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Wicked Husbands #3
Her Reformed Rake
She refuses to behave...
American heiress Daisy Vanreid prides herself on bucking convention at every turn. Equally well-known for her beauty and her rebellious nature, she has no choice but to entrap the notorious Duke of Trent to avoid marriage to the aging aristocrat her father chose for her. Or so she thinks. But once she becomes Trent's duchess, he disappears. Now, she's on a mission to stir up enough scandal to force his return.
He refuses to be chained...
An elite spy, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, is on a mission of a different variety, and his wild, trousers-wearing wife is creating the sort of distraction he can't afford. He returns to London to take the minx in hand, but the woman he married as a pawn proves a wilier opponent than any enemy of the crown. His inconvenient attraction to her complicates an already tangled web of danger and deceit.
Love is the most perilous risk of all...
When Daisy uncovers Sebastian's secret life, she's swept into his world of intrigue and straight into his arms. Together, they become locked in a battle of passion and wits that they can only survive by trusting each other.
American heiress Daisy Vanreid prides herself on bucking convention at every turn. Equally well-known for her beauty and her rebellious nature, she has no choice but to entrap the notorious Duke of Trent to avoid marriage to the aging aristocrat her father chose for her. Or so she thinks. But once she becomes Trent's duchess, he disappears. Now, she's on a mission to stir up enough scandal to force his return.
He refuses to be chained...
An elite spy, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, is on a mission of a different variety, and his wild, trousers-wearing wife is creating the sort of distraction he can't afford. He returns to London to take the minx in hand, but the woman he married as a pawn proves a wilier opponent than any enemy of the crown. His inconvenient attraction to her complicates an already tangled web of danger and deceit.
Love is the most perilous risk of all...
When Daisy uncovers Sebastian's secret life, she's swept into his world of intrigue and straight into his arms. Together, they become locked in a battle of passion and wits that they can only survive by trusting each other.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2018
1685 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Scott
124 books1,582 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Scarlett Scott writes steamy Victorian and Regency historical romances with strong, intelligent heroines and sexy alpha heroes. She lives in Pennsylvania and Maryland with her Canadian husband, their adorable identical twins, a demanding diva dog, and one zany cat.
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
For Scarlett's latest releases, exclusive excerpts, contests and more, visit her website, http://www.scarlettscottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 13, 2018
I gotta hand it to the author: she really outdid herself with this one ! I LOVED this book and I don't hand out 5 stars that easily ! The MC's were both awesome: they're both strong, smart, sexy as hell and boy did they have some explosive chemistry. In fact, it's literal dynamite that actually brought them together. The H Sebastian is The Duke of Trent and he's also a covert operative ( spy ) for the Crown. The story begins in 1881 and Sebastian has been spying on Daisy Vanreid, an American heiress, because his superior/handler The Duke of Carlisle thinks she's in cahoots with her father. The British Crown suspect her father of being a member of the Fenians, an Irish terrorist group that has bombed a town called Salford and has future plans to set off explosions in other parts of England. When Sebastian is watching her, at the start of the story, he thinks she's just a mindless beautiful flirt:
"The brash American chit had nothing to do with dynamite. Sebastian would wager his life upon it."
After he actually has a flirty encounter with the 20 yr old heroine, he is floored and almost left tongue tied:
“You do seem to possess an absurd predilection for your ruination, Miss Vanreid.”
She startled him by stepping nearer to him, her skirts billowing against his legs. “One could say the same for you. Why do you watch, Your Grace? Does it intrigue you? Perhaps you would like a turn.”
Jesus. Lust slammed through him, hot and hard and demanding. He’d never, in all his years of covert operations, gotten a stiff cock during an investigation. Thanks to the golden vixen before him, he had one now."
It was amazing to see a heroine use her charms to twist the H around her little finger for a change and Daisy does it in such a classy way too, that Sebastian is left thinking:
"And he knew right then that he’d been wrong about Daisy Vanreid. She bloody well was the dynamite"
And from that point onwards poor Sebastian is torn between his duty to his mission ( to capture her father, her former fiance Padraig and even Daisy herself if she's found guilty ) and his desire to be with her. Daisy starts off acting like a coquette or flirt but in actuality she's trying to get any half decent man to marry her because it's the only way she has of escaping from her abusive father. Her father wants to marry her off to an old, ugly, smelly, greasy haired man called Viscount Breckly.
The H is the only man she's met in London who turns her on. She comes up with an idea that if he keeps getting in her way all the time, then she'll just have to end up making him the one who compromises her. Sebastian's handler devises a scheme that falls right in with Daisy's plans for ruination at the hands of the handsome H. Lord Carlisle tells the H that he must compromise Daisy and force her into a marriage of convenience in an effort to spy on her and her father. The H is appalled at this sacrifice but Carlisle assures him that if the marriage is not consummated it will be easy for him to get an annulment, since they've got contacts in the government who will be able to get it done quickly. The MC's get married and Sebastian is determined to stay away from Daisy and not have sex with her, but his resolution only lasts for one night and a day ! The moment he sees her in her nightgown he goes all weak in the knees and:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the hot passionate sex scenes and the spy intrigue in this novel. This H is a gem of a guy when compared to the cheating jerk in Her Errant Earl and the asshole in Her Lovestruck Lord. When he realizes how much she loves to read, he buys her a few crates filled with books. Sebastian distrusts Daisy for a large part of the novel but he grows to love her and he defends her against Carlisle and Griffin ( fellow spies ) when they say nasty things about her. He even punched Griffin in the face a couple of times. It's great when a H stands up for the woman he loves. There's a horrible scene after their wedding day when her father tries to beat her and Sebastian chokes the nasty old bully until his face turns red. Sebastian even acknowledges to himself, at the end of chapter 17, that he loves her and wants to resign from his job as a covert operative so that he could settle down and have babies with her. And this happens midway in the story:
"When at last he lay in the darkness with her curled against him, both of their bodies spent, Daisy’s even breathing indicating she was asleep, he kissed her bare shoulder.
“I love you, too,” he whispered into the night."
The love story between these MC's was beautiful. They're both hiding their secrets from each other but they're unable to stop themselves from falling in love. Unbeknownst to Daisy, her lady's maid Abigail is also a traitorous member of the Fenian group and this hagwitch keeps sending fake information to Lord Carlisle through double agents in an effort to implicate Daisy as a traitor. Sebastian often felt as if he was gut punched each time those letters filled with lies would be shown to him but he still kept defending his wife. I really admired that because other H's would have turned on the heroine without thinking about things carefully and logically. The worst part of the conflict between the MC's has to do with Daisy's secret about her illegitimate Irish half sister Bridget. Bridget is said to have connections with the Fenians. The H doesn't know that Bridget is Daisy's half sister so he spends a lot of time tormenting himself with thoughts that his wife is a traitor.
The MC's happy marital relationship comes to an end when Lord Carlisle sends Sebastian to Liverpool and gives him orders not to tell Daisy anything about his departure of his destination. Sebastian is gone for about 3 months because he's busy doing deep undercover work and he is unable to send letters to Daisy even though he misses her a lot. The heroine tortures herself wondering why he's gone so long and isn't responding to her letters. She doesn't know that he hasn't received any letters since he's undercover and not at his ducal estate. Daisy's sadness and depression soon turns to anger and she comes up with a hilarious outlandish plan to get a little female vengeance. Her accomplice is a delightful young duchess called Georgiana, whose husband is also a spy that's neglecting his wife. These 2 beautiful American duchesses set the Ton afire with their fancy parties and outrageous fashion choices. I laughed a lot when the 2 women decide to get their modiste to design trouser suits for them to wear in public. It might not have been something women would have done then ( at least if they were duchesses ) but it provided a lot of laughs for me.
Unfortunately for Daisy, Sebastian reads about her exploits and gets all alpha male possessive and jealous, because he assumes she's been cavorting with lovers while he's celibate and missing her. Sebastian was faithful to his wedding vows, though, because he refused to even look at another woman even when he thinks his wife is cheating on him. Their reunion is very intense because he's furious with jealousy and she is angry at him for not telling her where's he been and what he's been doing. She eventually relents and tells him the truth about Bridget being her sister but when he confides that he's a spy, she's so hurt and betrayed that she decides to leave him. The heroine is then almost kidnapped by the crazy bitch maid Abigail but she manages to stab the hagwitch and overpower her. There are repercussions, however, because Daisy gets shot in her arm. As soon as she recovers, she leaves Sebastian and goes to stay with Georgiana. The H did a spectacular job when it came to grovelling. He takes care of her spoilt dog Hugo and keeps writing letters to her all the time and doesn't give up even when she fails to respond to them:
"My love,
Your doctor tells me you are fully healed and the babe continues to flourish. I am, and will ever be, awed by your strength.
I intend to leave for my estate, Thornsby Hall, in the morning. I’m overseeing improvements upon the library and several other rooms. Your beast will accompany me, though he would be wise to cease his alarming proclivity for carpet annihilation. I trust you are in good hands with Her Grace. Should you need to reach me, send word there.
After much pondering, I’ve postulated a theory that a one thirty-second Your Grace would consist of the opening of one’s mouth as if to form the sound of a “y” and nothing more. I’ve attempted it in a glass on several occasions, and I’m reasonably certain I am correct. You are welcome to debate the matter.
Yours as ever,
Sebastian
P.S. I love you.
P.S. I love you as I love the sun on my face, the breath in my lungs, the green grass of spring, a faultless summer sky. I love you so much that I ache with it."
I commend the author for writing such a fabulous novel. I admit I hadn't been sure if I ought to read it because I had hated Her Errant Earl with a passion. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a fair chance because the second book Her Lovestruck Lordhad been better. I'm glad I gave this book a fair chance because Sebastian is everything I love in a hero. He's hunky, sexy, handsome, faithful, protective of his heroine and most importantly ( for me at least ) the guy's a duke ! I can't wait to read the next novel "Her Deceptive Duke" because the MC's are going to be Georgiana and her husband Kit. Georgiana seems like another heroine I am going to love, especially when she's got a mansion filled with dogs and cats. She's a bit eccentric but she's beautiful and funny so I can't wait to see what she, Kit and her cute spaniel dog Puppenstein get up to in their novel. I'm really hoping Kit turns out to be more like Sebastian and not like the jerk and the asshole from the first and second novels.
Btw: I loved the cover !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2022
5 Stars on a re-read!
Reasons I adore this book…
- Scarlett Scott
- Sebastian
- Daisy
- The love, the chemistry, the letters…oh, the letters!
- The steam
- Also, did I mention Daisy?
5 Awesome stars!
There is not a single thing I did not love about this book!
The Plot
Daisy needs to find a husband - and quickly, any man will do, for anyone else would be better than the odious Lord her father has selected for her. Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, has always put duty over everything else as a spy in an elite "League", he has no time for emotional entanglements, for they have been trained out of him. But when his latest mission requires him to wed the daughter of the man under investigation, duty conflicts with emotions, making this sham of a marriage all too real!
The many praise-worthy aspects
- Oh, this plot was magnificent. The story was perfectly written, it flowed effortlessly and it was an utter delight to read. As I have said, numerous times, Scarlett Scott is supremely talented.
- The characters were glorious, both of them courageous in their suffering and circumstances. Their individual development and the relationship arc was a read to behold.
- The subtle nuances of emotional ebb and flow came through singing in this story. As a reader, I was hooked, so much that I was remiss in my daily routine.
- This is one of those rare stories where "the big misunderstanding" has a perfect place.
- The secondary characters were damn sight intriguing, I do hope the Duke of Carlisle and the Duke of Strathmore get their stories as well.
- The primary plot is a romance with a criminal subplot. In true Scarlett Scott fashion, the story focuses predominantly on the romance aspect, but the thriller undertones have been justified. I did have a "Holy crap, I did not see that coming" moment which rarely happens.
- Unlike the previous two books in the series, this book has no severe triggers or cheating. Content Warning: Parental abuse, descriptive
- I appreciate an alliterative title, but Sebastian was not rakish, his cover was, so maybe it counts. All said and done, I have zero complaints with this book.
The Hero
I loved everything about Sebastian, starting with his name, ending with his job and everything in between. I do admire an alpha male character who can throw punches, encompass tradecraft and charm a lady to boot. He was so very protective, the way his emotional struggle between his duty to the crown and his feelings towards Daisy have been described made him extremely endearing. A paradoxical hero vacillating between light-hearted to utterly honour-bound was delightfully adorable. The honesty & love with which he won Daisy over enchanted me, I think I will make my husband read this book!
The Heroine
Talk about a strong-willed heroine and Daisy will make the top 5 in the list. This one knew how to take matters into her own hands and save herself, consequences be damned. Considering her abusive upbringing she was utterly pragmatic without being walled up, just the right amount of cautious with maintaining honesty. She tried to make the best of every bad hand dealt to her, right from her father to her marriage, her abandonment and the villain. Not a dewy-eyed chit who accepted scraps, Daisy showed the best form of respect there is - to herself and for me, that is what made her an amazing heroine.
My Recommendation
This is one of those books that checked all the boxes and will go down in my "read again" list. I heartily recommend this book to everyone who is looking for spy dukes as this was Sebastian's show through and through. I have already started reading the next one in the series - Her Deceptive Duke.
Reasons I adore this book…
- Scarlett Scott
- Sebastian
- Daisy
- The love, the chemistry, the letters…oh, the letters!
- The steam
- Also, did I mention Daisy?
5 Awesome stars!
There is not a single thing I did not love about this book!
The Plot
Daisy needs to find a husband - and quickly, any man will do, for anyone else would be better than the odious Lord her father has selected for her. Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, has always put duty over everything else as a spy in an elite "League", he has no time for emotional entanglements, for they have been trained out of him. But when his latest mission requires him to wed the daughter of the man under investigation, duty conflicts with emotions, making this sham of a marriage all too real!
The many praise-worthy aspects
- Oh, this plot was magnificent. The story was perfectly written, it flowed effortlessly and it was an utter delight to read. As I have said, numerous times, Scarlett Scott is supremely talented.
- The characters were glorious, both of them courageous in their suffering and circumstances. Their individual development and the relationship arc was a read to behold.
- The subtle nuances of emotional ebb and flow came through singing in this story. As a reader, I was hooked, so much that I was remiss in my daily routine.
- This is one of those rare stories where "the big misunderstanding" has a perfect place.
- The secondary characters were damn sight intriguing, I do hope the Duke of Carlisle and the Duke of Strathmore get their stories as well.
- The primary plot is a romance with a criminal subplot. In true Scarlett Scott fashion, the story focuses predominantly on the romance aspect, but the thriller undertones have been justified. I did have a "Holy crap, I did not see that coming" moment which rarely happens.
- Unlike the previous two books in the series, this book has no severe triggers or cheating. Content Warning: Parental abuse, descriptive
- I appreciate an alliterative title, but Sebastian was not rakish, his cover was, so maybe it counts. All said and done, I have zero complaints with this book.
The Hero
I loved everything about Sebastian, starting with his name, ending with his job and everything in between. I do admire an alpha male character who can throw punches, encompass tradecraft and charm a lady to boot. He was so very protective, the way his emotional struggle between his duty to the crown and his feelings towards Daisy have been described made him extremely endearing. A paradoxical hero vacillating between light-hearted to utterly honour-bound was delightfully adorable. The honesty & love with which he won Daisy over enchanted me, I think I will make my husband read this book!
The Heroine
Talk about a strong-willed heroine and Daisy will make the top 5 in the list. This one knew how to take matters into her own hands and save herself, consequences be damned. Considering her abusive upbringing she was utterly pragmatic without being walled up, just the right amount of cautious with maintaining honesty. She tried to make the best of every bad hand dealt to her, right from her father to her marriage, her abandonment and the villain. Not a dewy-eyed chit who accepted scraps, Daisy showed the best form of respect there is - to herself and for me, that is what made her an amazing heroine.
My Recommendation
This is one of those books that checked all the boxes and will go down in my "read again" list. I heartily recommend this book to everyone who is looking for spy dukes as this was Sebastian's show through and through. I have already started reading the next one in the series - Her Deceptive Duke.
October 6, 2018
Another lost review thanks to the Kindle Fire
I wish there was a save button on these reviews because they always seem to disappear after I am done. It's frustrating.
But the book was excellent. A faithful hero who can be somewhat of an idiot and a jerk but groveled very nicely in the end. He was a spy who married an American heiress that they thought was part of a sinister group who was making dynamite and blowing things up. They can't keep their hands off each other and it is a very steamy, sex filled story. But it was romantic. Very. And I loved it. He goes away on an assignment and shrubs is heartbroken. She writes him letters that her progressively colder, but funny, to try and scare him back to her side. I thought that part was awfully cute, but then the misunderstandings and the anger, betrayal come to call and it was very intense. I truly loved this book. And I have been afraid of this author because she seems to have an abundance of husbands who cheat so I have stayed away. But this book was awesome and introduces the heroine of the next novel but I probably won't read it due to OW/celibacy/separation issues of mine. I hate those plot devices, but luckily this one did not contain those and it was amazing. I loved it.
I wish there was a save button on these reviews because they always seem to disappear after I am done. It's frustrating.
But the book was excellent. A faithful hero who can be somewhat of an idiot and a jerk but groveled very nicely in the end. He was a spy who married an American heiress that they thought was part of a sinister group who was making dynamite and blowing things up. They can't keep their hands off each other and it is a very steamy, sex filled story. But it was romantic. Very. And I loved it. He goes away on an assignment and shrubs is heartbroken. She writes him letters that her progressively colder, but funny, to try and scare him back to her side. I thought that part was awfully cute, but then the misunderstandings and the anger, betrayal come to call and it was very intense. I truly loved this book. And I have been afraid of this author because she seems to have an abundance of husbands who cheat so I have stayed away. But this book was awesome and introduces the heroine of the next novel but I probably won't read it due to OW/celibacy/separation issues of mine. I hate those plot devices, but luckily this one did not contain those and it was amazing. I loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2019
This was a nice read. And I liked the characters, just didn't love them.
I just don't think I was in the right frame of mind for reading this one.
It did take be a bit to get somewhat engaged into the story, about a third into the story.
It seemed to have repetitive statements throughout the book (it irritated me after a while and probable why the three star).
Heroines plot to marry anyone, by flirting with any rake or gentlemen, to escape who her father intended for her to marry, was irritating as well. Didn't care for that part of the storyline.
Hero, a spy for the crown is ordered to marry her as she might be the key to a case they are trying to solve. They believe her father is the key suspect.
So there is subterfuge, trickery, mistrust and a lot of sexual tension in this story.
I just don't think I was in the right frame of mind for reading this one.
It did take be a bit to get somewhat engaged into the story, about a third into the story.
It seemed to have repetitive statements throughout the book (it irritated me after a while and probable why the three star).
Heroines plot to marry anyone, by flirting with any rake or gentlemen, to escape who her father intended for her to marry, was irritating as well. Didn't care for that part of the storyline.
Hero, a spy for the crown is ordered to marry her as she might be the key to a case they are trying to solve. They believe her father is the key suspect.
So there is subterfuge, trickery, mistrust and a lot of sexual tension in this story.
December 19, 2025
4 He lead himself astray ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Runaway train never going back, wrong way, on a one way track” that is the theme song to this story.
My feelings were activated during this book, not by big drama, but by the slow betrayal by him, while he simultaneously falls for her in rapid pace. Even though he is in love with her, he can’t stop the betrayal he committed even if he wanted to.❤️🩹
As a reader it was like watching a car accident in slow motion, and I am genuinely impressed by this author’s ability to write a story that is not following the usual “trope” mass production, but is doing a unique thing. 🙌
Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, works for the crown as a spy, and has his whole adult life, the story isn’t really about that, but it does serve a purpose, to provide understanding for the reader. I don’t love romantic suspense, and this is NOT that.
He is keeping an eye on Daisy, spying on her for about a month before they meet. Daisy and her abusive father are under suspicion of crimes against the crown.
Daisy is completely unaware, and she is fighting her own battles. Her father plans to marry her to a much older man of the ton and she is terrified.
She actively tries to ruin herself, in order to avoid that union and this is how they meet. She thinks she traps him, but Sebastian is under orders to marry her, and gain her trust. So he does just that. Daisy feels guilty entrapping him, but we know that he planned it.
Their chemistry is on fire and after less than 24 hours, they consummate the marriage. It is Sebastian’s plan to annul the marriage at a later date and he is careless with her, sleeps with her knowing full well he will file for annulment and she will be left in complete ruination.❤️🩹
Daisy is completely unaware of the situation and is falling for Sebastian, not knowing his deceit. The betrayal is slow and it’s was hard to follow without feeling angry at Sebastian for being completely reckless with her. He is not even careful about procreation.
They do fall head over heels for each other but the world has plans for them..
His control over the situation is spiraling away from him, as they both fall in love each other so deeply, and we as readers understand that he can’t stop this disaster from happening.
The writing from this author is 🙌
The story had my heart in a vice and kept squeezing it. There was a sadness emerged with a very romantic unfolding between the two ❤️
Why not 5 ⭐️? Because his inner dialogue was a little repetitive, I understood his yearning for her, even when he did not yet know himself. Had I been a writer I would have ended the story with a little more drama. It felt too easy and a little rushed.
Should you read it? Yes
It’s not as loud as the first two in the series, but the betrayal was almost more forbidden romance than anything else.
“Runaway train never going back, wrong way, on a one way track” that is the theme song to this story.
My feelings were activated during this book, not by big drama, but by the slow betrayal by him, while he simultaneously falls for her in rapid pace. Even though he is in love with her, he can’t stop the betrayal he committed even if he wanted to.❤️🩹
As a reader it was like watching a car accident in slow motion, and I am genuinely impressed by this author’s ability to write a story that is not following the usual “trope” mass production, but is doing a unique thing. 🙌
Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, works for the crown as a spy, and has his whole adult life, the story isn’t really about that, but it does serve a purpose, to provide understanding for the reader. I don’t love romantic suspense, and this is NOT that.
He is keeping an eye on Daisy, spying on her for about a month before they meet. Daisy and her abusive father are under suspicion of crimes against the crown.
Daisy is completely unaware, and she is fighting her own battles. Her father plans to marry her to a much older man of the ton and she is terrified.
She actively tries to ruin herself, in order to avoid that union and this is how they meet. She thinks she traps him, but Sebastian is under orders to marry her, and gain her trust. So he does just that. Daisy feels guilty entrapping him, but we know that he planned it.
Their chemistry is on fire and after less than 24 hours, they consummate the marriage. It is Sebastian’s plan to annul the marriage at a later date and he is careless with her, sleeps with her knowing full well he will file for annulment and she will be left in complete ruination.❤️🩹
Daisy is completely unaware of the situation and is falling for Sebastian, not knowing his deceit. The betrayal is slow and it’s was hard to follow without feeling angry at Sebastian for being completely reckless with her. He is not even careful about procreation.
They do fall head over heels for each other but the world has plans for them..
His control over the situation is spiraling away from him, as they both fall in love each other so deeply, and we as readers understand that he can’t stop this disaster from happening.
The writing from this author is 🙌
The story had my heart in a vice and kept squeezing it. There was a sadness emerged with a very romantic unfolding between the two ❤️
Why not 5 ⭐️? Because his inner dialogue was a little repetitive, I understood his yearning for her, even when he did not yet know himself. Had I been a writer I would have ended the story with a little more drama. It felt too easy and a little rushed.
Should you read it? Yes
It’s not as loud as the first two in the series, but the betrayal was almost more forbidden romance than anything else.
September 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is the third book in her Wicked Husbands series and definitely had a different feel. The first two books had actual sucky/wicked husbands. Both dumped their new unwanted brides after the marriage and had blatant affairs with mistresses. (cheating) Those books also had a fair amount of OW drama with some soapy-ish feels. Her Deceptive Duke and the next book (Her Reformed Rake) have non-cheating, not-so sucky/wicked undercover spy husbands. They’re both saddled with unwanted marriages, and there’s relationship drama… but the conflict is more about stopping the bomber-bad guys rather than OW drama. They have some overlapping characters and plots… so heads up with that.
Also, not to be totally confusing… but worth mentioning. Book 5 (Her Missing Marquess) is Nell’s story that was introduced in the second book (Her Lovestruck Lord- Maggie & Simon). She caught her husband with Simon’s mistress and was on Maggie’s side. It also looks like book 6 follows that (Nell’s) storyline as that H is the dude she doesn’t pick. So, from a reading standpoint, you might want to read 2➡️ 5➡️6 together.
The blurb sets this one up. Daisy is on a mission to trap a suitor into “compromising” her, so she doesn’t have to marry an old creepy dude her abusive dad is forcing on her. Meanwhile, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, is assigned to follow Daisy and eventually ordered to marry her to spy on her dad. Neither really wants the marriage (especially Sebastian) but he gets onboard really quickly, and they have feelings for each other fairly early in the book.
I really liked both mc’s. Daisy was great, she reminded me a bit of Bo from Darling Duke, and Sebastian was pretty swoony. They got on well with very little relationship drama, but it often felt like lust rather than love.
Bottom Line- Another enjoyable read. I wasn’t loving the spy side-plot, and there isn’t much relationship drama. For me, the likability of the main characters made up for the bland-ish plot, but readers hankering for drama-llama or heavy feels will probably be disappointed.
Safety- No OW/OM drama. H has pretended to be a rake for his cover, but there’re no mentions of OW or ex’s lurking about. He’s faithful throughout their marriage/separation despite his friend’s encouragement and thinking the h has been with OM in his absence.
This is the third book in her Wicked Husbands series and definitely had a different feel. The first two books had actual sucky/wicked husbands. Both dumped their new unwanted brides after the marriage and had blatant affairs with mistresses. (cheating) Those books also had a fair amount of OW drama with some soapy-ish feels. Her Deceptive Duke and the next book (Her Reformed Rake) have non-cheating, not-so sucky/wicked undercover spy husbands. They’re both saddled with unwanted marriages, and there’s relationship drama… but the conflict is more about stopping the bomber-bad guys rather than OW drama. They have some overlapping characters and plots… so heads up with that.
Also, not to be totally confusing… but worth mentioning. Book 5 (Her Missing Marquess) is Nell’s story that was introduced in the second book (Her Lovestruck Lord- Maggie & Simon). She caught her husband with Simon’s mistress and was on Maggie’s side. It also looks like book 6 follows that (Nell’s) storyline as that H is the dude she doesn’t pick. So, from a reading standpoint, you might want to read 2➡️ 5➡️6 together.
The blurb sets this one up. Daisy is on a mission to trap a suitor into “compromising” her, so she doesn’t have to marry an old creepy dude her abusive dad is forcing on her. Meanwhile, Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, is assigned to follow Daisy and eventually ordered to marry her to spy on her dad. Neither really wants the marriage (especially Sebastian) but he gets onboard really quickly, and they have feelings for each other fairly early in the book.
I really liked both mc’s. Daisy was great, she reminded me a bit of Bo from Darling Duke, and Sebastian was pretty swoony. They got on well with very little relationship drama, but it often felt like lust rather than love.
Bottom Line- Another enjoyable read. I wasn’t loving the spy side-plot, and there isn’t much relationship drama. For me, the likability of the main characters made up for the bland-ish plot, but readers hankering for drama-llama or heavy feels will probably be disappointed.
Safety- No OW/OM drama. H has pretended to be a rake for his cover, but there’re no mentions of OW or ex’s lurking about. He’s faithful throughout their marriage/separation despite his friend’s encouragement and thinking the h has been with OM in his absence.
January 9, 2019
Well hell, sex, sex and I can’t help myself, I will have to have more sex. Would have been nice to have better character development and less, well, sex!
I love my smut as much as the next woman but it didn’t fit the historical context here. And I’m not sure if I genuinely liked either of the MCs that much.
I love my smut as much as the next woman but it didn’t fit the historical context here. And I’m not sure if I genuinely liked either of the MCs that much.
April 14, 2018
I loved every page of this steamy Historical.....
I really like this author. Sometimes she’s a miss for me but more than likely a hit. This was one of those times. I found the plot a bit predictable but also.....original. Fancy that.
But........Both characters were likable. I loved them.
I may not like the way they went about solving their dilemmas but the author does a great job of having you understand their missions.
Daisy is a wonderful heroine. Desperate to get out from under her Fathers cruel wrath and arranged marriage. She’d seduce anyone at this point in her trip to London. She’s a bit of an outcast as an American but it’s 1887 and she’s rich as sin. Her father is working w/ the Fenians in America, an Irish group, (think pre-IRA) to give England grief.
The Duke of Trent is a Spy. Sebastian has been assigned Daisy to see if she knows anything, or is working with her father, then ordered to compromise & marry her but w/ the promise of annulment if not consummated.
Actually, he’s to not touch her at all.
Ha....
These two were dynamite from the start. I loved every second of the duplicity and steam. They both thought the other was lying about how their marriage came about, all while falling madly in love. Sebastian is actually a very, very decent man who only plays at being a rake for spy cover reasons.
Who will break first? What happens when all the truths are revealed? Delicious stuff.
I hope the author isn’t teasing me as a reader there’s so, so many supporting characters I long to read about. From Griff to of course Carlisle.....to, yes even Padraig. The Irishman, surely there’s a story there. I’m looking forward to Georgiana’s book. You could read this as a stand alone, I’ve missed the first two books which I intend on going back and reading and I was not lost at all. I’m always looking in new books I read of hers for previous characters, I need longer epilogues. Desperately. (I’m not selfish, not at all) LOL.
This author reminds me a bit of my favorite early Susan Johnson and early Brenda Joyce books. I’m so thankful to have found her.
So, if you’re up for a steamy read, romance and a bit of mystery and enter the world of the Ton, this is the book for you. Recommend.
I really like this author. Sometimes she’s a miss for me but more than likely a hit. This was one of those times. I found the plot a bit predictable but also.....original. Fancy that.
But........Both characters were likable. I loved them.
I may not like the way they went about solving their dilemmas but the author does a great job of having you understand their missions.
Daisy is a wonderful heroine. Desperate to get out from under her Fathers cruel wrath and arranged marriage. She’d seduce anyone at this point in her trip to London. She’s a bit of an outcast as an American but it’s 1887 and she’s rich as sin. Her father is working w/ the Fenians in America, an Irish group, (think pre-IRA) to give England grief.
The Duke of Trent is a Spy. Sebastian has been assigned Daisy to see if she knows anything, or is working with her father, then ordered to compromise & marry her but w/ the promise of annulment if not consummated.
Actually, he’s to not touch her at all.
Ha....
These two were dynamite from the start. I loved every second of the duplicity and steam. They both thought the other was lying about how their marriage came about, all while falling madly in love. Sebastian is actually a very, very decent man who only plays at being a rake for spy cover reasons.
Who will break first? What happens when all the truths are revealed? Delicious stuff.
I hope the author isn’t teasing me as a reader there’s so, so many supporting characters I long to read about. From Griff to of course Carlisle.....to, yes even Padraig. The Irishman, surely there’s a story there. I’m looking forward to Georgiana’s book. You could read this as a stand alone, I’ve missed the first two books which I intend on going back and reading and I was not lost at all. I’m always looking in new books I read of hers for previous characters, I need longer epilogues. Desperately. (I’m not selfish, not at all) LOL.
This author reminds me a bit of my favorite early Susan Johnson and early Brenda Joyce books. I’m so thankful to have found her.
So, if you’re up for a steamy read, romance and a bit of mystery and enter the world of the Ton, this is the book for you. Recommend.
September 27, 2018
Safe but meh. Too much sex that I skimmed, too much traitorous body (on behalf of both MCs), and not enough character development. The plot could have been much better, seeing as the H wasn't sure if he could trust the h, but it was completely repetitive instead. This book probably had enough content for a novella length work. But it was safe, the MCs were faithful to each other, and that has to count for something.
April 12, 2024
I’m usually not fond of American heiress because they are unpolished and too brassy. But I really liked Daisy Vanreid as she suffered under the abuse of het horrid father. Sebastian, the Duke if Trent, was working undercover for the Crown and Daisy’s father was under suspicion for aiding insurgents. Which of course, placed Daisy under a vein of suspicion. But all worked out very nicely in this intriguing storyline.
June 14, 2020
I don't think this author is for me.
Didn't connect with the 2 main characters.
The love just wasn't there to me.
Marrying to get away from father.
Marrying to spy.
Then falling so quickly.
No trust among either.
Just blah.
Didn't connect with the 2 main characters.
The love just wasn't there to me.
Marrying to get away from father.
Marrying to spy.
Then falling so quickly.
No trust among either.
Just blah.
February 16, 2021
I currently don't have the brainpower for intricately woven romances right now so I've been enjoying Scarlett Scott's steamy stories that are straightforward with some well-executed dramatic scenes.
American heiress Daisy Vanreid is in London to secure an English title and she is getting desperate to avoid the match that her physically abusive father has set up for her, a man who seems just as likely to limit her freedom of speech through brute force. Sebastian is an English spy tasked to follow Daisy's movements since she might lead them to discovering the next steps of the Fenians, an Irish group rebelling against the English. Her father is suspected of selling weaponry to the group.
Daisy decides to compromise herself with Sebastian to force a marriage through her own hands. Meanwhile Sebastian's boss tells him he has to marry Daisy in order to continue his assignment. dun dun dunnn.
Her Reformed Rake follows the same chemistry formula as Scott's other book, Darling Duke, but adds in a spy plot, which was what I was looking for in Darling Duke, to be honest. Not specifically the spy plot but just *a* plot to tack on to the great chemistry between the H+h. Sebastian is a haughty, arrogant duke and Daisy is the confident woman who throws down the gauntlet. I love how Sebastian tries to shake her up but she adds, "yes and" to every challenge he issues to her, particularly in her asking whether he wants a turn.
Also that scene when Sebastian comes back to confront Daisy after his long absence? Um yes. Thank you. That is the drama that I live for.
But also I LOVED how much Sebastian loved Daisy. Sebastian was so sweet to Daisy and I loved seeing that conflict between his duty warring with his love. Scarlett Scott's really great at adding these nice little touches where you do feel like the couple actually like each other, besides want to tear their clothes off each other. How Sebastian waits for Daisy's belated appearance at dinner, or how he basically gifts her a bookstore, or how he writes her those letters at the end. Ahh that's good.
So, yeah. I'll be sticking to Scarlett Scott until further notice.
American heiress Daisy Vanreid is in London to secure an English title and she is getting desperate to avoid the match that her physically abusive father has set up for her, a man who seems just as likely to limit her freedom of speech through brute force. Sebastian is an English spy tasked to follow Daisy's movements since she might lead them to discovering the next steps of the Fenians, an Irish group rebelling against the English. Her father is suspected of selling weaponry to the group.
Daisy decides to compromise herself with Sebastian to force a marriage through her own hands. Meanwhile Sebastian's boss tells him he has to marry Daisy in order to continue his assignment. dun dun dunnn.
Her Reformed Rake follows the same chemistry formula as Scott's other book, Darling Duke, but adds in a spy plot, which was what I was looking for in Darling Duke, to be honest. Not specifically the spy plot but just *a* plot to tack on to the great chemistry between the H+h. Sebastian is a haughty, arrogant duke and Daisy is the confident woman who throws down the gauntlet. I love how Sebastian tries to shake her up but she adds, "yes and" to every challenge he issues to her, particularly in her asking whether he wants a turn.
Also that scene when Sebastian comes back to confront Daisy after his long absence? Um yes. Thank you. That is the drama that I live for.
But also I LOVED how much Sebastian loved Daisy. Sebastian was so sweet to Daisy and I loved seeing that conflict between his duty warring with his love. Scarlett Scott's really great at adding these nice little touches where you do feel like the couple actually like each other, besides want to tear their clothes off each other. How Sebastian waits for Daisy's belated appearance at dinner, or how he basically gifts her a bookstore, or how he writes her those letters at the end. Ahh that's good.
So, yeah. I'll be sticking to Scarlett Scott until further notice.
June 4, 2021
3 stars.
This book started out a little slow, and the direction it was heading a little too obvious, but overall it ended up being a decent read.
The hero is a spy working to figure out who is in league with a terrorist group which threatens to bomb England. He has been assigned to follow the heroine, who is suspected of being a part of the group. Her father is almost certainly a part of the group and so she is seen as a way to gain more information about the plot. Meanwhile, the heroine is trying to desperately find a man who will ruin her publicly and marry her, so she can avoid marriage to the man of her father’s choosing. In the most unbelievable plot of all time, the Duke (!!!) hero is asked to marry the heroine in order to learn her secrets. He complies, ruins her, and proceeds to do much more than was asked of him when he can’t keep his hands off of her.
I actually really liked this couple together. What I found hard to believe was the length of time that they spent together vs apart seemed at odds with their depth of emotion. The ending was pretty great because there was plenty of grovel from the hero, which I always love in a book.
This was my first book by this author, and I may try out a few more.
Safety was good, some mild OM drama because hero believes heroine to be with others when she wasn’t. They are no others for either of them.
This book started out a little slow, and the direction it was heading a little too obvious, but overall it ended up being a decent read.
The hero is a spy working to figure out who is in league with a terrorist group which threatens to bomb England. He has been assigned to follow the heroine, who is suspected of being a part of the group. Her father is almost certainly a part of the group and so she is seen as a way to gain more information about the plot. Meanwhile, the heroine is trying to desperately find a man who will ruin her publicly and marry her, so she can avoid marriage to the man of her father’s choosing. In the most unbelievable plot of all time, the Duke (!!!) hero is asked to marry the heroine in order to learn her secrets. He complies, ruins her, and proceeds to do much more than was asked of him when he can’t keep his hands off of her.
I actually really liked this couple together. What I found hard to believe was the length of time that they spent together vs apart seemed at odds with their depth of emotion. The ending was pretty great because there was plenty of grovel from the hero, which I always love in a book.
This was my first book by this author, and I may try out a few more.
Safety was good, some mild OM drama because hero believes heroine to be with others when she wasn’t. They are no others for either of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 22, 2022.
Book Title ............ Her Reformed Rake
Series .................. Wicked Husbands
............................ Book 3 of 6
Author................. Scarlett Scott
Publisher.............. Happily Ever After Books, LLC
Release Date........ April 10, 2018
Kindle Length...... 349 Pages
Amazon Rate:=.... 4.5 out of 5
Many readers love it! And that is great . . . glad they could enjoy it.
I should have been more diligent by reading the description prior to starting this book. I do not usually like spy novels, mainly due to unnecessary angst. If I had, I would not have been surprised to be disappointed in this book.
I prefer my fictional, literary adventures to be more inspirational, humorous, and concluding with a positive H.E.A.
I couldn't connect with these characters and the spy plot. So, I chose to move on to my next conquest, without completing this read. No offense to the author, which is why I chose not to rate it. No one can be pleased all the time (different strokes for different folks), so the author should not be judged for not meeting my personal expectations with a negative rating.
.
Book Title ............ Her Reformed Rake
Series .................. Wicked Husbands
............................ Book 3 of 6
Author................. Scarlett Scott
Publisher.............. Happily Ever After Books, LLC
Release Date........ April 10, 2018
Kindle Length...... 349 Pages
Amazon Rate:=.... 4.5 out of 5
Many readers love it! And that is great . . . glad they could enjoy it.
I should have been more diligent by reading the description prior to starting this book. I do not usually like spy novels, mainly due to unnecessary angst. If I had, I would not have been surprised to be disappointed in this book.
I prefer my fictional, literary adventures to be more inspirational, humorous, and concluding with a positive H.E.A.
I couldn't connect with these characters and the spy plot. So, I chose to move on to my next conquest, without completing this read. No offense to the author, which is why I chose not to rate it. No one can be pleased all the time (different strokes for different folks), so the author should not be judged for not meeting my personal expectations with a negative rating.
.
April 10, 2018
Her Reformed Rake by Scarlett Scott is book Three in the Wicked Husbands Series. This is the story of Daisy Vanreid and Sebastian, the Duke of Trent.
Daisy is an American heiress who has an powerful abusive father. Along with his physical abuse he has decided to marry er off to Lord Breckly who is 30 years older than her and seems to be just as abusive when he tried to force himself on her. So Daisy has set to ruin herself so that she can avoid the marriage. While in London society looking for the man to ruin her she notices Trent watching her at each ball for about a month.
Trent is a spy who has been assigned to spy on Daisy to see how much she knows about her fathers 'business'. When Trent's commander tell him that they have to secure Daisy and her any information she has by him marring her...Trent is shocked. That is the last thing that Trent wants to do.
Loved this book! Could not put it down!
Daisy is an American heiress who has an powerful abusive father. Along with his physical abuse he has decided to marry er off to Lord Breckly who is 30 years older than her and seems to be just as abusive when he tried to force himself on her. So Daisy has set to ruin herself so that she can avoid the marriage. While in London society looking for the man to ruin her she notices Trent watching her at each ball for about a month.
Trent is a spy who has been assigned to spy on Daisy to see how much she knows about her fathers 'business'. When Trent's commander tell him that they have to secure Daisy and her any information she has by him marring her...Trent is shocked. That is the last thing that Trent wants to do.
Loved this book! Could not put it down!
March 30, 2018
Poorly written and boring. The H wasn’t a reformed rake at all. In fact there was no rakish behaviour from him through the entire book. Glorified sex scenes that took up pages of what could have been actual plot or bonding between characters. Skimmed the majority of the book because I got too annoyed with it.
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025Obviously in the minority...
If I have to be in Sebastian's head a second longer, I will lose it.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
If I have to be in Sebastian's head a second longer, I will lose it.
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━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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June 16, 2020
Pawns In The Service of The 👑Crown.
ADULT Victorian Romance💕 and Spy Thriller🔪🔫 with Intrigue.
Victorian London, 1881
He knows too many Dukes...
Sebastian Fairmont, Duke of Trent🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫, an elite agent for the 👑Crown, and a well known rakehell, has been watching young American Heiress, Daisy Vanreid👸💋 for a month now. She is either smart, and the greatest man teaser💋 he has ever seen, or she is an empty headed chit who is going to ruin herself. Inside, Daisy 👸 is is scared witless while outside, she is all charm and composure.
Daisy's father👺 is going to betroth her to one of his cronies, a Viscount Beckley, 30 years her elder. Her father👺 is a mean vicious man, who beats her when she disobeys, but always hits her where no one will see the marks. She assumes the Viscount will be the same way. She will do anything to avoid the marriage.
When Sebastian🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 follows her into a dark salon at a ball, he finds her alone, as if waiting for a lover. He gets too close and loses his head, ripping her gown. She is compromised now, and he must marry her. It's all part of a plan, because her father is suspected of being a spy and providing money 💰 for dissidents in Ireland who have been doing political bombings in England.
Trent and his superior, Duke of Carlisle, also suspect Daisy👸💋 as being part of the spy ring or privy to information. Later, the Marriage👰 will be annulled and Daisy👸💋 will be imprisioned, if all goes to the ruthless Carlisle's plan. Sebastian doesn't want to be married but he will do anything for his country, even marry a smart, beautiful girl suspected of being a spy against England, just to get information!
EGADS! What a story! I absolutely loved this fast paced very very ADULT Victorian Romance and Spy Thriller!
Hotness number is 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! The ADULT scenes are extremely erotic and fabulously written! Highly recommend!
ADULT Victorian Romance💕 and Spy Thriller🔪🔫 with Intrigue.
Victorian London, 1881
He knows too many Dukes...
Sebastian Fairmont, Duke of Trent🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫, an elite agent for the 👑Crown, and a well known rakehell, has been watching young American Heiress, Daisy Vanreid👸💋 for a month now. She is either smart, and the greatest man teaser💋 he has ever seen, or she is an empty headed chit who is going to ruin herself. Inside, Daisy 👸 is is scared witless while outside, she is all charm and composure.
Daisy's father👺 is going to betroth her to one of his cronies, a Viscount Beckley, 30 years her elder. Her father👺 is a mean vicious man, who beats her when she disobeys, but always hits her where no one will see the marks. She assumes the Viscount will be the same way. She will do anything to avoid the marriage.
When Sebastian🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 follows her into a dark salon at a ball, he finds her alone, as if waiting for a lover. He gets too close and loses his head, ripping her gown. She is compromised now, and he must marry her. It's all part of a plan, because her father is suspected of being a spy and providing money 💰 for dissidents in Ireland who have been doing political bombings in England.
Trent and his superior, Duke of Carlisle, also suspect Daisy👸💋 as being part of the spy ring or privy to information. Later, the Marriage👰 will be annulled and Daisy👸💋 will be imprisioned, if all goes to the ruthless Carlisle's plan. Sebastian doesn't want to be married but he will do anything for his country, even marry a smart, beautiful girl suspected of being a spy against England, just to get information!
EGADS! What a story! I absolutely loved this fast paced very very ADULT Victorian Romance and Spy Thriller!
Hotness number is 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! The ADULT scenes are extremely erotic and fabulously written! Highly recommend!
January 13, 2022
Not a bad read. I liked almost all of it. A little predictable, but nevertheless I enjoyed it. Kept me entertained. 4☆
April 21, 2023
Sebastian delivers! That scene at the dinner table was so hot! Mine.Mine.Mine. 🤭
This is my favorite so far. As in the last books, the plot is predictable, but there are no other women in this one. Curiously, with no OW, Sebastian was the most groveling hero so far. Although the spy Sebastian hides his reasons for following Daisy, his love turns undeniable! The ending was cute, I liked the letters.
This is my favorite so far. As in the last books, the plot is predictable, but there are no other women in this one. Curiously, with no OW, Sebastian was the most groveling hero so far. Although the spy Sebastian hides his reasons for following Daisy, his love turns undeniable! The ending was cute, I liked the letters.
August 23, 2020
I have to put it out there: I do not think this author is for me. I read a lot of historical romance novels, I can usually finish two in a day, but this dragged on for me even though it wasn't as long as Judith McNaught's books. At first I thought it was just me - perhaps I read Her Deceptive Duke on an off day when I was feeling unsentimental or something...
So I decided to immediately try another Scarlett Scott book right after reading Duke of Deception and settled on Her Reformed Rake. This ended up being another unsatisfying read. Again, I thought that maybe it was just an off day for me. Now, when I read a book that leaves me unsatisfied, I tend to go on a book binge until I find one that does. So, I went and found When Scandal Came to Town by Adele Clee. I ended up liking that one a lot, which confirmed that it really was the Ms. Scott's writing that put me off.
I thought about it, and I think the following were the main issues for me:
So I decided to immediately try another Scarlett Scott book right after reading Duke of Deception and settled on Her Reformed Rake. This ended up being another unsatisfying read. Again, I thought that maybe it was just an off day for me. Now, when I read a book that leaves me unsatisfied, I tend to go on a book binge until I find one that does. So, I went and found When Scandal Came to Town by Adele Clee. I ended up liking that one a lot, which confirmed that it really was the Ms. Scott's writing that put me off.
I thought about it, and I think the following were the main issues for me:
April 13, 2020
I enjoyed the start. Feisty American heiress trying her damnedest to compromise herself in order to escape an arranged marriage to an old lecherous peer. He is one of the members of the secret League of Dukes, working as a highly trained operative for the crown. At the order of his superior, he allowed himself to be compromised into marriage to the fire-brand, with she and her father both suspected of Fenian affiliation and imminent terrorist intentions.
There was some sparkly exchanges between them and a fair bit of lust in the beginning. Unfortunately, by the the halfway mark, the lust overwhelmed everything else. The heroine's character showed initial promise, showing strength and mental toughness. Unfortunately, once married, she soon allowed herself to become the willing subject of her husband's every whim, readily lapping up any attention he bestowed on her and devouring the crumbs he tossed her way. That is, when he didn't toss up her skirt in any random room of the house, making their amorous activities embarrassingly obvious to the staff. Not only could we have done with less gratuitous sex but the angry sex was highly disturbing considering her background as a victim of violence. Still, the writing was decent.
There was some sparkly exchanges between them and a fair bit of lust in the beginning. Unfortunately, by the the halfway mark, the lust overwhelmed everything else. The heroine's character showed initial promise, showing strength and mental toughness. Unfortunately, once married, she soon allowed herself to become the willing subject of her husband's every whim, readily lapping up any attention he bestowed on her and devouring the crumbs he tossed her way. That is, when he didn't toss up her skirt in any random room of the house, making their amorous activities embarrassingly obvious to the staff. Not only could we have done with less gratuitous sex but the angry sex was highly disturbing considering her background as a victim of violence. Still, the writing was decent.
November 3, 2021
The structure of this book was strange. The synopsis made it seem like the book was about an estranged married couple, but that was just a footnote at the end. The author could have easily cut that part out and it would have changed very little. She could have found out he was a spy without the story completely breaking momentum right at the end when he leaves for 3 months.
Also, all the spies in this book were terrible at their jobs. Are you trying to tell me that the only way you could get evidence on a known criminal was have one of your best agents marry his daughter. It was very contrived. Also, the totality of the evidence against her came down to anonymous tips. And the twist villain at the end was super obvious. England's best spies they were not.
I liked the relationship though. The author actually developed it and the anguish of the hero over his feelings was a nice source of inner conflict.
Also, all the spies in this book were terrible at their jobs. Are you trying to tell me that the only way you could get evidence on a known criminal was have one of your best agents marry his daughter. It was very contrived. Also, the totality of the evidence against her came down to anonymous tips. And the twist villain at the end was super obvious. England's best spies they were not.
I liked the relationship though. The author actually developed it and the anguish of the hero over his feelings was a nice source of inner conflict.
April 7, 2018
Another keeper from Scarlett Scott. Daisy and Sebastian were so lovely together. The plot was enticing. The pace was good. A massive thumb up for the sex scenes. They were HOT..
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.
March 16, 2019
The American Heiress Daisy Vanreid is trying to escape the Elderly Viscount Beckly her father has betroth her too. So she decides making herself seem scandalous and flirting with men will work to stop her betrothal. But Daisy's father is brutal and physically abusive towards her. The story goes to far in the physical abuse she has suffered at the hands or fist and feet of her father Mr. James Vanreid and a very rich American. He has broken her ribs, kicked her with booted feet and punches her in her stomach. It made me sick to read the abuse she suffered at his hands. Abuse never works well in a Romance story and this is why I gave this story 4 stars instead of 5. Abuses diminishes the romance parts of the story. Daisy's father is responsible for making bombs and blowing up parts of England. He is a Fenian and is a part of The Rebellion of the Irish trying to obtain there independence.
Sebastian 8th Duke of Trent is a Spy for The Crown working for the home office under the Duke of Carlisle who is a real bastard. I hated this man. He believes Daisy is working for with the Irish to plant bombs in England and blow people up. He sends Sebastian to follow her and marry her. This is where I began to dislike Sebastian he doesn't act like a Duke he is very sub servant to The Duke of Carlisle. Yeah he is his boss and leader of the League. But Sebastian is a Duke too and should have demanded respect. There was little to no proof to connect Daisy with her fathers schemes. Sebastian even saw her father ready to punch her with his fist because she had eloped with him. He stopped him. Sebastian never carried out his threat to make James Vanreid suffer the same beatings and broken bones as he had inflicted on Daisy. I wish that had been included in the story James Vanreid needed a good Ass Kicking!!
I loved the brave, beautiful, young and intelligent Daisy. She is written perfectly. She acts like an American female. Even though she has been beaten and abused she doesn't cower. The Romance between her and Sebastian is HOT, Sexy and Sensouse. I just wished Sebastian had show her more love and trust. Instead he puts his duty to his Country before his loving beautiful young wife.
The Ending was wonderful and Daisy does exact her revenge!! and she gets her HEA!!
Sebastian 8th Duke of Trent is a Spy for The Crown working for the home office under the Duke of Carlisle who is a real bastard. I hated this man. He believes Daisy is working for with the Irish to plant bombs in England and blow people up. He sends Sebastian to follow her and marry her. This is where I began to dislike Sebastian he doesn't act like a Duke he is very sub servant to The Duke of Carlisle. Yeah he is his boss and leader of the League. But Sebastian is a Duke too and should have demanded respect. There was little to no proof to connect Daisy with her fathers schemes. Sebastian even saw her father ready to punch her with his fist because she had eloped with him. He stopped him. Sebastian never carried out his threat to make James Vanreid suffer the same beatings and broken bones as he had inflicted on Daisy. I wish that had been included in the story James Vanreid needed a good Ass Kicking!!
I loved the brave, beautiful, young and intelligent Daisy. She is written perfectly. She acts like an American female. Even though she has been beaten and abused she doesn't cower. The Romance between her and Sebastian is HOT, Sexy and Sensouse. I just wished Sebastian had show her more love and trust. Instead he puts his duty to his Country before his loving beautiful young wife.
The Ending was wonderful and Daisy does exact her revenge!! and she gets her HEA!!
April 8, 2018
This story started at a good pace, although it did slow down about a third of the way. However, do keep reading as it picks up and then turned into a story that I couldn’t put down. Daisy, an American heiress, is desperate to escape her abusive father’s clutches. Sebastian, Duke of Trent, a spy for the Crown, is ordered to marry Daisy to discover the links to the Fenians. Daisy and Sebastian were both used as pawns, in a way. However, from an indifferent beginning, deeper feelings developed. There were other factors that come into play and it was good to see Daisy develop into her own woman. Sebastian is torn between his duty and his love. I disliked Carlisle, ( Sebastian’s superior ) intensely and I just wished someone would bring him down! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2018
The American Heiress Daisy Vanreid is trying to escape the Elderly Viscount Beckly her father has betroth her too. So she decides making herself seem scandalous and flirting with men will work to stop her betrothal. But Daisy's father is brutal and physically abusive towards her. The story goes to far in the physical abuse she has suffered at the hands or fist and feet of her father Mr. James Vanreid and a very rich American. He has broken her ribs, kicked her with booted feet and punches her in her stomach. It made me sick to read the abuse she suffered at his hands. Abuse never works well in a Romance story and this is why I gave this story 4 stars instead of 5. Abuses diminishes the romance parts of the story. Daisy's father is responsible for making bombs and blowing up parts of England. He is a Fenian and is a part of The Rebellion of the Irish trying to obtain there independence.
Sebastian 8th Duke of Trent is a Spy for The Crown working for the home office under the Duke of Carlisle who is a real bastard. I hated this man. He believes Daisy is working for with the Irish to plant bombs in England and blow people up. He sends Sebastian to follow her and marry her. This is where I began to dislike Sebastian he doesn't act like a Duke he is very sub servant to The Duke of Carlisle. Yeah he is his boss and leader of the League. But Sebastian is a Duke too and should have demanded respect. There was little to no proof to connect Daisy with her fathers schemes. Sebastian even saw her father ready to punch her with his fist because she had eloped with him. He stopped him. Sebastian never carried out his threat to make James Vanreid suffer the same beatings and broken bones as he had inflicted on Daisy. I wish that had been included in the story James Vanreid needed a good Ass Kicking!!
I loved the brave, beautiful, young and intelligent Daisy. She is written perfectly. She acts like an American female. Even though she has been beaten and abused she doesn't cower. The Romance between her and Sebastian is HOT, Sexy and Sensouse. I just wished Sebastian had show her more love and trust. Instead he puts his duty to his Country before his loving beautiful young wife.
The Ending was wonderful and Daisy does exact her revenge!! and she gets her HEA!!
Sebastian 8th Duke of Trent is a Spy for The Crown working for the home office under the Duke of Carlisle who is a real bastard. I hated this man. He believes Daisy is working for with the Irish to plant bombs in England and blow people up. He sends Sebastian to follow her and marry her. This is where I began to dislike Sebastian he doesn't act like a Duke he is very sub servant to The Duke of Carlisle. Yeah he is his boss and leader of the League. But Sebastian is a Duke too and should have demanded respect. There was little to no proof to connect Daisy with her fathers schemes. Sebastian even saw her father ready to punch her with his fist because she had eloped with him. He stopped him. Sebastian never carried out his threat to make James Vanreid suffer the same beatings and broken bones as he had inflicted on Daisy. I wish that had been included in the story James Vanreid needed a good Ass Kicking!!
I loved the brave, beautiful, young and intelligent Daisy. She is written perfectly. She acts like an American female. Even though she has been beaten and abused she doesn't cower. The Romance between her and Sebastian is HOT, Sexy and Sensouse. I just wished Sebastian had show her more love and trust. Instead he puts his duty to his Country before his loving beautiful young wife.
The Ending was wonderful and Daisy does exact her revenge!! and she gets her HEA!!
August 26, 2018
Least liked of the series so far
Will still read the next when available though this book was so full of angst and introspective thoughts from hero/heroine.
Will still read the next when available though this book was so full of angst and introspective thoughts from hero/heroine.
April 22, 2018
What happens when American heiress Daisy Vanreid is determined to get away from her father and not marry who he picks out for her? Sebastian, the Duke of Trent, an elite spy for the crown happens! What Daisy does not know is that he had her in his sights to find out what her father was involved in with a group called the Fenians, who are plotting setting off bombs in England's cities. Forced to wed Daisy as part of his cover, he has no intention of making it a real marriage or falling for her. But the best laid plans and all that does not work out and there is an explosive chemistry between the two. Of course Daisy does not know Sebastian is a spy or what his mission has to do with her. This story grabbed me from the first and was an adventure until the very end. Each not really trusting the other and how it all plays out was fantastic! Part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. But I intend to go back and read the first two books because this one was so fantastic!! This is the first book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. A steamy romantic read with suspense and a lot of emotions!
October 29, 2019
I started out reading this book thinking it's going to be a full five star romance. How quickly I was disappointed. There is so much regurgitated material angst here we are bludgeoned over the head with it repeatedly. It's too bad I couldn't throw my kindle against the wall because I surely wanted to before I was even halfway done with this tale!
Besides the inner thoughts of both being repeated infinitely, the Hero cursed like a seasoned sailor. I don't mind one or two curse words in a book but when it's Jesus, Christ, GD and F*** repeatedly, I sigh. I cannot stand so many filler curse words in a book. It dumbs down the character for me and besides, I esp. hate the first three I mentioned! Add in a name I've never heard of for a women's private part and I felt it threw it into soft porn territory, which I really despise.
Still, I think the writer has promise and has a basic good story down and will check out the next ones reviews (to avoid the problems like this book), but this one had too many issues, too much inner dialogue and not enough action.
Besides the inner thoughts of both being repeated infinitely, the Hero cursed like a seasoned sailor. I don't mind one or two curse words in a book but when it's Jesus, Christ, GD and F*** repeatedly, I sigh. I cannot stand so many filler curse words in a book. It dumbs down the character for me and besides, I esp. hate the first three I mentioned! Add in a name I've never heard of for a women's private part and I felt it threw it into soft porn territory, which I really despise.
Still, I think the writer has promise and has a basic good story down and will check out the next ones reviews (to avoid the problems like this book), but this one had too many issues, too much inner dialogue and not enough action.
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