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One Scandalous Season #3
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel
A Reckless Desire . . .
Lady Clarissa Bevington is in trouble. A reckless indiscretion has left her with two choices: ruin her family with the scandal of the Season, or marry Mr. Kincraig, the notorious scoundrel mistaken as her lover. Desperate and disgraced, Clarissa vows to love and cherish a veritable stranger, a man whose eyes smolder with danger-and undeniable desire . . .
An Unexpected Arrangement
As an agent for the Crown, Lord Donovan Blackmer has spent the last two years guarding Clarissa's grandfather from an unknown assassin while disguised as the rakehell Kincraig. His mission may now be over, but his duty has just begun. Salvaging his beautiful, impetuous wife's virtue will cost him his fortune and his position as an officer-but it might save him from the ghosts that haunt his own past. When their marriage "in name only" leads to exquisite seduction, Donovan must risk the only thing he has left to lose . . . his heart.
Lady Clarissa Bevington is in trouble. A reckless indiscretion has left her with two choices: ruin her family with the scandal of the Season, or marry Mr. Kincraig, the notorious scoundrel mistaken as her lover. Desperate and disgraced, Clarissa vows to love and cherish a veritable stranger, a man whose eyes smolder with danger-and undeniable desire . . .
An Unexpected Arrangement
As an agent for the Crown, Lord Donovan Blackmer has spent the last two years guarding Clarissa's grandfather from an unknown assassin while disguised as the rakehell Kincraig. His mission may now be over, but his duty has just begun. Salvaging his beautiful, impetuous wife's virtue will cost him his fortune and his position as an officer-but it might save him from the ghosts that haunt his own past. When their marriage "in name only" leads to exquisite seduction, Donovan must risk the only thing he has left to lose . . . his heart.
414 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 27, 2015
18 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Lily Dalton
7 books116 followersLily Dalton grew up as an Army brat, moving from place to place. Her first stop after relocating was always the local library, where she could hang out with familiar friends: Books! Lily has an English degree from Texas A & M University and after graduation worked as a legal assistant in the fields of accident reconstruction and litigation. She now lives in Houston, Texas, with her family. When she isn't at work on her next manuscript, she spends her time trying out new recipes, cheering on her favorite Texas football teams and collecting old dishes, vintage linens and other fine "junque" from thrift stores and flea markets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 6, 2015
After a rough and confusing beginning, this book proved to be a real gem, which parallels the experiences of the main characters!
I almost didn't keep reading this book in the first 5%. I have never read Lily Dalton before, and this was the first book I could get my hands on even though it is the third in her new series. Be warned that if you haven't been reading the other books in the series, the opening chapter will confuse the hell out of you. However, if you get passed the crazy name-dropping and become familiar with the characters, then you won't be able to put the book down!
Clarissa is a young debutante who thought herself in love with a young lord who ended up being a cad. Upon confessing her pregnancy to a family friend, everyone misinterprets the situation and Clarissa is forced to marry said family friend, Mr. Kinkraig (Dominick), a man who is not what he seems.
This tale takes you on a journey through the beginning of their marriage. What was so refreshing about this novel was that while Clarissa and Dominick (apparently his name was Donovan for some, but my Kindle reads Dominick) actually spoke to each other like adults. They had their insecurities, but they never made rash decisions, never held vicious grudges, never jumped to hasty conclusions. Instead, the shared their feelings and over time developed a deep intimacy. It was wonderful and it is so RARE in the genre!
Now, be forewarned, there was a bit of a caper plot at the end of the book, but I still enjoyed it and it did not detract from the beauty of the romance. I will be going back to read the other two in the series, but I think this one will be tough to beat. For such a new author, Dalton really impressed me with this one. I will be buying it for my keeper shelf.
I almost didn't keep reading this book in the first 5%. I have never read Lily Dalton before, and this was the first book I could get my hands on even though it is the third in her new series. Be warned that if you haven't been reading the other books in the series, the opening chapter will confuse the hell out of you. However, if you get passed the crazy name-dropping and become familiar with the characters, then you won't be able to put the book down!
Clarissa is a young debutante who thought herself in love with a young lord who ended up being a cad. Upon confessing her pregnancy to a family friend, everyone misinterprets the situation and Clarissa is forced to marry said family friend, Mr. Kinkraig (Dominick), a man who is not what he seems.
This tale takes you on a journey through the beginning of their marriage. What was so refreshing about this novel was that while Clarissa and Dominick (apparently his name was Donovan for some, but my Kindle reads Dominick) actually spoke to each other like adults. They had their insecurities, but they never made rash decisions, never held vicious grudges, never jumped to hasty conclusions. Instead, the shared their feelings and over time developed a deep intimacy. It was wonderful and it is so RARE in the genre!
Now, be forewarned, there was a bit of a caper plot at the end of the book, but I still enjoyed it and it did not detract from the beauty of the romance. I will be going back to read the other two in the series, but I think this one will be tough to beat. For such a new author, Dalton really impressed me with this one. I will be buying it for my keeper shelf.
January 4, 2015
Lady Clarissa, fell in love with a man that she met in secret, and she knows she will marry him. But then he betrays her and marries another woman, and she is pregnant, and when she turns to a family friend, Lord Donovan Blackmer, for comfort, they end up compromised and they are forced to marry. Donovan works as a spy for the crown, and for the past few years has kept his profile low and protected Clarissa's grandfather. But when he is offered a prestigious position that is a dream come true for him, he ends up compromising Clarissa and ends up married which is the last thing he ever wanted. In the beginning he is bitter and almost cruel, but he sees Clarissa as a kind and passionate woman who deserves more. So he tries to make the best of the situation, and a desire ignites, passions inflame, and a sweet love erupts, but there is a danger from his past, one that haunts him and could tear Clarrissa from his life forever...
I just love Lily Dalton, her historical's are amazing and every time I get the chance to read her I am always astounded by her storytelling abilities, they always blow my mind. Never Surrender To a Scoundrel is no different for me. Sometimes regency romances will set me back in my enjoyment of romance novels, but Dalton knows how to write a good one, and this story revitalizes the passion of the time. What we have here is two people that are put in a poor choice and even though completely innocent, they are forced together. Donovoan is very bitter, his dreams are faltering, and will have to settle for marriage to the lovely Clarissa. We see how at first he blames her for everything going wrong, and takes her up north to his family's estate, but it doesn't take long for him to soften toward her and the real love story really blossoms. Clarissa is headstrong and tends to go toward a situation with no thought process...just full speed ahead. I respected that aspect of her character, but I also felt like she could use a bit more backbone in certain situations...but she does hold her own with Dalton. He is not a easy man to be married to, and Clarissa really handles him quite well and boy do they have sparks that just fly everywhere. I loved their connection and the intrigue and suspense that is placed uniquely in the plot really adds a certain element to the story that adds more depth to the story. You also see various twists and tumbles in the plot that will surprise you and maybe shock you, but you will fall in love immediately. This is a story not to be missed out, a winner in every way!! ENGROSSING ON EVERY PAGE!!
I just love Lily Dalton, her historical's are amazing and every time I get the chance to read her I am always astounded by her storytelling abilities, they always blow my mind. Never Surrender To a Scoundrel is no different for me. Sometimes regency romances will set me back in my enjoyment of romance novels, but Dalton knows how to write a good one, and this story revitalizes the passion of the time. What we have here is two people that are put in a poor choice and even though completely innocent, they are forced together. Donovoan is very bitter, his dreams are faltering, and will have to settle for marriage to the lovely Clarissa. We see how at first he blames her for everything going wrong, and takes her up north to his family's estate, but it doesn't take long for him to soften toward her and the real love story really blossoms. Clarissa is headstrong and tends to go toward a situation with no thought process...just full speed ahead. I respected that aspect of her character, but I also felt like she could use a bit more backbone in certain situations...but she does hold her own with Dalton. He is not a easy man to be married to, and Clarissa really handles him quite well and boy do they have sparks that just fly everywhere. I loved their connection and the intrigue and suspense that is placed uniquely in the plot really adds a certain element to the story that adds more depth to the story. You also see various twists and tumbles in the plot that will surprise you and maybe shock you, but you will fall in love immediately. This is a story not to be missed out, a winner in every way!! ENGROSSING ON EVERY PAGE!!
April 4, 2016
Great ending to a wonderfully romantic series! Plenty of suspense and secrets to make a mystery lover such as myself happy. I love the romance between Clarissa and Dominick. It started out kind of rough because of their circumstances but turned into something real and very sweet! Seeing all of the characters at the end brought complete joy to my heart.
Definitely recommend this series!
Note: I'm not sure why in the description it says Lord Donovan because I'm really sure its Dominick.
Definitely recommend this series!
Note: I'm not sure why in the description it says Lord Donovan because I'm really sure its Dominick.
February 12, 2015
Here's the deal.
It is rare for me to give a glowing, over-the-top, love-love-love book review. Years ago, I bought a hard-bound copy of a book based on a "wonderful" review and after I read that book, I wanted my $25.00 back because the book really stunk. All of that is by way of saying that when I decide on an "outstanding" book, it is because I like the book, not because I am a friend of an author or like that author or have always bought that author. I'm also not saying that this particular book is an "outstanding" book, rather it was a pleasant read. What I was pleased with when I read Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is that Ms. Dalton's writing style is improving and someday I suspect that I will be able to give one of her books a glowing review. She tackled a subject matter that could be problematic, and while I wasn't happy with every path she directed me down, I also saw some promise of things to come.
In this book we have Carissa Bevington, the youngest daughter and supposedly the last book in the Bevington sister trilogy. (Although the very last pages of the book hint that we haven't seen the last of the Bevingtons.) Our hero is Dominick Kincraig, aka Blackmer, and if you have a copy that says Donovan instead of Dominick, you must have an ARC copy, because there was one of those author foo-pa's with the name between early review time and publishing time. Anyway, in the previous two books Dominick has been protecting the Bevington family while in disguise and in the second book the ending revealed to all the Bevington's that he was disguised. This book picks up right where the second one ended.
I liked Dominick a lot. Even though he supposedly was a rake, a rogue, and a drunkard, he did an awful lot of above and beyond honorable things. One of the biggest being marrying Clarissa because she has fainted in his arms and her family jumps to the conclusion that she is pregnant with his child. Well, she's pregnant but the child isn't his and that's why I say he does some pretty waaay above and beyond things. Really, how many men would knowingly marry a woman who they know is carrying a child which isn't theirs? Especially when that woman seems to be a tad bit immature. At least that was my opinion in the beginning of this book. I found Clarissa to be pretty annoying and very immature. Toward the ending of the book, she starts to grow a backbone. If I had written the book, I would have had Clarissa confronting the father of the child - yelling and screaming and shrieking at him. In front of everybody. But, hey I'm not the author.
I was also a little perturbed with her sisters and their husbands, who were heroes and heroines in their own books. I thought their treatment of Dominick was a little harsh. Yes, yes, I know they think he dishonored their sister, so yes they had a reason to be disagreeable to him. However, their actions made it harder for Clarissa and created a very tense and unnecessarily ugly atmosphere. Being as how they were previous worthy people, I would think that in this book they should have been more supportive of Clarissa.
The other issue I had was the speed at which Clarissa hops into bed and love with Dominick. In one chapter she's in luv with the father of her child, in the next she's ogling Dominick's chest muscles and big "thighs." The romance should have been allowed to grow just a little more slowly than it did.
Overall, this was a charming read. It was not the bestest book I've ever read and I wasn't crazy about Clarissa. However, I will continue to pick up Ms. Dalton's books because I see some promising material coming from her pen.
KaysBlog
It is rare for me to give a glowing, over-the-top, love-love-love book review. Years ago, I bought a hard-bound copy of a book based on a "wonderful" review and after I read that book, I wanted my $25.00 back because the book really stunk. All of that is by way of saying that when I decide on an "outstanding" book, it is because I like the book, not because I am a friend of an author or like that author or have always bought that author. I'm also not saying that this particular book is an "outstanding" book, rather it was a pleasant read. What I was pleased with when I read Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is that Ms. Dalton's writing style is improving and someday I suspect that I will be able to give one of her books a glowing review. She tackled a subject matter that could be problematic, and while I wasn't happy with every path she directed me down, I also saw some promise of things to come.
In this book we have Carissa Bevington, the youngest daughter and supposedly the last book in the Bevington sister trilogy. (Although the very last pages of the book hint that we haven't seen the last of the Bevingtons.) Our hero is Dominick Kincraig, aka Blackmer, and if you have a copy that says Donovan instead of Dominick, you must have an ARC copy, because there was one of those author foo-pa's with the name between early review time and publishing time. Anyway, in the previous two books Dominick has been protecting the Bevington family while in disguise and in the second book the ending revealed to all the Bevington's that he was disguised. This book picks up right where the second one ended.
I liked Dominick a lot. Even though he supposedly was a rake, a rogue, and a drunkard, he did an awful lot of above and beyond honorable things. One of the biggest being marrying Clarissa because she has fainted in his arms and her family jumps to the conclusion that she is pregnant with his child. Well, she's pregnant but the child isn't his and that's why I say he does some pretty waaay above and beyond things. Really, how many men would knowingly marry a woman who they know is carrying a child which isn't theirs? Especially when that woman seems to be a tad bit immature. At least that was my opinion in the beginning of this book. I found Clarissa to be pretty annoying and very immature. Toward the ending of the book, she starts to grow a backbone. If I had written the book, I would have had Clarissa confronting the father of the child - yelling and screaming and shrieking at him. In front of everybody. But, hey I'm not the author.
I was also a little perturbed with her sisters and their husbands, who were heroes and heroines in their own books. I thought their treatment of Dominick was a little harsh. Yes, yes, I know they think he dishonored their sister, so yes they had a reason to be disagreeable to him. However, their actions made it harder for Clarissa and created a very tense and unnecessarily ugly atmosphere. Being as how they were previous worthy people, I would think that in this book they should have been more supportive of Clarissa.
The other issue I had was the speed at which Clarissa hops into bed and love with Dominick. In one chapter she's in luv with the father of her child, in the next she's ogling Dominick's chest muscles and big "thighs." The romance should have been allowed to grow just a little more slowly than it did.
Overall, this was a charming read. It was not the bestest book I've ever read and I wasn't crazy about Clarissa. However, I will continue to pick up Ms. Dalton's books because I see some promising material coming from her pen.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lily Dalton. In book three of her Scandalous Season Series Ms. Dalton offers us a wonderful story of desire and deliverance.. A story full of sacrifice and self fulfillment.. In short, the best book in her series as of yet.
Lady Clarissa Bevington the youngest of the Bevington sisters has finally made her debut and has grand plans for her debut ball.. She is young, rather rich, beautiful, sweet and in love. Life is good. Well life should be good.. it seems the man who claims to love her is less than honorable and on the night of her come out ball, she discovers he married that very day! And to make matters worse, she's pregnant. After causing her grandfather's collapse, Clarissa is given little choice, marry the man chosen for her by her grandfather and let him claim that child as his.
Lord Donovan Blackmer has spent the past two years acting as the heir to Clarissa's grandfather. A slightly goofy, silly man about town with little interest but drinking and wenching.. what he really was, was an agent for the crown. After two years on bodyguard duty, Donovan has finally been given an assignment he prefers, back in foreign service. Life is good! But when Lady Clarissa collapses in his arms and makes the rather timely announcement that she's pregnant, the entire family thinks it's his. Which means goodbye foreign affairs, hello domesticity..
Blackmer and Clarissa didn't start out all that great but wisely Blackmer takes it slow and builds what could be a wonderful relationship. Standing beside Clarissa as the scum sucker who knocked her up keeps trying to renew their relationship, an extremely well written character as he comes off as vapid, narcissistic and very vain. a minor character who makes an impression. Blackmer also takes the slurs on his character given to him by Clarissa's extended family. Sure it infuriates him but he refuses to let them know just who is really responsible for Clarissa's condition. Instead he takes on that baby as his own from the very beginning.
Of course the more Clarissa gets to know Blackmer the more impressed she is with him. Of course as an agent of the crown he has his secrets but his personal secrets are what may just destroy any chance of happiness they may have.
Sweeping romance at it's best. Ms. Dalton just made these two characters so realistic and endearing.. Two people who come together under less than perfect circumstances and take something that could turn ugly and turn it into a love for the ages.
Just wonderful.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Never Surrender to A Scoundrel, provided by netgalley.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Lily Dalton. In book three of her Scandalous Season Series Ms. Dalton offers us a wonderful story of desire and deliverance.. A story full of sacrifice and self fulfillment.. In short, the best book in her series as of yet.
Lady Clarissa Bevington the youngest of the Bevington sisters has finally made her debut and has grand plans for her debut ball.. She is young, rather rich, beautiful, sweet and in love. Life is good. Well life should be good.. it seems the man who claims to love her is less than honorable and on the night of her come out ball, she discovers he married that very day! And to make matters worse, she's pregnant. After causing her grandfather's collapse, Clarissa is given little choice, marry the man chosen for her by her grandfather and let him claim that child as his.
Lord Donovan Blackmer has spent the past two years acting as the heir to Clarissa's grandfather. A slightly goofy, silly man about town with little interest but drinking and wenching.. what he really was, was an agent for the crown. After two years on bodyguard duty, Donovan has finally been given an assignment he prefers, back in foreign service. Life is good! But when Lady Clarissa collapses in his arms and makes the rather timely announcement that she's pregnant, the entire family thinks it's his. Which means goodbye foreign affairs, hello domesticity..
Blackmer and Clarissa didn't start out all that great but wisely Blackmer takes it slow and builds what could be a wonderful relationship. Standing beside Clarissa as the scum sucker who knocked her up keeps trying to renew their relationship, an extremely well written character as he comes off as vapid, narcissistic and very vain. a minor character who makes an impression. Blackmer also takes the slurs on his character given to him by Clarissa's extended family. Sure it infuriates him but he refuses to let them know just who is really responsible for Clarissa's condition. Instead he takes on that baby as his own from the very beginning.
Of course the more Clarissa gets to know Blackmer the more impressed she is with him. Of course as an agent of the crown he has his secrets but his personal secrets are what may just destroy any chance of happiness they may have.
Sweeping romance at it's best. Ms. Dalton just made these two characters so realistic and endearing.. Two people who come together under less than perfect circumstances and take something that could turn ugly and turn it into a love for the ages.
Just wonderful.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Never Surrender to A Scoundrel, provided by netgalley.
January 19, 2015
My review for Never Surrender to a Scoundrel will be featured on Romancing the Book Blog later this month.
January 26, 2015
Dominick Blackmer has just finished a punitive undercover body guard assignment for the Crown, finally earning his way back into the intelligence agency's good graces years after a disastrous mission that resulted in the death of his first wife. He has only to make it through Lady Clarissa Bevington's coming-out ball, and then he's off to throw himself back into the world of international intrigue. But fate has a different plan.
Clarissa has been dreaming of her society debut for months, planning the perfect setting to announce her betrothal to her secret beau. But a devastating betrayal leads to a public scene and a terrible misunderstanding when a concerned Dominick is found comforting her. Though he wants nothing more than to reclaim his former life, his noble heart and allegiance to Clarissa's grandfather won't allow him to abandon her to her folly. A hasty marriage takes place, and Dominick is forced to take his bride to the last place he ever wanted to go . . . home. Thrown together in close quarters as they make the long journey to his family estate, the newlyweds get to know each other and make a surprising discovery: a smoldering desire between them and the possibility of a true partnership. But troubles await them at their destination, and just when Dominick believes he will be able to finally put his anguished past behind him and embrace the future he never thought he'd have, the past catches up to him with a vengeance, and it has its sights set on his beautiful new bride.
This is the third book in a series, but aside from a few pages at the beginning that had my head spinning while I was introduced to all of the players from the previous books, this one stands alone just fine. I was instantly drawn to Dominick's wounded heart and his honor and nobility. He's a little bitter and rough around the edges to start, but he is heroic to a fault. Clarissa is younger and naive, and at first I was put off by her fairly instant attraction to Dominick since she was still reeling from having been betrayed by a man she thought she was in love with. It made her seem a bit flighty and shallow, but to her credit, she acknowledges this. Her circumstances require her to do some growing up pretty quickly, and she turns out to be a compassionate and spirited counterpart to Dominick's brooding stoicism. I really enjoyed watching them bring out the best in each other while discovering the joy of having found true love.
In terms of the historical in this historical romance, it's on the lighter side. There are some vague references to the war with the French, but nothing specific, and I would have liked a little more given Dominick's employment as a spy for more than a decade. However, the time period is lushly rendered with hundreds of little details that combine effortlessly to provide an immersive experience. And Dominick's former work does eventually come into play as his darkest secrets are revealed, setting the scene for the exciting and dangerous climax.
Overall, I thought this was a very well-written romance with a little bit of everything I like in a book: compelling characters, angst and excitement, and true love--and in the perfect combination of sweet, sassy, and sexy. I look forward to reading more from Lily Dalton.
Clarissa has been dreaming of her society debut for months, planning the perfect setting to announce her betrothal to her secret beau. But a devastating betrayal leads to a public scene and a terrible misunderstanding when a concerned Dominick is found comforting her. Though he wants nothing more than to reclaim his former life, his noble heart and allegiance to Clarissa's grandfather won't allow him to abandon her to her folly. A hasty marriage takes place, and Dominick is forced to take his bride to the last place he ever wanted to go . . . home. Thrown together in close quarters as they make the long journey to his family estate, the newlyweds get to know each other and make a surprising discovery: a smoldering desire between them and the possibility of a true partnership. But troubles await them at their destination, and just when Dominick believes he will be able to finally put his anguished past behind him and embrace the future he never thought he'd have, the past catches up to him with a vengeance, and it has its sights set on his beautiful new bride.
This is the third book in a series, but aside from a few pages at the beginning that had my head spinning while I was introduced to all of the players from the previous books, this one stands alone just fine. I was instantly drawn to Dominick's wounded heart and his honor and nobility. He's a little bitter and rough around the edges to start, but he is heroic to a fault. Clarissa is younger and naive, and at first I was put off by her fairly instant attraction to Dominick since she was still reeling from having been betrayed by a man she thought she was in love with. It made her seem a bit flighty and shallow, but to her credit, she acknowledges this. Her circumstances require her to do some growing up pretty quickly, and she turns out to be a compassionate and spirited counterpart to Dominick's brooding stoicism. I really enjoyed watching them bring out the best in each other while discovering the joy of having found true love.
In terms of the historical in this historical romance, it's on the lighter side. There are some vague references to the war with the French, but nothing specific, and I would have liked a little more given Dominick's employment as a spy for more than a decade. However, the time period is lushly rendered with hundreds of little details that combine effortlessly to provide an immersive experience. And Dominick's former work does eventually come into play as his darkest secrets are revealed, setting the scene for the exciting and dangerous climax.
Overall, I thought this was a very well-written romance with a little bit of everything I like in a book: compelling characters, angst and excitement, and true love--and in the perfect combination of sweet, sassy, and sexy. I look forward to reading more from Lily Dalton.
October 28, 2015
4 Stars
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel picks up right where its prequel, Never Entice an Earl, ends and throws readers into an entertaining romance between two unlikely characters. While I have enjoyed the other books in this series, this one is easily my favorite and really shows how Lily Dalton has grown as an author.
Readers of this series will be familiar with the rakish Mr. Kincraig who is the long-lost heir to the Wolverton estate. Now his true identity as an agent of the crown trying to protect the earl is revealed after being unfairly blamed for the scandalous situation of the youngest Bevington granddaughter, Clarissa. For her part, Clarissa did not mean for Mr. Kincraig to be blamed for her newly discovered pregnancy, but now her family is forcing them down the aisle and she feels guilty for ruining his life. The rest of the book portrays these two as they maneuver the early days of their marriage as they get to know one another.
While the premise is a little far-fetched and outraged me a couple times with the way that Kincraig/Blackmer was treated by Clarissa's family, I felt like it was saved by the characters. I found them both to be surprisingly mature about the whole situation and they thankfully didn't go react in unrealistic ways. For example, I was worried that Blackmer would spend much of the book seeking revenge against Clarissa, but he quickly accepted that she did not mean for this to happen and he decides to just make the best of it. Clarissa starts off as a naive young lady who develops very quickly and wants to do what is right by her new husband.
Besides the two main characters, readers also get to meet Blackmer's family who he has not see in years and I loved the scenes with all of them. Families getting over their issues is a theme that I really enjoy reading about and I thought the author did a good job with their depiction. Of course, there are plenty of scenes with Clarissa's sisters who got their own stories earlier in the series. They do have their typical "look how happy we are" moments, but they do have a valid purpose in this book that made up for that cliche.
The only thing that I would warn future readers about with Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is the ending. The pace of the story was moving along well until the last few chapters. All of a sudden the sweet love story was taken over by a dastardly plot from someone in Blackmer's past. It seemed a little out of the blue to me and I was disappointed with the easy way that everything got tied up. But, I think that this is something that will improve with experience on the author's part and I look forward to many more books from her.
I received a free copy of this book from Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel picks up right where its prequel, Never Entice an Earl, ends and throws readers into an entertaining romance between two unlikely characters. While I have enjoyed the other books in this series, this one is easily my favorite and really shows how Lily Dalton has grown as an author.
Readers of this series will be familiar with the rakish Mr. Kincraig who is the long-lost heir to the Wolverton estate. Now his true identity as an agent of the crown trying to protect the earl is revealed after being unfairly blamed for the scandalous situation of the youngest Bevington granddaughter, Clarissa. For her part, Clarissa did not mean for Mr. Kincraig to be blamed for her newly discovered pregnancy, but now her family is forcing them down the aisle and she feels guilty for ruining his life. The rest of the book portrays these two as they maneuver the early days of their marriage as they get to know one another.
While the premise is a little far-fetched and outraged me a couple times with the way that Kincraig/Blackmer was treated by Clarissa's family, I felt like it was saved by the characters. I found them both to be surprisingly mature about the whole situation and they thankfully didn't go react in unrealistic ways. For example, I was worried that Blackmer would spend much of the book seeking revenge against Clarissa, but he quickly accepted that she did not mean for this to happen and he decides to just make the best of it. Clarissa starts off as a naive young lady who develops very quickly and wants to do what is right by her new husband.
Besides the two main characters, readers also get to meet Blackmer's family who he has not see in years and I loved the scenes with all of them. Families getting over their issues is a theme that I really enjoy reading about and I thought the author did a good job with their depiction. Of course, there are plenty of scenes with Clarissa's sisters who got their own stories earlier in the series. They do have their typical "look how happy we are" moments, but they do have a valid purpose in this book that made up for that cliche.
The only thing that I would warn future readers about with Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is the ending. The pace of the story was moving along well until the last few chapters. All of a sudden the sweet love story was taken over by a dastardly plot from someone in Blackmer's past. It seemed a little out of the blue to me and I was disappointed with the easy way that everything got tied up. But, I think that this is something that will improve with experience on the author's part and I look forward to many more books from her.
I received a free copy of this book from Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2015
I am a big fan of Lily Dalton's historical romances and although I would say the first book in this series i my favorite, Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is very close to taking its place. My issue with the other two books in the series has been with my doubt over how well some of the actions and thoughts of the character match the time period, but I felt that less here and really I just enjoyed the characters and the story immensely.
Clarissa is the youngest Bevington sister and it's her turn to fall in love. She thinks she's fallen in love even before her debut, but after having her heart broken she finds herself in a compromising position with the man everything had thought was her grandfather's heir and they are forced to marry. It turns out Donovan Blackmer was merely acting as the heir as part of his work for the historical British equivalent of the Secret Service and trying to protect her grandfather's life. Right before he's forced to marry Clarissa he's planning to resume his life of espionage overseas. Not only does he not really want to marry Clarissa, he's incredibly upset that he's forced to give up his career he worked so hard to win back after ruining a previous mission.
I loved the contrasting personalities of Clarissa and Donovan. Clarissa is a young girl who's excited by the idea of love and it's happy and eager and fairly innocent. Donovan is older and has lived a very tough life, including having been married previously. The actual romance part of their relationship took a little long to come together for my liking, but I enjoyed their interactions and their banter even before the romance began and it only got better after.
If I had a complaint about this story it would be that there were some things that I thought were a bit unclear. I never quite understood Donovan's place in his family (is he the older son?) and his family dynamic was also confusing. It could also be my lack of knowledge of British history, but I also found the end of the story and the resolution of the threats against Clarissa's grandfather to be very unclear.
Bottom Line: This is another winning historical romance from Lily Dalton! I am sad to see this series come to an end, I enjoyed reading about all of the Bevington sisters and their romantic entanglements and Never Surrender to a Scoundrel was no different. Clarissa and Donovan had great chemistry and were likable as their own characters, too. I can't wait to see what Lily Dalton writes next!
I received an electronic review cope of this book from the publisher via NetGally (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
Clarissa is the youngest Bevington sister and it's her turn to fall in love. She thinks she's fallen in love even before her debut, but after having her heart broken she finds herself in a compromising position with the man everything had thought was her grandfather's heir and they are forced to marry. It turns out Donovan Blackmer was merely acting as the heir as part of his work for the historical British equivalent of the Secret Service and trying to protect her grandfather's life. Right before he's forced to marry Clarissa he's planning to resume his life of espionage overseas. Not only does he not really want to marry Clarissa, he's incredibly upset that he's forced to give up his career he worked so hard to win back after ruining a previous mission.
I loved the contrasting personalities of Clarissa and Donovan. Clarissa is a young girl who's excited by the idea of love and it's happy and eager and fairly innocent. Donovan is older and has lived a very tough life, including having been married previously. The actual romance part of their relationship took a little long to come together for my liking, but I enjoyed their interactions and their banter even before the romance began and it only got better after.
If I had a complaint about this story it would be that there were some things that I thought were a bit unclear. I never quite understood Donovan's place in his family (is he the older son?) and his family dynamic was also confusing. It could also be my lack of knowledge of British history, but I also found the end of the story and the resolution of the threats against Clarissa's grandfather to be very unclear.
Bottom Line: This is another winning historical romance from Lily Dalton! I am sad to see this series come to an end, I enjoyed reading about all of the Bevington sisters and their romantic entanglements and Never Surrender to a Scoundrel was no different. Clarissa and Donovan had great chemistry and were likable as their own characters, too. I can't wait to see what Lily Dalton writes next!
I received an electronic review cope of this book from the publisher via NetGally (thank you!). All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2014
An utterly delightful, charmingly lovely historical romance, Never Surrender to a Scoundrel was an excellent read. With its sweet romance, surprising secrets, and engaging story, this book was fantastic and I absolutely loved it.
Clarissa was a lovely heroine. She made a mistake that would potentially ruin her but, while that might have might her seem silly, she was stronger than even she realized. She pulled herself together and tried to make the best of the situation, realizing that she had pulled an innocent man down with her and determined to make it up to both him and herself. I thought she was a really likable character.
Blackmer was just as wonderful. He had been pulled into a situation not of his own making and, while he could have taken his resentment out on Clarissa, he was too honorable to do so. He was kind, clever, and determined to protect Clarissa from those who would try to harm her. He was simply adorable.
The romance was great. The way it built up was really well done, from the characters trying to make the best out of the situation to realizing their feelings went much farther than they expected. And they definitely had enough chemistry between them to turn up the heat.
The plot moved quickly and kept me hooked all the way through. There were a few twists along the way, particularly some secrets about Blackmer's past that took me by surprise. I really liked the story and the ending was perfect.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel was a charming, sweet, and really enjoyable historical romance. From start to finish, it was a top-notch read. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Clarissa was a lovely heroine. She made a mistake that would potentially ruin her but, while that might have might her seem silly, she was stronger than even she realized. She pulled herself together and tried to make the best of the situation, realizing that she had pulled an innocent man down with her and determined to make it up to both him and herself. I thought she was a really likable character.
Blackmer was just as wonderful. He had been pulled into a situation not of his own making and, while he could have taken his resentment out on Clarissa, he was too honorable to do so. He was kind, clever, and determined to protect Clarissa from those who would try to harm her. He was simply adorable.
The romance was great. The way it built up was really well done, from the characters trying to make the best out of the situation to realizing their feelings went much farther than they expected. And they definitely had enough chemistry between them to turn up the heat.
The plot moved quickly and kept me hooked all the way through. There were a few twists along the way, particularly some secrets about Blackmer's past that took me by surprise. I really liked the story and the ending was perfect.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel was a charming, sweet, and really enjoyable historical romance. From start to finish, it was a top-notch read. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 28, 2015
This is the first book by Lily Dalton I have read and I am so glad that I took a chance on her because this was such a great book! It was amusing, entertaining, and delightful. I enjoyed it immensely and I can't wait to read the rest of the series, and the next book when it comes out!
Lady Clarissa Bevington and Lord Dominick Blackmar, a.k.a. Mr. Kincraig, are forced to marry or face certain scandal when Clarissa's delicate situation compromises them. It seems like the end of the world because Clarissa feels like she'll never know the love her mother and sisters have found and for Dominick, it is the end of a career that meant everything to him. However, they can't deny the attraction they feel for each other and as time passes by, they become closer; so much so that they start to feel the forced marriage was not such a bad thing after all. But just as Clarissa and Dominick are finding each other, something menacing lurks in the shadows.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is about overcoming your demons, changing for the better, and that the most unexpected things can turn out to be the best things. It is full of passion, beauty, heartache, humor, sweetness, and love. There is also some mystery and danger thrown in as well.
There were a lot of things that I loved about this book. I loved the characters and how much Clarissa and Dominick grew into stronger, better people. Not to mention, whenever they got into spats and the heat that accompanied them always. I loved the sweet moments, the playful ones, and the feel-good ending.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is a standalone told from the H/h's POV and it has an awesome HEA ending. ~ Paige, 4 stars
Lady Clarissa Bevington and Lord Dominick Blackmar, a.k.a. Mr. Kincraig, are forced to marry or face certain scandal when Clarissa's delicate situation compromises them. It seems like the end of the world because Clarissa feels like she'll never know the love her mother and sisters have found and for Dominick, it is the end of a career that meant everything to him. However, they can't deny the attraction they feel for each other and as time passes by, they become closer; so much so that they start to feel the forced marriage was not such a bad thing after all. But just as Clarissa and Dominick are finding each other, something menacing lurks in the shadows.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is about overcoming your demons, changing for the better, and that the most unexpected things can turn out to be the best things. It is full of passion, beauty, heartache, humor, sweetness, and love. There is also some mystery and danger thrown in as well.
There were a lot of things that I loved about this book. I loved the characters and how much Clarissa and Dominick grew into stronger, better people. Not to mention, whenever they got into spats and the heat that accompanied them always. I loved the sweet moments, the playful ones, and the feel-good ending.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is a standalone told from the H/h's POV and it has an awesome HEA ending. ~ Paige, 4 stars
February 7, 2015
When a romance makes you giddy, it is a good read, and when a romance makes my heart warm and fuzzy it is a great read, when a romance makes me giddy, warm, fuzzy and lusty it is a fantastic read and Lily Dalton’s Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is a FANTASTIC READ!
I will be perfectly honest, I wish I had not read the excerpt in the back of Never Entice an Earl because it hinted at plot of Never Surrender to a Scoundrel and I know myself as I hate hints, but I just could not help but to peek. With that peek, I gasped, rolled my eyes and thought no you have got to be kidding me! I was not a happy camper, as I have come to love the Bevington sisters and their heroes. I knew that Dalton was going to go off the rails with Clarissa’s story, I could not be more wrong and I am so thrilled. The story was fresh, fraught with the requite adventure that all of Dalton’s books entail and enough love and sexual tension to make my toes curl. OMG, Kincraig is such a breath of fresh air in the hero category. He has become one of my favorite all time historical heroes. The story of Clarissa and her secret agent man is beyond compare, but I think that after each of Dalton’s reads. I do have to say that this one is by far my favorite. I enthusiastically recommend this book five flaming stars. Now can I get my husband to just dress up like a regency hero. Hmmmm……………
Purchase from Amazon: http://amzn.to/15W5YcN
I will be perfectly honest, I wish I had not read the excerpt in the back of Never Entice an Earl because it hinted at plot of Never Surrender to a Scoundrel and I know myself as I hate hints, but I just could not help but to peek. With that peek, I gasped, rolled my eyes and thought no you have got to be kidding me! I was not a happy camper, as I have come to love the Bevington sisters and their heroes. I knew that Dalton was going to go off the rails with Clarissa’s story, I could not be more wrong and I am so thrilled. The story was fresh, fraught with the requite adventure that all of Dalton’s books entail and enough love and sexual tension to make my toes curl. OMG, Kincraig is such a breath of fresh air in the hero category. He has become one of my favorite all time historical heroes. The story of Clarissa and her secret agent man is beyond compare, but I think that after each of Dalton’s reads. I do have to say that this one is by far my favorite. I enthusiastically recommend this book five flaming stars. Now can I get my husband to just dress up like a regency hero. Hmmmm……………
Purchase from Amazon: http://amzn.to/15W5YcN
May 15, 2021
4.5 stars
Only reason why I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I wanted more scenes of Clarissa and Dominick before they were forced to get married. I wanted to understand how their dynamics worked when they were friends, seeing as Clarissa was twenty while Dominick was in his mid 30s (it just felt weird to me). I also wish the shift in their marriage from being reluctant newlyweds to lovers would’ve been more gradual and slowed down, because it rather felt like the story didn’t flow naturally
Or maybe the story did flow as it should, and the couple grew closer after a correct amount of time. Maybe this is just another case of me being obsessed with slow burns and enjoying the tension and the drama between romance couples before they acknowledge their feelings and act on them.
However, I did like how Clarissa was a refreshing heroine, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t apologetic about it. She was also emotionally intelligent and great at communication. Dominick is also great and very self aware and attentive. This helped rid the story of having any unnecessary communication or trust issues that are often just there in most romance stories just for the sake of creating conflict without really justifying it or building up to it.
Only reason why I didn’t give this book 5 stars is because I wanted more scenes of Clarissa and Dominick before they were forced to get married. I wanted to understand how their dynamics worked when they were friends, seeing as Clarissa was twenty while Dominick was in his mid 30s (it just felt weird to me). I also wish the shift in their marriage from being reluctant newlyweds to lovers would’ve been more gradual and slowed down, because it rather felt like the story didn’t flow naturally
Or maybe the story did flow as it should, and the couple grew closer after a correct amount of time. Maybe this is just another case of me being obsessed with slow burns and enjoying the tension and the drama between romance couples before they acknowledge their feelings and act on them.
However, I did like how Clarissa was a refreshing heroine, she knew what she wanted and wasn’t apologetic about it. She was also emotionally intelligent and great at communication. Dominick is also great and very self aware and attentive. This helped rid the story of having any unnecessary communication or trust issues that are often just there in most romance stories just for the sake of creating conflict without really justifying it or building up to it.
October 18, 2018
Another stellar story from Lily Dalton. Great premise with engaging characters.
October 4, 2023
Love the intrigue storyline that’s tangled in this book. A high ending to an okay-ish series.
January 7, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
Oh I loved this book! It feels like I'm on a little bit of a historical romance kick these days and its THIS kind of book that makes me remember why I love historical romances so much. And I'm not the kind of reader that really cares so much about historical accuracy. If it's close, it works for me. I just love all the clothing and the frippery (I love that word!) and I love that men could be men and women could be women. For me, THAT'S where you can find real romance!
I'm not sure how much I liked Clarissa at the start of this book. She's very young (around 20) and she seems very young. I wouldn't say that she was immature because that has something of a negative connotation. But she certainly wasn't worldly. She's an entitled, possibly spoiled young lady. I mean, for her come-out ball, she insisted that everything be pink. From her dress to the flowers to the damn carpets! I just kept thinking, Ugh! But Clarissa quickly grew on me. She wasn't super quick to absolve Dominick of his part in her ruination but she eventually does the right thing. Once she does, it was much easier to like her. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she starts growing up, mentally and emotionally, from that point on. I loved that Clarissa eventually became Dominick's partner, in every sense of the word.
Dominick started the book as something of an enigma. He's not who he seems to be and that was a lot of fun. I don't always love stories about spies and once I realized that Dominick was a spy for England, I wasn't all that enthused about continuing the book. And Dominick keeps everything so close to the vest that it was a little difficult to get to know him! But slowly, he begins to let down his guard and I saw that he was a wonderful man. He's made some mistakes, of course, but he's trying to do the right thing with Clarissa. Nevermind that he was almost forced into it. On the other hand, I didn't blame Dominick for being so pissed about his situation. He was only trying to comfort a young girl that he had come to care about and it got him into some seriously hot water! I loved how he was trying to make the best of it and ended up finding something that he didn't even know he was looking for.
I really loved Dominick and Clarissa's relationship. At first, they are the last people that each of them wanted to end up with. Clarissa thinks Dominick is a sloppy drunk and a rakehell. One of my favorite scenes was the first time that Clarissa saw Dominick as he really was and not under his rakehell guise! And Dominick wanted to get back into the foreign service and had absolutely no desire to be married...and certainly not to such a young girl! But they begin to like each other and that turns into even deeper feelings. Plus, they are so freaking hot together! I couldn't believe the steamy scenes, here in this historical romance! Yes, please! I loved it!
I would absolutely recommend this to any fans of historical romance. It's Book 3 in the One Scandalous Season series but I hadn't read the previous books in the series and I didn't find it to be an issue at all. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I've already gone out and purchased Books 1 & 2 in the series! THAT'S how much I loved this book. Never Surrender to a Scoundrel has good drama, plenty of Sexy Time, lots of intrigue and a great amount of action. I'd probably even recommend this book to someone who hasn't read historical romance before. I truly loved this book and can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Oh I loved this book! It feels like I'm on a little bit of a historical romance kick these days and its THIS kind of book that makes me remember why I love historical romances so much. And I'm not the kind of reader that really cares so much about historical accuracy. If it's close, it works for me. I just love all the clothing and the frippery (I love that word!) and I love that men could be men and women could be women. For me, THAT'S where you can find real romance!
I'm not sure how much I liked Clarissa at the start of this book. She's very young (around 20) and she seems very young. I wouldn't say that she was immature because that has something of a negative connotation. But she certainly wasn't worldly. She's an entitled, possibly spoiled young lady. I mean, for her come-out ball, she insisted that everything be pink. From her dress to the flowers to the damn carpets! I just kept thinking, Ugh! But Clarissa quickly grew on me. She wasn't super quick to absolve Dominick of his part in her ruination but she eventually does the right thing. Once she does, it was much easier to like her. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she starts growing up, mentally and emotionally, from that point on. I loved that Clarissa eventually became Dominick's partner, in every sense of the word.
Dominick started the book as something of an enigma. He's not who he seems to be and that was a lot of fun. I don't always love stories about spies and once I realized that Dominick was a spy for England, I wasn't all that enthused about continuing the book. And Dominick keeps everything so close to the vest that it was a little difficult to get to know him! But slowly, he begins to let down his guard and I saw that he was a wonderful man. He's made some mistakes, of course, but he's trying to do the right thing with Clarissa. Nevermind that he was almost forced into it. On the other hand, I didn't blame Dominick for being so pissed about his situation. He was only trying to comfort a young girl that he had come to care about and it got him into some seriously hot water! I loved how he was trying to make the best of it and ended up finding something that he didn't even know he was looking for.
I really loved Dominick and Clarissa's relationship. At first, they are the last people that each of them wanted to end up with. Clarissa thinks Dominick is a sloppy drunk and a rakehell. One of my favorite scenes was the first time that Clarissa saw Dominick as he really was and not under his rakehell guise! And Dominick wanted to get back into the foreign service and had absolutely no desire to be married...and certainly not to such a young girl! But they begin to like each other and that turns into even deeper feelings. Plus, they are so freaking hot together! I couldn't believe the steamy scenes, here in this historical romance! Yes, please! I loved it!
I would absolutely recommend this to any fans of historical romance. It's Book 3 in the One Scandalous Season series but I hadn't read the previous books in the series and I didn't find it to be an issue at all. In fact, I enjoyed this book so much that I've already gone out and purchased Books 1 & 2 in the series! THAT'S how much I loved this book. Never Surrender to a Scoundrel has good drama, plenty of Sexy Time, lots of intrigue and a great amount of action. I'd probably even recommend this book to someone who hasn't read historical romance before. I truly loved this book and can't wait to dive into the rest of the series!
March 25, 2015
First Reviewed on Once Upon a Romance Blog - rexilake.tumblr.com
In Lily Dalton’s 3rd installment in her One Scandalous Season series, Clarissa Bevington finds herself in a predicament… A nine month one! Of course, Clarissa believed the man she’d dallied with was honorable and intent on marrying her. Then, she finds out he’s wed another on the same day he was supposed to announce his engagement to Clarissa! (Talk about a scoundrel!!!)
The news shocks Clarissa into a faint (blame the pregnancy). Enter Mr. Kincraig. For readers of the first 2 installments, Mr. Kincraig is well-known. For those who are just entering the series [myself included] it’s discovered that Mr. Kincraig was possibly a contender to being the heir to the Earl of Wolverton, aka Clarissa’s grandfather.
In an act of chivalry, Mr. Kincraig carries Clarissa away from onlookers and into a private room. Her family follows, but they leave the two alone for just a moment. That moment is long enough for Clarissa to blurt the truth out - and be overheard.
There’s nothing like a shotgun wedding to make a book more interesting. Of course, having a reluctant bride and groom makes it even more entertaining. Then add in a very interesting twist: the groom is not who they thought!
Dominick Blackmer had just completed his latest assignment for the Home Office when he became entangled in an unfortunate misunderstanding with one Clarissa Bevington. Instead of being given new orders abroad, which he’d worked years to re-attain, he is now to be leg-shackled to a society miss who’d allowed another to get her with child!
All his plans. All his waiting. And now he would lose it all. Damn himself for caring. Damn her for being foolhardy. And damn the Earl of Wolverton, who knew the whole truth and still asked him to marry the girl.
What starts out as a relationship teetering between disaster and desire, begins to blossom. Until Clarissa and Dominick come face to face with another challenge - his past. When someone begins to dredge up old memories of things best forgotten, Dominick must decide how much to trust his new wife, and how to keep her and their unborn child safe.
Will these two people who’ve thrown together by circumstances find a way to love each other, or will they never get the chance because of an unseen evil that continues to threaten their peace?
So, let me start by saying: Yum! First off, Lily Dalton creates an embittered hero who you can’t help but feel sorry for, even if he does act horribly at the beginning. Second, she has a heroine who, although she’s been wronged and heartbroken almost from page one, is brave, courageous, kind, and full of passion. Add in adventure, desire, and morning sickness, and the journey from London to Blackmer’s family home is a fun-filled chaos all on its own!
In the next part of the novel, Clarissa and Blackmer are still struggling with their feelings toward each other, while also bringing in the dynamics of an estranged family. Ah, fathers and sons and brothers… What could they possibly disagree about, right? Oh yeah, EVERYTHING!!
The reader feels like they’ve stepped right into the middle of a continuous family squabble! And believe me, I’m Very Familiar with sibling rivalries. Lily Dalton has a writing style that is so real, it’s like she’s telling a true story.
For fans of historical romances, there is no question that this is an author you should read. I will be searching out those first 2 novels so I can catch up on the whole series. It’s highly likely that I will also be Facebook and Twitter stalking her so I can find out when her next book is coming… Thank goodness we have social media, otherwise I’d have to do things the old-fashioned way: wait and watch the bookshelves at my local B&N!
In Lily Dalton’s 3rd installment in her One Scandalous Season series, Clarissa Bevington finds herself in a predicament… A nine month one! Of course, Clarissa believed the man she’d dallied with was honorable and intent on marrying her. Then, she finds out he’s wed another on the same day he was supposed to announce his engagement to Clarissa! (Talk about a scoundrel!!!)
The news shocks Clarissa into a faint (blame the pregnancy). Enter Mr. Kincraig. For readers of the first 2 installments, Mr. Kincraig is well-known. For those who are just entering the series [myself included] it’s discovered that Mr. Kincraig was possibly a contender to being the heir to the Earl of Wolverton, aka Clarissa’s grandfather.
In an act of chivalry, Mr. Kincraig carries Clarissa away from onlookers and into a private room. Her family follows, but they leave the two alone for just a moment. That moment is long enough for Clarissa to blurt the truth out - and be overheard.
There’s nothing like a shotgun wedding to make a book more interesting. Of course, having a reluctant bride and groom makes it even more entertaining. Then add in a very interesting twist: the groom is not who they thought!
Dominick Blackmer had just completed his latest assignment for the Home Office when he became entangled in an unfortunate misunderstanding with one Clarissa Bevington. Instead of being given new orders abroad, which he’d worked years to re-attain, he is now to be leg-shackled to a society miss who’d allowed another to get her with child!
All his plans. All his waiting. And now he would lose it all. Damn himself for caring. Damn her for being foolhardy. And damn the Earl of Wolverton, who knew the whole truth and still asked him to marry the girl.
What starts out as a relationship teetering between disaster and desire, begins to blossom. Until Clarissa and Dominick come face to face with another challenge - his past. When someone begins to dredge up old memories of things best forgotten, Dominick must decide how much to trust his new wife, and how to keep her and their unborn child safe.
Will these two people who’ve thrown together by circumstances find a way to love each other, or will they never get the chance because of an unseen evil that continues to threaten their peace?
So, let me start by saying: Yum! First off, Lily Dalton creates an embittered hero who you can’t help but feel sorry for, even if he does act horribly at the beginning. Second, she has a heroine who, although she’s been wronged and heartbroken almost from page one, is brave, courageous, kind, and full of passion. Add in adventure, desire, and morning sickness, and the journey from London to Blackmer’s family home is a fun-filled chaos all on its own!
In the next part of the novel, Clarissa and Blackmer are still struggling with their feelings toward each other, while also bringing in the dynamics of an estranged family. Ah, fathers and sons and brothers… What could they possibly disagree about, right? Oh yeah, EVERYTHING!!
The reader feels like they’ve stepped right into the middle of a continuous family squabble! And believe me, I’m Very Familiar with sibling rivalries. Lily Dalton has a writing style that is so real, it’s like she’s telling a true story.
For fans of historical romances, there is no question that this is an author you should read. I will be searching out those first 2 novels so I can catch up on the whole series. It’s highly likely that I will also be Facebook and Twitter stalking her so I can find out when her next book is coming… Thank goodness we have social media, otherwise I’d have to do things the old-fashioned way: wait and watch the bookshelves at my local B&N!
July 29, 2015
Lady Clarissa Bevington made a very big mistake. Mr. Dominick Blackmer (a.ka. Mr. Kincraig) was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Lady Clarissa thought she was in love and acted rather recklessly. Unbeknownst to her, her beau just got married to someone else. Dominick Blackmer is in the service of the Crown and is guarding Clarissa grandfather, Lord Wolverton, as well as his whole family. Just as his assignment was over and he got his new orders heading to bigger and better things, he got stuck consoling a despondent Clarissa after finding out her beau married someone else. He left her heartbroken….and pregnant. After several misunderstandings, Lady Clarissa and Mr. Blackmer are hastily married and are sent out of London. Romance, danger, and drama ensue.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot more than I expected it to be. It had lots of heart and completely sucked me in. At first I thought Lady Clarissa was a moron. She acted very young and naively. I felt she was sort of vapid. But I cut her a break because she was young and in love for the first time. Everyone makes mistakes. I was really happy to see that she owned up to her mistakes and tried to make the best of it. She matures a lot throughout the book and it really showed.
One aspect of her character that I was happily surprised by was how she wasn’t afraid of her sexuality. More often than not, the heroines in historical romances are virginal-ish and are sort of embarrassed by the notion of sex. She wasn’t a reserved wilting flower waiting for the man to take control. She initiated their interludes quite a bit. She was the one who had to work to get into HIS pants. LOL. That was new and refreshing. She was just an awesome heroine.
Mr. Dominick Blackmer (aka Mr. Kincraig) was a terrific hero. He was a genuinely nice guy. Although he got sucked into a marriage he did not want, he still tried to make it work. He didn’t brood and bluster the whole book about being forced into marriage that put his career in jeopardy. Yes, he was angry and said a few hurtful things to Clarissa, but he snapped out of it and seemed apologetic. It was refreshing to see a level-headed hero who felt deeply but didn’t go overboard in his “protection” of his wife. He didn’t lock her away “for her own good” and he didn’t make her stay by him all the time. He wasn’t over the top with any of his emotions either like I’ve read in numerous romance books in the past. It felt…authentic. Well, as authentic as a romance book can get.
Everything considered it was a very well written book. There were a few grammatical errors, but they didn’t bug me that much. If I were to nitpick I’d say that how Dominick and his brother reconciled was a tad unbelievable. Also, a few aspects of Clarissa’s pregnancy bugged me but I’m not going to go into that because it’s long and weirdly complicated. To sum up: awesome book. Check it out if you love historical romances with a dash of intrigue.
Lady Clarissa thought she was in love and acted rather recklessly. Unbeknownst to her, her beau just got married to someone else. Dominick Blackmer is in the service of the Crown and is guarding Clarissa grandfather, Lord Wolverton, as well as his whole family. Just as his assignment was over and he got his new orders heading to bigger and better things, he got stuck consoling a despondent Clarissa after finding out her beau married someone else. He left her heartbroken….and pregnant. After several misunderstandings, Lady Clarissa and Mr. Blackmer are hastily married and are sent out of London. Romance, danger, and drama ensue.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot more than I expected it to be. It had lots of heart and completely sucked me in. At first I thought Lady Clarissa was a moron. She acted very young and naively. I felt she was sort of vapid. But I cut her a break because she was young and in love for the first time. Everyone makes mistakes. I was really happy to see that she owned up to her mistakes and tried to make the best of it. She matures a lot throughout the book and it really showed.
One aspect of her character that I was happily surprised by was how she wasn’t afraid of her sexuality. More often than not, the heroines in historical romances are virginal-ish and are sort of embarrassed by the notion of sex. She wasn’t a reserved wilting flower waiting for the man to take control. She initiated their interludes quite a bit. She was the one who had to work to get into HIS pants. LOL. That was new and refreshing. She was just an awesome heroine.
Mr. Dominick Blackmer (aka Mr. Kincraig) was a terrific hero. He was a genuinely nice guy. Although he got sucked into a marriage he did not want, he still tried to make it work. He didn’t brood and bluster the whole book about being forced into marriage that put his career in jeopardy. Yes, he was angry and said a few hurtful things to Clarissa, but he snapped out of it and seemed apologetic. It was refreshing to see a level-headed hero who felt deeply but didn’t go overboard in his “protection” of his wife. He didn’t lock her away “for her own good” and he didn’t make her stay by him all the time. He wasn’t over the top with any of his emotions either like I’ve read in numerous romance books in the past. It felt…authentic. Well, as authentic as a romance book can get.
Everything considered it was a very well written book. There were a few grammatical errors, but they didn’t bug me that much. If I were to nitpick I’d say that how Dominick and his brother reconciled was a tad unbelievable. Also, a few aspects of Clarissa’s pregnancy bugged me but I’m not going to go into that because it’s long and weirdly complicated. To sum up: awesome book. Check it out if you love historical romances with a dash of intrigue.
January 31, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/ne...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
This is historical romance at its best with just enough intrigue, romance and excitement to keep the reader turning pages.
Clarissa, a young debutante becomes pregnant by a dashing young man who she feels will rescue and marry her. She finds out at her coming out ball that in fact he has married someone else. Faced with a ruinous scandal she obeys her grandfather and marries Kincraig the man everyone thinks is the cause of her problems. What she finds out on her wedding day is that she doesn’t know the man she married either past or present however she decides at that time she will make the best of a bad situation. She knows that the marriage has cost him his career and she knows she is ultimately responsible for this. I like the way the author developed Clarissa from a scatterbrained debutante to a person who knows what she wants and is able to heal and mend the family she is thrown into. It must have been terrifying for this young girl to leave her family and have no idea what or where she was being taken to. She helps Blackmer repair the damage to his family situation and shows him her worth both as a wife and a lover. What she attains is a husband who is loyal and protective and who in the end becomes a real family man.
Blackmer is resentful of the fact that he is forced into a marriage he definitely did not want. Married before he knows only too well what it can cost him. Again he is forced into losing the job he loves. When he returns home he is estranged from his brother and very distant to his parents. All he wants to do is get his father to give him the house and piece of land he wants.
Although beautiful, his wife tugs at something inside him and he knows he must protect her and love her at all costs. When strange things start to happen he knows that his wife and her family are in danger. Blackmer finds out that his first marriage was not what it seemed. Complex, Blackmer’s ghosts keep the story moving and exciting. I found myself getting right into the story and its characters at every page.
I would love to read more books by Lucy Dalton. She definitely knows the time period and knows how to balance the characters out to make them likeable and readable. A light afternoon read on a cold winter’s day. What could be better?
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
This is historical romance at its best with just enough intrigue, romance and excitement to keep the reader turning pages.
Clarissa, a young debutante becomes pregnant by a dashing young man who she feels will rescue and marry her. She finds out at her coming out ball that in fact he has married someone else. Faced with a ruinous scandal she obeys her grandfather and marries Kincraig the man everyone thinks is the cause of her problems. What she finds out on her wedding day is that she doesn’t know the man she married either past or present however she decides at that time she will make the best of a bad situation. She knows that the marriage has cost him his career and she knows she is ultimately responsible for this. I like the way the author developed Clarissa from a scatterbrained debutante to a person who knows what she wants and is able to heal and mend the family she is thrown into. It must have been terrifying for this young girl to leave her family and have no idea what or where she was being taken to. She helps Blackmer repair the damage to his family situation and shows him her worth both as a wife and a lover. What she attains is a husband who is loyal and protective and who in the end becomes a real family man.
Blackmer is resentful of the fact that he is forced into a marriage he definitely did not want. Married before he knows only too well what it can cost him. Again he is forced into losing the job he loves. When he returns home he is estranged from his brother and very distant to his parents. All he wants to do is get his father to give him the house and piece of land he wants.
Although beautiful, his wife tugs at something inside him and he knows he must protect her and love her at all costs. When strange things start to happen he knows that his wife and her family are in danger. Blackmer finds out that his first marriage was not what it seemed. Complex, Blackmer’s ghosts keep the story moving and exciting. I found myself getting right into the story and its characters at every page.
I would love to read more books by Lucy Dalton. She definitely knows the time period and knows how to balance the characters out to make them likeable and readable. A light afternoon read on a cold winter’s day. What could be better?
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
January 30, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading
I have to say that Lily Dalton brings a marvelous story in Never Surrender to a Scoundrel. When I started the story, I was trying to figure out how it was going to be scandalous. The first couple of chapters she’s lovey-dovey with Lord Quinn, and she’s soon to be engaged to him. Everything just seems to be working out for Clarissa. Disasters strikes! Finally! I know that���s probably horrible of me, but I wanted to have drama. From her coming out the excitement beginnings; YES!
Poor Clarissa, she gave away her goods before getting on her finger. This might sound even worst, but what popped in my head was Beyoncé Single Ladies and the part “then you should have put a ring on it.” It’s all downhill for Clarissa cause Lord Quinn marries another. GASP The blackguard. He really wasn’t that great of a catch, but now she’s in a pickle. So, we have Mr. Kincraig to save the day. Poor Mr. Kincraig, he found himself in a compromising situation with Clarissa. So, he’s force to do the honorable thing. He tries to weasel himself out of the situation, but to no avail. He thought he would be able to get out of it if announced his true name Dominick Blackmer; nope. There beginnings the challenging beginning to their marriage.
I absolutely adored Never Surrender to a Scoundrel, because you found Clarissa and Dominick in a situation they both didn���t want to be and forced to marry one another. It actually took time for them to work things out. They didn't automatic fall in love with one another. Actually Dominick is bitter for a good portion of the story at what happen to his life, and he wants to blame Clarissa. I love Clarissa’s maid, because she put things into perspective and she should make the best of the situation. Clarissa tried. So, it broke my heart when she said this to Dominic:
“That I’m some silly child that you’ve been saddled with, unworthy of your thoughts and cares because most certainly they are too deep and complex for simpleminded little me to understand.”
Right there everything started to change. Key word started. Both had to work hard to make the marriage succeed, more so for Dominick. Dominick had some demons that took sometime to workout. I did enjoy the twists in the story that were causing problems for Dominick and Clarissa. Overall, I thought this story was fantastic. I love that saw them truly working on making the marriage work. I love Never Surrender to a Scoundrel had my feelings going everywhere. Definitely worth the time to read.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
I have to say that Lily Dalton brings a marvelous story in Never Surrender to a Scoundrel. When I started the story, I was trying to figure out how it was going to be scandalous. The first couple of chapters she’s lovey-dovey with Lord Quinn, and she’s soon to be engaged to him. Everything just seems to be working out for Clarissa. Disasters strikes! Finally! I know that���s probably horrible of me, but I wanted to have drama. From her coming out the excitement beginnings; YES!
Poor Clarissa, she gave away her goods before getting on her finger. This might sound even worst, but what popped in my head was Beyoncé Single Ladies and the part “then you should have put a ring on it.” It’s all downhill for Clarissa cause Lord Quinn marries another. GASP The blackguard. He really wasn’t that great of a catch, but now she’s in a pickle. So, we have Mr. Kincraig to save the day. Poor Mr. Kincraig, he found himself in a compromising situation with Clarissa. So, he’s force to do the honorable thing. He tries to weasel himself out of the situation, but to no avail. He thought he would be able to get out of it if announced his true name Dominick Blackmer; nope. There beginnings the challenging beginning to their marriage.
I absolutely adored Never Surrender to a Scoundrel, because you found Clarissa and Dominick in a situation they both didn���t want to be and forced to marry one another. It actually took time for them to work things out. They didn't automatic fall in love with one another. Actually Dominick is bitter for a good portion of the story at what happen to his life, and he wants to blame Clarissa. I love Clarissa’s maid, because she put things into perspective and she should make the best of the situation. Clarissa tried. So, it broke my heart when she said this to Dominic:
“That I’m some silly child that you’ve been saddled with, unworthy of your thoughts and cares because most certainly they are too deep and complex for simpleminded little me to understand.”
Right there everything started to change. Key word started. Both had to work hard to make the marriage succeed, more so for Dominick. Dominick had some demons that took sometime to workout. I did enjoy the twists in the story that were causing problems for Dominick and Clarissa. Overall, I thought this story was fantastic. I love that saw them truly working on making the marriage work. I love Never Surrender to a Scoundrel had my feelings going everywhere. Definitely worth the time to read.
Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley
February 26, 2015
**ARC via Netgalley given to me for an honest review**
From the beginning, my opinion of Clarissa wasn’t high. She was merely another spoiled rich brat who thought she fell in love and was naïve enough to get herself impregnated by a man who wanted to keep their “courtship” a secret. Really? This never ends well and I’ve never found naivety appealing in a heroine. Regardless of my cynicism and my failure to connect to her, she’s a fairly pleasant character.
Now Dominick, on the other hand, knew about Clarissa’s affair and happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, he was mistaken for Clarissa’s lover. He promised her grandfather he marry her and raise her child as his own to save the family from ruin, but Donavan himself was degraded in her family’s eyes and he was discharged from his duties as an agent of the crown because of the situation Clarissa had put them both in. All of this fueled feelings of anger, betrayal, worthlessness, and bitterness in Dominick. Gradually, he set them aside and learned to accept his fate, and it was nice to see the changes and growth in both Dominick and Clarissa as well as their slow-building love.
I was much more interested in Dominick’s life— past and present, and if I didn’t care about Clarissa’s unborn baby’ self-being, she wouldn’t even cease to exist in my reading. Donova’s past, his problems with his family, and the nature surrounding his first wife’s death compelled me to read on.
Overall, Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is an enjoyable read and the plot is new for me. I give it somewhere between three and four stars. It's a good book, but a one-time read for me, due to a lack of an exciting ending, which was resolved too quickly, and the fact that I didn't care for the characters' welfare.
From the beginning, my opinion of Clarissa wasn’t high. She was merely another spoiled rich brat who thought she fell in love and was naïve enough to get herself impregnated by a man who wanted to keep their “courtship” a secret. Really? This never ends well and I’ve never found naivety appealing in a heroine. Regardless of my cynicism and my failure to connect to her, she’s a fairly pleasant character.
Now Dominick, on the other hand, knew about Clarissa’s affair and happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, he was mistaken for Clarissa’s lover. He promised her grandfather he marry her and raise her child as his own to save the family from ruin, but Donavan himself was degraded in her family’s eyes and he was discharged from his duties as an agent of the crown because of the situation Clarissa had put them both in. All of this fueled feelings of anger, betrayal, worthlessness, and bitterness in Dominick. Gradually, he set them aside and learned to accept his fate, and it was nice to see the changes and growth in both Dominick and Clarissa as well as their slow-building love.
I was much more interested in Dominick’s life— past and present, and if I didn’t care about Clarissa’s unborn baby’ self-being, she wouldn’t even cease to exist in my reading. Donova’s past, his problems with his family, and the nature surrounding his first wife’s death compelled me to read on.
Overall, Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is an enjoyable read and the plot is new for me. I give it somewhere between three and four stars. It's a good book, but a one-time read for me, due to a lack of an exciting ending, which was resolved too quickly, and the fact that I didn't care for the characters' welfare.
October 27, 2015
Rated 4.5! Courtesy of Romance Junkies:
Clarissa Bevington was certain that she had a real and lasting love, but soon discovers it was all a pretense. It seems that her husband-to-be has moved on and married another. Clarissa tries to hold it all together at her come-out ball, but fails horribly. When handsome and kind Mr. Kincraig comes to her rescue, Clarissa confesses her dilemma. She never imagined she would soon find herself engaged to marry Mr. Kincraig.
Lord Donovan Blackmer, aka Mr. Kincraig, is a spy who has been working undercover to protect Clarissa's grandfather. The threat has finally passed and Donovan is excited to be moving on to his next case. In a moment of weakness, Donovan offers comfort to a distraught young lady. Before he knows it all of his plans are changed. Although Donovan agreed to marry Clarissa out of duty, he cannot deny that he does care for her. What will happen when she uncovers all of the secrets he is so desperate to hide?
Author Lily Dalton delivers in NEVER SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL. It has everything a reader is looking for... passion, romance and a little dash of mystery. Ms. Dalton's characters are intense and interesting. It is an adventure in itself witnessing their growth throughout the story. Clarissa may be spoiled in the beginning, but she quickly learns that the world does not revolve around her. Donovan is a very secretive man, but light is soon shed on his backstory and it is easy to see how he became the hardened man he is. NEVER SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL is a wonderful follow-up to Ms. Dalton's ONE SCANDALOUS SEASON series.
Clarissa Bevington was certain that she had a real and lasting love, but soon discovers it was all a pretense. It seems that her husband-to-be has moved on and married another. Clarissa tries to hold it all together at her come-out ball, but fails horribly. When handsome and kind Mr. Kincraig comes to her rescue, Clarissa confesses her dilemma. She never imagined she would soon find herself engaged to marry Mr. Kincraig.
Lord Donovan Blackmer, aka Mr. Kincraig, is a spy who has been working undercover to protect Clarissa's grandfather. The threat has finally passed and Donovan is excited to be moving on to his next case. In a moment of weakness, Donovan offers comfort to a distraught young lady. Before he knows it all of his plans are changed. Although Donovan agreed to marry Clarissa out of duty, he cannot deny that he does care for her. What will happen when she uncovers all of the secrets he is so desperate to hide?
Author Lily Dalton delivers in NEVER SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL. It has everything a reader is looking for... passion, romance and a little dash of mystery. Ms. Dalton's characters are intense and interesting. It is an adventure in itself witnessing their growth throughout the story. Clarissa may be spoiled in the beginning, but she quickly learns that the world does not revolve around her. Donovan is a very secretive man, but light is soon shed on his backstory and it is easy to see how he became the hardened man he is. NEVER SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL is a wonderful follow-up to Ms. Dalton's ONE SCANDALOUS SEASON series.
August 30, 2015
Originally reviewed for Buried Under Romance www.buriedunderromance.com
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is the third novel in the One Scandalous Season series by Lily Dalton. The characters are strong and likeable and the story holds your interest from the first page.
Clarissa Bovington, the granddaughter of the Earl of Wolverton, is young and in love. Her world is shattered, however, when her lover, Lord Quinn, suddenly marries someone else before she has the time to tell him she’s pregnant. When she and dashing Dominick Kincraig, who she believes to be a family cousin, are caught in an embrace as he tries to comfort her, her grandfather insists that they marry. For Clarissa, this seems like a good solution to her situation, and while he can’t deny a strong physical attraction to Clasrissa, marriage to her spells disaster for Dominick, In reality, he is not a family cousin. He has actually been working as an undercover agent for the crown, a job he loses when he agrees to marry Clarissa and accept her expected baby as his own. Can they possibly make this work?
While a bit predictable, the author has fashioned an interesting story about two wrongs trying to make a right. She has also thrown in a mystery to help hold your interest in the second half of the novel. It is not necessary to have read the other novels in the series because this story stands alone very well. I recommend Never Surrender to a Scoundrel to anyone who enjoys a simple, sexy romantic mystery. I’m giving it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Never Surrender to a Scoundrel is the third novel in the One Scandalous Season series by Lily Dalton. The characters are strong and likeable and the story holds your interest from the first page.
Clarissa Bovington, the granddaughter of the Earl of Wolverton, is young and in love. Her world is shattered, however, when her lover, Lord Quinn, suddenly marries someone else before she has the time to tell him she’s pregnant. When she and dashing Dominick Kincraig, who she believes to be a family cousin, are caught in an embrace as he tries to comfort her, her grandfather insists that they marry. For Clarissa, this seems like a good solution to her situation, and while he can’t deny a strong physical attraction to Clasrissa, marriage to her spells disaster for Dominick, In reality, he is not a family cousin. He has actually been working as an undercover agent for the crown, a job he loses when he agrees to marry Clarissa and accept her expected baby as his own. Can they possibly make this work?
While a bit predictable, the author has fashioned an interesting story about two wrongs trying to make a right. She has also thrown in a mystery to help hold your interest in the second half of the novel. It is not necessary to have read the other novels in the series because this story stands alone very well. I recommend Never Surrender to a Scoundrel to anyone who enjoys a simple, sexy romantic mystery. I’m giving it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 3, 2015
This is book 3 in the One Scandalous Season series.
Lady Clarissa Bevington is excited for her coming out. What no one else knows is that she will be announcing her engagement that night also. Just as she is set to appear at her ball, she is given the devastating news that her secret intended has married another. Passing out at the news, the rakehell Kincraig comes to her rescue by whisking her off to another room followed by her family.
Lord Donovan Blackmer has been masquerading for the last two years as Kincraig to protect Clarissa's grandfather. Having grown close to the family, he is there when Clarissa needs help. But he didn't count on having to marry her to provide that help. After several misunderstandings by Clarissa's family, Donovan agrees to marry her to save her from ruin.
Can this marriage ever turn into true love after such a rocky start?
So at the end of Never Entice an Earl, we learn that Kincraig is not who we think he is. I was so excited to see where Dalton would take this and she did not disappoint. As with her other stories, there are many twists and turns and a few surprises that pop up. This is definitely one of my favorites reads!
I don't want to give away too much of the story so I won't say much more than this: Go buy the book!! You will definitely enjoy it!
Thanks go to Forever via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Lady Clarissa Bevington is excited for her coming out. What no one else knows is that she will be announcing her engagement that night also. Just as she is set to appear at her ball, she is given the devastating news that her secret intended has married another. Passing out at the news, the rakehell Kincraig comes to her rescue by whisking her off to another room followed by her family.
Lord Donovan Blackmer has been masquerading for the last two years as Kincraig to protect Clarissa's grandfather. Having grown close to the family, he is there when Clarissa needs help. But he didn't count on having to marry her to provide that help. After several misunderstandings by Clarissa's family, Donovan agrees to marry her to save her from ruin.
Can this marriage ever turn into true love after such a rocky start?
So at the end of Never Entice an Earl, we learn that Kincraig is not who we think he is. I was so excited to see where Dalton would take this and she did not disappoint. As with her other stories, there are many twists and turns and a few surprises that pop up. This is definitely one of my favorites reads!
I don't want to give away too much of the story so I won't say much more than this: Go buy the book!! You will definitely enjoy it!
Thanks go to Forever via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
February 19, 2015
*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley*
I haven't read the two previous books in the series, but after reading Never Surrender To A Scoundrel I'm going to remedy that right away. I loved this book!
The characters seemed very real to me. Anyone who's read my other reviews knows that good characterization is something I look for most in a book. I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. The plot itself touched on something that isn't usually mentioned in romance and I like that the author didn't shy away from it.
Clarissa made a terrible mistake, one that is forgivable considering that she is young and naïve. I loved that she picked herself up and moved on and tried to make the best of her situation. And she did it in such a way that I began to admire her quite a bit. She is sweet and strong, never tempestuous like most romance heroines turn out to be. I adored her.
Dominick (or Donovan, since I think the name was changed before publication?) was everything I love in a hero. He's the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome with an extra helping of dangerous. Yum.
This book had everything: great romance, well thought-out plot, and great characters.
I'd recommend it to anyone who reads romance.
I haven't read the two previous books in the series, but after reading Never Surrender To A Scoundrel I'm going to remedy that right away. I loved this book!
The characters seemed very real to me. Anyone who's read my other reviews knows that good characterization is something I look for most in a book. I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. The plot itself touched on something that isn't usually mentioned in romance and I like that the author didn't shy away from it.
Clarissa made a terrible mistake, one that is forgivable considering that she is young and naïve. I loved that she picked herself up and moved on and tried to make the best of her situation. And she did it in such a way that I began to admire her quite a bit. She is sweet and strong, never tempestuous like most romance heroines turn out to be. I adored her.
Dominick (or Donovan, since I think the name was changed before publication?) was everything I love in a hero. He's the very definition of tall, dark, and handsome with an extra helping of dangerous. Yum.
This book had everything: great romance, well thought-out plot, and great characters.
I'd recommend it to anyone who reads romance.
June 18, 2020
Edit 18 June 2020 - reread
After rereading this whole series in June 2020, i have decided that while the 1st and 2nd book of this series was a disappointment, this 3rd book was outstanding! I did not have difficulties loving the hero and heroine and did not want to put the book down! The plot was very engaging and I like forced / convenience marriages because it always provides an opportunity for the hero and heroine to get to know one another better since they’re already married. I especially liked Blackmer because he’s the type of guy I like in books (handsome and has a sad backstory). And Clarissa! I really liked how she made an effort to understand Blackmer and thank god she isn't rude like Sophia and Daphne are! The book got boring for the last 5 chapters but I feel the love development between Blackmere & Clarissa was much better than previous books as it didn’t feel rushed & also since this book has more chapters. 4 stars :)
After rereading this whole series in June 2020, i have decided that while the 1st and 2nd book of this series was a disappointment, this 3rd book was outstanding! I did not have difficulties loving the hero and heroine and did not want to put the book down! The plot was very engaging and I like forced / convenience marriages because it always provides an opportunity for the hero and heroine to get to know one another better since they’re already married. I especially liked Blackmer because he’s the type of guy I like in books (handsome and has a sad backstory). And Clarissa! I really liked how she made an effort to understand Blackmer and thank god she isn't rude like Sophia and Daphne are! The book got boring for the last 5 chapters but I feel the love development between Blackmere & Clarissa was much better than previous books as it didn’t feel rushed & also since this book has more chapters. 4 stars :)
January 17, 2015
I received a complimentary copy from Goodread First Reads. This has become my favorite book! I love scandal books and thought the scandal would be the same as most books (being in a situation that is purely innocent, but seen as wrong), but I was so wrong, yes, it was an innocent situation, but not the normal seen close together alone or she tripped and fell into him etc... And I was hooked from the moment she told her secret and the scandal began. There was so much going on in this book that there was never a dull moment. Most of the time with this much going on, not everything would be finished or you would lose sight of the romance, but it all worked together. You are surprised when you meet his family and when you find out about his first wife's death and just so many other moments. I also have to say I loved her maid when she spoke her mind about something.
April 19, 2015
I wanted to love this, the protagonists were enjoyable, but it didn't quite work for me. The pacing of the story seemed rushed at times, and the romance not developed well enough. Overall, I enjoyed the series, but felt this didn't live up to its potential.
August 10, 2015
3.5 out of 5 stars
January 12, 2019
Clarissa and Donovan are forced into a hasty marriage when Clarissa becomes pregnant and her parents think Donovan to be the father.
The premise of this book is actually quite clever, but there wasn’t enough chemistry between the two for my tastes. They are forced to marry and both exhibit unattractive traits (Clarissa is a little ditzy, Donovan literally says that he will ruin Clarissa’s life) but despite that they both fall in love immediately.
The book is the third in the “One Scandalous Season” series and it can be read on its own. However, I tried that and found it fairly confusing and the plot to be tacked on.
I appreciated that Clarissa wasn’t a virgin on her wedding night as most regency women are, although I still found the love scenes to be unbelievable and over the top.
Lastly, there was a horrible typo on the second page of my edition- saying that Clarissa’s sister Daphne married Lord Blackmer, when she had really married Lord Raikes. This was super confusing because the Donovan is Lord Blackmer.
The premise of this book is actually quite clever, but there wasn’t enough chemistry between the two for my tastes. They are forced to marry and both exhibit unattractive traits (Clarissa is a little ditzy, Donovan literally says that he will ruin Clarissa’s life) but despite that they both fall in love immediately.
The book is the third in the “One Scandalous Season” series and it can be read on its own. However, I tried that and found it fairly confusing and the plot to be tacked on.
I appreciated that Clarissa wasn’t a virgin on her wedding night as most regency women are, although I still found the love scenes to be unbelievable and over the top.
Lastly, there was a horrible typo on the second page of my edition- saying that Clarissa’s sister Daphne married Lord Blackmer, when she had really married Lord Raikes. This was super confusing because the Donovan is Lord Blackmer.
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