The Mark of a Rogue

Scandalous Sons #2

by Adele Clee

The path to true love begins in the most unlikely place.

A late-night encounter in a graveyard.

When Lawrence Trent, illegitimate son of Viscount Ranfield, discovers someone is secretly tending his brother’s grave, he feels compelled to investigate. Since his brother’s mysterious death, he’s been plagued by suspicions of murder and is desperate to find proof. Imagine his surprise when he encounters a young woman in the churchyard at midnight. Imagine his shock when she instructs him to strip off his shirt, demands to see if he bears the mark of the notorious gentleman’s club known as the Brethren. 

A lady who needs to atone.

Believing herself responsible for the deaths of her cousin and his friend, Miss Verity Vale can do nothing to make amends other than pay her respects. Having suffered at the hands of a Brethren blackguard, too, she is helpless when it comes to seeking justice. Until an encounter with a handsome stranger brings a perfect opportunity for vengeance.

A wild and passionate adventure for two people who never hoped to find love.

Thrown together in a bid to solve the mystery and find those who killed their kin, Lawrence and Verity journey into an evil world of blackmail and corruption. But it’s not the shocking revelations about the Brethren that send their hearts racing. It’s their growing attraction to each other. Can love blossom when the Brethren are determined to tear them apart?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2019

About the author

Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her scarred heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee

Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonstop murder mystery where the villain is always one step ahead..

Another great historical from Adele! This novel was more heavily focused on the murder-mystery aspect and less so on the physical aspect between Verity and Trent. However, the intimacy and connection between them was not lacking; Verity was able to bring Trent out of his shell while Trent encouraged Verity to explore her independence. Near the end, I was a bit confused on why the villain acted the way he did towards the Brethren, but the overall story was action-packed and kept me engrossed. The ending was shocking and a FANTASTIC setup for Cavanaugh's book, which I'm so stoked for!!

*ARC provided by the author, but I read this on KU and I voluntarily reviewed it*

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series. This is the 2nd and I rate it 2.5 stars. It had insta love and a preposterous set up for a meeting of the main couple. I skimmed through parts of it and I guessed early on who the villain was. I know many others enjoyed it...I did not.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawrence Trent is determined to find out who's been secretly tending his half brother's grave in the dead of night, even if it means prowling around a darkened graveyard. As the illegitimate son of Viscount Ranfield, he's dealt with stigma and rejection all his life and has always sought to behave with the utmost integrity. So even if he wasn't terribly close to his half brother, the legitimate heir, he suspects foul play and won't rest until he gets some answers. He's shocked when his late night churchyard vigil reveals a beautiful young woman tending the grave and he's even more shocked when she demands he remove his shirt so she can determine if he bears the crowned "B" brand marking members of the Brethren, a shady and now notorious gentleman's club whose members keep turning up dead under mysterious circumstances.

Verity Vale has been paying her respects because she feels herself at least partially to blame for the deaths of her cousin and his friend. She's also been attacked by a member of the Brethren and is determined to find justice rather than remain helpless.

As Verity and Lawrence work together to find out who killed their family members, they learn more than they bargained for about the evil hiding amongst them. Despite the peril they soon find themselves in, their connection strengthens beyond friendship rapidly, but with the Brethren now after Lawrence, their future is far from assured.

I loved this book. The mystery was enough to keep me intrigued and reading, but beyond that, the romance between Lawrence and Verity was lovely and sweet. Lawrence was so strong and yet so vulnerable and scarred by rejection and lack of love. I'm a sucker for these heroes who learn how to love and be loved and he was a fabulous example and I loved how protective he was over Verity. For her part, Verity was a great heroine. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to voice her opinions or stand up for herself. I loved that there were no games between these two, just honesty and openness, rather than having misunderstandings and lack of communication drive the plot as so many of the books I've read recently have done. This book was fabulous and I can't wait for the next one now.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another clever tale from Ms. Clee. Normally I can figure out the villain in a book fairly early on but this book has some red herrings as to the true villain. Yes, you can figure some parts out but not the entire story. And the villain was a great character in this story. Okay, now onto the lovely romance of Lawrence and Verity. Their interactions feel genuine and real. The mystery worked well with their story and I loved how they worked together to solve the crime. This is a great series so far with just Cavanaugh left to titillate us.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Highly tense and sensual read , a great one to stir the senses.

Feelings and emotions were at an all time high reading Adele’s latest book , and as ever it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Lawrence Trent , the bastard son of a Viscount, a man with so many walls built around his heart, it’s a fortress, infiltration would be a miracle. He lets no one into his life , even friends only get so far .
Now he’s searching for the reasons behind his half brothers death .
His information leads him to his brothers grave and a beautiful soul who blesses the resting place and leaves offerings every time she visits.
Intrigued he follows her and finds more than he bargained for.

Miss Verity Vale she’s been left caring for herself, answering to no one.
She has reasons for being in the graveyard.
After this death,and Sebastian her cousin Died ,she discovers that the two belong to a club known as the Brethren.
She’s scared ,and when Trent approaches her ,worries she’s been discovered by the group.

The two agree to working together, but not to her possibly being in any more danger , Trent vows to her protection.
But this thriller is only just beginning and it’s about to get very dangerous in deed .

This book has some brilliant scenes, I especially loved the Masquerade at the Madams house .
Great stuff , Adele writes some great books and this is one to really get the juices flowing.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. I did like the characters of Verity Vale and Lawrence Trent. Lawrence has found out the hard way to take care of himself and hadn’t experienced love from anyone. Verity had a difficult relationship with her parents as well. Verity was a strong, intelligent woman. They found they had a deep attraction for each other and it was satisfying to see their feelings deepen for each other. There is a mystery that involves the death of their relations. I didn’t realise who the main culprit was until the very end. There was the amusing banter between good friends. This was an enthralling read with some interesting secondary characters. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story keeps you on the edge of your seat and you will refuse to put down the book until you've finished reading it! I really enjoyed book 1 of this series and I can say the same about book 2. Lawrence and Verity's story is filled with intrigue, mystery, passion, humor....you name it, it's got it! I found it very well written, keeps your interest and the characters are very believable. Very deserving of a 5 star rating.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is there someone standing next to the grave of Lawrence Trent's half brother. The answer given results in the discovery of more deaths. And an involvement with Miss Verity Vale as they seek answers.
An entertaining historical mystery and romance with mature content. Another good addition to this series with its likeable characters.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book of the series! I love the romance (the budding friendship, intellectual and witty banter, and the steamy sex between the H/h), the 'who done it' mystery, and the fact that the heroes would not hesitate to KICK ASS. These dudes ain't playin'. With the hero Lawrence - who was also the biggest and most menacing-looking of the bunch - I was in for the ride. And like the heroine Verity, I was drooling over his height, manly muscles, and jade green eyes too. lol
Speaking of Verity, like Scarlett in the first book, she was easy to like. I like heroines who aren't of the TSTL variety. One or two mistakes is fine; we're all human. I loved Verity's intellect and offbeat humor.
The villain was a surprise, in that I kinda' knew it was him, but didn't. Let's just say that the man was really driven by his bat shit agenda.
Now, on to reading the next book! 5 stars!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I could explore much more then nature with Lawrence. This was a wonderful escapade full of intrigue and romance. What makes the heart beat faster then a little murder, right?

I’m enjoying this series immensely and highly recommend it.

[Ellamay McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters 😍

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 2nd Book in the Scandalous Sons Series & am already looking forward to Book 3! I won't re-tell the story as many will do review, but I will say that you will not be disappointed in this book or this series. Ms. Clee's stories are always full of wonderful main & secondary characters that you fall in love with & find yourself living their story right along with them. Her plots are entertaining with some danger, intrigue, villains, loyal/loving friends, throw in some twists & turns & of course, romance.

Lawrence Trent, bastard son of the Viscount of Ranfield, discovers someone secretly tending his brother's grave at night & he must find out why. He has been tormented by the suspicious manner his brother died, was it murder? Verity Vale feels responsible for the death of this man buried in the grave she is tending & also her cousin. She knows they were killed by the group of men called the Brethren but is powerless to bring justice to them. This is where the couple meets for the first time - in the night, with a full moon surrounded by graves, her insistence Trent bare his chest & so many questions. I highly recommend this historical romance & don't you really want to know what happens?

I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a definite 5* story. It is well thought out, plotted and written.
In it, Verity, a lady who always tries to find the good in a situation, meets up with Lawrence in of all places, a graveyard and makes him strip off his shirt.
This is just the beginning to an extremely entertaining tale about two interesting characters whom I couldn't help but love, with adventure, romance with a bit of sensualness and heat, good friends, bad guys and one really crazy one. These all mix together really well and the resulting story kept me going until I finished it.
It is the second story in the series and it is as good as the first one which I think was truly excellent. It is also a stand-alone.
I am very happy to recommend this book and hope you read and enjoy it as much as I have.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) and this is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has love and mystery. Lawrence and Verity were two people who never felt love or need from their family, but they find it in each other. Lawrence immediately came to Verity aid and they could not resist each other. I like Lawrence’s friends and can not wait to read Cavanagh’s story.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clee is at her best when her books have a good balance between mystery and budding romance between H/h, and this is a good example of that. Instead of focusing on overheated angst and silly misunderstandings, as many historical romance writers do, she focuses on two people who are somewhat psychologically damaged, who have been missing love all their lives and must learn to trust.

Lawrence is a sympathetic hero. Instead of being the typical rake, he is a man with honor who has borne others' scorn. He's illegitimate and has never been allowed to forget that fact. His father has been in mourning over his half-brother's recent death but spurns him, even though the legitimate son was the one who made questionable life choices. Verity has never fit the picture of the typical woman in the marriage mart and refused to marry while her parents were alive, but was unfortunately the target of an attack set up by her cousin. The mystery in the plot involves the connection between the recent death of her cousin, who had unpaid debts, and Lawrence's brother, who had also been in need of money.

The mystery is OK. (WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD: You do wonder at the villain's ulterior motives, which seem a bit strange, and also the reason for his big deception and final decision to off himself.)

But the best aspect of the book is H/h's relationship. Instead of being mostly focused on lust, their attraction is also focused on friendship, trust, and love. It is almost a "slow burn" romance. Although there is premarital sex, both characters share a bond and it is obvious they are invested in the relationship.

I did not care at at all for the previous book in this series, which I recently read. I first read this book a while back, inadvertently reading the series out of order, and then I forgot about the series. Because I like Clee, I decided to revisit this book again. It is much better than the previous book in terms of plot and characterization. Highly recommend.

As always, Clee's books contain language that is PG rated. Hells, damns, etc.
There is descriptive sex in this book, but the sex is not excessive. Because the characters care so much for each other, the scenes come across as tasteful. Unless you're someone who's just offended by sex in fiction and must read "sweet and clean" romances, you won't be bothered by the content here.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in Scandalous Sons series, The Mark Of a Rogue is is one Fantastic Book! It's an intense action-packed rollercoaster ride full of twist and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. With villains who spin a web of murdererr, deception and deceit until slowly all the pieces start falling together in this murder mystery that shows who the real villains are. Adele Clee's book is well-written with well-developed characters with returning characters from the first book, an incredibly strong plot with a story line that kept me interested right to the end and wanting more. With setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly. Trying to discover who is killing off members of a gentleman's club the Brethren, Lawrence a brooding, swoon worthy rogue and Miss Verity who is spunky and demands to be allowed to join Lawrence on his "adventure" to find out the truth. As they both fight their growing feelings for one another they soon find themselves in the embrace of a  passionate love swirling down into a vortex of the pits of evil in this heart-stopping story filled with drama, uncertainties, sizzling passion, friendship, secrets, danger, trials and tribulations, turmoil and while the suspense builds and tensions escalate and mayhem abounds with twists and turns that will keep you wandering what's around the next corner makes this one outstanding story!

I loved the teaser about Cavanaugh and Cassandra in the next book When Scandal Came To Town! Can't wait to read!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series continues to involve adult children unloved and rejected by their parents. Verity suffered parental authoritarianism and harsh criticism, whereas Lawrence had been set away by both parents. Now Verity longed to be valued for herself and loved on her own terms while Lawrence protected himself from emotional entanglements with a dissolute, roguish lifestyle. At night in a graveyard, the initial encounter between these two involves our hero stripping to the waist at our heroine's insistence. Then Verity claims responsibility for the death of Lawrence's half-brother. That's just the first chapter! Thus begins a somewhat dangerous inquiry, yet thrilling adventure: finding a secret fraternity seemingly involved in the deaths of several men. This story flows at a nice pace. Action, humor, and building sexual tension blend perfectly for me! I identify strongly with Verity and her determination to be her own woman. Playing the lust factor against a growing (but denying) emotional attachment tends to endear Lawrence to the reader. He really ends up being such a romantic! I view the sex as explicit, but not sordid nor a major portion of the text. I found this to be a very fun read, and could end up my favorite of the series. I like that the end of these books gives a hint into the next book.

[WyoGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hero who appreciates an intelligent woman

Although the female protagonist makes some poor choices toward the end of the story to set up the damsel in distress rescue scene, she is fairly clever and holds her own. However, she lacks a setting of her own—she mainly appears in the hero’s world.

The hero is brawny and yet intelligent. His conversations with his peers are enjoyable (due to teasing banter) and nuanced. He is willing to beat up men who get in his way, but there are no action scenes where he bashes on the bad guys to show off his muscles. He is loyal and honest about his feelings.

The two visit some very seedy places with sex parties happening, and they are supposedly in costumes but introduce themselves at the door, which seems contradictory. Their investigations seem more for titillation than out of necessity.

The mystery of murdered men seems more like a thin plot gimmick than a genuine need for the protagonists to solve. There are no real stakes to solving the crimes other than a potential sexual assault.

The writing is free of errors, and the story is passably entertaining, but it’s not particularly memorable past the strange setting of their initial encounter. There are moments of peril, references to attempted rape, a suicide, and murder crime scenes described.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lawrence Trent, the illegitimate son of Viscount Ranfield, realizes that someone has been tending his brother's grave, he sets out to find out who it is. Since his brother died under unusual circumstances, Lawrence is looking for evidence of foul play.

Miss Verity Vale believes she is the cause of the death of her cousin and his friend. When she meets Lawrence and tells her tale, Lawrence promises he will look into the possibility that "the Brethren" have killed Miss Vale's cousin and Lawrence's brother. Miss Vale explains that the men in the club have a "devil's mark" on their chests.

A strong point in this story is the interplay between the three male friends; their relationship is essential to them, and their bond helps them through difficult times. Some of the elements of the story were unclear. The idea of manipulating the government through the murder of the less worthy politicians seemed ethereal (far-fetched) to me. The author writes action well; the plotline was less successful.

Scandalous Sons
1. And the Widow Wore Scarlet (2019)
** 2. The Mark of a Rogue (2019)
3. When Scandal Came to Town (2019)
4. The Mystery of Mr. Daventry (2020)

[Kiley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Scandalous Sons series has a rather different storyline compared with the other books in the series. The Hero and Heroine were determined to locate and dismantle a club called The Brethren whose main idea seemed to be that of ruining ladies and murdering members who failed to repay their debts.
This book was more along the lines of a mystery than a romance novel as it involved a great deal of intrigue, drama, and angst. There was little to no chemistry, passion, or romance between the two main characters. It seemed the main interest was in solving a mystery of the club.
The tendency to drone on and on seemed to be the norm for this author. Nonsensical and boring the book became the further it went. It would have been better to end the mystery several chapters earlier than it did, but no such luck for the reader. The ramblings and repetition soon lost the reader's attention.
So, as already stated, this was more of a murder mystery than a romance. Definitely not worthy of a Keeper for the Shelve award, but not too bad of a book.

[Laura Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mark of a Rogue (Scandalous Sons #2) by Adele Clee 2019 Regency

I enjoy Adele Clee's books and recommend you try one of her stories. The characters fit together perfectly, and her story is action packed. She has great villains and tension-filled endings.

The story begins in a graveyard where Lawrence Trent, the illegitimate son of Viscount Ranfield captures a woman leaving items on his brother's grave. Verity Vale, spinster, feels guilty over the drowning of Charles Farrow and tells Lawrence how her brother also drowned mysteriously. They both bore a brand on their chests and belonged to a "brethren" group tied to a book.

Although he promises to look into the matter, she arrives at his friend's house. Wycliff is newly married from book #1 and Cavanaugh appears in book #3 in this series. They join forces with Verity to find answers to why the men were killed and Verity nearly raped as payment for her brother's debt.

Clee takes the reader to demimonde playgrounds, back alley slums, and other London settings with crisp descriptions.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable mystery with Verity and Lawrence working together to figure out who is murdering members of the ton. They meet when Verity visits her cousins grave. Lawrence is there to see who is visiting his brothers grave. They are determined to find out what happened. Lawrence had a difficult life and never knew the feeling of being loved. Verity’s upbringing wasn’t much better. She wants to help with the search for the people responsible for the murders. This was such a great story with intrigue, bad men and steamy romance. Adele Clee writes a great story (as always) and I am on to the next Scandalous Son.

[Darlene Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was put off because there was a lot of talking and no real action but through these conversations I came to like the characters. Verity is a woman with a mind of her own and a will to match it and she is flawed by a childhood where no one care or heard her. Lawrence is an illegitimate son cast off by both his mother and father with only painful memories. The story grows as they attempt to solve the murders of members of their family and get involved with a ruthless gang.
Te characters supporting them are well developed and it made me want to read the next bok.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trent beats Damian

I didn’t like the first book of this series. I didn’t like the main characters, their personalities, nor did I like their “growth”.
I downloaded this (2nd in the series) with hopes that it would be better...boy was it!!!!
I loved Trent. His character, Verity’s, and the plot itself was excellent!
This instalment was fantastic and I’m so glad. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of Regency Romance with a dash of spice.

[Angela Harriman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but a little different

I liked this one. The hero is everything I like to see in a main character. The heroine seemed a bit flighty and daft at first. Then she evolved into a more intelligent being. The mystery was interesting but I did find it difficult to follow at times. There seemed to be too much crammed into the story. Maybe if it was a bit longer, a bit more drawn out. Still enjoyable ending and nice lead into the next story.

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MARK OF A ROGUÉ

I liked the story of Verity and Trent falling in love. They were both good people who deserved to be loved. I didn’t really feel like he was a rogue at all. He was honorable and followed her lead. Personally, I love a true romance so all the dark mystery and murder is not my cup of tea. I love the friendship the three men have together. I can’t wait to see what happens with Cavanaugh.

[Bookosaurous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling!

To be honest, the first half was not that convincing to me, but Adele has slowly built up the suspense and by the time I was in the middle of the story, I got hooked to it. The chemistry between the protagonists were electrifying and the warmth of their love can be felt deeply. I would say, overall, this is a good read.

[Kasey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and diverting...

I really enjoyed this story. In spots it kept me on the edge of my seat, while in other sections the romance flowed.
The characters felt human and honest (or wicked, in the case of the assorted villains).
Sometimes you need a story where good guys are good and bad guys have no redeeming qualities... Thanks, I needed this.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

Another exciting adventurous with the outcast trio of friends! This is Trent's journey to his HEA with an unexpected meeting with Miss Vale at his brother's grave! They decide to find the murderers of his brother and her cousin! Another exciting adventure through London's back streets and sordid locales!

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart pounding romance

Lots of danger and suspense, surround Trent and Verity in this third Scandalous Son. Unlike the previous tale no parent is directly involved in the book, which limited the dynamic of being illegitimate. The romance is hot and the danger is palpable.