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Regency Rogues #2
Reckless Viscount
*This is a re-release of a previously published book by the same title
Book Two in the Regency Rogues series
A womanizing rake abducts an innocent heiress and must decide if he can believe in love before it is too late.
Leif Riley, heir to an ancient and impoverished title, is known in London society for his reckless charm, irreverent behavior, and devoted pursuit of wealthy women. What the world doesn’t know is that Leif is determined to accumulate enough of a fortune to restore his wasted ancestral holdings to their once formidable glory.
Abbigael Granger left Ireland to find a husband. More than that, what she yearns for with all her heart is a man who will love her for who she is despite the darkness of her past. Not a raving beauty, and harboring a secret that could shatter her chances at a proper match, Abbigael can only hope her sizeable dowry succeeds in drawing a few worthy suitors.
When the two are forced to wed, Abbigael learns that a reformed rake may not be the worst choice for a husband, and Leif discovers that his Irish bride is more than a match for him…in and out of the bedchamber. In a marriage that begins with an abduction and hasty elopement, can desire become something more?
Book Two in the Regency Rogues series
A womanizing rake abducts an innocent heiress and must decide if he can believe in love before it is too late.
Leif Riley, heir to an ancient and impoverished title, is known in London society for his reckless charm, irreverent behavior, and devoted pursuit of wealthy women. What the world doesn’t know is that Leif is determined to accumulate enough of a fortune to restore his wasted ancestral holdings to their once formidable glory.
Abbigael Granger left Ireland to find a husband. More than that, what she yearns for with all her heart is a man who will love her for who she is despite the darkness of her past. Not a raving beauty, and harboring a secret that could shatter her chances at a proper match, Abbigael can only hope her sizeable dowry succeeds in drawing a few worthy suitors.
When the two are forced to wed, Abbigael learns that a reformed rake may not be the worst choice for a husband, and Leif discovers that his Irish bride is more than a match for him…in and out of the bedchamber. In a marriage that begins with an abduction and hasty elopement, can desire become something more?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2013
116 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sandas
116 books344 followersMy love of romance began one summer when I was thirteen and complained of boredom. I ended up with one of my mother's Barbara Cartland books and an obsessive interest that expanded from there. My affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities.
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 17, 2019
DNF 39%
January 12, 2022
oh my heart - what a book hangover.
Never have I ever wanted to both comfort a hero and then throttle him (at the same time) as I did this one. I have only read a few other books by this author, but I'm thinking she has a talent for writing tortured heroes that are still relatable.
I do love a bad guy and Leif is definitely a bad guy. However, he is not the grumpy overbearing overtly Alpha who uses words as his weapon of choice to keep the heroine from getting too close. Nope. He is much more subtle and uses charm, seduction, and a wickedly accurate ability to read a woman's desire as a way to keep up the protective wall around his heart.
I just finished the book but feel like I need to immediately reread it so I can understand what was real for him and the heroine and what was the hero playing his part.
The heroine was sweet but not in a syrupy way. She was strong but not in the way of a shrew. I thought the heroine did the best she could with the circumstances she was handed. She came across as real, and I liked her.
I have to admit - I'm struggling a bit here because I'm still processing what I just read!
This book definitely has a place on my reread shelf. I will very likely end up with the physical book once I get new book money (ha!).
The only thing I would change is the abrupt ending. It desperately *needs* a longer conversation between the hero and the heroine to wrap up some things or an epilogue as it feels unfinished. I need to see the HEA in action!
Never have I ever wanted to both comfort a hero and then throttle him (at the same time) as I did this one. I have only read a few other books by this author, but I'm thinking she has a talent for writing tortured heroes that are still relatable.
I do love a bad guy and Leif is definitely a bad guy. However, he is not the grumpy overbearing overtly Alpha who uses words as his weapon of choice to keep the heroine from getting too close. Nope. He is much more subtle and uses charm, seduction, and a wickedly accurate ability to read a woman's desire as a way to keep up the protective wall around his heart.
I just finished the book but feel like I need to immediately reread it so I can understand what was real for him and the heroine and what was the hero playing his part.
The heroine was sweet but not in a syrupy way. She was strong but not in the way of a shrew. I thought the heroine did the best she could with the circumstances she was handed. She came across as real, and I liked her.
I have to admit - I'm struggling a bit here because I'm still processing what I just read!
This book definitely has a place on my reread shelf. I will very likely end up with the physical book once I get new book money (ha!).
The only thing I would change is the abrupt ending. It desperately *needs* a longer conversation between the hero and the heroine to wrap up some things or an epilogue as it feels unfinished. I need to see the HEA in action!
June 12, 2020
OMG loved this book as much as the first one! I read over 350 books a year and Amy Sandas has blown me away with her writing! She is a new author for me but so glad I downloaded her books. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day just like the first one! Leif's character just reminded me of guys I always thought I could fix. So glad there was someone there to actually do it.
September 1, 2019
2.5 stars, but rounding up because it's better than the other book I read today.
I wanted to like this. This is close. I like both characters. But there are issues. This is essentially a marriage of convenience. She has a scandal associated with her name, and has limited marriage prospects. He needs to marry an heiress because his father was the worst. They get along and decide to make the best of it.
But still the issues.
1. I think that I prefer my marriage of convenience novels to get the marriage out of the way quickly. This one took too long for them to get married. Which was not helped by...
2. He kidnaps her. I mean, I knew it was coming. It's in the blurb. I think I was prepared to just get it out of the way and handwave it off as necessary set-up. Except that it's farther into the book, after they've interacted a few times, which makes it harder to stomach. Because he knows her a bit, and knows why this is awful.
3. He responds to the kidnapping with charm. You kidnapped a woman and took her halfway to Scotland after she already had a scandal attached to her name, and told you she wanted to get married. I mean, yes, he was drunk when he did it. But I feel like charm is not the appropriate response. Show some recognition of the gravity of the situation jerkface (he does in his own thoughts, but not to her). The doubling down on charm made me want to punch him in the face. I get that's his thing, but REALLY NOW. You KIDNAPPED her and essentially destroyed all of her choices.
4. The drama in the last quarter is irritating given how things were going up until then. Seriously dude, get over yourself. And then she gets ridiculously stuboorn, and it's all annoying.
5. I am so over several-month long separations ending/being solved with the birth of a child. See 4, and the need to get over oneself.
6. I would also like my romance novels to not abruptly end with a single 2-page conversation solving eight months of issues. I would also like to see a chapter afterwards. (By which I do not mean an epilogue set several years later where everyone has produced multiple children and everything is hunky dory.) (To be fair, this does not have one of those, it just ends super abruptly. I wanted another conversation.)
Parts of this are enjoyable, I just wanted it to be slightly better.
I wanted to like this. This is close. I like both characters. But there are issues. This is essentially a marriage of convenience. She has a scandal associated with her name, and has limited marriage prospects. He needs to marry an heiress because his father was the worst. They get along and decide to make the best of it.
But still the issues.
1. I think that I prefer my marriage of convenience novels to get the marriage out of the way quickly. This one took too long for them to get married. Which was not helped by...
2. He kidnaps her. I mean, I knew it was coming. It's in the blurb. I think I was prepared to just get it out of the way and handwave it off as necessary set-up. Except that it's farther into the book, after they've interacted a few times, which makes it harder to stomach. Because he knows her a bit, and knows why this is awful.
3. He responds to the kidnapping with charm. You kidnapped a woman and took her halfway to Scotland after she already had a scandal attached to her name, and told you she wanted to get married. I mean, yes, he was drunk when he did it. But I feel like charm is not the appropriate response. Show some recognition of the gravity of the situation jerkface (he does in his own thoughts, but not to her). The doubling down on charm made me want to punch him in the face. I get that's his thing, but REALLY NOW. You KIDNAPPED her and essentially destroyed all of her choices.
4. The drama in the last quarter is irritating given how things were going up until then. Seriously dude, get over yourself. And then she gets ridiculously stuboorn, and it's all annoying.
5. I am so over several-month long separations ending/being solved with the birth of a child. See 4, and the need to get over oneself.
6. I would also like my romance novels to not abruptly end with a single 2-page conversation solving eight months of issues. I would also like to see a chapter afterwards. (By which I do not mean an epilogue set several years later where everyone has produced multiple children and everything is hunky dory.) (To be fair, this does not have one of those, it just ends super abruptly. I wanted another conversation.)
Parts of this are enjoyable, I just wanted it to be slightly better.
June 10, 2013
Originaly posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/06/review-...
Favorite Quote: “I do not judge you for your past and I will defend against anyone who do.”
Viscount Neville, Leif Riley, is considered a scoundrel who enjoys the attentions of wealthy woman for money. Though many only see a charming seductive rake, not many know of the reasons behind his facade. He is desperate to restore his ancestral home to its former glory and hopefully break the curse that has repeatedly destroyed his family through the ages. When he sees Abbigael Granger, he thinks he has found a way to make all his dreams come true.
Irish Heiress Abbigael Granger (Abby) has come to London in order to secure her future. Circumstances from her childhood has left her with a secret that could destroy her chances of a normal life with a husband and children. She has only one chance to make her dreams come true and a scandalous rake doesn’t figure into those plans.
Circumstances force Leif to kidnap Abby and spirit her away to Gretna Green. He does offer Abby a choice in the matter and she agrees; she will get her husband and children and he will get the money he needs. But Abby and Leif soon find that love has a funny way of deriding all the best laid plans. As Abby and Leif discover overwhelming pleasure in the marriage bed, both wonder if they can find pleasure out of it.
When I first requested Reckless Viscount by Amy Sandas, I was sure I was going to get a lightweight humorous marriage of convenience romance. I was wrong. Reckless Viscount is a emotional love story about two completely different people who meet and discover the missing pieces to their soul. A visually impacting romance that focuses heavily the protagonists and their journey towards love, forgiveness, and redemption. Delicious emotional dialogue and lush sensual scenes paint a vivid picture that stays with you long after the end. Sanda’s has an intriguing prose that speaks directly to the romantic at heart.
I absolutely adored Abby and Leif. Two intelligent, strong, witty people who find themselves attracted despite their misgivings. They were a joy to get to know. So different yet so much alike. It’s their loneliness that calls them to one another. Their dialogue is humorous, sexy, and heartbreaking as we watch Abby and Leif struggle to adjust to their impulsive marriage and the consequences that come with it.
Leif is a delightfully sexy beta hero with a heart of gold and a gentle commanding nature. Though tragic circumstances forced him into a role he now plays somewhat unwillingly, I found he is so much more than he allows you to see. His lighthearted commentary and abundant flirting belies the darkness that he harbors in his soul.
Abby delights the reader as we peel back her layers and find she isn’t the normal innocent miss whom is usually found on the marriage market. Nor is she as malleable as Leif thinks. She has a unique way of looking at people and situations and instantly knows the best way to handle them. Though this wasn’t the way she wanted to get married, she is attracted to Leif and agrees to go through with the “kidnapping.” She is honest with him from the start, telling him about her secret and goes into their marriage with hope for their future.
The chemistry between them sparks from the first moment they meet and only continues to flame brighter and brighter as time passes. Though not an erotic romance, Sanda writes some incredibly sensual and racy love scenes that she uses to explore our hero and heroine’s physical and emotional hearts. We are able to see past their public facades and into their very souls.
“You unravel me,” he whispered against her panting mouth.
Leif knows he is not what Abby needs. His past has his heart securely caged and he feels he is undeserving of her happiness and love.
“Love is just a word men and women toss around when they are trying to get something from each other.”
Regardless of Leif’s thoughts, you can’t help but fall in love with him. While he is manipulative to certain extent, he isn’t a chest beating alpha. He carries a lot of guilt for forcing Abby into marriage and also for his attraction to her. Watching Leif fight his attraction for her is heartbreaking, especially when you realize the reasons he is doing it. He feels deep inside that he isn’t any good for her. His past has left him cold and unable to completely trust anyone and he honestly believes he carries a taint that he cannot bear to see touch Sara.
“He had never felt so deeply entangled in a woman’s reaction. There was an odd hint of desperation hovering in the muted light of the room. He feared the desperation came from himself and that suspicion created a feeling in his bones that was both disturbing and incredibly arousing.”
Fear soon overrides his common sense and we watch as our couple begins to disintegrate as Leif is unable to stop the loathing that resides within him.
“He hadn’t realized until just now that lately he had been playing the game with only the necessary physical facilities, allowing his internal involvement to withdraw further and further. But last night, he had been present and invested in every moment. [...] There was just no way he could have anticipated what that would do to him in turn. And now he paid the price for it, feeling coldly stripped bare.“
It is at this point that we see what Abby is truly made of. And she is glorious in her fight for Leif’s love.
Though we don’t see much of the secondary characters, they are prominent in our protagonists lives. Humor intertwines within the story, balancing nicely with the emotional angst and drama. I especially liked that Leif wasn’t a jerk. Not to say he wasn’t an arse at times, because he was. But he doesn’t treat our heroine like she is less than him or that she should be embarrassed by anything she feels or does. When they get together, Leif treasures and nurtures everything about her-never breaking the vibrant spirit that originally attracted him to her.
As per most romances, Leif and Abby have to run a pretty rough gauntlet in order to overcome obsticles that block their path to their happily ever after. Sandas’ chooses an interesting abet often used set of circumstances that allows Leif to understand and accept the depths of his love for her.
Ah l’amour. I enjoyed this story and the wonderful hero and heroine who shed all their inhibitions and face their greatest fears in order to go on the most powerful and painful journey they ever embarked on…falling in love.
Overall Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: “I do not judge you for your past and I will defend against anyone who do.”
Viscount Neville, Leif Riley, is considered a scoundrel who enjoys the attentions of wealthy woman for money. Though many only see a charming seductive rake, not many know of the reasons behind his facade. He is desperate to restore his ancestral home to its former glory and hopefully break the curse that has repeatedly destroyed his family through the ages. When he sees Abbigael Granger, he thinks he has found a way to make all his dreams come true.
Irish Heiress Abbigael Granger (Abby) has come to London in order to secure her future. Circumstances from her childhood has left her with a secret that could destroy her chances of a normal life with a husband and children. She has only one chance to make her dreams come true and a scandalous rake doesn’t figure into those plans.
Circumstances force Leif to kidnap Abby and spirit her away to Gretna Green. He does offer Abby a choice in the matter and she agrees; she will get her husband and children and he will get the money he needs. But Abby and Leif soon find that love has a funny way of deriding all the best laid plans. As Abby and Leif discover overwhelming pleasure in the marriage bed, both wonder if they can find pleasure out of it.
When I first requested Reckless Viscount by Amy Sandas, I was sure I was going to get a lightweight humorous marriage of convenience romance. I was wrong. Reckless Viscount is a emotional love story about two completely different people who meet and discover the missing pieces to their soul. A visually impacting romance that focuses heavily the protagonists and their journey towards love, forgiveness, and redemption. Delicious emotional dialogue and lush sensual scenes paint a vivid picture that stays with you long after the end. Sanda’s has an intriguing prose that speaks directly to the romantic at heart.
I absolutely adored Abby and Leif. Two intelligent, strong, witty people who find themselves attracted despite their misgivings. They were a joy to get to know. So different yet so much alike. It’s their loneliness that calls them to one another. Their dialogue is humorous, sexy, and heartbreaking as we watch Abby and Leif struggle to adjust to their impulsive marriage and the consequences that come with it.
Leif is a delightfully sexy beta hero with a heart of gold and a gentle commanding nature. Though tragic circumstances forced him into a role he now plays somewhat unwillingly, I found he is so much more than he allows you to see. His lighthearted commentary and abundant flirting belies the darkness that he harbors in his soul.
Abby delights the reader as we peel back her layers and find she isn’t the normal innocent miss whom is usually found on the marriage market. Nor is she as malleable as Leif thinks. She has a unique way of looking at people and situations and instantly knows the best way to handle them. Though this wasn’t the way she wanted to get married, she is attracted to Leif and agrees to go through with the “kidnapping.” She is honest with him from the start, telling him about her secret and goes into their marriage with hope for their future.
The chemistry between them sparks from the first moment they meet and only continues to flame brighter and brighter as time passes. Though not an erotic romance, Sanda writes some incredibly sensual and racy love scenes that she uses to explore our hero and heroine’s physical and emotional hearts. We are able to see past their public facades and into their very souls.
“You unravel me,” he whispered against her panting mouth.
Leif knows he is not what Abby needs. His past has his heart securely caged and he feels he is undeserving of her happiness and love.
“Love is just a word men and women toss around when they are trying to get something from each other.”
Regardless of Leif’s thoughts, you can’t help but fall in love with him. While he is manipulative to certain extent, he isn’t a chest beating alpha. He carries a lot of guilt for forcing Abby into marriage and also for his attraction to her. Watching Leif fight his attraction for her is heartbreaking, especially when you realize the reasons he is doing it. He feels deep inside that he isn’t any good for her. His past has left him cold and unable to completely trust anyone and he honestly believes he carries a taint that he cannot bear to see touch Sara.
“He had never felt so deeply entangled in a woman’s reaction. There was an odd hint of desperation hovering in the muted light of the room. He feared the desperation came from himself and that suspicion created a feeling in his bones that was both disturbing and incredibly arousing.”
Fear soon overrides his common sense and we watch as our couple begins to disintegrate as Leif is unable to stop the loathing that resides within him.
“He hadn’t realized until just now that lately he had been playing the game with only the necessary physical facilities, allowing his internal involvement to withdraw further and further. But last night, he had been present and invested in every moment. [...] There was just no way he could have anticipated what that would do to him in turn. And now he paid the price for it, feeling coldly stripped bare.“
It is at this point that we see what Abby is truly made of. And she is glorious in her fight for Leif’s love.
Though we don’t see much of the secondary characters, they are prominent in our protagonists lives. Humor intertwines within the story, balancing nicely with the emotional angst and drama. I especially liked that Leif wasn’t a jerk. Not to say he wasn’t an arse at times, because he was. But he doesn’t treat our heroine like she is less than him or that she should be embarrassed by anything she feels or does. When they get together, Leif treasures and nurtures everything about her-never breaking the vibrant spirit that originally attracted him to her.
As per most romances, Leif and Abby have to run a pretty rough gauntlet in order to overcome obsticles that block their path to their happily ever after. Sandas’ chooses an interesting abet often used set of circumstances that allows Leif to understand and accept the depths of his love for her.
Ah l’amour. I enjoyed this story and the wonderful hero and heroine who shed all their inhibitions and face their greatest fears in order to go on the most powerful and painful journey they ever embarked on…falling in love.
Overall Rating: B+
Read
June 11, 2013After meeting Leif in the Rogue Countess, I couldn't WAIT to read his story. It was so much better than I anticipated. I expected a light, fluffy romp. And Leif tried really hard not to let things get heavy, until suddenly he was in too deep. Abby was just the bewitching innocent to turn his womanizing heart around. She was smart, caring, and entirely aware of what she was getting into, as well as what she wanted. So refreshing!! I really enjoyed this, and simply cannot WAIT for the 3rd of the trilogy.
February 9, 2025
4.25 another great story by Sandas who I’m quickly beginning to think is a real gem and underrated in HR. If this book is missing one thing it’s a chapter before the last one to really drive home the agony our MCs are experiencing before the climax of the story. Otherwise is lovely.
Curious if people read MMC’s name as “Lafe” or “Life”? I went with “Lafe” sounded cooler to me.
Curious if people read MMC’s name as “Lafe” or “Life”? I went with “Lafe” sounded cooler to me.
July 23, 2022
1 Star / DNF @ 62%
And I'm done.
I thought Leif's story with his hoochie past would be interesting to see play out with him getting married...I was wrong.
This book was super weird for me.
I didn't like the heroine. I never connected with her. I found her "past" about her extreme grieving of her mother really random and weird to the overall plot. It was definitely explained oddly with a spin of some kind of intuitiveness she supposedly has? Like sure. I wanted to like her. She just wanted to be happy and have a nice husband and a family of her own. I got that. Truly though she was just super boring. Seemed to always be sad and bummed about something or another yet perky and positive about her last chance at finding a husband? Ehhhh.
The hero I was already iffy on from book one but I'm always a sucker for a redemption story. That's not what this felt like. It was essentially hyper focused on the hero's man ho past and awakening the heroines sexuality, especially after they married. SPARE ME.
I did not care in the least for these sex scenes. The first one was rather weirdly placed and didn't transition well. I couldn't wrap my head around the heroine waking up afraid and confused only to learn she'd been kidnapped and getting angry when she saw who did it but then for some extremely random reason the hero kissed her and it lead to a super heavy make out sesh and then bam he's taking her V card... WUT?
The heroine was super behind living in the moment during this which was absurd to me considering the circumstances!
I just didn't buy it. Especially the lame manchild from the heroines past who had no reason to spread lies about the heroines sanity but did anyway just to ruin her because he's a spoiled brat. Meh
I found it a little gross how easily the heroine just flipped her switch from sane and logical to fluttering and tingling over the hero flirting with her or kissing her. It felt so forced and disingenuous. She never held her anger or frustration toward him long. She let him "charm" her every time when she should have made him prove himself.
Can a girl get some decent "getting to know you" scenes for a change? They met, they feel thangs, they get told to stay away from one another, they meet again in secret, they share kisses and then poof she's kidnapped and they're married and she just gets ok with it so fucking fast I got whiplash. Especially because she's really gung-ho with sexing it up with him and letting him charm her DESPITE knowing he was essentially a male hooker/escort??? Where's the struggle? Make him earn it beeotch!
And I'm done.
I thought Leif's story with his hoochie past would be interesting to see play out with him getting married...I was wrong.
This book was super weird for me.
I didn't like the heroine. I never connected with her. I found her "past" about her extreme grieving of her mother really random and weird to the overall plot. It was definitely explained oddly with a spin of some kind of intuitiveness she supposedly has? Like sure. I wanted to like her. She just wanted to be happy and have a nice husband and a family of her own. I got that. Truly though she was just super boring. Seemed to always be sad and bummed about something or another yet perky and positive about her last chance at finding a husband? Ehhhh.
The hero I was already iffy on from book one but I'm always a sucker for a redemption story. That's not what this felt like. It was essentially hyper focused on the hero's man ho past and awakening the heroines sexuality, especially after they married. SPARE ME.
I did not care in the least for these sex scenes. The first one was rather weirdly placed and didn't transition well. I couldn't wrap my head around the heroine waking up afraid and confused only to learn she'd been kidnapped and getting angry when she saw who did it but then for some extremely random reason the hero kissed her and it lead to a super heavy make out sesh and then bam he's taking her V card... WUT?
The heroine was super behind living in the moment during this which was absurd to me considering the circumstances!
I just didn't buy it. Especially the lame manchild from the heroines past who had no reason to spread lies about the heroines sanity but did anyway just to ruin her because he's a spoiled brat. Meh
I found it a little gross how easily the heroine just flipped her switch from sane and logical to fluttering and tingling over the hero flirting with her or kissing her. It felt so forced and disingenuous. She never held her anger or frustration toward him long. She let him "charm" her every time when she should have made him prove himself.
Can a girl get some decent "getting to know you" scenes for a change? They met, they feel thangs, they get told to stay away from one another, they meet again in secret, they share kisses and then poof she's kidnapped and they're married and she just gets ok with it so fucking fast I got whiplash. Especially because she's really gung-ho with sexing it up with him and letting him charm her DESPITE knowing he was essentially a male hooker/escort??? Where's the struggle? Make him earn it beeotch!
June 21, 2017
Reckless Viscount is the second book in the Rogue Countess series, and so far, I think this book is the best among the series. It surprised me that I actually like the story from beginning until the end and enjoy the ride without feeling frustrated while reading it
Abbigael and Leif, both had a dark that they wanted to conceal from the world. This is why, Abbigael is very determined to find a suitable match that could secure her position in the ton and gives her the warmth that she had lost in the dark past of her child. To Leif, getting an heiress is something important for him to do so that he could secure his own future and battle with his own dark past. And when the two meet, they felt the spark of recognition and romance that forced them into a marriage that might not even be an unwilling match after all
I rarely like a hero who's suffering from dark past but Leif is the best hero in all series that I've ever read. He's so blatantly honest even though he could be a blockhead sometimes when it comes to feelings or love, but he make his due at the end of the series to Abbigael
Overall ratings: 4.8 stars
Abbigael and Leif, both had a dark that they wanted to conceal from the world. This is why, Abbigael is very determined to find a suitable match that could secure her position in the ton and gives her the warmth that she had lost in the dark past of her child. To Leif, getting an heiress is something important for him to do so that he could secure his own future and battle with his own dark past. And when the two meet, they felt the spark of recognition and romance that forced them into a marriage that might not even be an unwilling match after all
I rarely like a hero who's suffering from dark past but Leif is the best hero in all series that I've ever read. He's so blatantly honest even though he could be a blockhead sometimes when it comes to feelings or love, but he make his due at the end of the series to Abbigael
Overall ratings: 4.8 stars
August 21, 2023
⛔️ (in notes)
August 27, 2022
**Trigger Warnings Below**
Heroine: Abbigael Granger, 21. An Irish heiress. She is a distant cousin of the Earl of Blackbourne.
Hero: Leif Riley, 27-28. Baron Riley who inherits the title of Viscount Neville. He is a notorious rake who is in a precarious financial position, inheriting a dilapidated estate and debts.
Date: 1822
How they meet: Leif catches Abbigael eavesdropping at the door of the Earl of Blackbourne’s study. He is there because he is a good friend of the Countess.
What happens: Abbigael is in London for the season hoping to find a husband. Her reputation was ruined back in Dublin by rumors about her mental stability. Her cousin and his wife Anna are sponsoring Abbigael. Anna is friends with Leif and warns him to stay away from her due to his reputation. She warns Abbigael about him as well.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: Worst. Hero. Ever. Leif has no respect for Abbigael, no respect for his friend Anna, and no respect for himself. He is a truly damaged hero who is a mess emotionally and psychologically in addition to his financial troubles. At the beginning he delights in making the heroine uncomfortable with his physical advances, then once he’s married to her, he withholds affection from her much of the time. In the end, he justifies his abhorrent behavior by saying he pushed her away because he loved her so much, which sounds just as manipulative and insincere in a novel as it is in real life! I’m not sure how I felt about the heroine as I was so focused on my dislike of the hero. At times I felt sorry for her and other times I was just indifferent. Also, the true reconciliation of the couple comes Lots of angst in this one and not much happiness. The saving grace of this book is that the author is such a good writer (and that’s what kept it from being a 2-star book). This is the second book in the series and I recommend reading book 1 first since its heroine Anna plays a big role in this book and because a bit of good will is built up for Leif in that book as her friend. The third book is better, and this one could be skipped over.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Heroine: Abbigael Granger, 21. An Irish heiress. She is a distant cousin of the Earl of Blackbourne.
Hero: Leif Riley, 27-28. Baron Riley who inherits the title of Viscount Neville. He is a notorious rake who is in a precarious financial position, inheriting a dilapidated estate and debts.
Date: 1822
How they meet: Leif catches Abbigael eavesdropping at the door of the Earl of Blackbourne’s study. He is there because he is a good friend of the Countess.
What happens: Abbigael is in London for the season hoping to find a husband. Her reputation was ruined back in Dublin by rumors about her mental stability. Her cousin and his wife Anna are sponsoring Abbigael. Anna is friends with Leif and warns him to stay away from her due to his reputation. She warns Abbigael about him as well.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: Worst. Hero. Ever. Leif has no respect for Abbigael, no respect for his friend Anna, and no respect for himself. He is a truly damaged hero who is a mess emotionally and psychologically in addition to his financial troubles. At the beginning he delights in making the heroine uncomfortable with his physical advances, then once he’s married to her, he withholds affection from her much of the time. In the end, he justifies his abhorrent behavior by saying he pushed her away because he loved her so much, which sounds just as manipulative and insincere in a novel as it is in real life! I’m not sure how I felt about the heroine as I was so focused on my dislike of the hero. At times I felt sorry for her and other times I was just indifferent. Also, the true reconciliation of the couple comes Lots of angst in this one and not much happiness. The saving grace of this book is that the author is such a good writer (and that’s what kept it from being a 2-star book). This is the second book in the series and I recommend reading book 1 first since its heroine Anna plays a big role in this book and because a bit of good will is built up for Leif in that book as her friend. The third book is better, and this one could be skipped over.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
June 15, 2019
Quite Alright
A nice storyline. This is my first book from this author and it made me curious enough to want to buy other books in this series.
This book’s hero brings to mind the hero in Elisa Brady’s The Devil is a Marquess. The hero is a financially challenged nobleman who uses his sexual prowess for financial gain. (I know there is a more modern term for this. It starts with a man and ends with a wh%*€). The hero had an unhappy childhood and yet his façade is one of charm and rakishness due to his chosen “profession”. He is a childhood friend of the countess who sponsored the heroine for her London season. The heroine is the innocent heiress Irish debutante. She came from a lonely childhood. The loss of her mother sparked rumors in Ireland which forced her to go to London to seek a husband. She met the hero in the house of the countess. They had a connection but of course said hero is undeserving of the heroine and the heroine has also been made aware of this. One drunken night the hero just abducts the heroine and they ended up getting married by mutual consent. The rest of the book deals with how they deepened their connection (physically and emotionally. There were several lovemaking scenes but not very graphic) and the issues they had to settle before they got their HEA. I am not really fond of heroes who act like prostitutes but the heroine carried this story for me (and I always believe everyone deserves a love story). I like how straightforward the characters are and the level of maturity they had. There angst and misunderstanding are not so prevalent in this book. Thank goodness. Of course, as with some books, there were minor loopholes in terms of the consistency and connectivity to reality and pragmatism of some situations in the book. However, I cannot deny that I enjoyed the plot. I did have to just skim through some overly descriptive paragraphs and internal dialogue. I wish there was epilogue.
A nice storyline. This is my first book from this author and it made me curious enough to want to buy other books in this series.
This book’s hero brings to mind the hero in Elisa Brady’s The Devil is a Marquess. The hero is a financially challenged nobleman who uses his sexual prowess for financial gain. (I know there is a more modern term for this. It starts with a man and ends with a wh%*€). The hero had an unhappy childhood and yet his façade is one of charm and rakishness due to his chosen “profession”. He is a childhood friend of the countess who sponsored the heroine for her London season. The heroine is the innocent heiress Irish debutante. She came from a lonely childhood. The loss of her mother sparked rumors in Ireland which forced her to go to London to seek a husband. She met the hero in the house of the countess. They had a connection but of course said hero is undeserving of the heroine and the heroine has also been made aware of this. One drunken night the hero just abducts the heroine and they ended up getting married by mutual consent. The rest of the book deals with how they deepened their connection (physically and emotionally. There were several lovemaking scenes but not very graphic) and the issues they had to settle before they got their HEA. I am not really fond of heroes who act like prostitutes but the heroine carried this story for me (and I always believe everyone deserves a love story). I like how straightforward the characters are and the level of maturity they had. There angst and misunderstanding are not so prevalent in this book. Thank goodness. Of course, as with some books, there were minor loopholes in terms of the consistency and connectivity to reality and pragmatism of some situations in the book. However, I cannot deny that I enjoyed the plot. I did have to just skim through some overly descriptive paragraphs and internal dialogue. I wish there was epilogue.
November 9, 2018
3+
Long, explaning, grovely, got things together finally, wonderful ending buttresses the takeaway impression of this one a lot. But there's a lot in the middle that's not-quite -- mostly a few too many circles run around the 'oh just talk already' contrivance.
Hero is an unusual one for a romance, and he's not a rogue-in-a-Regency. He's desperate and damaged and interesting. He's a cad and too sensitive so he's insensitive; I liked & forgave him a lot, and it's made clear the heroine is worthy and knows what she's fighting for. She's also not to type (that's part of her charm to him but gladly there's not a clanger of notlikeotherGirls! from him), is ready for her fragile control and hopes for a future to crumble at any moment.
It's in realizing they'll get that in each other that's important. And when they finally do, it's a glorious moment. I think he'll be different going forward, and they won't go to Town much, and they'll be fine friends with the also unorthodox Blackbournes, it'll suit both of them just fine.
There's some inconsistency to their arc for me. Not jarring, but a few moments of orly this again -or- this already. Their marriage of convenience isn't to type either, and the way is paved for it by their respective misfit standings in society. But they're quite suited and have quite a spark and I believe the HEA they both never felt they'd get was well-earned & deserved.
Long, explaning, grovely, got things together finally, wonderful ending buttresses the takeaway impression of this one a lot. But there's a lot in the middle that's not-quite -- mostly a few too many circles run around the 'oh just talk already' contrivance.
Hero is an unusual one for a romance, and he's not a rogue-in-a-Regency. He's desperate and damaged and interesting. He's a cad and too sensitive so he's insensitive; I liked & forgave him a lot, and it's made clear the heroine is worthy and knows what she's fighting for. She's also not to type (that's part of her charm to him but gladly there's not a clanger of notlikeotherGirls! from him), is ready for her fragile control and hopes for a future to crumble at any moment.
It's in realizing they'll get that in each other that's important. And when they finally do, it's a glorious moment. I think he'll be different going forward, and they won't go to Town much, and they'll be fine friends with the also unorthodox Blackbournes, it'll suit both of them just fine.
There's some inconsistency to their arc for me. Not jarring, but a few moments of orly this again -or- this already. Their marriage of convenience isn't to type either, and the way is paved for it by their respective misfit standings in society. But they're quite suited and have quite a spark and I believe the HEA they both never felt they'd get was well-earned & deserved.
July 17, 2018
Irish
I knew the next book would be about Leif, a damaged soul in need of healing. Anna loved him so he couldn't be all bad, but he knew nothing of love or kindness. Enter Abbigeal, an Irish cousin of Anna's who of course is affected by hom at their first meeting. I gave this book a 3 because of one scene that probably wouldn't be in a book written today (who would believe that 2014 seems so far from today) but I don't want to give a spoiler, suffice to say an inappropriate sexual scene. It takes months for a realization of what love is. But there is a wonderful happily ever after.
I knew the next book would be about Leif, a damaged soul in need of healing. Anna loved him so he couldn't be all bad, but he knew nothing of love or kindness. Enter Abbigeal, an Irish cousin of Anna's who of course is affected by hom at their first meeting. I gave this book a 3 because of one scene that probably wouldn't be in a book written today (who would believe that 2014 seems so far from today) but I don't want to give a spoiler, suffice to say an inappropriate sexual scene. It takes months for a realization of what love is. But there is a wonderful happily ever after.
January 10, 2020
Infuriating Couple
This tale of lust and stupidity brings together Leif the gigolo peer with Abbegaele the virginal heiress. After a couple awesome kisses, she thinks it's love and acquiesces to an intimate encounter and hasty marriage. Stupidity ensues. For months. Until a life endangering event makes everything better.
Neither of the main characters behave logically. A professional lover won't bed his new wife??? Understanding he is avoiding her, she makes it easier by running far away and not writing??? I have trouble believing the final event truly settled anything. Read this only if you've a liking for steamy description.
This tale of lust and stupidity brings together Leif the gigolo peer with Abbegaele the virginal heiress. After a couple awesome kisses, she thinks it's love and acquiesces to an intimate encounter and hasty marriage. Stupidity ensues. For months. Until a life endangering event makes everything better.
Neither of the main characters behave logically. A professional lover won't bed his new wife??? Understanding he is avoiding her, she makes it easier by running far away and not writing??? I have trouble believing the final event truly settled anything. Read this only if you've a liking for steamy description.
April 4, 2023
I can’t even convey how bad this book was. While the writing was well done the story was abhorrent. The characters are flat and unbelievable. Their motivations are shallow and empty. Truly I’ve never believed less in a couple than I do this this one.
Leif is selfish and immature and Abbigail is naive and easily manipulated.
I had low expectations after reading the summary and even those were too high. I struggled to finish this book hoping and praying it would get better. Spoiler: it does not.
Not a single character was fully developed.
Leif is selfish and immature and Abbigail is naive and easily manipulated.
I had low expectations after reading the summary and even those were too high. I struggled to finish this book hoping and praying it would get better. Spoiler: it does not.
Not a single character was fully developed.
November 14, 2017
Stunningly emotional!
I've never read the ending of a book again just after I've finished it. However, this one I did. How emotional mnemonic all are these characters? Full of self questioning, which endear them to the reader. A fabulous second book in the series.
I've never read the ending of a book again just after I've finished it. However, this one I did. How emotional mnemonic all are these characters? Full of self questioning, which endear them to the reader. A fabulous second book in the series.
September 6, 2019
THE RECKLESS VISCOUNT: is a wonderful romance story. Loved both hero and his lady. The tension in this book is perfect and the writing superb. My only disappointment is the (wasted) length of time they spend apart.
January 25, 2020
A bumpy road
This story was very emotional. I had a love hate relationship with the hero. As appealing as Lief is , the choices he makes are hard to justify. The chemistry he has with Abby is amazing.
This story was very emotional. I had a love hate relationship with the hero. As appealing as Lief is , the choices he makes are hard to justify. The chemistry he has with Abby is amazing.
January 9, 2023
Great story!
I loved Riley in the first book and wanted to see his love story and I was not disappointed! I enjoyed every minute of the romance (and angst, lol) and would definitely recommend the book!
I loved Riley in the first book and wanted to see his love story and I was not disappointed! I enjoyed every minute of the romance (and angst, lol) and would definitely recommend the book!
November 24, 2017
Another keeper from an awesome author.
September 2, 2019
Love denied
Until it cld no longer be denied. An emotional roller coaster for both our lovers who had the key to each other’s deep seeded lack of emotional affection
Until it cld no longer be denied. An emotional roller coaster for both our lovers who had the key to each other’s deep seeded lack of emotional affection
March 30, 2020
More than three stars but not quite four. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
June 13, 2021
3.75 stars
Great book but I didnt like the separation part. It was too long. Leif came across a bit immature too. But I'm stoked for Michael's book
Great book but I didnt like the separation part. It was too long. Leif came across a bit immature too. But I'm stoked for Michael's book
August 23, 2021
A very lovely story. I appreciated the twist on the traditional "rake just for fun" angle.
December 8, 2021
Awesome
I just loved this story. The love and healing that gave Leif and Abby a happily ever after made it a great read.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚
I just loved this story. The love and healing that gave Leif and Abby a happily ever after made it a great read.📚😍📚😍📚😍📚
June 4, 2023
Loved the book. The story built up slowly and I expected H would mess up and I hated him for being such a coward. I wish the HEA was longer.
December 6, 2014
Abbigael Granger, a well-off Irish lass, is sent to London in the 1820s to seek a husband. Dublin is the second city of the Empire but her rural home in Donegal is far from society. Her father, a member of the Privy Council, places her with his cousins who promise to introduce her to all the right people. But at 21, and not a raving beauty, she's not guaranteed of success.
Leif, Lord Riley, is a RECKLESS VISCOUNT used to ignoring husband hunters but from the first time he meets Abbigael eavesdropping at a door he notices that she's not the usual schooled miss. Devil-may-care with a wild reputation, he inveigles an introduction. But Abbigael is conscious that she must behave impeccably, because after her mother's death in a carriage accident she suffered a breakdown, and she can't allow any suspicion to taint her now; nobody would wish to marry possible insanity. Leif's elderly father dies and he inherits 500 acres of ruined soil in northern Sussex, with a crumbling castle for a home. Suddenly an heiress is just what he needs to restore his property, but nobody respectable wants to let him near their daughter, and as for Abbigael, who intrigues him, rumours are already flying....
I don't recall reading about possible insanity before in a historical romance heroine, and Amy Sandas addresses a situation which we still tiptoe around today. If someone has a breakdown we see them as fragile and in need of support or medication. In the 1800s there was no medication, except the opiate laudanum, and little understanding of mental illness of short or long duration. While this is an adult romance, we see lovemaking in the context of a relationship. I was surprised that Leif is particularly determined to restore an orangery on his estate; surely at this period everyone would have given priority to a family chapel?
September 20, 2013
I don't usually hate the hero of a romance until the very end of the book, but I did with this one-- it was marvelous! Amy Sandas chose an unusual hero and heroine to bring her tale to life, and it is her characters that make the historic romance fresh and fun. The characters were complex and sometimes even jarring. Reading their story was a breath of fresh air.
When we are first introduced to her, Abbigael comes across as the helpless and innocent heroine of silent movies. She is pure and kind and perfect. Her counterpart, Leif, fits the dark and sinister role as the villain. Much of the story, I kept wondering if a hero would ride in on his white horse to rescue the damsel in distress and vanquish the villain. But this damsel doesn't need rescuing. We soon find out that Abbigael, though innocent, is anything but helpless. As her inner strength is tested, we discover that our leading lady is full of surprises.
Leif is a twisted and angry character, and for much of the book, I didn't like him. He remained the villain, and was so convincing that I kept thinking there simply had to be hero in a white hat running around somewhere for Abbigael to love. However, his story and personality draw you in and keep you rooting for him. By the end of the story, Abbigael and Leif prove their worth and earn their happiness in a very satisfying ending.
When we are first introduced to her, Abbigael comes across as the helpless and innocent heroine of silent movies. She is pure and kind and perfect. Her counterpart, Leif, fits the dark and sinister role as the villain. Much of the story, I kept wondering if a hero would ride in on his white horse to rescue the damsel in distress and vanquish the villain. But this damsel doesn't need rescuing. We soon find out that Abbigael, though innocent, is anything but helpless. As her inner strength is tested, we discover that our leading lady is full of surprises.
Leif is a twisted and angry character, and for much of the book, I didn't like him. He remained the villain, and was so convincing that I kept thinking there simply had to be hero in a white hat running around somewhere for Abbigael to love. However, his story and personality draw you in and keep you rooting for him. By the end of the story, Abbigael and Leif prove their worth and earn their happiness in a very satisfying ending.
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