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The London Lords #1
To Love a Hellion
Two years after the shocking deaths of his father and older brother, life is finally improving for Stephen Forsyth, Earl of Westleigh. His mother has rejoined society, the estates are flourishing, and according to his mathematical calculations his new betrothed is a sensibly near-perfect match. What better way to celebrate than attending a pre-Season country house party? Yet on Bruce land, the world is utterly awry. Strange happenings, bizarre hosts, seven spinsters stalking, and assistance comes from the least likely source - Caroline Edwards, his best friend’s hellion sister and fiercely dedicated nemesis. An unwanted sizzling attraction soon scorches their war of words, but a far sterner battle lies ahead: an old enemy sworn on vengeance is closing in, and won’t rest until Stephen and everyone he loves is destroyed.
This Regency romantic suspense contains sex scenes, strong language, and violence.
This Regency romantic suspense contains sex scenes, strong language, and violence.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2015
169 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davidson
38 books726 followersUSA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 18, 2015
To Love a Hellion was an enjoyable read. It had all the right ingredients I love in historical romances, witty banter, intriguing plot, sassy heroine and a charming hero. Caroline and Stephen were both great characters and I connected with them easily. Caroline had been in love with our hero Stephen for awhile, and I enjoyed reading her reaction to him, the pull of lust and love, and how determined she was to appear unaffected in the face of his disinterest. Stephen himself had been determined to marry for practical reason, without any of the messy emotions of love until he couldn't help being charmed by this particular challenging and unconventional lady hellion. I loved the tension that fairly sizzled between them with each encounter. The slow build up was delightfully done, and I immersed myself in the sweet, sensual, and humorous journey Caroline and Stephen finding their happy ever after took me on. What made it even richer was the dash of intrigue and suspense woven through the book with a dastardly villain threatening our hero and heroine.
I read To Love a Hellion in one sitting, it’s well written and the characters are very well developed, and I would recommend it to lovers of historical romance.
I read To Love a Hellion in one sitting, it’s well written and the characters are very well developed, and I would recommend it to lovers of historical romance.
July 3, 2020
Potential
Never Spoilers
There is potential and some likeable characters. Unfortunately the story did not hold my interest at times and dragged. Willing to see if book two is better.
Never Spoilers
There is potential and some likeable characters. Unfortunately the story did not hold my interest at times and dragged. Willing to see if book two is better.
December 28, 2021
I think Nicola Davidson’s writing is quite strong and engaging and there are some nice bits of description. Plot wise, I didn’t mind the plot for about the first 50% of it. The opening was particularly strong and gripping. I thought some of the suspense was a bit overblown, but it was in good fun, and I liked the chemistry in their relationship. The parts of the story involving both of them being engaged to separate people was quite nice and I liked partway through.
I did like the main character, Caroline. I thought she was quite strong and interesting, particularly early on. I wasn’t so keen on Stephen, but as I’ve already said, I thought their relationship had some good chemistry and some hot moments.
I did have some issues throughout with what I felt was quite modern-sounding dialogue from characters - there was quite a lot of people saying stuff like, “It’s not my thing” or “she has a thing for you” in a way that I don’t think worked, and there were some other bits that seemed too casual and modern as well.
The book also covered some quite difficult subjects such as and to be very honest, I don’t think it portrayed them very well.
The major thing, though, is probably the latter half of the book. After about 50%, I got very frustrated with the plot, which I felt turned a bit ridiculous as it went on. All of the stuff about felt really unrealistic, and the revenge plot became almost farcical towards the end.
As for the revenge plot itself,
However, my biggest issue with the book wasn’t so much this but the character of Stephen. Stephen, for the most part, was a perfectly fine and average historical romance hero, except he is one of the most frustrating and obtuse ones I’ve ever read. He spends the majority of the book
It was just incredibly frustrating and, quite frankly, felt more than a little silly. This is partly because the book itself seems completely aware that it’s stupid? There’s a quote where Caroline’s thinks about Stephen’s behaviour: Like - yeah, okay, it is possible, but it isn’t likely, and it seems that the novel is well aware that it isn’t, and that just made it worse to me. It came across as the author had to bludgeon this part of the plot through to make the rest of it work, but it just felt like sloppy writing, plotting and characterisation.
I regret giving it a 1 star rating and I was originally going to give it 2, because I did enjoy most of the first half, but I really did not like the rest of it and it disappointed me quite a lot.
Content Warnings:
I did like the main character, Caroline. I thought she was quite strong and interesting, particularly early on. I wasn’t so keen on Stephen, but as I’ve already said, I thought their relationship had some good chemistry and some hot moments.
I did have some issues throughout with what I felt was quite modern-sounding dialogue from characters - there was quite a lot of people saying stuff like, “It’s not my thing” or “she has a thing for you” in a way that I don’t think worked, and there were some other bits that seemed too casual and modern as well.
The book also covered some quite difficult subjects such as and to be very honest, I don’t think it portrayed them very well.
The major thing, though, is probably the latter half of the book. After about 50%, I got very frustrated with the plot, which I felt turned a bit ridiculous as it went on. All of the stuff about felt really unrealistic, and the revenge plot became almost farcical towards the end.
As for the revenge plot itself,
However, my biggest issue with the book wasn’t so much this but the character of Stephen. Stephen, for the most part, was a perfectly fine and average historical romance hero, except he is one of the most frustrating and obtuse ones I’ve ever read. He spends the majority of the book
It was just incredibly frustrating and, quite frankly, felt more than a little silly. This is partly because the book itself seems completely aware that it’s stupid? There’s a quote where Caroline’s thinks about Stephen’s behaviour: Like - yeah, okay, it is possible, but it isn’t likely, and it seems that the novel is well aware that it isn’t, and that just made it worse to me. It came across as the author had to bludgeon this part of the plot through to make the rest of it work, but it just felt like sloppy writing, plotting and characterisation.
I regret giving it a 1 star rating and I was originally going to give it 2, because I did enjoy most of the first half, but I really did not like the rest of it and it disappointed me quite a lot.
Content Warnings:
February 19, 2017
I loved every page of this book. The banter between the hero and heroine was hysterically funny, the chemistry off the charts and the plotline interesting. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of historical romance.
June 8, 2017
Received in return for an honest review naughtiness 4*
Completely captivated me by page one truly loved it and I am very much going to be collecting the rest of the series I've only just finished this book and am obsessed with wanting to know what happens next in the series, I will not give spoilers though I will say any who love regency with romance adventure and mystery will most definitely adore this book.
I defy anyone who loves regency not to utterly adore it as much as I do, its been an honour to read it and I can't wait for more, thank you for writing it Lady Nicola 💖
Completely captivated me by page one truly loved it and I am very much going to be collecting the rest of the series I've only just finished this book and am obsessed with wanting to know what happens next in the series, I will not give spoilers though I will say any who love regency with romance adventure and mystery will most definitely adore this book.
I defy anyone who loves regency not to utterly adore it as much as I do, its been an honour to read it and I can't wait for more, thank you for writing it Lady Nicola 💖
April 9, 2023
I liked the trope of unrequited love and the angst but the book felt choppy, like it was a number of different books in one. I found it difficult to keep track of who a number of characters were, the mystery element didn’t really do it for me and this one sentence really annoyed me and took me totally out of the story, making me wonder if the author is actually a man - “Her courses usually plagued her at the start of each month, and twelve days later, still hadn’t arrived.” Because that’s not how periods work!
July 20, 2021
Wow, this one had it all! Manipulative stepfather, snarky twin, sainted late brother with growing cloud of suspicion, elopement, sassy dowager, revenge seekers, myriad cakes, flying figurines, clumsy but clever heroine, and burly yet mathematically gifted hero.
For all the twists and turns, the story is remarkably well told and well paced, which made it nearly impossible to put down. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. Steamy scenes held nothing back. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
For all the twists and turns, the story is remarkably well told and well paced, which made it nearly impossible to put down. I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. Steamy scenes held nothing back. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
July 12, 2019
I really liked reading this story. Loved the plot. Hopefully, there are some characters in this book which we will surely be reading about in the rest of this series. 4☆
April 23, 2022
3.75⭐️
May 26, 2019
Davidson never disappoints!! The book was excellent, and I loved Caroline! 5-stars all the way!
June 18, 2022
This book was not it for me: for one, I felt it was pretty misogynistic (the number of times they mentioned that a woman spends so much money on clothes or parties was astounding. But not our heroin...she is "not like other girls"). I understand that this might be period accurate, but the author had no problem being anachronistic in other things (she said "step away slowly from the cakes and no one will get hurt" which is so 20th century that it made me look at it twice to verify that she had really said that). I also hated some of the words used in the bedroom scenes (the "musky" "juices" made me gag).
My other gripe: there are too many characters and they are called by their title, last name and first name indistinctly, so I really never knew who we were talking about.
Finally (spoiler) I found that the hero was too thick regarding his brother and Taff. It was so obvious what was going on and he would get so angry when CAroline would disagree!
I don't think I will be reading the rest of the series, but I think that a lot of people could enjoy it
My other gripe: there are too many characters and they are called by their title, last name and first name indistinctly, so I really never knew who we were talking about.
Finally (spoiler) I found that the hero was too thick regarding his brother and Taff. It was so obvious what was going on and he would get so angry when CAroline would disagree!
I don't think I will be reading the rest of the series, but I think that a lot of people could enjoy it
March 22, 2021
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
December 21, 2015
I started off reading Nicola Davidson's novella in the Midsummer Night's Kiss collection of stories and had to see if she had written any other novels. Lo and behold, I found To Love A Hellion. This book was wicked fun! I loved the witty dialogue, the passion and the suspenseful plot. The characters were awesome....so much personality came through the words. I just loved how spirited, smart and sassy Caroline was. Stephen was a strong and charismatic hero. Together they steamed up the pages. The mystery and intrigue kept me turning the pages as well. I can't wait for the next installment in The London Lords series!
November 25, 2022
5 Stars
This has to be one of the best Nicola Davidson books, ever.
The plot, the characters, and the romance are all spot on, even with the higher body count!
This has to be one of the best Nicola Davidson books, ever.
The plot, the characters, and the romance are all spot on, even with the higher body count!
January 31, 2023
Read this if you like historical (regency) romance with a little suspense and a grumpy/cold hero.
Avoid this if you don’t like virgin heroines. I also wish she was a little less childish and more competent.
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶 Open door (at least one scene)
Avoid this if you don’t like virgin heroines. I also wish she was a little less childish and more competent.
Spice level 🌶🌶🌶 Open door (at least one scene)
August 13, 2015
LOVED this book! If you love dark suspense and sexy hotness in your regency romance, you need to check this one out!
July 19, 2023
2.5 stars rounded. It took me several days to get through this; I finally ended up skimming. The author is new to me and besides some issues with punctuation, at least the book is engaging at first. The language and behavior are very anachronistic--not at all for HR purists--but the writing style isn't bad and plenty of witty banter carries the early chapters. A murder mystery seems to be afoot, and I was intrigued.
Unfortunately, once the action shifts suddenly from the house party, the book decides it really wants to be more of a contemporary, dark-ish romance. There's a daft plot involving a clandestine group of depraved nobles who kidnap women off the street and ship them off to be sex slaves. I won't go into detail, but suffice to say it's too convoluted. The topics of physical/mental abuse of family members (particularly women) is brought up but hard to take seriously when the MMC is one of those alpha types who pushes the MFC's arm behind her back to get her to submit and isn't particularly gentle with his virginal wife the first time. More specifically, he "plows" into her, making her face "stream" with tears, and then he "gushes" inside her. During a later sex scene at home, he clamps his hand over her mouth so she can't scream and thinks it's an improvement. You get the idea. I usually love the best friend's brother trope but I just didn't get any tenderness of feeling between these two. (This is obviously a matter of taste, but there's a reason I don't read a lot of contemporary romance.)
The biggest issue is that MMC is supposed to be a mathematical genius, but there's really no evidence of his intelligence or logic. He blows up at both his mother and MFC when they have very natural, instinctively wary reactions to situations and men (in fact, he breaks a glass shaker in his hand when he loses his temper with his mom). He's told repeatedly that the clandestine group is up to no good, that his father and government had been suspicious, etc. but no, everyone's wrong because he's a loyal brother.
The MFC isn't much better maturity-wise, hurling tchotchkes all over the place in a cringeworthy scene when she thinks MMC is lying to her. I honestly wasn't sure if this was supposed to be satire.
The further the book moved past the halfway mark, the sillier the dialog and behavior became, and I found my attention drifting. I mused whether if this wasn't written by a male/female writing team, because a few of comments about women and their bodies widely miss the mark. The MMC is supposed to be progressive but very few of his thoughts are ("damned infernal woman" is par for the course with him). It's like the author toyed with the idea of writing a beta, but didn't have the ability.
Anyway, I'm slightly curious about whether the rest of this author's books are like.
Unfortunately, once the action shifts suddenly from the house party, the book decides it really wants to be more of a contemporary, dark-ish romance. There's a daft plot involving a clandestine group of depraved nobles who kidnap women off the street and ship them off to be sex slaves. I won't go into detail, but suffice to say it's too convoluted. The topics of physical/mental abuse of family members (particularly women) is brought up but hard to take seriously when the MMC is one of those alpha types who pushes the MFC's arm behind her back to get her to submit and isn't particularly gentle with his virginal wife the first time. More specifically, he "plows" into her, making her face "stream" with tears, and then he "gushes" inside her. During a later sex scene at home, he clamps his hand over her mouth so she can't scream and thinks it's an improvement. You get the idea. I usually love the best friend's brother trope but I just didn't get any tenderness of feeling between these two. (This is obviously a matter of taste, but there's a reason I don't read a lot of contemporary romance.)
The biggest issue is that MMC is supposed to be a mathematical genius, but there's really no evidence of his intelligence or logic. He blows up at both his mother and MFC when they have very natural, instinctively wary reactions to situations and men (in fact, he breaks a glass shaker in his hand when he loses his temper with his mom). He's told repeatedly that the clandestine group is up to no good, that his father and government had been suspicious, etc. but no, everyone's wrong because he's a loyal brother.
The MFC isn't much better maturity-wise, hurling tchotchkes all over the place in a cringeworthy scene when she thinks MMC is lying to her. I honestly wasn't sure if this was supposed to be satire.
The further the book moved past the halfway mark, the sillier the dialog and behavior became, and I found my attention drifting. I mused whether if this wasn't written by a male/female writing team, because a few of comments about women and their bodies widely miss the mark. The MMC is supposed to be progressive but very few of his thoughts are ("damned infernal woman" is par for the course with him). It's like the author toyed with the idea of writing a beta, but didn't have the ability.
Anyway, I'm slightly curious about whether the rest of this author's books are like.
February 17, 2019
THIS WAS CERTAINLY STARTED OFF SLOW BUT NOT THAT SLOW, JUST UNTIL THE CHARACTERS GOT HITCHED DID THE EXCITEMENT BEGIN.
OUR HERO vexed me at times. Unlike most heroes who are open with PDA, the author portrayed him as someone who was a bit more closed off. Except for sex in the bedroom, you can't really tell what he feels for the heroine. After the death of his older brother and Father, it devastated him and his mother yet he pulled through for the family. It certainly changed him a little. He became more serious and adept to duty. Thus explains why he listed potential brides and chose one based on mathematics and plans to marry her. But, a turn of events lead him to marry his nemesis instead, although it wasn't a hardship for their chemistry blazed like fire. The only problem was communication outside the bedroom. He has known Caroline almost his entire life because her twin is his best friend. They never had friendly words and she's always poking at him. Frankly, it saddened me a little that he wasn't more affectionate. Most of the time he's always barking at her.
OUR HEROINE has been in love with Stephen since she was 13. Though she doesn't show or tells him, instead treats him like the dirt beneath her feed. When she hears from his lips that he's engaged, she is devastated and in turn accepts a proposal she has turned down before. Now, they were even. Caroline does act a little immature where Stephen is concerned but it definitely makes the story more interesting. Drama, right? But when her fiance and his fiancée elopes...they are left with each other, and between Stephen's revelation of bad news and her sudden tantrum, both had their tongues down each other's throats and bam, next they knew they were wedded. It became a dream to Caroline but she wants to make Stephen care and fall for her, except a spectre of death looms over him as someone wants him dead.
OVERALL there was a slight mystery to Stephen's brother's death and I like how it all transcended after the marriage. There was definitely angst and passion, and the only regret I had was that the hero could be a little more less passive.
OUR HERO vexed me at times. Unlike most heroes who are open with PDA, the author portrayed him as someone who was a bit more closed off. Except for sex in the bedroom, you can't really tell what he feels for the heroine. After the death of his older brother and Father, it devastated him and his mother yet he pulled through for the family. It certainly changed him a little. He became more serious and adept to duty. Thus explains why he listed potential brides and chose one based on mathematics and plans to marry her. But, a turn of events lead him to marry his nemesis instead, although it wasn't a hardship for their chemistry blazed like fire. The only problem was communication outside the bedroom. He has known Caroline almost his entire life because her twin is his best friend. They never had friendly words and she's always poking at him. Frankly, it saddened me a little that he wasn't more affectionate. Most of the time he's always barking at her.
OUR HEROINE has been in love with Stephen since she was 13. Though she doesn't show or tells him, instead treats him like the dirt beneath her feed. When she hears from his lips that he's engaged, she is devastated and in turn accepts a proposal she has turned down before. Now, they were even. Caroline does act a little immature where Stephen is concerned but it definitely makes the story more interesting. Drama, right? But when her fiance and his fiancée elopes...they are left with each other, and between Stephen's revelation of bad news and her sudden tantrum, both had their tongues down each other's throats and bam, next they knew they were wedded. It became a dream to Caroline but she wants to make Stephen care and fall for her, except a spectre of death looms over him as someone wants him dead.
OVERALL there was a slight mystery to Stephen's brother's death and I like how it all transcended after the marriage. There was definitely angst and passion, and the only regret I had was that the hero could be a little more less passive.
May 9, 2019
To Love a Hellion is the first book in The London Lords series.
Prologue set several miles out of London, February 1812.
Story starts in London, February 1814.
Epilogue set in December 1814 which then eludes to the next book.
The London Lords. A small, select circle of heirs who remained good friends since their days at Eton, the men now known as the London Lords are among the most powerful and wealthiest in England.
This is a slow, even though it has moments of sizzle, historical romance with mystery. The pace was stop-start for me. There were times I thought I’d never get through the story so I skimmed the last half. I was hoping for more “hellion” but was disappointed that the romance didn’t live up to the strongly worded title. There is a line-up of strong characters in the story though.
To Love a Hellion: 3 stars
Stephen Forsyth, Earl of Westleigh, has lost his father and brother in shocking circumstances. Years later, his estates are thriving due to his mathematical genius, his mother is happy, and Stephen has a fiancée he’s hand-picked based on his own compatibility calculations. His best friend is George, and George has a sister who is Stephen’s nemesis.
Caroline Edwards has loved her brother’s best friend since she was a girl. She never shows or tells him, and treats him like dirt.
Stephen and Caroline’s chemistry was evident in the bedroom but the friction in their frenemy relationship outside the bedroom didn’t appeal to me. I just didn’t get the attraction between them so I remained uninterested in the relationship.
I recommend this book for readers who like a mixed story of romance and mystery. It took me five days to read so it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Prologue set several miles out of London, February 1812.
Story starts in London, February 1814.
Epilogue set in December 1814 which then eludes to the next book.
The London Lords. A small, select circle of heirs who remained good friends since their days at Eton, the men now known as the London Lords are among the most powerful and wealthiest in England.
This is a slow, even though it has moments of sizzle, historical romance with mystery. The pace was stop-start for me. There were times I thought I’d never get through the story so I skimmed the last half. I was hoping for more “hellion” but was disappointed that the romance didn’t live up to the strongly worded title. There is a line-up of strong characters in the story though.
To Love a Hellion: 3 stars
Stephen Forsyth, Earl of Westleigh, has lost his father and brother in shocking circumstances. Years later, his estates are thriving due to his mathematical genius, his mother is happy, and Stephen has a fiancée he’s hand-picked based on his own compatibility calculations. His best friend is George, and George has a sister who is Stephen’s nemesis.
Caroline Edwards has loved her brother’s best friend since she was a girl. She never shows or tells him, and treats him like dirt.
Stephen and Caroline’s chemistry was evident in the bedroom but the friction in their frenemy relationship outside the bedroom didn’t appeal to me. I just didn’t get the attraction between them so I remained uninterested in the relationship.
I recommend this book for readers who like a mixed story of romance and mystery. It took me five days to read so it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
April 29, 2018
Stephen Forsythe, Earl of Westleigh's life is ideal. His estates is thriving, he and his mother are in harmony, he has a solid friend in George Edwards, twin brother to Caroline, the statuesque hellion who seems able to get the best of him. He's a mathematical genius. When he decided to court and offer to marry Flora, his near-perfect match, this was according to his mathematical calculations. The only thing that mars his idyllic life was the terrible deaths of his father and brother two years past. The past which is now haunting him. As someone seems to be trying to do him, and his dear ones, grievous bodily harm.
Nicola Davidson has a natural aptitude for using words to create a sublime narrative, sparkled with her own superb blend of wit and sarcasm. Her bevy of wonderful, strong characters volley clever and funny remarks.
I read this in one sitting. It's extremely compelling. I specially like the way Caroline and Stephen came to be together. All those passionate kisses, scrumptious cakes and near-death experiences! They are both fiery, sensual, intelligent, and witty creatures, no wonder their union is deliciously red-hot!
I utterly love the plot: intrigue, murder, mystery, action, vengeance, first love, friends-to-lovers, scorching love scenes, strong characters and dastardly villains! This is Book 1 of 3. I'm definitely reading Books 2 & 3.
This eBook is gratis which I voluntarily read. My review is honest and impartial.
March 2, 2019
Delivers More Than Just Romance
The story is worth reading. From the description it seemed a common enough story of a girl falling in love with her brother’s best friend since she was a little girl. The plot gave it a twist that brought mystery and action, humor and romance altogether.
Caroline, the heroine, is strong, loyal, smart and independent. Her character was consistent all throughout. Stephen is the tall and handsome math whiz (although no proper demonstration of mathematical prowess is described in the book). They constantly engage in friendly and sometimes not too friendly banter and clashing of wits. It was not the typical stubborn and opinionated arguments. Their bickering and confrontation was often laced with cleverness and humor. They were caught in a compromising position so they ended up getting married. The plot included a murder mystery. My only contention is that I felt that there were parts of the book in which the love story took the backseat and the murder mystery became the driving force of the story. So, although I found myself liking the characters and despite the multiple sexy scenes, I did not feel the “move heaven and earth” kind of passion and love. There is an epilogue which also served as a cliffhanger for the next book in the series.
The story is worth reading. From the description it seemed a common enough story of a girl falling in love with her brother’s best friend since she was a little girl. The plot gave it a twist that brought mystery and action, humor and romance altogether.
Caroline, the heroine, is strong, loyal, smart and independent. Her character was consistent all throughout. Stephen is the tall and handsome math whiz (although no proper demonstration of mathematical prowess is described in the book). They constantly engage in friendly and sometimes not too friendly banter and clashing of wits. It was not the typical stubborn and opinionated arguments. Their bickering and confrontation was often laced with cleverness and humor. They were caught in a compromising position so they ended up getting married. The plot included a murder mystery. My only contention is that I felt that there were parts of the book in which the love story took the backseat and the murder mystery became the driving force of the story. So, although I found myself liking the characters and despite the multiple sexy scenes, I did not feel the “move heaven and earth” kind of passion and love. There is an epilogue which also served as a cliffhanger for the next book in the series.
March 6, 2025
This story had me laughing and giggling a lot.
The banter and wit of the characters was awesome. I loved the friendships that Stephen had with George and Ardmore among others. And the way he cared for his mother, even if she gave him a heart attack whenever she wanted to go shopping. I also loved that he was so protective of Caro even before he married her and then I laughed when he realized he was in love with her because it was so shocking to him. The reveal on Gregory's actions was sad and unfortunate, and I wish Stephen had stopped to consider things for even half a second. Acknowledging that fighting against your perfect memory of someone can be hard, the fact that he so quickly dismissed both Caro and his mother was a little upsetting.
Caroline was awesome. She was smart and sarcastic and she gave as good as she got. I liked the way she stood up to Stephen and didn't back down even when he was trying to be an ass. The situation with Sir Malevolent was unfortunate and while I liked Stephen knocking him down a peg (very amiably of course), I wish Caro had been there. I did like her standing up to her stepfather in the parlor, although it didn't end all that neatly. Her instincts about certain people were right on the money and I liked(?) the fact that she got the bad feeling and while Stephen wasn't wanting to hear it, she also did her best to try and dissuade him but also protect him. Her handling of stuff at the end was inspired.
The banter and wit of the characters was awesome. I loved the friendships that Stephen had with George and Ardmore among others. And the way he cared for his mother, even if she gave him a heart attack whenever she wanted to go shopping. I also loved that he was so protective of Caro even before he married her and then I laughed when he realized he was in love with her because it was so shocking to him. The reveal on Gregory's actions was sad and unfortunate, and I wish Stephen had stopped to consider things for even half a second. Acknowledging that fighting against your perfect memory of someone can be hard, the fact that he so quickly dismissed both Caro and his mother was a little upsetting.
Caroline was awesome. She was smart and sarcastic and she gave as good as she got. I liked the way she stood up to Stephen and didn't back down even when he was trying to be an ass. The situation with Sir Malevolent was unfortunate and while I liked Stephen knocking him down a peg (very amiably of course), I wish Caro had been there. I did like her standing up to her stepfather in the parlor, although it didn't end all that neatly. Her instincts about certain people were right on the money and I liked(?) the fact that she got the bad feeling and while Stephen wasn't wanting to hear it, she also did her best to try and dissuade him but also protect him. Her handling of stuff at the end was inspired.
October 30, 2022
Too short but annoyingly predictable. I would have love a slightly more fleshed out mystery. Even if some aspects were still unclear- even after the ending- the major factors were so obvious from the very beginning. I feel like I skimmed the book and missed major aspects, but I know I didn't. They were just left to the reader to infer between scenes and the like. It left too much to the imagination and was overall unclear about some of the mystery and history, while making the villains obvious from the jump. Oh, its a super closed, small party? I wonder who that could be speaking to each other? Even though you hadn't even met one of the characters yet, it was already abundantly clear just from their conversation on the precious page what the plan was. Too much of the mystery was told and obvious to the reader while seemingly important histories were left mysterious. It was frustrating since the overall writing style was good, and the book could have easily been expanded to accommodate the extra information.
May 3, 2018
An absolute delight!
I was firmly invested in this delightful story from beginning to end. Witty banter, suspense, a bit of mystery, revenge, deception and love brings forth a powerful and compelling. The characters are an absolute delight. Respect, love, and devotion makes the h\h same realistic and believable, although, at times they same to despite each other.
Well written, and fast paced. Book 1 of "The London Lords " is a great beginning to what will lightly be a fascinating series. I loved how Ms. Davidison brought all the elements together to form a very climatic ending. A must read!
Fans of Recency, mystery, suspense, danger will definitely enjoy this story.
I can't wait to read Book 2. While, not a cliff hanger, Ms. Davidson gives the reader a glimpse of what's to come. Delicious, compelling, romantic and suspenseful with. A very entertaining read, the witty banter definitely added a element of surprise.
I was firmly invested in this delightful story from beginning to end. Witty banter, suspense, a bit of mystery, revenge, deception and love brings forth a powerful and compelling. The characters are an absolute delight. Respect, love, and devotion makes the h\h same realistic and believable, although, at times they same to despite each other.
Well written, and fast paced. Book 1 of "The London Lords " is a great beginning to what will lightly be a fascinating series. I loved how Ms. Davidison brought all the elements together to form a very climatic ending. A must read!
Fans of Recency, mystery, suspense, danger will definitely enjoy this story.
I can't wait to read Book 2. While, not a cliff hanger, Ms. Davidson gives the reader a glimpse of what's to come. Delicious, compelling, romantic and suspenseful with. A very entertaining read, the witty banter definitely added a element of surprise.
July 23, 2019
A exciting story full of surprises
This is one of the most exciting books I have read. It was so full of twists and turns and surprises. I was kept in the dark until the very end. It had intrigue, suspense, adventure, romance humor, and surprises, everything you could ask for. I fell in love with Stephen, the Hero. Caroline such a interesting Heroine.I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight, but that my problem. It kept me on pins and needles and at times unable to keep my heart steady. I couldn’t imagine how they would get out of situations, to continue the story, but they managed somehow. I had trouble putting the book down, just had to know what would happen next. This was my first book by this author, but will not be the last, can’t wait to start the next. I highly recommend to read.
This is one of the most exciting books I have read. It was so full of twists and turns and surprises. I was kept in the dark until the very end. It had intrigue, suspense, adventure, romance humor, and surprises, everything you could ask for. I fell in love with Stephen, the Hero. Caroline such a interesting Heroine.I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight, but that my problem. It kept me on pins and needles and at times unable to keep my heart steady. I couldn’t imagine how they would get out of situations, to continue the story, but they managed somehow. I had trouble putting the book down, just had to know what would happen next. This was my first book by this author, but will not be the last, can’t wait to start the next. I highly recommend to read.
October 20, 2019
Witty, actually funny banter
Except for the climax with the bad guys, I loved almost every minute of this book. This author writes dialogue like no other historical romance novelist. It is not just cutesy between H/h getting to know eachother - it is actually LOL funny. This lightness while still having awesome sex and strong feelings/inner dialogue (h loved the H but he doesn't know it) made it thoroughly enjoyable. Kind of reminded me a big of the hilarity of Pippa Grant but historical. Mystery was not completely obvious. Good cisgender sex w oral for both parties (which I prefer in fairness). Sex o meter 6.8/10. Give this book a 4.7 bc although an enjoyable read, I don't believe the characters would be so stupid in how they approached the final enemy scene (why couldn't they wait for backup again?).
Except for the climax with the bad guys, I loved almost every minute of this book. This author writes dialogue like no other historical romance novelist. It is not just cutesy between H/h getting to know eachother - it is actually LOL funny. This lightness while still having awesome sex and strong feelings/inner dialogue (h loved the H but he doesn't know it) made it thoroughly enjoyable. Kind of reminded me a big of the hilarity of Pippa Grant but historical. Mystery was not completely obvious. Good cisgender sex w oral for both parties (which I prefer in fairness). Sex o meter 6.8/10. Give this book a 4.7 bc although an enjoyable read, I don't believe the characters would be so stupid in how they approached the final enemy scene (why couldn't they wait for backup again?).
May 5, 2023
banter banter banter
I love a tall heroine. A tall heroine who loves to heckle and sometimes throw figurines?
That’s instant book love for me.
Throw in an older brothers best friend trope and I’m DONE.
I chuckled multiple times while reading the banter between Caroline and Stephan. Not just a mental, inside chuckle. A full audible chuckle that had others looking at me to see what caused the noise.
The plot was also excellent. Some murder. Some almost murder. A twisty years long revenge plot.
I often expect a heaping dose of spice from Nicola Davidson, but this time I would say it’s a moderate-healthy amount of spice. Not heaping. But still healthy.
I don’t say this lightly, but I will be putting this beside Devil in Winter by Lisa kleypas on my favourites shelf. THAT is a compliment.
I love a tall heroine. A tall heroine who loves to heckle and sometimes throw figurines?
That’s instant book love for me.
Throw in an older brothers best friend trope and I’m DONE.
I chuckled multiple times while reading the banter between Caroline and Stephan. Not just a mental, inside chuckle. A full audible chuckle that had others looking at me to see what caused the noise.
The plot was also excellent. Some murder. Some almost murder. A twisty years long revenge plot.
I often expect a heaping dose of spice from Nicola Davidson, but this time I would say it’s a moderate-healthy amount of spice. Not heaping. But still healthy.
I don’t say this lightly, but I will be putting this beside Devil in Winter by Lisa kleypas on my favourites shelf. THAT is a compliment.
September 22, 2018
Frenemies to Lovers - She is his best friend's twin so he's known her forever. Thinks of her as a Hellion. She's been in love with him forever. There were some great parts, but also some times it felt stagnant and like I would never get through. The sub plot of the secret society his brother was part of was a bit strange and you can figure it out rather quickly. Stephen can be a bit of a prick when it comes to the women in his life. Caroline throws things, that seems to be humorous to all but I'm not enamored by anyone who loses that much control - like Stephen and the salt. Most language comes across as modern.
All in All it was a good book, I'd recommend it. I will definitely read more of the series.
All in All it was a good book, I'd recommend it. I will definitely read more of the series.
Read
November 2, 2025DNF at 48%
I loved the beginning of this. These two had hilarious banter and strong chemistry, and I love a brazen heroine (who also happens to be 6'1). Visceral descriptions really brought the settings to life. The book kept me engaged, but at some point, it was like "I can't look away... but I kinda want to."
There were way too many side characters, and I found Stephen to be too domineering. That aside, I decided to stop reading after some upsetting themes were introduced. Namely, an awful "first time" scene and a side plot possibly having to do with SA and human trafficking.
I have loved a lot of Davidson's work. This was her second published work and first novel. I think she really finds her footing later in her career with her novellas.
I loved the beginning of this. These two had hilarious banter and strong chemistry, and I love a brazen heroine (who also happens to be 6'1). Visceral descriptions really brought the settings to life. The book kept me engaged, but at some point, it was like "I can't look away... but I kinda want to."
There were way too many side characters, and I found Stephen to be too domineering. That aside, I decided to stop reading after some upsetting themes were introduced. Namely, an awful "first time" scene and a side plot possibly having to do with SA and human trafficking.
I have loved a lot of Davidson's work. This was her second published work and first novel. I think she really finds her footing later in her career with her novellas.
April 30, 2018
Enjoyed the book. It was well written and keeps your attention. It contains a love story, lots of banter between Caroline and Stephen, an unexpected marriage and a secret past. Caroline has loved Stephen since she was thirteen and now at twenty-four she discovers he plans to marry. Stephen had used calculations to determine the best possible marriage match and it is not Caroline. In the meantime Caroline is being forced into her own marriage. Eventually neither marriage happens as the prospective mates elope and after being caught in a compromising position Caroline and Stephen are forced to marry. Their is a lot more to the story and I would highly recommend the book.
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