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Infamous Lords #1
Never Dare a Wicked Earl
They are the infamous lords, unrepentant rogues whose bad behavior makes for good gossip among the ton. But every scoundrel has his secrets, and it takes a special touch to reveal the true hearts behind their devilish disguises.
Known as a brazen philanderer, Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is almost done in by a vengeful mistress who aims a gun at a rather essential part of his anatomy—but ends up wounding his thigh instead. Recuperating in his London town house, Hayden is confronted by his new medical attendant. Sophia Camden intrigues him, for behind her starched uniform is an enticing beauty better suited for bedding than dispensing salves and changing bandages.
Unshaken by his arrogance, not to mention impropriety, Sophia offers Hayden a dare: allow her ten days to prove her competency. If she resigns in exasperation like her two predecessors, she will be beholden to this wicked seducer. As a battle of wills begins, Sophia finds herself distracted by the Earl's muscular physique . . . and discovers that the man within longs only for a second chance to love.
Known as a brazen philanderer, Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is almost done in by a vengeful mistress who aims a gun at a rather essential part of his anatomy—but ends up wounding his thigh instead. Recuperating in his London town house, Hayden is confronted by his new medical attendant. Sophia Camden intrigues him, for behind her starched uniform is an enticing beauty better suited for bedding than dispensing salves and changing bandages.
Unshaken by his arrogance, not to mention impropriety, Sophia offers Hayden a dare: allow her ten days to prove her competency. If she resigns in exasperation like her two predecessors, she will be beholden to this wicked seducer. As a battle of wills begins, Sophia finds herself distracted by the Earl's muscular physique . . . and discovers that the man within longs only for a second chance to love.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2018
703 people are currently reading
1642 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ann Miller
7 books265 followersUSA Today bestselling author Renee Ann Miller writes historical romances that are sometimes witty, sometimes dark, but always sexy. She penned her first book at the tender age of seven and even drew the impressive stick figures though clearly those characters weren’t as spicy as the ones she writes now. She has been a finalist in Romance Writers of America's RITA Award® and their Golden Heart Contest®. In her Infamous Lords Series the women are smart and the men notorious.
Renee lives in the Northeast with her husband and during winters is always anxious for spring. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and pastries. And though she grew up in a household of hockey fans, she now watches football, which is unavoidable in her house.
Renee lives in the Northeast with her husband and during winters is always anxious for spring. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and pastries. And though she grew up in a household of hockey fans, she now watches football, which is unavoidable in her house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
December 22, 2017
This book is a great way to kick off a holiday in a good mood!
I loved Hayden and Sophia (and also Lady Olivia) and their romance was fraught with enough delicious tension to keep me flicking the pages on my Kindle like a junkie.
The part of Miller's writing that impressed me the most (okay, there are 2 parts) was her ability to evoke the era (or certainly what felt like a "bygone" era, to me) and also her delightful turn of phrase (GREAT similes which made me alternately smile or move to the edge of my seat). Miller does an excellent job of injecting historical fact into the story without beating the reader over the head with it.
Great sensuality and tension throughout, with lots of secondary characters to bring depth to the story and make you care what happened to the H&h.
The author also did a fantastic job engaging my sense of smell, something I don't often experience reading books. From the seamier smells of London's impoverished back alleys to a gourmet breakfast that made me get out of bed and ransack the kitchen at 10 o'clock at night.
This book is a Victorian adventure that will engage and satisfy all your senses.
I loved Hayden and Sophia (and also Lady Olivia) and their romance was fraught with enough delicious tension to keep me flicking the pages on my Kindle like a junkie.
The part of Miller's writing that impressed me the most (okay, there are 2 parts) was her ability to evoke the era (or certainly what felt like a "bygone" era, to me) and also her delightful turn of phrase (GREAT similes which made me alternately smile or move to the edge of my seat). Miller does an excellent job of injecting historical fact into the story without beating the reader over the head with it.
Great sensuality and tension throughout, with lots of secondary characters to bring depth to the story and make you care what happened to the H&h.
The author also did a fantastic job engaging my sense of smell, something I don't often experience reading books. From the seamier smells of London's impoverished back alleys to a gourmet breakfast that made me get out of bed and ransack the kitchen at 10 o'clock at night.
This book is a Victorian adventure that will engage and satisfy all your senses.
December 20, 2017
I believe this is the debut book of Ms. Miller’s and it was great! You have a hero who isn’t what he seems and a heroine who wants to be a doctor. The witty banter, double entendre, bit of intrigue, and misunderstandings all make for a fantastic and quick (for me) read. The first part of the book is quite light and fun to read but as the story goes on you realize that there is a lot of depth to these characters. They have been hurt but march on. The progression of their love story is beautifully written. Cannot wait to read more from this author…Simon…
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 29, 2017
Outstanding historical romance debut by Renee Ann Miller! NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL presents compelling and strong-headed male and female leads, sparring and romancing against the backdrop of historical London. This well-edited novel shines with Miller's strong prose and thoughtful layering of backstory and motivation. With both romance, a mystery, and thrills to go with both, NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL promises an outstanding new series from Miller.
March 2, 2018
I've given this a D+ at AAR, so that's 2.5 stars
As I’ve said in the past, I make it a point to try new authors when I can – after all, I had some pretty good luck a couple of years back when I found not one, but three début authors whose books have since become ‘must reads’, and I live in hope of finding others. Unfortunately, however, on the strength of her first novel, Never Dare a Wicked Earl, Renee Ann Miller isn’t going to make that list by a long chalk; the cover trumpets a “fresh new romance” – but it’s about as fresh as week-old kippers, and I ended up reading a story I’ve read several times before. It’s a solidly average book; not badly written, but the story is hackneyed, the characters are stereotypical and the author seems to have thought it a good ideal to throw the kitchen sink into the (very weak) plot. Plus – what on earth is the heroine wearing on the cover? The book is set in 1875, and by no stretch of the imagination is that dress from the late Victorian period. I know that’s not the author’s fault, but it nonetheless telegraphs “Danger, Will Robinson!” to the potential reader. With good reason, as it turns out.
When Hayden – a very unlikely name for a man (let alone an earl) in Victorian England – Earl of Westfield is shot in the leg by a demented ex-mistress, he is confined to bed and not at all happy about it. He runs off two male attendants by virtue of his appalling manners and threatening behaviour, so his sister, thinking he might not be quite so rude and abrasive towards a woman, engages a nurse by the name of Sophia Camden. Of course, the fact that Sophia is female makes no difference to Hayden’s dreadful behaviour, and he begins to try to get rid of her, too, adding not-so-subtle sexual innuendo to his established repertoire of bad manners and ill temper.
Naturally, Sophia is wise to his tricks, and decided to stay, especially as – and here’s where we get lip-service to the title – Hayden dares Sophia to stick it out for ten days. If she wins, he will throw his political weight behind a new bill to allow women to qualify as doctors (as this is what Sophia wants to do) and if he wins he’ll get… well, he’ll think about that tomorrow.
Okay – this is a romance, we know where things are headed and that whole wounded-rude-hero-with-a-damaged-psyche falls for well-bred-female-fallen-on-hard-times thing is one we’ve all read lots (and lots) of times before. Hayden and Sophia banter. They ogle each other. He squirms in his seat a lot, she gets warm and tingly – from pretty much the first chapter. We get it. He’s hot and she’s beautiful. How about giving them some personality outside of his constant feelings of guilt and inadequacy over the way he treated his first wife, and her insecurities because her uncle continually taunted her over her dusky, Mediterranean skin (she has Italian ancestry), calling it inferior and vulgar compared to the creamy complexion of the traditionally English rose?
To add insult to injury (!), Sophia – supposedly a strong, intelligent, professional woman who is determined to enter a profession previously dominated by men – is a mess of breathless, quivering lust and tears around Hayden and doesn’t really do anything for him that his valet or servants can’t do. She brings him his meals on a tray, his valet bathes him and she doesn’t go near a bedpan or chamber pot. Other than putting on a bandage or two, she does nothing ‘medical’ for him whatsoever. Yet she wants to become a doctor because of the oldest cliché in the book:
… everyone she’d loved had died and perhaps if she became a doctor, she could stop others from losing those most important to them…
Gimme a break.
The kitchen sink I mentioned is thrown into the second half of the book with gusto, when we are treated to ALL THE DRAMA – kidnapping, attempted rape, attempted murder – you name it, it’s in there, all courtesy of a villain whose identity is blindingly obvious from the start. There’s a heartbreaking and potentially interesting backstory to Hayden’s first marriage, but it’s little more than an obvious attempt to introduce more drama into the story and its treatment lacks subtlety.
So my search for GOOD new authors continues. I’ll let you know when I find one.
As I’ve said in the past, I make it a point to try new authors when I can – after all, I had some pretty good luck a couple of years back when I found not one, but three début authors whose books have since become ‘must reads’, and I live in hope of finding others. Unfortunately, however, on the strength of her first novel, Never Dare a Wicked Earl, Renee Ann Miller isn’t going to make that list by a long chalk; the cover trumpets a “fresh new romance” – but it’s about as fresh as week-old kippers, and I ended up reading a story I’ve read several times before. It’s a solidly average book; not badly written, but the story is hackneyed, the characters are stereotypical and the author seems to have thought it a good ideal to throw the kitchen sink into the (very weak) plot. Plus – what on earth is the heroine wearing on the cover? The book is set in 1875, and by no stretch of the imagination is that dress from the late Victorian period. I know that’s not the author’s fault, but it nonetheless telegraphs “Danger, Will Robinson!” to the potential reader. With good reason, as it turns out.
When Hayden – a very unlikely name for a man (let alone an earl) in Victorian England – Earl of Westfield is shot in the leg by a demented ex-mistress, he is confined to bed and not at all happy about it. He runs off two male attendants by virtue of his appalling manners and threatening behaviour, so his sister, thinking he might not be quite so rude and abrasive towards a woman, engages a nurse by the name of Sophia Camden. Of course, the fact that Sophia is female makes no difference to Hayden’s dreadful behaviour, and he begins to try to get rid of her, too, adding not-so-subtle sexual innuendo to his established repertoire of bad manners and ill temper.
Naturally, Sophia is wise to his tricks, and decided to stay, especially as – and here’s where we get lip-service to the title – Hayden dares Sophia to stick it out for ten days. If she wins, he will throw his political weight behind a new bill to allow women to qualify as doctors (as this is what Sophia wants to do) and if he wins he’ll get… well, he’ll think about that tomorrow.
Okay – this is a romance, we know where things are headed and that whole wounded-rude-hero-with-a-damaged-psyche falls for well-bred-female-fallen-on-hard-times thing is one we’ve all read lots (and lots) of times before. Hayden and Sophia banter. They ogle each other. He squirms in his seat a lot, she gets warm and tingly – from pretty much the first chapter. We get it. He’s hot and she’s beautiful. How about giving them some personality outside of his constant feelings of guilt and inadequacy over the way he treated his first wife, and her insecurities because her uncle continually taunted her over her dusky, Mediterranean skin (she has Italian ancestry), calling it inferior and vulgar compared to the creamy complexion of the traditionally English rose?
To add insult to injury (!), Sophia – supposedly a strong, intelligent, professional woman who is determined to enter a profession previously dominated by men – is a mess of breathless, quivering lust and tears around Hayden and doesn’t really do anything for him that his valet or servants can’t do. She brings him his meals on a tray, his valet bathes him and she doesn’t go near a bedpan or chamber pot. Other than putting on a bandage or two, she does nothing ‘medical’ for him whatsoever. Yet she wants to become a doctor because of the oldest cliché in the book:
… everyone she’d loved had died and perhaps if she became a doctor, she could stop others from losing those most important to them…
Gimme a break.
The kitchen sink I mentioned is thrown into the second half of the book with gusto, when we are treated to ALL THE DRAMA – kidnapping, attempted rape, attempted murder – you name it, it’s in there, all courtesy of a villain whose identity is blindingly obvious from the start. There’s a heartbreaking and potentially interesting backstory to Hayden’s first marriage, but it’s little more than an obvious attempt to introduce more drama into the story and its treatment lacks subtlety.
So my search for GOOD new authors continues. I’ll let you know when I find one.
October 18, 2018
I have to say that the hero in this book made me laugh from the very beginning. There's just something underneath all that snark that really played through and made him likable even when he was being obnoxious to our heroine. He'd dare anything and often did. Little Celia added such a sweet softness to his character, and brought out the childlike spirit in him and Sophia.
One think I must say: I read a lot of historical romance, often 2 or 3 at a time, and it can get confusing to follow names. I read the common character names over and over while authors do their best to keep names within the time period. I'm not a stickler for the time period names for this reason alone. I'm not sure Hayden is of the Victorian age, but I love his name and will remember him because it's different.
Bravo on a delightfully wicked debut!
One think I must say: I read a lot of historical romance, often 2 or 3 at a time, and it can get confusing to follow names. I read the common character names over and over while authors do their best to keep names within the time period. I'm not a stickler for the time period names for this reason alone. I'm not sure Hayden is of the Victorian age, but I love his name and will remember him because it's different.
Bravo on a delightfully wicked debut!
January 6, 2018
„Never Dare a Wicked Earl“ by Renee Ann Miller is the first Book in the „Infamous Lords“ series and my first by this writer. I got this ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well I had not heard from Renee Ann Miller and the cover of the preview was not, honestly said, very intriguing, it is cheap and far away from a book I usually would buy. Nevertheless the synopsis sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try and started it last night. I immediately fell in love with the main protagonists and Lady Olivia, the huge dog. I could not put the book aside and read it through all the skiing races, ski jumping, tour the ski etc. – I have not really a clue about the sport results at all.
It`s not one of those completely unrealistic stories because I already wondered over the last year how so many innocent young 19th Century ladies can have sex before their wedding and never ever fall pregnant. How realistic.
In this story it is finally different. But the whole story is a little different from the novels I have read lately. Both have a backpack from their past they carry around, both have a past, are older and wiser but they fall for each other immediately but do not want to give in – in the beginning. The story turns quickly into a passionate story, lots of passion between two adults and a progressing love story. It is not easy to give in, to allow to love because of their past. Both have secrets they do not want to share and the ways they come behind things are not always honest.
Many would say that Sofia, the female lead, should have resisted him longer because she wanted to become a physician, wanted to be a strong female in a world of men. But honestly said, when the heart is engaged in something most of the time the head is too. Nevertheless she stays passionate about her independence and fights for it.
Hayden, the Earl of Westfield, could also have resisted her for a longer period but on the one hand he had the wrong image of her after some news from a private investigator and on the other hand he is a passionate man who fell for her.
The sex scenes are tastefully written, the characters well portrait and developed and the story is different. You know from the beginning that those two belong together but you understand that they have to find a way to grow, grow to overcome their past and grow to be the person they want to be for each other.
Very well done, Renee Ann!
Rating: 5 stars
Well I had not heard from Renee Ann Miller and the cover of the preview was not, honestly said, very intriguing, it is cheap and far away from a book I usually would buy. Nevertheless the synopsis sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try and started it last night. I immediately fell in love with the main protagonists and Lady Olivia, the huge dog. I could not put the book aside and read it through all the skiing races, ski jumping, tour the ski etc. – I have not really a clue about the sport results at all.
It`s not one of those completely unrealistic stories because I already wondered over the last year how so many innocent young 19th Century ladies can have sex before their wedding and never ever fall pregnant. How realistic.
In this story it is finally different. But the whole story is a little different from the novels I have read lately. Both have a backpack from their past they carry around, both have a past, are older and wiser but they fall for each other immediately but do not want to give in – in the beginning. The story turns quickly into a passionate story, lots of passion between two adults and a progressing love story. It is not easy to give in, to allow to love because of their past. Both have secrets they do not want to share and the ways they come behind things are not always honest.
Many would say that Sofia, the female lead, should have resisted him longer because she wanted to become a physician, wanted to be a strong female in a world of men. But honestly said, when the heart is engaged in something most of the time the head is too. Nevertheless she stays passionate about her independence and fights for it.
Hayden, the Earl of Westfield, could also have resisted her for a longer period but on the one hand he had the wrong image of her after some news from a private investigator and on the other hand he is a passionate man who fell for her.
The sex scenes are tastefully written, the characters well portrait and developed and the story is different. You know from the beginning that those two belong together but you understand that they have to find a way to grow, grow to overcome their past and grow to be the person they want to be for each other.
Very well done, Renee Ann!
Rating: 5 stars
July 18, 2018
Great writing, good characters and a decent plot! This is the first book that I've read of Renee Ann Miller and it won't be the last.
I thought the characters of Hayden Milton and Sophia Camden were well written. The dialogue between the two was fun and witty.
Hayden Milton might have been shot in the leg by his mistress but he's more complicated then the reader realizes in the book. This guy has got some layers and turns out to be much more complex then a bold womanizer.
Sophia wants to be a doctor and decides to attend to Hayden out of the request of Hayden's sister. She'll put up with anything or anyone in order to become a doctor. But this might be one of her biggest challenges!
I enjoyed Never Dare a Wicked Earl and look forward to the other books in the series!
I thought the characters of Hayden Milton and Sophia Camden were well written. The dialogue between the two was fun and witty.
Hayden Milton might have been shot in the leg by his mistress but he's more complicated then the reader realizes in the book. This guy has got some layers and turns out to be much more complex then a bold womanizer.
Sophia wants to be a doctor and decides to attend to Hayden out of the request of Hayden's sister. She'll put up with anything or anyone in order to become a doctor. But this might be one of her biggest challenges!
I enjoyed Never Dare a Wicked Earl and look forward to the other books in the series!
January 1, 2018
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. Never Dare A Wicked Earl is the first book in what I think is going to be a fabulous series by Renee Ann Miller. Consumed with guilt after the death of his wife Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield leads a life of decadence, debauchery and drunkenness in order to forget his past failings. When he is shot by a vengeful former lover his sister hires Sophia Camden who also has a difficult past to nurse him back to health. The Earl a terrible patient has already gone through several caregivers and he issues a dare to Sophia that she will not last 10 days as his nurse. Sophia accepts the dare on the condition that the Earl use his influence to allow women to study medicine as it is her dream to become a doctor. Sparks fly between them until Hayden still burdened with self hatred says something unforgivably hurtful to Sophia. The story of how these two find their way back to each other had me up reading way past my bedtime. I very much enjoyed this this book and look forward to the next one in the series. Very Steamy, publishing date January 30th 2018. #NeverDareAWickedEarl #NetGalley
January 2, 2018
Oh, great, I said to myself as I picked this ARC from my Amazon Vine list. A debut HR author who was a 2015 and 2016 finalist in the Golden Heart Contest from Romance Writers of America. This might be good. I'd like something good to read in the HR new releases department. Well, if wishes were horses...
Now, if I'm going to read a "fresh" voice, I want a fresh story. Not the first in a series about some "infamous lords, unrepentant rogues whose bad behavior makes for good gossip." Not that again. Well, maybe, if well written and with well-drawn characters? But that's a negative on the characters. They're all straight from Central Casting. A hunky hero with a troubled past who doesn't feel worthy of love and acts like a jerk most of the time and a heroine who gets weak in the knees, all melting and blushing and flushing around the jerk.
Naturally, the sexual attraction is the main thrust (yeah, pun intended) of their relationship, what with her noticing his spicy masculine scent and ogling his manly chest and shapely buttocks and him noticing her noticing and saying things like should he turn over "so you can ogle my bits as well." And, of course, there's a good deal of tenting and shifting uncomfortably on his part. After all, she's a tasty-looking female. He can't even watch her eat strawberries and cream without getting squirmy.
So why are these two together, you may ask. Because the hero, Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, gets shot in the thigh by an unhinged former lover who was aiming for those bits he offered to the h for ogling, but the ex-lover missed, thank heavens, right? While recovering, he isn't the most cooperative of patients and has already driven away three sickroom attendants in as many days, so his sister hires our heroine, Sophie Camden, medical assistant to a Dr. Trimble and an aspiring doctor, hoping Sophie will work out.
OK, here's my problem with the way things transpire. Sophie is supposed to be a professional. She is dedicated to her work and plans to become a doctor as soon as women will be allowed to study that profession. Why, oh why, can't she keep herself together around Westfield? Not only is she annoyingly attracted to him but in all the time she's there attending to him I did not find that she did anything for him that his valet could not have done. (As a matter of fact, she needs the valet to help because she won't do baths or chamber pots.)
Sophie is so unprofessional that she can't even look at his bare chest or thighs without going all aquiver. She gives women who want to be treated as equals in a man's world a bad name. Oh, and she also has some things in her past that set up roadblocks to the HEA. "She didn't want to lose another person she loved. No, it was better not to love Hayden. Better to guard her heart." And I can't count the number of times tears were spilled from her glorious eyes. Couldn't she keep it together at least half the time?
So we have two idiots lusting after each other without any real communication. Hayden should have known better because a large part of his former troubles revolved around not communicating well with the woman he had loved. But that would offend the Failure to Communicate trope authors all know and love. So these two don't confide in each other, seeming to prefer to make the wrong assumptions most of the time. Arrgh! Fresh new romance? Heck, no. This story is same old, same old, and then some.
Now, if I'm going to read a "fresh" voice, I want a fresh story. Not the first in a series about some "infamous lords, unrepentant rogues whose bad behavior makes for good gossip." Not that again. Well, maybe, if well written and with well-drawn characters? But that's a negative on the characters. They're all straight from Central Casting. A hunky hero with a troubled past who doesn't feel worthy of love and acts like a jerk most of the time and a heroine who gets weak in the knees, all melting and blushing and flushing around the jerk.
Naturally, the sexual attraction is the main thrust (yeah, pun intended) of their relationship, what with her noticing his spicy masculine scent and ogling his manly chest and shapely buttocks and him noticing her noticing and saying things like should he turn over "so you can ogle my bits as well." And, of course, there's a good deal of tenting and shifting uncomfortably on his part. After all, she's a tasty-looking female. He can't even watch her eat strawberries and cream without getting squirmy.
So why are these two together, you may ask. Because the hero, Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, gets shot in the thigh by an unhinged former lover who was aiming for those bits he offered to the h for ogling, but the ex-lover missed, thank heavens, right? While recovering, he isn't the most cooperative of patients and has already driven away three sickroom attendants in as many days, so his sister hires our heroine, Sophie Camden, medical assistant to a Dr. Trimble and an aspiring doctor, hoping Sophie will work out.
OK, here's my problem with the way things transpire. Sophie is supposed to be a professional. She is dedicated to her work and plans to become a doctor as soon as women will be allowed to study that profession. Why, oh why, can't she keep herself together around Westfield? Not only is she annoyingly attracted to him but in all the time she's there attending to him I did not find that she did anything for him that his valet could not have done. (As a matter of fact, she needs the valet to help because she won't do baths or chamber pots.)
Sophie is so unprofessional that she can't even look at his bare chest or thighs without going all aquiver. She gives women who want to be treated as equals in a man's world a bad name. Oh, and she also has some things in her past that set up roadblocks to the HEA. "She didn't want to lose another person she loved. No, it was better not to love Hayden. Better to guard her heart." And I can't count the number of times tears were spilled from her glorious eyes. Couldn't she keep it together at least half the time?
So we have two idiots lusting after each other without any real communication. Hayden should have known better because a large part of his former troubles revolved around not communicating well with the woman he had loved. But that would offend the Failure to Communicate trope authors all know and love. So these two don't confide in each other, seeming to prefer to make the wrong assumptions most of the time. Arrgh! Fresh new romance? Heck, no. This story is same old, same old, and then some.
January 23, 2018
Never Dare a Wicked Earl was a fantastic debut from Renee Ann Miller set in Victorian era London with a rakish hero and the heroine who has him rethinking his ways.
Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is known throughout the ton for his rakish behavior, so it should come as no surprise when he is shot in the leg by a vengeful ex-mistress. Hayden has little patience while waiting to recover and goes through several attendants before Sophia Camden is hired for the position. Hayden is immediately intrigued by the woman who refuses to bend to his will and is further surprised when she dares him to allow her ten days to prove herself or she will be beholden to him for any request. Sparks quickly fly as Sophia aims to meet her end of the bargain while Hayden imagines all the wicked things he could request.
Sophia is considered unusual for her time in that she hopes to become a physician despite the law forbidding women to sit for the exam. After losing her entire family to illness, Sophia entered the medical field with hopes of saving other families from experiencing the same loss. Prior to their deaths, Sophia was incredibly close to her family and the loss devastated her. She hopes that by proving her competency to Hayden she will be able to convince him to put his support behind a fellow member of the House of Lords who is trying to change the law and allow female physicians. Sophia is very good at her job and is very dedicated to her work and helping others.
Hayden is an incredibly kind man who uses his wealth to help those less fortunate than he, but because he believes he needs to be punished for ignoring his wife who died several years prior to the start of the book Hayden refuses to allow anyone to know about his charitable deeds. Instead he gives off every appearance that he is a rake who cares for no one but himself. I won’t get into the reasons Hayden ignored his wife as I don’t want to spoil anything, but the story is a good one and I can understand why Hayden acts the way he does as a result. When he isn’t laid up after being shot, Hayden spends a great deal of time with his daughter Celia or managing the interests he has in several businesses.
Sophia and Hayden had great chemistry and their scenes were filled with tons of banter and teasing. The scenes where their relationship turns physical were quite steamy and very well done. One of my favorite parts of their relationship was that Hayden would actually stop when Sophia didn’t want to do certain sexual acts (A+ on consent). Hayden does have a bit of that alpha male protection side to him and there are several occasions where he keeps information from her in a bid to protect her. There was only one part of their relationship I disliked, but it is very much a personal preference thing and not something I imagine will bother most.
There were a few suspenseful scenes in Never Dare a Wicked Earl with Hayden getting shot and multiple kidnappings. You pretty much know who the bad guy is throughout the book, but that in no way detracted from the story or the suspense. I did question Hayden’s judgement a few times in his unwillingness to turn the person over to the authorities, but I guess I can see why he would be reluctant to do so.
Overall, Never Dare a Wicked Earl ended up being an excellent read and I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is known throughout the ton for his rakish behavior, so it should come as no surprise when he is shot in the leg by a vengeful ex-mistress. Hayden has little patience while waiting to recover and goes through several attendants before Sophia Camden is hired for the position. Hayden is immediately intrigued by the woman who refuses to bend to his will and is further surprised when she dares him to allow her ten days to prove herself or she will be beholden to him for any request. Sparks quickly fly as Sophia aims to meet her end of the bargain while Hayden imagines all the wicked things he could request.
Sophia is considered unusual for her time in that she hopes to become a physician despite the law forbidding women to sit for the exam. After losing her entire family to illness, Sophia entered the medical field with hopes of saving other families from experiencing the same loss. Prior to their deaths, Sophia was incredibly close to her family and the loss devastated her. She hopes that by proving her competency to Hayden she will be able to convince him to put his support behind a fellow member of the House of Lords who is trying to change the law and allow female physicians. Sophia is very good at her job and is very dedicated to her work and helping others.
Hayden is an incredibly kind man who uses his wealth to help those less fortunate than he, but because he believes he needs to be punished for ignoring his wife who died several years prior to the start of the book Hayden refuses to allow anyone to know about his charitable deeds. Instead he gives off every appearance that he is a rake who cares for no one but himself. I won’t get into the reasons Hayden ignored his wife as I don’t want to spoil anything, but the story is a good one and I can understand why Hayden acts the way he does as a result. When he isn’t laid up after being shot, Hayden spends a great deal of time with his daughter Celia or managing the interests he has in several businesses.
Sophia and Hayden had great chemistry and their scenes were filled with tons of banter and teasing. The scenes where their relationship turns physical were quite steamy and very well done. One of my favorite parts of their relationship was that Hayden would actually stop when Sophia didn’t want to do certain sexual acts (A+ on consent). Hayden does have a bit of that alpha male protection side to him and there are several occasions where he keeps information from her in a bid to protect her. There was only one part of their relationship I disliked, but it is very much a personal preference thing and not something I imagine will bother most.
There were a few suspenseful scenes in Never Dare a Wicked Earl with Hayden getting shot and multiple kidnappings. You pretty much know who the bad guy is throughout the book, but that in no way detracted from the story or the suspense. I did question Hayden’s judgement a few times in his unwillingness to turn the person over to the authorities, but I guess I can see why he would be reluctant to do so.
Overall, Never Dare a Wicked Earl ended up being an excellent read and I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
January 8, 2018
When Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, is shot by a jealous lover, Sophia Camden agrees to be his nurse while he recuperates. Hayden is an unrepentant rake, but Sophia is not intimidated. Instead she challenges Hayden at every turn and the witty banter between these two carries the book.
Ms. Miller has written a compelling and thoroughly delightful story. I loved how she teased out the back story for these two. Is Hayden really as bad and unrepentant as the gossips say? Does Sophia really want to be a dr.? This story kept my interest until the last page. I especially enjoyed the epilogue. It was a nice closure to the story.
Fans of historical romance will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ms. Miller has written a compelling and thoroughly delightful story. I loved how she teased out the back story for these two. Is Hayden really as bad and unrepentant as the gossips say? Does Sophia really want to be a dr.? This story kept my interest until the last page. I especially enjoyed the epilogue. It was a nice closure to the story.
Fans of historical romance will definitely enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 28, 2017
This is the second story in the span of a week that I have read that deals with the Hero having been shot, and the Heroine having to take care of him. When I first began reading, I was a little distraught. I mean how many novels with the same initial story-line can one read so close together and still be entertained?
Thankfully, this one was so much different from the other that I found myself completely drawn in. The author weaved such a compelling story-line that it was hard to put down. I adored both of these characters - Hayden's inner demons coupled with his reputation made him a complex character that I enjoyed watching Sophia peel back the layers of. I also liked that she was a very strong willed character. I do feel this would have been a slightly better story if the Hero didn't fall into the "let me do stupid things that upset the object of my affections in the name of protecting her" story-lines, and the Heroine wasn't equally guilty of the "let me overhear something I shouldn't that makes me doubt everything".
While those are two story-lines that while it no doubt work consistently, they do become tiring, and honestly, they make the story become somewhat predicable after that. We know how the Heroine is going to react, we know something bad is going to happen, just like we know the Hero is going to try to save the day. Perhaps that is a sign that I read too many stories like this, but every now and then I would like to see the Hero treat the Heroine like an equal and have them face the threat together.
Even considering that, I still believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels. I would definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Thankfully, this one was so much different from the other that I found myself completely drawn in. The author weaved such a compelling story-line that it was hard to put down. I adored both of these characters - Hayden's inner demons coupled with his reputation made him a complex character that I enjoyed watching Sophia peel back the layers of. I also liked that she was a very strong willed character. I do feel this would have been a slightly better story if the Hero didn't fall into the "let me do stupid things that upset the object of my affections in the name of protecting her" story-lines, and the Heroine wasn't equally guilty of the "let me overhear something I shouldn't that makes me doubt everything".
While those are two story-lines that while it no doubt work consistently, they do become tiring, and honestly, they make the story become somewhat predicable after that. We know how the Heroine is going to react, we know something bad is going to happen, just like we know the Hero is going to try to save the day. Perhaps that is a sign that I read too many stories like this, but every now and then I would like to see the Hero treat the Heroine like an equal and have them face the threat together.
Even considering that, I still believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels. I would definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
August 5, 2019
Surprisingly Good!!
I've never heard of this author, but I can't wait to read more of her books!!
I've never heard of this author, but I can't wait to read more of her books!!
February 5, 2018
3.5/5. Okay, so this book started off really well. There was humorous bantering. The language was appropriate for the time and the people were quite likeable and well-drawn. The heroine had cheek and sass, just what was required to stand up to the cantankerous arrogant earl. She was the nurse employed by his sister to care for his unappreciative self after he was stabbed by a spurned ex-lover. Bed bound from the leg injury but his wit and bite intact, he intended to send her on her way, like he did her two predecessors. She did not allow herself to be intimidated by this growling man, and to his shock, treated him firmly like one of her recalcitrant child patients. His interest was piqued, but he had a shocking secret to hide from her and the world and additionally suffered a severe case of self-loathing that even her caring nurturing would struggle to cure.
This was great up to the half-way mark. Then the author just tried to do too much with the plot. Murderous psychopath on the loose down to maniacal laughter. Constant bilateral self-doubts and self-condemnations resulted in recurrent communication failures which became wearisome. This might just be a rookie mistake, this being her debut novel. She has potential aplenty. The writing is good but she just needs to tidy up the plot. Less is truly more. I have rounded this up for that reason. I will try her out again.
This was great up to the half-way mark. Then the author just tried to do too much with the plot. Murderous psychopath on the loose down to maniacal laughter. Constant bilateral self-doubts and self-condemnations resulted in recurrent communication failures which became wearisome. This might just be a rookie mistake, this being her debut novel. She has potential aplenty. The writing is good but she just needs to tidy up the plot. Less is truly more. I have rounded this up for that reason. I will try her out again.
April 23, 2018
Wasn’t sure I would like the H this story as it began, but he won me over. The h is a nurse, assigned to caring for the H, a nobleman wounded by a former lover. He has a horrible reputation, and is cantankerous and rude upon meeting her. She is attracted to him, but fights the feeling, as he warms to her wit and strength. An interesting and passionate story with a wonderful couple and great HEA. He was redeemed! Received a free arc in exchange for an honest review. Will read more of this author!
March 12, 2018
Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, gets shot in the thigh and Sophia Camden gets hired to play doctor with him. After nudity and kissing (in that order), Sophia departs and Hayden gets sad. Add in a dash of unplanned pregnancy, "crazy" ex-lover, attempted murder, miscommunication, Tragic Backstory + Man Pain, and MORE and you got yourself this book.
1. Sophia is NOT A DOCTOR. She is barely a nurse. Don't trick me into reading your romance with a heroine defying her time by choosing an interesting profession and then...have her carry around foodstuffs and hide crutches and occasionally change a bandage like some kind of babysitter.
2. There is just too much nonsense in this book. I honestly thought I would get 10 days of them flirting and realizing Things about one another and falling into love before some nonsense would result in a culmination of Romance but OH NAY NAY. Something like 35-40% of the way through, Sophia flees the house and the rest of the book is mired in Feelings and Angst and Drama.
3. And, unfortunately, all the nonsense seems to be taken Very Seriously, which... whatever.
1. Sophia is NOT A DOCTOR. She is barely a nurse. Don't trick me into reading your romance with a heroine defying her time by choosing an interesting profession and then...have her carry around foodstuffs and hide crutches and occasionally change a bandage like some kind of babysitter.
2. There is just too much nonsense in this book. I honestly thought I would get 10 days of them flirting and realizing Things about one another and falling into love before some nonsense would result in a culmination of Romance but OH NAY NAY. Something like 35-40% of the way through, Sophia flees the house and the rest of the book is mired in Feelings and Angst and Drama.
3. And, unfortunately, all the nonsense seems to be taken Very Seriously, which... whatever.
January 13, 2018
A good read that I didn't want to put down. I almost wish this wasn't an arc because I need more! Lol. The characters were great and the conflicts well done.
January 25, 2018
Never Dare a Wicked Earl is the first book in the Infamous Lords series by Renee Ann Miller.
Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield lives with terrible guilt and the only way to keep it from overwhelming him is for him to live up to his hard-earned, yet false reputation as a womaniser and rogue. Unfortunately, one of his conquests is not of sound mind and takes their break up badly. So badly that in a fit of pique she nearly kills him on his doorstep. Fortunately, he only ends up with a gunshot to his thigh.
Sophia Camden is a medical assistant to the local doctor. Normally she only helps with female patients, but as she is the only one available, she is the one that is hired by Hayden's sister to look after him. He isn't pleased to have a female attendant, and as she won't take any nonsense from him he tries to fire her many times. She can't be fired by him as he isn't the one who employed her but to make life easier for both of them she comes up with the idea of a dare. If Hayden can give her 10 days to prove herself and is happy with her care he has to keep her on. If she doesn't, then she will stop looking after him and will forfeit something that he hasn't decided upon yet.
So begins their relationship. It's not long before they are both having lustful thoughts for one another. It's something they both know can go nowhere but can they keep from each other's arms? Will Sophia learn who the real Hayden is and will she help him overcome his guilt? She will have to if they are to have any chance of a future together.
I enjoyed this book immensely, it's hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel. There was the perfect amount of light and shade to the story. One minute poor Hayden was being shot by a mad woman, the next I was delighted to see Sophie treating him like a child when he did things like refuse to take his medicine. There were so many funny moments between the couple that it helped keep the levity in the story when it could have become quite dark. The demented women who shot Hayden has quite a role in this book, she brings the trauma and danger to the story. I loved that although she was wicked, I couldn't bring myself to dislike her. Poor thing was obviously out of her mind. I enjoy a story where you can feel empathy for the 'bad guy' despite wanting them to be caught. This book really does have all that it takes to make a wonderful read and I couldn't read it quickly enough to see if our couple could have their happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield lives with terrible guilt and the only way to keep it from overwhelming him is for him to live up to his hard-earned, yet false reputation as a womaniser and rogue. Unfortunately, one of his conquests is not of sound mind and takes their break up badly. So badly that in a fit of pique she nearly kills him on his doorstep. Fortunately, he only ends up with a gunshot to his thigh.
Sophia Camden is a medical assistant to the local doctor. Normally she only helps with female patients, but as she is the only one available, she is the one that is hired by Hayden's sister to look after him. He isn't pleased to have a female attendant, and as she won't take any nonsense from him he tries to fire her many times. She can't be fired by him as he isn't the one who employed her but to make life easier for both of them she comes up with the idea of a dare. If Hayden can give her 10 days to prove herself and is happy with her care he has to keep her on. If she doesn't, then she will stop looking after him and will forfeit something that he hasn't decided upon yet.
So begins their relationship. It's not long before they are both having lustful thoughts for one another. It's something they both know can go nowhere but can they keep from each other's arms? Will Sophia learn who the real Hayden is and will she help him overcome his guilt? She will have to if they are to have any chance of a future together.
I enjoyed this book immensely, it's hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel. There was the perfect amount of light and shade to the story. One minute poor Hayden was being shot by a mad woman, the next I was delighted to see Sophie treating him like a child when he did things like refuse to take his medicine. There were so many funny moments between the couple that it helped keep the levity in the story when it could have become quite dark. The demented women who shot Hayden has quite a role in this book, she brings the trauma and danger to the story. I loved that although she was wicked, I couldn't bring myself to dislike her. Poor thing was obviously out of her mind. I enjoy a story where you can feel empathy for the 'bad guy' despite wanting them to be caught. This book really does have all that it takes to make a wonderful read and I couldn't read it quickly enough to see if our couple could have their happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
January 25, 2018
FIVE STARS *****
Okay , arguably you will tell me it deserves only 4. However............................NO! I have to give five stars for it touches your senses. From the smells to the food to the picture it creates in your mind. Each part of this novel was an experience. Not one that is normal any longer. It allows the reader to open their senses to such an extent that you are there and may even experience some of them for yourself! While the story line may be familiar the execution of it will not be. This was an extremely enjoyable read for me in many many ways. I look for more from this author and hope each book has the elements where your senses are awakened! A truly talented author. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna
Okay , arguably you will tell me it deserves only 4. However............................NO! I have to give five stars for it touches your senses. From the smells to the food to the picture it creates in your mind. Each part of this novel was an experience. Not one that is normal any longer. It allows the reader to open their senses to such an extent that you are there and may even experience some of them for yourself! While the story line may be familiar the execution of it will not be. This was an extremely enjoyable read for me in many many ways. I look for more from this author and hope each book has the elements where your senses are awakened! A truly talented author. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna
February 11, 2018
Reviewed by: Candice Marie
Prior to this novel, it had been a long time since I actively sought out to read a Historical Romance.
I’ve always been a fan, in fact, it was my first love and the only romance genre I read for years, but about two years ago I just seemed to lose interest.
I stumbled upon this author while browsing titles on NetGalley and was immediately intrigued by the plot.
Luckily, I was approved by the publisher to review and I’m so happy I sent the request!
It’s hard for me to believe that this was a debut novel by this author!
Excellently written with descriptions so wonderfully vivid I was able to clearly visualize the era.
The chemistry and sizzling sexual tension between Hayden and Sophia was immediate and exciting!
The banter witty, engaging, and sometimes hilarious.
What I loved about both Hayden and Sophia was the fact that there was so much more to them then what they seemed.
I enjoyed getting to know them both as the story progressed, my heart hurt for them both for different reasons and I rooted for them to find a way to trust one another with their vulnerabilities, and realize that together they could be whole and complete.
This book was a reminder of all the reasons why I love historical romance, and I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series!
Prior to this novel, it had been a long time since I actively sought out to read a Historical Romance.
I’ve always been a fan, in fact, it was my first love and the only romance genre I read for years, but about two years ago I just seemed to lose interest.
I stumbled upon this author while browsing titles on NetGalley and was immediately intrigued by the plot.
Luckily, I was approved by the publisher to review and I’m so happy I sent the request!
It’s hard for me to believe that this was a debut novel by this author!
Excellently written with descriptions so wonderfully vivid I was able to clearly visualize the era.
The chemistry and sizzling sexual tension between Hayden and Sophia was immediate and exciting!
The banter witty, engaging, and sometimes hilarious.
What I loved about both Hayden and Sophia was the fact that there was so much more to them then what they seemed.
I enjoyed getting to know them both as the story progressed, my heart hurt for them both for different reasons and I rooted for them to find a way to trust one another with their vulnerabilities, and realize that together they could be whole and complete.
This book was a reminder of all the reasons why I love historical romance, and I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series!
February 8, 2018
Hayden is shot by a woman who wants to be his wife. Sophia is his nurse. They are at odds from the beginning on his treatment. He suggests a bet that she will not stay 10 days. And they are off.
I enjoyed this story. Hayden and Sophia are well developed characters. At times they are funny as they fight about his treatment. I am glad that they learned to communicate and tell the truth rather than keep secrets. Both have secrets that weigh them down with guilt. Celia, Hayden's daughter, is a doll. I liked the acceptance both find with the other and within the family.
This is a good set up for the series, Infamous Lords. I look forward to more of the books.
I enjoyed this story. Hayden and Sophia are well developed characters. At times they are funny as they fight about his treatment. I am glad that they learned to communicate and tell the truth rather than keep secrets. Both have secrets that weigh them down with guilt. Celia, Hayden's daughter, is a doll. I liked the acceptance both find with the other and within the family.
This is a good set up for the series, Infamous Lords. I look forward to more of the books.
February 27, 2018
I dabble in lots of genres but have never considered myself a romance reader. Renee Ann Miller’s wonderful debut NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL may have changed that. The story was engaging from start to finish and her characters endearing, despite and because of their all-too-human flaws. The tension between the heroine and hero sparked from their first meeting and never completely let up, making the story a delicious, compulsive read. I especially like that the heroine, Sophia, had a mind and means of her own. Looking forward to Ms. Miller’s next novel.
August 26, 2018
This is a charming historical romance with witty dialogue between Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield, and his nurse Sophia Camden. Their romance hits a few bumps in the road but is true to the genre. I was only taken out of the story at one point with an anarchistic word, "uptight," which threw me into Woodstock days. I read it in one sitting.
February 17, 2018
I received this ARC as a prize in a contest, and I was a little nervous about this "Advance Uncorrected Proof" and what errors/ problems I may encounter in it. I have to say that I was so involved in the story that I wouldn't have noticed any errors if they hit me over the head.
Hayden, Earl of Westfield is shot by a former mistress who is obviously unhinged. He chases away several people hired to take care of him until Sophia Camden comes into his life. She dares him that she *will* last 10 days or he will have to not only pay her a bonus but also work to ensure that women will be accepted into medical training to become physicians. Never one to refuse a dare, Hayden is determined that he will win at any cost.
I loved Sophia, her strength and her gentleness, and there was so much more to Westfield than anyone could possibly know. There was a nice blend of romance, humor, danger and some very serious issues.
If the rest of the series is this good, I'll look forward to reading them.
Hayden, Earl of Westfield is shot by a former mistress who is obviously unhinged. He chases away several people hired to take care of him until Sophia Camden comes into his life. She dares him that she *will* last 10 days or he will have to not only pay her a bonus but also work to ensure that women will be accepted into medical training to become physicians. Never one to refuse a dare, Hayden is determined that he will win at any cost.
I loved Sophia, her strength and her gentleness, and there was so much more to Westfield than anyone could possibly know. There was a nice blend of romance, humor, danger and some very serious issues.
If the rest of the series is this good, I'll look forward to reading them.
February 10, 2018
What a fantastic debut from Renee Ann Miller! This book was so enjoyable from start to finish. The banter and chemistry between Hayden and Sophie was just lovely, and the tension throughout the book was gripping. I was so impressed by how immersive an experience the author was able to create, and how evocative the descriptions and settings were. Love it, and can't wait to read book 2!
January 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
Never Dare a Wicked Earl is the first book in the Infamous Lords series by Renee Ann Miller. It is the story of Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield and Sophia Camden, a female medical attendant. Hayden has a reputation as a philanderer following his wife giving birth to a baby less than nine months after the wedding. He eventually learns the truth of the circumstances around the birth and experiences regret for his behaviour, especially since his wife passed away, but his reputation still remains intact. Hayden’s last mistress was a beautiful but mentally unstable woman who did not take kindly to the breakup and shot his leg in retaliation. It is at this point we meet Sophia, a nurse or medical attendant, hired by Hayden’s sister after he ran off a string of previous male attendants, the idea was that he may be kinder to a female. We soon find out that Hayden has no problem being rude to a female, especially one that he is attracted to and does not want to be. He tries his best to frighten her off but Sophia wants to prove to herself and to her profession that a female can handle the medical field and difficult patients, and so dares Hayden to give her a trial.
The story started off a bit slow for my liking and I found some descriptions of the characters to be a bit forced. For example Hayden was complaining that Sophia volunteers her time to help the poor and, once Sophia was gone, Hayden’s sister asks him why he was pretending that he does not also help the poor. This interaction, and a few more like it, just did not seem genuine. There was more explanation than needed, if you are Hayden’s sister then you obviously do not need to outline (to your brother himself) every charitable organization he donates to and his status in those organization – I would assume that he would already know this. It would have been more believable if she has just scolded him for lying and then explained everything he does to someone, like Sophia, who does not know him. These awkward descriptions seemed more for the sake of the reader, since Hayden came across as an ogre in the beginning, and it was almost like Miller was trying to convince us that he is not. Sophia’s desire to have more females in the medical profession seemed genuine, however, it would have been better if she did not ogle Hayden’s naked body every chance she could. It makes me question if she becomes a female doctor is she going to be flustered around every attractive male she treats? I am not even sure why a medical attendant was necessary for Hayden, since everything Sophia did seemed like it could have been done effectively by a valet.
These issues aside, after a few chapters the story picked up the pace and I really enjoyed it. Sophia and Hayden have very fun conversations and it kept me engaged in their dialogues and made the love story more realistic because we got to see how it developed over time. While this was a story with immediate mutual attraction, there was more depth and development to each character and to them falling in love – both have past secrets and pain that they had to work through. This made their story more realistic for me, and made me enjoy reading it. Add in the secondary characters, who were also very well developed and really rounded out the story, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I look forward to more books in this series.
~ Harshita
Never Dare a Wicked Earl is the first book in the Infamous Lords series by Renee Ann Miller. It is the story of Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield and Sophia Camden, a female medical attendant. Hayden has a reputation as a philanderer following his wife giving birth to a baby less than nine months after the wedding. He eventually learns the truth of the circumstances around the birth and experiences regret for his behaviour, especially since his wife passed away, but his reputation still remains intact. Hayden’s last mistress was a beautiful but mentally unstable woman who did not take kindly to the breakup and shot his leg in retaliation. It is at this point we meet Sophia, a nurse or medical attendant, hired by Hayden’s sister after he ran off a string of previous male attendants, the idea was that he may be kinder to a female. We soon find out that Hayden has no problem being rude to a female, especially one that he is attracted to and does not want to be. He tries his best to frighten her off but Sophia wants to prove to herself and to her profession that a female can handle the medical field and difficult patients, and so dares Hayden to give her a trial.
The story started off a bit slow for my liking and I found some descriptions of the characters to be a bit forced. For example Hayden was complaining that Sophia volunteers her time to help the poor and, once Sophia was gone, Hayden’s sister asks him why he was pretending that he does not also help the poor. This interaction, and a few more like it, just did not seem genuine. There was more explanation than needed, if you are Hayden’s sister then you obviously do not need to outline (to your brother himself) every charitable organization he donates to and his status in those organization – I would assume that he would already know this. It would have been more believable if she has just scolded him for lying and then explained everything he does to someone, like Sophia, who does not know him. These awkward descriptions seemed more for the sake of the reader, since Hayden came across as an ogre in the beginning, and it was almost like Miller was trying to convince us that he is not. Sophia’s desire to have more females in the medical profession seemed genuine, however, it would have been better if she did not ogle Hayden’s naked body every chance she could. It makes me question if she becomes a female doctor is she going to be flustered around every attractive male she treats? I am not even sure why a medical attendant was necessary for Hayden, since everything Sophia did seemed like it could have been done effectively by a valet.
These issues aside, after a few chapters the story picked up the pace and I really enjoyed it. Sophia and Hayden have very fun conversations and it kept me engaged in their dialogues and made the love story more realistic because we got to see how it developed over time. While this was a story with immediate mutual attraction, there was more depth and development to each character and to them falling in love – both have past secrets and pain that they had to work through. This made their story more realistic for me, and made me enjoy reading it. Add in the secondary characters, who were also very well developed and really rounded out the story, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I look forward to more books in this series.
~ Harshita
January 17, 2018
Terrific historical romance from Renee Ann Miller. Well plotted with relatable characters who are definitely of their era. I loved the heroine immediately, the hero--not so much. But both characters carry baggage from their pasts and bit by bit Ms. Miller reveals their many dimensions until I was rooting for them to overcome the obstacles that kept them apart. This was an interesting and well written story that kept me engaged right to the end. I look forward to the next book in the Infamous Lords series.
February 2, 2018
I received a copy of Never Dare a Wicked Earl by Renee Ann Miller from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read! Well written characters, entertaining plot, and witty dialogue in a historical setting.
This was an enjoyable read! Well written characters, entertaining plot, and witty dialogue in a historical setting.
February 11, 2018
Not bad for debut! Ms. Miller’s Infamous Lords series is off to a solid start. Shot by his crazed ex-mistress, Lord Hayden is bedridden and mean spirited! This patient is out of patience and chases his caregivers off in record time. Enter Miss Sophia. She’s seen worse. Hayden is intrigued when Sophia refuses to be chased away. She’s even so brave as to dare him that she’s the woman for the job. Their initial interactions will put a smile on your face but will guilt and secrets end their fragile beginnings?
A quick read that will pass a rainy afternoon!
A quick read that will pass a rainy afternoon!
dnf
February 1, 2018“You asked why I came into your bedchamber, Sophia. By now it should be exceedingly obvious. I wished to seduce you. However, I am a man who is enormously fond of a challenge, and this seems all too easy.”
The gif says it all. I was actually going to DNF as soon as the ‘hero’ confirmed his douchery with those offensive lines quoted above, but morbid curiosity got the better of me and I skimmed through the next couple of chapters just to see what happened. The fuckery that followed included an alarming lack of grovel, a thousand misunderstandings between the leads, an unplanned pregnancy, a kidnapping and sexual assault, all ending in a semi-forced marriage With little to no emotional depth in Sophia and Hayden’s ~romance, only instalust, and no other interesting storylines to speak of (unless you count Sophia’s goal of becoming a physician, which as far as I know she later abandoned), I saw no point in trying to finish this one. Life’s too damn short.
I am hoping this this was a one-off blunder by a newbie author because the next book in the series appears right up my catnip alley. Although quite obviously, I’ll be approaching it with EXTREME caution now.
The gif says it all. I was actually going to DNF as soon as the ‘hero’ confirmed his douchery with those offensive lines quoted above, but morbid curiosity got the better of me and I skimmed through the next couple of chapters just to see what happened. The fuckery that followed included an alarming lack of grovel, a thousand misunderstandings between the leads, an unplanned pregnancy, a kidnapping and sexual assault, all ending in a semi-forced marriage With little to no emotional depth in Sophia and Hayden’s ~romance, only instalust, and no other interesting storylines to speak of (unless you count Sophia’s goal of becoming a physician, which as far as I know she later abandoned), I saw no point in trying to finish this one. Life’s too damn short.
I am hoping this this was a one-off blunder by a newbie author because the next book in the series appears right up my catnip alley. Although quite obviously, I’ll be approaching it with EXTREME caution now.
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