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His Majesty's Hounds #2

Intriguing the Viscount

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A scandal, a spy, a charming Viscount, a shy and beautiful Lady, a conspiracy with a dramatic conclusion.


Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm, returned from war to discover that his late brother had left him an inheritance of scandal. In the midst of dealing with that, he is called upon to serve his country further, undercover, to thwart a conspiracy instigated by a French spy. Between scandal and spying, there are days when he feels as if the war isn’t over....

Lady Odette Marmont, beautiful daughter of a French aristocrat and an English Lady, has been raised by her aunt since her mother’s death, and would prefer a book in a quiet library to a society Ball. But her aunt insists that, at 22, it is time she married, so, although disturbed by how changed her father is, since he returned from France, she steels herself to brave the Season.

But Lady Odette's father has attitudes and interests which bring him into conflict with everything that Charlton and his friends hold dear - and Lady Odette is caught in the middle.

Can Charlton and Odette find a way to explore their growing attraction, or will the tangle of scandal and treason tear them apart?

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2017

216 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Arietta Richmond

190 books358 followers
Arietta Richmond has been a compulsive reader and writer all her life. Whilst her reading has covered an enormous range of topics, history has always fascinated her, and historical novels have been amongst her favourite reading.

She has written a wide range of work, from business articles and other non-fiction works (published under a pen name) but fiction has always been a major part of her life. Now, her Regency Historical Romance books are finally being released. The Derbyshire Set is comprised of 10 novels (7 released so far). The ‘His Majesty’s Hounds’ series is comprised of 17novels, with the fourteenth having just been released.

She also has a standalone longer novel shortly to be released, and two other series of novels in development.

She lives in Australia, and when not reading or writing, likes to travel, and to see in person the places where history happened. 

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‘A Gift of Love’, which is a prequel to the Derbyshire Set series, and ends on the day that ‘The Earl’s Unexpected Bride’ begins, and ‘Madame’s Christmas Marquis’ which is an additional story in the His Majesty’s Hounds series

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
December 4, 2019
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Intriguing the Viscount is the second book, as part of Arietta Richmond’s Sweet and Clean Regency Romance series, 'His Majesty's Hounds', which can be enjoyed as part of the sequence or as a standalone.

*** Free on Kindle Unlimited (for a limited time only) ***

His Majesty's Hounds was a very elite group of gifted military men, a story for each is scattered among the series with their own individual stories are revealed. The story is set in London during the time period not long after Waterloo and Napoleon’s final exile to St. Helena. This tale reflects a merger of the social classes in a small section of London, related to Lady Pendeelton's determined plan to acknowledge her grandchildren born on the other side of the sheets. It was fortuitous she came upon them, quite by accident almost.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm, returned from war to discover that his late brother had left him an inheritance of scandal. In the midst of dealing with that, he is called upon to serve his country further, undercover, to thwart a conspiracy instigated by a French spy. Between scandal and spying, there are days when he feels as if the war isn’t over....

Lady Odette Marmont, the beautiful daughter of a French aristocrat and an English Lady, has been raised by her aunt since her mother’s death and would prefer a book in a quiet library to a society Ball. But her aunt insists that, at 22, it is time she married, so, although disturbed by how changed her father is, since he returned from France, she steels herself to brave the Season.

But Lady Odette's father has attitudes and interests which bring him into conflict with everything that Charlton and his friends hold dear - and Lady Odette is caught in the middle.

Can Charlton and Odette find a way to explore their growing attraction, or will the tangle of scandal and treason tear them apart?


Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm, one of the ‘His Majesty’s Hounds’, a second son, that had experienced many life-altering changes in his life recently, not the least of his scandal created by his recently deceased brother. With all his responsibilities, he felt like a man with the weight of the world upon his shoulders. Yet, he paused long enough each evening to converse with his mother and share her burdens as well. This man was a true hero, through and through.

Lady Odette Marmont is the beautiful daughter of a French aristocrat and an English Lady. Unbeknownst to Odette, her father is a French sympathizer building a band of men to rebel. She was filled with innocent naivete and possessed an overwhelming trust in her father.

As is usual with fictional romance and maybe in real life as well, lack of communication certainly inhibits the ability to get acquainted and develop feelings with each other, as is demonstrated in this tale. Many Historical Romance novels are tediously conventional. You can rest assured that this series is quite the opposite of that manner.

The reader will discover a French spy ring, some redemption for some of the lower classes, and a heart-warming conclusion.

This story has a believable plot, likable characters, a H.E.A. and it delivers a clean and wholesome presentation.

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Intriguing the Viscount:
Sweet and Clean Regency Romance
(His Majesty's Hounds Book 2)
. . . Kindle Edition
** Free on Kindle Unlimited **
by Arietta Richmond (Author)
Print Length: 130 pages

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Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 210 books1,825 followers
April 14, 2017
Intriguing The Viscount is set in London in the period shortly following Waterloo and Napoleon’s final exile to St. Helena. While it is an excellent Regency-era romance, it also delves into some of the social issues of the day, including the grinding poverty experienced by the lower classes and the growing discontent among the middle class, in particular their distaste for the excesses and entitlement of the Ton. Arietta Richmond skilfully weaves all these themes together by introducing Charlton, an aristocratic second son who fought in the wars and came home to inherit an Earldom on the death of his depraved older brother. Left to clean up his brother’s messes, Charlton still has work of his own to do for his country when he is recruited to keep an eye on a displaced French aristocrat suspected of plotting sedition.

Lady Odette, the heroine of Intriguing The Viscount, is the half-English daughter of the aristocrat in question. Exiled to England when very young, she has lived happily with her mother’s family ever since. Trying to be a dutiful daughter to the father she hardly knows, she is a very sweet and charming character, saved from being cookie-cutter by her intelligence and love of reading. I absolutely loved the scene where she quoted the beginning of The Iliad to Charlton; it was obvious that was the point at which he quite lost his heart to her. The flow of the story was at times a little choppy, but overall this was a very good read. Though it is the second in a series, it reads very nicely as a standalone and all the major plot points are nicely wrapped up by the end of the story.

Four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through Reader’s Favorite.
Profile Image for Teri Donaldson.
339 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2017
Such a fabulous book. Charlton was a wonderful hero. He returned from the war and immediately had to begin cleaning up the mess his now deceased brother had made of things. He was a true gentleman, inside and out. His nightly conversations with his mother really endeared me to him.
Odette was such a sweet, trusting and innocent heroine. She was smart, beautiful and not as interested in marriage as those around her.
Her trust in others almost ruins a budding relationship.
The primary characters in this book are marvelous, but so are the secondary characters. There are so many more stories to be told.
While it is not necessary to read the first book in this series to enjoy this one, it helps introduce many of the characters.
I highly recommend this book as well as all others by Arietta Richmond, who is one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Lesley.
2,442 reviews18 followers
May 29, 2017
Wicked Brother, Spy Rings and Regency Balls.
Charlton has returned from the war and succeeded to his brother's position. Everyday that goes past he uncovers more of his brother's disreputable dealings and is sickened by them. The Ton shuns him and his mother but Charlton, who has a sister to present to society, is determined to change their view; even more so when he meets the lovely Lady Odette Marmont. The last thing he wants is his old Commanding Officer, Baron Setford, to embroil him in spying on a French spy on behalf of the British Crown. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the suspected spy is Odette's father. An enjoyable story with well rounded characters, recommended read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Profile Image for Bonnie Binger.
25 reviews
February 5, 2017
I received a pre release copy of this book - this is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It started off a little slow for me, but that's probably because I haven't yet read the first one in the series.

I love Odette's innocence, and her blind faith in her father, though unwarranted. Charleton was my favorite character, such an honorable man. Having to come home from war only to have to clean up his horrible brother's messes, always being there for his mother, his sister, and ready to step in to help someone in need.

This is the first book I've read by Arietta Richmond, but it certainly won't be the last! I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and will definitely be catching up on her work so I can be ready for her next book!!
399 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2017
Charlton, back from the war, is faced with sorting out the affairs of his older brother, Michael, who died while Charlton was in Europe. Trying to overcome the stigma of his brother's vile actions, he helps his mother introduce his younger sister, Harriet, to society. At one event he catches sight of Odette, and is immediately drawn to her, but realises that her father is the French spy whom he was warned about in Europe, during the war. He finds himself in a quandry, especially as his employer, a spy-master himself, has asked Charlton to infiltrate the French spy ring. How Charlton and Odette solve their problems makes a real page-turner of a story.(I voluntarily reviewed this free Advanced reader copy.)
Profile Image for Ruby McDemon.
824 reviews8 followers
February 3, 2017
I did love reading this though and was completely happy with the entire story. I was sweet and quite a wonderful story. I've loved reading regency romances for a while and there were several elements that I have always liked seeing in them and then there were new elements that I hadn't thought of being added in. I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series when its available.
810 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2017
I like very much this book, the characters and the plot.
It is a sweet story, with some trysts and a happy end.
A story what will entrainment you until the last pages and I recommend this book to whom would like to spend a nice evening within in a new world.

I received a pre release copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Goldsby .
27 reviews
March 10, 2017
This heartwarming, sweet Regency romance will warm your heart. This fast paced short read will have you wondering what will come next! I never expected the ending and I'm sure you won't either! This author has a way with words and will keep you on your toes through the whole book! I cannot wait to see what comes next from His Majesty's Hounds Series! Loved the complete mayhem!!!
73 reviews
March 6, 2018
I loved it!

Entertaining and exciting. I love books with sequels and can't wait too read the next one! Its like watching a great TV series but I don't have too wait a whole week for the next eousoide!
Profile Image for Sharon Wagner.
473 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
Good book

Another great book! Sweet and romantic. Looking forward to the next book. With society so proper, it was wonderful to see Charlton's mother so happy to see her help her son's children.
Profile Image for Margaret Lambert.
32 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2019
A Wonderful story! So full of intrigue, mystery, unbidden love. Charlton, Viscount Pendholm, and his mother, Sylvia and younger sister Harriet have much to overcome in the shadow of the death of brother, former Viscount Pendholm. His death was murky at best. Scandal prevailed for a long time, causing much grief for the family. At a ball, a year or so later, Charlton spots a man with a ruby ring - something familiar about him begins to ring bells but he can't come up with anything - yet. There is also a lovely young woman, Lady Odette Marmont. Charlton is not ready for marriage yet finds the attraction to the young lady very strong indeed. Far from being the wicked rake his late brother was, he will tread carefully. There is still a question of Napoleonic spies amongst them and he and his brothers in arms, " The Hounds" must be ever vigilant. So much to be discovered both on the mysterious Frenchman and the recently discovered wicked deeds of the late Viscount - enough to make one's head spin!
After their first meeting, both Odette and Charlton become more and more enamoured of each other, yet both fear to reveal their true feelings - for diffeeeeeering reasons. When Odette's father, opposed to her having anything to do with Charlton lies to her regarding his suitability as either friend or suitor, she becomes terribly despondent. Further searches into the late Viscount's deeds reveal yet another layer to his atrocities. Still more regarding Odette's father, the mysterious Frenchman Charlton had first suspected as being other than what he proclaimed, publicly to be. This story is told by a gifted author who clearly understands her characters, their desires to do good and their strength in the face of frightening adversity. Please, do yourself a favour and read this marvelous book. YOu won't regret it. This was an ARC read and I post my review here willingly.

























































































































































































































































































































































































Profile Image for Cindy Cooke.
522 reviews5 followers
March 6, 2018
This is great sweet read

A war hero, home to take his older brother's place in England's aristocracy, finds that the former discount was quite the nefarious man being a cheat on many fronts. The new viscount has to find a way to make his family's name above reproach again. He is able to help his mother find girls who'd been otherwise destroyed by his brother's evil ways, and to help them become healthy and whole again. He is also able to assist his sister's entrance into society. Along the way, our young viscount also falls in love with a lovely young lady who is the daughter of the very man he suspects of being a dissident who is trying to gain assistance in bringing Napoleon back to continue the Revolution. The many twists and turns of this plot make Avery good read. Will the viscount be able to meet the needs of everyone who looks to him for help? Likely so, but how he manages it just may cause him to lose the beautiful Odette. Great read, Ms Richmond. Thanks.
2,102 reviews38 followers
August 18, 2018
In contrast to his dead older brother, Michael, the new Viscount Pendholm has an overdeveloped moral conscience. He and his mother took it upon themselves to atone and make reparations to Michaels's rape victims and their children. Charlton is also a member of the Hounds, a covert group of aristocrats working for King and Country with their own special skills. With Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo and his imprisonment at St. Helena, one would think their work is done but far from it. Rumors of a plot to liberate The Corsican from his prison plus civil unrest in the home front is not farfetched because of the alarming number of returning soldiers maimed and suffering from PTSD, jobless, disgruntled (some turning to crime) and unable to function in mainstream society vis~a~vis the indifference of the privileged few and Prinny's extravagance. The situation is ripe for a provocateur to take advantage of and it is Charlton's job to root him out.
Profile Image for Candy Briggs.
731 reviews14 followers
May 23, 2017
A great novel

The hounds are a 6 man team of specialists that work for the crown. Lord Charlton Edgeworth, Viscount Pendholm is one and has returned after 4 years fighting in France. At a ball h meets Lady Odette Marmont.
This lovely story has a bit of intrigue, some action and lots of heart. I am missing a lot of sleep because of this author. Once I start one of her books, I have to know what is going to happen next. Her stories as easy to read and I so enjoy her work. I believe you will enjoy this one also.
2,065 reviews13 followers
June 12, 2018
Enjoyable Regency Romance filled with intrigue, danger, secrets, despair, romance and love. This well written plot and storyline is enhanced by the strong characters, both main and secondary. It was interesting to see that Charlton’s family were not your normal members of the ton. They actually cared about the lower classes and tried to find ways they could help. I enjoy Arietta’s descriptions in the final chapters. I would recommend this story to Regency lovers everywhere.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review
300 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2020
Once again we have lovely characters in a well-written book. Charlton is extremely good, but has to clean up the messes of his late brother while also working as a spy. The complicate things, he is very attracted to Odette, the daughter of the man he is following. She is pretty and intelligent, but shy, making her a nicely rounded character.

There is a lovely romance, a bit of danger, and a happy ending. Just be warned, some of the things the brother did are terrible. If you don't want to be reminded of the evil in this world when you read, don't touch this book.
Profile Image for Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams.
2,705 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2022
Intriguing the Viscount: Sweet and Clean Regency Romance ( His Majesty's Hounds Book 2)

The love story of Charlton and Odette. Charlton Is the new viscoumt. His brother was kill and ton knew he was scandalous. He has to prove that he is an honorable man. He has find a spy and if the father of the woman he is fall in love with. Can he prove to the ton that he is honorable man and win the hand of Odette? Great story.
Profile Image for Courtney.
4,297 reviews
December 21, 2019
Maybe later.

I could not find a good page to truly sink myself into, during the beginning stages of this novel. I like to imagine it in my mind as a movie as the pages turn; however, I never could find footing to actually get that started here with this story. I would possibly like to try again later, hopefully it might be a better fit.
Profile Image for Melanie.
133 reviews
August 13, 2018
Intriguing

An interesting read from this author. Characters and plot are well developed and keep you turning pages. It does seem to come to an abrupt end but takes nothing away from the book.
Profile Image for Sally Hannoush.
1,882 reviews27 followers
September 12, 2018
Historical romance

This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone. There are spies and betrayal written into these pages. It was well written and had a fun couple to follow.
Profile Image for Zain.
310 reviews
November 19, 2017
Interesting

I love Regency Romances. Intriguing The Viscount was fun, fast and romantic. I was so into this book that I found it hard to put down.
Profile Image for Patricia Schuette.
633 reviews3 followers
June 18, 2018
Couldn't put it down

The story of a man newly returned from the war to find out his brother the late Viscount was not a nice man.
230 reviews
October 31, 2018
intriguing the viscount

sweet and lovely story. like to read all the series. its really a nice romantic story. grab it and enjoy
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,024 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2019
Charlton and Odette

A good mystery about French and English sympathies after Napoleon was defeated and sent to the Island. Love still blooms during the intrigues of the Hounds.
34 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2017
This second book in His Majesty’s Hounds series is AWESOME! It has true heroes and true villains set in a world of mystery, danger, and espionage. The author does a great job of creating charming characters that pull the reader quickly into their story. Charlton’s mother is quite a gem and they share a special friendship. Charlton is such a caring, noble and honorable man! As he works to undo the wrongs of his brother, society falsely judges him to be evil like his brother. Odette is a witty and smart lady who finds herself caught between her heart and her desire to obey her father. This is a sweet love story that is hard to put down. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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