretty open with their communication.
Overall, it’s a wonderful lighthearted romance with multiple side characters also finding their own love.
There are seven encounters that are extremely steamy and vary in acts and locations. The scenes are a good length and a few takes advantages of toys and mirrors. This is a high spice with lots of encounters but it never felt repetitive or unnecessary.
I received an advance ebook via Book Sprout. All opinions are my own.
It’s a second chance romance and I liked the epistolary-ish aspect. Flashbacks in second chance are not my favorite and so I liked how the author was able to provide the backstory without it.
I loved having a curvy heroine representation that is assured of herself (at least physically) and that the MC had their own supportive found family and circle of friends.
It was also nice that even though there’s a lot of trust to be rebuilt and past hurts to heal, they’re pretty open with their communication.
Overall, it’s a wonderful lighthearted romance with multiple side characters also finding their own love.
There are seven encounters that are extremely steamy and vary in acts and locations. The scenes are a good length and a few takes advantages of toys and mirrors. This is a high spice with lots of encounters but it never felt repetitive or unnecessary.
I received an advance ebook via Book Sprout. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2024
This was my first Lydia Lloyd read, it will not be my last. I most definitely need to come back for John & Trem’s love stories. Lloyd took a Cinderella story and made it even more magical with the unwavering love of a would-be rake and his simple lady love. Monty appears the rankest of rakes from the outside, but the saying is indeed true ‘never judge a book by its cover’. For that is indeed what his Rake status is, a cover. Expertly crafted to appear the ladies man without a care for propriety or station. Instead what exists is the heart of a poet that is bruised. Olivia is indeed Cinderella, a humble maid who pulled herself up in life. Never allowing the betrayal she felt to keep her down, she has become respected in her own right as a companion surrounded by the love of found family. Truly, the simple actions of care displayed by her companions children show that she indeed created a family for herself, their love was more than apparent. The road back together for Monty & Olivia is littered with complications, but watching them fight for their love was truly beautiful. Despite Olivia’s doubts, Monty’s love would not allow for disappointment. He near broke me in his devotion. This story encompasses an unmatched love, the bonds of family (birth and found) and the strengths of true friendship. A fabulous, magical story of hope.
September 11, 2024
Rating: 4/5
If you, like me, live for explicit declarations of fidelity, goner heroes who haven't noticed another woman since the day they met the heroine, and quick-off-the-mark men who are not remotely ashamed of it, have I got the book for you. I struggled with the friend group at the center of this series after reading the first installment, and had actually feared this specific character's book, given how he's portrayed as a side character. The "Downstairs Menace," preying on servants and carousing through London without a care in the world? No thanks. It wasn't until an ARC reviewer assured me that this would be a wholly different story - that a more nuanced and endearing story lies beneath his reputation - that I gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did, because Lloyd directly examines class difference (and the resulting power imbalance, impact on consent/agency) through this love story, giving us a window into "downstairs" life and its very real hazards. I fell in love with this hero by the end, and appreciated that the unique turns the mystery takes late in the book actually helped to address my frustrations with the behavior of his friends. Lloyd weaves in epistolary elements as flashbacks, building out a really compelling and romantic second-chance love story for this unlikely couple.
If you, like me, live for explicit declarations of fidelity, goner heroes who haven't noticed another woman since the day they met the heroine, and quick-off-the-mark men who are not remotely ashamed of it, have I got the book for you. I struggled with the friend group at the center of this series after reading the first installment, and had actually feared this specific character's book, given how he's portrayed as a side character. The "Downstairs Menace," preying on servants and carousing through London without a care in the world? No thanks. It wasn't until an ARC reviewer assured me that this would be a wholly different story - that a more nuanced and endearing story lies beneath his reputation - that I gave it a chance. I'm so glad I did, because Lloyd directly examines class difference (and the resulting power imbalance, impact on consent/agency) through this love story, giving us a window into "downstairs" life and its very real hazards. I fell in love with this hero by the end, and appreciated that the unique turns the mystery takes late in the book actually helped to address my frustrations with the behavior of his friends. Lloyd weaves in epistolary elements as flashbacks, building out a really compelling and romantic second-chance love story for this unlikely couple.
May 19, 2024
This story is so good, but oh the heartache! It is a beautifully written story about Augustus, a young heir to an earldom, and Olivia, the housemaid with whom he fell in love. They were reunited after being separated for thirteen years, neither really knowing for sure what had happened. Now, armed with the love in their hearts and the benefit of life experience, they muddle through their misunderstandings, verbal omissions and physical needs, as they try to heal old wounds and forge a new relationship. Meanwhile, several of the other characters enjoy their own romances, resulting in an additional trio of marriages. This story is a bit of a gut clenching emotional rollercaster, as it is impossible not to get swept up in Augustus and Olivia’s drama. But it is the earl’s determination and willingness to accept whatever Olivia feels she can give, and his willingness to allow her to set the tone for their relationship that proves the truth and sincerity of his love and regard for her. This is one steamy tale, with hints of humor and one doozy of a secret’s revelation. I absolutely loved this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2024
This book was second chance (fake) reformed book I was needing in my life. Neither are my fav troupes but after seeing what the author did in the second book, made me unable to wait to get my hands on this book. The steam is so amazing and Augustus is a selfless lover, he gets off on the enjoyment of his partner. Olivia is very cautious of rekindling her romance with him Augustus after how things ended between them. He does everything he can to make sure she knows that giving him a second chance means that she will hold all the power to set the boundaries she needs and show her how much he loves and respects her. I loved the secondary characters as much as the main characters. His family and the one she works for are both wonderful and I enjoyed their stories just as much. We got to see a lot more of Leith in this story as well. My fav part, after reading so many books about men who are in love with someone for years but out their actually being rakes is this man just couldn’t. He loved her so much he knew she was the only one for him. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
We have a very young heir to an Earldom who has fallen for a maid in his own household!
He has written love notes to her and had openly carried on an affair!
We have Miss Olivia Watson orphan and Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montainge!
He is young and in love they both were not discreet and others watching were not pleased! When they were torn apart each believes the worst of the other! But they write letters to each other and kept souvenirs from over 13 years ago!
Augustus is determined to do everything right this time and give Olivia no reason to run and return back to France!
They would have a chance if the person who didn’t want them together before seems less enthusiastic the second time around! Can these two have a happy ending?
Can Olivia rise above her station and MARRY this man? Bravo well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He has written love notes to her and had openly carried on an affair!
We have Miss Olivia Watson orphan and Lord Augustus Carrington, the Earl of Montainge!
He is young and in love they both were not discreet and others watching were not pleased! When they were torn apart each believes the worst of the other! But they write letters to each other and kept souvenirs from over 13 years ago!
Augustus is determined to do everything right this time and give Olivia no reason to run and return back to France!
They would have a chance if the person who didn’t want them together before seems less enthusiastic the second time around! Can these two have a happy ending?
Can Olivia rise above her station and MARRY this man? Bravo well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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