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The Earl’s Forbidden Temptation

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Desperate to save her sisters, Miss Darcy Whitley travels to London seeking Sebastian, the Earl of Raine, whose connection to them could secure their futures. Yet his cold indifference suggests he could cast them aside at any moment.

Unwilling to trust their future to his mercy, Darcy accepts a secret commission within London’s most scandalous pleasure palace. Behind a mask and under the name Red, she paints intimate scenes of desire meant to tempt and ensnare all who dare to look.

She never expected to find him there.

In society, Sebastian is controlled, aloof, and untouchable. Within Aphrodite, he is wickedly indulgent, dangerously charming, and irresistibly sensual.

Darcy should fear and avoid him. Instead, his allure draws her in, tempting her to forget every caution she holds dear. Because if Sebastian ever unmasks Red, the cost of her deception may be more than she can bear.

🔥#ForbiddenAttraction #SecretIdentity 🖤 #WickedEarl💞 #OppositesAttract 💋 #SteamyRegencyRomance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2026

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About the author

Stacy Reid

125 books3,489 followers
I am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.

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5 stars
122 (59%)
4 stars
65 (31%)
3 stars
14 (6%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Antonella.
4,333 reviews659 followers
November 11, 2026


GENRE:
Historical Romance

TROPES & THEMES:
• Earl & Commoner Romance
• Hidden Identity
• Masked Heroine
• Forbidden Attraction
• Family Duty
• Secret Occupation
• Opposites Attract
• Scandal & Society

CLIFFHANGER:
No


RECOMMENDED TO:
Readers who enjoy forbidden historical romances, hidden identities, sensual tension, and stories set against London's darker and more scandalous social circles.



As a longtime Stacy Reid fan, this was unfortunately a disappointing read for me.



My biggest issue was the lack of emotional connection between Darcy and Sebastian. While there was physical attraction and plenty of chemistry on the surface, I never fully believed in their emotional bond. I kept waiting for a deeper connection to develop, but by the time the story reached its conclusion, I still felt detached from their romance.


Sadly, this was one of those books where I admired the idea more than I enjoyed the actual romance. I never felt the swoon, heartbreak, or emotional depth I've come to expect from this author.

While many readers may love the forbidden attraction and sensual atmosphere, this one simply didn't work for me.

⭐ Rating: 2.25/5
🎶Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande
Poison by Freya Ridings
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
2,003 reviews152 followers
August 28, 2026
This is my 46th book by Stacy Reid. I've been reading her since 2016. I love her writing and she is one of my favorite authors. I have been waiting awhile for this release. So glad to see she finally was able to get it released.

WOW how I have missed Stacy Reid. I couldn't put this book down. I LOVE her writing. This story was so fucking good. I loved Darcy and Sebastian. I loved this storyline. Their chemistry was palpable. Sex was freakin' hot as hell and off-the-chain. Even the secondary characters where all written so well. I loved everything about this book. I would give it 50 stars if I could. I definitely added it to my favorite books read list for August, 2026. Just WOW. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,337 reviews131 followers
September 13, 2026
I will say that the plot was somewhat hard to relate to as for as how the romance transcends between Darcy and Sebastian. It someways the plot connected with the twos objectives in the story and others I think it hampered that uhmph that readers are looking for in a plot. I was looking that intensity that pulls me into the whole book. Yes, I read about how the sisters came to their situation, but it’s how Darcy and Sebastian were to move on from there. That is where the plot was slightly difficult for me to connect with the story.
This is not to say how the romance wasn’t beautiful. It totally was. The characters were written extremely well. They appeared to develop well throughout the book. The writing is exceptional.
You can tell how the author gave great strength in pulling the emotional needs and desires through the intro-quit wording. The romance was sweet and beautiful. I found the pace of the book a bit slow and the beginning, but as the reader makes it through the half mark of the book, the story picks up a bit. And there is where the story is truly exciting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,586 reviews69 followers
September 1, 2026
Desperate to save her sisters, Miss Darcy Whitley travels to London seeking Sebastian, the Earl of Raine, whose connection to them could secure their futures. Unwilling to trust their future to his mercy, Darcy, a talented artist, accepts a secret commission within London’s most scandalous pleasure palace. Behind a mask and under the name Red, she paints intimate scenes of desire meant to tempt and ensnare all who dare to look. In society, Sebastian is controlled, aloof, and untouchable. Within Aphrodite, he is wickedly indulgent, dangerously charming, and irresistibly sensual.
The fifth book in the series & it’s been a while in coming but it was well worth the wait & once again confirmed the author as one of my must read authors. I loved both Sebastian & Darcy, their chemistry was electric. I loved how Sebastian became conflicted wanting two women – Darcy & Red & it took him some time to realise they were one & the same. I loved how their feelings grew & deepened but Sebastian was torn between duty & need. The secondary characters were well portrayed & I loved catching up with previous characters, his mother slipped in my estimation but she did start to redeem herself. A beautifully written steamy romance with wonderful characters, well paced & totally engrossing
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
689 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2026
Stacy Reid is such a wonderful writer and this story was no exception. Lovely to read a book by this author again.
Profile Image for R.
221 reviews
September 1, 2026
There are only a few authors who can portray passion so vividly, and Stacy Reid never disappoints in that department. Longing, yearning, earth-shattering love, and hot-as-hell sex scenes? Check, check, check, and check! Definitely more than 5 stars!
Profile Image for Adrienne Adrimano.
491 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2026
Stacy Reid is so good at emotive writing. She never lets us down.

So many things to love:
- Love when an FMC is determined to make her own way.
- Love that the mystery didn't have to be dragged out to make the story worthwhile!
- Love the use of letters.
- I love that we see true changes of heart from multiple characters.
- I love the interiority we get, even from the secondary characters.

I definitely want to read Rebecca's story. I hope it's the next installment!
Profile Image for AMRYL BERMENT.
6 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2026
Love true, beautiful and forever

Such an amazing story! Sad and joyful, but so real. I can’t wait for another book by Ms Reid! You are the best! Thank you
Profile Image for Michelle.
696 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2026
Sebastian and his friends, all peers the realm- hang out at Aphrodites- a sex club where these dudes will do anything and anyone in front of each other —stuff like that just isn’t for me—
Now onto the story….
Darcy shows up on Sebastian’s doorstep with her three young sisters—
Sebastian was the brother to Darcy’s sisters—
Sebastian and Darcy were not related, but it was weirdly familial—
Sebastian thought RED -who was hired as a painter at Aphrodite’s, and Darcy were 2 different women and wanted them both with a passion-
This author really writes beautifully—-
Sebastian and Darcy (and RED) start a physical, passionate relationship -
Darcy was a wonderful FMC—
Good and spicy! 🌶️
Profile Image for Tones.
730 reviews
September 15, 2026
This was a 4.5 read until the end. I loved how they got to know each other and I can understand the difficulty of Sebastian’s position. I’ve found that the past few books have pacing issues. Everything is fine until the last 15% and then the conclusion is essentially moving at 2-3x speed.
Profile Image for Catherine Supovitz.
51 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2026
A wonderful wonderful book

Stacey Reid never disappoints. This was such a fantastic book. I love the way Stacey writes. Her characters are always so full of color and emotion and vivid sensual people. This book gave me everything I always look for in her books, passion depth of emotion and always sensual scenes. I highly highly recommend that you read Stacey and Darcy‘s story and every other book that she’s written, but especially the first five of these books in the series.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
1,322 reviews22 followers
September 12, 2026
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

I do believe I read a shorter version of this story awhile back - not sure though, especially since I thought I read some of the earlier books in the series, but see no record of that on Goodreads - so my memory may not be what I think it is .

Regardless, this is a very detailed historical romance about secret families, and secret identities. The MMC, Sebastian, the Earl of Raine discovering that his father was not what he thought he was, and his parents apparent loving and devoted marriage was a lie, at least on his part.

Several years after Sebastian laid his father to rest, Miss Darcy Whitley and her younger half sisters land on his doorstep, seeking entry based on their family connection. They are the Earl's younger half sisters, as his father had a secret family with his mistress, and after losing him, and their mother, they have come to the end of their funds, have lost their cottage and now desperate enough to seek the help of the family who did not know of their existence.

Darcy, the eldest, however, is not related to the Earl at all, only to her younger sisters. But she loves them dearly, takes to heart a responsibility for them and wishes to arrange what she can to settle their futures. Hopefully this can include a connection to Sebastian and his legitimate sister, though that may be a challenge. Sebastian is reluctant, but willing to look into their finances and settle something on them. He is willing also to even have some kind of connection to them... but it is difficult to reconcile his father's lies and betrayal, and he is very protective of his grieving mother and sister, and continues to keep them secret.

Darcy is also aware that he has no obligation to her and makes arrangements to settle her future as well. As a talented painter, she ends up being hired, in disguise to protect her reputation, at a notorious brothal to paint a series of provocative art to titillate and attract patrons. What she does not discover until it is too late is that Sebastian is part owner and frequent visitor to the brothal. There, he engages with Darcy on a different, much more sensual and intimate level, knowing her only as a talented, masked woman who engages his imagination and senses in a way he has never encountered before - except perhaps with Miss Darcy.

This is a very sensual historical romance where the MMC is all kinds of caught in the middle of conflicting scenarios, with the secret family and his own mother and sister, between duty to them and having his emotions become involved, between his attraction to the secret Red and Darcy, especially when Darcy gives into her own attraction to Sebastian, and in the guise of Red, engages in a passionate secret affair, knowing that she has no future with him, and hoping that when it is over, she will at least have those memories to keep. She is a prideful woman who is not willing become a mistress and live on the sidelines like her mother, and she has no desire to accept charity either. She has plans to use her talent and earnings from her paintings for a future of independence.

As with most secrets, the truth does quickly come to light and scandal ensues, forcing Sebastian to act to protect his family, both sides, and come to terms with his feelings for Darcy and what that means for their future, regardless of the scandal involving his family.

4.5 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Marion Löw.
1,031 reviews17 followers
September 9, 2026
Loved it

I thoroughly enjoyed this fifth installment in the “Sins and Sensibilities” series. It’s a very well-written, emotionally charged romance with forbidden love and hidden identities tropes, that is full of tension, drama, obstacles, secrets, social constraints and pressure, witty dialogue, and plenty of spice. Darcy and Sebastian are endearing protagonists. She is strong, caring, and resilient, and he is a multifaceted character: on the one hand, he is reserved and dutiful; on the other, he is passionate and sensual. The chemistry between them was outstanding, and I especially liked how their relationship developed through growing trust and compassion. Their longing and inner conflicts were palpable throughout the book.

After her mother’s death, Miss Darcy Whitley suddenly finds herself responsible for her younger sisters. When the sisters learn that the younger ones are the illegitimate daughters of the late Earl of Raine, Darcy decides to travel to London to seek out their half-brother Sebastian, the current Earl, and ask him for help in securing her sisters’ future.
Sebastian is skeptical at first, because he finds it inconceivable that his late father secretly had a second family. At the same time, he fears that the revelation of these illegitimate daughters could damage his family’s social standing and hurt his mother. Nevertheless, he decides to take Darcy and her sisters in temporarily. Slowly, Sebastian grows emotionally closer to them.
However, since Darcy is not the late Earl’s daughter, her future is uncertain, and she will not inherit any money. Therefore, she takes a job as an artist at the notorious scandal palace Aphrodite, where, in disguise and wearing a mask, she paints erotic scenes under the name “Red.”
There, of all people, she encounters Sebastian, who does not recognize her in her disguise; at Aphrodite, he is not just the cool, aloof earl she first met, but—free from social constraints—sensual, charming and uninhibited. A strong physical and emotional bond soon develops between them, and Sebastian finds himself in an inner conflict: he feels drawn to both Darcy and Red, and he faces the difficult decision of whether to follow his social responsibility or his own feelings…

If you enjoy gripping historical romances featuring endearing protagonists, likable supporting characters, class differences, hidden identities, family secrets, intense emotions, inner conflicts, banter, sensual moments and steamy love scenes, you're sure to love this book.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,545 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2026
Desperate, twenty-three year old Darcy Whitley arrived at the home of Sebastian Darlington, the Earl of Raine, with her three younger sisters in tow. Sixteen year old Emelia, thirteen year old Jane, and eleven year old Sarah, were the illegitimate daughters of Sebastian’s late father. Thankfully they arrived in London when Sebastian’s sister Caroline and mother, the Dowager Countess of Raine, were both in Bath. Although the late Earl treated her like a daughter, he was not Darcy’s father. Because Darcy was uncomfortable relying on Sebatian’s good will, and in an effort to earn enough money to support them should he decide not to, she answered an advertisement seeking an artist. She found herself at Aphordite, a house of carnal delights, painting patrons performing various elicite acts. Madam Rebecca, Aphrodite’s proprietor, gave Darcy a mask and wig to disguise her identity, and called her Red. Imagine innocent Darcy’s surprise when she discovered that Sebastian was her first subject. Fast forward and Sebastian, who finds himself inexplicably drawn to Darcy, has become lovers with Red. Darcy soon finds herself living a double life. Despite their best efforts, Darcy and Sebastian fall in love. However, his mother’s pain and embarrassment gets in the way, resulting in gut wrenching misery. This is a story whose main stage is a pleasure palace. Therefore there is an abundance of carnal activities, described in detail. Be prepared for graphic adult scenes. You will also find strong emotions, sibling antics, humor, friendship and forgiveness. Darcy’s influence on Sebatian is transformative, and there’s just nothing more fun than watching a confirmed rake become totally besotted!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,735 reviews32 followers
September 12, 2026
We have a very tender, complicated and compelling story. This story can bring heartbreaking trauma to a family who didn’t ask for it!
Desperate to save her sisters, Miss Darcy Whitley travels to London seeking Sebastian, the Earl of Raine, whose connection to them could secure their futures. Yet his cold indifference suggests he could cast them aside at any moment.
Unwilling to trust their future to his mercy, Darcy accepts a secret commission within London’s most scandalous pleasure palace. Behind a mask and under the name Red, she paints intimate scenes of desire meant to tempt and ensnare all who dare to look.
Darcy has been weighted down with responsibility of her younger sisters for choices her mother made. She is the oldest daughter her mother had before becoming a mistress to the older Earl of Raine.
Darcy is proud, beautiful and resourceful and she waits for no man to rescue her! She uses her gift of erotic paintings to make sure that she and her sisters are not at the whim of any man!
When her sisters future is secure Red who is Darcy’s alter ego still works to secure her own!
Sebastian is placed with an impossible choice to completely cut off the woman he loves because it is too painful for his mother to look upon Darcy. Countess Raine remembers her husband’s betrayal every time she sees Darcy!
Darcy makes a choice to bestow her charms on another and that literally breaks Sebastian!
Can Sebastian undo the hurt he caused Darcy and keep a relationship with his mother? Who will he choose? Bravo OUTSTANDING!
I revealed an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion from Booksprout!
23 reviews
September 26, 2026
Stacy Reid is one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this book. I was truly touched by her letter to the readers. I feel that the author has a true talent for creating a great mix of sexual tension and desire with tenderness. She has the ability to get the reader deeply invested in her characters and I was rooting for Darcy and Sebastianall the way. I really feel that even though the setting of the book is in Victorian England, it is applicable today because of prejudices and barriers that can be present in today’s relationships as well. From Darcy‘s first meeting with Sebastian in which she had ask him for help because of her circumstances, you have to admire her spirit and her unselfishness in wanting to protect her sisters. Sebastian comes off as arrogant and stern, so you know the fireworks will begin. All of the love scenes were meaningful and sexy, none of them felt gratuitous. Darcy and Sebastian had to overcome their own doubts, as well as gossip from the ton to achieve their happily ever after. And there was a point I did not think Sebastian would do the right thing, but he was truly a hero in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt truly satisfied with the HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,292 reviews12 followers
September 21, 2026
Miss Darcy Whitley is desperate to see her sisters safe. She travels to London to find Sebastian, Earl of Raine, who, unbeknownst to him to their brother. She hopes he will help them and secure their futures. Truth is Sebastian is brother to the three younger girls, but not Darcy. Darcy’s widowed mother was the former earl’s longtime mistress. There is no blood relation between Darcy and Sebastian. Darcy is a very talented artist. To ensure her own future, and the girls’ if Sebastian doesn’t come through, she takes a commission to paint intimate pictures for the madam of a house of pleasure. At Aphrodite, her name is Red. When she unexpectedly meets Sebastian at Aphrodite, he is a different person, very charming and sensual. The chemistry between Sebastian and Red sizzled, and the chemistry between him and Darcy began to do the same. What happens when he realizes they are the same person? Their romance is steamy. Their journey to true love uncertain for a while. There are understandable problems with his mother, and for a while, his sister. This is a compelling romance with interesting characters.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
1,817 reviews26 followers
September 6, 2026
Very well written, full of drama, society, steam, longing, family, adventure, trust and desire. Darcy Whitley and her sisters have come to London to find their family that they never knew existed till the death of both of their parents. Darcy, Jane, Sarah and Emelia show up at the home of Lord Raine, their half brother, seeking help. They state that he is their brother as they have the same father. Raine finds it so hard to believe that his father had two separate families. After seeing the letters Darcy had, he does investigate why he was never told about them. He also looks into the lawyer who was in charge of the care of them and his father's will. Spending time with them is bringing more feelings into his life. The only trouble he is having is how to tell his mother and sister about them. The heat between Darcy and Raine keeps the pages hot to read and leaves you wanting more. Raine also has another woman- Red down at the Aphrodite but he also wants Darcy , now he has to make a choice. Great steamy story . Would recommend to all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,211 reviews32 followers
August 31, 2026
Darcy and her three sisters end up at the home Sebastian, the Earl of Raine, after her mother died and they were left with nothing. Sebastian’s late father is the father to her three younger sisters and she hopes that he can help since they have no where to go. He agrees to help and furnishes them a home temporarily because he enjoys their company and finds out his father has left money for their future but not for Darcy since she is not his so she responds to a ad where she is hired at a house of debauchery where she draws the elicit pictures of couples together while she is in a red wig. That is why Sebastian calls her red and soon they are coupled but he knows it is only temporary but finding out she is Darcy is a shock. There is more to this book which drew me in from the beginning as it is well written and loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
863 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2026
Another great book by a great author. This book is about is about Darcy who has 3 younger sisters who are born out of wedlock. When her mother passes away, she decides to go to London to see her sister’s brother Sebastian for some help. As soon as they meet there is chemistry, but Sebastian stays away because of who she is. Darcy takes work as a painter in the club Aphrodite, where she meets Sebastian while she has a mask on. They cannot deny the chemistry between them. Poor Sebastian is so torn, because he knows his father’s other family will hurt his mother and embarrass her in society, but he got to know his sister and Darcy and does not want to ignore them. I loved all the side characters, Darcy’s and Sebastian’s sisters, the friends Darcy makes and I even liked Sebastian’s mother. I am so glad and feel happy when I read a book by Stacy Reid. I will always read a book by her.
I received an ARC or this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion. 
Profile Image for CorkDork11.
15 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2026
Spoiler Free:
Stacy Reid is back with the 5th book in the Sins and Sensibilities series. While this can definitely be read as a stand alone, I highly recommend reading the other books first, they're very good!

Due an unfortunate circumstance, Darcy has been caring for her three younger sisters but has run out of funds. She goes to the only person who may be able to help but he is very suspicious of the validity of her story. While they try to get that sorted, Darcy takes an undercover job painting erotic scenes at the Aphrodite club in hopes of making enough money to support herself.

Sebastian and Darcy have the quick witted, clever banter that all of Stacy Reid's books contain. The spice is hot, hot, HOT without taking away from the story. There's a secret identity involved, questionable parentage, and a great deal of groveling. The perfect combo. Don't miss this one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
326 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2026
Desperate to secure her sisters’ future, Darcy travels with them to London to ask Sebastian, the Earl of Raine, to help them. Sebastian is shocked to discover his father had a secret second family and puts them up in one of his townhouses while he tries to work out what to do. Darcy is not related to Sebastian and fearing that he might cast her out seeks employment at Aphrodite, a sex club for lords and peers of the realm. Much to her shock Sebastian is her first subject. I really liked how determined she was to forge her own way and how she did not go the route other stories have of selling her virginity. Sebastian I was less enamoured with. I am glad we did not see too much of his orgy partaking sexual exploits but knowing he had indulged frequently together with his friends in the past was a turn off. I also cannot believe he did not realise sooner that Red and Darcy were the same person. What I did love though was when he stood up to his mother in the end over his love for Darcy.
564 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2026
Just magnificent!

Oh Stacy Reid….how I missed you! I completely understand the need for your time away from writing, but I am so glad to partake of your talent again. I loved this story of Darcy and Sebastian. There was so much push and pull. It was emotional, sensual, and gripping. I absolutely love how well Stacy is able to give such humanity to her characters. They exhibit true and understandable emotions and feelings, but they end up having such grace and kindness and compassion toward others. The main characters in her stories end up to epitomize healthy relationships and healthy behaviors. This story was not different. I so appreciate the positivity that gets woven in with raw hurts and experiences.
This book only serves to solidify Stacy Reid as an absolute must-read author for me. ❣️
33 reviews
September 4, 2026
Bound by Duty or Lust!
Sebastian and Darcy's Story! When I tell you this story was something! It had everything I look for in a book. The dialogue was snappy, the plot well developed and it definitely held my attention. It ended just the way it should with a lot of twists and turns in order to get there. Darcy will do anything for her 3 sisters the illegitimate daughters of Sebastian's Dad. Her last hope is to seek out their brother who knows nothing about them. Sebastian reluctantly takes take them in and cares for them. The question is for how long. Darcy has to make a decision that could lead to her ruin but it could also lead to her independence. Is it a reckless decision? Does she have a choice? Her sister‘s future rest up upon her decision. She is skirting the edge of ruin if a single step goes awry. And that’s all you get! Cause ba-by it's good! Let me tell you something you are not going to believe how this plays out!! Stacy Reid did her thang with this book! Thanks Ms. Reid, always a pleasure!
2,597 reviews28 followers
September 8, 2026
This is a hot and steamy read. I did like the main characters of Darcy and Sebastian. Darcy was very caring of her three younger sisters but now finds herself in a desperate situation and having to ask Sebastian, Earl of Raine for help. I did like the way that Darcy was determined to be independent and earn her own money, even if it was in an unusual way for a woman. I love the connection between Darcy and Sebastian, although of course, not everything runs smoothly and there are some heartbreaking moments. I can’t say I thought much of Sebastian’s mother’s attitude. I can’t understand why she might find it hard but to blame the children for the parent’s behaviour is completely wrong. This was an engaging read as usually with this author. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3,960 reviews20 followers
September 8, 2026
Darcy implores upon Sebastian’s mercy after she and her half sisters are left destitute. He didn’t realize his father had a secret second family and doesn’t want to accept them at first until he uncovers that his father loved and made provisions for them that the solicitor stole. Darcy doesn’t feel very secure when she answers an ad to paint. She was much braver than me. I would have run when she’s told that she will be painting live erotic scenes. But what starts out as employment becomes pleasure especially when Sebastian seduces her as her alter ego Red. I don’t understand how he didn’t figure out Darcy and Red are the same sooner. They become lovers but unlike her mother she won’t be his mistress and daring to want more could break his mother’s heart. This was a very steamy historical romance.
6,420 reviews32 followers
September 12, 2026
Worth the wait…

This book grabs you and sucks you into Sebastian’s very forbidden attraction to Darcy. Sebastian is the earl of Raine. He’s proper in public and wicked at Aphrodite, the pleasure club. On a rainy night, Darcy and her three younger sisters show up on his doorstep claiming to be family. It turns out, his father led a double life and Sebastian is horrified to learn his father had a second family. And oh, he lusts after Darcy, who he thinks is his half sister. So, it’s off to Aphrodite to get it on. But it’s there he’s super attracted to Red. Who just so happens to be Miss Darcy.

It’s a great book, steamy, spicy, naughty, wicked and delicious fun. And drama.
Highly recommend.
It was worth the wait, Stacy Reid. You delivered and then some.
293 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2026
Heart wrenching Happiness.
The author grabs you not by the throat but by the heart.
Darcy brings her three illegitimate sisters to their half brother Sebastian the Earl of Raine.
Sebastian is wary and confused as he realizes the pain of his father’s past.
Darcy needs to earn a living and begins painting at Aphrodite’s disguised as “Red”.
Sebastian is attracted to both women without realizing they are one.
Sensual and sexy with a compelling storyline.
Sebastian needs to meld the past with his present love.
Stavey Reid: your books hold us enthralled, always deserving of more than 5 stars.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.

48 reviews
October 23, 2026
If you love steamy this is the book for you

No doubt about it Stacy Reid is a great crafter of stories that stir the souls of those who love romance. The tears that fall when love is complicated can move even the staunches readers. As she weaves the story around multiple characters you develop feelings for some of them. The only reason I didn’t give the story a five star rating is that at some point life’s problems are not solved by jumping into bed and after a while all the love making became tedious and a bit boring. But the ending with Lady Raine was honest and well told. Betrayals are not easy pills to swallow.
Profile Image for Caligirl.
181 reviews
October 27, 2026
wow!

I’ve read the entire series and have loved every one of them… It is this one here, Sebastian and Darcy’s story that is the very best of the series.. I laughed, cry, sighed and more…

The character development was off the charts for the main and all support characters… I felt I knew enough about all of them and their stories.. I’ve not come across a book with a plot such as this…. That made it all the more appealing.

Not only do I recommend this book, I do the whole series. Each book had its own unique story…. It be amazing to tell the stories of the sisters in a future set…🥂
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews