Anything But a Lord

London Vices #2

by Kathleen Ayers

Miss Helen Cosgrove only wants a quiet life, instead she falls for the Duke of Roxboro…or does she?

Helen has spent her life invisible. As a lady's companion to the spoiled daughter of a marquess, she exists in the margins of polite society—neither servant nor equal, wanted by no one and belonging nowhere. She asks for nothing more than to survive one final Season, collect her promised wages, and disappear into a quiet life of her own choosing.

But when the notorious Duke of Roxboro appears in a darkened alcove at a ball, Helen's carefully ordered world begins to unravel.

Fletcher Bean grew up in The Devil’s Acre; a place he’ll do anything to escape. Resembling a duke, even Roxboro, is profitable. Bracelets, necklaces, earbobs, stickpins…they all find their way into Fletcher’s pocket. No one ever questions him or rather, Roxboro, until he meets a sharp-tongued, perceptive lady’s companion and chaperone.

The attraction between them is immediate, passionate and doomed from the start. Miss Cosgrove believes Fletcher to be only an unrepentant libertine. A sot. A debauched duke.

But the truth is far worse.

Anything But a Lord is a story of forbidden attraction, mistaken identity and a dark secret that will finally come to light.

Genres: Historical Romance, Kidnapping, Historical, Regency Romance

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2026

About the author

Kathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.

Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Miss Helen Cosgrove only wants a quiet life, as an orphan she’s been passed from pillar to post & is now the chaperone / companion to the Marquis of Galway’s horrid daughter Cerise. Helen has spent her life invisible. But when the notorious Duke of Roxboro appears in a darkened alcove at a ball, Helen's carefully ordered world begins to unravel. Fletcher Bean grew up in The Devil’s Acre; a place he’ll do anything to escape. Resembling a duke, even Roxboro, is profitable. Bracelets, necklaces, earbobs, stickpins…they all find their way into Fletcher’s pocket. No one ever questions him or rather, Roxboro, until he meets a sharp-tongued, perceptive lady’s companion and chaperone.

The second book in the series & I feel to fully appreciate it, this series needs to be read in order as it centres around a family. I loved both Fletcher & Helen, their attraction was immediate & their chemistry sizzled, neither has a happy life so I was routing for them to have their HEA & I loved their journey to it. The characters had depth, some I loved & some I loathed, the pace was good & the differences between the lives of the rich & poor was highlighted. My only quibble was that I wanted Galway & Cerise to have some comeuppance, I know this wouldn’t have happened in real life but this is fiction so I wanted them to suffer so, so much. I really hope it happens in the next book. I’m now impatiently awaiting the next book & for all the pieces of the mystery to come together
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book ended on a cliffhanger and that scene begins in the middle of this book.

Not a lot of romance. The H/h meets a total of four times, and each time was brief, before they confess their love for each other.

The heroine’s charge and employer didn’t get any punishment for their treatment of her! I had a feeling this would happen, too. 🤬🤬🤬 So unsatisfying. Kathleen Ayers had another terrible side character (in another book) that didn’t get satisfactorily comeuppance either.

But I can’t wait to learn who the murderer is in the next book.

[Aspoon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everyone in this book was delusional. This is more of a semi-mystery book with a little sex thrown in. I felt absolutely no romantic chemistry between the characters and they were so unforgettable that I can’t recall their names and it’s not worth me checking. I adore Kathleen Ayers previous work so I’ll stick with her but good grief find the third triplet and let’s move on.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked these two together more than our first couple. I also liked that these two weren't of the upper class. It was a nice switch up for British historical romance. Helen is a distant and poor relative of the upper class. They feel they are so gracious to take her in and put her to work. Her current household is no paradise with the attempts at sexual manipulation from the head of the house and her charge reminding her that Helen is a no one. Fletcher raised by a woman that loved him, wants a better life that isn't filled with danger for himself. He has been using his resemblance to a duke to his advantage when they meet. This was hot together. Gosh how could Helen not fall for him, he was exactly what she was looking for; someone not with the wool over his eyes when around the upper class. He didn't fall for the BS they put forward.

The cliff hanger from the first book is picked up in here and the the cliff hanger here will be resolved in our final book! I wonder where our brother is?

I love Kathleen's writing but this book just didn't have her typical humor and was a bit repetitive in the beginning of the book. We had many of the same thoughts stated multiple times and I wish that had been used to grow our couple's relationship instead. 4/6 stars

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Kathleen Ayers' writing. This is my 36th book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 but didn't picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and now she is one of my top favorite authors. For my 60th birthday a few years back, my DIL bought some of my favorite Kathleen Ayers books and met with her to personally have her sign them for me. What a fantastic gift and I'll always treasure them. She has such hot and yummy sex in her books. Always a sign of a good book. 😊 Book 1 in was a really great read and I added it to favorite reads list for March, 2026.

I liked Helen and Fletcher. I liked their personalities. I liked their back and forth banter. I really liked the storyline a lot. I was surprised it ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. I mean the story ended but there was still some unfinished business of the main storyline, if that makes sense. Overall it was a good read.

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything But a Lord is a captivating Regency romance that blends mistaken identity, forbidden attraction, and emotional depth into a story that’s difficult to put down.

Helen Cosgrove immediately won me over. As a lady’s companion, she’s accustomed to living in the background, asking for little and expecting even less. Her quiet resilience and sharp wit make her a heroine worth rooting for from the very first page. Fletcher Bean is equally compelling. Far from the polished duke Helen believes him to be, he’s a man shaped by hardship, carrying secrets that threaten any chance of a future together.

The chemistry between Helen and Fletcher sparks from their first meeting, but it’s the slow unraveling of the truth that keeps the pages turning. Their romance is filled with tension, heartfelt emotion, and impossible choices, making every revelation feel meaningful. The mistaken identity trope is handled with plenty of intrigue, while the darker elements of Fletcher’s past add depth without overshadowing the love story.

If you enjoy Regency romances featuring unlikely heroes, intelligent heroines, hidden identities, and a romance that must overcome enormous obstacles, Anything But a Lord is sure to satisfy. It’s an emotional journey filled with heart, hope, and the promise that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

I received an advance review copy, from NetGalley and these are my honest and voluntary opinions.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cover. Very well written. Full of drama, love, steam, suspense, mystery, witty banter, intrigue, passion, adventure, secrets, society and a thief. The characters are all on their own emotional and personal journey. They are trying to solve the mystery of the three brothers. Fletcher Bean was one of three triplets who was separated at birth, each being raised in a different way. Fletcher was raised at the Devil's Acre. Yet he looks like the Duke of Roxboro. Helen Gosgrove is the companion to the daughter of a Marquess. Where she is able to attend balls and other functions of society but all she really wants is to live away from society. As Fletcher starts to find answers to who he really is, his feelings for Helen grow and love develops. Has lots of surprises the best is Mary. What a shock. Will keep you turning the pages and wanting more. Loved it and can't wait for the next in this series. Would recommend to everyone.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Helen Cosgrove is an impoverished chaperone and companion to the spoiled daughter of an earl. Until she is married, Helen must keep a close watch on her charge's reputation. It doesn't help when the young lady becomes infatuated with the Duke of Roxboro when he approaches her at a ball. Unfortunately, Helen becomes infatuated with him herself. But something is off about this duke. His speech and clothing are not as refined. There's a mystery here, but Helen doesn't care. The answers from a book will reveal a murderer. It's already put many in danger. A slight cliffhanger, until the next book.
Descriptive sex and violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Helen’s mind , she and the duke of Roxboro could not be more different: … little does she know how similar they really are… and when finally the truth comes out she understands why she’s been drawn to him from day one.
Fletch and Helen are both trying to better their lives albeit Fletch’s methods are slighter criminal and Helen can’t understand Roxboro’s behaviour but after a few encounters she comes to a shocking and quite unbelievable conclusion.
I was really waiting for this book and it was all I could have hoped for and more… but the word “end” has yet to be written … for there are still a couple of situations to unravel and a few more charachters to meet.
The book can be read as standalone but there are strong references to the previous one so it’s better if read after “Despite the Duke” This book does not end on a cliffhanger for the main charachters but it does for the misteries related to the birth of Roxboro.

[AprilGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my what a riveting read!

An outstanding follow on from book one, so well written and near impossible to put down.

I felt the main male character and main female character made for a delightful pairing.

Some parts were quite descriptively gruesome.

Some parts made me sad while others made me smile and laugh.

I felt a general level of angst and trepidation in different situations at times and anger towards other characters at other times.

I am so looking forward to reading the third book in this series.

Well done Kathleen Ayers.

I received this novel as an ARC, the opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

[MS Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Kathleen Ayers!

Usual intelligent well honed writing, fun and interesting characters, with the delicious amount of steam.
However! This one is a cliff hanger! We have to wait in angst for the next story! Oh the H and h get their happy ending, but major items of interest are yet to be resolved to complete their story and other's stories. Waiting...waiting...

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! Im loving this series! If you love a great morally gray Hero, then Fleatcher Bean is your man, Hes handsome, dangerous and a dead ringer for the Duke of Roxboro, no wonder Helen goes all weak in the knees..so do I..this book has everything you need, A little mystery, a little intrigue, and a lot of love, oh and dont forget the steamy bits!!

[Mojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another easy five-star read! I've been patiently waiting to continue this series, and this installment does not disappoint. It starts with a bite-sized version of the events that occurred at the beginning of Despite the Duke. We get to see more of what happened to the other triplets. Specifically, we find that the second born brother with the freckle on his nose was taken in by Mrs. Bean, the proprietor (and ex-midwife) of a brothel. She calls him Fletcher and raises him. She teaches him everything she knows and keeps him safe from a crime lord named Lark, who has his hands on everything in Devil's Acre. Lark also has his eye on a book Mrs. Bean has been keeping. It holds all the dirty secrets she collected while running the brothel and living in the rookery.

When Fletcher is told he is the spitting image of the Duke of Roxboro, he proceeds to pretend to be him. He begins attending balls to steal from rich nobles. He was, in fact, the one Sophia kissed while drunk on champagne in the first book, and he was also the one who stole her sapphire bracelet! At one of these balls, while talking to Lady Cerise Galway and eyeing her emerald necklace, he meets Miss Helen Cosgrove, who is Cerise's chaperone. You can immediately tell the spark is there between the two of them. The banter between them is perfection.

I LOVED Helen, and her inner monologue was hilarious. She is currently employed by Marquess Galway as a lady's companion for his daughter, Lady Cerise. Cerise is a complete nitwit who is surely going to get herself ruined, so Helen definitely has her work cut out for her. After the encounter with "Roxboro," Cerise is convinced he is going to ask to marry her. Well, it is too bad for Cerise. Roxboro is engaged, and Fletcher is completely drawn to Helen.

I loved seeing the relationship between these two grow through their encounters. There is definitely a case of mistaken identity that needs to be resolved before they can be together. There is also the issue of Lark trying to get his hands on Mrs. Bean's book. Once again, this installment features a happy ending for the romance between Fletcher and Helen. However, we won't get closure as to who murdered the Duke and Duchess until the next installment. Also, will the third sibling be a boy or a girl? I can't wait to find out!

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the arc.

[Stacie Irwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me first say that I LOVE Kathleen Ayers. She is one of my absolute favorite authors. That certainly does not change with this book. However, I have to say that this book was not for me. The story was interesting and well written, but it was not the love story I had hoped to read.

For the majority of the book, the two MC’s are separate. You learn more about their everyday lives with their respective “families” rather than really seeing the characters interact with one another. By the last 1/4 of the book, they magically love one another and step into harm’s way in order to save one another (in one sense or another.) In general, I do not like romances where the characters are apart more than together. This story seemed more a tale of two people and with an aside of how they ended up together rather than a grand and sweeping romance. Again, it was well written, but not what I like in a romance story.

I also struggled with how Helen lusted after Fletcher when she was under the assumption he was the Duke, even though she thought he tried to seduce her charge AND was engaged to be married/already married. She was written as a lady of moral fiber, but she didn’t hesitate to throw herself at a supposedly engaged/married man. While I realize Fletcher was not engaged or married, Helen thought otherwise and still carried on. In a fantasy world of ideal characters, I found this uncomfortable, unnecessary, and of weak character.

There just seemed to be an over abundance of asking me to suspend belief. While this is typical and good for stories, I felt like much of the book asked this of me. Even at the end with how things ended up and tidied up with the accusations of theft and such.

Despite all of this, I still look forward to the third installment. I am grateful for the opportunity to read this arc by NetGalley.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but took off a star because it’s much more adventure than romance. That was fine by me, but maybe others might like a little more romance. The first book in the series was more romance with some hints at more happening behind the scenes. The romance was so good that it was ok not to have much of the background mystery explained.

Well here is the explanation. I loved the story—the mystery is spelled out, with some answers and some remaining questions. The story isn’t over (even these two characters’ story), but a lot of progress was made in the book. Not going to spoil it, it’s too fun to read it for yourself.

The romance part—an impoverished lady’s companion is sucked into the mystery of the Duke of Roxboro. Helen is desperately trying to finish her mission to get a willful and spoiled daughter of a Lord married. If she can successfully get Lady Cerise to the altar before she is compromised, she is promised a bonus that will allow her to live independently. She’s so close she can taste it, although her charge is doing her best to be compromised at every event they attend.

Helen meets the Duke of Roxboro while trying to ward him away from her charge. He has backed Lady Cerise into an alcove, and Cerise is more than willing to let a handsome Duke have his way with her. Helen averts disaster, but ends up in a bigger pickle than she expected. The rest of the story is all spoilers, so just read it! Not clean, but not crazy steamy since there is too much going on to spend a lot of time making out. Warning, a lot of throats get slit (!), so if you’re not a fan of that kind of thing, beware.

Looking forward to more—there’s still more mystery to uncover, and I do want to read about Helen’s HEA. She deserves one. I hope it’s coming soon!

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Q: What does it say to you when you're a KU subscriber who 'knows' the publication date of a book is mere days away, yet you read an ARC?

A: That the book is highly anticipated as it is written by a beloved Regency Author.

One, it takes talent for a book to be read as a standalone despite being part of a triology. Yes, the Reader has read the first but strongly feel this second can be read on it's own. Why? The Author's investment in the Prologue to set the scene and then later, references to the 'mystery' surrounding Fletcher's birth. She provides enough information to peak the Reader's interest and (download the first) without having the reader feel lost. Unfortunately, that feeling is something that plagues many a series writer and, essentially, loses out on new fans.

Second, the feisty nature of her FMC. She's no shrinking violet. Instead, our Heroine has been thru the wringer with the loss of a steady foundation. There's an inner strength to her that continues to be tested and she continues to rise. Her foil, Fletcher, is a perfect mix of misplaced loyalty and mischievousness.

Thank you Dragonblade Publishing a for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

All opinions are my own.

#AnythingButaLord #NetGalley

[Carol P - H · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Anything But a Lord” is a reluctant love story about an improbable couple. The Duke of Roxboro unexpectedly has started showing up at a few London balls in a relatively low key way. Debutantes are thrilled to receive his notice. Helen Cosgrove, a Lady’s chaperone, is caught off-guard when she develops a strong attraction for the man even though she is very wary of the attention he pays to her charge. There are rumors that Roxboro is already engaged to someone else. However, all is not as it appears. There is a broader underlying mystery regarding the murder of the previous Duke of Roxboro and the deaths of a number of family members, including the pregnant wife and the Duke’s father, resulting in the current Duke being raised by his uncle. There is a very intriguing back story that keeps you guessing. I thank the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance review copy at no charge and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. I enjoyed reading Helen and Freckle’s story and look forward to the next book in the series.

[readmeregency · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 but due to personal preferences

Triplets! Stolen identity! I love these tropes, because they make such fun plots. Fletcher is raised in a brothel,  and when he discovers he bears an uncanny resemblance to a Duke, he takes advantage of the situation to steal from the aristocracy. Women fall for him in droves, except for Helen.

This was a fun plot, and if a couple of things had been done differently I think I would have liked it a lot more. I'm fully aware that these things are due to my personal preferences though! The first is that Helen is by nature calm and logical, but when she catches Fletcher with her ward, instead of just leaving, she stands in the dark with him and rants for a while. The second was the villains, which was simply that they were so villainish they almost seemed like caricatures (moreso for Helens). Helen also gets involved with Fletcher while thinking he's at least engaged to another woman, and at one point married. I understand they're supposed to be astoundingly attracted to each other, but it pushed my buttons.

Although some aspects didn't mesh for me personally, it's well written, and I think will appeal to most histrom readers.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book, Despite the Duke, which I read as an ARC, so I was excited to continue the series. The first book left the central mystery open just enough to make me eager for Book 2, and this installment didn't disappoint.

This was another fun read. I enjoyed both the characters and the storyline, and while the overall plot was fairly predictable, it was still an entertaining journey. There were a few editing and writing errors that pulled me out of the story from time to time, but they weren't enough to take away from my overall enjoyment.

Now I'm eagerly waiting for Book 3. I almost missed the release of this one if I hadn't seen someone else reading it, so I'll definitely be keeping a much closer eye on the release date for the next installment!

[Jaime Arkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read and loved several of Kathleen Ayers' books, so I went into this one with high expectations, but unfortunately it just didn't land for me. The characters and plotline felt flat and never really pulled me in; I caught myself skimming through several chunks of the story, which isn't something I usually do with her writing. The biggest issue for me was the lack of chemistry between the leads -the romance felt so incredibly flat.

I still think Ayers is a talented author (her other books are proof of that), but this one just wasn't the right fit for me. Hoping her next release gets back to what I am used to.

Thank you to the publisher for the early copy for review

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had read Kathleen Ayers in the past and ended up really enjoying that book. The writing was so compelling in addition to well-rounded characters. She definitely brought those features back with a major suckerpunch. I stayed up late reading this because I wanted to know what would happen with our couple. I loved the slow burn as well as the mystery wrapped around our protagonists. I believe I may read the first book to get more context, but this was so much fun. I only docked a star because the side plot of the villain was a bit much at times, but otherwise a fun, suspenseful romance. I knew I came back to this author for a reason. It ended on a cliffhanger and I'd love to find out what happens in the sequel. I don't know the future hero's status, but I'm sure it's Anything But a Lord.

[tracie cencebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So EXCITING!

I can’t wait for the third book! Love the characters and the story! I also love that the characters from the first book are included in this book. Very entertaining.

[Nelka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible follow up.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the new installment in the series, which partly overlaps with the events of the first book. Readers of the series are already familiar with Fletcher and Helen from the first book: he is the mysterious triplet who had compromised Sophie and was thus responsible for the marriage by scandal between her and Alexander. Helen appeared in the epilogue.
The well-crafted plot is brimming with emotions, humor, action, suspense, mystery, danger, drama, and spice. I found Fletcher and Helen very likable right from the start. Although he is, by necessity, morally gray, he has a soft side and is amusing. Helen is also, by necessity, prim and proper, but I loved her resilience and her train of thought, especially her sarcasm. The banter between them, their inner conflicts, and the sizzling chemistry between them were palpable from the very beginning.
The book can be read as standalone, but I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the story. This installment also ends with a cliffhanger.

After his biological father, the late Duke of Roxboro, was brutally murdered and his mother, the Duchess, died on the same day while fleeing after giving birth to him and his triplet brothers, Fletcher was taken in by Delores Bean, a former midwife and current brothel owner in Devil’s Acre, who raised him as her own grandson, without ever telling him anything about his true origins or his brothers. To survive, Fletcher learned early on to play dumb and became a liar, thief, and murderer. When he realizes that he bears a resemblance to the Duke of Roxboro, he decides to impersonate him and steal from wealthy aristocrats at balls so he can leave his life in the rookeries behind and start a new life in the countryside.
All her life, Miss Helen Cosgrove had been the poor relative who depended on the goodwill of others. Now she works as a lady’s companion and chaperone to the daughter of the Marquess of Galway. Her charge, Lady Cerise, is a spoiled, self-centered heiress, overly flirtatious and determined to ruin herself. Galway, who has begun making unwanted advances toward Helen, wants her to ensure that Lady Cerise remains scandal-free until the end of the season and to make sure that the brat marries a man of his choosing; in return, Helen will receive a bonus that, along with her savings, will allow her to build an independent life in the countryside.
At a ball, Helen discovers her charge in a compromising situation with the already-engaged “Duke of Roxboro,” and she steps in. She, too, succumbs to the charm and blinding good looks of the notorious libertine. Cerise is determined to have the “Duke” all to herself despite his engagement to Lady Sophie, and Helen has her hands full trying to keep her charge away from the “Duke”—but in doing so, she finds herself growing closer to him. But little by little, she begins to notice inconsistencies about the “Duke,” and when she realizes that he is the only one who could have stolen Cerise’s missing necklace, she starts to doubt his identity. Then events come to a head, and suddenly she and Fletcher are in danger…

If you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed historical romance novels featuring "strangers-to-lovers," "instalust," and "secret identity" tropes, swoon-worthy morally gray heroes, strong no-nonsense heroines, danger, heart, humor, and heat, you’ll love this book.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this book! This second book in the series was riveting!
I was so excited to start to read this story. I loved the previous story too, this series has been sizzling with emotion, intrigue and drama.

Helen Cosgrove is a chaperone to a spoiled young lady, Lady Cerise who is looking for a husband. Helen hates the job but she knew when Cerise married and she was paid her additional money for keeping Cerise’s reputation intact, she would be able to buy a small cottage and live a quiet life.

Fletcher Bean grew up in a brothel and saw nothing but the seedy side of life as a child. There’s nothing he hasn’t done to survive. His grandmother, Mrs Bean, the notorious brothel owner secretly gave Fletcher, who she called “Freckle” due to one on his nose, all of the skills that he would need in life in Devil’s Alley. He also impersonates the Duke of Roxboro and steals from the wealthy at balls and social events so he can escape Devil’s Alley once his grandmother dies. He is immediately attracted to the chaperone of a lady he was stealing from at a ball. He plays the duke as an obnoxious drunk.

Fletcher can’t keep away the chaperone who he later finds out is called Helen and meets with her a few times. Helen is confused by the Duke of Roxboro who makes her fizzle whenever he’s near her. The duke is supposed to be betrothed and due to marry shortly but he’s trying to seduce a chaperone.

Things come to a head when Helen confronts the duke about the stolen property he took from Lady Cerise when they first met. The duke doesn’t know what Helen is talking about but his duchess does.
Danger is all around Fletcher and now Helen as she can’t resist him any more than he can her.

Truths come out and secrets exposed to an extent. A important item Fletcher’s grandmother wanted him to have is in the hands of Fletcher’s greatest enemy who is very dangerous and well connected in the poorest part of London. They need to get it to put the last piece of the puzzle together about Fletcher and the duke’s past.

I loved Helen’s attitude and strength to overcome anything that is put before her. Fletcher is resilient and wants better for himself than he has had. Both can’t resist the other but know they shouldn’t be together.

I don’t have many fingernails left after reading this book. Ms Ayers doesn’t shy away from writing about how awful life was for the poorest in society, the struggles of the working class and the opulence of the upper classes at the time. There is quite a lot of angst in this plot. I really couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. It’s been a rollercoaster ride throughout this book but I was so invested in what would come next. Although it’s not a light, happy read; it is an excellent read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books with lots of grit and love combined.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the London Vices series. It certainly can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the first book. As the plot and style of the series, it will be more rewarding being read in such a way.

After reading the first book, I was looking forward to the continuation of the series. I really enjoyed Anything but a Lord but I loved Despite the Duke.

Helen Cosgrove has no family, she is the poor relative that has been shuffled acting as companion to those who have taken her in.

She is now Lady Cerise's companion and she patiently awaits when Lady Cerise becomes betrothed so she can finally leave the thankless position and her employers unwanted advances. She longs to move on, live independently with a cat in her own home.

Her life becomes complicated when she catches Lady Cerise in a dark alcove with the Duke of Roxboro. She must ensure that Cerise leaves with her virtue safe or her position will be at risk and she can forget about her future plans.

When Helen comes face to face with Roxboro and they share words, she herself finds she is extremely drawn to him, he effects her like no other.
She can't stop thinking of him after they meet! She is even shocked how drawn to him she is, he's a libertine who is also engaged!

Fletcher has been raised in the Devil's Acre, a place that lives up to it's name, and a place he longs to leave. The only way to get out is to have enough money where he can start a whole new life with a whole new identity.

He has been enjoying playing the Duke of Roxboro, walking amongst the ton, being bowed to, thieving from them, and flirting with the ladies.

He is getting closer and closer to his escape but after meeting Helen Cosgrove, he starts longing for more, more out of his plans and more of her, he even starts risking it all, to see her again...

Every time these two cross paths, their chemistry is off the charts uncontrollable. I love the connection they have and the banter. It's like they just knew one another from the start.

Helen and Fletcher's love story is one big adventure. There is danger, secrecy, deceit, and an ongoing mystery within the series.

This book is a bit different compared to most I have read from the author.
I enjoyed that both MC's were untitled, that there was a lot of action, danger, and I'm loving the continued mystery plot.

It was great fun, I truly loved all of it. It was a nice change.

The only thing I personally wished, was that Helen and Fletcher had spent more time with one another. I found that for the majority of the book, they were apart.
So for me the romance seemed a bit on the sidelines rather than be the primary aspect of the story.

Great book and looking forward to the rest of the series. Can't wait to see all the characters again... and the who done it!

I received an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own and voluntarily provided

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this second book was worth the wait for sure. I loved book one of this series and the second one is so very special due to Fletcher and Helen. Both have lived very different lives for sure. But neither ever had someone to love them. If you have not read book one, it gives you a lot of the history of the books and what is to come. Delores Bean runs a brothel in The Devil’s Acre, not the worst of London but still the lower and seedier part of London. She knew better then to help the wealthy lady who showed up on her doorstep, near death and about to give birth. The Duke and Duchess of Roxboro were viciously attacked leaving parliament, the duke was killed and she only made it as far as the Dancing Swan giving birth to her sons before dying. Delores didn’t know she had a heart left by one of the babes, the second strongest with a little freckle on his nose calls to her. When the Dukes people come for the babe who will be the next duke, the duchess named him Alexander; she says nothing about the other two babes. She keeps Fletcher and sends the other away with her maid. No one else knows about the triplets! Fletcher grew up in the brothel, told Delores was his grandmother, but he has known for a long time that the story she made up was a lie. Yet, she made sure he could read and write and learned to never let the enemy know how strong you are. He is very good with knives and guns and fighting. Once he finds out he looks like the Duke of Roxboro, he uses his looks to attend balls and events to seal from the wealthy as he wants to get out of London for good. Helen Cosgrove spent years taking care of an elderly lady thinking she cared for her only to find when she died, she left her nothing! Now she is working for a spoiled brat, Lady Cerise, and her father, Lord Galway. Cerise cares about no one but herself and is determined to be compromised. Which would end Helen’s chance to get a bonus. When she finds Cerise with the Duke, she tells him off. Only to have words with him and unfortunately finds him not only handsome as sin but kind of liking him. Poor Helen has a number of talks with herself which are both priceless and funny. Fletcher and her can’t stop running into each other, which causes several events to happen. This book has a ton of wonderful scenes between these two, with lots of twists and turns for sure. Suspense, Intrigue along with misunderstanding, desire and passion too. Both will have a lot to overcome and much to learn. We are left with somewhat of a cliff hanger for the third book. But this story does have a happy surprise ending full of laughter. Grab a copy and plan not to do anything for a while as once you start reading you can’t put it down. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my very long, honest opinion which am freely giving.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, this story grabbed me. It opens with a dramatic scene—a duchess in a brothel, clinging to life just long enough to give birth to her late husband’s heir and his brothers—and immediately sets the tone for Anything But a Lord, the second book in Kathleen Ayers’ London Vices series. I’ve been completely hooked on this series and couldn’t wait to dive into this installment.

Miss Helen Cosgrove has been living a quiet, restricted life as the long-suffering companion to Lady Cerise, the pampered daughter of a marquess. Helen just wants to see her through one last Season, collect her wages, and finally disappear into a life of her own choosing. I don’t blame her, Lady Cerise and her father are horrible people and I hope karma comes for them. But one unexpected meeting with the Duke of Roxboro at a ball flips her world upside down—even if she doesn’t realize it right away.

Then there’s Fletcher Bean, raised in Devil’s Acre and desperate to leave it behind. His grandmam, Dolores Bean, runs a brothel and is nearing the end of her life, which sparks his plan to escape. Discovering that he looks shockingly like a duke gives him the perfect opportunity to slip into high society, attend balls, and quietly relieve the glittering guests of their jewels. It all goes smoothly—until he crosses paths with Helen, the sharp, observant lady’s companion who notices more than most.

From the start, sparks fly between Helen and Fletcher. She senses he’s not quite who he pretends to be, but his piercing green eyes and the dangerous pull of his reputation make him impossible to ignore. Fletcher has always known that his grandmam’s carefully guarded secrets could put him in danger, but he never expected Helen to get pulled into that dark and perilous world with him.

This book had everything I love—mystery, danger, passion, and a love story that intrigued me from the start. I adored Helen and Fletcher together. Their chemistry, the slow burn of attraction, the secrets and risks—oh my. There is still so much to uncover about why the duke was killed and who is out to destroy his family, so many more pieces of the puzzle to solve, leaving me full of questions and already impatient for the next installment. Where is the other brother? What else is hiding in the shadows?

Honestly, I’m loving this series so much—kudos to Kathleen Ayers! She knows exactly how to weave romance, suspense, and heart into a story that leaves me both satisfied and hungry for more. I’ll be first in line for the next book because I need to see how all of this unfolds.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this advanced copy—I’m so glad I got to read it early, and I can’t wait for more from this series!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything but a Lord by Kathleen Ayers
London Vices #2

~ Excellent addition to the story – Couldn’t put it down – Had to find out how the second of three duke’s sons managed to survive and thrive in Devil’s Acre – Can’t wait to find out what happened to the third triplet in book three ~

What I liked:
* Prologue that gives backstory explaining Fletcher’s origins
* Fletcher Bean: raised in Devil’s Acre by a brothel madam, strong, wily, lethal, thief, business savvy, questions his backstory, survivor, falls almost immediately for Helen
* Miss Helen Cosgrove: poor orphaned relation, considered a burden, passed around from family to family, companion, chaperone, strong, survivor, immediate chemistry with Fletcher
* Trying to figure out what motivated Mrs. Bean to do what she did with the triplets she delivered
* The strength and fortitude Fletcher and Helen had to have survived and thrived
* The chemistry between Fletcher and Helen, growing to care about them, and wanting to find out how they would achieve their HEA
* The connection Helen had with those she worked with in Galway’s home – he and his daughter were dreadful people
* Lord Lowell: smitten by Cerise and blind to her faults – feel sorry for him
* That Galway was thwarted, Cerise didn’t get what she wanted, and Lark criminal Lord of Pye Street was dealt with
* That Fletcher did finally find out more about his origins and met one of his brothers – can’t wait to find out what happens next
* That one of the characters might have a clue to who was behind the murder of the triplets father and we might find out who it was in book three.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about life in this era and how difficult it was for so many
* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – this is my honest review
5 Stars

[Loujean Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book, Anything But a Lord, we get to know the story of the second of the triplet babies.
His name is Fletcher Bean and Fletcher made some fun appearances in the first book, Despite the Duke.
Fletcher grew up in a brothel called the Devils Acre, so his life was not the easiest, he knew he looked like the Duke of Roxboro, but he could never figure out the connection. He worked very hard to learn how to speak better and to dress the best he could so that he could continue to pretend he was the Duke of Roxboro.
At one of the balls, he gets a lecture from a lady, he will find out later that her name is Helen, and she is not happy that he was flirting with her charge. After he leaves her, he starts thinking about her and he can’t seem to stop thinking about her. When those two meet up again they seem to really have a connection between them and their relationship makes this book fun to read.
I really enjoyed reading this book right from the start. Then all of a sudden the book went into hyperdrive after the first half, as more information started coming out about Fletcher, that’s when things really got interesting. As I got closer to the end of the book, I didn’t want the book to end and that’s when you know it’s a great book.
There is a special book that Fletcher’s grandma, Delores Bean, wrote that plays a very big part in this book also. Fletcher is to retrieve the book once Delores dies, but as usual things do not always go as planned.
Fletcher and the Duke will have to work together to locate the book so some questions will be answered for them. Plus, where is baby number three and what other information is in this book?
I have enjoyed this book very much and with the mysteries going on I did not get bored with this book at all.
I was given an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest review.