The Ward

Dirty Little Harlots #1

by Caroline Lee

I’ve always been a good girl, and now my reward is finally at hand. After years hidden away in the country, my guardian—the powerful Duke of Ardgave—has chosen a husband for me. I tell myself that’s why my heart races as I step into his study… not because I’ve spent years harboring forbidden thoughts about the man himself.

But I am a good girl. And when he gives me a mysterious book to memorize—insisting I follow his instructions exactly—I do as I’m told.

Even when the lessons make me blush.
Even when his voice makes me tremble.
Even when obedience feels far too good.

Ridiculously hot short Regency story, perfect for a date night or hour alone (wink-wink). Get ready for fun!

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

Reviews

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pure smut guys. Oof.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t expect romance. This is pure smut.

Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Age gap (H is 50, forgot the h’s age)
Guardian+ward
Praise kink (good girl)
Dom/sub dynamic
Breeding
Some dirty talk
Sex in his study, standing from behind then on his desk.

My only disappointments—They never kissed on the lips and the story wasn’t longer! 😭

[cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t mind the lack of plot but the guy is like fifty to her 21.
the guy is married w a kid that is h’s age that she marries while fucking him. Which is a personal preference no for me

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so naughty, and ridiculously fun! Highly recommended if you want a filthy little read.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the first three books (The Ward, The Mistress, The Show) within an hour because they are touted as being super sexy and quick reads. They are classified as erotica and I guess that is the best way to classify them because all three books are one scene - no plot, no angst, just all of the sex, and no HEA/HFN. One issue I had was the overuse of the word “slut”. Also, even though the scenes are marked as erotica, I thought the scenes were like any others I have read in books. Not terribly innovative. Not saying these stories are bad, just know what you are getting.

[BookishMya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a short, attention-grabbing read that gets the blood flowing. This is certainly that. Caroline Lee created the Harlots Guide to the Forbidden and Delightful Arts in her previous stories and that book sparked a desire for more. Stepping away from the plot, she now gives us some quick and steamy reads to intrigue your curiosity. She explores deeper into the Harlots Guide for quick satisfaction. They’re fun, fast, steamy and more than a little naughty. Enjoy!

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ward
By Caroline Lee

A very nice, very quick read. And I have no clue how she does it but the characterizations are as usual spot on. The plot is well written and executed. And it has an abundance of swoon worthy steam. HOT HOT HOT. If you can handle it. And also as usual it has lots of outrageous humor but very low or nonexistent angst. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Happy reading and have fun.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful bite size story that gets the job done. Guardian/ward and age gap play out in an historical setting.

Caroline brings all the heat you expect from her historical romances. With this being the first of the Dirty Little Harlot series I feel like this was testing the waters and can’t wait for more.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a short little novella, I didn’t bother to learn anyone’s name. We have a gentle lady who is the ward of a duke and she’s been sent a dirty little book to learn about how to please a man. The older duke brings her into his study to confirm that she’s studied well.

[Anita Rohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ward

Interesting review of the Harlots guide to intercourse so thoroughly described in prior books. Always curious to the positions and wondering how long it took to formulate all these ideas.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the naughtiest books I have read and I think the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book should be taken quite seriously.
That said, it is a shortish story with some tongue in cheek humour and as usual, easy to read.

[Melinda Greathouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short little one-handed read. Ward is sent a copy of a naughty book, The Harlot’s Guide, and her guardian checks up on how well she’s studied. A fun palette cleanser.

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY....OMG..If you need a quick delicious read, this one will hit all the right spots...literally...you definitely don't want to miss this one! Read now!

[Jennifer King]

Not that good certainly didn’t live up to the hype

[Nina]

really awful

[Ana Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope one day Caroline Lee writes Harlot’s Guide to the Forbidden and Delightful Arts.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

EROTIC INSTRUCTIONS

This is very short, but very erotic. An untouched young lady is tutored by her guardian before her marriage .

[Athena, the goddess of books · Rating 4 out of 5]

delicious short story, wished it was longer!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book , about a ward how she pleasure her guardian, hot sex

[Manda P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Spicy.

[jayne hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ward has a different education

When her guardian asks her to come to his study it leads to a different education that she's been told doesn't exist