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Virtue & Vice #5
Isabelle
Isabelle Kingston risked everything for a kiss. Now the most beautiful debutante in London is set to marry England's most reluctant groom.
It is not true that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Lord Silas Huntley was perfectly content with his bachelor lifestyle, until Miss Isabelle Kingston ruined it.
Why would the diamond of the Season, a lady who had her pick of London's eligible men, entrap him with a stolen kiss? And the bigger question is, what will he do with her now that they're married?
But by the time he figures out what it is he wants - Isabelle, in his bed - Silas' indifference has damaged her fragile confidence. Can he win back the love she gave so easily, or is his once-unwanted wife gone for good?
This spicy, slow burn Victorian romance is full of pining and it can be read as a standalone story, while advancing the arc between Bella and Hawke, the stars of the Virtue & Vice series. Preorder and save!
It is not true that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife. Lord Silas Huntley was perfectly content with his bachelor lifestyle, until Miss Isabelle Kingston ruined it.
Why would the diamond of the Season, a lady who had her pick of London's eligible men, entrap him with a stolen kiss? And the bigger question is, what will he do with her now that they're married?
But by the time he figures out what it is he wants - Isabelle, in his bed - Silas' indifference has damaged her fragile confidence. Can he win back the love she gave so easily, or is his once-unwanted wife gone for good?
This spicy, slow burn Victorian romance is full of pining and it can be read as a standalone story, while advancing the arc between Bella and Hawke, the stars of the Virtue & Vice series. Preorder and save!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
6 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 1, 2025
Carrie Lomax's Isabelle, the fifth installment in the Virtue and Vice series, delivers another spicy, sexy tale that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Like its predecessors, this story sizzles with passion, tension, and swoon-worthy moments that are hard to put down.
In Isabelle, we meet a young and naive heroine determined to shape her own destiny. She boldly sets her sights on Lord Silas Huntley—a wealthy, work-obsessed bachelor who’s perfectly content with his solitary lifestyle. When circumstances force Silas to marry Isabelle, resentment festers, leading to a
disappointing wedding night that drives her to flee. Seeking refuge at the House of Virtue under Belladonna’s protection, Isabelle starts to find her independence just as Silas realizes what he’s lost.
Silas is, without a doubt, a deeply flawed character. His cold, callous treatment of the innocent and vulnerable Isabelle initially made him hard to stomach. While his feelings of entrapment are somewhat understandable, his behavior on their wedding night is nothing short of abysmal. However, Lomax’s brilliance shines through in her ability to peel back the layers of his character, guiding him on a path of redemption that feels both authentic and satisfying. By the time Silas acknowledges his true desires—Isabelle, in his heart and his bed—he’s already inflicted wounds on her fragile confidence that won’t heal easily.
Isabelle, however, is no passive heroine. I loved watching her fight for her own happiness, refusing to let Silas’s indifference define her worth. Their journey is anything but smooth. Just when it seems they might find their footing, an encounter with a persistent former suitor threatens to unravel their progress. Isabelle’s bravery in confessing the truth to Silas, and their united front in facing the threat, showcases the growth in their relationship. Their tumultuous path—marked by misunderstandings, personal growth, and heartfelt confessions—culminates in a future that feels genuinely earned.
Carrie Lomax’s writing is nothing short of intoxicating—bold, steamy, and filled with swoon-worthy tension that keeps you coming back for more. She masterfully redeems even the most flawed characters, making you cheer for their hard-won happiness. Isabelle is a captivating addition to the Virtue and Vice series, and I eagerly anticipate the next spicy, heart-pounding story she has in store.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review—thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
In Isabelle, we meet a young and naive heroine determined to shape her own destiny. She boldly sets her sights on Lord Silas Huntley—a wealthy, work-obsessed bachelor who’s perfectly content with his solitary lifestyle. When circumstances force Silas to marry Isabelle, resentment festers, leading to a
disappointing wedding night that drives her to flee. Seeking refuge at the House of Virtue under Belladonna’s protection, Isabelle starts to find her independence just as Silas realizes what he’s lost.
Silas is, without a doubt, a deeply flawed character. His cold, callous treatment of the innocent and vulnerable Isabelle initially made him hard to stomach. While his feelings of entrapment are somewhat understandable, his behavior on their wedding night is nothing short of abysmal. However, Lomax’s brilliance shines through in her ability to peel back the layers of his character, guiding him on a path of redemption that feels both authentic and satisfying. By the time Silas acknowledges his true desires—Isabelle, in his heart and his bed—he’s already inflicted wounds on her fragile confidence that won’t heal easily.
Isabelle, however, is no passive heroine. I loved watching her fight for her own happiness, refusing to let Silas’s indifference define her worth. Their journey is anything but smooth. Just when it seems they might find their footing, an encounter with a persistent former suitor threatens to unravel their progress. Isabelle’s bravery in confessing the truth to Silas, and their united front in facing the threat, showcases the growth in their relationship. Their tumultuous path—marked by misunderstandings, personal growth, and heartfelt confessions—culminates in a future that feels genuinely earned.
Carrie Lomax’s writing is nothing short of intoxicating—bold, steamy, and filled with swoon-worthy tension that keeps you coming back for more. She masterfully redeems even the most flawed characters, making you cheer for their hard-won happiness. Isabelle is a captivating addition to the Virtue and Vice series, and I eagerly anticipate the next spicy, heart-pounding story she has in store.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review—thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 23, 2025
This book has several separate stories going on while connecting together which is a bit confusing to begin with but soon becomes easy enough to follow. The main story focuses on Silas the Earl of Huntley being forced to marry Lady Isabelle Kingston after she was caught kissing him. He’s not interested in any marriage because he’s too invested in his invention of electromagnetic engines and he’s definitely not interested in a young, debutante for a wife and he’s especially not interested in one who has trapped him into a marriage but he reluctantly agrees to take Isabelle as his wife. Isabelle has done the unthinkable, trying to find a safe place and having misread Lord Huntley’s interactions with her, she now finds herself in a marriage with a husband who hates her and a wedding night that goes horribly wrong for her and abandoned the very next day. Yet she won’t let that stop her and when she goes to stay with the renowned Countess Oreste or better known as Bella madam of The House of Virtue, Silas soon realizes just how badly he has messed up and how badly he wants his wife back. Bella has her own drama happening and part of it deals with the spy known as Hawke. A third story deals with a past Courtesan from the House of Virtue and her dealings with Prince Leopold.
Plenty to keep the reader’s interest. I must say I had a hard time with how Silas treated Isabelle on their wedding night, feeling it bordered on abuse and it was hard for me to see her running after him. I’m glad he realized how horribly he had acted, mended his ways and worked hard at showing her his love.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Plenty to keep the reader’s interest. I must say I had a hard time with how Silas treated Isabelle on their wedding night, feeling it bordered on abuse and it was hard for me to see her running after him. I’m glad he realized how horribly he had acted, mended his ways and worked hard at showing her his love.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
Isabelle, Carrie Lomax’s latest book in her Virtue & Vice series, is another winner! In an attempt to avoid unwelcome advances from someone very high in society, Isabelle captures Silas Huntley in marriage. Silas is one of the few men who has ever shown interest in Isabelle’s mind. Silas is quite angry and clearly lets Isabelle know, in more ways than one. With her heart and confidence in shambles, she leaves and seeks shelter with Belladonna.
Silas quickly realizes he was a class-A jerk and what Isabelle really means to him. He is not happy she is at Bella’s House of Virtue/Vice. It was so fun to watch him struggle with his newfound jealousy, and while he groveled to redeem himself.
Bella and the Flowers work their magic for Isabelle! With their guidance, Isabelle became a confident woman, one able to tell Silas her troubles, her needs, and her desires. I loved watching her journey – akin to an awkward caterpillar transforming into a beautiful, captivating butterfly.
Isabelle and Silas’ journey was not easy, but their HEA was worth every trying moment along the way. Carrie Lomax does an amazing job taking Silas from a man who describes his bride as a ‘bog witch’ to someone you are loudly cheering for before the end of the story. Her well-written story is steamy, full of angst and passion, and will have you wishing the story were longer. Luckily, there was an epilogue to enjoy!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Silas quickly realizes he was a class-A jerk and what Isabelle really means to him. He is not happy she is at Bella’s House of Virtue/Vice. It was so fun to watch him struggle with his newfound jealousy, and while he groveled to redeem himself.
Bella and the Flowers work their magic for Isabelle! With their guidance, Isabelle became a confident woman, one able to tell Silas her troubles, her needs, and her desires. I loved watching her journey – akin to an awkward caterpillar transforming into a beautiful, captivating butterfly.
Isabelle and Silas’ journey was not easy, but their HEA was worth every trying moment along the way. Carrie Lomax does an amazing job taking Silas from a man who describes his bride as a ‘bog witch’ to someone you are loudly cheering for before the end of the story. Her well-written story is steamy, full of angst and passion, and will have you wishing the story were longer. Luckily, there was an epilogue to enjoy!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 24, 2025
Yet another winning story in this incredibly steamy and addictive series! We first met Isabelle back in Book 2, when she was unwittingly betrothed to her half-brother. She is far from a typical heroine—brilliant with numbers but socially awkward, often misreading situations or acting on impulse (today, she might be recognized as autistic). Her uniqueness makes her all the more compelling.
Silas, meanwhile, is the ultimate reluctant hero. With no interest in marriage, he prefers to devote himself to his inventions. But when circumstances force him into wedlock, disaster strikes on the wedding night, and Isabelle flees to the House of Virtue.
The tension builds beautifully as Silas must decide whether he’s willing to fight for her—and woo her back before he loses her for good. Their journey is full of growth as both characters learn to adapt, compromise, and embrace what they truly want. And of course, as always, the steamy scenes are deliciously well done.
The ongoing subplot with Belladonna also takes a step forward here, raising the stakes with an ever-present sense of danger.
I honestly don’t want this series to end—I’m having too much fun in this world! I’m especially hoping the Flowers get their own happily-ever-afters too.
Silas, meanwhile, is the ultimate reluctant hero. With no interest in marriage, he prefers to devote himself to his inventions. But when circumstances force him into wedlock, disaster strikes on the wedding night, and Isabelle flees to the House of Virtue.
The tension builds beautifully as Silas must decide whether he’s willing to fight for her—and woo her back before he loses her for good. Their journey is full of growth as both characters learn to adapt, compromise, and embrace what they truly want. And of course, as always, the steamy scenes are deliciously well done.
The ongoing subplot with Belladonna also takes a step forward here, raising the stakes with an ever-present sense of danger.
I honestly don’t want this series to end—I’m having too much fun in this world! I’m especially hoping the Flowers get their own happily-ever-afters too.
September 5, 2025
Born the by-blow of a countess, raised by a scholarly single father, accidentally betrothed to her half-brother and hounded by a handsy prince – you really can’t blame shy and awkward Isabelle for compromising the first man who genuinely appreciates her clever mind.
Silas is a wealthy inventor earl, the object of many a fortune hunter’s affection, and he didn’t know all of the above when she forced his hand in marriage, so you can’t blame the man for being angry and venting his frustration. Except, he didn’t know she was listening...
She runs and finds sanctuary amongst Belladonna’s flowers – a house of dubious repute undergoing a major transformation – and now he’s forced to woo the wife he didn’t want. Or did he?
I really enjoyed this couple’s journey! It wasn’t straightforward, and there’s a ton of growth for both of them. Their shared discovery of jealous possessiveness was enchanting!
She’s disarmingly eccentric, sexy and smart – a lethal combo for his cold heart as it turns out – and he might be a jerk at the start, but in truth he’s her knight in disguise. The way he learns to appreciate and really see her, how she discovers her own strengths and learns to control her weaknesses, the slow seduction, the restraint, the sizzling passion, and the way they stick together when it truly matters.
The meddling flowers and their conflicting but well-meant advice are a diverting touch, the villain a true vile brute and the whole repeat runaway situation an entertaining twist – not for Silas, but as a reader it was fun to see him go a little bonkers.
The ongoing push and pull between Belladonna and Hawke on the side is a captivating romance in itself, but as with the previous books, it sometimes disrupts the flow of the current story, but all in all, this was a very good read and a beautiful, heartfelt romance.
Silas is a wealthy inventor earl, the object of many a fortune hunter’s affection, and he didn’t know all of the above when she forced his hand in marriage, so you can’t blame the man for being angry and venting his frustration. Except, he didn’t know she was listening...
She runs and finds sanctuary amongst Belladonna’s flowers – a house of dubious repute undergoing a major transformation – and now he’s forced to woo the wife he didn’t want. Or did he?
I really enjoyed this couple’s journey! It wasn’t straightforward, and there’s a ton of growth for both of them. Their shared discovery of jealous possessiveness was enchanting!
She’s disarmingly eccentric, sexy and smart – a lethal combo for his cold heart as it turns out – and he might be a jerk at the start, but in truth he’s her knight in disguise. The way he learns to appreciate and really see her, how she discovers her own strengths and learns to control her weaknesses, the slow seduction, the restraint, the sizzling passion, and the way they stick together when it truly matters.
The meddling flowers and their conflicting but well-meant advice are a diverting touch, the villain a true vile brute and the whole repeat runaway situation an entertaining twist – not for Silas, but as a reader it was fun to see him go a little bonkers.
The ongoing push and pull between Belladonna and Hawke on the side is a captivating romance in itself, but as with the previous books, it sometimes disrupts the flow of the current story, but all in all, this was a very good read and a beautiful, heartfelt romance.
September 12, 2025
Carrie Lomax is a new author to me. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Isabelle which is the fifth book in the Vice and Virtue series. Although I haven't read any of the previous stories, Isabelle can be read as a stand alone. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Lady Isabelle Kingston entraps Silas, Earl of Huntley, by kissing him in an open balcony. Silas is now furious with his unwanted wife and punishes her by ignoring her and mistreating her. Isabelle was initially glad to have married Silas but his indifference to her makes her run away from him to a bawdy house where she learns to discover her personality. As Silas attempts to retrieve his errant wife, he also learns that she is more than what is outwardly visible and that there is more to his entrapment than he believes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the awkwardness of Isabelle and her character development throughout the story.
August 30, 2025
Yet another incredible book in the Virtue and Vice series! Carrie Lomax does an incredible job of delivering spicy and swoon-worthy stories with flawed but lovable and relatable characters while still continuing an overarching storyline that I’m desperate for the conclusion of. I can’t wait for the next 2 books in the series and I am also dreading it coming to an end! (Maybe we could be gifted a spinoff series for the rest of the flowers to get their happy endings…..? Pretty please….?)
All in all, a great book, can’t wait for the last two in this series to come out so I can read them and then go back and reread them all back to back to back!
[Disclaimer: I was selected to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. However I received no incentive to give a positive review. This is my honest review of the book.]
All in all, a great book, can’t wait for the last two in this series to come out so I can read them and then go back and reread them all back to back to back!
[Disclaimer: I was selected to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. However I received no incentive to give a positive review. This is my honest review of the book.]
September 1, 2025
Isabelle is not your typical lady as she has a capable mind but is pressured not to show it. Silas is a lord and inventor who Isabelle believes is attracted to her. Under the attention of an undesirable suitor Isabelle traps Silas into marriage. Consequently the start of the marriage goes badly and Isabelle seeks refuge in the House of Virtue. Belladonna, the owner, sets rules in place for Silas to win his wife back. He follows her directions and gradually Isabelle softens her feelings towards Silas. Meanwhile Belladonna, aided by Hawke, sets out to find who is sabotaging her business. Isabelle, after an unpleasant encounter with her persistent suitor despite her marriage, flees back to Belladonna. She tells Silas the truth and they resolve their issues. The book concludes with a look into their future. Another excellent book in this series which I highly recommend.
September 2, 2025
Lord Silas Huntley was perfectly content with his bachelor lifestyle, until Miss Isabelle Kingston ruined it. Why would the diamond of the Season, a lady who had her pick of London's eligible men, entrap him with a stolen kiss?
The fifth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’d. as ever, recommend reading in order as this series is one not to be missed. I loved Isabelle who’s not your usual debutante & Silas also is different, both have their issues. I loved how they both grew throughout the book & how they nearly lost their soul mate. I loved their rocky journey to a HEA. A very well written engrossing, captivating & steamy romance – roll on book six
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’d. as ever, recommend reading in order as this series is one not to be missed. I loved Isabelle who’s not your usual debutante & Silas also is different, both have their issues. I loved how they both grew throughout the book & how they nearly lost their soul mate. I loved their rocky journey to a HEA. A very well written engrossing, captivating & steamy romance – roll on book six
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
September 2, 2025
Isabelle is running away from a bad man and kisses the man she thinks is her best choice for a husband. Silas gets forced into marriage thinking she’s a fortune and title hunter. He treats her abominably and she runs to the place her sister in law stayed. Turns out to be a high end brothel, and the story of Belladonna also continues. This story is about a young beautiful woman who is shy and very intelligent and treated poorly by her husband until he really starts to know her and she is given the opportunity to learn to be stronger and learn what she didn’t know without a mother. He learns he is attracted to her beauty and brains. And he made a lot of poor decisions. Well written and keeps you engaged.
September 9, 2025
Fifth book I the Virtue and Vice Series. Isabelle and Silas. Isabelle a wealthy heiress, although shy, comprises herself with Silas who until threatened with ruin eventually marries her
It may be a marriage of convenience but he makes her life a misery until he suddenly wakes up and discovers he wants her.
But by that time she has run away and sought shelter in a poorly disguised brothel. Here she makes friends and begins to find strength
Can Silas convince her how he feels. He has to jump through some hoops before he is allowed to visit her
As described slow burn romance. Well written and I had difficulty putting it down
For anyone who likes spicy interesting stories with. Nomes characters you will love this book
I received an ARC copy from BookFunnel and this is my personal view
It may be a marriage of convenience but he makes her life a misery until he suddenly wakes up and discovers he wants her.
But by that time she has run away and sought shelter in a poorly disguised brothel. Here she makes friends and begins to find strength
Can Silas convince her how he feels. He has to jump through some hoops before he is allowed to visit her
As described slow burn romance. Well written and I had difficulty putting it down
For anyone who likes spicy interesting stories with. Nomes characters you will love this book
I received an ARC copy from BookFunnel and this is my personal view
August 30, 2025
Enjoyable and slightly different take on the usual historical romance with a touch of spice.
This is the fifth book in the Virtue & Vice series but the first I have read. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the back story of the two MC’s before diving straight into their marriage but some of that may have been in previous books. It took me a wee while to get involved with the characters
I would certainly be up for reading more of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read a few books by Carrie Lomax now and would definitely recommend this author to anyone that enjoys this genre.
This is the fifth book in the Virtue & Vice series but the first I have read. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the back story of the two MC’s before diving straight into their marriage but some of that may have been in previous books. It took me a wee while to get involved with the characters
I would certainly be up for reading more of the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have read a few books by Carrie Lomax now and would definitely recommend this author to anyone that enjoys this genre.
September 6, 2025
I received an ARC of Isabelle, but my review is entirely my own.
I’ve been loving the Virtue & Vice series, and this latest instalment is fantastic! The characters feel fresh, different, and wonderfully layered. I especially resonated with Isabelle. Her tendency to lose her voice when under pressure, and her creation of an alter ego to navigate the world more boldly, felt so authentic and relatable.
Lomax delivers another sexy romp set against a richly drawn Victorian backdrop, balancing passion, vulnerability, and empowerment beautifully. A must-read if you enjoy historical romance with heat and heart.
Can't wait for the next installment!
I’ve been loving the Virtue & Vice series, and this latest instalment is fantastic! The characters feel fresh, different, and wonderfully layered. I especially resonated with Isabelle. Her tendency to lose her voice when under pressure, and her creation of an alter ego to navigate the world more boldly, felt so authentic and relatable.
Lomax delivers another sexy romp set against a richly drawn Victorian backdrop, balancing passion, vulnerability, and empowerment beautifully. A must-read if you enjoy historical romance with heat and heart.
Can't wait for the next installment!
September 8, 2025
A wonderful addition to the Virtue and Vice series. Although each book is a stand alone , it’s good to have the background as there are recurring characters. Belladonna, owner of the House of Virtue is a force to be reckoned with, and her banter with Hawke is always enjoyable in these stories. But this story is Isabelle’s , who trying to escape the advances of one man finds herself compromising another and is quickly married. Silas resents her and treats her terribly for what she did. Heartbroken, she turns to Belladonna for help. The shy little Isabelle blossoms into the self assured, Poppy, as Silas tries to make it up to his emotionally abused wife. A most enjoyable read!
August 30, 2025
Let’s start with saying that the hero is a real A-hole and I’m not sure he grovels enough to be forgiven… I can understand he was angry for being entrapped, but really, she was only 18 and how could he think she was just a fortune hunter? And why did he not try to talk with her and understand why she did it? So the book started in the worst possible way, but I loved how it evolved and how the Flowers of Belladonna guided the main characters toward their happy ending. Gorgeously written as always and the characters are vivid and real.
September 9, 2025
Book 5 of an amazing series!!!
This is one of my favorite book series! It is so well written and scorching hot!! There is slow burn to love. Silas really takes a while to realize how much he wants Isabelle. Isabelle who is very shy tries to find herself while always loving Silas.I love these characters so much. Bella & Hawke's dialog throughout the series is a fav for me. I am looking forward to their book and to see where their relationship leads. Can't wait to read Rose & Lysander's story next!!
This is one of my favorite book series! It is so well written and scorching hot!! There is slow burn to love. Silas really takes a while to realize how much he wants Isabelle. Isabelle who is very shy tries to find herself while always loving Silas.I love these characters so much. Bella & Hawke's dialog throughout the series is a fav for me. I am looking forward to their book and to see where their relationship leads. Can't wait to read Rose & Lysander's story next!!
August 26, 2025
Loved the book, another great addition to the virtue and vice series. What I love the most about Ms. Lomax’s books are the character development. Her characters come to life instantly in my head and I feel as if I know them already. Silas and Isabelle start off a little rocky but the story makes a few good turns and as always, there is a HEA. I did receive an ARC of the book, although this is my honest opinion. Looking forward to the next.
September 8, 2025
I felt sad reading this novel. Isabelle's seemingly impetuous actions force Lord Silas into a marriage he did not want. Perhaps if Silas had taken the time to understand why Isabelle kissed him in the first place, things might have gone a bit better for them. Instead, Silas abused and misused her, leaving her feeling rejected and abandoned. Turning to Belladonna at the House of Virtue, the madam is prepared to help her, but at great cost to Silas. Perhaps he deserved the punishment, but Belladonna's manipulation of him upset me. Fortunately, the novel comes to a good conclusion, and Silas finally realizes how valuable Isabelle is in life. I received a copy of this book as a gift, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 10, 2025
Nice romance!
I enjoyed reading this book. I found the storyline was engaging.
The main characters, Isabelle and Silas, are not ordinary. The book’s characters are well-developed and tend to be nuanced.
Some circumstances compel Isabelle and Silas into a marriage of convenience. I loved how their relationship evolved and their journey to their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this book. I found the storyline was engaging.
The main characters, Isabelle and Silas, are not ordinary. The book’s characters are well-developed and tend to be nuanced.
Some circumstances compel Isabelle and Silas into a marriage of convenience. I loved how their relationship evolved and their journey to their HEA.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2025
This story is incredible! I love Isabelle. She is awkward, uncomfortable and still keeps on moving forward. I enjoyed the Flowers returning and how they interact with those around them. I can't wait for the next two books in the series to see how the overarching Belladonna story plays out. Ooh, this one was exquisite!
September 11, 2025
Sometimes a bad start to a marriage can be overcome if the h, Isabelle, is tougher and more resilient than she appears at first glance, and the H, Silas, can learn from his horrible mistakes and be willing to grovel! Although I received a complimentary advance reader copy, my opinions are my own and freely given.
September 4, 2025
Fantastic story! Fully engaging with plenty of swoon worthy moments. Will a marriage of convenience turn into a love match? Continue reading this fabulous series to find out. You won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2025
new to this series so not sure how interconnected the characters are in the previous books. like the inclusion of historical people rather or not the story about them is accurate
Read
September 24, 2025the blurb was nice and the story was engaging for the first few pages probably.
then it fizzled (for me).
then it fizzled (for me).
September 2, 2025
Fantastic story. Isabelle is an adorable character with a secret strength which is awesome and Silas is complicated but you can't help but love them both. Can't wait for the next book.
December 16, 2025
This book was a great read. It’s a marriage of convenience, age gap and class difference story. There’s a small subplot running through the book of one of the side characters that is intriguing.
The main story concentrates on Isabelle, a young woman who sees the world differently than most. She lacks confidence and feels very awkward in social situations so rarely speaks when with groups of people because of this. Isabelle had lived her whole life quietly in the country with her forward thinking father who encouraged her to think, experiment and explore. She loves mathematics, physics and architecture, everything most women in society would have little interest in.
When he dies she is numb to everything. She gets caught up in a scandal involving her half brother she knew nothing about and is being mercilessly perused by an unwanted suitor. Her solution to this problem was to kiss Silas, the Earl of Huntley at a ball. He now is forced to ask for her hand. He feels trapped by this young woman who he hardly knows and now he has to marry when he had no intention of marrying anyone. He is a serious inventor working on a project that could help change the world for everyone rich and poor.
Silas acts like a spoiled arse to her at the beginning as he is so angry with her. She is confused about his reactions as she thought he liked her. She has loved him since she first met him. He seemed to like her and understood her.
When his behaviour and insults towards her becomes unbearable, she flees to someone she met before and thought would give her shelter; Belladonna, the Countess of Oreste. Although she is a countess, she also runs a house of both virtue and vice. Helping women help themselves find freedom through selling their bodies. She has enemies and friends in high places and is looking for revenge.
Silas realises his behaviour to his wife was unacceptable and wants to win her back but Belladonna is not going to make it easy for him. He has to earn Isabelle’s trust and respect back under the instruction of Belladonna.
There is a lot of self growth in both Isabelle and Silas throughout the book. They start to become closer and work together. He has to prove to her that he can be a good husband and she can enjoy being married to him. They are soul mates, they just didn’t know it until after they had almost lost each other.
There’s a lovely epilogue years after the story ends which was lovely to read. I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was well written and steamy. The main and side characters are well written and interesting and the storyline was engaging and kept my interest from the beginning.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
The main story concentrates on Isabelle, a young woman who sees the world differently than most. She lacks confidence and feels very awkward in social situations so rarely speaks when with groups of people because of this. Isabelle had lived her whole life quietly in the country with her forward thinking father who encouraged her to think, experiment and explore. She loves mathematics, physics and architecture, everything most women in society would have little interest in.
When he dies she is numb to everything. She gets caught up in a scandal involving her half brother she knew nothing about and is being mercilessly perused by an unwanted suitor. Her solution to this problem was to kiss Silas, the Earl of Huntley at a ball. He now is forced to ask for her hand. He feels trapped by this young woman who he hardly knows and now he has to marry when he had no intention of marrying anyone. He is a serious inventor working on a project that could help change the world for everyone rich and poor.
Silas acts like a spoiled arse to her at the beginning as he is so angry with her. She is confused about his reactions as she thought he liked her. She has loved him since she first met him. He seemed to like her and understood her.
When his behaviour and insults towards her becomes unbearable, she flees to someone she met before and thought would give her shelter; Belladonna, the Countess of Oreste. Although she is a countess, she also runs a house of both virtue and vice. Helping women help themselves find freedom through selling their bodies. She has enemies and friends in high places and is looking for revenge.
Silas realises his behaviour to his wife was unacceptable and wants to win her back but Belladonna is not going to make it easy for him. He has to earn Isabelle’s trust and respect back under the instruction of Belladonna.
There is a lot of self growth in both Isabelle and Silas throughout the book. They start to become closer and work together. He has to prove to her that he can be a good husband and she can enjoy being married to him. They are soul mates, they just didn’t know it until after they had almost lost each other.
There’s a lovely epilogue years after the story ends which was lovely to read. I enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was well written and steamy. The main and side characters are well written and interesting and the storyline was engaging and kept my interest from the beginning.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
December 16, 2025
The central character to this story makes the book. At 18, she is innocent and unusual. She has a natural aptitude for maths and the sciences and finds it hard to read people. Is she autistic? Possibly, bot that this was acknowledged in Victorian t8mes as it is now. Because she is intrigued by Silas and 2ants to evade a male predator she impulsively kisses him. He thinks she is trying to trap him into marriage and scorns her. At which point she finds a safe haven in a place of ill repute and he has to woo her properly to win her love. Along with some intriguing sub plots this make for an engrossing read as she blossoms into a confident Lady and he comes to appreciate her worth. A really enjoyable novel
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