Brother of Wrath

The Blackwood Brotherhood #3

by Wendy Vella

A lady bound by a promise. A marquess scarred by his past, and the revenge that binds them together.

Lord Jamieson Stafford was everything society expected—aloof, controlled, and dangerously charming. But beneath the marquess’s calm exterior lies a man haunted by rage and guilt. He chases danger to silence his demons—until one reckless night nearly costs a woman her life.

Lady Alice Smythe is no ordinary victim. Fierce and unyielding, she’s sworn to avenge her brother’s death. When she discovers Lord Stafford is hunting the same man, their uneasy alliance ignites into something neither expected.

He’s the last man she should trust.

She’s the one woman who refuses to fear him.

And as vengeance blurs into passion, both must decide what’s worth saving—their honor, their hearts… or each other.

Genres: Historical Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

About the author

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

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


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

Reviews

[🐝 Shaz 🐝 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice emotional and humorous story.
The last in the series of three books. About three friends who were abused while at boarding school. James is the last of the three to find his lady love. And get his life back together.
They are both looking for the man who was the leader of the abusers. She is after revenge for her brother, who took his own life.
Both are strong characters, nice end to the series.

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third and final book in The Blackwood Brotherhood series was an emotional, heartfelt, reluctant allies to lovers' historical romance. It touched on childhood abuse, lingering trauma, a consuming desire for revenge, and the journey through pain to healing. The characters were complex, strong-willed, and determined, and their chemistry was undeniable. I adored the brotherly bond between Anthony, Tobias, and Jamie. I really enjoyed how the finale celebrated friendship, family, love, and triumph over darkness. I highly recommend reading!

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third and i believe last book in this historical romance series gives us the "Blackwood Boy" who needs revenge on the last of the men responsable for their torment. He is not the only person searching for the man. Our heroine also has her reasons. Our characters face an emotional upheaval and danger. In the background we have the mischievous aunts who want to see him happy at last.
This series is best read in order to understand the back story. Plus we do spend a fair amount of time with the heroes from the first two books. Very interesting reading.
Great fun.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Blackwood Brotherhood series and it is a fitting way to end this series.

Jamie, the Marquess of Stafford, comes across Lady Alice Smythe late one night and he takes her back to her home and discovers her late brother was a Blackwood Boy, driven mad as a result of the torture and abuse he suffered there and then died. Alice wants to avenge her brother and finds herself working with Jamie as they follow leads. But both are stubborn and Jamie, in trying to protect Alice, almost drives her away, as they both go after the man who instigated the abuse, Jackson. While dealing with the search with his friends Anthony and Tobias, Jamie also finds himself at the forefront of his friend's aunts matchmaking attempts as they become determined to find him a wife. As the search becomes more dangerous, Alice's father, who left her and her brother for France with his mistress, returns and issues an ultimatum, one that has consequences for Alice. This is a story of vengeance, redemption and love that can find it's way through the hardest of hearts.

Captivating and.engaging, this book had me holding my breath, laughing, broke my heart in places and left me unable to put it down. I loved how the three friends stuck with each other, no matter what, and their determination to help those that had been in the same situation at Blackwood, no matter their status in life. Thank you Wendy for another amazing series.

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

James, Lord Stafford is the final Blackwood “brother”. The last of the three peers who suffered untold abuse as children at the infamous Blackwood Hall and, as adults, vowed to seek retribution against their abusers. They have achieved that goal with the exception of one, housemaster Jackson. Lady Alice also seeks the vile Jackson as his cruelty drove her brother to madness and finally death. When the two discover their common goal they grudgingly agree to an uneasy alliance, where trust is in short supply, to seek him out. But with two very strong-willed, determined, and personally vested individuals, sparks are bound to fly. Is it just the tensions of the hunt, or is something deeper at play in their relationship?


As always, Ms. Vella deftly builds the personalities of her characters, showing us how their strengths and weaknesses transform their relationship. As the story builds on the results of past traumas, the dark themes of abuse, violence, and poverty are relieved by the ancillary characters. The meddling aunts, devoted servants, and, of course, the two “brothers” anchor the notion that good does exist in the world. There's just enough mystery and danger to keep you turning the pages with anticipation.  All in all, a satisfying read. Just sorry that Jamie is the last brother.  I was fortunate to receive an advance copy from the publisher and am delighted to be able to share my own thoughts on the novel.

[Jane Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother of Wrath Review
This was an absorbing story. Wendy is so good at creating her Regency world, I was completely immersed in the story from the very beginning. Of course, it does help that this is the third book in the series, but I don’t think a reader unfamiliar with the two previous books would have any problems keeping up.
The story follows Lord Stafford and Lady Alice, two people who have not ever met but turn out to have the same goal of bringing an evil man to justice. They are both people who are survivors and are used to being in control of their lives, and when they do encounter each other and discover they have the same goal, they reluctantly agree to a partnership but without really trusting each other. Their relationship as well as the story is tense throughout and so well described, I felt like I was watching a movie.
The two things I liked best are the incredibly natural dialogue and the evocative scene setting. I wasn’t reading so much as listening to the characters speaking, and I could smell the taverns and the filthy streets.
There was nothing to dislike except that, as always, the story was too short; I always want more..

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 46th book by Wendy Vella and I've been reading her since 2016. I do consider her a favorite and always enjoy her books. She is not very steamy in her sex scenes but her stories are always good and well written and I know I'll always get a good read. I loved this series so far and added Book 1 to my favorite books read list.

I liked Jamie and Alice's story. I like the intrigue of it. I really appreciate the storytelling of "broken" characters and how much depth Wendy got in their stories. As stubborn as Alice was, I was glad Jamie had someone like her to keep him a little bit sane after everything the boys went through. Overall a really good read.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three men befriend each other when they are sent away to school where the pupils are routinely abused.. As grownups they are determined for the men involved to be bought to account Jamie the Marquess of Stafford is searching for his nemesis and trying to fight his demons. Incomes Lady Alice also searching for the same man who abused her brother to the extent that he could not cope and took his own life.
They are both attracted to each other and the story weaves us through the dramas of them searching for a man called Jackson and fighting and finally giving in to the love they have for each other. I thoroughly recommend that you read this book
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for my arc copy

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another smash by Wendy Vella. This is Jamie and Alice’s story. I have to say I really fell in love with Jamie. He is a tortured soul after his abuse at school. He never intends to marry as a result of his demons. He then meets Alice, whose brother was a victim of the school. She also has no intention of marrying and being at the mercy of a man. Together they embark on a mission of vengeance and justice. Along the way they find themselves falling in love. You will find lots of interesting characters on this journey as well as plenty of action, humor, suspense and romance. So find a cozy spot with a drink and blanket so you can settle in for a wonderful read. I definitely give this 5 stars.

[Lisa Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Brother of Wrath!!! Fast pace, wonderful characters. I really enjoyed how they have their own complications in life but they beautifully tie the characters together with threads that bind. I laughed out loud, I teared up, and was very happy with the Happily Ever After.

[Sharon Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series

Loved all 3 books and so happy Jamie found his love. This story was a page turner. My only criticism is of the cover; Lord Stafford looks like Mr. Spock.....the ears look pointy ;) Well done, Wendy. Another great series!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series about three friends who survived abuse at the hands of the headmaster at Blackwood Hall.
Lord Jamison Stafford is on the hunt for the headmaster to get his revenge before the headmaster can do more harm to another.
Lady Alice Smythe is also searching for the villain whose brother lost touch with reality and lost his life from the abuse at the school.
Jamie and Alice had wonderful chemistry together, fought their own demons, and at times didn't trust one another.
The storyline while quite dark with violence at times, was well written, interesting and had great secondary characters.
I voluntarily read this book as an ARC, and these are my opinions.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley. Wendy Vella is one of my favorite authors. I have not read the rest of the series yet. Jamie Stafford is one of the boys along with his two best friends who attended Blackwood Hall and had the same leader who treated the boys terribly and some didn't survive it. Jamie tried to help those he could but Alice Smythe's brother was one he didn't know had been beyond help and died in spite of what help the family tried to give. Jamie finds out Alice is hunting the same man he is, They help each other but she finds he has gone with out her and she is very upset. He finds himself more worried about her and the places they have to go to find Jackson. They become closer as time goes on. His two best friends are able to help him and Alice in the end,

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story,

Jamie was the last of the three friends to remain unwed. His desire was for revenge against a man that nearly destroyed the three friends. Alice's brother was one of the boys that had been destroyed, and she was seeking revenge on his behalf. This author is one of my favorites and I love her series. You will be drawn into her stories and be disappointed when they end. Enjoy!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star read from cover to cover.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to return to The Blackwood Brotherhood series by Wendy Vella. She makes it easy to get lost in her novels and escape the real world. I love the interactions of the characters because the dialogue is always so witty. I felt so emotional for the characters and all they had been through and I was invested in their success. I was glad to see the return of the characters from the first two novels of the series and how supportive they were for Jamieson & Alice. It was a great read and I look forward to seeing what Wendy Vella publishes next.

[June Karen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve said before Wendy has done it again. Fantastic end to this trilogy of books about three Lords brutalised as children at school. Their fight for a normal life after facing brutality. This focusses on Jamie and Alice. Jamie subjected to torture and Alice whose brother was broken by the torment he received at the hands of Blackwood staff eventually dying leading Alice to vow vengeance as revenge. Jamie and Alice work together to bring the villain to justice while fighting an attraction neither want to acknowledge. Great characters fantastic storyline. Highly recommend it

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally healing the Wrath inside him

I absolutely loved Alice and Jamie’s story. He still harbors the nightmares and indignities of Blackwood Hall. She wanting revenge on the man that caused her brother to kill himself. Can the two work together to find the monster and finally start to heal, trust and love.
A wonderful story with such a beautiful ending.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy Vella’s “The Brother of Wrath” is the third and final book in the Blackwood Brotherhood series and it is a powerful conclusion to a series built on friendship, healing, and redemption. The trilogy follows three men—Anthony, Jamie, and Tobias—who survived cruelty at Blackwood Hall and emerged as fiercely loyal brothers in all but blood. This final installment is Jamie’s story, and it’s every bit as thrilling and heartfelt as the journey that led here.

Lord Jamison Stafford hides his pain behind charm and recklessness, haunted by his childhood at Blackwood Hall and driven by a need for revenge against the brutal housemaster, Kenneth Jackson.

His path collides with Lady Alice Smythe one night when he finds her alone in a dangerous part of town. He escorts her home with a warning—unaware that this fateful meeting will alter both of their lives. Alice, determined to avenge her brother’s death at Jackson’s hands, is equally relentless. Together, they chase vengeance—but find something far more profound along the way.

Jamie and Alice were destined for each other, though neither dared to admit it. Jamie, haunted by the demons of his time in Blackwood, hid in plain sight, forever chasing danger to numb his pain. Alice, still scarred by her father’s abandonment and the devastating loss of her brother, had become someone she barely recognized.

This book leans a little darker than many of Wendy Vella’s other romances, as it touches on childhood abuse, lingering trauma, and the consuming desire for revenge. Yet, Vella handles these themes with sensitivity, balancing the shadows with hope, love, and the strength of her characters. Their journey through pain to healing makes the story all the more compelling.

Their path to vengeance against Jackson was meant to be about justice, but along the way, it became something neither of them expected. Amid the darkness, they discovered a light—each other. The chemistry between them sizzled, and through shared battles and buried secrets, their love quietly took root and blossomed into something undeniable.

One of the highlights of Vella’s storytelling is the depth of relationships. The brotherly devotion between Anthony, Jamie, and Tobias is heartfelt and unshakable, proving that family is not always defined by blood. Anthony’s aunts also bring their signature charm, humor, and matchmaking antics, delighting readers with their infamous list of potential brides.

I devoured this book in one sitting. It’s a compelling, romantic, and suspenseful finale that celebrates love, friendship, and triumph over darkness. Wendy Vella has crafted a conclusion that’s as moving as it is unforgettable, with a richness that comes from facing the shadows as well as the light.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother of Wrath is the third (and sadly likely to be last) book in the Blackwood Brotherhood series from author Wendy Vella.

Although all three books in this series are stand-alone stories I decided to re-read the first two before starting this as it allowed me to be reacquainted with the other two ‘Blackwood Brothers’ and their stories.

This series are the stories of three young boys who met at Blackwood School where they were bullied, beaten and tortured by older boys and some sadistic adults. Their experience builds an unbreakable bond of friendship and support that helped them survive their time there.

Brother of Sin is Anthony’s story (Book 1), Brother of Darkness (Book 2) is Toby’s story and with Brother of Wrath we have James, Marquess of Stafford’s book.

Although James is delighted that both Anthony and Toby are now happily married and no longer suffering the same issues that remained with them as adults, James remains deeply disturbed and continues activities that help him cope.

Kenneth Jackson was a man who needed to be found and either kept in prison or hung for all the terrible things he did to children and young women. James was determined to continue investigating any clue or hint that might lead to him finding him.

Alice lived with her aunt in her father’s London Town house together with a number of very caring and loyal servants.

Charles and Alice’s father had left his life and responsibilities in London in favour of living abroad with his mistress. It was fortunate that Alice was an excellent business woman who had taken over running the house and grown their fathers’ finances by careful investments and business dealings – which she had had to do using her father's name.

After her brother's suicide Alice had found and read Charles diaries. Horrified by what he had been through she was determined to find and punish the man, Kenneth Jackson who she blamed for his death.

Once again, I enjoyed reading this book. Strongly defined characters, plot twists with a dash of humour in a historical romance book. I found it difficult to put the book down, (especially towards the end – but I will not spoil it with any explanations) and would not hesitate to recommend this book/series

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother of Wrath by Wendy Vella is the story of one of the men who had been abused violently, as children at a school called Blackwood. He only survived because his “brothers” who were with him at the time. Most of the men involved had been punished but they were still looking for one. Jamie, also know as the Marquess of Stafford, was contemplating his next move, while riding his horse in the middle of the night, when he nearly ran over a woman who was walking: Lady Alice. He recalled her brother, Charles, had been younger than he and his friends, but had been at Blackwood, also. Thus began a relationship fueled by the need for revenge, or at least, justice.

Jamie, is an honorable man of the ton and as such is protective of women. Alice is a distinguished member of the ton, as well, but keeps her real self hidden behind a veneer of ladyhood. She doesn’t like being protected or lied to. Jamie, does both. Worse, her quest for revenge may be over not that her father has returned and requires her to find a husband or he will. She has been running his estate for years while he had been in France with his mistress and had managed to put away quite a sum for herself, as well. She would survive, but away from society. Jamie is putting himself in danger. She saves him once. But, again? Great story. Even greater premise for these three books. They both swear they will never marry: he because he believes he has not heart; she because she refuses to be ruled by a man. An abduction, but not what normally happens. Good story. Good characters.

I was invited to read The Brother of Wrath by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #WendyVella #BrotherOfWrath

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Jameson “Jamie” Stafford is aloof, controlled, and dangerously charming - the kind of man carved from marble & then handed a tragic backstory for dramatic seasoning. Haunted by guilt & fueled by rage, he chases danger like it owes him rent.

Lady Alice Smythe is no damsel, no victim, & definitely not here for anyone’s nonsense. Fierce & relentless, she’s on her own mission of vengeance. When she & Jamie collide, it’s less meet‑cute and more “please remove all sharp objects.”

The secondary cast brings light to the shadows - the aunts sprinkle humor like seasoned chaos gremlins, & Bobby, the brave street boy, adds heart, hope, & a few well‑earned smiles that brings some warmth to the story.

Two wounded souls hunting the same villain form an uneasy alliance that slowly melts into trust, heat, & a romance that simmers until it boils over. The story tackles the long echo of childhood trauma (all off‑page), the power of friendship, & the grit it takes to reclaim your life. There’s suspense, danger, emotional gut‑punches, & yes, one gloriously wide‑open bedroom door.

A satisfying HEA ties it all together. If you’ve read the first two books, this one deepens the brotherhood. If you haven’t, the author gives you everything you need, but honestly, treat yourself & read the whole series. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Laurie Willard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Blackwood Brotherhood series. Jamie, Lord Stafford and his two friends Anthony and Toby (also Lords) became close when as boys they were sent to the Blackwood boarding school. In this school physical abuse was disguised as discipline. Years later Jamie is out to find the former headmaster, Kenneth Jackson who was the leader of the abuse.
During his hunt for Jackson, he meets Lady Alice Smythe whose brother, Charles also attended the school, was subjected to the horrendous abuse and died later by his own hand. Lady Alice is my favorite character as she is stubborn, strong-minded, independent and very intelligent.
Both Jamie and Lady Alice have vowed never to marry. When they meet sparks fly as she is incapable of acting like a proper, shy society miss.
Lord Anthony’s delightful aunts who are incorrigible matchmakers return. Since they have already been successful in matching Anthony and his friend Toby to lovely ladies, Lord Jamie is now in their sights. As in other novels by Wendy Vella, you meet several charming characters: Aunt Gwen who nurtures and supports Alice; Bobby, a poor, lonely boy from the slums who aides them in their hunt for Jackson; and Maggy and Ezra, Alice’s servants who are friends and protectors as well.
You’ll enjoy the hunt, the characters you meet along the way and the sparks that fly between Jamie and Alice as they attempt to resist each other.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third installment of The Blackwood Brotherhood series. It was such an enjoyable historical romance with the perfect mix of danger, revenge, and slow-burning chemistry. I was pulled in right away by the tension between Alice and Lord Stafford, especially because neither of them fully trusted the other at first.
Lord Stafford was a great tortured hero. He’s cold, guarded, and clearly carrying a lot of guilt from his past, but underneath all of that there’s still a man trying to do the right thing. Alice was just as strong and memorable. I loved that she refused to back down or let herself be intimidated by him.
Their partnership made the story really entertaining because there was always this mix of conflict, attraction, and shared purpose between them. The revenge storyline kept things moving, while the romance slowly built into something emotional and believable.
I also liked the darker atmosphere running through the story. It gave the romance more depth and made the characters feel layered instead of perfect.
Overall, this was a gripping and emotional read with strong characters, plenty of tension, and a romance that kept me invested until the very end.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review. 

[Tiffany P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended the series with the final friend, Jamie, finding the love that would change his life, Alice. They shared a common goal, vengeance, and a common enemy so they decided to work together. It took a while for her to trust him because the men in her life had all disappointed her. Like the other books, the story had witty banter and humor but also had dark elements referenced through instances of abuse. I liked Jamie a lot but the relationship did seem antagonistic for most of the book. The heroine could have been written with a little more warmth and still achieve the same energy. The character was unlikable and a bit unreasonable at times which outweighed common stubbornness. After a brutal beating, a kidnapping, attempted murder, and a rescue, the main couple got their HEA. This novel contained painful childhood memories, trauma from childhood abuse, a search for the abuser, vengeance, a hero who thought he was too damaged to love, a heroine who had hardened her heart, a reluctant friendship that turned to love, a neglectful father, great friendships, friends that are family, steam, and a HEA.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Jamieson Stafford is bound to the “brothers” of the title by the horrific abuse they all experienced at the hands of a sadistic disciplinarian at the Blackwood school they’d all attended. Vowing punishment on all who participated in the cruelty, the three brothers in all but blood work together to track down the leader. When Jamie finds that the socialite Lady Alice Smythe is also on the trail of this man, for her own safety he attempts to dissuade her from the quest. Refusing to be deterred, vowing to avenge her brother’s untimely death, Alice continues to put herself in harms way. As the plot thickens, feelings begin to arise between the two, even as both of them fight their growing attraction. One disastrous night threatens to cost them both everything they never realized they needed. Though this is the third book of The Blackwood Brotherhood series, it has enough back story and detail to be read as a standalone, though I highly recommend reading the entire series as all the stories are equally well written and heartwarming. Ms. Vella creates fully fleshed out, complex characters that stay with the reader long after the last page is turned. This book was provided by the author without any requirement for a review, positive or otherwise. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brother of Wrath by Wendy Vella is the third book in the Blackwood Brotherhood series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I enjoyed how the story quickly establishes both Alice and Jamie as strong-willed characters who are not easily swayed. Their dynamic is tense from the beginning, and I liked that their relationship is not built on instant trust. Instead, they clash and take time to learn how to work together, which made their connection feel more believable.

Alice’s situation added a lot of weight to the story. After being abandoned for years and left to care for her brother Charles, her father suddenly returns from France and demands that she marry so he can move his mistress into his London home. This made it easy to understand Alice’s guarded nature and her determination to stay in control of her own life.

I also liked that both Alice and Jamie are searching for Jackson, the man responsible for torturing the boys at Blackwood. This shared goal added an extra layer of tension and gave their relationship a stronger sense of purpose beyond the romance.

Overall, it is a satisfying 4 star read that is perfect for the weekend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the review copy. My opinions are my own!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the first two books in this series, it is a very emotional read. Topic is on the dark side with what happened to many boys at a certain school. You know they were beaten, starved and a hint at something more vile with an adult school member. All this happened 20 years ago, but to the friends it still has a hold on them. The trauma is off page, but the effects are felt by the reader.

The two MC have great banter back and forth throughout the story. They are both after the same guy, but our h is seeking revenge because her brother suffered as did the 3 friends.

Story is filled suspense, violence, great bonds of friendship, intrigue and romance. The romance builds slowly and neither are expecting it. As in the other books I loved the aunts. They don't have a big part in this story but still are felt. The little boy also added to the story so there're parts that will bring a smile to your face.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam - bedroom door wide opened once, lovemaking outside of marriage. Great and satisfying ending. I did want to know if the h's father fell flat on his face in his personal life and with his investments. This is a standalone, because the author gives us a lot of background. I would urge you to read the first two just because they are enjoyable too.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.

I received an ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a bittersweet time to read the final chapter of this series. I have adored Anthony, Toby and now Jamie’s stories as they work through the extremely painful childhood that should never have happened. Bringing Alice into the mix to see what those abusive times wrought on family members was a beautiful touch by the author. Jamie and Alice’s back and forth felt very real, especially with Alice’s selfish father in the mix, causing her to not trust any male. Like other reviewers, would have loved to have seen the villain get more than he got, but perhaps that would have placed the victims in a situation that made them no better than their abuser. This series brought many lovely characters to our lives, especially Anthony’s three aunts- lovely comic relief. I adored seeing the 3 ‘brothers’ stand firm for one another and wish there had been an epilogue showing life for them 10 years later- just DIDN’T want this series to end. Beautifully written, no crass language (Thank you, Author) and a desperation of their love for each other when neither wanted it made this a story that will stay with me for a long time.

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Lord Jamieson Stafford was everything society expected, aloof, controlled, and dangerously charming. But beneath the marquis’s calm exterior lies a man haunted by rage and guilt. He chases danger to silence his demons. Lady Alice Smythe is no ordinary victim. Fierce and unyielding, she’s sworn to avenge her brother’s death. When she discovers Lord Stafford is hunting the same man, their uneasy alliance ignites into something neither expected.
The third book in the series about a group of friends who endured abuse whilst at school. I loved Jamie & Alice, their chemistry sizzled & they gradually grew to love each other. Both carry baggage but together they ease each other’s demons. I loved their journey to a HEA which wasn’t easy but made for a riveting read. Quite dark in places but the four aunts added some lightness & humour. The villain was horrid & whilst he did get his comeuppance I wanted him to suffer more! A well written well paced book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own