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Virtue & Vice #6
Rose
London’s most notorious duke has only one weakness—the courtesan he cannot resist.Rose Leland, the most coveted courtesan in London, is playing a dangerous game by blackmailing some of society’s most powerful men—and one wrong move could cost her everything. Her plans are interrupted the night she is attacked and Lysander, the brooding Duke of Gryphon, whisks her away to the safety of his estate - where he discovers the woman he rescued is no damsel in distress, but a fiery temptress on a mission of revenge.
As passion sparks and danger closes in, the duke and the courtesan must decide whether their scorching connection is worth risking both their lives for a love born in scandal.
This enemies-to-lovers Victorian romance is best enjoyed in order with the rest of the Virtue & Vice series. Preorder and save!
As passion sparks and danger closes in, the duke and the courtesan must decide whether their scorching connection is worth risking both their lives for a love born in scandal.
This enemies-to-lovers Victorian romance is best enjoyed in order with the rest of the Virtue & Vice series. Preorder and save!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cornered kitten & her loyal lion - he has claws and an acerbic tongue, and he the patience and restraint of a monk.
A courtesan who made the mistake of entrusting the deed to her home to a cruel debt-ridden cousin of the queen – not something Rose knew when Leo became her protector. So when his abuse became intolerable, she ran and took his little black book of misdeeds as collateral.
A duke, irreproachable, wealthy and debonair, yet still a bachelor at 39... If only his termagant mother would quit sabotaging his every prospect. Lysander has been a ardent secret admirer of Rose for years, so when Leo crosses the ultimate line, he steps in and kidnaps her – for her own safety, of course.
She’s a little monster – lashing out, taunting, insulting – and it takes her long enough to figure out he’s not going anywhere; a strange sensation for a woman who’s felt abandoned most her life. I loved seeing her grow and evolve!
He offers his home and assistance no strings attached, handles her with care, keeps her at arm’s length – even though he craves her – and forces her to come to him. He made it an enthralling, all-consuming, scrumptious slow burn, and I adore him for it!
Now add our ever-present vile vindictive Leo, Zander’s mommy dearest, just a hint of Belladonna’s own trouble and a handful of title-hunting dollar princesses all set in mostly the small setting of Zander’s London home – and you get an eventful but intimate enemies-to-lovers romance with a dramatic climax and a well-deserved happily ever after.
You know from the start a match is nearly impossible, yet I really enjoyed how it all worked out. I loved the honesty and tenderness, how invested and loyal this man is and how he makes her feel safe enough to trust and blossom. Beautiful!
This is without a doubt my favourite in this series so far!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
A courtesan who made the mistake of entrusting the deed to her home to a cruel debt-ridden cousin of the queen – not something Rose knew when Leo became her protector. So when his abuse became intolerable, she ran and took his little black book of misdeeds as collateral.
A duke, irreproachable, wealthy and debonair, yet still a bachelor at 39... If only his termagant mother would quit sabotaging his every prospect. Lysander has been a ardent secret admirer of Rose for years, so when Leo crosses the ultimate line, he steps in and kidnaps her – for her own safety, of course.
She’s a little monster – lashing out, taunting, insulting – and it takes her long enough to figure out he’s not going anywhere; a strange sensation for a woman who’s felt abandoned most her life. I loved seeing her grow and evolve!
He offers his home and assistance no strings attached, handles her with care, keeps her at arm’s length – even though he craves her – and forces her to come to him. He made it an enthralling, all-consuming, scrumptious slow burn, and I adore him for it!
Now add our ever-present vile vindictive Leo, Zander’s mommy dearest, just a hint of Belladonna’s own trouble and a handful of title-hunting dollar princesses all set in mostly the small setting of Zander’s London home – and you get an eventful but intimate enemies-to-lovers romance with a dramatic climax and a well-deserved happily ever after.
You know from the start a match is nearly impossible, yet I really enjoyed how it all worked out. I loved the honesty and tenderness, how invested and loyal this man is and how he makes her feel safe enough to trust and blossom. Beautiful!
This is without a doubt my favourite in this series so far!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved reading this beautifully written love story between Lysander (Zander) and Rose. They are opposites in so many ways but perfect together. Every book I have read by Carrie Lomax has been like eating a delicious decadent dessert. They have been wonderful to savour, digest and never want to end. I love being carried away with interesting characters and fascinating plots.
Zander is a duke who knows he has obligations to marry and have children but the only woman he loves can never be his wife. Rose is a beautiful courtesan who has recently ended her relationship with her abusive protector but he has something of hers that she wants back and will use blackmail to get it back. Zander saves Rose from a dangerous situation and gives her somewhere to live until the danger is over.
Zander really sees who Rose really is from the beginning and it’s not the prickly, unlikeable woman so many others see; he can see she’s like a scared tiny animal lashing out but desperate for something she has never had.
Their time together in his house is not without a bit of drama and antics but the slow burn sexual tension and development of trust between the two was a joy to read. I love how Zander treats Rose with dignity, respect and tenderness even when she tests his patience and self control. Both have had difficult pasts but in completely opposite ways. Both have been affected by their pasts but when they are together, only the present moments matter.
This series of books have been so well written and I was sad to get to the end but thoroughly enjoyed the story of Rose and Zander’s quest for happiness. There were some characters from previous books in this book that enhanced the story. It has a lovely long epilogue that I loved and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
Zander is a duke who knows he has obligations to marry and have children but the only woman he loves can never be his wife. Rose is a beautiful courtesan who has recently ended her relationship with her abusive protector but he has something of hers that she wants back and will use blackmail to get it back. Zander saves Rose from a dangerous situation and gives her somewhere to live until the danger is over.
Zander really sees who Rose really is from the beginning and it’s not the prickly, unlikeable woman so many others see; he can see she’s like a scared tiny animal lashing out but desperate for something she has never had.
Their time together in his house is not without a bit of drama and antics but the slow burn sexual tension and development of trust between the two was a joy to read. I love how Zander treats Rose with dignity, respect and tenderness even when she tests his patience and self control. Both have had difficult pasts but in completely opposite ways. Both have been affected by their pasts but when they are together, only the present moments matter.
This series of books have been so well written and I was sad to get to the end but thoroughly enjoyed the story of Rose and Zander’s quest for happiness. There were some characters from previous books in this book that enhanced the story. It has a lovely long epilogue that I loved and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a special copy of this book from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
January 7, 2026
London’s most notorious duke has one weakness—the woman he can’t resist.
I absolutely loved this story. There’s just something about a duke who’s always trying to keep everyone happy except himself, and it takes the boldest courtesan in London to shake him up. What a ride!
Rose Leland, once a courtesan to a prince, will do whatever it takes to get back the deed to her beloved home, Rosecourt. She’s fearless, even resorting to blackmail to get it back. But when things go south and she’s attacked, Lysander, the brooding Duke of Gryphon, swoops in and takes her to his estate. Turns out, she’s no damsel in distress—she’s fierce, determined, and on a mission for revenge.
Zander’s life is all about duty: marry the right woman, get the Queen’s approval, produce an heir. But his heart isn’t in it, especially when all he can think about is Rose—the woman he can never have as his Duchess.
And that’s where the fireworks begin! Watching these two navigate their feelings was amazing. At first, I didn’t really like Rose—she seemed a bit self-centered and needy. But Zander managed to break through her walls, and she grew on me. Zander, on the other hand, was always trying to keep his emotions in check—typical duke stuff—but Rose completely threw him off his game. I loved that they didn’t just jump into each other’s arms right away, but when they finally did… wow. Let’s just say it got really intense.
Their chemistry was off the charts, but it wasn’t just about the heat. They truly saw each other—flaws, fears, and all. Carrie Lomax really knows how to write a story that grabs your heart. Yes, there’s passion, but there’s so much more.
Reading this felt like watching a stunning sunset over the ocean—beautiful, unforgettable, and leaving me wishing it could last just a little longer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this story. There’s just something about a duke who’s always trying to keep everyone happy except himself, and it takes the boldest courtesan in London to shake him up. What a ride!
Rose Leland, once a courtesan to a prince, will do whatever it takes to get back the deed to her beloved home, Rosecourt. She’s fearless, even resorting to blackmail to get it back. But when things go south and she’s attacked, Lysander, the brooding Duke of Gryphon, swoops in and takes her to his estate. Turns out, she’s no damsel in distress—she’s fierce, determined, and on a mission for revenge.
Zander’s life is all about duty: marry the right woman, get the Queen’s approval, produce an heir. But his heart isn’t in it, especially when all he can think about is Rose—the woman he can never have as his Duchess.
And that’s where the fireworks begin! Watching these two navigate their feelings was amazing. At first, I didn’t really like Rose—she seemed a bit self-centered and needy. But Zander managed to break through her walls, and she grew on me. Zander, on the other hand, was always trying to keep his emotions in check—typical duke stuff—but Rose completely threw him off his game. I loved that they didn’t just jump into each other’s arms right away, but when they finally did… wow. Let’s just say it got really intense.
Their chemistry was off the charts, but it wasn’t just about the heat. They truly saw each other—flaws, fears, and all. Carrie Lomax really knows how to write a story that grabs your heart. Yes, there’s passion, but there’s so much more.
Reading this felt like watching a stunning sunset over the ocean—beautiful, unforgettable, and leaving me wishing it could last just a little longer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rose Leland, the most coveted courtesan in London, is playing a dangerous game by blackmailing some of society’s most powerful men—and one wrong move could cost her everything. Her plans are interrupted the night she is attacked and Lysander, the brooding Duke of Gryphon, whisks her away to the safety of his estate.
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, though I did enjoy appearances from previous characters. I loved both Lysander & Rose, the chemistry between them sizzled but they also saw the person behind the façade. They both have lots of baggage plus their social standings couldn’t be more different. I was drawn in from the start & read it in two sittings & I was left with a smile on my face after the lovely epilogue. A very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed & recommend
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The sixth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, though I did enjoy appearances from previous characters. I loved both Lysander & Rose, the chemistry between them sizzled but they also saw the person behind the façade. They both have lots of baggage plus their social standings couldn’t be more different. I was drawn in from the start & read it in two sittings & I was left with a smile on my face after the lovely epilogue. A very well written book which I thoroughly enjoyed & recommend
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
January 6, 2026
If you like well written, steamy Victorian romances then this is the book for you. The story of Rose a famed courtesan with the inability to trust anyone and Lysander whose craves the beautiful Rose.
Characters from previous books in this series take us to the world of high society expectations and the insecure life of a courtesan.
Lysander is expected to marry and produce an heir, and finally makes a choice of an American heiress, but still hopes for Rose to be his mistress.
Rose on the other hand whose life has been shaped by her mother selling her virginity at 16 years old and currently trying to escape a violent ‘protector’ just wants to reclaim her home and live in safety.
Lysander rescues Rose and taker her to his home to recover from her injuries much to the disgust of his mother
However, the attraction between the two principals grow but will there be a happy ever after?
Lived this book, and would highly recommend it. Certainly unputdownable
Characters from previous books in this series take us to the world of high society expectations and the insecure life of a courtesan.
Lysander is expected to marry and produce an heir, and finally makes a choice of an American heiress, but still hopes for Rose to be his mistress.
Rose on the other hand whose life has been shaped by her mother selling her virginity at 16 years old and currently trying to escape a violent ‘protector’ just wants to reclaim her home and live in safety.
Lysander rescues Rose and taker her to his home to recover from her injuries much to the disgust of his mother
However, the attraction between the two principals grow but will there be a happy ever after?
Lived this book, and would highly recommend it. Certainly unputdownable
January 7, 2026
The Virtue and Vice series is a real treat, another one to add to the classic vibes they give. Carrie Lomax is a master at keeping you wrapped up in the plot as the story unravels, kind of like a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. I enjoyed the main characters' chemistry and development with the twists and turns in their relationship, partly because of the anticipation of the coming together of these two. Rose and Lysander combination of passion, affection and loyalty even with their flaws, was masterfully portrayed, as they certainly had major obstacles to overcome. Overall, it was a very enjoyable read full of tenderness, spice, and chaos - the perfect recipe for a literary thrill ride.
There are trigger themes in the story, although it was well-written, if you're sensitive, you might want to buckle up.
There are trigger themes in the story, although it was well-written, if you're sensitive, you might want to buckle up.
Review of advance copy
I have really enjoyed this series of books by Carrie. This one too had its moments, but I found that it was focused on the experience of Rose as she was cooped up in the house of Lord Gryphon, a duke who needed the permission of the reigning monarch in order to get married. The storyline is clear, that Rose provoked a Count in order to force him to give her the deeds to a house she owned but is kidnapped for her own safety by the Duke. While he battles for her, their mutual affection solidifies into a passion. She has to gain possession of the deed and stave off the violent intentions of the count. I would have like to see the action in this process developed much further rather than focusing on the experience within the house of the duke.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. It was my favourite so far of the Virtue & Vice series. Rose and Zander were compelling characters -- I appreciated their individual histories, how their challenging pasts shaped each of them, and that together they brought out the best in each other. The chemistry was fabulous (often fun, e.g., how he carried her about) and eventual romance was super spicy. Alongside the ongoing and evolving Virtue & Vice back story, it was an entertaining and captivating love story. I look forward to the next instalment in the series! (I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review).
January 7, 2026
Rose Leland, a notorious courtesan, finds her plan to retrieve her property from her former lover thwarted by Lysander, the Duke of Gryphon. Thus begins their tempestuous relationship with Rose fighting Lysander every step of the way until she is unable to resist him any longer. Society applies pressure as Rose and Lysander cement their relationship. A mother and a queen seek to block his desires. An underworld figure also causes issues for Rose . An appropriate marriage looms and Lysander takes steps to secure the future he wants. A successful conclusion to his efforts leads to the realisation that love can indeed conquer all. A highly sensuous book.
January 7, 2026
Every book in this series gets better which seems impossible because the first was extraordinary! I love the emotional angst that permeates each scene. Rose has so much pain. You think she's obnoxious until you learn her story, then you cry. This story shows completely how we can never judge a person unless we've walked in their shoes. Lysander has his own struggles and constraints to deal with as a duke related to the queen. There story is filled with pain, pleasure and potential. All of it makes me impatient for the final book in the series!
December 31, 2025
Another good story from the Virtue and Vice series. Rose was raised in a brothel with little expectation for more. She seems to get left behind by friends and family and then meets Zander. The story captures your heart as she finds a man who actually cares but social status affects their relationship as well as a spurned past lover. It is very hot so be prepared. A very good build of both his and her stories.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A Very Happy New Year!
Rose and Lysander (love his name) find themselves involved in a romantic adventure which started off my 2026 perfectly!
I loved their story and these two super characters, who had very different beginnings and somehow managed to find their happy ever after, just crawled into my heart and stayed there.
Nicely written, this is what historical romance is all about.
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
Rose and Lysander (love his name) find themselves involved in a romantic adventure which started off my 2026 perfectly!
I loved their story and these two super characters, who had very different beginnings and somehow managed to find their happy ever after, just crawled into my heart and stayed there.
Nicely written, this is what historical romance is all about.
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
January 2, 2026
The amount of sparks that fly between Rose and Zander just about sets your hair on fire! Rose can’t see beyond her upbringing and lifestyle. She pushes everyone away to protect herself. Zander has control issues not to mention an overbearing mother.
Can these two get out of their own ways and come together to achieve happiness? You’ll love this Virtue and Vice book. The whole series is outstanding.
Can these two get out of their own ways and come together to achieve happiness? You’ll love this Virtue and Vice book. The whole series is outstanding.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have enjoyed the other books in the series but this one, not so much. There is a lot going on and I just never connected with the characters. Personally, I found Rose slightly annoying. It does advance the overall plot concerning Belladonna. The HEA was good and what I was expecting. Well written with good steam.
January 8, 2026
Two souls with hugely different personalities. One a courtesan who is spunky and lively and one who is duty driven. Oil and water never mix, or do they? It's a spicy story with great chemistry and steam. Fully engaging characters who you will both love but not always like and a plot filled with twists and turns.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love this story for Rose after getting introduced to her in the last book. The slow burn up to them getting together is so worth it. Wish there were some of the characters from the other books brought in
January 7, 2026
Excellent! My favorite of the series! Rose is a feisty h who is perfect for Zander! Ms. Lomax is a great author who is able to develop her characters quickly. Makes it difficult to put the book down! I did receive this as an advanced read. These are me honest thoughts!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this spicy, fiesty, enemies to lovers story. Rose is wild and brash and amazing and Lysander is reserved and ducal and smutty. They are perfect! This story had romance and spice but also intrigue and danger. Great addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews