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A Sinner's Guide to Saving a Saint: Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Steamy Victorian Romance
She offered her body. He demanded her truth. Both would require complete surrender.
Sylvia Addison had built her fortress from shadows and secrets—a respectable medical facility by day, an underground rescue operation by night. For six years, she'd saved desperate women from violence, forging documents and identities with the same precision she'd once used to survive her own brutal marriage. She'd learned to weaponize everything—her beauty, her wit, even desire itself—all while keeping her heart locked away where no man could shatter it again. Then Dr. Albert Raines arrived, threatening to tear down everything she'd built with his damning medical license and haunted dark eyes that saw too much.
Dr. Albert Raines came to Ravenwood seeking solitude, not scandal. The bastard son of an earl and a courtesan, he'd spent his life running from his mother's shadow, only to inherit a manor full of mysterious women and their maddeningly beautiful leader who threatened him with a gun and offered herself as casually as afternoon tea. Every instinct screamed to throw them out, to protect the reputation he'd fought to build. But watching Sylvia Addison save lives with fierce determination while carrying wounds that matched his own, Albert found himself wanting something he'd never dared imagine—a woman who understood that sometimes the greatest dignity came from choosing your own terms.
When a woman who uses desire as currency meets a man who's spent his life refusing to be bought, who will surrender first?😎Forced proximity
😎Secrets
😈Enemies to lovers
💨Grumpy Sunshine
🐟Fish out of water
Sylvia Addison had built her fortress from shadows and secrets—a respectable medical facility by day, an underground rescue operation by night. For six years, she'd saved desperate women from violence, forging documents and identities with the same precision she'd once used to survive her own brutal marriage. She'd learned to weaponize everything—her beauty, her wit, even desire itself—all while keeping her heart locked away where no man could shatter it again. Then Dr. Albert Raines arrived, threatening to tear down everything she'd built with his damning medical license and haunted dark eyes that saw too much.
Dr. Albert Raines came to Ravenwood seeking solitude, not scandal. The bastard son of an earl and a courtesan, he'd spent his life running from his mother's shadow, only to inherit a manor full of mysterious women and their maddeningly beautiful leader who threatened him with a gun and offered herself as casually as afternoon tea. Every instinct screamed to throw them out, to protect the reputation he'd fought to build. But watching Sylvia Addison save lives with fierce determination while carrying wounds that matched his own, Albert found himself wanting something he'd never dared imagine—a woman who understood that sometimes the greatest dignity came from choosing your own terms.
When a woman who uses desire as currency meets a man who's spent his life refusing to be bought, who will surrender first?😎Forced proximity
😎Secrets
😈Enemies to lovers
💨Grumpy Sunshine
🐟Fish out of water
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Mihwa Lee
19 books72 followersMihwa Lee is NOT a New York Times, USA, or Amazon Best Selling Author. She is a former expert witness. But what she is not, she makes up for with her sense of humour, unusual life experiences, and imagination. The combination of these qualities can yield entertaining stories as well as parties. As a result, she is a sought-after guest at all parties and karaoke except those who have banned her.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 8, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series where MC are connected to a Madam in London that organizes a vast network of contacts and safe houses to rescue women from a variety of bad situations. This one takes place outside London and the FMC runs the house but is still supported by Madam Tansley’s expertise.
It’s captivating and interesting as both of the MC backstories are slowly peeled back. Their wants don’t match up and are opposite of what they’re trying to achieve. But this tension and attraction they’re experiencing lead to some explosive moments. I do wish there’d been some more inner dialogue of their feelings and how they arrived where they were at. But I still found myself tearing up.
I’m really glad that there was a lot of story left after the major conflict. It gave me hope that they would make it together and didn’t leave me with a bad taste.
There were parts that I found thought provoking too. Instead of dismissing outright, trying to understand where they were coming from and what options were available to them as well. I also loved going back and forth trying to decide who is the saint and who is the sinner from the book title.
A Sinners Guide to Saving a Saint is the fourth book in the Madams and Mischief series.
This can be read as a standalone.
There are six open door encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
It’s captivating and interesting as both of the MC backstories are slowly peeled back. Their wants don’t match up and are opposite of what they’re trying to achieve. But this tension and attraction they’re experiencing lead to some explosive moments. I do wish there’d been some more inner dialogue of their feelings and how they arrived where they were at. But I still found myself tearing up.
I’m really glad that there was a lot of story left after the major conflict. It gave me hope that they would make it together and didn’t leave me with a bad taste.
There were parts that I found thought provoking too. Instead of dismissing outright, trying to understand where they were coming from and what options were available to them as well. I also loved going back and forth trying to decide who is the saint and who is the sinner from the book title.
A Sinners Guide to Saving a Saint is the fourth book in the Madams and Mischief series.
This can be read as a standalone.
There are six open door encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
What a beautiful story. This author does not fail to captivate me every single time. Sylvia and Albert were such a fun pair. They both carried similar hurts and traumatic pasts, but I loved how they worked together to be better. I admired how they both had to accept fault for things and it wasn’t one sided. The in-depth look into their “charity” work was remarkable and really added to my enjoyment of the story. I feel like some of that could have come off as boring details, but it was written so well into their story that it was natural and interesting. Their passion and chemistry was a lot of fun to see blossom. I appreciate that things escalated slowly for them. They didn’t just go crazy from the start but rather built on their last experience as they progressed as a couple.
Another wonderful piece! I look forward to the next book.
Another wonderful piece! I look forward to the next book.
October 10, 2025
She did it again! Mihwa Lee has written another unconventional story that is a great addition to the series. The very well-written plot has enemies to allies to lovers, forced/close proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, lots of verbal sparring, battles of wills (including coercion and seduction), a touch of suspense, LOL moments, steamy love scenes, and a whole cast of very likable characters.
Albert, a controlled hero, and Sylvia, a strong heroine, are great. Both are still suffering from the consequences of their traumatic and painful pasts. Since the two pursue opposing goals, they clash again and again. The tension and sizzling chemistry between the two is palpable from the start. I really enjoyed how they stood up to each other before finally giving in to their mutual attraction and their own feelings and becoming partners.
When Dr. Albert Raines, the illegitimate son of an earl, arrives at the country estate he inherited from his late father after his humiliating escape from London, he discovers that it has been run by a charity for years and is inhabited by a bunch of women and children. This jeopardizes his attempt to regain respect and be valued as a doctor after his scandal in London. He therefore wants to get rid of his unwanted occupants, but does not count on the sophisticated counterattacks by their manager.
The widow and former courtesan Mrs. Sylvia Addison has been running a secret operation for Madame Tansley for years, rescuing women and helping them start a new life. The arrival of the new owner of the estate where they found refuge years ago and his attempts to get rid of her and her protégés are a thorn in her side, and Sylvia is prepared to fight with all means to stay and get rid of the cold-hearted heir, even though she feels attracted to him.
The more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep her secrets from him and the harder it is to fight the man who, like her, hides his emotions behind a wall of propriety and also struggles with circumstances beyond his control. But their goals are too contradictory, and duty always comes before desire...
If you like historical romance novels with original plots, troubled leads, push-and-pull games, humor, and spice, you're sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Albert, a controlled hero, and Sylvia, a strong heroine, are great. Both are still suffering from the consequences of their traumatic and painful pasts. Since the two pursue opposing goals, they clash again and again. The tension and sizzling chemistry between the two is palpable from the start. I really enjoyed how they stood up to each other before finally giving in to their mutual attraction and their own feelings and becoming partners.
When Dr. Albert Raines, the illegitimate son of an earl, arrives at the country estate he inherited from his late father after his humiliating escape from London, he discovers that it has been run by a charity for years and is inhabited by a bunch of women and children. This jeopardizes his attempt to regain respect and be valued as a doctor after his scandal in London. He therefore wants to get rid of his unwanted occupants, but does not count on the sophisticated counterattacks by their manager.
The widow and former courtesan Mrs. Sylvia Addison has been running a secret operation for Madame Tansley for years, rescuing women and helping them start a new life. The arrival of the new owner of the estate where they found refuge years ago and his attempts to get rid of her and her protégés are a thorn in her side, and Sylvia is prepared to fight with all means to stay and get rid of the cold-hearted heir, even though she feels attracted to him.
The more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep her secrets from him and the harder it is to fight the man who, like her, hides his emotions behind a wall of propriety and also struggles with circumstances beyond his control. But their goals are too contradictory, and duty always comes before desire...
If you like historical romance novels with original plots, troubled leads, push-and-pull games, humor, and spice, you're sure to enjoy this book!
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
I loved this book. Mihwa Lee has a wonderful writing style with interesting characters and plots. There’s always well written steamy scenes too.
This book of Dr Albert Raines, the grumpy illegitimate son of an earl and Mrs Sylvia Addison, an ex courtesan who is now dedicated to helping women in trouble was a delight to read.
This slow burn but insta attraction between the two starts with them at odds with each other when Albert arrives at his newly inherited Ravenswood Manor in a thriving town to find Sylvia and various women and children already living in his home as a refuge. He wants them gone, she has nowhere to take them so a stalemate ensues. Both feel they have a right to be there and have to fight their attraction to each other as they try to come to a compromise. Add in a jealous and vindictive legitimate brother who also wants the manor for himself, means Albert and Sylvia have to work together to ensure the house remains in their hands. They become closer physically in their efforts to stop the new Earl from getting his hands on the property. Sylvia turns to a powerful supporter of her work to try to resolve the dispute.
Both these characters have emotional issues from their past that still remain unresolved but being together helps them to overcome some of their past trauma. Sylvia has current secrets involving the women’s refuge that could get them both in a lot of trouble but her hesitation to tell Albert the truth for fear of losing him is mute when he finds out himself and this could potentially end their burgeoning relationship as all trust is lost.
There’s a bit of angst in this story as well as a great enemies to lovers plot and an emotional look into the lives of two broken souls who find solace in each other. It’s a beautiful story and I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels and looking for something different from the usual romance of upper class characters in novels. It’s a chef’s kiss book and series!
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
This book of Dr Albert Raines, the grumpy illegitimate son of an earl and Mrs Sylvia Addison, an ex courtesan who is now dedicated to helping women in trouble was a delight to read.
This slow burn but insta attraction between the two starts with them at odds with each other when Albert arrives at his newly inherited Ravenswood Manor in a thriving town to find Sylvia and various women and children already living in his home as a refuge. He wants them gone, she has nowhere to take them so a stalemate ensues. Both feel they have a right to be there and have to fight their attraction to each other as they try to come to a compromise. Add in a jealous and vindictive legitimate brother who also wants the manor for himself, means Albert and Sylvia have to work together to ensure the house remains in their hands. They become closer physically in their efforts to stop the new Earl from getting his hands on the property. Sylvia turns to a powerful supporter of her work to try to resolve the dispute.
Both these characters have emotional issues from their past that still remain unresolved but being together helps them to overcome some of their past trauma. Sylvia has current secrets involving the women’s refuge that could get them both in a lot of trouble but her hesitation to tell Albert the truth for fear of losing him is mute when he finds out himself and this could potentially end their burgeoning relationship as all trust is lost.
There’s a bit of angst in this story as well as a great enemies to lovers plot and an emotional look into the lives of two broken souls who find solace in each other. It’s a beautiful story and I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys historical romance novels and looking for something different from the usual romance of upper class characters in novels. It’s a chef’s kiss book and series!
I received a special copy from the author. I’m voluntarily leaving this review.
October 8, 2025
A scrumptious, heartfelt, humorous, slow burn enemies-to-lovers!
Sylvia survived it all – an abusive marriage, a brothel, a broken heart, a miscarriage, the workhouse – and now she’ll do and give anything to save other women from that same cruel fate. Even if it means pulling strings, bargaining, blackmailing and shooting holes in the ceiling to keep a roof over their heads.
Except... it’s Albert’s roof now, and he’s not going anywhere – even worse, he wants them gone!
A London doctor fallen from grace, an earl’s by-blow, a courtesan’s son, terrorised throughout his youth by his father’s heir, this house was his only inheritance. All he wanted was to hide and lick his wounds, not deal with a fearsome but ever so tempting curvalicious female and her illegal sanatorium.
It’s full on from the get-go! Verbal sparring galore, charm vs coercion, sweet manipulation, delectable tension, pushing buttons until one of them cracks, passionate stolen moments, hot vs cold, bravado vs raw vulnerability, the firmly wedging themselves deep underneath each other’s skin – in short: resistance is utterly futile!
Their common enemy – when they’re not at each other’s throats – is his odious bully of a half-brother. Trust me, they annihilate him most effectively! But, it’s a bumpy ride; one I won’t spoil.
You get two tough nuts to crack, strong resilient women from different walks of life, another doctor, a hilariously dry butler, old scars, insecurity, shame, jealousy, protectiveness, heartrending confessions, sacrifice, secret longing, mayhem, midnight emergencies and a country dance.
I’ve never read a story like this before. It felt witty and fast-paced, but also very emotional, messy, real and chaotic in all the best ways. It’s all about perspective, keeping your dignity, and truly being seen and loved as a person. I admire Sylvia and Albert so much!
Theirs was a touching journey, and I loved every second of it!
Sylvia survived it all – an abusive marriage, a brothel, a broken heart, a miscarriage, the workhouse – and now she’ll do and give anything to save other women from that same cruel fate. Even if it means pulling strings, bargaining, blackmailing and shooting holes in the ceiling to keep a roof over their heads.
Except... it’s Albert’s roof now, and he’s not going anywhere – even worse, he wants them gone!
A London doctor fallen from grace, an earl’s by-blow, a courtesan’s son, terrorised throughout his youth by his father’s heir, this house was his only inheritance. All he wanted was to hide and lick his wounds, not deal with a fearsome but ever so tempting curvalicious female and her illegal sanatorium.
It’s full on from the get-go! Verbal sparring galore, charm vs coercion, sweet manipulation, delectable tension, pushing buttons until one of them cracks, passionate stolen moments, hot vs cold, bravado vs raw vulnerability, the firmly wedging themselves deep underneath each other’s skin – in short: resistance is utterly futile!
Their common enemy – when they’re not at each other’s throats – is his odious bully of a half-brother. Trust me, they annihilate him most effectively! But, it’s a bumpy ride; one I won’t spoil.
You get two tough nuts to crack, strong resilient women from different walks of life, another doctor, a hilariously dry butler, old scars, insecurity, shame, jealousy, protectiveness, heartrending confessions, sacrifice, secret longing, mayhem, midnight emergencies and a country dance.
I’ve never read a story like this before. It felt witty and fast-paced, but also very emotional, messy, real and chaotic in all the best ways. It’s all about perspective, keeping your dignity, and truly being seen and loved as a person. I admire Sylvia and Albert so much!
Theirs was a touching journey, and I loved every second of it!
October 10, 2025
Lord, this was some hot enemies to lovers!!
Sylvia has been running a secret organization for abused women. This just happens to be in the house that Albert just inherited. He just moved in and he wants them all out.
It was kind of touch and go with me regarding how I felt about Albert. I much prefer a nicer hero. However, Albert has a messed up past and has reasons for being grumpy.
Sylvia is a solid gold gem. Selfless. A saint. She deserves all that is good in the world.
The sexual tension between the two of them was at an eleven. Sylvia basically had him check-mated at every turn. Give up, Albert, you can't fight it. It's destiny!! Albert wisened up and turned into the best man ever. Great redemption arc, fantastic side characters and the world needs more Sylvias.
Thank you to Mihwa Lee for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Sylvia has been running a secret organization for abused women. This just happens to be in the house that Albert just inherited. He just moved in and he wants them all out.
It was kind of touch and go with me regarding how I felt about Albert. I much prefer a nicer hero. However, Albert has a messed up past and has reasons for being grumpy.
Sylvia is a solid gold gem. Selfless. A saint. She deserves all that is good in the world.
The sexual tension between the two of them was at an eleven. Sylvia basically had him check-mated at every turn. Give up, Albert, you can't fight it. It's destiny!! Albert wisened up and turned into the best man ever. Great redemption arc, fantastic side characters and the world needs more Sylvias.
Thank you to Mihwa Lee for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
October 9, 2025
This novel is emotional, sensual and surprisingly tender beneath all its sharp edges. Sylvia Addison is fierce and unflinching — she’s built a life around control, secrecy and survival. Enter Dr. Albert Raines: grumpy, principled and haunted in his own right. Together, they’re a match in temperament and trauma. They're two people who understand brokenness and what it costs to rebuild.
Lee’s plots are always ambitious, but this one balances complexity with clarity. The story never feels crowded; every twist feels earned and every choice makes sense. It’s the fourth book in the series but stands perfectly well on its own.
Think: enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine with a shared darkness and a slow burn that feels both dangerous and deeply human.
Lee’s plots are always ambitious, but this one balances complexity with clarity. The story never feels crowded; every twist feels earned and every choice makes sense. It’s the fourth book in the series but stands perfectly well on its own.
Think: enemies to lovers, grumpy-sunshine with a shared darkness and a slow burn that feels both dangerous and deeply human.
October 7, 2025
Superb!
I didn't think this series could get any better, but surprise, surprise! This story topped all the others!
Dr Albert Raines and Mrs Sylvia Addison, the two main characters, virtually explode onto the beginning pages and remain to tell us their riveting tale.
If you enjoy this kind of story, then you just have to read this book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it!
It simply flows beautifully and its characters appear quite real, supportive, endearing, passionate and just plain perfect.
I happily devoured an early copy and am equally happy to leave my review.
I didn't think this series could get any better, but surprise, surprise! This story topped all the others!
Dr Albert Raines and Mrs Sylvia Addison, the two main characters, virtually explode onto the beginning pages and remain to tell us their riveting tale.
If you enjoy this kind of story, then you just have to read this book. I couldn't put it down until I finished it!
It simply flows beautifully and its characters appear quite real, supportive, endearing, passionate and just plain perfect.
I happily devoured an early copy and am equally happy to leave my review.
October 7, 2025
I greatly enjoyed the angst of this story. The emotions and intrigue full bodied. The cast of characters were well developed and added a lot to the story. I enjoyed the conflicting viewpoints of the lead characters. This author provides steam and strong females with lots of love and heart throughout the whole story!
October 7, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. Absolutely loved Albert and Sylvia’s story. Like Mihwa’s other stories in this series she does not disappoint on the banter and amorous connection between the main characters as well as the unexpected twists that occur throughout. If you have not started reading this series, you really should!!!
October 6, 2025
I always enjoy reading this author's creative work. She's edgy, bold, takes risks and produces amazing stories. No two are the same and her characters are relatable, realistic and full of spice. Don't every miss out on one of her creations.
October 10, 2025
Great book. Love these two!! They are perfect for each other. Brilliantly written with some 🔥🔥🔥 scenes! Just a perfect read and a cuppa/ wine
October 18, 2025
Loved Albert and Sylvia's wonderful story of a doctor seeking solitude and a woman running a respectable medical facility by day and running a rescue escape route for woman in danger by night. There's is an attraction that is simmering and waiting to burst into flames. Loved their page turner of a fabulous story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews