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Inglorious Scoundrels #1
Gone with the Rake
Lady Lydia Lawless is a thief. Her family fortune? A lie. To start a new, honest life, she needs to steal one last thing—a family heirloom from a charming viscount.
There’s just one problem.
The viscount is a man from her past. And to steal the jewel… she’ll have to get him naked.
Viscount Arthur Thornton has many regrets. Letting go of his first love is the greatest. Now, fate gives him a second chance… But if he claims it, he risks losing everything.
Including life as he knows it.
There’s just one problem.
The viscount is a man from her past. And to steal the jewel… she’ll have to get him naked.
Viscount Arthur Thornton has many regrets. Letting go of his first love is the greatest. Now, fate gives him a second chance… But if he claims it, he risks losing everything.
Including life as he knows it.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
287 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Sadie Bosque
41 books237 followersSadie Bosque is a steamy historical romance author. Surrounded by the enchantment of the historical setting, her love stories communicate to the modern reader through the experiences of her characters. The heroes and heroines of Sadie’s stories are flawed, imperfect creatures with big hearts. Sadie believes that a happily ever after has to be hard-earned. The trials and tribulations her characters go through make them stronger and make the HEA so much sweeter.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2025
I just started reading Sadie Bosque in June 2021. This is my 17th book by her. I enjoy her writing and her stories.
I liked this story and the concept. I liked Lydia and Art and their personalities. I always love a second chance story but sometimes it's terrible that the characters have to go through what they go through to begin with just because of small minded people. But those were the times. It's also what makes, Regency so good and frustrating at the same time. Overall a good read.
I liked this story and the concept. I liked Lydia and Art and their personalities. I always love a second chance story but sometimes it's terrible that the characters have to go through what they go through to begin with just because of small minded people. But those were the times. It's also what makes, Regency so good and frustrating at the same time. Overall a good read.
March 5, 2025
Extremely well written, full of drama, love, betrayal, friends, family, villains, society, pain, steam, broken promises and twists. Great cover, what beautiful colors. Art is a Viscount but to become a Marquess once his father passes, who just happens to be on his death bed. After finding out that his father has changed his will he will lose everything but the title and entailed. He must find a bride and be married before his death. The bride would have to be one that would bother his father the most for Art's revenge. Lydia is posing as a widow while drifting thru society. She is also a thief named Mist stealing from the rich. It's a way for her to survive and make money. Sh and her friend, Honoria, A housekeeper try to save money so they can leave England for a new life. Art and Lydia have known each other years ago when she was a maid named Lily. She worked in his father's home, where they fell in love. But his father split them apart only now they have come together again. She is hired by Melissande, owner of a pleasure den, to steal the ruby ring from Art by a certain time or she would expose who Lydia really is. It has a surprise to find out who Melissande really is. So much action and new promises between them. Can't wait for the next story in this series. Fabulous storytelling. Would strongly recommend this story.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
March 4, 2025
A very engrossing and layered tale of undying love, devotion and passion, social gap, scandals and secrets, betrayal and redemption. Plus secondary characters teasing their own tales in the making. Wonderful start to the series.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
A love stronger than time, separation and death…
After their torrid love affair was discovered, Arthur Thornton’s father, a marquess, threatened to disown him if he didn’t end things. Only thinking of Lily, a simple housemaid, and what life in poverty would do to her, he obeyed making his father promise he wouldn’t dismiss her and her mother - but of course, the marquess lied…
After her mother died, her letters to Art unanswered, she turned to thievery to survive, and he finished university while never stopping to look for her - until he found her tombstone.
Now, a decade later and on her last mission as the illustrious Mist, Lydia is forced to steal an heirloom - a precious piece of jewellery Thorn carries on a chain around his neck.
On his deathbed, Thorn’s father once again threatens to leave him penniless if he doesn’t marry before he inherits the title. But while courting his father’s nemesis’s daughter, a ghost from the past suddenly starts haunting him again…
Forbidden childhood lovers, class difference, hidden identity, a conniving stepwitch, epistolary rekindling and risky nighttime excursions. The finer detail of the MCs common history and everything that went wrong between them, is slowly revealed. The strength of their feelings for each other is never in doubt, but she fears dragging him down and he’s afraid of losing her again - and out of desperation people do stupid things.
I really enjoyed the plot, the romance and the delicious steam. But while this was a very intriguing and entertaining read with both humour and heartbreak, it kind of lost its momentum towards the end for me. However, I’m hooked and very much looking forward to reading Lydia’s best (and only) friend’s story in the next book!
After their torrid love affair was discovered, Arthur Thornton’s father, a marquess, threatened to disown him if he didn’t end things. Only thinking of Lily, a simple housemaid, and what life in poverty would do to her, he obeyed making his father promise he wouldn’t dismiss her and her mother - but of course, the marquess lied…
After her mother died, her letters to Art unanswered, she turned to thievery to survive, and he finished university while never stopping to look for her - until he found her tombstone.
Now, a decade later and on her last mission as the illustrious Mist, Lydia is forced to steal an heirloom - a precious piece of jewellery Thorn carries on a chain around his neck.
On his deathbed, Thorn’s father once again threatens to leave him penniless if he doesn’t marry before he inherits the title. But while courting his father’s nemesis’s daughter, a ghost from the past suddenly starts haunting him again…
Forbidden childhood lovers, class difference, hidden identity, a conniving stepwitch, epistolary rekindling and risky nighttime excursions. The finer detail of the MCs common history and everything that went wrong between them, is slowly revealed. The strength of their feelings for each other is never in doubt, but she fears dragging him down and he’s afraid of losing her again - and out of desperation people do stupid things.
I really enjoyed the plot, the romance and the delicious steam. But while this was a very intriguing and entertaining read with both humour and heartbreak, it kind of lost its momentum towards the end for me. However, I’m hooked and very much looking forward to reading Lydia’s best (and only) friend’s story in the next book!
February 14, 2026
Thanks to Amazon Prime Reading (who won't allow me to post reviews on their site) for a free loan of this book. I’ve long been a fan of Sadie Bosque, so borrowing this was a no-brainer.
I’ll be honest. I was a bit taken aback when I encountered this dangling participle in the second paragraph of the first chapter: “One of these promises was the reason why, at the moment, she stood in the shaded, dark corner, watching the front door of the most notorious gaming hall dressed as a man.” The thought of a notorious game hell dressed as a man did make me chuckle. Fortunately, I did not run into any further issues.
I don’t want to give away too much about the story. It quickly becomes apparent that the two main characters, Lydia (formerly, Lily) and Arthur, are both still in love with one another, but we don’t yet know what their connection is all about or how it ended. This slowly evolves over the course of the story as we learn more details and the tragedy of the whole thing that occurred between them, giving the reader even more reasons to hate Arthur’s father (who is on the verge of dying).
Part of the story is loosely based on the play Cyrano de Bergerac, in which Cyrano is too insecure to court the woman he loves. So, he hides in the shadows and dictates what he'd like to say to a handsome but not very smart man who will win her heart for him. You may know the plot from the movie, Roxanne. But as I said, it’s loosely based on that. Only this time, it’s in the form of letters from Lydia as she impersonates someone else. Unfortunately, as their correspondence continues, she finds it difficult to deny her feelings, and he experiences a connection he hasn’t felt with anyone since Lily.
There are so many moving parts, so many things that can go wrong, so many things stacked against them. But the gist of the story is that “love will find a way.” The story is tense and irresistible. It was hard to put it down, especially once I reached the halfway point. I stayed up late reading, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it in the morning. There are some very unexpected twists and turns, and some very interesting characters. I highly recommend it.
I’ll be honest. I was a bit taken aback when I encountered this dangling participle in the second paragraph of the first chapter: “One of these promises was the reason why, at the moment, she stood in the shaded, dark corner, watching the front door of the most notorious gaming hall dressed as a man.” The thought of a notorious game hell dressed as a man did make me chuckle. Fortunately, I did not run into any further issues.
I don’t want to give away too much about the story. It quickly becomes apparent that the two main characters, Lydia (formerly, Lily) and Arthur, are both still in love with one another, but we don’t yet know what their connection is all about or how it ended. This slowly evolves over the course of the story as we learn more details and the tragedy of the whole thing that occurred between them, giving the reader even more reasons to hate Arthur’s father (who is on the verge of dying).
Part of the story is loosely based on the play Cyrano de Bergerac, in which Cyrano is too insecure to court the woman he loves. So, he hides in the shadows and dictates what he'd like to say to a handsome but not very smart man who will win her heart for him. You may know the plot from the movie, Roxanne. But as I said, it’s loosely based on that. Only this time, it’s in the form of letters from Lydia as she impersonates someone else. Unfortunately, as their correspondence continues, she finds it difficult to deny her feelings, and he experiences a connection he hasn’t felt with anyone since Lily.
There are so many moving parts, so many things that can go wrong, so many things stacked against them. But the gist of the story is that “love will find a way.” The story is tense and irresistible. It was hard to put it down, especially once I reached the halfway point. I stayed up late reading, and I couldn’t wait to get back to it in the morning. There are some very unexpected twists and turns, and some very interesting characters. I highly recommend it.
March 16, 2025
Lydia & Thorn. She's a thief and hired to do a job to break into a brothel and steal a map from its proprietress. She ends up getting caught (mainly because the owner was the one who hired her and was testing her ability) and rehired to steal a ring from Viscount Thornton.
Only one problem is that Lydia has a past with the Viscount. She was a maid in his family's home and Thorn had fallen in love with her. He had proposed to her and everything. When they were caught his parents threatened to disown him and leave him with nothing. They also threatened to throw both Lydia and her mom out on the streets. Thorn caved but had planned to come back for her. When he returned he found that she was gone. He went in search of her but only found a headstone with her name on it.
Lydia's mother had passed away and she was buried with a headstone with Lydia's name on it (I can't remember why but they tell us in the book). So he thought she was dead.
Fast forward to the current and Thorn's dad is on his death bed and tells Thorn that if he doesn't marry before he passes away then all unentailed property of his will go to his wife leaving him poor. Thorn is moving to marry some random woman, a business man's daughter, who's father is hunting for a title. They agree to write each other to get to know each other.
In her quest to steal back the ring, Celia pretends to be his fiancé and writes him. She sets up a meeting with him where she can take the ring from him. Her plan is foiled with his actual fiancé shows up and he realizes that he's been corresponding with someone else. So he goes to meet this mystery person and realizes its Lily (She changed her name to Lydia). She ends up missing her deadline to deliver the ring and the proprietress exposes Lydia as the notorious thief that has been stealing from members of the ton.
Thorn refuses to let Lydia get away from him again and they get in on a mission to fix everything so they can have their HEA.
I enjoyed this story but I found some of the storyline to move a little too slowly for me.
Only one problem is that Lydia has a past with the Viscount. She was a maid in his family's home and Thorn had fallen in love with her. He had proposed to her and everything. When they were caught his parents threatened to disown him and leave him with nothing. They also threatened to throw both Lydia and her mom out on the streets. Thorn caved but had planned to come back for her. When he returned he found that she was gone. He went in search of her but only found a headstone with her name on it.
Lydia's mother had passed away and she was buried with a headstone with Lydia's name on it (I can't remember why but they tell us in the book). So he thought she was dead.
Fast forward to the current and Thorn's dad is on his death bed and tells Thorn that if he doesn't marry before he passes away then all unentailed property of his will go to his wife leaving him poor. Thorn is moving to marry some random woman, a business man's daughter, who's father is hunting for a title. They agree to write each other to get to know each other.
In her quest to steal back the ring, Celia pretends to be his fiancé and writes him. She sets up a meeting with him where she can take the ring from him. Her plan is foiled with his actual fiancé shows up and he realizes that he's been corresponding with someone else. So he goes to meet this mystery person and realizes its Lily (She changed her name to Lydia). She ends up missing her deadline to deliver the ring and the proprietress exposes Lydia as the notorious thief that has been stealing from members of the ton.
Thorn refuses to let Lydia get away from him again and they get in on a mission to fix everything so they can have their HEA.
I enjoyed this story but I found some of the storyline to move a little too slowly for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
Wow, I’ve read a lot of Sadie’s books and enjoyed then all but this one is now top of my list! It has such a different story line for a regency romance. Most of the story doesn’t take place in ball rooms and parties. Lily and her mother worked for the Marquess of Wakefield. Lily a young maid loved the idea of reading and the feel and smell of books. Late at night she would sneak into the master’s library just to hold the books and dream of reading them. One night she is caught by the son of the Marquess, Arthur and instead of telling on her he teaches her to read. OK, I lost my heart to him right here. As they continue to meet and become friends then lovers both knowing it is wrong. The son of a Marquess doesn’t marry a servant girl. Once his father finds out he tells Either stop the affair or he will disinherit him. Arthur agrees even with his heart breaking, making his father promise to not do anything to her or her mother. He leaves for school with a broken heart and his father of coursed lied and kicked both Lily and her mother to the curb. With no job skills and no reference, they had no place to go but the streets. Ten years later finds Lily a thief things without people knowing. She is the thief stealing from the wealthy known as “Mist. With her best friend who is a governess, Honoria she has one last job then they are leaving London, to start fresh, leaving the past behind them. Unfortunately, the job is for Miss Monroe, who owns a gaming hell. She has to steal a ring from Arthur her lost love or Monroe will tell all of society who she is. There is a great cast of characters in this book, the wicked step mother, Rosemary, Thorn’s boxing friend, Lucien. Humm, sounds like the next story could be about him. So, much hurt, heartache, betrayal and tons of misunderstanding. Be sure and not miss this one. I just know this is going to be a great series. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
March 5, 2025
Second chance is one of my least favourite tropes – it just makes me so sad and often the hero has ‘experiences’ all throughout the separation whereas the heroine remains a virgin, celibate, or married to an evil elderly lord. I also intensely dislike reading of a rake rutting his way through the ton even if it is before he meets the heroine. So, when in the first scene we are introduced to Art is of him waking up hungover in bed with a naked woman, I was worried I was going to hate this book.
I am sorry to the author for doubting the strength of their storytelling. Sadie writes these tropes in a way that is surprising and left me guessing on what was going to happen.
Lydia has come a long way from the innocent young maid Lily who believed a viscount loved her and would marry her. She has become an accomplished thief, a survivor, but her feelings over her past love was portrayed realistically and empathically. We know that Art still thinks of the girl he thought he lost and that mitigates his actions in pursuing a wife. Even though I wanted this reunion, I still felt sorry for Miss Prescott (who becomes Art’s betrothed at one point) and hoped she would have a happy ending somehow and it looks like that may happen in a future story.
I wondered how Miss Monroe was related to the Hades we knew from ‘Curse of the Wicked Scoundrel’, and we find out in the epilogue. A first in series with promises of more deliciously intriguing stories that I will definitely read.
Includes:
second chance (!)
forbidden lovers
class difference
letter writing
secret identities
steamy sex scenes
side characters whose stories you will want to read
I am sorry to the author for doubting the strength of their storytelling. Sadie writes these tropes in a way that is surprising and left me guessing on what was going to happen.
Lydia has come a long way from the innocent young maid Lily who believed a viscount loved her and would marry her. She has become an accomplished thief, a survivor, but her feelings over her past love was portrayed realistically and empathically. We know that Art still thinks of the girl he thought he lost and that mitigates his actions in pursuing a wife. Even though I wanted this reunion, I still felt sorry for Miss Prescott (who becomes Art’s betrothed at one point) and hoped she would have a happy ending somehow and it looks like that may happen in a future story.
I wondered how Miss Monroe was related to the Hades we knew from ‘Curse of the Wicked Scoundrel’, and we find out in the epilogue. A first in series with promises of more deliciously intriguing stories that I will definitely read.
Includes:
second chance (!)
forbidden lovers
class difference
letter writing
secret identities
steamy sex scenes
side characters whose stories you will want to read
March 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this first installment of the new series. The plot is very well written and has forbidden love, class disparity, second chance, hidden identity and „on the run“ tropes, and brims with romance, intrigue, suspense, twists and steamy love scenes. Thorn and Lydia are very likable characters whose relationship is full of pent-up emotions, unresolved tensions and sizzling chemistry.
Master thief and former maid Lily aka Lydia Lawless wants to leave England with her friend and start a new, honest life. All she has to do is fulfil one last assignment for the proprietress of London's most notorious gambling club: steal a valuable ruby ring from Viscount Arthur "Thorn" Thornton, whom she knows only too well, as he is her former fiancé and lover who broke her heart when he decided against her and left her in the gutter a decade ago.
Thorn could never forget the love of his life, Lily, and searched for her for years after his father, the Marquess of Wakefield, forced him to let her go. Now his father is dying and threatens to leave all his unentailed possessions to Thorn's stepmother if Thorn doesn't marry before he dies. Enraged, Thorn decides to woo an inappropriate woman to annoy his father, but instead he meets Lily again, who has stolen his ring and whose machinations are exposed...
If you like second chance romance novels where swooning rakes and strong heroines from different classes find their happy ending, you're sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Master thief and former maid Lily aka Lydia Lawless wants to leave England with her friend and start a new, honest life. All she has to do is fulfil one last assignment for the proprietress of London's most notorious gambling club: steal a valuable ruby ring from Viscount Arthur "Thorn" Thornton, whom she knows only too well, as he is her former fiancé and lover who broke her heart when he decided against her and left her in the gutter a decade ago.
Thorn could never forget the love of his life, Lily, and searched for her for years after his father, the Marquess of Wakefield, forced him to let her go. Now his father is dying and threatens to leave all his unentailed possessions to Thorn's stepmother if Thorn doesn't marry before he dies. Enraged, Thorn decides to woo an inappropriate woman to annoy his father, but instead he meets Lily again, who has stolen his ring and whose machinations are exposed...
If you like second chance romance novels where swooning rakes and strong heroines from different classes find their happy ending, you're sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
March 11, 2025
Sadie Bosque is a writer known for crafting stories that are filled with intriguing characters who are living lives in the most unexpected ways. Gone with the Rake is the beginning o her newest series, and it is a fantastic start!
As the story begins, we meet Thorn, the male main characters as he awakens hung over and unable to name the lady who is sleeping beside him. His behavior is typical and predictable in many other HR books, as we read, we find Thorn anything but typical. He is a man suffering from a hidden heartbreak and family expectations that overshadowed his life's desires.
Lydia, the female main character is beautiful, intelligent and resourceful. Her life did not match her dreams, and she is forced into a unconventional life. She has survived danger to her person, insecurity in her future and a devastating heartbreak.
Ten years have passed since their first meeting and the results may be life changing as her life is in jeopardy and his is at a crossroads. The meeting sparks anger, regrets and repressed passion. Will they survive each other so they can spare save each other from life altering consequences.
Gone with the Rake is the first book in Sadie Bosque's Inglorious Scoundrels Series. I loved the book's original steamy storyline with out of the ordinary characters. I am a big fan of her work and am really excited about the future books she writes for the series!
As the story begins, we meet Thorn, the male main characters as he awakens hung over and unable to name the lady who is sleeping beside him. His behavior is typical and predictable in many other HR books, as we read, we find Thorn anything but typical. He is a man suffering from a hidden heartbreak and family expectations that overshadowed his life's desires.
Lydia, the female main character is beautiful, intelligent and resourceful. Her life did not match her dreams, and she is forced into a unconventional life. She has survived danger to her person, insecurity in her future and a devastating heartbreak.
Ten years have passed since their first meeting and the results may be life changing as her life is in jeopardy and his is at a crossroads. The meeting sparks anger, regrets and repressed passion. Will they survive each other so they can spare save each other from life altering consequences.
Gone with the Rake is the first book in Sadie Bosque's Inglorious Scoundrels Series. I loved the book's original steamy storyline with out of the ordinary characters. I am a big fan of her work and am really excited about the future books she writes for the series!
March 4, 2025
The author has triumphantly returned with the first installment in her new captivating series—a blend of wit, angst, and deeply engaging storytelling that follows the journey of Lady Lydia Lawless and Viscount Arthur Thornton.
Lydia's transformation from deception to redemption is both thrilling and heartwarming, as she confronts her past and the charming viscount she once loved. Art, burdened by regrets, sees an unexpected opportunity for reconciliation. The novel’s mix of humor, emotional depth, steam, and just the right amount of tension makes for a compelling read. The author’s talent for character development truly shines, as I found myself emotionally invested in Lydia and Art's journey, rooting for their second chance at love.
A masterpiece of romance and resilience, "Gone with the Rake" is a testament to Bosque's ability to craft tales that feel as familiar as a conversation with an old friend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lydia's transformation from deception to redemption is both thrilling and heartwarming, as she confronts her past and the charming viscount she once loved. Art, burdened by regrets, sees an unexpected opportunity for reconciliation. The novel’s mix of humor, emotional depth, steam, and just the right amount of tension makes for a compelling read. The author’s talent for character development truly shines, as I found myself emotionally invested in Lydia and Art's journey, rooting for their second chance at love.
A masterpiece of romance and resilience, "Gone with the Rake" is a testament to Bosque's ability to craft tales that feel as familiar as a conversation with an old friend. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2025
In my MANY years of reading historical romance, this has to be the most original I have read in a long time! The heartbreaking moments in Thorn and Lydia’s lives make the story very real and the decade apart leaves them both hurt and angry. The author does a lovely job of bringing their memories of their past together with the present. I adored the letter writing campaign and the plan to get them out of trouble- had a GOOD laugh over that one! ( Would have loved to seen the “victim’s” face…) Watching them try to protect each other was frustrating and seeing Ms Monroe get into the act and why,was a bit of a twist that I truly enjoyed. The characters chemistry was very on point, especially when Thorn sees her for the first time- loved it ! A riveting tale that the author has deviously knitted together and is truly enjoyable to read!
I received this book for free and these are my own opinions.
I received this book for free and these are my own opinions.
March 15, 2025
Lydia Lawless has been a thief for ten years, and she is good at it. She is known as Mist. Viscount Arthur Thornton, “Thorn,” has been a wastrel for most of those ten years. Lily, now Lydia, was a maid in his father’s home. The two of them fell in love. Well, as usual, that didn’t go well in a noble house. Broken hearts, parental demands, and poverty was the result. Lydia has a new mission. Milissande Monroe, owner of a successful gambling den hires her to steal ruby ring. Lydia knows the ring and the man who owns it. Will she be able to steal the ring from Thorn? At the same time, Thorn’s father threatens to leave all unentailed property and fortune to his wife if Thorn doesn’t wed before he dies. It all adds up to one big mess. This is a wonderfully well-written story of lost (and found) love, forgiveness, secrets, and second chances. It has lots of emotion, intrigue, some twists and surprises, a little revenge, and a happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 22, 2025
Lydia and Thornton certainly gave me a story to remember. I found their story to be a wonderful read. I did notice that the story was written differently than what I expected from a normal historical romance format. This was alright with me it’s only that I had to wait for the juicy parts just a little bit longer. The plot was an excellent adage to the romance. Combining the plot with the twist had me reading that part twice. I definitely didn’t see that coming. The romance I thought was genuinely pure. Thorn is very much an attentive gentleman. Lydia is vey lucky to have him. And from I read about Lydia Thorn is the same. Their romance kept the story alive with action. The writing is captivating in which I am appreciative of. The dialogue was brilliant. And the story is beautiful. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
March 7, 2025
lydia a maid and Art a viscounts son fall in love with promises for marriage yet destined for failure , caught in a tryst he is given an ultimatum and she is thrown out but neither know and both feeling betrayed , until years later .
To survive Lydia turns to thieving .
The story swill have you gripped to the pages as they find each other again there fiery passion ignites to sizzling hot a romance and true love .
There journey is not an easy one as years have passed and MissTrust has set in tjough love never left them .
A truly lovely story written so beautifully by Sadie a must read .
To survive Lydia turns to thieving .
The story swill have you gripped to the pages as they find each other again there fiery passion ignites to sizzling hot a romance and true love .
There journey is not an easy one as years have passed and MissTrust has set in tjough love never left them .
A truly lovely story written so beautifully by Sadie a must read .
March 6, 2025
An amazingly powerful first book of a new series. Lydia and Thorn become fast friends even with a massive class differences. Love blooms but isn't meant to be. Separated due to class, Lydia and her mother must find their way in the harsh world they are thrown into. Years later, these two encounter each other. Will they get a second chance?
Great characters with depth and integrity, secondary characters that you will both love some and despise others. Filled with great emotions, a fully packed story which will most likely become a spectacular series.
Great characters with depth and integrity, secondary characters that you will both love some and despise others. Filled with great emotions, a fully packed story which will most likely become a spectacular series.
dnf
June 22, 2025H & h don't even meet again til nearly 50% in, then she goes home with him after 10 years of no contact. She supposedly hates him because her life turned to shit when he supposedly dumped her/ghosted her or whatever, while he's been screwing his way thru the ton and living it up, but she caves right after meeting him again. Way to stand firm girlfriend! Guess the author thought it was finally time for a sex scene or whatever, but how about a little "why the fuck did you ruin my life?" before the clothes come off? Obviously not the book for me.
March 17, 2025
Magnificent start of a new series, with lots of promising characters for future books. In this one the plot was quite intriguing and new and different, and even if second chance is my least favorite trope, I think that they were way too young to be together at the beginning. But I also hated that they had to be apart for too many years… Their reunion is worth reading though, emotional and steamy just as I like it. Gorgeously written, with great characters and great world building.
July 14, 2025
Really easy and quick read. It feels like it blew by. The only reason this is 4 stars is it does feel like the ending was quick and little unsatisfying with his stepmother. I was hoping for something more. I loved that once they found each other again, they never questioned the others love and devotion. They communicated and it wasn't that they didn't try to find each other, it was that they were kept apart.
Once they start smutting they really don't stop ^.^
Once they start smutting they really don't stop ^.^
March 7, 2025
This is a romantic second chance romance where Art and Lydia finally find their happily ever after. I loved how things worked out for them amidst the scheming and inner workings that we don’t quite know about yet.
March 9, 2025
Ms. Bosque is a master of weaving a great story that keeps the reader turning the pages until the end (even all night until the end). The plot is unconventional, and the characters are unique. She never fails to deliver a thoroughly entertaining story.
March 9, 2025
Enjoyable!
Simply delicious, read this if you want a steamy, second Chance, class difference romance, it'll pull you in and keep you entertained right from the start, I highly suggest you read it now!
Simply delicious, read this if you want a steamy, second Chance, class difference romance, it'll pull you in and keep you entertained right from the start, I highly suggest you read it now!
April 22, 2025
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
I enjoy the authors ability to write with such beautiful description and have such interesting female characters. This is a first book of a new series, set during Regency England, and has themes of enemies to lovers, second chance at love/lost love, differing social status, hidden identity, to name a few.
Lydia Lawless is a woman who has known loss and hardship and survives on the edges of the Ton, hiding her thieving under a modish facade. She has been on the run since she was betrayed by her childhood love, and she and her mother tossed out of the manor house they worked in by the Lord. Forced by her losses and circumstances since, to turn to thieving, which, known as Mist, she has become highly successful at.
But her past and present come crashing together when she is threatened by exposure by a notorious gaming den owner unless she steals a particular artifact for her. Unfortunately, this same artifact is carried on the person Lydia least wants to see, her former lover and the man who betrayed and broke her youthful heart, Viscount Arthur Thornton.
This story is told from both the perspectives of Thornton and Lydia, and also goes back and forth in time, telling the story of their youthful love affair. The story told of their initial friendship and growing love for each other is sweet, naive, and quite lovely, making their parting and Lydia's descent into lawlessness and jaundiced view of love, men, and the aristocracy that much more tragic and bitter in comparison.
But despite what Lydia believes, Thornton did not turn his back on her or forget her, as his side of the story shows. Instead, he mourned their lost love, and was under the belief that the love of his life was dead. As an adult, he turned his back on his father, and hides his broken heart in rakish debauchery, thinking he will never find love again.
Then they find each other again - Thornton cannot believe that he has found his lost love and will do what he can to have her in his life again, but Lydia does not want to fall into the trap of her past again, and must focus on her goal of stealing the ring, or risk exposure and ruination again.
Lots of drama and angst and the set up of other interesting characters with an air of intrigue and mystery for at least two or three future stories. I don't usually love stories that go back and forth in time, but I was rather enamored of their sweet youthful love story and that rather softens the edges of the cynical adults they became, and Lydia and Thornton's (I was not a fan of "Artie" as a name for a romance hero) HEA happened, but it was not a perfect fairy tale HEA, which is fine because they are imperfect characters who have learned the value of working hard for and appreciating what they have earned and found again.
4 stars out of 5
I enjoy the authors ability to write with such beautiful description and have such interesting female characters. This is a first book of a new series, set during Regency England, and has themes of enemies to lovers, second chance at love/lost love, differing social status, hidden identity, to name a few.
Lydia Lawless is a woman who has known loss and hardship and survives on the edges of the Ton, hiding her thieving under a modish facade. She has been on the run since she was betrayed by her childhood love, and she and her mother tossed out of the manor house they worked in by the Lord. Forced by her losses and circumstances since, to turn to thieving, which, known as Mist, she has become highly successful at.
But her past and present come crashing together when she is threatened by exposure by a notorious gaming den owner unless she steals a particular artifact for her. Unfortunately, this same artifact is carried on the person Lydia least wants to see, her former lover and the man who betrayed and broke her youthful heart, Viscount Arthur Thornton.
This story is told from both the perspectives of Thornton and Lydia, and also goes back and forth in time, telling the story of their youthful love affair. The story told of their initial friendship and growing love for each other is sweet, naive, and quite lovely, making their parting and Lydia's descent into lawlessness and jaundiced view of love, men, and the aristocracy that much more tragic and bitter in comparison.
But despite what Lydia believes, Thornton did not turn his back on her or forget her, as his side of the story shows. Instead, he mourned their lost love, and was under the belief that the love of his life was dead. As an adult, he turned his back on his father, and hides his broken heart in rakish debauchery, thinking he will never find love again.
Then they find each other again - Thornton cannot believe that he has found his lost love and will do what he can to have her in his life again, but Lydia does not want to fall into the trap of her past again, and must focus on her goal of stealing the ring, or risk exposure and ruination again.
Lots of drama and angst and the set up of other interesting characters with an air of intrigue and mystery for at least two or three future stories. I don't usually love stories that go back and forth in time, but I was rather enamored of their sweet youthful love story and that rather softens the edges of the cynical adults they became, and Lydia and Thornton's (I was not a fan of "Artie" as a name for a romance hero) HEA happened, but it was not a perfect fairy tale HEA, which is fine because they are imperfect characters who have learned the value of working hard for and appreciating what they have earned and found again.
4 stars out of 5
December 14, 2025
Interesting story of servant elevating herself, somewhat, but never able to move on from her first love.
The getting-back-together took a bit of time, with some danger, laughs, and tears, but love did win in the end.
The getting-back-together took a bit of time, with some danger, laughs, and tears, but love did win in the end.
March 15, 2025
steamy fun
A fun and exciting romp through regency London with a most unusual couple. Twists and turns abound. You won’t be able to put it down :)
A fun and exciting romp through regency London with a most unusual couple. Twists and turns abound. You won’t be able to put it down :)
Read
March 25, 2025I keep wanting to like this author, and I absolutely adore this cover, but the plot was really pretty silly and unrealistic. The MFC is supposed to be a great thief but I never once believed it.
April 22, 2025
A gorgeous, passionate romance with an entertaining story that was well paced. Art and Lydia have a second chance at love with a fiery re-connection and this time the Marquess and his thief won't let go until they gain their happily ever after.
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