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The Seven Curses of London #2
Charming the Scholar
A reclusive scholar. A charming lady. An undeniable love.
Oliver, Viscount Frost, must end his reclusive ways to uncover the mysteries of an ancient text used by a ringleader of professional thieves. He emerges from his books only to find Lady Julia Hopwood blocking his path.
Julia’s friendly nature and charming smile hide her desperate efforts to keep her father from succumbing to melancholy and illness. The purchase of an old book for his collection is her latest attempt to brighten his spirits. When the gruff viscount demands she hand it over, she refuses, even when it plunges her into a shadowy side of London she barely knew existed.
The lovely lady is a beam of light in Oliver’s dark world, but he needs the book. Passions rise as the pair cross paths, each hiding secrets even as they share stolen kisses. Julia is drawn to the solemn scholar, wanting to ease the unhappiness she senses deep inside him. Can Oliver release his demons to help Julia or will their secrets keep them apart?
Oliver, Viscount Frost, must end his reclusive ways to uncover the mysteries of an ancient text used by a ringleader of professional thieves. He emerges from his books only to find Lady Julia Hopwood blocking his path.
Julia’s friendly nature and charming smile hide her desperate efforts to keep her father from succumbing to melancholy and illness. The purchase of an old book for his collection is her latest attempt to brighten his spirits. When the gruff viscount demands she hand it over, she refuses, even when it plunges her into a shadowy side of London she barely knew existed.
The lovely lady is a beam of light in Oliver’s dark world, but he needs the book. Passions rise as the pair cross paths, each hiding secrets even as they share stolen kisses. Julia is drawn to the solemn scholar, wanting to ease the unhappiness she senses deep inside him. Can Oliver release his demons to help Julia or will their secrets keep them apart?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2016
744 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Lana Williams
93 books375 followersLana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author of over 55 historical fiction novels filled with mystery, romance, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 23, 2020
As I have read the first book in this series, some time ago, I’m not sure tu fully remember what were my feelings during my read.
Here I was engrossed by Oliver and Julia’s story but at time they left me very frustrated.
Oliver, Viscount Frost suffers from PTSD symptoms since his return from war, he can’t stand crowd nor social events. But to help his friend, an other retired soldier, he is ready to sometime get out from his recluse life but only for a very short time.
« Since he’d set himself on this course of aiding Hawke, his life had taken a decided turn in a good direction. He no longer felt as though he were sliding into oblivion, trapped in his home of his own volition. »
He just was not prepared to have to leave his home on a regular basis as the item he was looking for fell in other’s hands. But the more he ventures outside his study and the more he is in contact with Lady Julia Hopwood, the more he is drawn to her and the more he must stay close to her.
Julia has spent her life trying to undo the damages her selfish mother had done to her father. She sacrificed her own chances to only please him, for him, she will look for any way to bring some light in his eyes.
« In all honesty, she felt like a failure. Why couldn’t she be the reason he enjoyed life? To be enough to stave off these bouts of despair and illness? »
So when she crosses Oliver’s path as they are pursuing the same book, even attracted to him, she can’t think of a future with him as she does not imagine leaving her father’s side.
At first, I thought Julia’s character to be very selfless by how she lets always her father come before, even when he rejects her, but at time, I thought she was more of a coward, using her father’s pain to reject feelings and to hide behind instead of taking risks and live. Oliver is struggling to return to civil life, he suffers from nightmares and he feels awkward among people but for Julia, he will go more and more in social events, still unsure he is a good choice for her as he fears his past might be too much to bear for her but he is like a moth attracted by a candle, he can’t stay away.
Twice I was upset by Julia’s reactions, for a rather clever woman, she put herself in dangerous situations, only by her own doing. She was lucky to have been rescued but if she had taken sometime to gather her thoughts she would have avoided to be armed as for others.
But I do suppose it was also how would think women at this time as they were sheltered.
In all it is a 4.5 stars read as it was very entertaining with an interesting plot and great characters.
Here I was engrossed by Oliver and Julia’s story but at time they left me very frustrated.
Oliver, Viscount Frost suffers from PTSD symptoms since his return from war, he can’t stand crowd nor social events. But to help his friend, an other retired soldier, he is ready to sometime get out from his recluse life but only for a very short time.
« Since he’d set himself on this course of aiding Hawke, his life had taken a decided turn in a good direction. He no longer felt as though he were sliding into oblivion, trapped in his home of his own volition. »
He just was not prepared to have to leave his home on a regular basis as the item he was looking for fell in other’s hands. But the more he ventures outside his study and the more he is in contact with Lady Julia Hopwood, the more he is drawn to her and the more he must stay close to her.
Julia has spent her life trying to undo the damages her selfish mother had done to her father. She sacrificed her own chances to only please him, for him, she will look for any way to bring some light in his eyes.
« In all honesty, she felt like a failure. Why couldn’t she be the reason he enjoyed life? To be enough to stave off these bouts of despair and illness? »
So when she crosses Oliver’s path as they are pursuing the same book, even attracted to him, she can’t think of a future with him as she does not imagine leaving her father’s side.
At first, I thought Julia’s character to be very selfless by how she lets always her father come before, even when he rejects her, but at time, I thought she was more of a coward, using her father’s pain to reject feelings and to hide behind instead of taking risks and live. Oliver is struggling to return to civil life, he suffers from nightmares and he feels awkward among people but for Julia, he will go more and more in social events, still unsure he is a good choice for her as he fears his past might be too much to bear for her but he is like a moth attracted by a candle, he can’t stay away.
Twice I was upset by Julia’s reactions, for a rather clever woman, she put herself in dangerous situations, only by her own doing. She was lucky to have been rescued but if she had taken sometime to gather her thoughts she would have avoided to be armed as for others.
But I do suppose it was also how would think women at this time as they were sheltered.
In all it is a 4.5 stars read as it was very entertaining with an interesting plot and great characters.
June 15, 2016
*I received an eARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Excellent addition to the series. Julia and Oliver are both complex characters - Oliver especially.
Oliver, Viscount Frost, is helping his good friend Nathaniel Hawke (the hero from Loving the Hawke) bring down a criminal named Smithby - Smithby is using an ancient text called the Book of Secrets to scare his underlings into doing his bidding. Oliver is somewhat of an expert in ancient texts and is trying to find another book by the author of The book of secrets, to try and get a better idea of what is in that book. Oliver suffers from a form of PTSD due to his service in the military - he is very uncomfortable in crowds and suffers from nightmares. He keeps a tight leash on himself, as he fears losing control and rarely leaves his house.
The book opens with Oliver making a very uncharacteristic trip to a book store. He got a message that the book he was looking for was available, but when his servant went to pick it up, he was told that it was already sold. Oliver goes to the shop himself to get the book.
Julia has purchased the book for her father, he suffers from depression and Julia knows this book will boost his spirits. She meets Oliver for the first time in the shop - she politely refuses to let him have the book and is quite put off by his rudeness.
Oliver is desperate to get the book and ventures out of his house again the next day to go to Julia's house to ask for the book again. Instead of Julia, he meets with her father, who also refuses to hand over the book, but instead offers to help Oliver look for clues in the book. Oliver does not want his help - he just wants the book. When Julia walks in on them, he is drawn to her and decides to let her father "help". As he is leaving, Julia asks to speak to him, she wants to tell about her father's fragile health and ask him not to overtire her father. They talk and end up sharing a very passionate kiss - much to the surprise of both of them.
What follows is a sweet (and steamy) story of two wounded souls that are drawn to each other - yet believe they can never share a future. The book has it all; action, emotion, healing, steamy love scenes, a villain getting what is coming to him and finally a HEA.
This is the second book in the series, each book is focusing on one of the chapters in the book "The Seven Curses of London". This book could be read as a stand alone title, but you would understand some of the references in the book better if you read the series in order.
Excellent addition to the series. Julia and Oliver are both complex characters - Oliver especially.
Oliver, Viscount Frost, is helping his good friend Nathaniel Hawke (the hero from Loving the Hawke) bring down a criminal named Smithby - Smithby is using an ancient text called the Book of Secrets to scare his underlings into doing his bidding. Oliver is somewhat of an expert in ancient texts and is trying to find another book by the author of The book of secrets, to try and get a better idea of what is in that book. Oliver suffers from a form of PTSD due to his service in the military - he is very uncomfortable in crowds and suffers from nightmares. He keeps a tight leash on himself, as he fears losing control and rarely leaves his house.
The book opens with Oliver making a very uncharacteristic trip to a book store. He got a message that the book he was looking for was available, but when his servant went to pick it up, he was told that it was already sold. Oliver goes to the shop himself to get the book.
Julia has purchased the book for her father, he suffers from depression and Julia knows this book will boost his spirits. She meets Oliver for the first time in the shop - she politely refuses to let him have the book and is quite put off by his rudeness.
Oliver is desperate to get the book and ventures out of his house again the next day to go to Julia's house to ask for the book again. Instead of Julia, he meets with her father, who also refuses to hand over the book, but instead offers to help Oliver look for clues in the book. Oliver does not want his help - he just wants the book. When Julia walks in on them, he is drawn to her and decides to let her father "help". As he is leaving, Julia asks to speak to him, she wants to tell about her father's fragile health and ask him not to overtire her father. They talk and end up sharing a very passionate kiss - much to the surprise of both of them.
What follows is a sweet (and steamy) story of two wounded souls that are drawn to each other - yet believe they can never share a future. The book has it all; action, emotion, healing, steamy love scenes, a villain getting what is coming to him and finally a HEA.
This is the second book in the series, each book is focusing on one of the chapters in the book "The Seven Curses of London". This book could be read as a stand alone title, but you would understand some of the references in the book better if you read the series in order.
May 6, 2018
Admittedly better than the majority of freebies coming my way, but I'm amazed at how many books set in this era involve men who can barely control their lust and virgins so easy to tip into no-strings-attached impulses.
Thankfully, the marriage mart played only a minor background role. Lots of villains, heroes, a pathetic, helpless father, aunt who's ahead of her time, and even a nod to wartime PTSD.
Have to admit the snippets that began each chapter bored me immediately and I didn't read them unless by accident.
Thankfully, the marriage mart played only a minor background role. Lots of villains, heroes, a pathetic, helpless father, aunt who's ahead of her time, and even a nod to wartime PTSD.
Have to admit the snippets that began each chapter bored me immediately and I didn't read them unless by accident.
September 19, 2018
Tl;dr: Charming the Scholar is a nice read where the love interests explore their pasts and their expectations of the future separately and together, while investigating a crime lord with a rare book. Character development is a bit too lengthy however, and plot feels a bit clunky, with most of the action happening in the last quarter of the book.
Longer review: I was drawn to Charming the Scholar because of the short back cover synopsis. Reclusive scholars and rare books are a selling point for me, and I did get them...sort of. Oliver, Viscount Frost, is suffering from some survivor’s guilt and PTSD after his time in the Navy abroad in Ethiopia, and books are his solace from that past. He goes in search of a rare book, and because he’s unable to find it, tracks down another work by the same author; all of this is to help out a former navy friend working as a one-man scourge against crime. However, we don’t get too much into Oliver’s scholarly pursuits, nor do we actually get much information in the course of the story about either the rare book Oliver has, or the one he’s trying to find. This was a minor irritation for me but not a dealbreaker.
What we do get are extensive depictions of Oliver’s fear of crowds, and his mental and emotional response to his time in the military, and a vicious battle he was involved in in Ethiopia. I think this is a selling point of a book, because there was some real weight behind Oliver’s behavior and motivations. However, it does have a tendency to get a bit repetitive.
We also get a lot of characterization of Lady Julia, his love interest, and a young woman dealing with her own set of issues provoked by a rather damaged family life. Julia’s father had a one-sided love with Julia’s deceased mother. Not only does Julia’s father’s physical and emotional wellbeing fall to Julia as he struggles to deal with her mother’s death, but he also does not always display the gratitude and affection Julia needs and deserves for the labor she does for him.
With Julia and Oliver, there’s definitely tension between these characters’ needs and their pasts. There’s also a lot of growth and learning, and I think the author captures that quite well. Again, however, it tends to feel a little heavy and repetitive, and I wished there were more scenes outside of balls where the characters could grow together, simply for the sake of variety.
Having Julia as a more actively engaged character in the plot would have been nice also; without spoiling, I think Julia ends up feeling somewhat incidental to the “main story”. Aside from a vague interest in the rare book that drives the action, and her need to please her father, Julia is sort of swept along by the plot without a lot of agency. As before, this wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did make me scratch my head, as it made Julia seem one-note.
All in all, I think this book fits an interesting gap in the Regency romance genre, with two characters who explore the personal trauma they have experienced and grow from it, separately and together; neither emerges “perfect” but they are better together in a believable romance. The author is a little extensive in her treatment of both characters, but I never felt like I was asked to leap to conclusions I didn’t have grounding for. The plot isn’t as pressing as I would prefer, but Julia and Oliver are worth a rainy afternoon’s read, even if the adventure is a bit dry.
Longer review: I was drawn to Charming the Scholar because of the short back cover synopsis. Reclusive scholars and rare books are a selling point for me, and I did get them...sort of. Oliver, Viscount Frost, is suffering from some survivor’s guilt and PTSD after his time in the Navy abroad in Ethiopia, and books are his solace from that past. He goes in search of a rare book, and because he’s unable to find it, tracks down another work by the same author; all of this is to help out a former navy friend working as a one-man scourge against crime. However, we don’t get too much into Oliver’s scholarly pursuits, nor do we actually get much information in the course of the story about either the rare book Oliver has, or the one he’s trying to find. This was a minor irritation for me but not a dealbreaker.
What we do get are extensive depictions of Oliver’s fear of crowds, and his mental and emotional response to his time in the military, and a vicious battle he was involved in in Ethiopia. I think this is a selling point of a book, because there was some real weight behind Oliver’s behavior and motivations. However, it does have a tendency to get a bit repetitive.
We also get a lot of characterization of Lady Julia, his love interest, and a young woman dealing with her own set of issues provoked by a rather damaged family life. Julia’s father had a one-sided love with Julia’s deceased mother. Not only does Julia’s father’s physical and emotional wellbeing fall to Julia as he struggles to deal with her mother’s death, but he also does not always display the gratitude and affection Julia needs and deserves for the labor she does for him.
With Julia and Oliver, there’s definitely tension between these characters’ needs and their pasts. There’s also a lot of growth and learning, and I think the author captures that quite well. Again, however, it tends to feel a little heavy and repetitive, and I wished there were more scenes outside of balls where the characters could grow together, simply for the sake of variety.
Having Julia as a more actively engaged character in the plot would have been nice also; without spoiling, I think Julia ends up feeling somewhat incidental to the “main story”. Aside from a vague interest in the rare book that drives the action, and her need to please her father, Julia is sort of swept along by the plot without a lot of agency. As before, this wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did make me scratch my head, as it made Julia seem one-note.
All in all, I think this book fits an interesting gap in the Regency romance genre, with two characters who explore the personal trauma they have experienced and grow from it, separately and together; neither emerges “perfect” but they are better together in a believable romance. The author is a little extensive in her treatment of both characters, but I never felt like I was asked to leap to conclusions I didn’t have grounding for. The plot isn’t as pressing as I would prefer, but Julia and Oliver are worth a rainy afternoon’s read, even if the adventure is a bit dry.
June 4, 2016
A fast-moving emotional story that is well-written--full of twists and turns, secrets, and a sweeping romance. I loved it! We met these two characters briefly in the previous book and I was so excited to read their story! Oliver is haunted by past demons and more comfortable around books than people but emerges from his library to search for a particular ancient text. He's not pleased to find that Lady Julia has the very book he wants. Lady Julia is surprised when Oliver insists he needs the book she just purchased for her father. She refuses to hand it over, forcing Oliver to find another way to get it. Everyone thinks Julia has the perfect life, but she is constantly struggling to find ways to help her father. When she sees that Oliver is unhappy as well, she can't help but try to assist him. The lady is exactly what Oliver needs, but he doesn't think he deserves the sort of happiness she offers. This story was an entertaining read with interesting characters and a wonderful plot involving thieves. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 27, 2022
3 1/2 stars I wish I could round up to 4. Sometimes I make the decision by asking myself if I would re-read the book. A 4 star book is one I would re-read. I have to admit, I wouldn't revisit this. It's not bad, but the MC's spend too much time waffling back and forth about their relationship. They stew in guilt excessively, make out and regret it, and then start the process all over again. This is frustrating, not sexy.
I was interested in the H's past; as a former Navy officer, he was traumatized by his part in a bloody battle and has not been able to forgive himself, or deal with anger in a constructive way. His relationship with the H of the previous book is well-written and realistic. However, his relationship with the h is not. Their physical attraction comes to the fore very early on--too early on, tbh. I felt there needed to be more tension and working through of their own issues before the passion flared.
The h is so concerned about becoming a shell of herself by falling in love, she doesn't realize that she's already become a shell by refusing to get a life. She's marginalized by her dad and the H to the point that it made me uneasy. She spends so much of the book trying to control her father's health and his responses to basic setbacks and disappointments, she could be classified as neurotic. Both her aunt and her brother try to talk sense into her, but she even blames herself for her mother's abandonment and accidental death.
There is a mystery here, which I found intriguing due to its psychological/paranormal-ish trappings. Discussions about how superstitions control behavior, and how merely believing that something is true can dictate the future, are unique for a Regency romance. The H even believes he has the ability to sense events before they happen. But then you have the h's TSTL behavior that put her in harm's way toward the end (seriously, she was just grabbed by a bad guy and almost forced into his carriage, and right after that she's traipsing around alone, with a "borrowed" book a young boy was nearly killed for). I'm all for H's who are knights in shining armor, however, I dislike h's who put themselves in harm's way without thinking.
And, I can't help it, I'm going to be the petty grammarian here: This author has a habit of never ending a sentence with a preposition, and that can make for awkward sentence structure. Please, authors and editors, be aware that that ancient rule never applied to splitting up phrasals such as "count on."
The bottom line: This is compelling in fits and starts, but the relationship between H/h lacks joy and humor, with both characters wrapped up in their own neurosis for much of the plot.
I was interested in the H's past; as a former Navy officer, he was traumatized by his part in a bloody battle and has not been able to forgive himself, or deal with anger in a constructive way. His relationship with the H of the previous book is well-written and realistic. However, his relationship with the h is not. Their physical attraction comes to the fore very early on--too early on, tbh. I felt there needed to be more tension and working through of their own issues before the passion flared.
The h is so concerned about becoming a shell of herself by falling in love, she doesn't realize that she's already become a shell by refusing to get a life. She's marginalized by her dad and the H to the point that it made me uneasy. She spends so much of the book trying to control her father's health and his responses to basic setbacks and disappointments, she could be classified as neurotic. Both her aunt and her brother try to talk sense into her, but she even blames herself for her mother's abandonment and accidental death.
There is a mystery here, which I found intriguing due to its psychological/paranormal-ish trappings. Discussions about how superstitions control behavior, and how merely believing that something is true can dictate the future, are unique for a Regency romance. The H even believes he has the ability to sense events before they happen. But then you have the h's TSTL behavior that put her in harm's way toward the end (seriously, she was just grabbed by a bad guy and almost forced into his carriage, and right after that she's traipsing around alone, with a "borrowed" book a young boy was nearly killed for). I'm all for H's who are knights in shining armor, however, I dislike h's who put themselves in harm's way without thinking.
And, I can't help it, I'm going to be the petty grammarian here: This author has a habit of never ending a sentence with a preposition, and that can make for awkward sentence structure. Please, authors and editors, be aware that that ancient rule never applied to splitting up phrasals such as "count on."
The bottom line: This is compelling in fits and starts, but the relationship between H/h lacks joy and humor, with both characters wrapped up in their own neurosis for much of the plot.
May 11, 2018
Not as solid as Hawke's story. I also take exception of the use of a the word ISSUE/S (for distorting the Timeline a bit) in Chapter 13 and the other following chapters that mention Oliver's wartime berserker~like actions and his PTSD where these were referred to as "issues" in the present day context. While during the 14th century up to the Regency period, the word means "offspring or children" and in 1836 it means "an important point to be decided" only in 1990 would the word mean "unresolved conflicts." Whereas the word "balance" can be explained away by Aunt Matilda's meditations and the Oriental influences that the Victorians were gaga about along with Spiritualism. One more thing, given that Victor almost lost his young life stealing the Book of Secrets and bringing it to Oliver's address, why did Julia take the book intending to show it to her father without taking an escort to her carriage (or taking additional precautions for her safety) given what just happened to Victor and given that Malverson almost kidnapped her previously? I think Julia's character is stupid and full of misplaced angst and guilt making her lacking in resolve (except with having sex with Oliver) and direction as well as being insecure to boot.
May 7, 2018
Oliver is a former Naval officer who is now a recluse and scholar. He is asked by his friend Hawke to assist in capturing the head of a gang of thieves who is using a medieval book to control his gang. Lady Julia has obtained another book by the same medieval author for her father, also a scholar. Oliver needs that book to help with his investigation which brings them together. The premise and set up was interesting but didn’t go any further. Oliver suffers from PTSD and Julia’s father suffers from depression. I hope a therapist reads this book and let’s us know what Julia is suffering from! The book is very repetitive as Oliver slowly comes out of his shell. Julia clings forever to the notion that she must give up having a life of her own in order to take care of her father. The gang leader and the secret of the medieval book was boring and the ending predictable.
July 19, 2018
Julia was purchasing a very old text when Viscount Frost “Oliver” came in and wanted the same book. Since the book was promised to Lady Julia first it was given to her. She would do anything to keep her father happy. Oliver paid an unexpected visit the next day to Julia’s Home to speak to the Earl about buying the book, when he refused, Oliver explained it was for research and the Earl offered to help which gave him purpose.
The back and forth between Julia and Oliver was great as they each had hidden agendas. Oliver to keep his privacy and away from crowds and Julia to make her father happy. As they get closer to finding the villains Julia is taken and Oliver needs to get her back to tell her how he feels. Another great read!
The back and forth between Julia and Oliver was great as they each had hidden agendas. Oliver to keep his privacy and away from crowds and Julia to make her father happy. As they get closer to finding the villains Julia is taken and Oliver needs to get her back to tell her how he feels. Another great read!
October 19, 2020
Super Heroes and Their Soulmates....
So far I have read two books in this series and have read them out of order. I can therefore attest that the books are stand alone novels, though better understood if read in order. Ms. Williams has a way with developing characters that makes them seem real and likable. Her heroes and their love interest seem unlikely matches but balance each other in ways that true soulmates only can. The romance is swoon worthy. The storyline reveals a part of Victorian London I never knew existed. This taste of history makes the mystery and suspense that much more interesting. This series has earned a permanent place on my bookshelves. I can hardly wait to read more.
So far I have read two books in this series and have read them out of order. I can therefore attest that the books are stand alone novels, though better understood if read in order. Ms. Williams has a way with developing characters that makes them seem real and likable. Her heroes and their love interest seem unlikely matches but balance each other in ways that true soulmates only can. The romance is swoon worthy. The storyline reveals a part of Victorian London I never knew existed. This taste of history makes the mystery and suspense that much more interesting. This series has earned a permanent place on my bookshelves. I can hardly wait to read more.
May 7, 2018
Charming The Scholar is an amazing historical romance by Lana Williams. Ms. Williams has delivered a book that is well-written and loaded it with outstanding characters. Oliver is becoming a recluse after he returns from the war. Julia is caring for her father and meets Oliver at a bookstore when they both try to purchase the same book. Their story is full of drama, sizzle, humor, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Lana Williams in the future. Charming The Scholar is book 2 of The Seven Curses of London Series but it can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 29, 2019
PTSD existed before it was diagnosed
Viscount Frost has become an agoraphobic after a disaster in Ethiopia. When he learns someone has bought the book he wants, he forces himself to go to the bookstore, where he meets Lady Julia. We met her in the first book of the series, and somehow she and the Viscount are asked to help Hawke, also from the first book. I will at some point read the 3rd book as actually the hero has been my favorite from book one. However, the first 2 books had the same plot point (my woman in peril) , and many other similarities, so I will wait to buy thev3rd.
Viscount Frost has become an agoraphobic after a disaster in Ethiopia. When he learns someone has bought the book he wants, he forces himself to go to the bookstore, where he meets Lady Julia. We met her in the first book of the series, and somehow she and the Viscount are asked to help Hawke, also from the first book. I will at some point read the 3rd book as actually the hero has been my favorite from book one. However, the first 2 books had the same plot point (my woman in peril) , and many other similarities, so I will wait to buy thev3rd.
November 8, 2018
Lovely book all the way through!
Oliver and Julie were perfect for each other, it just took them awhile to decipher that for themselves. Oliver has what now would be diagnosed as PTSD. Obviously the author has many insights into this and of peoples' characters because she wrote brilliantly about it.
I have already ordered another of her books and off to order one more. I love that there was no filler or rambling pages in this book. It had mystery, crime, romance and family love. Bravo Ms. Williams!
Oliver and Julie were perfect for each other, it just took them awhile to decipher that for themselves. Oliver has what now would be diagnosed as PTSD. Obviously the author has many insights into this and of peoples' characters because she wrote brilliantly about it.
I have already ordered another of her books and off to order one more. I love that there was no filler or rambling pages in this book. It had mystery, crime, romance and family love. Bravo Ms. Williams!
January 3, 2018
Excellent addition to the series
I enjoyed this story as much as the first one in this series. Seeing Oliver leave his self-imposed isolation because he was intrigued with Julia is satisfying. They both have issues about who they really are and what life holds for them that they overcome as they learn love is worth the risk. The story is very well done and I'm on to the next one.
I enjoyed this story as much as the first one in this series. Seeing Oliver leave his self-imposed isolation because he was intrigued with Julia is satisfying. They both have issues about who they really are and what life holds for them that they overcome as they learn love is worth the risk. The story is very well done and I'm on to the next one.
June 22, 2020
Oliver has become a recluse because of his flashbacks of war but is trying to overcome it. Julia is beautiful and encouraging young woman who has set her own life aside in order to aid her ailing father. The book was fine except that it many of the elements remind me of plot points of other books in this same series. This was book 2 of the series and I have already read book 3 as I accidentally read them out of order. The series is 10 books long, but I think I'm done.
February 16, 2021
*spoilers*
Slow in parts and I would have liked this historical romance a lot better if (spoiler) the heroine hadn't slept with the hero before he was even courting her! That never says "strong woman" to me - it says "idiotic woman" instead. If she gets pregnant, she is ruined and he goes on his merry way.
I did like that the author dealt with societal issues in London and with PTSTD in a veteran.
Slow in parts and I would have liked this historical romance a lot better if (spoiler) the heroine hadn't slept with the hero before he was even courting her! That never says "strong woman" to me - it says "idiotic woman" instead. If she gets pregnant, she is ruined and he goes on his merry way.
I did like that the author dealt with societal issues in London and with PTSTD in a veteran.
July 9, 2018
Great 5 star novel.
I loved this story of Julia and Oliver's romance. It was filled with drama, suspense and mystery. Oliver has retreated from society and Julia has devoted herself to her ailing father's happiness and putting her own on hold. Only a rare book brings them together as they fight their attraction to each other. Wonderful romantic story and great characters.
I loved this story of Julia and Oliver's romance. It was filled with drama, suspense and mystery. Oliver has retreated from society and Julia has devoted herself to her ailing father's happiness and putting her own on hold. Only a rare book brings them together as they fight their attraction to each other. Wonderful romantic story and great characters.
December 31, 2019
Another beautiful love story
I enjoyed this book as I guess I am parcial to Navy men. It doesn’t matter the time they are still subjected to danger and carry the scars the rest of their lives. My husband had so many experiences he didn’t talk about for years. We were married 57 years and he has been gone 5.
I enjoyed this book as I guess I am parcial to Navy men. It doesn’t matter the time they are still subjected to danger and carry the scars the rest of their lives. My husband had so many experiences he didn’t talk about for years. We were married 57 years and he has been gone 5.
June 9, 2022
Juliet is spending her life taking care of her ailing father. She is at a bookstore to purchase a book her father had ordered. However Oliver is there for the same book. He tries to get it from her but she refuses. Therein begins a tremendous struggle between the two of them. It makes for an interesting book.
March 11, 2018
Book two follows on from Loving the Hawke and still uses the real book of the 7 curses of London as a frame for the story, but it has to be said that this link (thieves) is really rather contrived. Still, not a bad read 19th century romance novel
May 5, 2018
Interesting
An interesting background of criminal. activity scholarly research to a story of two emerging lover struggling with their demons bad they worked their way towards acceptance of their love.
An interesting background of criminal. activity scholarly research to a story of two emerging lover struggling with their demons bad they worked their way towards acceptance of their love.
May 7, 2018
Entertaining historical romance
I am enjoying this series especially people of consequence making inroads for the poor of London. Adding a HEA with likable individuals to the mix as well as bringing forth characters from the first book kept me happy.
I am enjoying this series especially people of consequence making inroads for the poor of London. Adding a HEA with likable individuals to the mix as well as bringing forth characters from the first book kept me happy.
May 7, 2018
Romance among the book shelves
The hero has to find a way leave the books and the house to rejoin the world. The heroine wants to solve every ones problems while denying she has any. Love takes them both by surprise.
The hero has to find a way leave the books and the house to rejoin the world. The heroine wants to solve every ones problems while denying she has any. Love takes them both by surprise.
May 15, 2018
Another good tale
An enjoyable read, links well with another in the series I have read. A tale of crime based in the slums of London, antique books and folk lore, mixed with romance. Would read another from this author, as makes for a great weekend read
An enjoyable read, links well with another in the series I have read. A tale of crime based in the slums of London, antique books and folk lore, mixed with romance. Would read another from this author, as makes for a great weekend read
May 26, 2018
Lovef it
Cannot wait to read more by this author characters were very interesting and the relationships of the characters with each other were perfectly rounded out to each personality. Well written i felt like Ike I was in the book while I was reading it
Cannot wait to read more by this author characters were very interesting and the relationships of the characters with each other were perfectly rounded out to each personality. Well written i felt like Ike I was in the book while I was reading it
July 5, 2018
Wonderful!
Absolutely intriguing,entertaining and romantic! Loved how both Lady's win the Lord's hearts and helped to heal their soul's. Teaching them both that love can really win at all costs.
Absolutely intriguing,entertaining and romantic! Loved how both Lady's win the Lord's hearts and helped to heal their soul's. Teaching them both that love can really win at all costs.
July 30, 2018
Loved this book!
Being a bookshelf,I loved the idea of gigantic private libraries. I' have 3 full bookcases and my husband considers them wasted space. Philostine! These days, Oliver would be a NERD. I am the queen of nerds, so I know. The love story is very sweet.
Being a bookshelf,I loved the idea of gigantic private libraries. I' have 3 full bookcases and my husband considers them wasted space. Philostine! These days, Oliver would be a NERD. I am the queen of nerds, so I know. The love story is very sweet.
May 3, 2019
Trouble with thieves
This series draws its inspiration from a book published in the1800s about several of the negative conditions that plagued London. Honorable men are trying to help eradicate these problem with the help of some independent women. Love the historical connection.
This series draws its inspiration from a book published in the1800s about several of the negative conditions that plagued London. Honorable men are trying to help eradicate these problem with the help of some independent women. Love the historical connection.
February 12, 2022
Love the series
Such a revelation that men who were at war, even many years ago, suffered from nightmares. It's great to see that they were able to find love and learn how to deal with their problems. Romance is great too!
Such a revelation that men who were at war, even many years ago, suffered from nightmares. It's great to see that they were able to find love and learn how to deal with their problems. Romance is great too!
October 5, 2025
He was a broken war hero, who's struggling with PTSD. Isolated and full of anger. She ... I didn't like her. Her behaviour is childish. She shocked me when she stole something from him, which is not something a lady would do.
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