When a lady discovers stars shine even in the blackest sky. Ruined by a lord purely as a means to exact revenge on her brother, Lady Lillian Sandford has given up all hope of ever finding love. The two years spent abroad did nothing to quell the gossips. And with her brother’s notorious reputation, it’s hard to hide in the shadows. Vane is viciously protective and threatens any man who so much as glances her way.
Only one man has the nerve to defy him. The one they call The Raven. After inheriting an estate on the verge of bankruptcy, Fabian Darcy, Baron Ravenscroft, made his fortune sailing the high seas. Haunted by the death of his sister, he lives far away from the society he detests, in a castle on an island off the Devonshire coast. But when he receives information that his sister may not have perished in the shipwreck, the search is on to find his missing sibling. Where better to start his investigation, than with the scoundrel who ruined her life? But Vane’s refusal to respond to his missive forces Fabian to take drastic action.
Kidnapping Lillian Sandford serves Fabian’s goal on numerous counts. Vane will have no choice but to offer his help. Marrying the chit will prove a fitting retribution. What lady wants to live on a desolate island with a crew of seafaring men? What lady wants a loveless marriage to a rogue?
Regency historical romance of approx 70,000 words.
Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her daring heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.
My favorite in this series! Vane and Fabian are two characters that just make me smile! The pace is fast, the characters relateable, and the plot refreshing. On to book 4.
I am giving this a 3.5 and rounding up. Glad I read it as I enjoy the authors style. I just find sometimes that the plot has holes in it. Still a fun and fast read as each lady's story is told. The hero's are dreamy and strong with a bit of "steam" in each story.
I love this series, which only gets better and better with each book! A must read, with lots of secrets, mystery, and a beautiful romance. You will fall in love with Lilly and Fabian. ❤️
Bought the audiobook on this one, and it was very well done! Well developed characters you can’t help but love, deep romance and suspense. Adell Clee never disappoints’ The narrator did an excellent job dragging us into the story. A must read or listen.
Two people meant to be together. Each having heartache from losses in their life. Lady Lillian Sandford is ruined and feels she will never find love or companionship. Her brother Vane keeps her close and dares anyone to cause her harm or even look at her. He was the one who defended her two years ago and has earned a fierce reputation to stay clear. But the best laid plans see Lilian kidnapped and taken to an island where she finds herself a captive of Fabian Darcy. Fabian has he own agenda in trying to make Vane help him find his sister who was once ruined by Vane. Thought dead, he had received information his sister was alive and needed all the help he could get. Fabian wants Lillian to marry him for so many reasons and she agrees. You see, they had known each other years ago and there is a story from the past Not to give anything else away, as in all of Adele Clee's books, I was enmeshed quickly into the story and it held me spellbound until the end. As I turned the last page, I could only think of Vane's story which I know may be her next addition to this series. Yes, please hurry!
Having been ruined two years ago the ton have not forgiven her, but Lady Lillian Sandford, has a protective brother - Ross, Marquess of Trevane. Fabian Darcy, Lord Ravenscroft believes Trevane is responsible for the disappearance or death of his sister. How will he get his revenge An entertaining Regency story, a romance with a hint of mystery with mature content
For three nights, Lady Lillian Sandford noticed a black coach stopping by a lamp outside her window. She saw it again this evening. She should probably tell her brother, the Marquess of Trevane, but he was so overly protective of her. Vane had shot the rogue who ruined her, and now no man would dare to come near. They had supper and then walked over to the hot air balloon. Lillian had finished a glass of punch and was feeling light-headed. As a large wind caused problems with the balloon, people panicked and Lillian got separated from Vane in the crowd. As Lillian continued to feel dizzy, someone grabbed her and she was placed in a rowboat.
She awoke on a ship. Mackenzie showed her nothing but kindness. The master he worked for apparently knew her, and she was reassured that she would not be harmed. She was taken to a castle and met with her captor to hopefully get some answers about what provoked this situation.
Fabian Darcy, known as the Raven, had men in London and Paris looking for his missing sister, Estelle. Originally presumed dead in a shipwreck, it appeared that she was actually still living. Then he shocked her further when he asked her to marry him! She thought it was to spite Vane and had nothing to do with caring about her at all. But he told her that Vane’s contacts, both in high and low places, could help find Estelle. Marrying Fabian gave him a way of getting Vane’s full attention; and for Lillian, she felt that marrying would free Vane from the guilt he carried and let him get on with his own life. Would his marriage plan work to bring Vane to the island and work with him to find and rescue Estelle? Would Fabian and Lillian admit the feelings each has had for so many years? And what of the strange pock-faced man who frightened Lillian; and the missing food and other items at the castle? Something more is going on!
This was a wonderful book that brings you into the historical time period and gives you a solid glimpse of what life was like back then – especially for the females who were so tightly controlled by men in their lives. It was refreshing to see what Fabian could offer the strong, caring Lillian. Yet all she wanted was to be loved. The dialog among the characters was so realistic and convincing. I loved Mackenzie as well for his many qualities. The story line was emotional and compelling. I completely loved this book! Don’t miss out. This one is something special!
A pirate and his lady, her brother and the pirate's missing sister combine to make this story a captivating mystery romance. There are so many exciting twists and turns in this page-turner and because they have been well plotted and cleverly written and equally well narrated, I found myself listening with the thought of "just one more chapter and...", but it became more and more difficult as the story unfolded to get on with the mundane everyday tasks. I just love it when this happens! To me it means that I am reading or listening to a story that is really worth raving about. Did I enjoy this story? Most definitely! Am I happy to recommend it? Again, most definitely! Should you read it? I think you should. Why? Well, you might be very pleasantly entertained and that makes it worth your while. I requested and received a free copy of the audiobook and this is my voluntary and unbiased review.
In many ways this was a great book. The sex scenes were well done and not too many. I was drawn to all of the main characters. The reader got to know and understand them well in a shot amount of time.
However, after all the heroine had been through. I thought she welcomed the hero to her bed and shared all her innermost secrets way too quickly. The hero did not have "to work" for her trust or her body.
The fact that they were childhood friends should not have mattered. Particularly, since he had her abducted and thought the worst of her.
I did not think the HEA was all that noteworthy either.
I think if the author had expanded the book to 300+ pages, it would have been a much better book.
I liked the author's plot and character development enough to try another one of her books.
At the end of The Deceptive Miss Darby, we learn that Lillian, the disgraced sister of Vane, a dear friend of Miss Darby's new husband, has been kidnapped by a pirate, and in this book we backtrack to where Lillian - Lady Sandford - has been drugged and kidnapped to the remote island home of a pirate, who also happens to be her long lost true love. His professed motives are not pure, and I generally stop reading books with this theme, because kidnapping and forcing a bride are never acceptable, but that is just not the case here. Fabian won me over when he proved he was no rapist, he loved Lillian beyond reason. I just can't wait to read Vane and Estelle's story!
I loved this book by Adele Clee! It is very well written, I couldn’t stop until I finished it. The story was compelling, the mystery, the love, the history, everything about the book I enjoyed. I definitely recommend this book, you won’t be disappointed! I loved the characters, and the supporting characters as well. I am looking forward to the next book in the series featuring the brother & sister, which I’m sure will be just as enjoyable. I received an advanced copy so that I could leave an honest review. I have not read a book by Adele that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.
The initial kidnapping plotline is uncomfortable. As the book settles into it's mystery plotline it improves. Based on the description, I probably wouldn't have read this one if it wasn't right in the middle of this very interwoven series. As a side note, this is definitely not a series to be read out of order!
The Scandalous Lady Sandford is the third instalment in Adele Clee’s Lost Ladies of London series and is a worthy addition to the series. Lillian Sandford has been the subject of scurrilous gossip and a major scandal for the past two years. She is shunned by many in society and is extremely lonely despite her brother the Marquess of Trevane’s (Vane) best efforts to protect her. Unexpectedly kidnapped and brought to the island home of Fabian Darcy, Lord Ravenscroft, once her childhood neighbour, she finds herself yet again a pawn in an attempt to gain the upper hand over her brother Vane. Fabian has his reasons for abducting Lady Lillian in order to gain her brother’s cooperation in helping him find his own missing sister. However, he offers marriage rather than further ruination and Lillian who has secretly loved Fabian for years agrees. There are many threads to this story. Lillian has a secret regarding the events of two years ago, there seems to be a mysterious man following her linked to the villain that originally plotted against her, the events surrounding Fabian’s sister’s disappearance are unclear and there is a danger present on the island itself. Despite this, the story mainly follows the deepening relationship between Fabian and Lillian. Lillian has been sorely used and deceived in the past and her self confidence and sense of self worth has been damaged. Fabian is a wonderful hero. He is honourable, charming and his love for Lillian shines through. He cares for her and she can begin to trust again. It is lovely to see Lillian regain her trust and there are some genuinely moving scenes. The secondary cast of characters are well rounded and add depth. I loved Mackenzie and Mary. And of course we see a little more of Vane which only whets our appetite for his upcoming story next. Although the third in this series this can genuinely be read as a stand alone as the previous couple’s don’t make an appearance in this and the story is set on an Fabian’s isolated island rather than the ballrooms of the ton. This is not my favourite of the series as the subject matters are darker than the previous two, but it is definitely well written and genuinely moving. I would definitely recommend this to all. I recieved an ARC copy but my opinions are my own.
Lady Lilian Sandford is used as a means to exact revenge, her virtue deceitfully taken and branded a whore. Ross Sandford the Marquess of Trevane will do anything to protect his sister, to hurt her is a sure way to hurt him.....she’s his Achilles heel. With no friends or any suitors, life for Lilian isn’t easy, she’s suffered greatly and lost much, with only her brother as companion she feels empty and a burden to him. With her brothers reputation who would dare approach her?
Kidnapped by the notorious Pirate the Raven and taken to his island home, she’s shocked to realize that it’s none other than Fabian Darcy. The man she thought she would have married. He makes a proposition that she can’t refuse -marriage- after all what other prospects does she have. The reasons behind his proposition- one sister for another- Fabian needs her brothers Vanes help to find his sister, what started as an unconventional marriage turned to something more for Lilian and Fabian.
So loved this story, Lilian has endured so much loss and all because she was used as a pawn to get at her brother. She still believes in love and second chances. Fabian’s search for his sister brought him the woman he always loved. My favourite quote ““each of us is a matching half of a human whole… each of us is always seeking the half that matches him.” His match Lady Lilian Sandford. Loved it! Adele Clee has another winner! I highly recommend her books. I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
Lady Lillian Sandford will never be accepted by polite London society again. Her reputation is ruined by a lord taking revenge on her brother, Vane, and now she has no chance of marrying or finding love. Witnessing Vane's pain and guilt is tearing Lillian apart inside. Although he tries, Vane can't protect Lillian from everything, and she's kidnapped on a visit to Vauxhall Gardens and taken by ship to a remote island.
Fabian Darcy, Lord of Ravenscroft, has been living the life of a pirate after his sister's death and the loss of his family estate. Fabian blames Vane for his losses. When Fabian hears that his sister might still be alive, he asks Vane for help finding her. After Vane refuses, Fabian kidnaps Lillian, and to give Vane an extra incentive to help, Fabian asks Lillian to marry him. When he offers marriage, Lillian glimpses freedom for the first time.
This was a fast paced read with plenty of heart and adventure! It's a mildly steamy read that kept me hooked on each new revelation. I really liked both main characters, Lillian was such a strong and determined heroine, with some major skills. And Fabian never acted domineering or patronizing to Lillian. Of course, Mackenzie was a treat, and I enjoyed the dynamics of the little island. I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited, and I'll be eagerly waiting for the next installment!
Wow, this was like getting the best of a pirate without the worst of a pirate!
Third in the series, and as there's so much about how ruined Lillian is in the previous book, I wanted to find out what the heck happened.
The capitulation seemed to happen awfully quickly, but with them having grown up basically crushing on each other, it didn't seem too outrageous. Nice and steamy...
I guess I have a twisted brain --
Really liked these two, and felt they were well-suited -- much better than they would have been, if they'd gotten together as younger people. Sure, they're a little world-weary and scarred, but better for it, much stronger.
The tension on the island wasn't that high, because I could see what was coming a mile away. So, I just kind of glided along and waited for the inevitable.
Still, liked the idea of a stormy island bastion -- what better place to ignore high society?
Excited to read the final book in the series, now that we know Vane will likely get his HEA.
IDK why, but I just can't get into this one. I'm barely into it, and the dramatic, confusing flipflop from terrifying abduction by scary unknown men, to cozy, heartwearming, folksy wedding (to the perpetrator of said abduction by the way) threw me for a loop and frankly it just doesn't sound interesting. The only drama really seems to be that the H kidnapped the h to force her to marry him, but she secretly kinda doesn't mind that much bc she always loved him when they were younger, he loved her when they were younger, and all this is simply to make her brother aid him in tracking down his sister. So IDK, especially compared to the previous entry, this seems a bit meh.
The next one which seems to feature the H's missing sister and the h's brother who were referenced in the one about Miss Darby, seems to be more intriguing.
Also the cover was completely confusing because I thought it was a woman who had just had her arms hacked off while wearing a 1940's nurse uniform, in front of a painting of a ship at sea.
Instead, apparently it's a Regency woman wearing a 1940's nurse uniform and a blood-red lace shawl that looks like gore instead of a shawl. Which is only marginally less confusing lol.
Another excellent read in this absorbing series. I’ve enjoyed everyone and this is no exception. I was drawn in from the first page and the secrets are slowly revealed making for a riveting read. This story features Lady Lillian Sandford, sister of the Marquess of Trevane (Vane), who is disregarded by Society due to some previous indiscretion. Vane is very protective of her. This story involves a childhood friend, Fabian Darcy, who is looking for his sister, Estelle. By kidnapping Lillian, he hopes Vane will assist him in his quest. This is a fast paced story with plenty of adventure and romance. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommended. I was given a copy but I have preordered it for my kindle. I have voluntarily and honestly reviewed it.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 💋💋💋 A charming rogue , a pirate and an aristocrat , all describe our hero Fabian -The Raven. LadyLillian agrees to marry him after he kidnaps her , but will they find love and a HEA , there are many secrets on both sides , siblings to be found and avoided. But these two are not unknown to each other , they were friends in childhood , can they be more now Be sure that the adventures and trials to come will be as wonderful as always , after all this is by Adele Clee , it can’t be otherwise. This book has it all , the story never stops, a new revelation every chapter. And some dreams really do come true . Highly addictive and recommend . “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I really do love this series! I won't go through telling you what the book was about, other than Lady Lillian Sanford & Fabian Darcy, Lord Ravenscroft have an interesting past, of shaky present & eventually a happy future. The story was full of witty fun, kidnapping, suspense, danger, romance, spice & most of all love. The supporting characters were so likable & we met Lord Trevane (Vane) Lillian's brother from earlier in this series. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book when Vane tries to locate Fabian's missing sister, Estelle (Vane's past true love) to see what misunderstandings & mistakes were made when she left him. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a different plot from the normal - you won't be disappointed!
The mood of this story is darker than that of books 1 and 2 in the Lost Ladies series; the atmosphere is downright gothic at the castle on a lonesome island, complete with dungeons, storms and mysterious goings-on. Lady Lillian's situation is very difficult, being shunned in society. Once her kidnapper whispers she'd not be hurt, she accepts everything happening to her with aplomb. There are several secrets and misunderstandings regarding events in the past. I find it difficult to write much about the plot beyond what is already in the synopsis without giving too much away. Well-written, as usual. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Not bad. Not great. They keep calling Fabian a pirate but he’s really just a sailor and captain of a merchant ship. He admits he’s never done anything criminal. He and Lillian have known each other since childhood but not much is expounded upon about their background. The villains were predictable. Also there’s a point where several characters go diving into a rough stormy sea during a torrential storm and it’s nearing nightfall and somehow miraculously all survive and are able to find a drowned villain in a vast ocean after he’d been under for a while.. kind of ridiculous but.. again, it’s not a great book.
Each book in this series is better than the one preceding it. This novel has everything ... adventure, mystery, and romance. Lillian is a strong, capable woman who holds her head high against the catty London society. In the face of adversity, she must choose whether to let her guard down or continue to hold her pain inside. As she makes her choice, she finds the other half of her soul, and an undying love. I enjoyed the drama and the sizzling romance this story offers, and look forward to the 4th and final installment of Lost Ladies of London.
This one did turn out to be very sweet. I was annoyed at first because she wasn't really upset about being drugged, kidnapped and marrying the man who wants to hurt her brother and blackmail him. I personally needed a little more than being told they were childhood friends and neighbors with a teenage crush. I needed more background. They still felt like strangers with a too fast connection. Mackenzie stole the show for sure.
Ms. Clee has written another hit! Like in all her other books there is love and more than one mystery. The chemistry between H and h is unbelievable. And I thoroughly enjoyed their verbal battles as well as all references to sea and sailing. The story is fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend this book.
Ruined two years ago and now kidnapped, Lady Lillian was having a bad time. Lord Ravenscroft will do anything to find his sister, thus kidnapping a woman to force her brother’s help. Clever dialogue, a windswept setting, and well-defined characters brought this plot to life and had me enjoying a fine HEA.
Lillian Sandford had suffered the worse betrayal.Fabian Ravencroft had only one goal, to find his missing sister, Estelle. He would do just about anything to accomplish that goal. In his pursuit for the truth, he rely on underhanded measures. Once Lillian & Fabian are reunited nothing will stop them from discovering the truth. Enjoyed this novel a great deal.