In Scandal with the Duke

Sins and Sensibilities #1

by Stacy Reid

#EnemiestoLovers
#Oppositeattracts
#Olderbrotherbestfriend

Jaded by fortune hunters who covet her wealth rather than her heart, American heiress Miss Elizabeth Armstrong has abandoned the pursuit of marriage. Resigned to enjoy her London visit before returning to New York, Elizabeth’s deep desire for adventures is ignited after a chance meeting with the cynical yet captivating Duke of Basil.

James, a seasoned rake with a steadfast rule against entanglements with debutantes and innocents, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth’s wit and charm. Intent on indulging in a fleeting affair, he plans to savor the intoxicating pleasures she offers without any promises of tomorrow. However, Elizabeth proves far more alluring than he anticipated. As their passionate connection deepens, James becomes ensnared in a web of scandal and heartbreak.

Will they find the courage to embrace the love that binds them, or will their affair end in ruin?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Historical Fiction, Regency, American

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2024

About the author

I am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.

Reviews

[Hannah B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another man riding the rake to simp pipeline. I think the third act was a bit rushed and I think this would’ve worked better as a full length novel. This is odd bc I read The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton back in 2022 and this one for the first time in 2024 bc it’s apparently new? But then it’s saying that Lily Layton is actually book 2 to be read after this one, and that book even references this one…even tho it was published years ago. I only really mention this bc while this book had a Chekov’s sex scene (anal), that scene was actually included in Lily Layton??? Like those main characters watched these two randomly do anal lmfao. I only know this bc I reread Lily Layton after finished this one…I’m so confused. I will say I also think I prefer Stacy’s full length trad pub histroms to these shorter more erotic ones. She’s still great at the romance but the character development seems much better in her recent Entangled ones.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 7/4/24
3.5 stars!
This was more erotica than romance. The MC have a very modern sexual affair, even though she's a virgin miss. While these two were very sexual compatible, romantically, I'm not sure they would last. I wish there were more scenes with them talking.

Still, the book was fast-paced and well written

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary:
I’ve finished In Scandal with the Duke by Stacy Reid, and it’s a 2-star read from me. I really wanted to like this one. Lately, I’ve been craving shamelessly sexy reads, and this looked promising… but sadly, it just didn’t hit. If I’d gone in expecting nothing but steam, I might’ve been fine—but I was hoping for a compelling romance, and that’s not what I got.

Characters:
Elizabeth: I actually liked her quite a bit. She was strong, smart, and deserved a love interest who treated her like more than a body with legs. By the end, I didn’t even want her to forgive him. She deserved someone who saw her worth.
James: Unfortunately, deeply unlikeable. His emotional growth was non-existent, and he repeatedly disrespected Elizabeth in ways that made me feel like he never really earned her back. If I were her friend, I’d be like, “Babe, block him.”

Overall Thoughts:
This had potential—a short, steamy read with historical scandal? Sign me up. But the romance felt unbalanced, the emotional payoff never came, and I just couldn’t get past how much James sucked. If you’re here solely for spice and don’t need the characters to act like real people with emotional depth, then sure, give it a shot. But if you want a romance where the MMC actually deserves the girl? Maybe look elsewhere.

Rating:
★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars) and one long sigh for wasted potential.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read 39 of Stacy Reid's books and have been reading her since 2016. I consider her one of my favorites. I love her writing, her stories and her sex scenes are off the chain hot. Excited for this new series. This was supposed to come out first but she re-released book 2, The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton before this one which was weird but glad to see she has a new series out.

I freakin' loved Elizabeth and James. They were so perfect. They had a great relationship. Their sex was off the fucking chain. I loved this story, I loved them, loved this whole story. Can't wait for the other books in this series.

[Aou · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,25 stars worth erotica of regency era!

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Finally, a five-star read,it had been a minute... love Stacy's writing, and her characters are always joy to read.. if you are a historical romance girlie, I definitely recommend her books...
This book was just as great as some of her other books... I liked the main couple a lot.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow at the beginning. Very spicy. Some parts were angsty, so that earned the book another star.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

American heiress Miss Elizabeth Armstrong has travelled to London, with her matchmaking mother who is hoping her daughter will not only marry but forget her desire to work with her father.. Bette doesn’t want it known she’s a heiress as she wants to find a man who loves her not her dowry. Resigned to enjoy her London visit before returning to New York, Elizabeth’s deep desire for adventures is ignited after a chance meeting with the cynical yet captivating James,Duke of Basil. James, a seasoned rake with a steadfast rule against entanglements with debutantes and innocents, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Elizabeth’s wit and charm. Intent on indulging in a fleeting affair, he plans to savour the intoxicating pleasures she offers without any promises of tomorrow.
The first in a new series, although the second book was published a couple of years ago. Another well written well paced story with strong characters. I loved both James & Bette, they are both jaded & ripe for adventure & flaunting society’s rules, the chemistry between them is sizzling but they also connect & become friends. Things are progressing very nicely until others interfere & then things go pear shaped. A quick read which I read straight through.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Sven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! Elizabeth and James just hit ot off. Emotionally, physically, in every freaking way!!!

Elizabeth, an American heiress, is in London hoping to find a match, but soon disillusioned since every suitor wants her money and not her.

James, a reprobate, jaded by women trying to compromise him into offering for them, is ruthless and does not bend to the "honorable code" of society.

She wants excitement before returning to New York, he offers to be her guide. The passion is there, steamy and hot, and they come to an understanding to explore, no strings attached. Except that Elizabeth, with her innocent charm and happy attitude, starts pulling the strings of James' heart enough for him to start thinking of maybe an ever after commitment.

A big scandal and James' public rejection of Elizabeth has her returning to NY, hurt and disappointed. James realizes his mistake, and oh boy, does he grovel!!

I loved this book, but then I am a big fan of Stacy's books. This was very different from her usual historical, that it was more sensual and explicit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aririshikokuto · Rating 4 out of 5]

The steamy scenes absolutely hot🔥🔥
I enjoyed the plot but feel a bit rushed.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved James and Elizabeth's romance. I found these characters very easy to like and the fact that they were both a bit jaded added an enticing challenge, yet balance into the mix. The chemistry between these two was evident right from the first meeting and I really enjoyed watching their relationship bloom as their walls came down.

[Amy (amysbooksnthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was an engaging story from start to finish. Elizabeth and James had good banter—I loved all their trysts, especially when they were among the ton. Overall this book was just a delight. Stacy Reid is definitely a historical romance author I can always count on to deliver.

[T Rojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh storyline sucked James was creepy and gross

[Farhana JC · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

[Virginpat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I LOVE this author. She knows how to write heart wrenching stories with passion and love. These stories suck you right in and you MUST find out how it ends.

The short of it is that Elizabeth is an American heiress who wants someone to marry for love - not for her money. Because of this, she would be content to work with her father in his bank back in NYC. Her mother has good intentions to see her happily married, but with devious and callous actions. The Duke of Basil (James) is a man who loves pleasure and his cool aloof demeanor. He doesn’t plan to marry and will not worry about risking a scandal and dishonoring a lady when they try to trap him. The two meet and clash at first, but they get drawn to one another and end up lovers. Their hearts follow, but like any good HR, they have obstacles to their HEA.

My favorites:
The Duke was fabulous. He was spicy and delicious. He had a dirty mouth and backed it up.

Elizabeth was independent and confident, but not in a mean way. She was still kind and funny and the way she was written made it easy to identify with her feelings and truly feel her angst.

The book was more descriptive in what went on with the duke and his friends at their exclusive club. It wasn’t glossed over in the least.

I can’t wait to read the other books.

[Lana · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just horrible pornographic filth!
I am unpleasantly surprised how an author who wrote books about such unconventional but incredibly sensitive characters as in "When the Earl Met His Match" and "My Darling Duke" could write such vulgar and dirty reading. Perhaps this is the author's reaction to the fact that her first books were not "hot" enough (well, there was really sex only at the end of a long book) and she began to look for inspiration in Fanny Hill's memoirs about a brothel slut, and this is the result of her search. I don't know, but reading this book (and others from her new repertoire) made me gag. All these dirty vulgar conversations, the main character is so depraved that he is satisfied only with rough sex that humiliates the woman, causes her pain (so that she can't sit for a week), oral sex to the point that she suffocates, and he continues to have her mouth, anal sex, slaps and suffocation... I don't know how the author got into this genre, maybe she wanted to attract the audience of the books "50 Shades of Grey", but I doubt that they will be satisfied with a heroine who blushes during the day and modesty itself... A group of friends from this series just came out of the pages of Fanny Hill's memoirs - exactly those depraved aristocrats who arrange orgies, share women and love to cause pain. This is definitely not about romantic love, but we still want to read a love story. And what kind of love is there where there is no morality, where an adult aristocrat makes a slut out of his friend's sister without any intention of marrying her, and yet the friend reacts as if it's normal. And the fact that the girl herself offers to rape her on the second meeting in the garden, because you can see she won't get married this season, so why not have some fun. Fuuuuu...And at the end, the hero is still presented as a victim of a conspiracy, because they wanted to lure him into a marriage trap. And where is your conscience? You really made a dirty whore out of an innocent (albeit very vulgar) girl from a decent family.
That's why I'm surprised how it can be the same author who created the main character, who so tenderly and selflessly took care of a girl who was pregnant and not by him, and at the same time neglected his male needs for a long time. This is a clear degradation of the author, unfortunately... And it didn't start with this series, we already saw the first embryos in the Forever Yours Series, when in the book The Viscount and I the man was dissatisfied with the usual lovemaking with a woman, and wanted more debauchery (like with sluts) and the heroine's name was Fanny (coincidence?) and then she wrote memoirs. And in the next book Misadventures with the Duke they tell us about the Duke's passion for BDSM. But fortunately everything was still quite restrained there and without a demonstration of these desires. I even thought "well, where is this debauchery that the hero wanted so much, everything is primitive". But then the author got carried away seriously. And this resulted in vulgar filth in this series, as well as in the separate novel Wicked Deeds on a Winter Night and maybe somewhere else, but I won't find out because I don't find that kind of pornography enjoyable. The author really had very few sensual scenes between the characters at the beginning, but it's better than this filth. The author really had very few sensual scenes between the characters in her first books, but it's better than this filth. And the fact that instead of the plot there was only sex doesn't mean that the description became more sensual, everything is still written insensitively. I love good love moments with all kinds of oral caresses, but when it's sensual, not dirty. If this is such a new development of the author, then we are not on the same path with her.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANT MORE!! I can always count on Stacy Reid to deliver a romantic and sensual story that tugs at my lonely heartstrings. I'm literally floating on a cloud of happiness~~

It's been awhile, and I'm happy that Ms.Reid's back with a new series. She always writes the most endearing heroines, and this one would translate to the equivalent of historical bad boy meets the naughty good girl. Yumss.

JAMES was a cynical and jaded character, and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! A wicked part of me wishes he were crueler. There's a novelty in watching a man as emotional as a tin can fall in love with a woman who makes him feel so much he doesn't know what to do with it. SINCERITY. AUTHENTICITY. UNDERSTANDING - these were the traits he needed in a partner, he just never knew, until he met a brash American lady. Maybe some might say he fell too easily, especially with his bored and distant character. I agree. But the steamy scenes more than made up for it. The two fell into passion so easily as if their bodies knew each other since forever. Their chemistry was effortless.

ELIZABETH was a woman I admire - bold, honest and passionate with a hint of sensual innocence. I like a virgin who knows what she wants, and isn't shy in bed. Maybe cause I'm already at the age where you know the ins and out of a sexual relationship, it's nice to see Elizabeth taking the reins in her sexual escapade with the haughty duke. The power play just thrilled me! My heart races every time she lifts his chin with a delicate finger during their steamy sessions. It was electric to see a duke obeying her instructions. The power she had over him more than proved that she wasn't just any woman to him.

It wasn't difficult to fall in love with Elizabeth's character, she was just so sweet and giving, yet strong at the core.

OVERALL this was a very simple romance, very focused on the characters' relationship and that's what I love the most. I honestly couldn't be bothered with the plot, because I know the romance will deliver and well, can't say I didn't see the "climax" that broke them apart for A VERY SHORT WHILE (enough for James to see past his anger and get his head out of his arse), in fact as an avid Stacy Reid fan, I anticipated it to happen before the HEA. What I wouldn't give to see their babies!! The epilogue left me wanting.

I look forward to the next installment of the series!

[iReadBooksNSchit · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Have you ever tupped in a carriage?”
“Oddly, no.”
“Ah,” she said, delight glowing in her blue eyes. “I will be a first in this for you.”
Bloody hell. “The coachman might hear.” James waited for her reaction with a lifted brow.
She placed her finger below his chin, nudging his face upward. There was a wicked gleam in her eyes as she purred, “I will try and be gentle with you so that you make as little noise as possible, Your Grace.”


Woooo wee, bayyyy-beeee, looka here, looka HERE!!! Stacy..has outdone herself with this one. “In Scandal with the Duke” is freaking FANTASTIC! The energy, the story, the characters. Just everything about it draws you in. It's fun. Romantic. Playful…and hotter than a GA dirt road mid july! In other words, its scorching. James, Duke of Basil…my gawd what a man. Confident, handsome, and straight filthy! His mouth is obscene and positively vulgar….and i'ze like it! And his leading lady, the brash independent miss from America, Miss Elisabeth Armstrong is his match in every way. She's bold, brazen and refuses to be dictated to.

Tired of men desiring her fortune rather than her affection, Elizabeth Armstrong has decided marriage is not for her. Instead, she decides to use her stay in London to get her parry on before returning to New York – starting with an unexpected encounter with James, the Duke of Basil – a man notorious for steering clear of young debutantes. Captivated by Elizabeth's intellect and allure, James seeks only a brief fling, but their growing bond stirs unforeseen feelings, scandal and mutual heartache.

“In Scandal with the Duke” is absolutely killer! The perfect summer read. A word of caution, keep a glass of water nearby. This book will leave you thirsty and more than a tad overheated

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is one intense story! Elizabeth thought she was accompanying her mother on a visit from New York to England. However, shortly after they got to her aunt’s home in London, her mother informed her that they were staying in England for at least two years and they were going to find her a husband. Twenty-three year old Elizabeth had had a few unsuccessful seasons in New York, and refused multiple offers of marriage from men who only wanted her because she was an heiress. If she was going to have to participate in London’s season, her one request of her mother and aunt was that they did not disclose her financial situation. James, the Duke of Basil, was a rake who made it very clear that he would never marry. He was also friends with Elizabeth’s older brother who had been running the London portion of the family’s business. A chance encounter on the terrace, and a few insults later, and Elizabeth had created her first scandal where James was concerned. After a familial betrayal, Elizabeth decided that she was no longer seeking a husband and wanted to have a tryst with James before she returned to New York. What follows is a story that includes clandestine meetings and an education in carnal pleasures. As James and Elizabeth explored each other’s bodies, they inadvertantly developed an emotional attachment, which was something neither of them expected nor wanted….and then everything imploded. This story has strong emotions, explicit scenes, and a variety of interesting characters. The author has added situations and details that make this story irresistable and difficult to put down. It is fast-paced and provacative, with a very satisfying ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Spicy

This book is a very good start to this new series. The plot isn't exceptional, but it's good. I really enjoyed the engaging characters, the sizzling hot chemistry between them that burned up the pages, their dirty talk and the palpable longing for more that they both tried to deny.
I‘m looking forward to the stories to come in this series!

American heiress Elizabeth Armstrong comes to London for a season to find a husband who loves her and not her wealth, but she soon becomes disillusioned and bored with the snobbish English society. The only man who arouses her interest is her brother's friend James Grisholm, Duke of Basil, a notorious rake.

After several attempts to trap him into marriage, James keeps his distance from debutantes and innocents. He enjoys his rakish lifestyle of debauchery with his friends and doesn’t believe in love or marriage.

When he meets Elizabeth, he is immediately attracted to her because of her candor and vivacity.
Elizabeth asks him to become her lover, even though she knows that nothing more can come of it, and he agrees, although he normally avoids attachments at all costs.

They begin a liaison full of red hot passion and adventure.
For the first time, Elizabeth feels free and without boundaries, and James is increasingly enchanted by her curiosity, courage, intelligence, determination and enthusiasm...

This book is for you if you enjoy sizzling hot historical romance novels with strong heroines, cynic heroes and lots of dirty talk!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Blueglass · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wow, this was pretty hot. It almost read primarily as an erotic novel, rather than a romance. However, I loved the all consuming passion that they felt for each other, especially on the duke's end. James has vowed never to marry and has escaped some compromising traps by ladies by simply refusing to marry them. He is known as being hedonistic but in control of his feelings. This changes when he meets Elizabeth, a heiress who has come to London from New York to seek a husband.
Elizabeth refuses to allow her mom and aunt to let it be known that she has money as she wants to be liked for herself. However, she ends up getting into a snit with the duke based on disparaging comments made by his mother about Elizabeth and her family. This leads to a mini scandal that results in less people wanting to associate with her. So her brother asks James to dance with her at the next ball to make her more desirable to potential suitors.
When the two of them interact, it is electric. They like each other immediately, but realize that the attraction that they have will go no further. Then there is a ton of dirty talk and an intense deflowering in the garden. But of course, the more that they see each other, the more they realize that they are each developing feelings. I liked how James changed from indifferent to can't live without you. A problem in the third act leads to their estrangement, but it is resolved pretty quickly.
I did really like what eventually became of their romance. However, for a virgin, Elizabeth was a pretty quick learner which I do not love. I mean, voyeurism and sex in front of people in like 2 weeks? Seems unlikely to me.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-three year old Elizabeth is the daughter of a wealthy New York businessman and an Englishwoman who’s been dragged across the pond to London where her mother and viscountess aunt scheme to secure her a husband.

James, jaded Duke of Basil has evaded the parson’s trap seven times by matchmaking members of the ton seeking elevation in their social status. Vowing to never have a connection with any woman other than for purely carnal reasons let alone marriage, he’s nonetheless taken with his friend’s captivating and guileless sister Elizabeth.

Elizabeth finds herself careening down a path of sensual delight with the hedonistic Duke, eagerly meeting and exceeding his own desires and ardor while doggedly ignoring any growing feelings she may harbor.

After a particularly egregious and well publicized incident orchestrated by social climbing relatives, the duo’s undefined budding relationship is shattered.

Is there any way for this starcrossed, fiercely independent pair to recover from the fallout?

This was another wonderful Regency romance from Stacy Reid with plenty of heat and charm, featuring MCs who are self-possessed, witty, and never short on substance. I plowed through it in an evening, relishing each page and scene.

I was fortunate to have been generously furnished an advance reader copy from the author and booksprout, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
James aka the Duke of Basil and Elizabeth Armstrong were destined for a heartbreak and yet they careened straight for one!
They had explosive chemistry and James did not treat her as a lady at all! Elizabeth did not treat him like a Duke either after his agreement with the awful comment made by his mother! That should have been the end of it! After all Dukes believe they are Gods gift to the entire world!
There were times that Elizabeth left her morals and her marbles for the man! Really at a brothel Elizabeth! James to be fair has evaded numerous attempts at trapping him but no one really explained the latest one at the start of the story!
His act of “kindness” to a virgin at a brothel could have been better!
His treatment of Elizabeth was more of a mistress than a young virginal Miss of the Ton! But she allowed it so of course….
James took no care for her reputation so I was always waiting for them to be caught at some point! I absolutely did not like Elizabeth aunt desperate attempt or her mothers!
James took too long to defend her! She had plenty of opportunities to set him up! Elizabeth was bold and unapologetically herself from their first meeting!
Smh James did not grovel enough!
I love Elizabeth father who allowed her to use her brain ! He didn’t seem to miss her mother much!
Is there a HEA? Yes definitely a triumphant ending! Bravo

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaded by fortune hunters, American heiress Elizabeth Armstrong wishes to abandon society's marriage mart...but her mother has other plans, whisking her off to London in search of a titled husband. James, Duke of Basil, is a seasoned rake who avoids debutantes after several failed marriage traps. But, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to Bette and wants to engage in an affair.

This is the first book in the Sins & Sensibilities series, which is being built around a group of titled rakes. The now-second book, The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton, is a previous solo release.

This is a quick read that borders on erotic romance. Reid's sex scenes are steamy and plentiful! I wasn't sure about the characters at first: Bette was a bit wishy-washy and James' "rake with a heart of gold" scene at the brothel felt forced...but once the story was moving along, I really enjoyed it. I thought the "third act drama" and ending were solid. I look forward to seeing the other gentlemen get their HEAs!

Tropes: American/Class Difference, Brother's Friend, Opposites Attract

Steam: 4

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters: Elizabeth Armstrong and James, Duke of Basil

Slight enemies to lovers, brothers best friend, spicy

Elizabeth is an American heiress who has been dragged to England by her mother, because her mother wants to finally find her daughter a husband (Elizabeth is 23), there at one of the balls she runs into the Duke of Basil, and they first hit it off, but when Elizabeth overhears the Duke’s mother say something nasty about her mother, she acts rudely to the Duke in front of the ton, so it turns Elizabeth into a social pariah.

Brandon (Elizabeth’s brother) is best friends with the Duke, so the Duke reluctantly agrees to ask Elizabeth for a dance. When he met Elizabeth he was instantly impressed and intrigued with her, so when he dances with her, his interest in her doesn’t wane.

He has had women try to trap him and when Elizabeth confesses to him, that she doesn’t want a man to marry her for her money, they decide to start an affair.

*This was a very enjoyable read, it was very quick for them to get together, but I enjoyed how the more time they spent together, the more they were falling for each other*

[LOU71 · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Scandal With The Duke is the first erotic story in the Sins & Sensibilities series. Set in 1817, this steamy romance involves an American Heiress and a notorious English Rake, played out in London’s grandest society balls. The story deviates to the burgeoning city of New York, six weeks later. Then a rather sparkling Epilogue takes place back in England at one of the final Balls of the social season.

A circle of friends, all true Rakes and libertines, these men meet socially at Aphrodite. They are close friends who love each other like brothers. Their friendships forged in fire, scandal, and the kind of trust only born through reckless camaraderie; James Chisholm, the Duke of Basil, Oliver Carlyle, the Marquess of Ambrose, Thomas Pennington, the Earl of Radbourne, Mister Brandon Armstrong, and Alexander Sutton, the Earl of Bainbridge.

In Scandal With The Duke: 5 stars - James & Elizabeth

James Chisholm, the Duke of Basil, enjoys his life in fleeting thrills; gambling, racing, and wicked moments with his lovers. His mother bemoans her dissatisfaction so he indulges her by attending a ball, now and then. They mean nothing to James because he never wants to marry. A seasoned Rake, and cynical, James is ruthless and does not bend to the honourable code of society.

Miss Elizabeth Armstrong, Bette to her friends and family, is resigned to make her debut in London at the machinations of her match-making mother. Jaded by fortune hunters who covet her wealth rather than her heart, Bette has her guard up. She is an intelligent, opinionated, & passionate Heroine.

James and Elizabeth’s relationship starts with cheeky banter. Their chemistry is evident from the start. Their sexy times are red hot intense.

I highly recommend this story.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't stop reading this masterfully crafted historical romance that enthralled me with its rich character development and compelling storyline. The main characters, Miss Elizabeth Armstrong and James Chisholm, Duke of Basil, are exquisitely portrayed, bringing depth and emotion to the narrative. Elizabeth’s strength and resilience, paired with James’ brooding intensity, create a captivating dynamic that keeps readers invested in their journey. The story follows Elizabeth as she navigates the challenges of society and her own past, while James seeks redemption and love. The author's excellent writing and vivid descriptions transport readers to the era, making it easy to get lost in the romance and drama of the story. Reid's traits of well-developed characters and well-written plots shine through, rendering this novel an essential read for enthusiasts of historical romance who seek a story that is as touching as it is memorable. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ms. Le · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 of the Sins and Sensibilities series, if you have read what is now book 2 of the series (previously released as a standalone) The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton you already know what happened with Elizabeth (Bette) and James, the Duke of Basil.

Spoilers Ahead

Although James is clearly frequenting brothels there is no details of him engaging with other woman in this story, thankfully. Although he had come to realise he loved Bette, when he believed himself trapped into marriage, he rejected her believing she was a part of her mother and aunt’s machinations. I also liked that Bette refused to marry anyone only interested in her dowry and that she went home to New York after James’ refusal to marry her. This story is full of explicit language and raunchy open-door sex scenes. Like with Lily Layton, I was not keen on the public sex scene. Why would the Madame let Bette into her brothel anyway when she was not going to make her any money? Particularly after an early scene when James rescued a virgin about to be put up for auction.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth is a heiress from New York who travels to London with her mother and brother for the season in hopes she can find a husband without their knowledge of her wealth. She meets James the Duke of Basil who never planned to marry as he enjoys all the debauchery without the limits of marriage. When Elizabeth meets him in the gardens where a ball has been held they agree to a little affair and it is not long until Elizabeth has developed feelings for the Duke and tries to distance herself from him but her scheming mother and aunt setup a scandal that breaks them apart as he thinks she was in on the scheme but she quickly returns to New York to nurse her broken heart. What will the future hold for Elizabeth now that all her hopes and dreams have been crushed?.
I loved this book with a Duke who is hardened from ladies trying to trick him into marriage and the love he could not deny for the one woman who loved him for himself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.