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A hardened nobleman hiding scars beneath his title, and a society miss who refuses to let him ignore her… or her fight.

Feared throughout Society, Lord Anthony Hamilton built his reputation on cold detachment and ruthless control, because after a brutal childhood, emotions are a luxury he can no longer afford.

Evangeline Spencer has no patience for his arrogance or the dark rumors that follow him. She challenges his every word, refusing to be intimidated. But when Anthony uncovers the secret she’s hidden to protect her family, he offers his help, at a cost.

With everything Evie has worked for threatened by a powerful enemy, she has no choice but to accept. She’ll strike a deal with the devil himself if it means saving those she loves… even if that devil wears a noble title and a hardened heart.

As danger draws closer and their fragile alliance deepens, Anthony and Evie must confront the ghosts of their pasts. Can they overcome what broke them, and risk everything for a love they never believed possible?

Tropes/Story

✔ Enemies to Lovers
✔ Fake Engagement
✔ Secret Identity
✔ Revenge & Redemption
✔ Blackmailing Villain
✔ Emotionally Guarded Hero
✔ Spirited, Smart Heroine

A gripping Regency romance filled with sharp banter, simmering tension, and a hero who doesn’t believe in love, until her.

Read in Kindle Unlimited!

The Blackwood Brotherhood
Book 1 - Brother of Sin
Book 2 - Brother Of Darkness
Book 3 - Brother Of Wrath

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2025

267 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Vella

90 books834 followers

Wendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.

Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.


Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.

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5 stars
523 (62%)
4 stars
234 (27%)
3 stars
61 (7%)
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13 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f41d; Shaz &#x1f41d;.
874 reviews28 followers
November 20, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
Enjoyable enemies to lovers story. With good humour. Lord Anthony meets his match with Evangeline.
Her family is on the verge of being destitute . Her job to get her sister a husband, with the last of the money they have.
Anthony has demons in his past, that only seem to ease when she is about. Even though they argue with each other.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,533 reviews226 followers
November 18, 2025
Read: 11/14/25
Setting: Regency England
Trope: enemies to lovers, fake engagement, secret identity
longer RTC

This was the untimate enemies to lovers hr book I've ever read. The MC were like two porcupines going at it and I loved it! Who needs romance? Their interactions were hilarious and so entertaining! I would have been scared if these two got all tender with each other.

Conclusion: This book reminded me of why I use to love WV's hr books!
Profile Image for Olga &#x1f33a;.
547 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2025
2.5 🌟

I was so excited to read this book but I ended up being more disappointed than anything else.

The book started off really well with a grump MMC, Anthony, and a slightly less grump MFC, Evie.

● He suffered a horrendous past ergo his grumpiness.
● She lost her mother four years ago and they're barely surviving on their meekly finances ergo her grumpiness, and urge to find her little sister a husband so she can retire with her father to the country.

Evie is fierce, opinionated, strong, a control freak and likes to snap a lot. Everybody in society thinks that she is beneath them and has no remarkable qualities except Anthony's aunts who for some reason love that she is well educated on the benefits of lavender. 🤔

Without going into details, she strikes a bargain with Anthony that should benefit them both. A fake betrothal!

The first half of the book was pretty entertaining and their banter was very amusing. However, after the 50% mark nothing captured my interest. I thought they'd slowly fall for each other. They did not! She managed to crack that ice facade of his and peek into his true personality. (He is feared and avoided by the ton because of his nefarious reputation as a rake which in this case is translated to him gambling and having a mistress, something which I believe was a normal occurrence back in the day yet here the author makes it sound like he's diabolical)

👍I appreciate that the author stopped Anthony's visits to his mistress once Evie came into the picture. This is something that I no longer abide in HR and would unequivocally make me dnf!👎

Anyhow, the author fails at relaying their feelings, romantic nuances, small details that actually convince us that they're falling for each other. We are told rather than shown and for that I was never sold on their relationship.

I know that a few years down the line they're probably very much in love ❤️ but I definitely did not perceive any passion within the pages of this book. 🙂‍↔️

Also, the villain-y 👿 aspect of the book was kind of out of place. It was not very well executed except to serve Anthony in realising what he had and almost lost and to prove that Evie is a spitfire and can get herself out of any situation without anyone's help including Anthony.
Her "I am woman hear me roar" attitude 🦁 frustrated me most of the book and made me feel sorry for Anthony that he'll have to endure that his whole life. 🫩

🫳 Eh anyway, it wasn't what I expected and I'm not interested in continuing the series to be honest.

Another BR with my one and only amiga 🩷 Lori... You make mediocre BRs much much better!

Ticking another Fall/Winter 🍁❄️ Bingo square:
05) "MCs name starts with E"

🔴 | 🔴 | 30 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 20
🔴 | 🔴 | 31 | 14 | 25 | 🔴
19 | 08 | 13 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 35
🔴 | 🔴 | 12 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴
🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴
🔴 | 🔴 | 18 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🔴
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,270 reviews33 followers
October 13, 2025
This is one of those series you immediately want to dive into reading one book after the other.
Lord Anthony Hamilton has a reputation of being cold and ruthless. Everyone knows he's dangerous and to be given a wide berth. Evangeline Spencer has a secret to keep the family financially afloat. Anthony discovers her secret and finds himself offering a proposal beneficial to them both. Evie's not one to be controlled and it's a battle of wills, not unattractive to them both. When she disappears, Anthony realizes he can't live without her.
The best heroine is a lady who is up for any challenge.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,275 reviews66 followers
July 10, 2025
Feared throughout Society, Lord Anthony Hamilton built his reputation on cold detachment and ruthless control, because after a brutal childhood, emotions are a luxury he can no longer afford. Evangeline Spencer has no patience for his arrogance or the dark rumours that follow him. She challenges his every word, refusing to be intimidated. But when Anthony uncovers the secret she’s hidden to protect her family, he offers his help, at a cost. With everything Evie has worked for threatened by a powerful enemy, she has no choice but to accept.
The start of a new series & a very good starter. I loved both Anthony & Evie, sparks flew whenever they met, their banter was delicious, their chemistry sizzled & she gave as good as she got. This book is a very good example why enemies to lovers is my favourite trope. They were perfect for each other but they ere the last to realise it. The characters have lovely depth, the pace is good & I was drawn in from the start & left with a smile on my face at the end. A very well written engrossing romance, which I loved & I look forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,611 reviews9 followers
December 27, 2025
Brother of Sin

The protagonist's compelling narrative drew me in, compelling me to read late into the night. The main character, a deeply introspective individual, guards his emotions carefully, revealing vulnerability only to a select few—two cherished friends and beloved aunts. Meanwhile, his companion navigates complex familial challenges, desperately working to maintain financial stability while strategically positioning her sister for a potentially advantageous marriage. The story's gripping momentum made it impossible to put down, transforming each page into an irresistible journey of emotional discovery.
3,370 reviews33 followers
July 16, 2025
Brother of Sin by Wendy Vella is the first in the Backwood Brothers series. The Blackwood Brothers are a group of men who attended boarding school together as youths and by and large were tortured by bullies, some of them the adults who were to care for them. As adults, they stood together when one was in need. Lord Anthony Hamilton was one of these men. He believed the heart had been tortured out of him and he lived as if this were true. He drank and gambled and whored, not really enjoying any of it. On his way home after one such evening he comes upon a Frenchman, Mr. Renee, trying to stop Beaton, a boy f rom Hamilton’s youth. from killing himself. He had just lost everything gambling and couldn’t stand to go home and tell his family. Hamilton stepped in, even offered to help the man replenish his coffers through investments. It turns out Mister Renee was Miss Evangeline Spencer in disguise. She had been out gambling and winning as a means of keeping her family afloat.

Hamilton may have been a grouch but he was bright and quick and it took only a couple of run-ins before he sussed out Miss Spencer’s secret. She was aghast, even more so when he suggested a fake engagement to both keep his mother off his back, and attract a higher class of beau for Evie’s sister. Both these people are stubborn, which makes for the best kind of story. Vella writes for her reader and builds characters that the reader will root for in almost any odd situation. She knows what we want and gives it to us. We are at the edge of our seats very often as these two battle it out. I enjoyed watching Hamilton’s friends throw him under the bus, laughing at his misery. It was a good read.

I was invited to read Brother of Sin by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #WendyVella #BrotherOfSin
1,038 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2025
The first in a new series and I can't wait for the next in the series. Lord Anthony Hamilton has a reputation and is determined to never show or feel any emotion as a result of his time spent at Blackwood school. Evangeline Spencer has a secret that has put her on the radar of a bully and who won't take no for an answer. When Anthony discovers Evie's problem he offers to help with a mutually beneficial agreement, an agreement that means he has to spend lots of time with Evie. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes what she means to him. When trouble rears it's head, Anthony discovers that he will do anything to save Evie. I adore this book. I love the witty banter between Anthony and Evie as well as the friendship he has with his friends, a friendship borne of strife, and how Anthony is with his aunts. Wendy has created another masterpiece of a series.
30 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2025
I just finished Wendy Vella’s Brother of Sin and admit I could hardly put it down. The characters are so well described I feel I know them already. Both our heroine and hero have deeply ingrained issues and their efforts to overcome them really pushes the story well. Brother of Sin is full of adventure, is fast-paced and I felt engaged from the start. I’m intrigued with the relationship of the hero to his friends and wonder where that will lead. I did think, though, that the disappearing young women needed more attention and could have been a more important piece. It did help bring the story to a satisfying close, however. If Brother of Sin is the first of a new series, I can’t wait for the next!
1,296 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2025
Inriguing

A Brotherhood born of pain. Lord Anthony Hamilton’s reputation is as black as coal, hiding scars from his past. Evie has become the protector of her family after her mother’s death. Unfortunately, she nor her sister had any idea to what extent their father had sunk their family in to debt. Evie must help her sister make a match and provide for her family’s expenses by any means necessary. Evie and Anthony are forced to work together to confront a mutual enemy. As always, this author has a talent for bringing out the personalities of all the characters, dragging you into the story from the first page and always leaving you wanting more. Fortunately, this is just start for this new series.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,866 reviews143 followers
July 21, 2025
This is my 44th book by Wendy Vella and I've been reading her since 2016. I do consider her a favorite and always enjoy her books. She is not very steamy in her sex scenes but her stories are always good and well written and I know I'll always get a good read. Looking forward to this new series.

I can tell you, this story had me from the beginning. It was intriguing and interesting. I loved Evangeline and Anthony. I really love when boys from school bond together and keep that tight friendship as adults. I loved Evie and Anthony's banter. Just a great read. I am definitely adding this to my favorite books read for July, 2025. I can't wait for the next ones. I would highly recommend this book.
484 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2025
Love this new series

Evie was in a desperate situation with only enough family funds for one season for her sister. Evie had met Anthony earlier in the season and they took an instant dislike to one another. As the season moved on they found themselves thrown together more frequently until Anthony discovered her secret. Both had pasts they wanted to keep hidden and were drawn together out of a mutual need to keep secrets. I loved the characters and descriptions of the homes and gowns. The personalities and dialog was wonderful and I found myself laughing. I love this author and read any of the historical novel she writes. Her series are some of the best and we see her characters popping up in unexpected places. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Marilyn .
518 reviews10 followers
June 28, 2025
This is the first book in the new series, The Blackwood Brotherhood. It is an interesting enemy to lovers, fake engagement story.
Evangeline and Anthony have taken an instant dislike to each other. He had a troubled childhood, and she is trying to keep her family afloat financially. When she is threatened by a would-be suitor, Anthony proposes a fake engagement.
The chemistry between them is interesting, there are wonderful secondary characters, some who are evil, a strong plot, and several twists throughout the story that make it a very enjoyable read.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
14 reviews
July 20, 2025
GREAT BOOK

As usual Ms. Vella does not disappoint. I loved the book - great story and fascinating dialog. Well-developed characters. I loved how some characters from her other novels make cameo appearances such as Lady Raine. Can’t wait for another in this series which , I assume due to the hint, will be Toby and Liberty. It’s great to see strong, opinionated women in this genre. Usually women are mostly portrayed as somewhat weak and helpless but NOT Ms. Vella’s women protagonists. Thank you for the joy I experience as I consume your books, Ms Vella.
38 reviews
July 24, 2025
Heart Stopping Romance and Intrigue

I wish this book wasn't as excellent and gripping as it is because then I wouldn't have read it in one sitting and finished it. I may have to read it again. Yes, it's that good.
It is an enemy to lover story filled with wonderful strong characters and witty banter and charm along with a healthy dose of vengeance. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great plot, intelligent characters, and a happily ever after.
Profile Image for Susan.
394 reviews56 followers
July 27, 2025
Great start to this new series! Wendy Vella's characters always have the best banter! I love an enemies to lovers story especially when the friends and families are doing everything to throw them together. There is also a mystery & threats of danger around every corner. All of that combined kept me reading until late at night and it was worth it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in there series!
280 reviews
October 22, 2025
I just love Wendy’s books and this is no exception. It’s the first in a new series about a group of boys bullied unmercifully at school. This is the story of Anthony and Evie. Anthony with a ruthless reputation and Evie who challenges at every step of the way. Wendy leads us through drama, excitement and a thread of humour. Very well written to engage the reader throughout the book. Following both characters through secrets, blackmail to find love. Highly recommended
1 review
July 21, 2025
I enjoyed getting to know Anthony and Evie and watch their personal growth through the trials that bring them together. As always, Wendy Vella brings humor and camaraderie between her characters, while also holding them accountable for the faults that almost cost them what they want most. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for SynergyQuest.
2,044 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2025
Yay! A new series from one of my favs

4.5 stars - Yay, a new series from one of my favorite authors and it’s everything I’ve come to love about Wendy’s writing. The hero is worthy, in spite of his trauma, the heroine is smart and brave and they both fall madly in love. What else can you ask for in a historical romance, right.
Profile Image for Lisa Barry.
Author 36 books54 followers
July 24, 2025
Twists and turns

This story has ups and downs and all arounds! Both these characters are so incredibly scarred and have so many barriers to their happiness that they almost missed it. That's all I'm going to say so nothing gets spoiled.

This author is a one click but for me, don't care what the book is about, and this is no exception. Looking forward to the next!

Enjoy!
Profile Image for TerryRose.
252 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2025
Absolutely superb! The characters are so well written, that you can close you eyes and see them standing in front of you! Absolutely want to be included in their inner circle of family & friends! The storylines is intriguing and keeps,the reader engaged throughout! Can’t wait for the next book to find out how things unfold! Well done, Wendy! Well done!
240 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
Reaction

Books by one of my favorite authors never fail to delight. I started reading this book around 11 at night and ended staying up late to finish. This will be another series to enjoy. I also love how characters pop up from other series as well as the interfering relatives. I highly doubt this author.
18 reviews
August 6, 2025
A fantastic story in the latest series by Wendy Vella

Brother of Sin is the first installment of Wendy Vella's newest series, The Blackwood Brotherhood. If you enjoy an enemy to lovers story, this book is for you. Brother of Sin was a real page turner that doesn't disappoint. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Profile Image for Wendy.
327 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2025
The book is everything I have come to expect from Wendy Vella. There is great world building, humor, suspense and of course romance. The cast of characters is quite entertaining. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
106 reviews
July 18, 2025
Gripping

This is the first book in a gripping new series from Wendy Vella. She is one of my must read authors and you know you are in for a really captivating read with her books. Once started I could not put it down and am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
6 reviews
July 20, 2025
Brother of Sin

Wendy Vella at her best with a strong, intelligent and independent heroine and a hero just waiting for her to show him the power of love. Another great series to look forward to reading.
24 reviews
July 20, 2025
Enemies to lovers!

Loved Evie and Anthony's story. They had such disdain for each other that soon turned to admiration then love. Hopefully looking forward to another book in this series!
Profile Image for Sandra Kelley.
30 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2025
Never give up

Excellent book. Engaging story of an emotionally challenged hero and a managing heroine. The story has villains from the hero’s past, fortunately the heroine is willing to fight (physically and emotionally) for her HEA

I love all of Wendy Vellas books.
3 reviews
July 29, 2025
I love when Wendy starts a new series

Loved the female character, proud strong and funny. Can’t wait for the next brotherhood book. We need to make sure that the sweet aunts are included.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
380 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2025
Loved this book and did not want to put it down. I really enjoy all Wendy Vella's book and can't wait to start this new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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