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Secrets & Scandals #3
To Seduce a Scoundrel
A lady on the brink of disaster
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.
A scoundrel in need of seduction
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.
A scoundrel in need of seduction
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 9, 2012
311 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
205 books2,278 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 3, 2015
Another winner by Darcy Burke! Fight Club meets Devil in Winter!
I'm on a giddy high! I can't believe I've found a new favorite author, and I cannot believe she is not more well-known! This book reminded me a lot of Devil in Winter and the recent MMA books I've read.
Lady Phillipa is popular, sweet and has a pristine reputation. Until she by mistake stumbles into a depraved party in search of her mother. Where she meets the Vicious Viscount, Lord Sevrin. He is shunned by ton after seducing his brother's fiancé and refusing to marry her. But he saves Phillipa from certain ruin that night and by a series of mishap, Lord Sevrin is forced to fight a prizefight to keep Phillipa from ruin. He is a hero - even though he tries hard not to be.
"And that is where you misjudge me." He lowered his voice. "I'm no decent gentleman."
Philippa tried to ignore the shivers dancing along her neck. "You've been incredibly gallant tonight."
Of course, the spark cannot be denied. Phillipa was seen, although with a mask, at the house party and wagers on her identity soon start to flourish. Between Jagger and the gentlemen at Whites, it is only a matter of time until her identity as Sevrin's mystery woman will be revealed.
It seemed her Necessary and Most Immediate Husband Hunt required another revision: the Direly Important Crusade to Marry Before Scandal Ruined Her.
At one point, Phillipa enlists Sevrin's help in finding out as much as possible about her suitors.
"Oh, stop. I'm not considering his suit, but he's perfectly charming."
"Charm is your chief requirement in a husband?"
Her body moved with precision and grace. "Along with honor and kindness."
"You might do better with a dog."
It is complex with many twists and turns - just like a great romance should be. And we get to spend time with Saxton and Olivia from the previous book. I was already charmed by both Sevrin and Phillipa from that book - and they did not disappoint in this one! And we get to spend time in both London and on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula.
I'm on a giddy high! I can't believe I've found a new favorite author, and I cannot believe she is not more well-known! This book reminded me a lot of Devil in Winter and the recent MMA books I've read.
Lady Phillipa is popular, sweet and has a pristine reputation. Until she by mistake stumbles into a depraved party in search of her mother. Where she meets the Vicious Viscount, Lord Sevrin. He is shunned by ton after seducing his brother's fiancé and refusing to marry her. But he saves Phillipa from certain ruin that night and by a series of mishap, Lord Sevrin is forced to fight a prizefight to keep Phillipa from ruin. He is a hero - even though he tries hard not to be.
"And that is where you misjudge me." He lowered his voice. "I'm no decent gentleman."
Philippa tried to ignore the shivers dancing along her neck. "You've been incredibly gallant tonight."
Of course, the spark cannot be denied. Phillipa was seen, although with a mask, at the house party and wagers on her identity soon start to flourish. Between Jagger and the gentlemen at Whites, it is only a matter of time until her identity as Sevrin's mystery woman will be revealed.
It seemed her Necessary and Most Immediate Husband Hunt required another revision: the Direly Important Crusade to Marry Before Scandal Ruined Her.
At one point, Phillipa enlists Sevrin's help in finding out as much as possible about her suitors.
"Oh, stop. I'm not considering his suit, but he's perfectly charming."
"Charm is your chief requirement in a husband?"
Her body moved with precision and grace. "Along with honor and kindness."
"You might do better with a dog."
It is complex with many twists and turns - just like a great romance should be. And we get to spend time with Saxton and Olivia from the previous book. I was already charmed by both Sevrin and Phillipa from that book - and they did not disappoint in this one! And we get to spend time in both London and on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula.
July 11, 2016
4 ORIGINALITY STARS!!!!
**ATTENTION ALL LADIES (and some guys)!** This book has a fighter in it!
You’re probably thinking, “Wait, but it’s historical.” That’s right!!!!! A historical romance with a sexy fighter, a fight club, a fabulous heroine, and a delightfully, sinfully, action-packed plot.
He was a mass of dry, brittle wood and she was the flame that would burn him to the ground.
My Ambrose Sevrin:
Ambrose Sevrin, the Viscous Viscount, is a fighter. After seducing his brother’s fiancé and losing his brother in a tragic accident, he decides to make a vow to become celibate. He doesn’t believe himself to be good anymore.
He couldn’t explain how fighting kept the demons at bay, how the physical pain kept him from falling into the abyss of his tragic, reprehensible mistakes, how without it, he withdrew to the point of bare existence where misery and regret ruled his soul.
My Philippa:
Philippa ( fresh, sweet, unspoiled ) is approaching an unmarriageable age. She has turned down several suitors because she believes in love. When she follows her mother to a scandalous sex club (gasp!), Ambrose rescues her from being discovered and her identity and reputation ruined forever. And so begins this story of Ambrose rescuing Philippa over and over again but refusing to face his love. Philippa is determined to make him see that he is a good man, who loves her.
You seduce me with every look, every touch, every breath. And I humbly beg you to never stop.
“I’m a bit ticklish.”……“Lovely”
The passion is HOT!! The story is fantastic and…..UNIQUE!! I’ve read a lot of historical romance. I consider historical romance to be my first love, so believe me when I say this is original and I have never read a historical romance like THIS ONE!!
“Stay close to me,” Sevrin said against her temple. His warm breath was comforting. She turned into him and slid her arms around his waist. “They’ll have to pry me off you.”
This is my first Darcy Burke novel, and I will definitely be reading more!
**Received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review**
Find me on
**ATTENTION ALL LADIES (and some guys)!** This book has a fighter in it!
You’re probably thinking, “Wait, but it’s historical.” That’s right!!!!! A historical romance with a sexy fighter, a fight club, a fabulous heroine, and a delightfully, sinfully, action-packed plot.
He was a mass of dry, brittle wood and she was the flame that would burn him to the ground.
My Ambrose Sevrin:
Ambrose Sevrin, the Viscous Viscount, is a fighter. After seducing his brother’s fiancé and losing his brother in a tragic accident, he decides to make a vow to become celibate. He doesn’t believe himself to be good anymore.
He couldn’t explain how fighting kept the demons at bay, how the physical pain kept him from falling into the abyss of his tragic, reprehensible mistakes, how without it, he withdrew to the point of bare existence where misery and regret ruled his soul.
My Philippa:
Philippa ( fresh, sweet, unspoiled ) is approaching an unmarriageable age. She has turned down several suitors because she believes in love. When she follows her mother to a scandalous sex club (gasp!), Ambrose rescues her from being discovered and her identity and reputation ruined forever. And so begins this story of Ambrose rescuing Philippa over and over again but refusing to face his love. Philippa is determined to make him see that he is a good man, who loves her.
You seduce me with every look, every touch, every breath. And I humbly beg you to never stop.
“I’m a bit ticklish.”……“Lovely”
The passion is HOT!! The story is fantastic and…..UNIQUE!! I’ve read a lot of historical romance. I consider historical romance to be my first love, so believe me when I say this is original and I have never read a historical romance like THIS ONE!!
“Stay close to me,” Sevrin said against her temple. His warm breath was comforting. She turned into him and slid her arms around his waist. “They’ll have to pry me off you.”
This is my first Darcy Burke novel, and I will definitely be reading more!
**Received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review**
Find me on
June 15, 2019
(May 29th 2019 On Kindle sale $0.99)
This book started incredibly strong, they meet on page 3 and instantaneously there are rainbow sparks and captivating action. I adored both characters and foresaw an epic read.
A little over halfway the book took a drastic turn. Ambrose turns into a whiny a**hole hosting the biggest pity party and treats Philippa like trash. Completely opposite of how he acted during the first half. The book juggles multiple threads and I felt everyone was pulled in a million directions.
SPOILERS
By the time P catches, A “treating” himself and pretty much reacts by going down on him, I was seriously back-pedalling my warm fussy feelings. A few days later, after he pushed her coldly away, she asks him to show her how to “treat” herself to break him.
DNF 78%.
This book started incredibly strong, they meet on page 3 and instantaneously there are rainbow sparks and captivating action. I adored both characters and foresaw an epic read.
A little over halfway the book took a drastic turn. Ambrose turns into a whiny a**hole hosting the biggest pity party and treats Philippa like trash. Completely opposite of how he acted during the first half. The book juggles multiple threads and I felt everyone was pulled in a million directions.
SPOILERS
By the time P catches, A “treating” himself and pretty much reacts by going down on him, I was seriously back-pedalling my warm fussy feelings. A few days later, after he pushed her coldly away, she asks him to show her how to “treat” herself to break him.
DNF 78%.
February 28, 2021
'A lady on the brink of disaster
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.
A scoundrel in need of seduction
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.'
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
To Seduce a Scoundrel is the third book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series.
This book has such a strong start and I was fully on board, I found both main characters to be really sweet and I was invested in them. I also loved that while trying to make their escape from the party unseen, it was like Murphy's Law was seriously working against them, making sure that everything could go wrong to thwart their escape did. And Philippa actually acknowledges this, which made it more amusing for me and kind of broke down the sheer impracticality of it for me.
But unfortunately I found that the book kind of started to lose steam for me at about the halfway point. What had been a really promising connection between Philippa and Ambrose turned a bit sour. Philippa is just constanly chasing him, despite him pushing her away multiple times. And Ambrose is playing with her emotions by allowing these situations between them to progress to a certain point only bring everything screeching to a halt to stick to his self made oath.
I think largely the problem was that Ambrose had his head up his butt for a little to long and nearly reuined everything as a result. I know that this is one of Darcy Burke's earliest series and so it is not of the calibre of writing that I am used to, but I will still be continuing with the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Quintessential debutante Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal at all costs so that she may marry well. When her mother’s outrageous behavior threatens their family’s reputation, Philippa unwittingly follows her to a party no unmarried Society girl would risk attending. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Philippa is “rescued” from disaster by England’s most notorious scoundrel, which sets them both on a path to public and personal ruin.
A scoundrel in need of seduction
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is infamous for ruining his brother’s fiancée and refusing to marry her. Content to remain among the fringe of the upper ten thousand, he is an intriguing enigma to London’s elite. Philippa thinks she’s met the true Ambrose—a gentleman who would fight to defend her and help her secure a husband before it’s too late. But he can’t be that husband, even for her. He won’t tolerate redemption—or love—for his crimes are far worse than anyone can imagine.'
____________________________
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.
To Seduce a Scoundrel is the third book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series.
This book has such a strong start and I was fully on board, I found both main characters to be really sweet and I was invested in them. I also loved that while trying to make their escape from the party unseen, it was like Murphy's Law was seriously working against them, making sure that everything could go wrong to thwart their escape did. And Philippa actually acknowledges this, which made it more amusing for me and kind of broke down the sheer impracticality of it for me.
But unfortunately I found that the book kind of started to lose steam for me at about the halfway point. What had been a really promising connection between Philippa and Ambrose turned a bit sour. Philippa is just constanly chasing him, despite him pushing her away multiple times. And Ambrose is playing with her emotions by allowing these situations between them to progress to a certain point only bring everything screeching to a halt to stick to his self made oath.
I think largely the problem was that Ambrose had his head up his butt for a little to long and nearly reuined everything as a result. I know that this is one of Darcy Burke's earliest series and so it is not of the calibre of writing that I am used to, but I will still be continuing with the series.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
August 25, 2019
2 (Somehow I managed to skim through)/ 5 stars.
This was a hot mess.
I usually like Darcy Burke's book, but I should stick to everything published post 2017, because this was tough . And I tried. *Deep breath* here goes.
Beware spoilers if you plan on dipping in this hot mess.
The plot is a tangle of characters and story-lines that would put Christopher Nolan to shame. The only difference being that nothing makes any goddamn sense. What I've gleamed is as follows:
1. MC's, Severin and Phillipa meet at a scandalous party which she mistakenly wanders into, and he kisses her to protect her identity. Cause duh! Cut to, him having to fight some gigantic brute in some prizefight because someone called Jagger told him to. Jagger also keeps showing up regularly, kidnaps the heroine twice (lord knows why) and sorta-kinda-forces the hero to keep fighting in prizefights. Even though Severin doesn't really need to do as Jagger says, but hey
2. Phillipa and Severin are attracted to each other, and she shows up at his house/mansion after a few kisses here and there to see if they'd suit enough to marry. Because he grumbled that he'd marry her if she wanted when they were caughting doing the horizontal hula in a stable by her fiancee of one day. Hot mess, I told you.
3. Severin is playing some kind of weird I want you but I don't want you game through the goddamn book and it's annoying. The heroine goes in pursuit of him the whole time, but he's taken a vow of celibacy so he won't do the nasty to her.
'
4. Ages ago Severin had let himself be seduced by his brother's fiance at the time. And they had been caught by the brother, who had then said some existential guilt nonsense to Severin, and then gone and fallen off his horse and died. And so in penance for this Severin decided to become a monk. And our poor heroine has to suffer for it.
There's literally 5 chapters of her seducing him and him relenting until a point, and then suddenly pulling a "I have to go" act and dissapearing because his vow is important. While I have nothing against such vow's but it has no base in this story, and if it's what important to him then he needs to quit playing with the poor girl.
And she needs to stop pursuing him, take a hint sister.
The ending involves another prizefight, Severin coming face to face with his brother's fiance and the heroine getting kidnapped again and I'm just about done.
This was exhausting.
This was a hot mess.
I usually like Darcy Burke's book, but I should stick to everything published post 2017, because this was tough . And I tried. *Deep breath* here goes.
Beware spoilers if you plan on dipping in this hot mess.
The plot is a tangle of characters and story-lines that would put Christopher Nolan to shame. The only difference being that nothing makes any goddamn sense. What I've gleamed is as follows:
1. MC's, Severin and Phillipa meet at a scandalous party which she mistakenly wanders into, and he kisses her to protect her identity. Cause duh! Cut to, him having to fight some gigantic brute in some prizefight because someone called Jagger told him to. Jagger also keeps showing up regularly, kidnaps the heroine twice (lord knows why) and sorta-kinda-forces the hero to keep fighting in prizefights. Even though Severin doesn't really need to do as Jagger says, but hey
2. Phillipa and Severin are attracted to each other, and she shows up at his house/mansion after a few kisses here and there to see if they'd suit enough to marry. Because he grumbled that he'd marry her if she wanted when they were caughting doing the horizontal hula in a stable by her fiancee of one day. Hot mess, I told you.
3. Severin is playing some kind of weird I want you but I don't want you game through the goddamn book and it's annoying. The heroine goes in pursuit of him the whole time, but he's taken a vow of celibacy so he won't do the nasty to her.
'4. Ages ago Severin had let himself be seduced by his brother's fiance at the time. And they had been caught by the brother, who had then said some existential guilt nonsense to Severin, and then gone and fallen off his horse and died. And so in penance for this Severin decided to become a monk. And our poor heroine has to suffer for it.
There's literally 5 chapters of her seducing him and him relenting until a point, and then suddenly pulling a "I have to go" act and dissapearing because his vow is important. While I have nothing against such vow's but it has no base in this story, and if it's what important to him then he needs to quit playing with the poor girl.
And she needs to stop pursuing him, take a hint sister.
The ending involves another prizefight, Severin coming face to face with his brother's fiance and the heroine getting kidnapped again and I'm just about done.
This was exhausting.
June 29, 2012
When Lady Philippa Latham sees her mother attending a ball with a man that is not her father, she takes it upon herself to follow and save her mother, and by association, herself, from certain ruin. Little does Philippa know that it is one of those parties, the kind no respectable young lady attends. She is stunned to see so many people in masks and quickly realizes how out of place she is. When the notorious scoundrel, Lord Ambrose Sevrin recognizes her, she thinks she will finally have to marry but she is surprised at how decent Sevrin is. He tries to help her escape unnoticed and with her reputation intact but to his disappointment, someone catches a glimpse of them and uses it as blackmail.
Sevrin has avoided notorious parties for years following his ruin of a young lady and the one time he decides to finally attend, he tries to do the honorable thing and help Philippa but he captures the attention of Jagger, a man who wants him to prizefight. As Sevrin loves to fight and is quite accomplished, this comes at no surprise but Sevrin has given up prizefighting as he does not enjoy the attention. With the threat of Philippa's reputation at stake, he has to agree to one more fight. However, with the mystery surrounding the identity of Sevrin's lady from the party, Sevrin keeps thinking of Philippa and is drawn to her as she is drawn to him. Sevrin has a deep secret in his past and refuses to ruin another woman but how can he refuse what Philippa offers?
It seems to me, with each book I read by Darcy Burke, I enjoy them more and more. I loved watching the instant attraction between Sevrin and Philippa grow into a deep, true love. Sevrin was a delicious, complex man that was raised by a father that expected the best out of him and got it, even though he was the second son. When a terrible accident befalls his elder brother, it sheds some light on his own behavior and he closes into himself, taking all the blame. He believes himself to be unfaithful, selfish and arrogant and it will take a lot to change his mind. He also has a very strong vow that he adheres to now and I admire his restraint with Philippa in order to keep this vow to himself. He finds release in fighting and I even enjoyed the fights in the story, even though that is something I do not enjoy in real life. They were such a part of the story and they help transform Sevrin. Philippa was the perfect balance to his dark, protective nature. She is attempting to save her self-absorbed family from ruin, and when the whole truth comes out about her parents she is devastated and knows she must finally marry quickly but all she wants to do is marry for love. She is bold and is not afraid to go after what she wants and I adored her for that! She slowly tears downs Sevrins walls and helps heal his heart and forgive himself and together, they just fit. The scoundrel who is honorable and the lady who is a bit wicked. This was my favorite book so far from Darcy Burke and it is one I can not wait to reread! This romance was a delicious blend of love and acceptance, humor and angst, action and heat and a book I would recommend for any historical romance fan! 4 very solid stars
Review copy provided by author, thank you!
Sevrin has avoided notorious parties for years following his ruin of a young lady and the one time he decides to finally attend, he tries to do the honorable thing and help Philippa but he captures the attention of Jagger, a man who wants him to prizefight. As Sevrin loves to fight and is quite accomplished, this comes at no surprise but Sevrin has given up prizefighting as he does not enjoy the attention. With the threat of Philippa's reputation at stake, he has to agree to one more fight. However, with the mystery surrounding the identity of Sevrin's lady from the party, Sevrin keeps thinking of Philippa and is drawn to her as she is drawn to him. Sevrin has a deep secret in his past and refuses to ruin another woman but how can he refuse what Philippa offers?
It seems to me, with each book I read by Darcy Burke, I enjoy them more and more. I loved watching the instant attraction between Sevrin and Philippa grow into a deep, true love. Sevrin was a delicious, complex man that was raised by a father that expected the best out of him and got it, even though he was the second son. When a terrible accident befalls his elder brother, it sheds some light on his own behavior and he closes into himself, taking all the blame. He believes himself to be unfaithful, selfish and arrogant and it will take a lot to change his mind. He also has a very strong vow that he adheres to now and I admire his restraint with Philippa in order to keep this vow to himself. He finds release in fighting and I even enjoyed the fights in the story, even though that is something I do not enjoy in real life. They were such a part of the story and they help transform Sevrin. Philippa was the perfect balance to his dark, protective nature. She is attempting to save her self-absorbed family from ruin, and when the whole truth comes out about her parents she is devastated and knows she must finally marry quickly but all she wants to do is marry for love. She is bold and is not afraid to go after what she wants and I adored her for that! She slowly tears downs Sevrins walls and helps heal his heart and forgive himself and together, they just fit. The scoundrel who is honorable and the lady who is a bit wicked. This was my favorite book so far from Darcy Burke and it is one I can not wait to reread! This romance was a delicious blend of love and acceptance, humor and angst, action and heat and a book I would recommend for any historical romance fan! 4 very solid stars
Review copy provided by author, thank you!
November 23, 2014
Usually stories where a plucky heroine chases after a tortured hero makes me angry and dissatisfied and leaves me with a feeling of imbalance. However, this is the first book where I am wholehearted invested in their love story considering the clichéd trope.
Yes, the hero repeatedly pushes the heroine away because he believes he is not worthy - but Darcy Burke has written him so well that I actually understand why he would think that way and honestly I would probably be the exact same way - if not worse. Instead of wallowing in sin - like most tortured HR heroes - he punishes himself by denying himself what he enjoys most and instead immerses himself in the physical haze of fighting. I think most importantly, he is never cruel to Phillipa when he attempts to distance himself - and that is surprising very rare in HRs.
Phillipa - what a wonderful woman. If she was real I would love to be her friend and be inspired by her courage and her golden heart. She loves selflessly, is patient but not stupidly niave and neither is she a martyr. She knows what she wants, goes for it with determination and persistence, but has enough insight to know what will truly make her happy. I also think it is refreshing that she is the more sexually aggressive of the pair - seriously women can be assetively seductive without all the negative connotations!
Thank god for this! I was just despairing at the lack of good HRs and here this is! yay! Looks like I gotta check out more Darcy Burke!
Yes, the hero repeatedly pushes the heroine away because he believes he is not worthy - but Darcy Burke has written him so well that I actually understand why he would think that way and honestly I would probably be the exact same way - if not worse. Instead of wallowing in sin - like most tortured HR heroes - he punishes himself by denying himself what he enjoys most and instead immerses himself in the physical haze of fighting. I think most importantly, he is never cruel to Phillipa when he attempts to distance himself - and that is surprising very rare in HRs.
Phillipa - what a wonderful woman. If she was real I would love to be her friend and be inspired by her courage and her golden heart. She loves selflessly, is patient but not stupidly niave and neither is she a martyr. She knows what she wants, goes for it with determination and persistence, but has enough insight to know what will truly make her happy. I also think it is refreshing that she is the more sexually aggressive of the pair - seriously women can be assetively seductive without all the negative connotations!
Thank god for this! I was just despairing at the lack of good HRs and here this is! yay! Looks like I gotta check out more Darcy Burke!
May 29, 2018
I Was really excited to read Lady Philippa Lathan and Lord Ambrose Sevrin's story but it just didn't hole my attention as much as bk2 with Jasper Sinclair and Olivia West " His Wicked Heart". There were to many Fight Club fight scenes in this story. Just to much violence especially at the end when onenamed of Jaggers Thugs Swan kidnaps Philippa with the intent on rape. I hate anything to do with violence to women.
Ambrose's constant hate of himself just went on too long. He should have resolved his feelings of guilt earlier on in the story. He did do an awful things by sleeping with his brother Nigel's fiancée but she was just as guilty as him. Ambrose could not stop his brother from a riding accident. He should not have blamed himself for that. But I did like how he was a gentlemen and sort of a White Knight who kept saving Philippa reputations. Until they finally do get caught together. I have always really like Philippa she is just a real stand up intelligent young lady. But her parents were a real nutty peace of work, especially her father the Earl. What disrespect to bring his lover Lady Von Egmont and her son to stay at his wife and his daughters home and her mother going to orgies. Well that was all a bit to much for me.
All in All I did like Ambrose and Philippa as a couple even if it took to the end of the story for them to come together.
Ambrose's constant hate of himself just went on too long. He should have resolved his feelings of guilt earlier on in the story. He did do an awful things by sleeping with his brother Nigel's fiancée but she was just as guilty as him. Ambrose could not stop his brother from a riding accident. He should not have blamed himself for that. But I did like how he was a gentlemen and sort of a White Knight who kept saving Philippa reputations. Until they finally do get caught together. I have always really like Philippa she is just a real stand up intelligent young lady. But her parents were a real nutty peace of work, especially her father the Earl. What disrespect to bring his lover Lady Von Egmont and her son to stay at his wife and his daughters home and her mother going to orgies. Well that was all a bit to much for me.
All in All I did like Ambrose and Philippa as a couple even if it took to the end of the story for them to come together.
June 24, 2012
Lady Philippa Latham must marry soon before her parents scandalize society and make it impossible to marry well. Who better to help her select her possible groom then Lord Ambrose Sevrin? Sevrin may have the worst reputation in the ton but Philippa has experienced nothing but honorable and even noble behaviour from him from their first very unlikely meeting as he saves her reputation and ensures her safety as great cost to his own. Philippa knows there is more to Sevrin then what popular gossip dictates and she can't help but become fascinated by him nd his delicious kisses.
This is my favourite book by Darcy Burke so far. Each book just keeps getting better and better and I really enjoyed this one.
I think what set this book apart from the others was the heroine Lady Philippa, she was briefly in His Wicked Heart and I am glad she has got her own story. I liked that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, and it was a refreshing change to have the heroine in pursuit. Sevrin as well was in His Wicked Heart and though they are an unlikely couple I think they were very good together, Sevrin was unexpectedly honorable after hearing all about his reputation, and Philippa was unexpectedly wicked!
The only thing that I didn't really like was that I felt the book dragged a little bit towards the end. The beginning of the book was great, it really pulled me in, but I found as the book went on it started to feel a little long winded.
A great read with a gorgeous tortured hero and a surprisingly plucky heroine, I can't wait to read Ms Burke's next book.
This is my favourite book by Darcy Burke so far. Each book just keeps getting better and better and I really enjoyed this one.
I think what set this book apart from the others was the heroine Lady Philippa, she was briefly in His Wicked Heart and I am glad she has got her own story. I liked that she wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted, and it was a refreshing change to have the heroine in pursuit. Sevrin as well was in His Wicked Heart and though they are an unlikely couple I think they were very good together, Sevrin was unexpectedly honorable after hearing all about his reputation, and Philippa was unexpectedly wicked!
The only thing that I didn't really like was that I felt the book dragged a little bit towards the end. The beginning of the book was great, it really pulled me in, but I found as the book went on it started to feel a little long winded.
A great read with a gorgeous tortured hero and a surprisingly plucky heroine, I can't wait to read Ms Burke's next book.
June 14, 2013
ESSENTIAL READING
Right from the first page Darcy Burke grabs the readers attention. You are immediately drawn into the story. Lord Ambrose Sevrin is an outcast, living on the edges of the ton. His scandalous behaviour towards his brother's fiancée has guaranteed his permanent status as an undesirable.
Lady Philippa Latham is an acknowledged beauty, she has received many offers for her hand but has refused them all. Philippa is hoping to find a man she can love and who will love her in return. But now her parents are losing patience with her, and are insisting she find a husband during the current season. But her mother's behaviour is causing Philippa concern. Following her mother she enters a house to discover she has entered a vice party held by the notorious Lord Lockwood. Hoping to escape before she's recognised and ruined she is saved by Lord Sevrin.
How this first encounter turns into much more is brilliantly told.
Loved this story, with characters that I thoroughly felt connected to, it was a real treat to follow their growing relationship. Ambrose Sevrin is the archetypal tortured hero, but Philippa finds herself drawn to him despite his reputation. The slow building of their growing attraction was very believeable the sexual tension was hot. With plenty of other interesting characters and a stellar plot make this essential reading for all historical romance fans.
Right from the first page Darcy Burke grabs the readers attention. You are immediately drawn into the story. Lord Ambrose Sevrin is an outcast, living on the edges of the ton. His scandalous behaviour towards his brother's fiancée has guaranteed his permanent status as an undesirable.
Lady Philippa Latham is an acknowledged beauty, she has received many offers for her hand but has refused them all. Philippa is hoping to find a man she can love and who will love her in return. But now her parents are losing patience with her, and are insisting she find a husband during the current season. But her mother's behaviour is causing Philippa concern. Following her mother she enters a house to discover she has entered a vice party held by the notorious Lord Lockwood. Hoping to escape before she's recognised and ruined she is saved by Lord Sevrin.
How this first encounter turns into much more is brilliantly told.
Loved this story, with characters that I thoroughly felt connected to, it was a real treat to follow their growing relationship. Ambrose Sevrin is the archetypal tortured hero, but Philippa finds herself drawn to him despite his reputation. The slow building of their growing attraction was very believeable the sexual tension was hot. With plenty of other interesting characters and a stellar plot make this essential reading for all historical romance fans.
March 17, 2014
Not quite what I'd hoped for. I'd expected mystery, intrigue, danger at every turn, unforgettable characters, and a passion that would cause shivers. On many of those points, To Seduce a Scoundrel failed miserably. To be fair, the first half-or rather first couple chapters were intriguing and the characters fascinating. However, it soon became apparent there was no real plot. Just a lot of action.
Sevrin's character, as well as Philipa, were a huge disappointment. I'd expected Sevrin to be shrouded in mystery, flirtatious, seductive, and somewhat charming. However the secret of his past was lackluster-it was painted to be a much greater tragedy than it really was. In that regard, Sevrin was totally unappealing. What catches me is how he first appears in His Wicked Heart and the first couple chapters of To Seduce a Scoundrel. Alas, his character takes a complete one eighty to his enigmatic persona. Philipa was just not what I'd expected. Too naive, not as elegant as I'd imagined, and annoying. The romance between the two was boring, the passion took ages and the scenes too repetitive.
The plot or what there as of it was achingly slow. I found myself counting the pages until I'd finish. However there were a few areas of interest besides the beginning of the story. I was quite interested by Lord Lockwood, Jagger, and Miss Chestwick. They seemed to have more of a promising personality in the few scenes they were featured than the main coupe had to offer.
Overall, quite a heartbreaking disappointment since I'd expected this to be much better.
Sevrin's character, as well as Philipa, were a huge disappointment. I'd expected Sevrin to be shrouded in mystery, flirtatious, seductive, and somewhat charming. However the secret of his past was lackluster-it was painted to be a much greater tragedy than it really was. In that regard, Sevrin was totally unappealing. What catches me is how he first appears in His Wicked Heart and the first couple chapters of To Seduce a Scoundrel. Alas, his character takes a complete one eighty to his enigmatic persona. Philipa was just not what I'd expected. Too naive, not as elegant as I'd imagined, and annoying. The romance between the two was boring, the passion took ages and the scenes too repetitive.
The plot or what there as of it was achingly slow. I found myself counting the pages until I'd finish. However there were a few areas of interest besides the beginning of the story. I was quite interested by Lord Lockwood, Jagger, and Miss Chestwick. They seemed to have more of a promising personality in the few scenes they were featured than the main coupe had to offer.
Overall, quite a heartbreaking disappointment since I'd expected this to be much better.
March 2, 2016
I'm no decent gentleman! ____________3 1/2 stars
Well the story certainly starts with a rush when the misplaced confidence of our heroine, Lady Philipa, leaves her and the reader in the middle of scenes of debauchery , leaping (well being hoisted over)walls and attacked by ruffians. Lord Ambrose Severin (our indecent gentleman) is the anguished, guilt ridden hero and Lady Philipa Latham is a headstrong, young miss, whose parents feel that she must marry, soon. Given her spurning of a previous suitor this is becoming all the more important. Of course, the fact that her parents are seemingly embroiled in extra marital affairs does colour all her actions. Mind you her mother's unbelievable actions lead to Phillipa's entangled and possibly devastating position.
Unfortunately, the story for me did not live up to all it's early promise.
That being said, I would still recommend it as a continuation of the series and catching up with the lives of those characters that you've met in the past. I must admit I want to go back to the beginning of the series.
A NetGalley ARC
Well the story certainly starts with a rush when the misplaced confidence of our heroine, Lady Philipa, leaves her and the reader in the middle of scenes of debauchery , leaping (well being hoisted over)walls and attacked by ruffians. Lord Ambrose Severin (our indecent gentleman) is the anguished, guilt ridden hero and Lady Philipa Latham is a headstrong, young miss, whose parents feel that she must marry, soon. Given her spurning of a previous suitor this is becoming all the more important. Of course, the fact that her parents are seemingly embroiled in extra marital affairs does colour all her actions. Mind you her mother's unbelievable actions lead to Phillipa's entangled and possibly devastating position.
Unfortunately, the story for me did not live up to all it's early promise.
That being said, I would still recommend it as a continuation of the series and catching up with the lives of those characters that you've met in the past. I must admit I want to go back to the beginning of the series.
A NetGalley ARC
April 12, 2025
Rated 3.5 Stars. Kobo+. Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Scandal, Knight in Shining Armour.
MC's h. Phillipa Latham,23+, debutante 5th season, Earl and Countess of Herrick,mother and father have affairs, H. L. Ambrose Sevrin, 30+, scoundrel, likes to fight (former prizefighter) scandal involving his brother's intended.
***Comment:*** Plot Points
1. Phillipa discovers her mother at an orgy house party
2. Viscount Ambrose Severin rescues her & kisses her twice.
3. Both accosted by footpads
4. Taken to Jagger, threatens to expose L. Phillipa and ruin her if Ambrose doesn't fight as a Prizefighter
5. Phillipa's father has had an affair with Countess von Egmont and her mother is moving out.
6. Phillipa's time to find love and a suitable suitor is running out this season
7. Sevrin wins the fight. Phillipa's good name intact.
8. At the Holburn (Bennington) houseparty, Landsall proposed to Phillipa.
9. Saxton (friend of Sevrin's) covered all the bases to protect Phillipa's name but sadly for naught as Sevrin compromised Phillipa in the Stables, caught in the act by her fiance.
10. Sevrin offers for her but she refuses and is ruined and rejected by the ton, except for her friends, Audrey? and L. & L. Saxton.
11. Sevrin returns to Cornwall with Ackley to train in a fight in Truro.
12. Ambrose is greeted with open arms from his staff and tennants and forgiven by Lettice Chandler the woman he wronged.
13.L. Herrick, Phillipa's father finds a rural landowner who will marry Phillipa giving her two weeks to come to their country estate.
14. Phillipa's mother encourages her to follow her heart to Ambrose in Cornwall.
15. Phillipa stays in Cornwall until the fight Ackley will be in to see if she and Sevrin will suit.
16. Sevrin is set on keeping Phillipa at bay as he hasn't forgiven himself for Nigel's death.
17. Jagger and his cohorts show up telling Sevrin he will have to fight this next contender as the fighter for Ackley was injured and couldn't fight.
18. Sevrin wins the fight. Phillipa and he make love for the first time. She leaves as he didn't ask her hand in marriage.
19. Jagger's cohorts kidnap her having tied up her footmen and coach driver. They plan to rape her.
20. Her father shows up and Sevrin discovers she's missing. He asks around and finds out where the fiends are heading.
21. He rescues Phillipa and ties up the kidnappers taking her back to Beckwith ( his home)
22. He declares his love and she hers and they marry.
*****************************************************************************
MC's h. Phillipa Latham,23+, debutante 5th season, Earl and Countess of Herrick,mother and father have affairs, H. L. Ambrose Sevrin, 30+, scoundrel, likes to fight (former prizefighter) scandal involving his brother's intended.
***Comment:*** Plot Points
1. Phillipa discovers her mother at an orgy house party
2. Viscount Ambrose Severin rescues her & kisses her twice.
3. Both accosted by footpads
4. Taken to Jagger, threatens to expose L. Phillipa and ruin her if Ambrose doesn't fight as a Prizefighter
5. Phillipa's father has had an affair with Countess von Egmont and her mother is moving out.
6. Phillipa's time to find love and a suitable suitor is running out this season
7. Sevrin wins the fight. Phillipa's good name intact.
8. At the Holburn (Bennington) houseparty, Landsall proposed to Phillipa.
9. Saxton (friend of Sevrin's) covered all the bases to protect Phillipa's name but sadly for naught as Sevrin compromised Phillipa in the Stables, caught in the act by her fiance.
10. Sevrin offers for her but she refuses and is ruined and rejected by the ton, except for her friends, Audrey? and L. & L. Saxton.
11. Sevrin returns to Cornwall with Ackley to train in a fight in Truro.
12. Ambrose is greeted with open arms from his staff and tennants and forgiven by Lettice Chandler the woman he wronged.
13.L. Herrick, Phillipa's father finds a rural landowner who will marry Phillipa giving her two weeks to come to their country estate.
14. Phillipa's mother encourages her to follow her heart to Ambrose in Cornwall.
15. Phillipa stays in Cornwall until the fight Ackley will be in to see if she and Sevrin will suit.
16. Sevrin is set on keeping Phillipa at bay as he hasn't forgiven himself for Nigel's death.
17. Jagger and his cohorts show up telling Sevrin he will have to fight this next contender as the fighter for Ackley was injured and couldn't fight.
18. Sevrin wins the fight. Phillipa and he make love for the first time. She leaves as he didn't ask her hand in marriage.
19. Jagger's cohorts kidnap her having tied up her footmen and coach driver. They plan to rape her.
20. Her father shows up and Sevrin discovers she's missing. He asks around and finds out where the fiends are heading.
21. He rescues Phillipa and ties up the kidnappers taking her back to Beckwith ( his home)
22. He declares his love and she hers and they marry.
*****************************************************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2017
Baca random, ternyata baguuusss... kepotong berangkat ngantor jg kepikiran mulu dikantor kemaren ahahahaha.. kocak dan seru XD
Lady Philippa Latham, anak satu2nya seorang Earl, sekarang lagi diburu2 buat nikah sama ortunya, die ude beberapa th si debut, bkn karena die jelek / wallflower ya justru kebalikan, die cantik dan punya dowry besar, dan sudah beberapa kali die nolak lamaran gt lah. Ortunya ude kasih ultimatum musti nikah secepatnya! dan emaknya akhir2 ini tatrum suruh die buru2 nikah, season ini harus nikah titik.. tapiii
Gw lg baca bukunya Lockwood sama temennya Philippa.. ternyata adeknya Lockwood ituuu.. jreng jreng XD
Lady Philippa Latham, anak satu2nya seorang Earl, sekarang lagi diburu2 buat nikah sama ortunya, die ude beberapa th si debut, bkn karena die jelek / wallflower ya justru kebalikan, die cantik dan punya dowry besar, dan sudah beberapa kali die nolak lamaran gt lah. Ortunya ude kasih ultimatum musti nikah secepatnya! dan emaknya akhir2 ini tatrum suruh die buru2 nikah, season ini harus nikah titik.. tapiii
Gw lg baca bukunya Lockwood sama temennya Philippa.. ternyata adeknya Lockwood ituuu.. jreng jreng XD
August 24, 2012
Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series just keeps pulling me in more and more as we dig deeper into the lives of the entertaining cast of characters she's created. A character will be introduced that leaves a profound affect on me and then they'll be featured in the next book and make me fall in love with them even more. Such is the case with Lord Sevrin who ruined his brother's fiancee and was there when his brother died. The Ton has shunned him since then while being infatuated with his notoriety. No one knows what really happened though and they certainly don't know the real Sevrin. One moment changes all that and Sevrin soon has to show another side of his character and do everything he can to save the reputation of Lady Philippa.
Sevrin made this book for me! I was drawn to every aspect of him and ached for every hurt he endured. Ever since his brother's death he's felt responsible and the guilt has weighed on him to where he's gone out of his way to punish himself. He's denied himself every happiness and I cheered when Philippa came into his life. He thinks he's unworthy and incapable of loving and in so many subtle ways he showed the complete opposite when with Philippa and it brought a tear to my eye. He's a charming man and oozed sex appeal and I too drooled whenever his shirt was off just like Philippa.
Philippa was the woman Saxton was to marry in the previous book before she denied him and what a great decision that was! Her and Sevrin are amazing together and their relationship was one of healing for him. She's a strong and caring woman, one unwilling to believe gossip. For her, actions speak louder than words. She's not afraid to go after what she wants and she wants love in her marriage. After the coldness of her parent's marriage and their coldness towards her it's no wonder she wants love from someone else. The slow build-up of romance and affection between her and Sevrin was satisfying and believable and resulted in a cheer-inducing conclusion, not to mention the super steamy sexual interludes.
To Seduce a Scoundrel is yet another winning entry in Ms. Burke's Secrets and Scandals series. The characters are amazing and it's easy to immerse yourself in their lives. There are many secondary characters that have me intrigued and dying to know more about, particularly Lockwood whose illicit party set Philippa and Sevrin on their path to happiness. The other is fight promoter Jagger who continues to be a thorn in Sevrin's side but utterly fascinates me, as does Lockwood, through their mysteriousness and outer and inner scars that briefly show through.
This is a wonderful story and series reminiscent of the works of Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Hoyt and I highly recommend it to not only fans of historical romance but romance in general. It's wholeheartedly satisfying and enriching and I can't say enough good things about what Ms. Burke has created here.
Sevrin made this book for me! I was drawn to every aspect of him and ached for every hurt he endured. Ever since his brother's death he's felt responsible and the guilt has weighed on him to where he's gone out of his way to punish himself. He's denied himself every happiness and I cheered when Philippa came into his life. He thinks he's unworthy and incapable of loving and in so many subtle ways he showed the complete opposite when with Philippa and it brought a tear to my eye. He's a charming man and oozed sex appeal and I too drooled whenever his shirt was off just like Philippa.
Philippa was the woman Saxton was to marry in the previous book before she denied him and what a great decision that was! Her and Sevrin are amazing together and their relationship was one of healing for him. She's a strong and caring woman, one unwilling to believe gossip. For her, actions speak louder than words. She's not afraid to go after what she wants and she wants love in her marriage. After the coldness of her parent's marriage and their coldness towards her it's no wonder she wants love from someone else. The slow build-up of romance and affection between her and Sevrin was satisfying and believable and resulted in a cheer-inducing conclusion, not to mention the super steamy sexual interludes.
To Seduce a Scoundrel is yet another winning entry in Ms. Burke's Secrets and Scandals series. The characters are amazing and it's easy to immerse yourself in their lives. There are many secondary characters that have me intrigued and dying to know more about, particularly Lockwood whose illicit party set Philippa and Sevrin on their path to happiness. The other is fight promoter Jagger who continues to be a thorn in Sevrin's side but utterly fascinates me, as does Lockwood, through their mysteriousness and outer and inner scars that briefly show through.
This is a wonderful story and series reminiscent of the works of Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Hoyt and I highly recommend it to not only fans of historical romance but romance in general. It's wholeheartedly satisfying and enriching and I can't say enough good things about what Ms. Burke has created here.
July 15, 2015
Phillippa Latham has always been a good girl! Virtuous and scandal free. Her mother insisted and instructed her to be that way. How then could her mother act in such a way? Phillippa follows her mother to try to stop her from ruining the family, unwittingly running headlong into danger herself! Lady Phillippa has had many offers of marriage and turned them all down. She wants to marry for love. No one could blame her. Her parents example of unbridled hostility at best has set her on this course, but now, with her mother's scandal looming, Phillippa must find a husband, and quickly! When she runs into the ton's most notorious rake, she is shocked at her instant attraction to this dangerous man. Lord Sevrin does not help the situation by his own attraction getting the better of him. But she is not for him. he knows this as well as he knows if she is seen with him, it is over for her. Only ruination can come of it.
Lady Phillippa decides that Lord Sevrin would be the best person to ask about the men on her husband hunting list since he is a rake, he would know how other men act when they are not trying to woo a woman. This was sound thinking but was tinged by the slightest bit of need to see him on her part.
Unfortunately, Lady Phillippa gets caught up in Sevrin's own dealings with people of lesser birth and morals and is then in more danger than ever. Lord Sevrin feels he needs to protect her, he can't ruin another woman! He had already done that once and would never again. Now Lord Ambrose tortures himself with boxing and celibacy. Unlike many "heroes" I have read, he is not a relentless debaucher trying to erase what he has done.
The way he responds to Lady Phillippa seems harsh at times, but once the whole story unfolded, I completely understood why he would react that way.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this 3rd installment of the Secrets & Scandals series! We have met a few of the characters in the previous books, but I think if you haven't read books one and two, this would still be a great book! The way Darcy Burke writes is very flowing. You glide through the story like a fly on the wall. I love the dialog she comes up with, never a simpering miss or a foppish man, but thoughtful and insightful conversations that are real. I enjoyed the undercurrent of need with Lady Phillippa and Lord Ambrose as well. The slow drawing out of the story didn't affect the fact that I wanted to read it as quickly as possible! I devoured this one and I'm ok with that! LOL
This was a fantastic book that I will probably wait a year and read again! I highly recommend it!
I give this Novel 5 stars with a heat rating of 8 out of 10!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Lady Phillippa decides that Lord Sevrin would be the best person to ask about the men on her husband hunting list since he is a rake, he would know how other men act when they are not trying to woo a woman. This was sound thinking but was tinged by the slightest bit of need to see him on her part.
Unfortunately, Lady Phillippa gets caught up in Sevrin's own dealings with people of lesser birth and morals and is then in more danger than ever. Lord Sevrin feels he needs to protect her, he can't ruin another woman! He had already done that once and would never again. Now Lord Ambrose tortures himself with boxing and celibacy. Unlike many "heroes" I have read, he is not a relentless debaucher trying to erase what he has done.
The way he responds to Lady Phillippa seems harsh at times, but once the whole story unfolded, I completely understood why he would react that way.
I really enjoyed the storyline of this 3rd installment of the Secrets & Scandals series! We have met a few of the characters in the previous books, but I think if you haven't read books one and two, this would still be a great book! The way Darcy Burke writes is very flowing. You glide through the story like a fly on the wall. I love the dialog she comes up with, never a simpering miss or a foppish man, but thoughtful and insightful conversations that are real. I enjoyed the undercurrent of need with Lady Phillippa and Lord Ambrose as well. The slow drawing out of the story didn't affect the fact that I wanted to read it as quickly as possible! I devoured this one and I'm ok with that! LOL
This was a fantastic book that I will probably wait a year and read again! I highly recommend it!
I give this Novel 5 stars with a heat rating of 8 out of 10!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 11, 2013
It seems I have read Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series in a totally sideways manner. I read the third book first, then the first book and now the second and let me tell you it just doesn't matter. It doesn't matter what order you read them in, just read them.
Lady Philippa Latham is a lady, manners and proper behavior have been drilled into her, her entire life. At 22 she knows she needs to marry this season or find herself on the shelf. What she doesn't need is for her mother to show that she is decidedly lacking in proper behavior and running off to tryst with another man. When she catches her mother leaving, she in all you youthful arrogance rushes off to stop her. Running right into one of "those" parties at the home of the notorious Lord Lockwood's house. Saved from being recognized by the equally notorious Lord Sevrin, Philippa sees another side of this wounded man.
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is famous for seducing his brother's fiance and reducing to marry her. The fact that his brother died that night only gives the gossips more fuel for the fire. Only his self punishment is worse than any of the gossips can contrive. Refusing to take up the official reins of Viscountacy, living in a small two room apartment over a tavern, avoiding any sort of "proper" connections and becoming a prize fighter. And yet when he sees the oh so innocent lady Philippa teetering on the brink of ruin he rushes to the rescue setting of an entire series of new problems.
Philippa' s home life is getting worse and while she needed to marry before now she is desperate. Calling on Lord Severin to help seems like an inspired idea. Except they can't be seen together someone saw Severin with an unknown lady at the party and bets are being placed. Philippa's reputation is teetering.
Add to the fact that a notorious member of the underworld is using Philippa to make sure Severin not only fights again but wins. Now not only the spoiled cars of the ton are interested but so too are the local thugs.
It's hard to describe the anger Philippa must feel as her world comes tumbling down. And yet she remains true to herself and fights for love.
A wonderful story and one I highly recommend.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of To Seduce A Scoundrel or provided by Netgalley
Lady Philippa Latham is a lady, manners and proper behavior have been drilled into her, her entire life. At 22 she knows she needs to marry this season or find herself on the shelf. What she doesn't need is for her mother to show that she is decidedly lacking in proper behavior and running off to tryst with another man. When she catches her mother leaving, she in all you youthful arrogance rushes off to stop her. Running right into one of "those" parties at the home of the notorious Lord Lockwood's house. Saved from being recognized by the equally notorious Lord Sevrin, Philippa sees another side of this wounded man.
Lord Ambrose Sevrin is famous for seducing his brother's fiance and reducing to marry her. The fact that his brother died that night only gives the gossips more fuel for the fire. Only his self punishment is worse than any of the gossips can contrive. Refusing to take up the official reins of Viscountacy, living in a small two room apartment over a tavern, avoiding any sort of "proper" connections and becoming a prize fighter. And yet when he sees the oh so innocent lady Philippa teetering on the brink of ruin he rushes to the rescue setting of an entire series of new problems.
Philippa' s home life is getting worse and while she needed to marry before now she is desperate. Calling on Lord Severin to help seems like an inspired idea. Except they can't be seen together someone saw Severin with an unknown lady at the party and bets are being placed. Philippa's reputation is teetering.
Add to the fact that a notorious member of the underworld is using Philippa to make sure Severin not only fights again but wins. Now not only the spoiled cars of the ton are interested but so too are the local thugs.
It's hard to describe the anger Philippa must feel as her world comes tumbling down. And yet she remains true to herself and fights for love.
A wonderful story and one I highly recommend.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of To Seduce A Scoundrel or provided by Netgalley
July 31, 2013
Started off strong and, though it slowed a little near the end, this book was a wonderful read. To Seduce a Scoundrel had brushes with scandal, a fight club, tangles with a crime lord, and a hot romance. Basically, everything you need to make a great historical romance.
Phillipa was a surprisingly strong heroine. On the surface, she's a society girl desperately looking for a husband before the scandal of her parents' affairs breaks and losing faith in the people her raised her. But, when it came to something she really wanted, she was determined and refused to give up. I thought she was a likable heroine and I enjoyed reading about her character.
Sevrin was definitely a tortured hero. He's been eaten up with guilt over his actions: ruining his brother's fiance and inadvertently leading to his brother's death (though the full story isn't that simple). Though his actions were definitely not okay, he's a good man at heart. He's been punishing himself for years and still feels that he's not worthy of obtaining happiness. Underneath all of that, he's a true gentleman, sweet and loyal to his loved ones. I adored him. I thought he was a wonderfully complex character and I loved that about him. He was brilliant.
The romance was well done. It was very "forbidden romance," though only through the characters' hesitancy. Their feelings for each other were clear and very sweet. And the sparks that were flying were hot. Though I wanted to shake Phillipa and Sevrin for their stubbornness at times, I enjoyed the romance.
The plot was fine. The first half was perfect. The second half slowed down because Phillipa and Sevrin dragged their heels before finally giving in to the inevitable. Overall, though, I was completely drawn into the story and hooked the entire way through. There were secrets and surprises in store. And the ending was lovely.
To Seduce a Scoundrel was a lovely historical romance. I really enjoyed the story. The Secrets & Scandals series as a whole has won it's place on my list of favorite HR series. Lovers of romance, you have to read this book and this entire series because both are brilliant.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Intrepid Reads for a copy!
Phillipa was a surprisingly strong heroine. On the surface, she's a society girl desperately looking for a husband before the scandal of her parents' affairs breaks and losing faith in the people her raised her. But, when it came to something she really wanted, she was determined and refused to give up. I thought she was a likable heroine and I enjoyed reading about her character.
Sevrin was definitely a tortured hero. He's been eaten up with guilt over his actions: ruining his brother's fiance and inadvertently leading to his brother's death (though the full story isn't that simple). Though his actions were definitely not okay, he's a good man at heart. He's been punishing himself for years and still feels that he's not worthy of obtaining happiness. Underneath all of that, he's a true gentleman, sweet and loyal to his loved ones. I adored him. I thought he was a wonderfully complex character and I loved that about him. He was brilliant.
The romance was well done. It was very "forbidden romance," though only through the characters' hesitancy. Their feelings for each other were clear and very sweet. And the sparks that were flying were hot. Though I wanted to shake Phillipa and Sevrin for their stubbornness at times, I enjoyed the romance.
The plot was fine. The first half was perfect. The second half slowed down because Phillipa and Sevrin dragged their heels before finally giving in to the inevitable. Overall, though, I was completely drawn into the story and hooked the entire way through. There were secrets and surprises in store. And the ending was lovely.
To Seduce a Scoundrel was a lovely historical romance. I really enjoyed the story. The Secrets & Scandals series as a whole has won it's place on my list of favorite HR series. Lovers of romance, you have to read this book and this entire series because both are brilliant.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Intrepid Reads for a copy!
July 20, 2012
You can read this review and more at Forever Book Lover.
And I didn't think this series could get any better... To Seduce a Scoundrel, by far is my favorite of the series, but I think I may have said that when I reviewed the first two, Her Wicked Ways and His Wicked Heart :) But honestly, Darcy Burke has once again knocked this out of the park!!!
Sevrin suffered hatred not only by those who shunned him but his worse enemy was himself. He has carried around this inner loathing over what he did and how it tore his family apart that he deemed himself unworthy of love. We got a glimpse of him in the past book, His Wicked Heart, I knew he had a tale to tell and I am so happy he had a chance to tell it.
Phillipa, well now she couldn't be more of a better match for our fallen hero. She defies societies "norm" and refuses to marry unless she has a say in the matter. Her well to do family has fallen apart, her mother's wicked ways is what brings Phillipa to a ill respected place to confront her mother and her lover.
Sevrin and Phillipa had sizzling sexual chemistry, sensual love scenes, and deliciously fun, witty banter. Readers will fall in love with Sevrin's personality transformation- I found it believable, beautifully moving, and utterly romantic. Even the epilogue was sinfully yummy!
The secondary characters came to life before your eyes. The scenery and the "fight" was vivid you could even feel like you were part of it..
Step back in time and fall in love this summer!! Darcy Burke has moved up to my auto buy, she is an author you want to add to your bookshelf or ereader!! I was so excited to read that this wonderful series has at least two more books to come, Never Love a Scoundrel (Lord Lockwood and Lady Lydia Prewitt) and Scoundrel Ever After (Jagger & Ms Audrey Cheswick).
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
And I didn't think this series could get any better... To Seduce a Scoundrel, by far is my favorite of the series, but I think I may have said that when I reviewed the first two, Her Wicked Ways and His Wicked Heart :) But honestly, Darcy Burke has once again knocked this out of the park!!!
Sevrin suffered hatred not only by those who shunned him but his worse enemy was himself. He has carried around this inner loathing over what he did and how it tore his family apart that he deemed himself unworthy of love. We got a glimpse of him in the past book, His Wicked Heart, I knew he had a tale to tell and I am so happy he had a chance to tell it.
Phillipa, well now she couldn't be more of a better match for our fallen hero. She defies societies "norm" and refuses to marry unless she has a say in the matter. Her well to do family has fallen apart, her mother's wicked ways is what brings Phillipa to a ill respected place to confront her mother and her lover.
Sevrin and Phillipa had sizzling sexual chemistry, sensual love scenes, and deliciously fun, witty banter. Readers will fall in love with Sevrin's personality transformation- I found it believable, beautifully moving, and utterly romantic. Even the epilogue was sinfully yummy!
You are my life, my love, my reason for breathing. ... if you don't marry me, I'll simply spend the rest of your life destroying your reputation until you do.
The secondary characters came to life before your eyes. The scenery and the "fight" was vivid you could even feel like you were part of it..
Step back in time and fall in love this summer!! Darcy Burke has moved up to my auto buy, she is an author you want to add to your bookshelf or ereader!! I was so excited to read that this wonderful series has at least two more books to come, Never Love a Scoundrel (Lord Lockwood and Lady Lydia Prewitt) and Scoundrel Ever After (Jagger & Ms Audrey Cheswick).
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
February 13, 2014
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark
I'm a little ashamed to say how long I stayed up finishing this one last night. I went to bed and I had about half of the book left and before I knew it, it was super late and I realized that I would only get a couple of hours sleep before I had to get our boys out of bed for school. Let's just say that I'm definitely dragging ass this morning. After I finish writing this bad boy, I'm heading to bed.
Okay, okay, okay ... sooo ... historical romance. LOVE this genre. I love how they talk, the dresses, the balls, the dance cards ... I just adore everything about these books. I've never read a Burke book but this will not be the last. Ha ha ... Burke book ... that reminds me of that Vine ... the one where the dude says, "Don't drop that durka durk, heeeeeyyy". You could always change it to "Don't drop that Burke book, heeeeeyyy".
Anyway ... moving on ... this book was filled with more drama and intrigue than most historical romances. It was really a nice change! Most of the time, the author will focus on the horizontal mambo and while that is still in To Seduce a Scoundrel, it really wasn't the heart of the book. I mean come on, what would a historical romance be without all of the bedroom action?!?
Anyhow, you could really tell that Burke knows these characters. All of her characters have this full and amazing back-stories that add a lot of depth to the novel. It really seemed like I had read a few books in the series - I was that acquainted with the characters. There wasn't really any fluff in this one either ... anything that is written on the page is important to the heart of the story. And man ... the bad guys were skeevy as hell! They really gave me the creeps ... amazing writing job.
I really don't have anything else to say about the book. I know ... shocking, right? Usually, I pick a book apart and just demolish anything I may have liked about it but not this time. Good read, super entertaining, it made me stay up all night and I'll definitely be picking up another book by this author and it will be sometime soon.
I'm a little ashamed to say how long I stayed up finishing this one last night. I went to bed and I had about half of the book left and before I knew it, it was super late and I realized that I would only get a couple of hours sleep before I had to get our boys out of bed for school. Let's just say that I'm definitely dragging ass this morning. After I finish writing this bad boy, I'm heading to bed.
Okay, okay, okay ... sooo ... historical romance. LOVE this genre. I love how they talk, the dresses, the balls, the dance cards ... I just adore everything about these books. I've never read a Burke book but this will not be the last. Ha ha ... Burke book ... that reminds me of that Vine ... the one where the dude says, "Don't drop that durka durk, heeeeeyyy". You could always change it to "Don't drop that Burke book, heeeeeyyy".
Anyway ... moving on ... this book was filled with more drama and intrigue than most historical romances. It was really a nice change! Most of the time, the author will focus on the horizontal mambo and while that is still in To Seduce a Scoundrel, it really wasn't the heart of the book. I mean come on, what would a historical romance be without all of the bedroom action?!?
Anyhow, you could really tell that Burke knows these characters. All of her characters have this full and amazing back-stories that add a lot of depth to the novel. It really seemed like I had read a few books in the series - I was that acquainted with the characters. There wasn't really any fluff in this one either ... anything that is written on the page is important to the heart of the story. And man ... the bad guys were skeevy as hell! They really gave me the creeps ... amazing writing job.
I really don't have anything else to say about the book. I know ... shocking, right? Usually, I pick a book apart and just demolish anything I may have liked about it but not this time. Good read, super entertaining, it made me stay up all night and I'll definitely be picking up another book by this author and it will be sometime soon.
September 18, 2012
First Posted on Romancing the Book's Blog
Reviewed by Rachel
Review Copy Provided by the Author
I was captivated on the first page and didn’t let go of my kindle until this glorious book was finished! We meet Lord Sevrin earlier in this series and I have to admit to being curious as to what part he would play.
Lady Phillipa graciously allowed Saxton (the earl from book two) to marry the woman he truly loved, making Lady Phillipa yet again in need of a husband. She’s turned down several offers and truly faces ridicule and being placed on the shelf. She’s picky, but being as beautiful as she is, it’s not as if she can’t afford to be.
That is, until she follows her mother to a house of ill repute. With no mask, and no way out, she faces utter ruin, until Lord Sevrin, dubbed the viscious viscount, gives her his mask and kisses her so people cannot recognize her identity.
She is later recognized by a piece of scum who uses this piece of information to his advantage.
He forces Sevrin to box in his championship as well as find him a new boxer, otherwise he’s going to the newspaper and ruining Lady Phillipa. Sevrain has spent a life time trying to rid himself of the guilt he faced at stealing his brothers fiance, and then watching that very same brother die–all because of him.
He truly is a hero but sees himself as absolute scum. He lives his life as a total rake not caring what people think because he let the one person he loved down.
Lady Phillipa comes and changes all of that, but it takes a while for him to realize that he is deserving of such a bright future.
Together, they save each other, in a beautiful love story that will be sure to steal your heart.
I absolutely ADORED this book! I liked the first two in this series but this one by far, blows the other two out of the water. The plot line was solid, the dialogue funny and interesting, and finally the romance was everything I was looking for in a regency!
I give it the highest rating! Great job Miss Burke and keep em’ coming!
Reviewed by Rachel
Review Copy Provided by the Author
I was captivated on the first page and didn’t let go of my kindle until this glorious book was finished! We meet Lord Sevrin earlier in this series and I have to admit to being curious as to what part he would play.
Lady Phillipa graciously allowed Saxton (the earl from book two) to marry the woman he truly loved, making Lady Phillipa yet again in need of a husband. She’s turned down several offers and truly faces ridicule and being placed on the shelf. She’s picky, but being as beautiful as she is, it’s not as if she can’t afford to be.
That is, until she follows her mother to a house of ill repute. With no mask, and no way out, she faces utter ruin, until Lord Sevrin, dubbed the viscious viscount, gives her his mask and kisses her so people cannot recognize her identity.
She is later recognized by a piece of scum who uses this piece of information to his advantage.
He forces Sevrin to box in his championship as well as find him a new boxer, otherwise he’s going to the newspaper and ruining Lady Phillipa. Sevrain has spent a life time trying to rid himself of the guilt he faced at stealing his brothers fiance, and then watching that very same brother die–all because of him.
He truly is a hero but sees himself as absolute scum. He lives his life as a total rake not caring what people think because he let the one person he loved down.
Lady Phillipa comes and changes all of that, but it takes a while for him to realize that he is deserving of such a bright future.
Together, they save each other, in a beautiful love story that will be sure to steal your heart.
I absolutely ADORED this book! I liked the first two in this series but this one by far, blows the other two out of the water. The plot line was solid, the dialogue funny and interesting, and finally the romance was everything I was looking for in a regency!
I give it the highest rating! Great job Miss Burke and keep em’ coming!
March 13, 2014
I really enjoyed this one, provided by the publisher from netgalley (ages and ages ago... oops).
I recently read one of the later books in the series Scoundrel Ever After, which I loved, and basically couldn't face not reading another one by this author, so I came back and read this one, which is a bit of an odd and unintentional way of proving that you don't have to read these in order to really enjoy them.
Probably one of the things I loved most about this was that we get to know the hero really well. I understand why romances tend to focus more on the thoughts and feelings of the heroines (most readers are women duh!), and tend to focus more on the physical attributes of the heroes (yum), but I really do prefer it when I get an equal shot of understanding what's going on inside the hero's head as well as the heroine's. This one does just that. That, combined with the hero's penchant for fighting semi-professionally, makes him pretty irresistible as a hero IMO. I swear Jennifer's amazing review has the best photo of how I imagined the hero to look.
And yet, there's so much more to this story. The heroine is basically desperately trying to hold both her family and herself together, AND cope with being inadvertently put into a horrible situation due to coincidence, and she does it all with aplomb but in a quiet, dignified way. I liked her immensely.
There's no too much in the way of characters from other books in the series sticking their oar in (a pet peeve of mine..), and the story just works for me combined with the characters and the writing.
Anyway, 4 stars I really liked it.
I recently read one of the later books in the series Scoundrel Ever After, which I loved, and basically couldn't face not reading another one by this author, so I came back and read this one, which is a bit of an odd and unintentional way of proving that you don't have to read these in order to really enjoy them.
Probably one of the things I loved most about this was that we get to know the hero really well. I understand why romances tend to focus more on the thoughts and feelings of the heroines (most readers are women duh!), and tend to focus more on the physical attributes of the heroes (yum), but I really do prefer it when I get an equal shot of understanding what's going on inside the hero's head as well as the heroine's. This one does just that. That, combined with the hero's penchant for fighting semi-professionally, makes him pretty irresistible as a hero IMO. I swear Jennifer's amazing review has the best photo of how I imagined the hero to look.
And yet, there's so much more to this story. The heroine is basically desperately trying to hold both her family and herself together, AND cope with being inadvertently put into a horrible situation due to coincidence, and she does it all with aplomb but in a quiet, dignified way. I liked her immensely.
There's no too much in the way of characters from other books in the series sticking their oar in (a pet peeve of mine..), and the story just works for me combined with the characters and the writing.
Anyway, 4 stars I really liked it.
July 22, 2015
If ever there was a swoon worthy hero Ambrose is it. Darkly handsome, mysteriously intriguing and beyond redemption. Yet underneath it all he has a good heart and a troubled soul. Philippa is inquisitive, headstrong and a dreamer. These two together are the epitome of beauty and the beast. The pure, virginal heroine with the dark hardhearted hero. I loved them. Darcy Burke has written a sensual tale that is gorgeous, imaginative and touching. My favorite of her historical romances.
January 18, 2015
I felt this book was the epitome of Historical Romances. I couldn't put it down. It was well written, dramatic, suspenseful and hot! I fell in love with Ambrose immediately and Phillipa was just fantastic. Unlike your usual simpering whiny debutantes seeking a title, she is strong, independant and a well developed character. If you love historicals, you'll love this book!
April 1, 2025
4⭐️
This story started off so strong that I couldn’t put it down—but then it started losing steam, and I found myself losing faith in the plot. The chemistry between Ambrose and Philippa in the beginning was electric; I absolutely loved it. Ambrose was portrayed as this stubborn, pigheaded, sexy man with strength and confidence, but by the middle of the book, he turned into a whiny little mess. I understand the pain he was going through, but he messed with Philippa’s head so much that I just kept getting angrier and angrier.
I was especially confused when Ambrose proposed the first time, Philippa didn’t agree, and then she later visited him to say, “Let’s give it a shot”—only for him to hesitate. He had literally just offered the same thing to her in the first place! Philippa tried so hard to heal him, but at some point, it became exhausting. She was taking responsibility for his trauma, and while I understand she wanted to help, he’s a grown man who clearly loves her. The back-and-forth was frustrating, and honestly, it felt like nonsense.
I’m giving this four stars because the first half of the book was that good, I had a whole vision in my head of what I thought was gonna happen and it went in totally opposite direction that it kind was a letdown.
Summary for me:
Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal and secure a proper marriage, but her mother’s reckless behavior threatens to ruin their family’s reputation. When Philippa follows her to a forbidden party, she unwittingly steps into disaster—only to be “rescued” by England’s most notorious scoundrel, Lord Ambrose Sevrin. Their fateful encounter sets them both on a path to public disgrace.
Ambrose, infamous for abandoning his brother’s fiancée, has embraced his reputation as an outcast. Preferring to remain on the fringes of London’s elite, he is an enigma to society. But Philippa sees something more in him—a man capable of honor and protection, someone who might help her secure a husband before it’s too late.
Yet Ambrose refuses to be that man, even for her. He won’t allow himself redemption, let alone love—for the sins of his past are far darker than anyone could ever imagine.
This story started off so strong that I couldn’t put it down—but then it started losing steam, and I found myself losing faith in the plot. The chemistry between Ambrose and Philippa in the beginning was electric; I absolutely loved it. Ambrose was portrayed as this stubborn, pigheaded, sexy man with strength and confidence, but by the middle of the book, he turned into a whiny little mess. I understand the pain he was going through, but he messed with Philippa’s head so much that I just kept getting angrier and angrier.
I was especially confused when Ambrose proposed the first time, Philippa didn’t agree, and then she later visited him to say, “Let’s give it a shot”—only for him to hesitate. He had literally just offered the same thing to her in the first place! Philippa tried so hard to heal him, but at some point, it became exhausting. She was taking responsibility for his trauma, and while I understand she wanted to help, he’s a grown man who clearly loves her. The back-and-forth was frustrating, and honestly, it felt like nonsense.
I’m giving this four stars because the first half of the book was that good, I had a whole vision in my head of what I thought was gonna happen and it went in totally opposite direction that it kind was a letdown.
Summary for me:
Lady Philippa Latham is determined to avoid scandal and secure a proper marriage, but her mother’s reckless behavior threatens to ruin their family’s reputation. When Philippa follows her to a forbidden party, she unwittingly steps into disaster—only to be “rescued” by England’s most notorious scoundrel, Lord Ambrose Sevrin. Their fateful encounter sets them both on a path to public disgrace.
Ambrose, infamous for abandoning his brother’s fiancée, has embraced his reputation as an outcast. Preferring to remain on the fringes of London’s elite, he is an enigma to society. But Philippa sees something more in him—a man capable of honor and protection, someone who might help her secure a husband before it’s too late.
Yet Ambrose refuses to be that man, even for her. He won’t allow himself redemption, let alone love—for the sins of his past are far darker than anyone could ever imagine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
I loved this book, Lord Ambrose is well known to the ton society as the guy who had an affair with his brother's fiancee, which lead to his brother being in a deadly accident. He is shunned by most and therefore avoids the ton. After the shame he uses fighting to ease his pain, and guilt. Not allowing himself to forget. Even after five years he is still punishing himself even thru the fiancee was just as quilt. He was a fighter, then opens a fight club.
Lady Philippa Latham has been raised in a normal household in the ton, the members are not close, as a lot of arranged marriages are. But she was raised to avoid scandal at all cost. So she is shocked by her mothers behavior.
She is staying out all night coming in late morning. Philippa follows her hoping to talk her into stopping whatever she is in too.
Unknown to her, her mother is going to the most scandalous party of the ton, where orgies are common.
Ambrose sees Philippa and knows she has no idea what kind of place she is in. He tries to save her before she is seen but as they are leaving they are set upon by foot pads. From now to the end every time this pair tries to do the right thing, it goes wrong.
It is not just her mother Philippa has to stop ruining the family name. Her father returns from his trip with his former lover and her son, and moves them into the house with her and her mother !
He does not keep her a secret but takes her into society and to balls with her son in tow!
As Ambrose and Philippa have one adventure after other. They work together, and learn more of each other they both feel the chemistry growing between. Philippa decides maybe being proper doesn't matter when love can save a life, and give her all she has every wanted.
A must read for sure.... your going to have to read it to find out everything these two have to go thru..... enjoy
Lady Philippa Latham has been raised in a normal household in the ton, the members are not close, as a lot of arranged marriages are. But she was raised to avoid scandal at all cost. So she is shocked by her mothers behavior.
She is staying out all night coming in late morning. Philippa follows her hoping to talk her into stopping whatever she is in too.
Unknown to her, her mother is going to the most scandalous party of the ton, where orgies are common.
Ambrose sees Philippa and knows she has no idea what kind of place she is in. He tries to save her before she is seen but as they are leaving they are set upon by foot pads. From now to the end every time this pair tries to do the right thing, it goes wrong.
It is not just her mother Philippa has to stop ruining the family name. Her father returns from his trip with his former lover and her son, and moves them into the house with her and her mother !
He does not keep her a secret but takes her into society and to balls with her son in tow!
As Ambrose and Philippa have one adventure after other. They work together, and learn more of each other they both feel the chemistry growing between. Philippa decides maybe being proper doesn't matter when love can save a life, and give her all she has every wanted.
A must read for sure.... your going to have to read it to find out everything these two have to go thru..... enjoy
May 3, 2020
I think that of the 3 books in this series that I've read so far, that these were my favorite characters. I liked the first book in the series, but this one had the wonderfully flawed characters that you can really empathize with. Ambrose was a good man, but because of the societal rules and structures of this time period, he was damned for damaging his brother's fiance's reputation (even though she seemed even more responsible for having seduced him in the first place). And Phillipa seemed like such a "good girl" that it was fun to see her flaws and yet see how she was still a wonderful woman that I wanted to root for. I'm pretty sure that if I had lived in this time period where women didn't have many rights and where every last thing an upper class person in the TON said or did was so scrutinized and many times condemned for, I would have been in big trouble. That's what makes characters like these so very likable. Keep up the great work, Darcy. Oh...but Jagger was not a likable character, so I'm not so sure I really want to read the 4th book if it's about him finding love (and redemption?)
June 4, 2019
Love and self forgiveness
This is a story of love and finding self forgiveness. Ambrose could not forgive himself for years after the death of his brother, believing he caused the accident that brought about his brothers death. Phillipa meets Ambrose when she follows her Mother to a house party that no debutante should attend. There she is rescued by Ambrose who protects her identity to preserve her reputation. My heart went out to Ambrose for the grief and guilt his actions caused to his soul. Tortured by that guilt and grief, he punished himself for his brothers death and refused to allow anyone in. Phillipa was just what he needed to heal his soul but her battle to win and heal his heart was definitely a hard one. This was such a wonderful story and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
This is a story of love and finding self forgiveness. Ambrose could not forgive himself for years after the death of his brother, believing he caused the accident that brought about his brothers death. Phillipa meets Ambrose when she follows her Mother to a house party that no debutante should attend. There she is rescued by Ambrose who protects her identity to preserve her reputation. My heart went out to Ambrose for the grief and guilt his actions caused to his soul. Tortured by that guilt and grief, he punished himself for his brothers death and refused to allow anyone in. Phillipa was just what he needed to heal his soul but her battle to win and heal his heart was definitely a hard one. This was such a wonderful story and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
July 20, 2019
Great historical romance
Lady Philippa follows her mother to a house party, little knowing what kind of house party it is. She is rescued from scandal by Viscount Ambrose Sevrin, the "Vicious Viscount", a name garnered him by his pugilism. She is immediately drawn to the Viscount and he to her.
Their relationship results in a series of near scandals every time they meet. Lord Sevrin does not think he is worthy of Lady Philippa because of his past and continuously pushes her away. Lady Philippa is determined to slide him what an honorable man he really is.must
I thought this was an exceptional book and look forward to reading more from Darcy Burke.
Lady Philippa follows her mother to a house party, little knowing what kind of house party it is. She is rescued from scandal by Viscount Ambrose Sevrin, the "Vicious Viscount", a name garnered him by his pugilism. She is immediately drawn to the Viscount and he to her.
Their relationship results in a series of near scandals every time they meet. Lord Sevrin does not think he is worthy of Lady Philippa because of his past and continuously pushes her away. Lady Philippa is determined to slide him what an honorable man he really is.must
I thought this was an exceptional book and look forward to reading more from Darcy Burke.
November 19, 2021
I won this novel in a contest, and I always review books that I’ve won as my “thank you” to the author for offering up a free read. I chose this book from the author’s massive backlist because I loved the title of a young lady seducing a…dun dun dun…scoundrel! What a way to reverse the tables.
The book is aptly named because Lady Phillipa has a lot of moxie, or she’s just very stubborn, because she is left with no choice but seduction.
I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the writing. Impeccable. The author is a wonderful writer and I enjoyed reading the words she wrote.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-6GW
The book is aptly named because Lady Phillipa has a lot of moxie, or she’s just very stubborn, because she is left with no choice but seduction.
I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with the writing. Impeccable. The author is a wonderful writer and I enjoyed reading the words she wrote.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-6GW
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