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Misadventures in Matchmaking #3
The Rogue to Ruin
The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .
Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.
Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.
Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.
Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.
Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.
Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.
383 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
228 people are currently reading
2479 people want to read
About the author
Vivienne Lorret
37 books1,304 followersUSA Today bestselling author VIVIENNE LORRET writes fun and steamy Regency historical romances. She lives in the Midwest where she coaxes words out of giant mugs of tea and attempts to jot them down before they can escape. For her entire catalog of books, including the Liars’ Club, her latest series from Avon, please visit www.vivlorret.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
August 3, 2019
3.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Third in the Misadventures of Matchmaking, The Rogue to Ruin, stars the eldest sister Ainsley and her pesky across the street neighbor Reed. I was a new reader to the series and had no problem jumping in here. The author seamlessly involves the reader into the story of Ainsley trying to keep her matchmaking business afloat after her two sisters (heroines of book #1 & #2) ended up marrying two clients. Ainsley blames their lack of business on Reed and his gaming hell across the street. Reed also isn't a fan of having a matchmaking business across the street but his enjoyment of sparking Ainsley's fire more than makes up for it.
Reed's business is flourishing, Ainsley's is sinking, and they both seem to be enjoying their war a little too much.
Reed Sterling had seen her flinch. What were the chances that he would simply forget about it?
New to the series had me missing out on some past relationship knowledge, I would have liked more with her sisters and a clearer picture about her father, but I also came to Ainsley's character without preconceived notions. She's very buttoned up and seems to have some unwarranted animosity towards Reed, her solely blaming his business for her lack of clients seems a bit forced as the story goes on, but the author let's us in on why Ainsley holds herself so protectively pretty early on. She lost her mother at an early age and circumstances had her having to take care of everything with too much responsibility falling to her shoulders and she had an abusive fiance. I thought her guarded heart attitude was understandable and it made how Reed treated her even more heartwarming.
From the day they’d met, he’d wanted to unwrap her. Not only her prim and proper clothes, layer by layer, but all the thoughts she kept buttoned up as well.
Reed's background was more clear but like with Ainsley and her sisters, I would have liked more scenes with his friends Finch, Raven, or others to get a more rounded out look at his character. Ultimately, though, we're all here for the romance and the way he teased and gently handled Ainsley, will have you ardently in his corner. Romance more often than not likes to have the hardened hero be gently loved out of their cocoon, here it is flipped with Ainsley afraid to lean on him after having to be in charge for so long and scared to trust a man after her father and fiance. Reed has some issues with not feeling good enough for her but he consistently is there for her and not only talks the talk but walks the walk showing she can trust him.
“That’ll be enough. Give her over,” Mr. Sterling said with an impatient gesture, crowding the doorway. “It took a long while for me to earn her trust, and I’ll not have you undermining my efforts by spoiling her more than I do.”
“With the way she’s been mistreated in the past, it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust easily. Why, just look at her. Anyone can see that she requires tender care. I can hardly believe she could ever be comfortable with a rough and burly man like you.”
“Are we still talking about the cat, highness?” he asked, stone-faced.
The first twenty percent of this was glorious with their verbal back and forth that lead to the middle being physical reaching out to touch and nervously retreating back, and finally the later half of trusting and loving. I did think Ainsley created a little too much angst towards the end with not trusting Reed, it seemed only a couple chapters before, only because it had felt like the author had written away that obstacle, that she had overcome this. Around the 60% I felt like the pace had slowed, their sexual relationship gets a lot of focus, that made the extra angst feel even more of an impede. The ending rushes up with Ainsley searching deep, realizations, surprises, and a sweet epilogue.
I will definitely be searching out the other books in the series and be hoping for future ones starring some secondary characters we met here; Raven and Lord Savage, pretty please. The chemistry between this couple was sparking and sweet, which made for an emotionally delightful story. If a protective of her heart heroine, very patient hero, and their idea of foreplay is some sexual tension filled bantering, grab this one up.
There was always something between them—class, profession, animosity, frustration. Yet when his bare hand had been on hers, there was something there, too.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Third in the Misadventures of Matchmaking, The Rogue to Ruin, stars the eldest sister Ainsley and her pesky across the street neighbor Reed. I was a new reader to the series and had no problem jumping in here. The author seamlessly involves the reader into the story of Ainsley trying to keep her matchmaking business afloat after her two sisters (heroines of book #1 & #2) ended up marrying two clients. Ainsley blames their lack of business on Reed and his gaming hell across the street. Reed also isn't a fan of having a matchmaking business across the street but his enjoyment of sparking Ainsley's fire more than makes up for it.
Reed's business is flourishing, Ainsley's is sinking, and they both seem to be enjoying their war a little too much.
Reed Sterling had seen her flinch. What were the chances that he would simply forget about it?
New to the series had me missing out on some past relationship knowledge, I would have liked more with her sisters and a clearer picture about her father, but I also came to Ainsley's character without preconceived notions. She's very buttoned up and seems to have some unwarranted animosity towards Reed, her solely blaming his business for her lack of clients seems a bit forced as the story goes on, but the author let's us in on why Ainsley holds herself so protectively pretty early on. She lost her mother at an early age and circumstances had her having to take care of everything with too much responsibility falling to her shoulders and she had an abusive fiance. I thought her guarded heart attitude was understandable and it made how Reed treated her even more heartwarming.
From the day they’d met, he’d wanted to unwrap her. Not only her prim and proper clothes, layer by layer, but all the thoughts she kept buttoned up as well.
Reed's background was more clear but like with Ainsley and her sisters, I would have liked more scenes with his friends Finch, Raven, or others to get a more rounded out look at his character. Ultimately, though, we're all here for the romance and the way he teased and gently handled Ainsley, will have you ardently in his corner. Romance more often than not likes to have the hardened hero be gently loved out of their cocoon, here it is flipped with Ainsley afraid to lean on him after having to be in charge for so long and scared to trust a man after her father and fiance. Reed has some issues with not feeling good enough for her but he consistently is there for her and not only talks the talk but walks the walk showing she can trust him.
“That’ll be enough. Give her over,” Mr. Sterling said with an impatient gesture, crowding the doorway. “It took a long while for me to earn her trust, and I’ll not have you undermining my efforts by spoiling her more than I do.”
“With the way she’s been mistreated in the past, it’s no wonder she doesn’t trust easily. Why, just look at her. Anyone can see that she requires tender care. I can hardly believe she could ever be comfortable with a rough and burly man like you.”
“Are we still talking about the cat, highness?” he asked, stone-faced.
The first twenty percent of this was glorious with their verbal back and forth that lead to the middle being physical reaching out to touch and nervously retreating back, and finally the later half of trusting and loving. I did think Ainsley created a little too much angst towards the end with not trusting Reed, it seemed only a couple chapters before, only because it had felt like the author had written away that obstacle, that she had overcome this. Around the 60% I felt like the pace had slowed, their sexual relationship gets a lot of focus, that made the extra angst feel even more of an impede. The ending rushes up with Ainsley searching deep, realizations, surprises, and a sweet epilogue.
I will definitely be searching out the other books in the series and be hoping for future ones starring some secondary characters we met here; Raven and Lord Savage, pretty please. The chemistry between this couple was sparking and sweet, which made for an emotionally delightful story. If a protective of her heart heroine, very patient hero, and their idea of foreplay is some sexual tension filled bantering, grab this one up.
There was always something between them—class, profession, animosity, frustration. Yet when his bare hand had been on hers, there was something there, too.
August 1, 2021
4 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was super cute! I liked the banter and the progression into deeper feelings for these two. I liked the side characters (and cat — which says a lot because I am not a cat person). I’ve never read this author before but I will for sure be looking into her other works now! If you have any recommendations, please let me know! My only gripe was I’m greedy and wanted more to experience and understand how they merged their lives together.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ainsley and Reed’s story. They both have their businesses across the street from one another and have had an active rivalry for the past few years. When Ainsley’s dangerous ex shows up and she makes up a story of having an understanding with the famous prizefighter Reed, she is shocked when Reed jumps in and goes along with it. Things escalate and they end up engaged where lines start to blur and they start to realize that they don’t hate each other as much as they thought. There are some suspenseful scenes, some butting of heads, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Ainsley and Reed in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. This flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, more like hate-to-love.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. I liked him. I appreciated how he was protective of others and kept his cool.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Ainsley. I liked her. I appreciated how she cared for others and took charge.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. This is what I would consider a slow burn because they don’t become intimate until later in the book.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending . I still would’ve liked some more of them navigating the commingling of their worlds after their marriage though.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was super cute! I liked the banter and the progression into deeper feelings for these two. I liked the side characters (and cat — which says a lot because I am not a cat person). I’ve never read this author before but I will for sure be looking into her other works now! If you have any recommendations, please let me know! My only gripe was I’m greedy and wanted more to experience and understand how they merged their lives together.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ainsley and Reed’s story. They both have their businesses across the street from one another and have had an active rivalry for the past few years. When Ainsley’s dangerous ex shows up and she makes up a story of having an understanding with the famous prizefighter Reed, she is shocked when Reed jumps in and goes along with it. Things escalate and they end up engaged where lines start to blur and they start to realize that they don’t hate each other as much as they thought. There are some suspenseful scenes, some butting of heads, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Ainsley and Reed in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. This flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, more like hate-to-love.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Reed. I liked him. I appreciated how he was protective of others and kept his cool.
h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Ainsley. I liked her. I appreciated how she cared for others and took charge.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. This is what I would consider a slow burn because they don’t become intimate until later in the book.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a cute epilogue and what I would call a HEA ending . I still would’ve liked some more of them navigating the commingling of their worlds after their marriage though.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
July 15, 2023
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Good and likable hero.
(Patient/tolerant but also helpful/loyal etc.)
The heroes cat.
The heroine did change a little bit towards the end of the story, but a little more growth and emotional growth would have been a good thing.
Kind of interesting side characters.
(The heroines sisters and uncle etc.)
➖ What I disliked:
Unlikable and annoying heroine.
(Some parts of the heroines behavior is understandable because of her past, but mostly the heroine is just snobbish/condescending but also cantankerous and petty/rude.)
Heavy themes were glossed over. (Animal cruelty, violence against women/assault, sexual assault etc.)
The enemies to lovers trope/vibe was over the top.
Believability plausibility issues/inconsistent financial ability.
(The heroine and her uncles matchmaking establishment was a rather failing/unsuccessful
business, at least in the beginning and middle of the story/book.
The heroines uncle also seemed wasteful/irresponsible
with the small funds they had and also irresponsible with his estate etc.
The heroine also spent more time harassing the hero then trying to improve her own business.
What did they/she live on or from ??)
The hero deserved better than the shrewish heroine that was in attack mode for most of the book/story.
Dragged/verbose.
Anachronistic.
Repetitive and formulaic/generic character description (appearance/looks.)
(From the books/series I have read so far by this auhtor ...Almost all the heroines are very similar in appearance (petite and slender or petite and slightly curvy) and all the heroes are also very similar in appearance, they are all tall and muscular and handsome or huge muscular and tall…. the only thing that really is different in their appearance is their eye color, hair color and some differences in personalities.
It would be much more interesting and add depth if there was more variety in appearance/looks and personalities and ages.)
The quotes from Jane Austen’s Emma made little to no sense in the story… so they just seemed nonsensical or superfluous.
The romantic build up and chemistry felt rushed and unconvincing.
August 3, 2019
After one year and a half of opening the Bourne Matrimonial Agency with her sisters and their uncle, Ainsley Bourne doesn't have the heart to tell them that if things doesn't change soon, they'll have to close doors. It's all because of HIM. Her nemesis. The bane of her existence. The infuriating neighbor and owner of the gaming hell across the street. Ainsley is sure he's driving away her clients with his unsavory establishment.
"But is it a game, my dear, or is it war?"
She might wear plain clothes, but former prizefighter Reed Sterling noticed Miss Bourne the first day she and her family arrived. In fact, she made quite an impression on him. Might be because she seems to dislike him so much and they embarked on an antagonizing relationship where they always trade barbs or maybe because of the sparks he see in her eyes everytime he try his best to provoke Miss prim and proper.
"-You don't seem too offended by the sight of me. Those eyes of you are greedy things this morning-they've gone dark and hot as fresh coffee.
-Hardly likely. I'm certain they are still just as brown as they have always been. No more, no less.
-No. They're usually brownish-gray and silky looking, like an otter's pelt.
The nerve of him for comparing her eyes to an animal!"
But no matter how strong the animosity between them, Ainsley can't help being troubled by such a model of virility. And when a vile suitor from her past reappears and she pretend to be engaged to the first name that come to her mind, Ainsley can't believe Sterling agree to the deception. She'll realize that the man she always thought was a rough and burly brute might be the total opposite and maybe her salvation.
Okay, so I'm not afraid to say it, A Rogue to Ruin became my favorite Historical Romance and one of the most entertaining, funny, sweet, sexy and witty book that I've ever read! It was a-ma-zing! Reed Sterling won his place on my book boyfriend list. Not just because he exude sex appeal, not just because he's a charismatic gentleman with a cocky attitude, but also because he knew how to handle and to read the heroine perfectly and he pick up stray animals💖. It was a true nemesis trope. Ainsley and Sterling verbal sparring and witty back and forth was deliciously good. The subplot about the fake engagement really brought something more to an already very captivating story!
"But this wasn't kissing, she assured herself. This was merely a new form of arguing."
"But is it a game, my dear, or is it war?"
She might wear plain clothes, but former prizefighter Reed Sterling noticed Miss Bourne the first day she and her family arrived. In fact, she made quite an impression on him. Might be because she seems to dislike him so much and they embarked on an antagonizing relationship where they always trade barbs or maybe because of the sparks he see in her eyes everytime he try his best to provoke Miss prim and proper.
"-You don't seem too offended by the sight of me. Those eyes of you are greedy things this morning-they've gone dark and hot as fresh coffee.
-Hardly likely. I'm certain they are still just as brown as they have always been. No more, no less.
-No. They're usually brownish-gray and silky looking, like an otter's pelt.
The nerve of him for comparing her eyes to an animal!"
But no matter how strong the animosity between them, Ainsley can't help being troubled by such a model of virility. And when a vile suitor from her past reappears and she pretend to be engaged to the first name that come to her mind, Ainsley can't believe Sterling agree to the deception. She'll realize that the man she always thought was a rough and burly brute might be the total opposite and maybe her salvation.
Okay, so I'm not afraid to say it, A Rogue to Ruin became my favorite Historical Romance and one of the most entertaining, funny, sweet, sexy and witty book that I've ever read! It was a-ma-zing! Reed Sterling won his place on my book boyfriend list. Not just because he exude sex appeal, not just because he's a charismatic gentleman with a cocky attitude, but also because he knew how to handle and to read the heroine perfectly and he pick up stray animals💖. It was a true nemesis trope. Ainsley and Sterling verbal sparring and witty back and forth was deliciously good. The subplot about the fake engagement really brought something more to an already very captivating story!
"But this wasn't kissing, she assured herself. This was merely a new form of arguing."
August 6, 2021
3.2 stars
(Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, class differences, spinster/wallflower)
This is the tried and true tale of the starchy spinster meets gaming hell owner. Ainsley Bourne runs a matrimonial agency that is located across the street from Reed Sterling’s gaming hell. Reed is a former prizefighter who made a fortune and used it to open Sterling’s. Ainsley is morally opposed to gambling and is convinced that the gaming hell is driving away potential business from her matrimonial agency. She therefore sets out to put Reed out of business.
What stops this story from being completely formulaic is Ainsley's former betrothed. Ainsley fled her family's home in the country after breaking off her betrothal to Nigel. Nigel is a gas lighter, manipulative, and verbally and physically abusive. Her experience with Nigel, plus an absentee father has left her wary of men. She started her matrimonial agency to help women weed out potential bad apples and make good matches.
I'm a sucker for stories featuring self-made men who rise above their humble beginnings and therefore loved Reed. Reed is gentle at heart despite being a former prizefighter. Boxing was only the means to a better life for him. I love how protective he is of Ainsley, especially when it comes to Nigel. He never tries to curb her independent spirit or interfere in the running of her agency. And even though Ainsley goes out of her way to sabotage his business, he is always quick to forgive her and move past each incident.
I, however, did not like Ainsley. What makes enemies-to-lovers romances appealing is the witty sparring and bickering between the hero and heroine. But way too often in their early interactions, Ainsley was just plain condescending and seemed to look down on Reed. She made it clear that she thought him common and uncouth. This was really off putting for me. It's possible to rationalize her excessive hostility (plain rudeness really) and attribute it to her fear of men, but again it doesn't explain the snide remarks about his lack of refinement.
Another quibble is that the book dragged. The first half was slow, especially the sections focusing on Ainsley's plots against Sterling’s. Things only started picking up once creepy Nigel entered the picture and Reed emerged as a knight in shining armor.
(Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, class differences, spinster/wallflower)
This is the tried and true tale of the starchy spinster meets gaming hell owner. Ainsley Bourne runs a matrimonial agency that is located across the street from Reed Sterling’s gaming hell. Reed is a former prizefighter who made a fortune and used it to open Sterling’s. Ainsley is morally opposed to gambling and is convinced that the gaming hell is driving away potential business from her matrimonial agency. She therefore sets out to put Reed out of business.
What stops this story from being completely formulaic is Ainsley's former betrothed. Ainsley fled her family's home in the country after breaking off her betrothal to Nigel. Nigel is a gas lighter, manipulative, and verbally and physically abusive. Her experience with Nigel, plus an absentee father has left her wary of men. She started her matrimonial agency to help women weed out potential bad apples and make good matches.
I'm a sucker for stories featuring self-made men who rise above their humble beginnings and therefore loved Reed. Reed is gentle at heart despite being a former prizefighter. Boxing was only the means to a better life for him. I love how protective he is of Ainsley, especially when it comes to Nigel. He never tries to curb her independent spirit or interfere in the running of her agency. And even though Ainsley goes out of her way to sabotage his business, he is always quick to forgive her and move past each incident.
I, however, did not like Ainsley. What makes enemies-to-lovers romances appealing is the witty sparring and bickering between the hero and heroine. But way too often in their early interactions, Ainsley was just plain condescending and seemed to look down on Reed. She made it clear that she thought him common and uncouth. This was really off putting for me. It's possible to rationalize her excessive hostility (plain rudeness really) and attribute it to her fear of men, but again it doesn't explain the snide remarks about his lack of refinement.
Another quibble is that the book dragged. The first half was slow, especially the sections focusing on Ainsley's plots against Sterling’s. Things only started picking up once creepy Nigel entered the picture and Reed emerged as a knight in shining armor.
December 10, 2021
The first half of this book was great, all the verbal fights between neighbors (enimes to lovers trope) and getting to know the heroine better, but then she started going a bit too far in her war and the hero just kept being a sweetheart. Then when he steps in to help her I thought her so ungrateful. I am not saying she should have simply accepted things, I know she needs to trust again. But the way things happened I started disking her.
July 20, 2019
Title: The Rogue To Ruin
Series: Misadventures in Matchmaking #3
Author: Vivienne Lorret
Release date: July 30, 2019
Cliffhanger: No
Genre:historical romance
Ainsley is the oldest and third sister to have her story told in the Misadventures of Matchmaking series. If you're like me and haven't read any in the series before, you can read this installment with no difficulties at all. There is a simple refresher on the characters and you quickly catch on to how everyone plays a part in the Bourne Matrimonial Agency. This is actually my first read by the author, and while it didn't fully live up to my hopes, I still found a lot to enjoy.
The Bourne sisters are matchmakers who haven't quite found the success they desire. They are seen as somewhat of a mockery by their peers, and have yet to prove themselves as serious businesswomen. Of course, just being women during that time was a strike against them in their chosen career. The nobility seemed to think they were only putting up a front in order to find themselves a husband. They couldn't have been more wrong. They've been financially strapped for a long time, ever since their philandering father abandoned them and they had to live with their spendthrift Uncle. But it was the abandonment that marked Ainsley the most and shaped her into a woman who doesn't believe in marriage. This, along with her abusive ex-fiancè were all the poor examples of love she needed to make her keep her distance.
I must admit, I had some difficulty understanding or liking the heroine very much in the beginning. While I felt sympathetic for what she had overcome, I didn't agree with her actions towards the hero. I knew going in that this would have a fake engagement and an enemies to lovers trope, which I was really excited about. However, the antagonism between the main characters was frustrating at times. Ainsley has developed a prejudice against fighters and judges Reed simply because he is a former prize fighter. I have to give her credit for not being snobby about his lower social standing than her, but the way she insulted him and blamed him for the agency's failures went a little too far.
You can tell from the very beginning that there's a strong attraction between them, and I certainly felt the chemistry. And then she'd smack a flower to the ground he was about to give her, or say something hurtful when she got scared that he read her too well. I just felt that he was being treated unfairly, especially since he was so concerned over her safety and protective of her. Luckily I did start to warm up to her in the second half once she started seeing him for the man he was.
There was always something between them—class, profession, animosity, frustration. Yet when his bare hand had been on hers, there was something there.
Reed is a hardworking man who survived an abusive home as a child, and earned every penny of his fortune through grit and determination. Though he earned his money using his fists, he takes no joy in the violence. It was simply a means to an end in order to move on to bigger and better things. He's a big softie who takes in "strays" and gives them the opportunity to better themselves. Even a roughed up, cantankerous cat finds a place in his home. There is quite a bit to love about this hero. However, he's not without his own faults. For the longest time, he views Ainsley as a pampered princess who's never known what it's like to struggle. There was plenty of evidence to the contrary, so it was odd that he continued to judge her based on being born in the upper class. I know that his stepfather was a horrible man, but to judge someone on superficial things rather than what you've witnessed of them is just as bad as her prejudice.
These two had a lot of banter back in forth in the beginning that I enjoyed. He deliberately pushed her buttons to get underneath her skin. She put on a waspish air with him, so it absolutely delighted him when he was able to fluster her. The more he picked away at her tough exterior, the more he'd reveal the soft vulnerabilities she didn't want anyone to see. She saw her past relationship as a weakness, something she was extremely ashamed over. Not even her sisters knew the extent of the physical and mental abuse she was subjected to. When her ex shows up unexpectedly, Reed steps right in to give her assistance. Will their battle of wills continue, or will their fake engagement provide more than protection? Love perhaps?
Whenever Reed held Ainsley, he didn’t only push past her boundaries but seemed to push some of his strength and certainty into her as well. In his arms, the doubts she’d always carried with her weighed nothing at all.
Despite having some issues with this particular installment, I really enjoyed the author's writing. I think one of the previous books in the series would work out much better for me and I plan to check them out as soon as I get a chance. Even with the heavier theme, it still managed to be a pretty light book overall and a fast read. I enjoyed seeing Ainsley grow in confidence as she dealt with the darkness of her past returning. I ended up liking her more than I thought I would. I recommend this to readers looking for a moderately steamy historical romance with some fun bantering and rivalry.
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November 7, 2021Okuyalı bir kaç gün oldu. Detaylar çoktan buharlaştı🤭 Üstün körü değineyim.
Karakterler arası ilk bölümlerde anlamlandıramadığım bir resmiyet vardı. Bu normal evet ama bana aşırı soğuk bir ortam hissiyatı verdi neyse ki kısa sürdü. Onun dışında fena sayılmayacak bir hikayeydi.
Çöpçatanlık Şirketi kuran üç kız kardeşin en büyüğü Ainsley ve karşı komşusu Reed Sterlingle tanıştık. Çiftimiz daha ilk andan birbirlerine ayar olurlar. Biri günah, eğlence ve tamamen erkek odaklı bir işletme yürütürken diğeri tamamen zıt bir işletme yürütür. Doğal olarak kendi işlerinin bereketi için birbirlerinin ayağına çelme takmaktan oldukça zevk alırlar 🤭 En ufak şeyde birbirlerine çemkermekten de geri kalmazlar 😇
Günler böyle geçerken ve Ainsley, bir ay içinde Sterling Kulübüne kepenk çekileceğine dair iddialaşmışken hiç ummadığı biriyle karşılaşır. Kendini zar zor kurtardığı eski nişanlısı. Panik ve heyecanla bir anda nişanlı olduğunu söyler. Aklına da ilk Reed'in adı gelir. Doğal olarak 😇 Sonuçta nam salmış eski bir boksör. Başka bir sebep yok. Asla!
Bir yandan işletmeler arası rekabet, bir yandan eli kulağında skandal ve en önemlisi bir birlerini keşfetme süreçlerini okuyoruz. Dürüst olmak gerekirse çok şahane bir seri diyemem ama okunur sanırım. Yazarın değindiği bir kaç kişi de merak ettirdi kendini. Hikayeleri olabilir de... Çok boşluğa düşersem bakarım belki.
Karakterler arası ilk bölümlerde anlamlandıramadığım bir resmiyet vardı. Bu normal evet ama bana aşırı soğuk bir ortam hissiyatı verdi neyse ki kısa sürdü. Onun dışında fena sayılmayacak bir hikayeydi.
Çöpçatanlık Şirketi kuran üç kız kardeşin en büyüğü Ainsley ve karşı komşusu Reed Sterlingle tanıştık. Çiftimiz daha ilk andan birbirlerine ayar olurlar. Biri günah, eğlence ve tamamen erkek odaklı bir işletme yürütürken diğeri tamamen zıt bir işletme yürütür. Doğal olarak kendi işlerinin bereketi için birbirlerinin ayağına çelme takmaktan oldukça zevk alırlar 🤭 En ufak şeyde birbirlerine çemkermekten de geri kalmazlar 😇
Günler böyle geçerken ve Ainsley, bir ay içinde Sterling Kulübüne kepenk çekileceğine dair iddialaşmışken hiç ummadığı biriyle karşılaşır. Kendini zar zor kurtardığı eski nişanlısı. Panik ve heyecanla bir anda nişanlı olduğunu söyler. Aklına da ilk Reed'in adı gelir. Doğal olarak 😇 Sonuçta nam salmış eski bir boksör. Başka bir sebep yok. Asla!
Bir yandan işletmeler arası rekabet, bir yandan eli kulağında skandal ve en önemlisi bir birlerini keşfetme süreçlerini okuyoruz. Dürüst olmak gerekirse çok şahane bir seri diyemem ama okunur sanırım. Yazarın değindiği bir kaç kişi de merak ettirdi kendini. Hikayeleri olabilir de... Çok boşluğa düşersem bakarım belki.
April 21, 2020
She wanted her family to be happy and for the Bourne Matrimonial Agency to be a whopping success, of course. But, most of all, she wanted Reed. Whenever she reached out, she wanted her hand to find his. Whenever she lifted her arms, she wanted to be swept up in his embrace. And whenever she closed her eyes, she wanted to taste his kiss.
First off, I want to thank the amazing Viv Lorret for sending me a signed copy of this book! This was only my second book by Viv, but she has definitely made a permanent spot for herself along with my other favorite HR authors, Tessa Dare and Adele Clee.
"We'll be good together."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because we're both stubborn and determined and hate the idea of failing. But, most importantly"--he paused to draw a breath--"when we set our sights on a goal, we put our hearts and souls into reaching it."
Ever since Ainsley moved in across the street from Reed's gaming establishment, they have been locked in a battle of wills. Ainsley and her sisters operate a matchmaking service for the proper members of Society, while Reed caters to the less desirable whims of the ton. Both put up the pretense of wanting to get rid of the other for the sake of the success of their business, but neither wants to admit that they are both drawn to the other for more primal reasons as well. The banter and dialogue between Reed and Ainsley that resulted from their constant teasing and provoking each other was absolutely my favorite part of the novel. Reed proved himself to be exactly the hero Ainsley needed--stubborn but sweet, understanding but protective--while Ainsley proved to be the independent, jaded soul Reed never expected. Their story held plenty of romance and swoony, steamy moments, and there was just enough angst, drama and danger to keep me enchanted the entire way through. Overall, this historical was exactly what I wanted, and I loved every word of it! I will definitely be cataloging through Viv's previous works and highly recommend this one ♡
December 11, 2025
I can finally close the book on Vivienne Lorret
I got this series a whiiiile back, betting on the fact that I know she's a good writer and the high ratings. I've stretched out the books because I haven't enjoyed them one bit. But I still felt like I needed to finish this one, just to make certain I made all efforts to like this popular, skilled author.
Now that I have, I'm parting ways with her. This is partly-review, partly break-up diary entry.
Spoiler-ish review. Proceed with caution.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I got this series a whiiiile back, betting on the fact that I know she's a good writer and the high ratings. I've stretched out the books because I haven't enjoyed them one bit. But I still felt like I needed to finish this one, just to make certain I made all efforts to like this popular, skilled author.
Now that I have, I'm parting ways with her. This is partly-review, partly break-up diary entry.
Spoiler-ish review. Proceed with caution.
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・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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February 13, 2022
3.5 stars! Honestly this took a long time for me to get into because it was slow in the beginning but then the fake engagement and the evil ex out to get our heroine makes it all up in the middle. I also loved how our hero loves our heroine and cares for her. When she's in danger, he comes and rescues her and i just swooned. Super cute. But the ending slowed once again and i was dragging my feet to finish.
June 20, 2022
Some parts were sweet and romantic. I enjoyed those the most.
July 31, 2021
This was such a wonderful story by the author. I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to reading more by her.
dnf
October 12, 2021DNF @ around 50%… I just never fully got into this book. Maybe because there were a lot of references to previous books in the series and I never read those.
July 27, 2019
Series: Misadventures in Matrimony #3
Publication Date: 7/30/19
Number of Pages: 400
Ainsley Bourne has spent the last two years at war with her neighbor. He is such a cad! Carriages rumble up to his gaming hell day and night and leave trash all over her front entrance. That gaming hell being direct across the street certainly doesn’t garner any new customers for her matrimonial agency – and probably drives plenty away. Almost every day she has some new reason to trek across the street and flay him and she’s getting tired of him hurting her business. So – the war is about to get serious.
Reed Sterling looks forward to his almost daily visit by his neighbor. She has a sharp tongue and he loves trading insults and barbs with her. He views her as a prim, proper, pampered princess who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Reed, on the other hand, was born a commoner and has worked hard for everything he has. He was a renowned pugilist who saved his winnings and used it to open his gaming hell. Now, he is determined to make it the best, most exclusive hell in London and some spoiled little rich girl isn’t going to change that.
Although they fight it, Reed and Ainsley are attracted to each other and when something from her past comes back to haunt her, Reed is right there to help – even if it means that he ends up in the boxing ring again.
I loved Reed throughout the book. He was large, strong, smart – and a marshmallow on the inside. His childhood was a tough one and he had every reason to dislike aristocrats given how they had treated him and his family.
Ainsley hadn’t had the life Reed pictured. Her mother married her ne’er do well father because she loved him, but he didn’t reciprocate. He eventually moved on to start yet another family – and others beyond that. Her mother died of a broken heart after that and Ainsley doesn’t trust love or marriage.
I liked Ainsley throughout most of the book. She was smart and wily and pulled some really good stunts on Reed to put him out of business. Frankly, though, I find that attitude a little offputting. Her needs/wants were much more important than those of Reed simply because she decided it was so. She never thought about or considered the number of people she would cause to lose their jobs or the harm she’d cause. She only thought about herself and what she wanted. Then – at Harrowfield – she just went off the deep end and I wasn’t sure she could redeem herself in my eyes. However, she did manage to do that finally, but it was almost at the end before she did.
I loved the epilogue – it takes place seven years later and gives a wonderful peek into the family they created.
It is a lovely read – not my favorite of the series, but still a lovely read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 7/30/19
Number of Pages: 400
Ainsley Bourne has spent the last two years at war with her neighbor. He is such a cad! Carriages rumble up to his gaming hell day and night and leave trash all over her front entrance. That gaming hell being direct across the street certainly doesn’t garner any new customers for her matrimonial agency – and probably drives plenty away. Almost every day she has some new reason to trek across the street and flay him and she’s getting tired of him hurting her business. So – the war is about to get serious.
Reed Sterling looks forward to his almost daily visit by his neighbor. She has a sharp tongue and he loves trading insults and barbs with her. He views her as a prim, proper, pampered princess who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Reed, on the other hand, was born a commoner and has worked hard for everything he has. He was a renowned pugilist who saved his winnings and used it to open his gaming hell. Now, he is determined to make it the best, most exclusive hell in London and some spoiled little rich girl isn’t going to change that.
Although they fight it, Reed and Ainsley are attracted to each other and when something from her past comes back to haunt her, Reed is right there to help – even if it means that he ends up in the boxing ring again.
I loved Reed throughout the book. He was large, strong, smart – and a marshmallow on the inside. His childhood was a tough one and he had every reason to dislike aristocrats given how they had treated him and his family.
Ainsley hadn’t had the life Reed pictured. Her mother married her ne’er do well father because she loved him, but he didn’t reciprocate. He eventually moved on to start yet another family – and others beyond that. Her mother died of a broken heart after that and Ainsley doesn’t trust love or marriage.
I liked Ainsley throughout most of the book. She was smart and wily and pulled some really good stunts on Reed to put him out of business. Frankly, though, I find that attitude a little offputting. Her needs/wants were much more important than those of Reed simply because she decided it was so. She never thought about or considered the number of people she would cause to lose their jobs or the harm she’d cause. She only thought about herself and what she wanted. Then – at Harrowfield – she just went off the deep end and I wasn’t sure she could redeem herself in my eyes. However, she did manage to do that finally, but it was almost at the end before she did.
I loved the epilogue – it takes place seven years later and gives a wonderful peek into the family they created.
It is a lovely read – not my favorite of the series, but still a lovely read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 21, 2020
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this! Reed Sterling was absolutely dreamy! The banter between him and Ainsley was awesome. But there was just something about Ainsley that didn't sit 100% well with me. It was like she kept searching for a reason to disagree with Reed. And she totally kept her feelings to herself for too long for my liking. But that last 15% or so of the book was AMAZING! I could not put it down and LOVED it :)
BTW: I loved Mrs. Teasdale :)
I really enjoyed this! Reed Sterling was absolutely dreamy! The banter between him and Ainsley was awesome. But there was just something about Ainsley that didn't sit 100% well with me. It was like she kept searching for a reason to disagree with Reed. And she totally kept her feelings to herself for too long for my liking. But that last 15% or so of the book was AMAZING! I could not put it down and LOVED it :)
BTW: I loved Mrs. Teasdale :)
December 9, 2020
Ainsley and Reed. I loved that Reed was totally into Ainsley and did not fight the notion of marriage too long. This one is a bit darker with a villain that was a true villain. The sweet epilogue was my favorite part. Swoon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
enjoyable!!
July 30, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I read book 2 in this series on the impulse that it sounded really good and I've been looking for new authors to try. And I was hooked. So I was really looking forward to reading this one which is about the oldest sister and the one basically running the matchmaking family business. Her hero is the owner of the gaming hell across the street who made his fortune as a fighter.
While I enjoyed this story and it was entertaining to read, it also had some things about it that dragged just a bit. I definitely thought the hero was way too patient with the heroine in the sense that he let her dictate how close he could get without making much of an attempt, and that went on for a long while. That being said, I also loved his approach with the heroine once he realized the past events she lived through and still affected her.
If you are looking for a sweet and fun story with class differences, a smart and independent heroine and an adorable hero who is tough on the outside but melts for his heroine (and his cat) then look no further. I for one am excited to read more from this author.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
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November 30, 2024DNF at 44%
I just could not stand Ainsley. So sorry Vivianne because I looooove your writing and everything but I could not finish this
I just could not stand Ainsley. So sorry Vivianne because I looooove your writing and everything but I could not finish this
November 25, 2020
tw: attempted sexual assault, mentally & physically abusive relationships
October 21, 2024
3.5 stars
When it comes to historical romances, I can’t resist a prim spinster + gaming hell owner pairing, especially when they’re hot for each other the whole way through.
Reid was basically the perfect MMC, an ex-prizefighter with the gentlest of hands (when it comes to flowers and Ainsley). Ainsley was a little snooty, but part of that was to hide her trauma from an ex-suitor. Oh, and there was a fake engagement (sort of).
Even though there was a lot to like about this book, something about the story didn’t quite land for me. I enjoyed Ainsley and Reid’s dynamic, but they both made some assumptions about the other that led to conflict, and the resolution of the relationship conflict AND the external conflict was a bit hand wave-y.
Still an enjoyable audiobook (warning: it’s narrated by Justine Eyre, who I don’t mind however I know is divisive), but I kept thinking the HEA would’ve been more satisfying if they’d communicated better after getting together.
When it comes to historical romances, I can’t resist a prim spinster + gaming hell owner pairing, especially when they’re hot for each other the whole way through.
Reid was basically the perfect MMC, an ex-prizefighter with the gentlest of hands (when it comes to flowers and Ainsley). Ainsley was a little snooty, but part of that was to hide her trauma from an ex-suitor. Oh, and there was a fake engagement (sort of).
Even though there was a lot to like about this book, something about the story didn’t quite land for me. I enjoyed Ainsley and Reid’s dynamic, but they both made some assumptions about the other that led to conflict, and the resolution of the relationship conflict AND the external conflict was a bit hand wave-y.
Still an enjoyable audiobook (warning: it’s narrated by Justine Eyre, who I don’t mind however I know is divisive), but I kept thinking the HEA would’ve been more satisfying if they’d communicated better after getting together.
May 3, 2021
I may just have to accept at some point that (most) m/f romances are (no longer) for me. I have enjoyed many years of reading many wonderful bodice rippers! and that in itself may be the problem: I'm oversaturated. I'm so tired of romance novels that do nothing new.
there's nothing really wrong with this book. there's even like, one page where I actually got excited, thinking that is was going to get interesting (this was the page on which ainsley and reed first 'announce' their fake engagement, as it were, and are united for a moment in lying together), but, alas, it did not.
the characters feel like cardboard cutouts. there's so much emphasis on pregnancy and children (children are great, I like children; I don't like the way many romance novels talk about them). the hero is your standard 'oh but he's so BIG and of a LOWER SOCIAL CLASS!' hunk of meat. I know these books are meant to be like wish fulfillment housewife porn, but jeez, just once I'd like to read about a guy whose proportions are other than 'bulging muscles and washboard abs but also he's the size of a house.' brick shithouse dudes are great! what isn't great is when they're the ONLY thing on the menu. give me a scrawny little twig! give me a fuckin' short guy! give me, for god's fucking sake, a fucking fat dude!
forgettable. I am apparently in the extreme minority for thinking this, which is why I'm pretty sure the problem lies with me, not this book in particular. god, though, if you're going to open up every one of your chapters with A QUOTE FROM JANE AUSTEN'S EMMA???? you better be prepared to back that up!!!!!
zzzzZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
there's nothing really wrong with this book. there's even like, one page where I actually got excited, thinking that is was going to get interesting (this was the page on which ainsley and reed first 'announce' their fake engagement, as it were, and are united for a moment in lying together), but, alas, it did not.
the characters feel like cardboard cutouts. there's so much emphasis on pregnancy and children (children are great, I like children; I don't like the way many romance novels talk about them). the hero is your standard 'oh but he's so BIG and of a LOWER SOCIAL CLASS!' hunk of meat. I know these books are meant to be like wish fulfillment housewife porn, but jeez, just once I'd like to read about a guy whose proportions are other than 'bulging muscles and washboard abs but also he's the size of a house.' brick shithouse dudes are great! what isn't great is when they're the ONLY thing on the menu. give me a scrawny little twig! give me a fuckin' short guy! give me, for god's fucking sake, a fucking fat dude!
forgettable. I am apparently in the extreme minority for thinking this, which is why I'm pretty sure the problem lies with me, not this book in particular. god, though, if you're going to open up every one of your chapters with A QUOTE FROM JANE AUSTEN'S EMMA???? you better be prepared to back that up!!!!!
zzzzZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
July 25, 2019
I had read the previous book in this series and loved it and couldn't wait to get my greedy hands on this one.
I love love LOVED Ainsley and Reed. They're both so stubborn and it made for the best banter and button pushing. I especially loved seeing both of their crunchy exteriors reveal just how soft and marshmallow-y they were. Oh, and don't get me started on their chemistry. I could have died from the delicious UST.
Plot wise, it was a good amount of push and pull, but in a different way. Ainsley has had some forceful and violent things happen to her and she's trepidatious about interacting with men who fight. Reed was all about being gentle and letting Ainsley find a way to trust her own feelings again. I fully enjoyed reading their journey, even if I continually wanted to either shake them for being stupid or mash their faces together.
Overall, it was the best book I could have picked to get me out of a post-SDCC slump and I'm eager to dive right back in and reread it.
FYI: flashbacks of and discussions about forceful grabbing, groping, and intent to rape.
** Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love LOVED Ainsley and Reed. They're both so stubborn and it made for the best banter and button pushing. I especially loved seeing both of their crunchy exteriors reveal just how soft and marshmallow-y they were. Oh, and don't get me started on their chemistry. I could have died from the delicious UST.
Plot wise, it was a good amount of push and pull, but in a different way. Ainsley has had some forceful and violent things happen to her and she's trepidatious about interacting with men who fight. Reed was all about being gentle and letting Ainsley find a way to trust her own feelings again. I fully enjoyed reading their journey, even if I continually wanted to either shake them for being stupid or mash their faces together.
Overall, it was the best book I could have picked to get me out of a post-SDCC slump and I'm eager to dive right back in and reread it.
FYI: flashbacks of and discussions about forceful grabbing, groping, and intent to rape.
** Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
August 19, 2019
I absolutely adored this title and reviewed it for freshfiction.com:
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...
August 27, 2019
This enemies to lovers story was a fun read! I’m always a sucker for a hero and Reed fit the bill to a T! Ainsley was a hot mess, but I still liked her-even when she was prickly as a cactus.
August 26, 2019
Two years ago, Ainsley Bourne and her two sisters left their country home for a London Townhouse, chaperoned by their uncle. Ainsley left a broken betrothal behind, and has determined that she won’t marry, instead she will make the Bourne Matrimonial Agency a success, despite her two sisters breaking the cardinal rule and marrying clients. But, business is slow and few are engaging their services. Ainsley is certain that the gaming club across the street, Sterlings, is to blame and with too much time on her hands, devises a series of schemes to force the business to move.
Ainsley is determined to be in control in every situation, her struggles with propriety and appearing flawless in front of society is both a business choice and a personal one. Her personal struggles with the abusive man to whom she was betrothed, and the need to raise her sisters and manage her uncle, known for profligate spending and falling in love at the drop of a hat, have her juggling far more than her age or position would indicate. Still wounded and skittish about men after her ex, she’s bowled over by Reed Sterling – his pure alpha aura, his refusal to ‘bow’ to convention, and her reactions to a man who is outwardly rough yet consistently gentle with her.
This was adorable and so clever – with Ainsley’s rather unique take on “war”, from covering the windows at Sterlings with pages from women’s magazines, to inviting all of London to a free meal, she’s constantly in conflict with what she ‘should’ feel about the club and its owner and what she actually feels. Unsettled, intrigued, curious and even attraction – and Reed is determined to protect Ainsley at all costs. Lorret brings the characters together with humor, danger and a surprise twist at the end to make it all work out as it should. It seems that none of the sisters can follow the cardinal rule of the agency……
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Ainsley is determined to be in control in every situation, her struggles with propriety and appearing flawless in front of society is both a business choice and a personal one. Her personal struggles with the abusive man to whom she was betrothed, and the need to raise her sisters and manage her uncle, known for profligate spending and falling in love at the drop of a hat, have her juggling far more than her age or position would indicate. Still wounded and skittish about men after her ex, she’s bowled over by Reed Sterling – his pure alpha aura, his refusal to ‘bow’ to convention, and her reactions to a man who is outwardly rough yet consistently gentle with her.
This was adorable and so clever – with Ainsley’s rather unique take on “war”, from covering the windows at Sterlings with pages from women’s magazines, to inviting all of London to a free meal, she’s constantly in conflict with what she ‘should’ feel about the club and its owner and what she actually feels. Unsettled, intrigued, curious and even attraction – and Reed is determined to protect Ainsley at all costs. Lorret brings the characters together with humor, danger and a surprise twist at the end to make it all work out as it should. It seems that none of the sisters can follow the cardinal rule of the agency……
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 28, 2023
The Rogue to Ruin is the third and final book in Misadventures in Matchmaking series by Vivienne Lorret. In this, we finally get to know the eldest Bourne sibling Ainsley and her romance with the owner of the gambling hell next door, Reed Sterling.
The banter between these two was quite entertaining right from the start and since it was mixed with the readers getting to know the characters more in depth, it felt like the perfect combination of fun and seriousness.
Ainsley and Reed were both pretty mature leads which I liked a lot - since I myself am at a age where I just relate to adult romances more than the YA ones. Ainsley had a painful and shocking past which made me sympathise with her a lot and Reed was this perfect gentleman at times - especially with the cat and that one time he sung lullaby to Jacinda's daughter, Emma. I am sure many readers like myself would have positively swooned at that.
What I didn't like though is the hasty marriage in this case. I feel like the angst and passion could have been built a bit more before they were rushed into being together so soon despite the circumstances calling for it. There were plenty of instances when a more steamy scene could have been incorporated. I however still really liked the connection that they shared and the epilogue was just the sweetest.
4 stars.
The banter between these two was quite entertaining right from the start and since it was mixed with the readers getting to know the characters more in depth, it felt like the perfect combination of fun and seriousness.
Ainsley and Reed were both pretty mature leads which I liked a lot - since I myself am at a age where I just relate to adult romances more than the YA ones. Ainsley had a painful and shocking past which made me sympathise with her a lot and Reed was this perfect gentleman at times - especially with the cat and that one time he sung lullaby to Jacinda's daughter, Emma. I am sure many readers like myself would have positively swooned at that.
What I didn't like though is the hasty marriage in this case. I feel like the angst and passion could have been built a bit more before they were rushed into being together so soon despite the circumstances calling for it. There were plenty of instances when a more steamy scene could have been incorporated. I however still really liked the connection that they shared and the epilogue was just the sweetest.
4 stars.
November 10, 2024
It took me quite some time to finish this book. The chapters aren't long but there are 36 of them plus an epilogue. I think this book could have been much shorter. The conflict dragged on a bit too much for me and tried to rear up again toward the end, which I found unnecessary.
This is a story of supposed opposites (but not really) and they are forced into marriage (but not really) and they fall in love (that part is real). The hero was a total dream boat and the heroine was prickly for waaaaaay too long. I liked him way more than I liked her, and her consant issues affected my ability to love the story more.
The hero being a total stud makes up for the story's shortcomings.
This is a story of supposed opposites (but not really) and they are forced into marriage (but not really) and they fall in love (that part is real). The hero was a total dream boat and the heroine was prickly for waaaaaay too long. I liked him way more than I liked her, and her consant issues affected my ability to love the story more.
The hero being a total stud makes up for the story's shortcomings.
August 28, 2019
I wanted to read about Ainsley and Reed after seeing them go at each other in a previous book. They did not like each other ;)
Ainsley is running her matrimonial agency. Across the street Reed is running his gambling hell. These two things to not go together.
Awww banter. Ainsley is the one being mad, Reed just goes along for the ride. And then she declares war. All good things, and they So belong together.
There is a darker side to the story too, but that might come in as a spoiler, so yes there is some drama danger too. But fear not, she has Reed near.
I enjoyed it. Drama, romance and banter. WHat is there not to like!
Narrator
It is Justine Eyre! She is great when it comes to historical romance!
Ainsley is running her matrimonial agency. Across the street Reed is running his gambling hell. These two things to not go together.
Awww banter. Ainsley is the one being mad, Reed just goes along for the ride. And then she declares war. All good things, and they So belong together.
There is a darker side to the story too, but that might come in as a spoiler, so yes there is some drama danger too. But fear not, she has Reed near.
I enjoyed it. Drama, romance and banter. WHat is there not to like!
Narrator
It is Justine Eyre! She is great when it comes to historical romance!
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