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Legendary Lords of the Ton
Ruined by the Baron
A forbidden temptation. A dangerous masquerade. A love that defies every rule of Society.
Lady Victoria Wright is the last woman I should desire. The sister of a close friend and far too proper for a man like me. But when she faces an unwanted betrothal to a cruel nobleman, she turns to me with a daring plan to destroy her own reputation.
All I have to do is pretend to be her lover.
It should have been a harmless ruse, a bit of scandal to set her free. But every time she meets my gaze, every time she lets me touch her, the game becomes something else entirely. Passion blurs the line between pretense and truth until I can no longer tell where the act ends and desire begins.
Now I want her for myself. Yet claiming her means defying her powerful father and risking everything I swore I’d never lose.
Because the moment she became mine, the stakes changed forever.
RUINED BY THE BARON is the first book in Suzanna Medeiros’s Legendary Lords of the Ton series and is perfect for readers who love forbidden passion, pretend mistresses, scandalous lords, and honor-vs-desire romances with no third-act breakup.
All I have to do is pretend to be her lover.
It should have been a harmless ruse, a bit of scandal to set her free. But every time she meets my gaze, every time she lets me touch her, the game becomes something else entirely. Passion blurs the line between pretense and truth until I can no longer tell where the act ends and desire begins.
Now I want her for myself. Yet claiming her means defying her powerful father and risking everything I swore I’d never lose.
Because the moment she became mine, the stakes changed forever.
RUINED BY THE BARON is the first book in Suzanna Medeiros’s Legendary Lords of the Ton series and is perfect for readers who love forbidden passion, pretend mistresses, scandalous lords, and honor-vs-desire romances with no third-act breakup.
- GenresRomance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2025
19 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Suzanna Medeiros
42 books248 followersUSA Today bestselling author Suzanna Medeiros was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Her love of reading led her to pursue a degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. After working at a number of interesting places, including a federal inquiry, a youth probation office, and the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario, she decided to pursue her first love—writing.
Suzanna is married to her own hero and survived raising twins. When she isn't writing, she loves reading and playing video games.
She would like to thank her parents for showing her that love at first sight and happily ever after really do exist.
To learn about Suzanna's future books, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.suzannamedeiros.com/newsl....
Suzanna is married to her own hero and survived raising twins. When she isn't writing, she loves reading and playing video games.
She would like to thank her parents for showing her that love at first sight and happily ever after really do exist.
To learn about Suzanna's future books, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.suzannamedeiros.com/newsl....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 19, 2025
A little different take on a historical romance but that's part of what made it so great. Also, I love first person POV! I really liked the introduction to this new series, about "The Legends", and I assume we will learn more in future books about them. Moreland is immediately intrigued by Victoria, before even knowing who she was. Victoria has been very sheltered but she's also taken with the Baron (Moreland). A passionate story of an innocent woman that has to ruin her reputation in order to prevent being forced to marry the cruel man her father insists she marry. Just how far will her brother and Baron Moreland go to prevent this from happening, and giving Victoria her freedom.
Fate might just have other plans for her ...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fate might just have other plans for her ...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2026
This is the first entry in Suzanna Medeiros's new Legendary Lords of the Ton series, and it delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Regency romance with a "ruined maiden" setup: scandalous plans, simmering tension, and a hero who agrees to compromise a lady and ends up compromised himself. It's a quick, enjoyable read, though one that left me wanting a bit more depth beneath the surface.
The premise is solidly appealing: Lady Victoria Wright faces an unwanted betrothal to a cruel, much older nobleman arranged by her controlling father. Desperate, she flees to her estranged brother Rexford, who proposes a scandalous solution--she'll pretend to be the mistress of his friend, Baron Matthew Moreland, effectively ruining her reputation and making her worthless to her father's schemes. Victoria agrees, partly out of desperation and partly because she's already noticed the handsome baron across the room. Moreland, for his part, is honor-bound to help his friend's sister, even if the idea of playing seducer to an innocent tests every ounce of his self-control.
The story moves at a brisk pace, perhaps too brisk. The "plan to ruin Victoria" is set in motion almost immediately, and within chapters they're installed in a secluded cottage, playing at being lovers while trying (and failing) to keep things proper. The insta-lust is strong with these two; their eyes meet across the club and the attraction is immediate and intense. If you're looking for a slow-burn, this isn't it.
Medeiros makes an interesting choice with the dual first-person narration. It works well enough, giving us direct access to both Victoria and Moreland's internal struggles, though occasionally I found myself wishing for a bit more distance: some moments feel slightly too modern in tone, and the prose doesn't always capture the Regency voice as convincingly as it might.
Victoria is a likable heroine: sheltered but not stupid, desperate but not helpless. She knows what's at stake and she's willing to take risks. Moreland is the classic "rake with a heart of gold," determined to protect Victoria's virtue even while the charade requires everyone to believe he's taken it. Where the book falters is in its stakes and depth. The threat of Victoria's father feels real enough, but the resolution comes together almost too easily. A character literally comments that everything seems to be going suspiciously smoothly, and... then it does. The third-act conflict is resolved with minimal drama, and I was left wanting more tension, more obstacles, more *something* to really sink my teeth into. The historical setting also feels somewhat lightly sketched: we're told about the dangers of ruin and the power of a duke, but the world doesn't always feel fully inhabited.
There's also the question of Victoria's agency. For a heroine taking such a bold step, she's remarkably passive when it comes to the actual scheming. At multiple points, she's told that "the men will handle the strategizing" and she doesn't need to worry her pretty head about it. While this may be historically accurate to some degree, in a romance novel it can feel frustrating. I wanted to see her more actively involved in fighting for her own future.
That said, the book succeeds as a light, escapist read. It's short, sweet, and hits all the expected beats: the fake relationship turns real, the honorable hero falls first, the innocent heroine discovers desire. If you're in the mood for a quick, fairly low-angst Regency romance with a decent amount of steam and a hero who's willing to risk everything for the woman he loves, this will scratch that itch.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is solidly appealing: Lady Victoria Wright faces an unwanted betrothal to a cruel, much older nobleman arranged by her controlling father. Desperate, she flees to her estranged brother Rexford, who proposes a scandalous solution--she'll pretend to be the mistress of his friend, Baron Matthew Moreland, effectively ruining her reputation and making her worthless to her father's schemes. Victoria agrees, partly out of desperation and partly because she's already noticed the handsome baron across the room. Moreland, for his part, is honor-bound to help his friend's sister, even if the idea of playing seducer to an innocent tests every ounce of his self-control.
The story moves at a brisk pace, perhaps too brisk. The "plan to ruin Victoria" is set in motion almost immediately, and within chapters they're installed in a secluded cottage, playing at being lovers while trying (and failing) to keep things proper. The insta-lust is strong with these two; their eyes meet across the club and the attraction is immediate and intense. If you're looking for a slow-burn, this isn't it.
Medeiros makes an interesting choice with the dual first-person narration. It works well enough, giving us direct access to both Victoria and Moreland's internal struggles, though occasionally I found myself wishing for a bit more distance: some moments feel slightly too modern in tone, and the prose doesn't always capture the Regency voice as convincingly as it might.
Victoria is a likable heroine: sheltered but not stupid, desperate but not helpless. She knows what's at stake and she's willing to take risks. Moreland is the classic "rake with a heart of gold," determined to protect Victoria's virtue even while the charade requires everyone to believe he's taken it. Where the book falters is in its stakes and depth. The threat of Victoria's father feels real enough, but the resolution comes together almost too easily. A character literally comments that everything seems to be going suspiciously smoothly, and... then it does. The third-act conflict is resolved with minimal drama, and I was left wanting more tension, more obstacles, more *something* to really sink my teeth into. The historical setting also feels somewhat lightly sketched: we're told about the dangers of ruin and the power of a duke, but the world doesn't always feel fully inhabited.
There's also the question of Victoria's agency. For a heroine taking such a bold step, she's remarkably passive when it comes to the actual scheming. At multiple points, she's told that "the men will handle the strategizing" and she doesn't need to worry her pretty head about it. While this may be historically accurate to some degree, in a romance novel it can feel frustrating. I wanted to see her more actively involved in fighting for her own future.
That said, the book succeeds as a light, escapist read. It's short, sweet, and hits all the expected beats: the fake relationship turns real, the honorable hero falls first, the innocent heroine discovers desire. If you're in the mood for a quick, fairly low-angst Regency romance with a decent amount of steam and a hero who's willing to risk everything for the woman he loves, this will scratch that itch.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2025
Baron Moreland is a bachelor and has a reputation as a ladies’ man, a new one every time is well known. He is part of the Legends, a group of friends who are confirmed bachelors with no desire to get married ever. When his friend comes to him needing help to protect his sister from their father, he steps in to help.
Absolutely loved this story! Everything from the storyline to the characters it all wove a perfect story. I absolutely can’t wait to read the rest of the series and highly recommend you to do so as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely loved this story! Everything from the storyline to the characters it all wove a perfect story. I absolutely can’t wait to read the rest of the series and highly recommend you to do so as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
Loved it. Absolutely the best. Well written, full of drama, steam, action, family, friends, intrigue, suspense and twists. Lady Victoria is told by her father , that the Duke is to marry is a friend of his. Knowing him she realizes that he is as old and mean as they come. She runs to her brother for help to get away. At his club, Kings, she sees for the first time, Baron Moreland and other Legends playing pool. Their eyes connect and things pass between them in those few short seconds. Victoria is told that the only way to protect her is to make her someones mistress and ruin her. So when asked, Moreland steps up and offers his help. Together they show society that they are together and will stand up against her father to save her. Has some action in where her father tries to kidnap her back by tricking her. As their emotions and feelings grow between them , they come to realize that they can marry. Victoria and Moreland do get their happily ever after. Would strongly recommend to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
Ruined and Saved by the Baron . . .
When Lady Victoria Wright is being forced by her father into betrothal to a cruel elderly nobleman, she seeks help from her brother Rexford to avoid this dreadful fate. Rexford’s friend Matthew, Baron Moreland, will assist with the charade. To avoid the arranged marriage, Victoria will deliberately ruin her reputation by posing as Matthew's mistress. Her father would then have to abandon his plan for his daughter’s disastrous engagement. However, the plan works overly-well for Victoria and Matthew as they find themselves actually attracted to each other. He wants her to be his, and she has strong feelings for him as well. Have they fallen in love? Would they possibly decide to get married? And will their important friends and acquaintances make sure Victoria is welcomed back into society? After all, knowing the “right” people can accomplish legendary miracles!
When Lady Victoria Wright is being forced by her father into betrothal to a cruel elderly nobleman, she seeks help from her brother Rexford to avoid this dreadful fate. Rexford’s friend Matthew, Baron Moreland, will assist with the charade. To avoid the arranged marriage, Victoria will deliberately ruin her reputation by posing as Matthew's mistress. Her father would then have to abandon his plan for his daughter’s disastrous engagement. However, the plan works overly-well for Victoria and Matthew as they find themselves actually attracted to each other. He wants her to be his, and she has strong feelings for him as well. Have they fallen in love? Would they possibly decide to get married? And will their important friends and acquaintances make sure Victoria is welcomed back into society? After all, knowing the “right” people can accomplish legendary miracles!
July 11, 2025
Suzanna Medeiros is one of those authors that I have been reading for ages. There is something about Regency Romance books that are just.. fun. It's definitely an escape for me. This one does not disappoint. The characters are likable, the banter is fun, and the chemistry between the two is *chef kiss*
Lady Victoria Wright is about to be used as a pawn by her father and be married off to a cruel nobleman of her fathers choosing. She manages to escape with the help of her maid and ends up concocting a plan with her brother to ruin her reputation so that the creepy old man and her father will be disgusted with her. She ends up pretending to be the mistress of one of her brothers close friends - one of the six Legendary Lords of the Ton. As with most plans - this one does not exactly go to plan. But rest assured, there is a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the rest in the series.
Thanks to Suzanna Medeiros, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Victoria Wright is about to be used as a pawn by her father and be married off to a cruel nobleman of her fathers choosing. She manages to escape with the help of her maid and ends up concocting a plan with her brother to ruin her reputation so that the creepy old man and her father will be disgusted with her. She ends up pretending to be the mistress of one of her brothers close friends - one of the six Legendary Lords of the Ton. As with most plans - this one does not exactly go to plan. But rest assured, there is a happy ending.
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the rest in the series.
Thanks to Suzanna Medeiros, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
A charming enjoyable romance read by an author I enjoy. It kind of had an Instalove feel but had an enough depth to keep it interesting. Moreland is one of the Legends of the Ton and falls hard for Victoria. I loved how seemingly naive Victoria is but her strength and gumption of escaping her father. Did Victoria’s brother and fellow Legends leader, Rexford, do a bit of quiet matchmaking? Definitely a read to escape into! Can’t wait for the next in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2025
I loved Matthew and Victoria's sweet and spicy love story.
Desperate to escape the arranged marriage her father has planned for her, Victoria turns to her brother for help. Her brother long ago escaped their father, a powerful Duke of the Realm.
Her brother's plan? Victoria is to be "ruined" by posing as his friend Matthew's mistress. What Matthew and Victoria don't expect, however, is to fall in love.
This was a wonderful first installment of this series, and I look forward to reading the rest.
Desperate to escape the arranged marriage her father has planned for her, Victoria turns to her brother for help. Her brother long ago escaped their father, a powerful Duke of the Realm.
Her brother's plan? Victoria is to be "ruined" by posing as his friend Matthew's mistress. What Matthew and Victoria don't expect, however, is to fall in love.
This was a wonderful first installment of this series, and I look forward to reading the rest.
June 15, 2025
Thank you Suzanna Medeiros, Victory Editing, and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange this is my honest review.
Ruined by the Baron by Suzanna Medeiros is a fun, easy, historical romance.
To escape an unwanted arranged marriage by her father Victoria rushes to her brother Rexford to find a way out. The solution? Become ruined in society, and her brother’s friend Baron Moreland is willing to take one for the team and assist.
Frankly I really enjoyed this book. The pace was perfect, the characters fun, the chemistry on point, and the plot doesn’t drag. Listen it reads a bit as a Bridgerton knock off of Daphne and Simon but I loved it regardless and frankly more than their story (and I LOVE Bridgerton). The stakes were higher for Victoria and Moreland was doing his best to not get involved with his bestie’s sister regardless of Rexford’s blessings. I love the Legends as a concept, all of the young rakes in society and that they will all have a story to tell. The different POVs were also wonderfully done as well I didn’t find any POV particularly grating or annoying.
Easily a 5/5 stars for me. I can’t wait to have more stories from the Legends! Buy or pre-order Ruined by the Baron June 24th, 2025.
Ruined by the Baron by Suzanna Medeiros is a fun, easy, historical romance.
To escape an unwanted arranged marriage by her father Victoria rushes to her brother Rexford to find a way out. The solution? Become ruined in society, and her brother’s friend Baron Moreland is willing to take one for the team and assist.
Frankly I really enjoyed this book. The pace was perfect, the characters fun, the chemistry on point, and the plot doesn’t drag. Listen it reads a bit as a Bridgerton knock off of Daphne and Simon but I loved it regardless and frankly more than their story (and I LOVE Bridgerton). The stakes were higher for Victoria and Moreland was doing his best to not get involved with his bestie’s sister regardless of Rexford’s blessings. I love the Legends as a concept, all of the young rakes in society and that they will all have a story to tell. The different POVs were also wonderfully done as well I didn’t find any POV particularly grating or annoying.
Easily a 5/5 stars for me. I can’t wait to have more stories from the Legends! Buy or pre-order Ruined by the Baron June 24th, 2025.
June 13, 2025
Ruined by the Baron is the first book of the Legendary Lords of the Ton series by Suzanna Medeiros and my first book by this author and I have to say, I enjoyed it.
Lady Victoria Wright is facing a betrothal to a cruel man. Someone who happens to be linked to her father and she knows the only person she can go to for help out of this situation is her brother who has been estranged from their father for a while now despite still being his heir. What they determine is that the only way she will be free is that she will need to ruin herself so with her brother's help, she asks the man who caught her eye when she entered his club.
Baron Matthew Moreland is known as a rake and he's not one to be held down by one lady but the moment he sees Victoria, he can't help but be drawn to her. When he's asked to be her seducer, he gladly agrees but decides he will do everything but ruin her. The hard part will be holding onto that decision. His plan is to ruin her reputation, get her released from the engagement her father is planning for her, and then let her go but as Victoria plays the role of his mistress, these two can't help but be pulled more and more together until the inevitable happens. And now Matthew doesn't want to let her go.
I enjoyed this story. I was great to see these two stumble around each other for a bit but ultimately it was clear they couldn't stay away and when they finally decided they were going to be together, Matthew's decision to face Victoria's father, no matter what his threats was perfect. Overall, I enjoyed this first book in the series and I am interested to see what happens for the rest of the Legendary Lords that make up this group.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Victoria Wright is facing a betrothal to a cruel man. Someone who happens to be linked to her father and she knows the only person she can go to for help out of this situation is her brother who has been estranged from their father for a while now despite still being his heir. What they determine is that the only way she will be free is that she will need to ruin herself so with her brother's help, she asks the man who caught her eye when she entered his club.
Baron Matthew Moreland is known as a rake and he's not one to be held down by one lady but the moment he sees Victoria, he can't help but be drawn to her. When he's asked to be her seducer, he gladly agrees but decides he will do everything but ruin her. The hard part will be holding onto that decision. His plan is to ruin her reputation, get her released from the engagement her father is planning for her, and then let her go but as Victoria plays the role of his mistress, these two can't help but be pulled more and more together until the inevitable happens. And now Matthew doesn't want to let her go.
I enjoyed this story. I was great to see these two stumble around each other for a bit but ultimately it was clear they couldn't stay away and when they finally decided they were going to be together, Matthew's decision to face Victoria's father, no matter what his threats was perfect. Overall, I enjoyed this first book in the series and I am interested to see what happens for the rest of the Legendary Lords that make up this group.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2025
This book was a fun and quick read! I got a advance arc of it and then immediately picked it up i enjoyed how the story picks up right away their isn’t much of world building but it’s not hard to understand the romance was fun and i enjoyed the main male character and the fmc made me giggle a lot enjoyed how fun this was def could have used a lil more at the end in the epilogue
June 11, 2025
I really enjoyed Ruined by the Baron! The story jumps right in—there’s no slow build or filler, which I appreciated. The plot kicks off with the agreement to ruin Victoria happening almost immediately, and she’s positioned as Matthew Moreland’s mistress early on. The pacing is fast, making it easy to get swept up in the intrigue and romance.
The relationship begins with a classic "protector" dynamic, but the emotional depth builds nicely, giving convincing reasons for the characters to fall for each other beyond the initial setup. The tone and world are very Bridgerton-esque in the best way, and I have a strong feeling we’ll be getting stories for all the other “Legends” in the next installments—which I’m already excited for.
The balance of story to romance was perfect for me: about 80% plot and character development to 20% romantic tension and steamy moments. It was fun, fast-paced, and charming—I read it in a single day across two sittings. If you're looking for a historical romance that’s both engaging and delightfully escapist, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.
The relationship begins with a classic "protector" dynamic, but the emotional depth builds nicely, giving convincing reasons for the characters to fall for each other beyond the initial setup. The tone and world are very Bridgerton-esque in the best way, and I have a strong feeling we’ll be getting stories for all the other “Legends” in the next installments—which I’m already excited for.
The balance of story to romance was perfect for me: about 80% plot and character development to 20% romantic tension and steamy moments. It was fun, fast-paced, and charming—I read it in a single day across two sittings. If you're looking for a historical romance that’s both engaging and delightfully escapist, I highly recommend this one!
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an eARC.
June 11, 2025
This book was an unexpected surprise and a great series starter! It is a little different from Suzanna Medeiros’s usual style. It is written in first person, though still contains same eloquent writing and plenty of tastefully done steamy scenes. The premise sounds simple, but the plot has several twists and turns that make it an easy page-turner. Victoria and Moreland are both very likable characters that are easy to root for.
Victoria has been sheltered all her life and, even with Moreland’s protection, she still finds it difficult to assert herself, yet comes out of her shell by the end. I have to say I am looking forward to seeing her again in the next books in this series. Speaking of seeing characters again, Rose and Brantford were a part of this story, which was great to see. Castlefieds were also mentioned, even if not directly present.
I also really enjoyed Moreland, who was a very honorable main hero. The only thing I wished for more of here is a more dramatic resolution to Sherbourne intrigue. But overall I enjoyed this immensely!
I received this awesome book as an ARC from NetGalley and publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Victoria has been sheltered all her life and, even with Moreland’s protection, she still finds it difficult to assert herself, yet comes out of her shell by the end. I have to say I am looking forward to seeing her again in the next books in this series. Speaking of seeing characters again, Rose and Brantford were a part of this story, which was great to see. Castlefieds were also mentioned, even if not directly present.
I also really enjoyed Moreland, who was a very honorable main hero. The only thing I wished for more of here is a more dramatic resolution to Sherbourne intrigue. But overall I enjoyed this immensely!
I received this awesome book as an ARC from NetGalley and publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 11, 2025
I am going to love this new Suzanna series, Legendary Lords if this book represents it. The plot is a bit different which I enjoyed and these guys have no clue that love will come and hit them so hard. Moreland and Victoria are such a cute couple. They did have to navigate through some problems but I love reading that. Give me some (or a lot) of angst and I am so there. It is written in first person which threw me a little bit in a historical (I read first person all of the time in contemporaries) but did it affect the story, absolutely not.
June 11, 2025
A courageous woman who would defy a domineering father, a brother who wholly supports her decision and the man who would protect her at all costs. Lovely ending and lovely read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2025
Looking for a quick read Regency novel if you are Ruined by the Baron is the right novel for you. Our main heroine Victoria is looking for a way out of a arranged marriage set up by her father. Her estranged brother arranges to stay with one of his friends and put on a charade of being his Mistress. However over time the two begin to fall for each other and wonder if they can truly marry.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
June 12, 2025
It has been quite a while since I read a book by Suzanna Medeiros and had forgotten how good she is,. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read the rest of the Legends stories. The story is fast paced and flows well . It is the story of Victoria who has been promised by her father the Duke to one of his friends who is reportedly not a nice man and it is the story of how her brother and one of his Legend friends Baron Mathew Moreland plan to save her by organising her to be ruined in the eyes of society and therefore of no value to her evil father.
I couldn't wait to finish and find out if they did
I was given a arc of this by Netgalley
I couldn't wait to finish and find out if they did
I was given a arc of this by Netgalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
Oh this is so good! This is bound to be a wonderful and exciting series. Six men, a marquess, two earls, two viscounts and a baron comprise a group of rakes known as the Legendary Lords. The Marquess of Rexford is the son of the Duke of Sherbourne and older brother to Victoria Wright. The Duke is an aggressive man who sought to control his children and use them to gain wealth and power. With the help of Henry Clarence, the Duke’s now former steward, Rexford escaped his father’s grip and established an exclusive club called Kings. Although he was ten years her senior, Rexford had made it known to his sister that should she ever need help, she should come to him. So when her father informed her that she was now betrothed to the Marquess of Heddington, one of her father’s cronies and whose first wife died under suspicious circumstances, she sought him out. After conferring with his fellow Legends, he came up with two choices. They could hide her away for three years until she came of age, knowing that the Duke would continue to look for her, or they could ruin her reputation so that she would no longer be any use to the Duke. Victoria opted for the later and chose to be the mistress of Baron Matthew Moreland. This is a thrilling story full of inuendo and steam. Moreland went from a rogue who never bedded the same woman twice to unknowingly falling in love at first sight. Victoria was innocent and naive, having been sheltered all of her life, but she was a quick study and eager to learn what Moreland could teach her. If the undercurrent of fear that the Duke will get his hands on his daughter doesn’t speed up your heartbeat, then the sizzle between Moreland and Victoria will. This is a well written swoon worthy tale that leaves you with a smile and a hope that the next book in the series will be released soon!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2025
Ruined By the Baron is the first book of Suzanna Medeiros's newest historical Regency series, Legendary Lords of the Ton. Being a first book, it is standalone but it also lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, as we meet the six Legendary Lords and the club where much of their lives revolve around, King's.
Our FMC of this book is something of a damsel in distress. Lady Victoria Wright's father is not only the Duke of Sherborne, he is also a tyrant. She had been a child when her brother had been disavowed by their father, but she knew that he was out there. When her father forces an unwanted marriage to a much older man, Victoria reaches out to her brother, Rexford, for help.
The MMC is Lord Matthew, Baron Moreland. As one of the Legendary Lords, he is known for his vice and womanising - like many men of the ton in these types of stories. However, when a beautiful woman enters King's he's instantly attracted and intrigued. When King's owner, Rexford, announces that his sister needs help to get out of an unwanted marriage, Moreland goes in with a mixture of chivalry and forbidden passions.
Victoria's father is a tyrant and a true villain. As the plan to save Victoria goes deeper and deeper, Moreland and Victoria are forced together and learn more about each other. This was a well paced, slow burn romance that started with necessity and became a friendship, all the while there is the constant sizzle of attraction in the background.
I'm intrigued to find out more about the Legendary Lords, in particular I want to know more about Rexford, Victoria's older brother. I really want him to have a fabulous HEA. They really all are dashing rogues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our FMC of this book is something of a damsel in distress. Lady Victoria Wright's father is not only the Duke of Sherborne, he is also a tyrant. She had been a child when her brother had been disavowed by their father, but she knew that he was out there. When her father forces an unwanted marriage to a much older man, Victoria reaches out to her brother, Rexford, for help.
The MMC is Lord Matthew, Baron Moreland. As one of the Legendary Lords, he is known for his vice and womanising - like many men of the ton in these types of stories. However, when a beautiful woman enters King's he's instantly attracted and intrigued. When King's owner, Rexford, announces that his sister needs help to get out of an unwanted marriage, Moreland goes in with a mixture of chivalry and forbidden passions.
Victoria's father is a tyrant and a true villain. As the plan to save Victoria goes deeper and deeper, Moreland and Victoria are forced together and learn more about each other. This was a well paced, slow burn romance that started with necessity and became a friendship, all the while there is the constant sizzle of attraction in the background.
I'm intrigued to find out more about the Legendary Lords, in particular I want to know more about Rexford, Victoria's older brother. I really want him to have a fabulous HEA. They really all are dashing rogues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.
This is a very basic romance novel, and it really didn't do much for me.
The lead characters, whose names I barely remember, have essentially no character traits other than "proper but secretly horny lady" and "horny guy". They also barely even have a few conversations before they're completely obsessed with each other and "in love", but like in love with what? I barely can figure out who they are and I'm literally in their POVs.
There's also not so much a plot as a single action, which is hide from Victoria's dad, actually don't. There's literally nothing to overcome other than "my dad is kinda strict". And that is so easily overcome that a character literally comments that it all feels too easy. I mean, I guess everything has and will continue to go swimmingly? That's pretty much how it goes.
Now to the bit that really annoyed me. There are multiple points where important decisions are being made about Victoria's future and she literally says "The two of you will need to strategize... I don't need to know the details. I trust you [men].", or another (woman!!) character says "the men have some scheming to do" and leaves with Victoria. Thank god Victoria doesn't have to do any thinking!!! That would be terrible! What if her brain got too hot?? Can you sense my sarcasm? And before anyone says it, I understand that this is a historical novel and there were different ideas about women, but come on. It's a romance novel. At least let the heroine have a singular thought.
Also, it's just weird to introduce a brand new POV in the fourteenth chapter.
One star. There are so many better historical romances to spend your time on.
This is a very basic romance novel, and it really didn't do much for me.
The lead characters, whose names I barely remember, have essentially no character traits other than "proper but secretly horny lady" and "horny guy". They also barely even have a few conversations before they're completely obsessed with each other and "in love", but like in love with what? I barely can figure out who they are and I'm literally in their POVs.
There's also not so much a plot as a single action, which is hide from Victoria's dad, actually don't. There's literally nothing to overcome other than "my dad is kinda strict". And that is so easily overcome that a character literally comments that it all feels too easy. I mean, I guess everything has and will continue to go swimmingly? That's pretty much how it goes.
Now to the bit that really annoyed me. There are multiple points where important decisions are being made about Victoria's future and she literally says "The two of you will need to strategize... I don't need to know the details. I trust you [men].", or another (woman!!) character says "the men have some scheming to do" and leaves with Victoria. Thank god Victoria doesn't have to do any thinking!!! That would be terrible! What if her brain got too hot?? Can you sense my sarcasm? And before anyone says it, I understand that this is a historical novel and there were different ideas about women, but come on. It's a romance novel. At least let the heroine have a singular thought.
Also, it's just weird to introduce a brand new POV in the fourteenth chapter.
One star. There are so many better historical romances to spend your time on.
July 18, 2025
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a historical romance that starts with a bit of love at first glance.
Baron Matthew Moreland is a noted handsome rake with no plans on giving up his freedom, and a member of the six Legendary Lords. He is struck and unexpectedly intrigued one day when he catches the gaze of a beautiful young woman at the club owned by his friend, the Marquess of Rexford, the estranged heir of the Duke of Sherbourne.
What he did not expect was that she was his sister, Lady Victoria Wright, an innocent debutante searching out her estranged brother, to escape from an unwanted betrothal arranged by her father. She and Rexford come up with a scheme whereby she is publicly ruined, and they draw Moreland into the plan.
Moreland agrees with the scheme, and caught from the moment their eyes meet, falls for the innocent Lady Victoria. Likewise, she falls for him, during their scheme. While he initially has no plans of actually ruining Lady Victoria, she feels that only a real ruination would lead to her freedom from her father's plans for her, and sets out to seduce the Baron. But of course, the powerful, scheming duke will not be so easily turned away from his own plans, and Lady Victoria cannot so easily escape the threat to her freedom and self.
Steamy, forced proximity, best friend's sister, love at first sight, reformed rake vibes to name a few.
The start of a new series, we are introduced to various members of the Legendary Lords as well, so there must be more to come.
3.75 stars out of 5
This is a historical romance that starts with a bit of love at first glance.
Baron Matthew Moreland is a noted handsome rake with no plans on giving up his freedom, and a member of the six Legendary Lords. He is struck and unexpectedly intrigued one day when he catches the gaze of a beautiful young woman at the club owned by his friend, the Marquess of Rexford, the estranged heir of the Duke of Sherbourne.
What he did not expect was that she was his sister, Lady Victoria Wright, an innocent debutante searching out her estranged brother, to escape from an unwanted betrothal arranged by her father. She and Rexford come up with a scheme whereby she is publicly ruined, and they draw Moreland into the plan.
Moreland agrees with the scheme, and caught from the moment their eyes meet, falls for the innocent Lady Victoria. Likewise, she falls for him, during their scheme. While he initially has no plans of actually ruining Lady Victoria, she feels that only a real ruination would lead to her freedom from her father's plans for her, and sets out to seduce the Baron. But of course, the powerful, scheming duke will not be so easily turned away from his own plans, and Lady Victoria cannot so easily escape the threat to her freedom and self.
Steamy, forced proximity, best friend's sister, love at first sight, reformed rake vibes to name a few.
The start of a new series, we are introduced to various members of the Legendary Lords as well, so there must be more to come.
3.75 stars out of 5
July 22, 2025
3.75
Omg, I enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the next honestly to get to know these men.
Baron Moreland comes to Lady Victoria Wright when her father wants to sell her to an older man who is known for his disgusting taste in sexual desire. His first wife died under questionable circumstances. But her father, the Duke, is fine with his reputation because he will be given a large sum of money. Just like what happened in history, where women were married off for financial and societal standing.
I enjoyed this book. It was an instant love story. The protectiveness of Baron Moreland happened almost instantly without even knowing her. He wants to protect her from her father in any way possible. So he goes along with a fake relationship until they both give in to their feeling and it becomes real. Her brother is 100% behind them and supports this route to protect his sister because, one, he came up with the plan, and two, he loves his sister and will do anything for her.
The ride to protect Victoria from her father is a story worth reading. It is a quick read or at least for me it was. I was able to finish it in about two and a half hours. So it is good to relax to it leaves you wanting the next story..
But, these are my opinions and I do recommend you to read it to form your own. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Omg, I enjoyed this book. I can't wait for the next honestly to get to know these men.
Baron Moreland comes to Lady Victoria Wright when her father wants to sell her to an older man who is known for his disgusting taste in sexual desire. His first wife died under questionable circumstances. But her father, the Duke, is fine with his reputation because he will be given a large sum of money. Just like what happened in history, where women were married off for financial and societal standing.
I enjoyed this book. It was an instant love story. The protectiveness of Baron Moreland happened almost instantly without even knowing her. He wants to protect her from her father in any way possible. So he goes along with a fake relationship until they both give in to their feeling and it becomes real. Her brother is 100% behind them and supports this route to protect his sister because, one, he came up with the plan, and two, he loves his sister and will do anything for her.
The ride to protect Victoria from her father is a story worth reading. It is a quick read or at least for me it was. I was able to finish it in about two and a half hours. So it is good to relax to it leaves you wanting the next story..
But, these are my opinions and I do recommend you to read it to form your own. I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
A Sham Mistress
A good start to the new series that I enjoyed. The well-written plot is light-hearted, in FOV, past tense with fake relationship and heroine on the run tropes, very likable main and secondary characters, banter, good chemistry, a touch of suspense and a little steam.
When her father, the Duke of Sherbourne, wants to betroth her to a lecherous, old man, young debutante Lady Victoria Wright runs away from home and seeks help from her older brother Rexford, club owner of the "King's" and leader of the "Legendary Lords", a group of notorious rakes, who freed himself from their father's clutches years ago.
Rexford is prepared to hide her, but as the ultimate alternative she could also become the mistress of one of the "Legends" and thus irrevocably ruin her reputation. Her choice falls on her brother's friend, Baron Moreland, to whom she is attracted at first sight. Moreland is willing to become her protector, even though he is determined to keep their relationship platonic...
If you enjoy series about bands of friends, rakes rescuing a damsel in distress and plots with a touch of suspense and spice, this book is for you. I am looking forward to the next „Legend“ falling!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
A good start to the new series that I enjoyed. The well-written plot is light-hearted, in FOV, past tense with fake relationship and heroine on the run tropes, very likable main and secondary characters, banter, good chemistry, a touch of suspense and a little steam.
When her father, the Duke of Sherbourne, wants to betroth her to a lecherous, old man, young debutante Lady Victoria Wright runs away from home and seeks help from her older brother Rexford, club owner of the "King's" and leader of the "Legendary Lords", a group of notorious rakes, who freed himself from their father's clutches years ago.
Rexford is prepared to hide her, but as the ultimate alternative she could also become the mistress of one of the "Legends" and thus irrevocably ruin her reputation. Her choice falls on her brother's friend, Baron Moreland, to whom she is attracted at first sight. Moreland is willing to become her protector, even though he is determined to keep their relationship platonic...
If you enjoy series about bands of friends, rakes rescuing a damsel in distress and plots with a touch of suspense and spice, this book is for you. I am looking forward to the next „Legend“ falling!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
I really liked this book! I must confess it's not my usual subgenre, I'm more into supernatural or fantasy elements, but this one caught my eye from the moment I saw the cover, and it held it firmly, I loved the blurb, and really enjoyed the actual book.
Moreland was a great MMC, a gentleman with her with the right amount of experience to know how to make Victoria (and me) weak at the knees. I mean, when they meet he tells her "I've been granted the privilege of ruining you". WHAT a presentation, ruin me as much as you like please!
And after a long journey (which I won't spoil) he continues with his winning personality, I'm still swooning from his words: "apparently, I'm a bit of a fool when it comes to you".
His name though? Hard to imagine a handsome man with it instead of an old dude... BUT as it's appropiate to the setting, I just didn't think about it too much and we were golden.
Our FMC? Badass for the time, defying his father's plans to marry her to a cruel old man just because he's powerful. Being an actual spitfire and mouthing to Moreland from the start. I adored her!
Honorable mention to Fairfax, he cracked me up whenever he spoke. I hope we get his story in one of the books to come about the other legends!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Moreland was a great MMC, a gentleman with her with the right amount of experience to know how to make Victoria (and me) weak at the knees. I mean, when they meet he tells her "I've been granted the privilege of ruining you". WHAT a presentation, ruin me as much as you like please!
And after a long journey (which I won't spoil) he continues with his winning personality, I'm still swooning from his words: "apparently, I'm a bit of a fool when it comes to you".
His name though? Hard to imagine a handsome man with it instead of an old dude... BUT as it's appropiate to the setting, I just didn't think about it too much and we were golden.
Our FMC? Badass for the time, defying his father's plans to marry her to a cruel old man just because he's powerful. Being an actual spitfire and mouthing to Moreland from the start. I adored her!
Honorable mention to Fairfax, he cracked me up whenever he spoke. I hope we get his story in one of the books to come about the other legends!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2025
Mmmm ya mira, mucho que decir, para mal... prepárense.
No me gustó el libro. Los personajes son vacíos. No hay personaje con el que me pudiera encariñar, tampoco hay una historia bien desarrollada y mucho menor un romance memorable. Es lo típico. La pequeña jovencita de papá necesita ser salvada y "manchada" para escapar de él. En que... 3 días? se enamora perdidamente del barón amigo de su hermano y ea, todos felices. El mujeriego cambia en 3 días por una mujer por el poder del amor a primera vista. BAH QUE MIERDA, OSEA.
La chiquilla es frágil y hay q cuidarla. Constantemente tienen que repetirle, estas segura aquí, te protegeremos, estás bien con nosotros. Entiendo que las mujeres en esa epoca (a si, porque esta ambientado hace como 100 años atras), PERO NO QUIERO LEER A UNA PROTAGONISTA INUTIL Y FRAGIL. Odio cuando dicen "no si es super inteligente" y no hace absolutamente nada para demostrar su ingenio. Lo único que hacía era fingir estár bien y hablar sobre lo horrible que podría ser su vida si volvía con su padre.
ZZZZZZ.
No si de verdad no me gustó para nada.
He leido libros sobre lords, duques, etc. Pero tienen base, fundamento, historia, personajes memorables, conflictos. Esto? es la demostración de una persona que tenía la idea de hacer un libro y vomitó la información esperando buena recepción pq hay un poco de sex (muy malo btw).
No me gustó el libro. Los personajes son vacíos. No hay personaje con el que me pudiera encariñar, tampoco hay una historia bien desarrollada y mucho menor un romance memorable. Es lo típico. La pequeña jovencita de papá necesita ser salvada y "manchada" para escapar de él. En que... 3 días? se enamora perdidamente del barón amigo de su hermano y ea, todos felices. El mujeriego cambia en 3 días por una mujer por el poder del amor a primera vista. BAH QUE MIERDA, OSEA.
La chiquilla es frágil y hay q cuidarla. Constantemente tienen que repetirle, estas segura aquí, te protegeremos, estás bien con nosotros. Entiendo que las mujeres en esa epoca (a si, porque esta ambientado hace como 100 años atras), PERO NO QUIERO LEER A UNA PROTAGONISTA INUTIL Y FRAGIL. Odio cuando dicen "no si es super inteligente" y no hace absolutamente nada para demostrar su ingenio. Lo único que hacía era fingir estár bien y hablar sobre lo horrible que podría ser su vida si volvía con su padre.
ZZZZZZ.
No si de verdad no me gustó para nada.
He leido libros sobre lords, duques, etc. Pero tienen base, fundamento, historia, personajes memorables, conflictos. Esto? es la demostración de una persona que tenía la idea de hacer un libro y vomitó la información esperando buena recepción pq hay un poco de sex (muy malo btw).
June 9, 2025
This is the story of Baron Matthew Moreland & Lady Victoria Wright. Moreland is one of the six legendary lords of the ton known as the Legends. Victoria is the daughter of a Duke and brother to Rexford, the leader of the Legends. When her father wants to marry her off to one of his old cronies she manages to escape to her brother’s club where the plan to ruin her and thus make her undesirable is hatched. Victoria and Moreland have only shared one glance, but that’s enough for her to chose him for the deed, and with her brother’s blessing she becomes Moreland’s mistress………..
This is the first book in a series by an author who was new to me, and I really enjoyed it. It’s written in the first person which I found an interesting change as it’s not often you get to hear the story from the man’s point of view as well as the woman’s. The characters were good and I presume the series will continue with each of the other Legends in turn. In the meantime I’ll be checking out some other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in a series by an author who was new to me, and I really enjoyed it. It’s written in the first person which I found an interesting change as it’s not often you get to hear the story from the man’s point of view as well as the woman’s. The characters were good and I presume the series will continue with each of the other Legends in turn. In the meantime I’ll be checking out some other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2025
We have Baron Matthew Moreland is of the Legendary Lords! They are rakes and it is unthinkable to marry or is it!?
We have the head of the legends and their club called Kings Marquess of Sherbourne, Lord Rexford! He is the brother to Lady Victoria Wright daughter of their father the Duke she has come to him for help!
Their father a ruthless cold man is attempting to sell her hand in marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather!
The only way forward is for Victoria to run or be ruined! One of the other members have volunteered but Mathew literally saw her first!
There are guards in place and a secure location but neither are prepared for their hearts to be engaged!
Can Matthew protect her from a desperate Duke? Can he protect his heart? Does he even want to?
Rexford in protecting his sister can be just as ruthless as Victoria learns who to trust and love is worth the risks! Bravo well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have the head of the legends and their club called Kings Marquess of Sherbourne, Lord Rexford! He is the brother to Lady Victoria Wright daughter of their father the Duke she has come to him for help!
Their father a ruthless cold man is attempting to sell her hand in marriage to a man old enough to be her grandfather!
The only way forward is for Victoria to run or be ruined! One of the other members have volunteered but Mathew literally saw her first!
There are guards in place and a secure location but neither are prepared for their hearts to be engaged!
Can Matthew protect her from a desperate Duke? Can he protect his heart? Does he even want to?
Rexford in protecting his sister can be just as ruthless as Victoria learns who to trust and love is worth the risks! Bravo well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2025
This historical romance was unique in that the story is told in the first person POV. It features Victoria and Moreland. She is the daughter of an unscrupulous duke and he is a lowly baron. Moreland, a close friend of Victoria's brother, is pressed into service when she is in a desparate situation. Her brother asks Moreland to "ruin" Victoria so that her father won't be able to force her into an unwanted marriage. It's pretty obvious where this is heading!
I don't read Contemporary Romance, so I wasn't sure if I would like the way this book is written. Many times, due to the outlandish scenarios the characters find themselves in, it felt like a mafia story. I must say though, thanks to the talent of the author, I was able to overcome the strangeness and just enjoy the story. I'm glad that I decided to give this new concept a chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't read Contemporary Romance, so I wasn't sure if I would like the way this book is written. Many times, due to the outlandish scenarios the characters find themselves in, it felt like a mafia story. I must say though, thanks to the talent of the author, I was able to overcome the strangeness and just enjoy the story. I'm glad that I decided to give this new concept a chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2025
Planned Ruination
Lady Victoria Wright is seeking assistance to avoid an arranged marriage by her tyrannical father to a lecherous old man. She’s confidant that her brother Rexford, one of the Legends, can help her. He and five other lords are notorious unmarried rakes. Rexford accepts Baron Moreland’s offer to effectuate an illusion of ruination to deter her father’s machinations.
Although the storyline is not original, Medeiros magnetizes readers with solid prose, intelligent dialogue and complex characters. We look forward to see how this deception will thwart Victoria’s father’s plans and support a romance between two strangers. This was so well done, I’m looking forward to the fall of the next Legendary Lord.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
July 27, 2025
He is one of the Legendary Lords of the Ton, and a friend of her brother. She has come to her brother for help in avoiding an undesirable marriage. From the moment their eyes met across the room, you knew this was going to be a good one. Ruin is a good (and often used) plan to foil her father’s arrangement, but their plan is different. Falling in love is not part of it. Moreland and Victoria are an adorable couple. They are surrounded by an interesting cast of characters. Well-written with a healthy amount of angst, a nice bit of humor, a few interesting problems to overcome, and a happy ending, this a perfect introduction to the series and the Legends. Who’s next?
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
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