Valor of Love

Scandalous Scions #2

by Tracy Cooper-Posey

He is less than a commoner and should be beneath her notice.


Lady Lillian Innesford, oldest daughter of the Williams family, withdrew from society seven years ago. A governess now, she carries a secret that has drained all life from her.


Jasper Thomsett, new butler to the Williams family, is the first and only person to realize the nature of Lilly’s troubles. Retired with the highest honours after the Crimea War, he seeks a quiet life, but Lilly’s secret will rip their world apart.


Valor of Love is the second book in the spin-off series following the historical romances of Scandalous Sirens. Scandalous Scions brings together the members of three great families, to love and play under the gaze of the Victorian era’s moralistic, straight-laced society.


Reader Advisory: This story contains frank sex scenes and sexual language.


This story is part of the Scandalous Scions series:
0.5 Rose of Ebony
1.0 Soul of Sin
2.0 Valor of Love
3.0 Marriage of Lies
4.0 Mask of Nobility
5.0 Law of Attraction
…and more to come!


A Sexy Historical Romance
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Praise for Valor of Love:


I have to admit crying like a baby through some passages of the book, they are so well-written that you can feel the character’s emotions.


I won't ruin the story but even if you feel historical romances aren't your thing trust me this will change your mind. I'm glad I took the chance and read it.


Wow! I was so moved by their story that I cried happy tears!! I'm so totally in love with these characters!


The characters stepped out of the books' fictional realm into my life from the very first page and they stayed with me as I had to go about my daily commitments...I know I'll be thinking of them long after the last page has been read.


This wonderful, suspenseful and romantic tale will make you believe that anything is possible. The family rallies around and helps put things right for them both. This is a must read if you like historical romance with some wonderful heat!!!


At long last, we hear the individual stories behind Lady Lilly and Thompsett, Lord Marblethorpe's butler. Cooper-Posey has dropped little hints that both hid behind a painful and mysterious past, but for her to give the reader BOTH stories in the same book - was just wonderful.
___


Tracy Cooper-Posey is a #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, historical, paranormal and science fiction romance. She has published over 90 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.


She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year. Tracy won the award in 2012, and a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.


She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance

ebook

First published September 16, 2017

About the author

Tracy Cooper-Posey is an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author. She writes romantic suspense, paranormal, urban fantasy, futuristic and science fiction romances. She has published over 100 novels since 1999, been nominated for five CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award.

She turned to indie publishing in 2011. Her indie titles have been nominated four times for Book Of The Year and Byzantine Heartbreak was a 2012 winner. Faring Soul won a SFR Galaxy Award in 2016 for “Most Intriguing Philosophical/Social Science Questions in Galaxybuilding” She has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at MacEwan University.

She is addicted to Irish Breakfast tea and chocolate, sometimes taken together. In her spare time she enjoys history, Sherlock Holmes, science fiction and ignoring her treadmill. An Australian Canadian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a former professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line.

Reviews

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overly complex setting and family connections took away a star. The plot is great with fearful h living a life of servitude after being brutalised by evil OM. The H is the family butler and he's suffering from PTSD. His love for the h just adds to his trauma, he knows she's not for him. So much to unpack in their story, and the plot was very clever and unexpected. I loved that the h had hidden strength and it was no revealed until the final paragraph.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very engaging read. Jasper and Lily had both suffered a traumatic experience and although their experiences were very different, they understood what each other was going through. I loved their connection and how they were able to help one another. Jasper had a very interesting back story. There are times of danger for them. I’m ready for the next in the series!

[Eliza · Rating 1 out of 5]

**spoilers**

I don’t dish out 1 stars often, but this book…well it deserved it. First off, this isn’t a standalone. There are about 20 different characters all blowing in and out of every scene and I had no clue what any of them were talking about.

Who was this book even about?? When I finally figured that out it was suuuuch a letdown. Of course we can’t have just a regular butler fall for a lady, no we have to have the Cinderella story…yes, of course he’s not a normal butler, oh no, he’s the bastard son of the archduke…of course…

I gave up after 70% and didn’t look back.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get excited when I have a new book by Tracey Cooper-Posey to read.
And when I discovered that this was Lady Lillian's story, I was doubly excited.
She has been an unusual character in the last 2 books. At first I thought she was Raymond's Susanna. And then it kept bugging me in the second book that she was portraying herself more like a servant than Natasha's eldest daughter. She didn't quite fit with the rest of the family who seem to be quite gregarious when she always seemed to be trying to fade into the wallpaper.
I am a little ashamed to admit that I just dismissed her as an anomaly.
But in Valor of love, Tracey Cooper-Posey - genius that she is - has not only given us Lillian's story, we've gotten it front and centre where we can't ignore it. And she's given us Thomsett's story as the perfect foil. Plus she's cleared up a mystery I didn't even know was a mystery! That's how awesome she is.

[Ingrid Savell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was so moved by their story that I cried happy tears!! I'm totally in love with these characters!

This was such an enthralling story that I didn't want to put down (but work and life got in the way)!! The characters stepped out of the books' fictional realm into my life from the very first page and they stayed with me as I had to go about my daily commitments...I know I'll be thinking of them long after the last page has been read.

The interaction of the characters was in keeping with the Victorian Era setting and yet there was a warming intimacy to their romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cooper-Posey has a sophisticated writing style that captures me so that I felt involved in the lives of the characters without getting bogged down in unnecessary details of their everyday actions. The social and moral strictures of the times are well laid out as a framework for the unfolding story of the two main characters. Cooper-Posey recreates the lifestyle and setting of the Victorian Era beautifully with enough detail to set the scene without boring details getting in the way.

This Scandalous Scions series is fantastic!!! I highly recommend this latest installment and urge you to read all the series in their correct reading order...and better yet, read the Scandalous Sirens series first to get to know more of this family (although not absolutely necessary as Sirens deals with a preceding generation of characters).

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful Historical Romance!!

Thomsett is the family butler now – but he was once an officer fighting in the Crimea War decorated with the Victoria Cross. Lily suffered earlier in her life, but for much of the story we do not know how, just how it affects her. When these two are able to empathize with each other’s trials, a bond is formed that is unusual in the society of the day.

This family does not necessarily follow social norms, they allow children to speak and hug in public. So just maybe there could be something between these socially different people.

It is such a delight to read about this family; even the trials and of course the triumphs. When danger requires extreme measures you will be on the edge of your seat until you have devoured every word. Ms. Cooper-Posey brings characters to life in such a way that you feel as if you too are a member of the family. A terrific read.

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

[~~ Angie ~~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel duped!!!

I was looking for a book with passion, love, adventure, and a good steamy romance. As the disclaimer read: Beware as this book is filled with sex and may have vulgar words...... YEAH RIGHT-AND I POOP RAINBOWS!

I'm so angry and disappointed in spending money on this book. There is over 10+ different characters, one love scene at 73% of the book, and one "I love you" each at the end of book - 98% to be exact.

The story is boring, no vulgarity, no romance or sweet talk. No stolen knock your socks off kisses. No winking, no eye contact, no walks in he garden. This book is loaded with dialogue, tea gatherings and a villain with Herculean strength.

This is no Jess Michaels, Judy Garwood or Lisa Kleypass story. Oh, and by the way, that disclaimer is a lie! Just to get you to buy her book! Duped! I've been duped!!

Heat Rating: Colder than the North Pole

[Teo Ojog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valor of love is a very inspiring story.
First of all it proves that love doesn't care about ranks, the opinion of the society, place or time. By this I'm thinking of Lilly and Jasper's experience of healing, saving and loving each other.
Secondly, I admire very much the way these men take care of the women they love, of their families and friends.
Then the story itself is full of great people, wonderful descriptions, historical information, hints for the next stories, and full of mysteries and unexpected events.
One can't not enjoy this book or close it the moment they started reading the story.

[Audrey Cienki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance. Tracy's characters just come alive. If you love historical romances, Valor of Love if for you. If you don't usually read historical romance, Valor of Love is for you.
Tracy's writing is engaging and the characters are relatable.

[Sieravonne · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I read at least 1/4 of this novel, I already knew that I would be rating it 1-star and I was right. Why?

1. I didn't get hooked on. I was able not to read it for a day or two.

2. A number inconsistencies or bad mathematics

- Chapter 1: If now is April and Natasha and Raymond got married last October, they should be married for 6 months, not a year. Unless, they got married last, last October which will make them married for 18 months.

- If the year was 1860, how can Seth be dead for 7 years when he died in 1854? It was written on the carved plate of his tomb. (See Chapter 1 of Soul of Sin)

- If the year was 1860 and Lilly was born in 1939, then she was 21. So when she was violated 7 years ago, she would be 14 that time. Does this mean that she had her coming out at the age of 14? Which is impossible because debutantes start their season from 16 to 18. 16 and 17 were even considered barely out of schoolrooms.

Either the author is really bad in basic Algebra or she needs to do her research more on the life of 1800s England.

Plus, what kind of a parents Seth and Natasha were? Letting their 14-year-old-should-still-be-in-the-schoolroom daughter attend an adult event---a ball! And unchaperoned. Even if Lilly was with a companion that night but found a way to sneak out, Seth and Natasha shouldn't let her be present at a function for the grown-ups in the first place!

I know this is mean to say, however, it was good riddance that Seth died and Natasha got miserable and lonely because of their neglection.

3. Aplenty of "This just does not add up."

- Chapter 5: For someone who came from a scandalous great family, Lilly sure did let fear rule her. She should be bold because scandalous runs in her blood.

- Chapter 8: For a Great Family, all of them were imbeciles. They seemed like powerful but they couldn't protect Lilly? And need to hide her? Seriously? With their forces (one even belong to the royal family), they can do something about Blackawton. They were called the Great Family, right? Then I'm sure they have the connection to do it discreetly. Heck! They were able to do just that in the end. Why not do it from the start?

- Chapter 11: How did Wilson, the innkeeper, know that Thomsett was a major when Thomsett never went back to his hometown ever since he got his commission?

- Chapter 12: If Baron Dalehouse was Raymond's schoolmate, I presume that he was the same age as Raymond which was 35. With the probability of older or younger for a year or 2. Then how can the baron had a son who seemed to be in a marriageable age? Unless the baron got married so early.

4. Also in chapter 12, I find it very, very stupid that Baron Dalehouse allowed his wife and son to invite Lilly to their house party. I thought Lilly's identity was not known in Yorkshire and should remain discrete? Didn't Raymond explain it in his letter to the baron? What were they thinking? Where the h,e, double L was their common sense? Her identity could be compromised in the house party!


5. A few unnecessary scenarios. In my point of view, they were forcefully or "creatively" added to pave they way to Jasper and Lilly's kissing and intimate act and include those dramatic conversations that I consider over-acting.

- Chapter 12: Where Darren Dalehouse, Baron Dalehouse's son, visited the cottage and invited Lilly to their house party.

- Chapter 15: The third visit of Darren Dalehouse and attacked Lilly.

[Shasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two triggers

What an emotional story! Both of the main characters deal with PTSD from different triggers. The romance is slow but powerful.
Tragic circumstances abound and a true villainous rapist that just won't quit.
I didn't give this 5 stars because the subject matter will prevent me from reading this book over and over.

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance with heat.

Lilly and Jasper are just the most entrancing characters. That, the Great Family, the love without conditions and a really nasty bad guy make this an exciting read. The world building is superb. The societal depictions are very real. And the love? I’d be very surprised if it didn’t make you sigh. Often.

[Sandy N · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book from Tracy cooper-poosey. I did not really warmed to the story or the characters. Maybe I should I have read the first book in the series to immerse myself with all the different characters and families. I'll definitely read the third book though.

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing Book!

I didn’t think the second book in the series could be even better than the first. Ms. Cooper-Posey’s world building defied my expectations. The heroes in book 1 and 2 are wonderfully admirable men. I loved this book too.

[Cathy Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book !

What a wonderful story. Very well written and kept my attention to the last page. True love always comes out on top and this story was no different. I highly recommend this book.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a LOT. It quietly and carefully draws the reader into the stories behind the stories of the Great Family. There are tears, anger, and twists and turns that lead inexorably to romance with a happily ever after.

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story

This is a moving story with strong characters and a compelling plot. There is some disturbing violence in the book but still recommended for fans of the genre and series.

[Tony Peck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting into this family and their take on Victorian England. Good fast stories with romance galore, happy endings, but always with a little difference.

[Dina Bushrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Scandalous Scions story. In this book 2 of the series, both of the main characters have secrets. One of them, Jasper, has been damaged from war and the other, Lilly, from a heinous crime committed against her. They both do all they can to keep these secrets from a society that would ostracize them if they knew.They learn of each others secret and do what they can to help each other get through the traumas that they both still suffer from. Thankfully her family is there for her and when they learn of his problems, are there for him as well. The one who harmed Lilly is back and will stop at nothing to get her. In an attempt to stay safe they must leave their home and hide. What follows shows that they can overcome anything. Now you think I've given you a bunch of spoilers, but I've only given highlights and there is so much more in-between. We have love of family, fear of discovery, strength of character, and found love. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical romance

[Debra Johnson]

Prch Amz March 25, 2020

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this book – better than chocolate!
This book is part of the Scandalous Scions series but can be read as a standalone story. Lady Lillian suffered a savage attack when she made her debut into society and the effects of this coloured how she lived her life until circumstances forced her to reach out to her familys butler, a commoner who has also suffered through his own traumatic war experiences - two damaged souls attempting to heal each other.
I've read many books by this author and she always delivers a riveting story with well drawn out characters and a compelling, captivating plot. I would recommend this book to any readers who enjoys historical romance.

[J Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tracey Cooper-Posey’s books. This is the first book in the Scandadlous Scions Series that I have read. I loved the way the Williams family loved and protected Lady Lillian against the rule of the Victorian society. This family knows the true meaning of family. Thomset was a true hero.

[Alda Delicado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is not your everyday Regency story. Violence, fortunes reversed, many twists and sweet moments, it's globally a very good book. From the synopsis, I was expecting something totally different and I was totally surprised but I should write no more...

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had too many people in it, and it was a tad dull.